USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1933 > Part 7
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PROMOTION FOR MR. RIOPEL
At the end of the school year 1932-1933, we learned with regret of the resignation of Mr. Albert D. Riopel, Supervisor of Physical Education in the schools and coach of our athletic teams since 1924, who left us to accept a well-merited promotion to the position of Fresh- man Coach at Holy Cross, his Alma Mater.
Mr. Riopel's success here from the start, nine years ago, was outstanding, was widely known and needs no further stressing on the part of the writer. On the eve-
147
ning of September 25, 1933, several hundred of Mr. Rio- pel's friends and admirers gathered in the town hall at a testimonial banquet sponsored by the Cosmopolitan Club and presided over by Mr. John F. Curran, where many distinguished speakers paid eloquent tributes to the guest of honor and presented him with a beautiful gold watch and Mrs. Riopel with a beautiful bouquet of roses.
THE HIGH SCHOOL
Milford High School opened on September eleventh with an enrollment of approximately seven hundred twenty. This is even larger than last year's enrollment, which, at that time, was the largest in the history of the school. The enrollment by classes follows:
Seniors
109
Juniors
145
Sophomores
229
Freshmen
240
Total
723
A new plan was inaugurated in September. The old plan of a seven-period day was abolished and a six-period day was substituted. In this plan, each period was lengthened to forty-five minutes, approximately ten min- utes longer than any previous period. The afternoon periods were also changed from six to five periods, also lengthening each period in the afternoon session. By this new plan, one period a week is saved in each subject and each pupil receives as many periods of additional instruction per year as there are weeks in the school year.
During this year, teachers' meetings were held every month. At these meetings many helpful suggestions were received and current problems and their solutions were discussed.
148
Changes
During the year, two teachers left the service after many years of faithful service. Miss Rita M. Connors left to become the bride of Dr. Cleary and Miss Regina Curley left to become the bride of Dr. Gahan.
During the Summer, Mr. Albert D. Riopel resigned to accept a position as Coach of Freshman Athletics at Holy Cross College. Mr. Riopel's work with the Baseball and Football teams at Milford High stamps him as one of the outstanding school coaches in the country.
Mr. Harold M. Moran, a graduate of Milford High School and Boston University, and Mr. David I. Davoren, a graduate of St. Mary's Academy and Holy Cross Col- lege, were elected to fill the vacancies caused by the resig- nations of Miss Connors and Miss Curley.
Mr. Fred E. Steeves, a graduate of Milford High School and Springfield College, was elected to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Riopel's resignation.
New Courses
Business Science to replace the former courses in Pen- manship and Arithmetic.
Italian was added to the curriculum in September. A first course in Italian will be taught this year and a sec- ond course will be started this coming year.
New Books
Jones and Bertschi General Business Science.
Russo Italian Grammar.
Carlisle and Richardson Fourth Course in Latin.
Orchestra
The High School Orchestra this year is being trained by Mr. Ben C. Lancisi, Jr. Mr. Lancisi volunteered to take over this work when Miss Comba, a member of the High school faculty, was unable to continue the fine work she started last year. Mr. Lancisi is planning a second annual concert by the Orchestra.
149
David Garrick Club
This Club, supervised by Miss Sadie A. O'Connell of the High school faculty, has a membership of seventy- eight. It was organized in 1922, and meets every two weeks. The purpose of this Club is to develop an appre- ciation of and interest in good plays and to give the members a knowledge of and practice in the production of plays.
Junior Science Club
This Club is supervised by Mr. Fred A. Metcalf of the High school faculty. It was organized in 1930, and has a membership of forty-six. Its meetings are held every third Monday. The purpose of the Club is to develop an interest in the study of science and its practical applica- tions.
Dante Club
This is a new Club and is supervised by Mr. James V. Zurlo of the High school faculty. It has a membership of fifty and is made up from the members of the Italian classes. Its meetings are held every other Friday night. The purpose of this Club is to further the study of the Italian language and Italian affairs.
Freshman Debating and Public Speaking Club
This Club is under the supervision of Miss Inez E. San- Clemente of the High school faculty. Meetings are held every other week. The purpose of this Club is to develop the ability to express one's thoughts clearly and con- cisely, and to foster the poise and self-confidence so often lacking in young students in spite of their vital impor- tance in every competitive field.
Athletics
Baseball .- The Baseball team, under the guidance of Mr. Riopel, had another very successful season. Mr. Riopel resigned during the Summer, and Mr. Steeves, his successor, took over the Football team's destiny. The Football team was severely handicapped by injuries, but was able to finish a very successful season.
150
Gifts
When school opened in September, the members of the faculty in the commercial department offered two prizes to be awarded at graduation to the two pupils who have taken a commercial course and have the high- est averages for their four years.
The custom of collecting food and money for distribu- tion by the Salvation Army at Thanksgiving and Christ- mas was continued with great success.
Pursuing Higher Education
There are twenty-five members of the class of 1933 furthering their educations in the following institutions: Boston College, 3; Boston University, 1; Clark Univer- sity, 1; Dean Academy, 2; Framingham State Teachers College, 4; Middlesex Secretarial School, 1; Milford Hos- pital, 3; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2; North- eastern University, 2; Regis College, 1; St. Vincent's Hospital, .Worcester, 1; Simmons College, 1; Wellesley College, 1; Y. M. C. A. School, 2.
In closing Mr. Berry extends his sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the faculty for their co- operation, to the Superintendent for advice and help, and to the members of the School Committee for their confi- dence and many helpful suggestions .- Principal Frank C. Berry's second annual report.
GEORGE E. STACY SCHOOL
There were no major changes in the administration of the George E. Stacy School during the year 1933. The installation of previously approved textbooks was com- pleted and the new courses are giving general satisfac- tion.
The school enrollment continues to tax the capacity of every room and the operation of N. R. A. codes has resulted in increased registration of children between the ages of fourteen and sixteen. Present indications are that the child labor provisions of the codes will be made
151
permanent, and I feel that the schools should begin to plan definitely for the provision of a suitable program for these children.
If a child progresses normally, he should have com- pleted the work of the eighth grade before the age of fourteen. The fact that many pupils above the compul- sory school age are still enrolled in the Stacy School indi- cates that special programs, including minimum essential courses and an opportunity for some type of vocational work, should be instituted.
I have referred to this problem in previous reports, but feel that the situation has been aggravated by eco- nomic conditions and I strongly urge immediate action. I am aware of the difficulties connected with any attempt at new educational opportunities, but since several im- provements may be made without appreciable increase of expenditure I am referring to them in this report.
My first suggestion is that a regular teacher be pro- vided at least three days a week for the teaching of Domestic Science and Household Arts. The work of the practice teachers from Framingham State Teachers Col- lege is excellent, but it is my belief that a permanent and experienced teacher could secure still better results.
I have referred in previous reports to the value of extra instruction in Home Economics for those girls who will not enter High School and for those girls who do not show aptitude for the regular class instruction. At the present time we are able to secure teachers from Fram- ingham only on Thursday and Friday, which means that every girl in the school must take the subjects in single periods. If a teacher were available on other days a program could be arranged which would allow extra time to those girls who will most profit from the instruction.
Classes in Mothercraft have been a valuable feature in our curriculum for many years. These classes were supported entirely by Quinshipaug Woman's Club and Mrs. William F. Sherburne served as instructor. Be- cause of necessary economy, Quinshipaug Woman's Club
152
was forced to discontinue its support of the course this year, but has kindly offered to donate its equipment to the school department. I believe that Mrs. Sherburne will consent to continue as instructor if the expenses incidental to the course, amounting to not over $50, are assumed by the school department. If the town were required to pay an instructor and purchase equipment, it would necessitate a considerable outlay, and I hope that arrangements will be made to accept this offer so that a course whose benefits have been apparent for years will not be lost to the children of the school.
I have conferred with the Supervisor of Music, Miss Helena F. Swift, concerning a possible change in the music requirements for the pupils of this school. Since our plans are still in a tentative stage, I shall not discuss them in detail but state that we contemplate a change in the distribution of time allotted to music and possibly an arrangement whereby the subject will become semi- elective.
For several years I have been considering the advis- ability of instituting a single-session program in this school and now bring it to your attention, without recom- mendation. The tendency in centralized schools seems to be toward a single session and the Stacy School draws pupils from every corner of the town. For those pupils who must bring lunches, the 80-minute noon recess is too long, and for those who live at some distance from the school and yet go home to dinner, the period is too short.
If a single session, from eight to one, were established it would be possible to make up a daily schedule in place of the present weekly schedule. For example: if it were found desirable to substitute two fifty-minute periods for music in place of the present daily twenty-minute periods it would be possible to have a six-period day on those days when music was scheduled. This cannot be done under a double session without cutting the time allot- ment for regular subjects beyond the point of greatest efficiency.
153
The effects of a change from double to single sessions extend beyond administrative details, however, and for that reason I hesitate to make a positive recommendation. The convenience of parents should be considered, and I have no way of determining which plan would be favored by a majority. If the matter could be discussed by the School Committee, undoubtedly a broader view of the problem could be secured and public sentiment could be more accurately determined.
This school is handicapped by the lack of a suitable assembly hall. Mr. Berry has been extremely co-opera- tive in permitting the use of the High School Hall, but our enrollment is so large that three separate meetings are necessary to accommodate every pupil, and with the exception of the Memorial Day exercises at Town Hall there are few opportunities for group meetings.
The American Legion Medal Awards for school citizen- ship were conferred upon Miss Concetta D. Oliva and Frederick Mainini. Other awards were the Music Appre- ciation Notebook Prizes of $2.50 each, presented by Miss Helena F. Swift, which were won by Yolanda Tumolo and Lillian Kosciak, and the Library Book Report Prizes of $3, $2 and $1, which were won by Concetta Oliva, Elba Iadarola and Jacob Heitin. In a state-wide Mothercraft Essay Contest, Sylvia Williamson was awarded third prize and fourth prize went to Eleanor Dunton.
In conclusion, may I express my gratitude for the many courtesies extended to me by the teachers of the Stacy School, the Superintendent and the School Com- mittee .- Report of Principal John L. Davoren.
PASSING OF CHILD LABOR
Child labor, especially of minors 14 to 16 years of age, has been greatly reduced; only 85 cards for those 14 to 16 years were in force in the year 1933! Of these, 37 were hold-overs from 1932 or earlier; only 48 new cards were written in this class. Of these, all were for girls
.
154
(largely home permits), with the C2 cards about all that is left.
CONTINUATION SCHOOL
The boys' continuation school was discontinued at the end of the Summer term, 1933. The girls' school was continued, with classes Wednesday and Thursday after- noons in charge of Miss Beatrice J. Fleming, who re- ports on her work as follows:
"The first week the enrollment listed fifteen minors between the ages of fourteen and sixteen. This number increased to twenty-four by the following week. The total number now in attendance is twenty-eight minors.
"Instruction is given to these pupils, who have left regular school under pressure from the homes or for financial reasons, in subjects pertaining to their every- day lives, namely: arithmetic, hygiene, civics, English, serving and cooking. In the domestic subjects, the girls are taught how to choose, make and repair clothing and to plan, cook and serve well-balanced meals.
"Much interest is shown in these classes, which is proven by the desire of several of the girls to continue in the school after their sixteenth birthday."
SPECIAL CLASSES
All the three atypical classes are smaller than one year ago. They are under the same management and leader- ship as at that time except that December 1, 1933, Miss M. Avis Moran of the Claflin section was transferred to Fountain Street and Miss Elizabeth Riordan of the Bear Hill school took charge of the class at the Claflin school. It is possible with somewhat smaller numbers to main- tain much better discipline and secure better results as regards scholarship. This is being done.
A NEW PHYSICAL DIRECTOR
Following the resignation of Mr. Riopel last Summer, nearly fifty men in the same line became interested in
155
the position, a surprisingly large number of whom were excellently qualified for the work. After careful consid- eration of the claims of the various candidates, the com- mittee, having in mind the special demands of the posi- tion in Milford, unanimously elected Mr. Fred E. Steeves, Milford High School, 1924, B.S. Springfield College, with several years of successful experience as an athletic coach. Mr. Steeves speaks of his work in Milford as follows :
"The grade schools' calisthenics and exercise drills were found to be well incorporated both in pupils and teachers, a fact which speaks highly of the activity and ability of Mr. Riopel, my predecessor.
"In the Stacy school, a flag is being presented weekly in the seventh and eighth grades to the class which in the opinion of the director presents the best drill. The points used in judging are posture, execution of move- ments, response or discipline. It is found that the rivalry over the possession of this flag incites keen interest among the students, and the excellence of the drills speaks well for the fine work done by the pupils and teachers.
"The football team went through a difficult season with five victories and three losses, and at all times conducted itself in a manner complimentary to its school. The team was outfitted with complete new uniforms, and went through the campaign with no serious injuries."
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
With the hearty co-operation of an energetic corps of teachers, it has been our aim to inspire a love of good music, to develop a musical voice, to teach sight-singing, and to induce musical interpretation on the part of the pupils, who are subsequently encouraged to translate these purposes into oral values.
Developing their musical education from the simple folk lyric through the melodies of the greatest national composers of song, cantata and oratorio, the pupils have
156
become acquainted with and drilled upon those works which will permanently enrich their lives.
Aside from the elements in notation of music, melodic and rhythmic drill have been used as a means to secure the necessary attention for voice quality and articula- tion in order to enable the boy and girl to achieve the desired goal .- Report of Miss Helena F. Swift, Super- visor.
ART DEPARTMENT
The activities of the art department of the Milford High school outside the general course of study have been somewhat more extensive in the past year than formerly. Among these are included lettering work done for the Town Library, Latin quotations and translations in illuminated letters for Latin classes, and after a study of symbols and their meanings, large original symbols of cardboard were designed to represent each class of the High school, including the David Garrick Club and study rooms.
Posters made for special occasions have shown good ideas and workmanship, with a decided interest by pupils in this type of work. The largest project along this line was that carried out for the Lions' Club Milk Fund con- cert, when some thirty-five posters were made and dis- played in store windows about town. The Lions' Club generously supplied the poster board which made such an extensive project possible.
Both in the High and Stacy schools, through the de- signing of book posters, it is hoped to call the attention of the pupils to the abuses that books at our public lib- rary sometimes suffer through carelessness and ignor- ance-for by creating these ideas in poster form, it brings before them more forcibly the responsibility they should have in the use of these books.
Many students at High school have shown much inter- est in modeling, not only learning to copy from modeled forms but also to design for themselves and cast in plas-
157
ter, paperweights, bookends and the forms of automobile bodies, designing them along the modern streamline idea.
Usually art appreciation in the High and Junior High schools has been through the study of famous paintings of the old masters. Such study is still used in the Stacy school, but in the High school art classes this apprecia- tion study is now turned to other forms of art work. Feeling that the average layman does not know the dif- ference between an etching and an engraving, a pastel and a water color, a stained glass window and a mosaic, the Supervisor has mapped out a lecture course which explains what they are, how they are made and, when possible, displays samples of such work. The list in- cludes oil painting, water color, pastel, pen and ink, block prints, enamels, pottery, blown glass, stained glass, mosaics, Oriental rugs, metal craft, wood carving and sculpture.
A new course in mechanical drawing of one hour a week is now open to boys of the eighth grade of the Stacy school. This course is held in the drawing room of the High school Thursday mornings while the girls are attending the cooking classes. Attendance is not compulsory, simply giving a boy the chance to see if he is fitted for a mechanical trade or has drafting ability.
Eight seniors of the graduating class of 1933 competed for the Commencement cover and the Oak, Lily and Ivy year book cover.
Two students were prepared and successfully entered art schools the past year.
The art department assisted in the decorating for the High School Orchestra concert in May, 1933.
The usual Christmas projects were carried out .- Re- port of Miss Dorcas Whipple, Art Supervisor.
Not all can become artists, but everyone, even the child in the elementary grades, may be taught to appreciate art. During the past year the pupils have had lessons in nature study which have helped to increase their powers of observation and have taught them to value harmony
158
both in color and design. Poster work has aided them in balanced arrangement and has made lessons in let- tering more interesting. Free brush work brought forth surprisingly original and individual designs. Every child secures profitable results and derives great pleasure from each art lesson.
For Christmas this year the pupils made transpar- encies which had the effect of stained glass windows, subjects chosen being appropriate to the season. Among the other projects were Christmas booklets, pads and other practical gifts.
The classrooms have been brightened by drawings done by the pupils, and many a drab corner has been made cheerful by a colorful display.
The teachers in the special classes have worked with unceasing patience, and as a result the children have accomplished much in both satisfactory art work and handicraft .- Report of Miss Margaret V. Condon, As- sistant Art Supervisor.
CO-OPERATING ACTIVITIES Thrift Savings
Under the leadership of the Milford Savings Bank, the school children saved $8,601.37 in 1933.
Mothercraft
Ninety-two girls of the eighth grade of the Stacy school were graduated in the Mothercraft Class of 1933. This course, which embraces simple lessons in Personal Hygiene, home nursing, care of the home and the care and feeding of infants, has proven most helpful to these girls, and it is a matter of much regret that the Quinshi- paug Woman's Club was unable to finance it this year.
A study that has been endorsed by such educators as the late President Eliot of Harvard, Dr. Payson Smith, Dr. John Hames, 2nd, President, Tuberculosis Associa- tion, speaks for itself, and is a recognized subject in many schools.
School courses in Mothercraft have proven to be of much value to the girls who leave school at the end of the
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eighth grade work, and has brought much happiness and enlightenment into many homes, especially to the homes of foreign-born parents .- Comment of Mrs. Mary H. Sherburne on the work.
The thanks of this department are due and are hereby extended to the Quinshipaug Woman's Club, who have fostered this work for so many years, as well as to Mrs. Sherburne, who has carried on the work so efficiently.
It was with great regret that we learned that the work had to be given up. I hope that the work may be con- tinued by this department and the small sum necessary for this project be included in the new budget.
Milford 4-H Club Work in 1933
One of the best exhibits ever held in the life of the 4-H Club of Milford took place May 19, 1933. The exhibit consisted of clothing, food and homecraft done by ninety- five girls under supervision of five leaders and four junior leaders.
Twenty garden club members completed their project. Ten boys made a wonderful showing at the exhibit of handicraft work .- Account of Mrs. Elmer Rose, Town Director.
MILFORD TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
President. Frank C. Berry
Vice-President Miss Marion B. Greeley
Treasurer Miss Catherine E. Curtin
Secretary Harold M. Moran
The Milford Teachers' Association was formed in November, 1913. Its purpose is to "promote mutual acquaintance among the members, to provide timely social diversions, to create opportunities for intellectual improvement, and to enkindle in our school system gen- erally a healthy and hearty esprit de corps."
There are four regular meetings of the Association held each year and such special meetings as may be called by the President at his discretion, and must be called by him at the written request of ten members.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE. Month of January, 1933, to the Month of January, 1934.
Calls on account of
Month
Superintendent
Prineipal High
School
School
Grade
Special
Total
Truancy
Illness
Parents
Truants on Street
Lack of Clothing
Left School to
Left Town
Excusable
Over 16 Years Old
Habitual School
Court Cases
Total
Jan.
47
3
8
2
36
49
2
19
6
2
6
3
10
1
49
Feb.
26
1
16
7
6
30
6
10
1
4
2
5
1
1
30
Mar.
20
9
4
3
22
38
16
1
1
13
7
1
50
Apr.
20
19
1
30
50
10
13
2
5
2
18
6
1
50
May
26
9
14
4
23
50
7
10
3
2
1
11
7
1
1
43
June
9
1
25
3
14
43
5
14
1
1
1
21
16
22
7
91
Sept.
8
18
41
2
30
91
3
18
3
4
1
3
1
14
2
40
Oct.
16
3
16
8
13
40
4
8
2
2
1
12
4
2
3
60
(3) Case-6 mos.
Nov.
10
17
18
7
18
60
16
18
Dec.
4
8
26
10
9
53
2
10
7
1
3
17
6
6
1
53
Guilty and sentenced to County Tr. School
Totals
186
69
187
47
201
504
55
136
25
7
26
38
18
140
39
15
5
504
Suspended sentence
Called at Superintendent's office nearly every day when schools were in session.
Superintendent's calls 186 All others, as above 504
Total
690
Visits at schools, 65.
RAPHAEL MARINO, Supervisor of Attendance, Milford, Mass., December 31, 1933.
Disposition
Guilty-Suspended for 6 months
3
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