USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1935 > Part 8
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Alfred B. Cenedella, Esq., Ch. Rules and Regulations. George F. Grayson.
Care of Buildings Teachers and Salaries.
Green Block. Westcott Co. Spindleville. Rules and Regulations. Savings Bk. Blk. 1267. Books and Supplies. Finance. 197 Main St. 1776. Teachers and Salaries. Books and Supplies. Teachers and Salaries. Finance.
1070. 884-W.
175 Congress St. 16 Elm St.
1545. 489-M.
1936. 1936.
William J. Moore, Esq.
251/2 Grove St.
731-J.
1937.
Henry D. Barbodoro.
10 North St.
691-W.
1937.
Charles F. Curtin.
16 Parker Hill Ave.
122.
1938.
Nathan Rosenfeld, Esq.
Care of Buildings.
189 Main St.
1625.
40 Cedar St.
1299.
1938.
SUB-COMMITTEES.
Rules and Regulations.
Mr. Cenedella, Mr. Moore.
Mr. Rosenfeld, Mr. Barbodoro.
Finance Care of Buildings Books and Supplies
Mr. Grayson, Mr. Rosenfeld.
Mr. Moore, Mr. Curtin.
Teachers and Salaries
Mr. Grayson, Mr. Curtin, Mr. Barbodoro.
162
163
SUPERINTENDENT, SECRETARY DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL. ALMORIN O. CASWELL.
The superintendent is a member of each sub-committee, ex- officio.
Superintendent's office and Committee Room, Exchange Builing, 197 Main St., Rooms 1 and 3. Telephone 505. Office hours, 8 to 9 a. m. and 4 to 5.30 p. m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Thursday evening, 7.30 to 8.30.
Residence, 89 Congress St. Telephone 646.
CLERK, Miss Margaret C. Dillon. Residence, Highland St. Telephone 537-W.
CLERK OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Miss Evelyn Moore, 161 Congress Street.
Telephones: High School, 18; Residence, 534-R.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
The regular meetings of the committee are held on the first Fri- day of each month in the committee room.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
John V. Gallagher, M.D. Office, 224 Main Street. Telephone 127-W.
Residence, 9 State Street. Telephone 127-Y.
Francis H. Lally, M.D.
Office and Residence, 5 Park Terrace. Telephone 106.
SCHOOL NURSE.
Mrs. Mary E. Naughton, R.N.
Office, Room 1, 197 Main Street. Telephone 505.
Residence, 31 Forest Street, Milford, Mass. Telephone 763-W.
DENTAL CLINIC. (Operated by the Board of Health.) Office, Room 11, 224 Main Street.
CLINICIAN.
William J. Clancy, D.M.D.
Residence, 40 High Street. Telephone 566-R.
ATTENDANCE OFFICERS.
Raphael Marino.
Office, 144 Main Street. Residence, 17 Court Street. Telephone 804-M.
Almorin O. Caswell.
Office, Exchange Building, 197 Main Street, Rooms 1 and 3. Telephone 505.
Residence, 89 Congress Street. Telephone 646.
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TUITION RATES.
High School, $2.50 per week; Grades, $1.55 per week, payable in advance.
High School- SCHOOL SESSIONS.
Morning session, 8.00 a. m. to 12.50 p. m.
Afternoon session, 1.00 p. m. to 4.57 p. m.
George E. Stacy School-
9.00 a. m. to 11.45 a. m., and 1.20 p. m. to 3.30 p. m. Town Grade Schools-
8.45 a. m. to 11.45 a. m. and 1.30 p. m. to 3.30 p. m.
Spruce St. School, Grade IV.
Oliver St. School, Grades III and IV-
(Double Platoon)
Morning session, 8.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. m.
Afternoon session, 12.30 p. m. to 4.30 p. m.
Claflin School, Grade II-
Morning session, 8.30 a. m. to 11.45 a. m.
Afternoon session, 12.15 p. m. to 3.30 p. m.
Fountain Street School-
Grades I and II, 8.30 a. m. to 11.45 a. m.
Grades III and IV, 12.15 p. m. to 4.30 p. m.
Special Class (in High School Portable)-
1.00 to 5.00 p. m.
Country Schools-
9.00 a. m. to 12.00 m., 1.00 p. m. to 3.00 p. m. Vocational School, Boys' Class-
8.45 to 12.00 m., and 12.45 p. m. to 3.30 p. m.
Continuation School-
Girls-1.15 p. m. to 5.15 p. m., Thursday and Friday.
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL.
Three repeated four times on the fire alarm.
At 7.15 a. m .- No morning session for all schools, including the High School.
At 7.45 a. m .- No morning session below the High School.
At 11.45 a. m .- No afternoon session for all schools, including the High School.
At 12.00 m .- No afternoon session for grades below the High School.
At 6.30 p. m .- No session for the evening school.
When the no-school signal is sounded in the morning and not repeated for the afternoon, there will be an afternoon session.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The careful consideration of the following report by the citizens of Milford is earnestly invited.
Those in special and immediate charge of the health of the school children, as well as the teachers in the schools, have been alert during the year. Dr. French retires as School Physician, after a long and worthy service.
The High School addition is nearing completion, and is eagerly awaited by faculty, students and parents alike.
A number of projects recommended a year ago have been realized, and others are under way. An educa- tional project new to us, and one likely to prove inter- esting and valuable, is the W. P. A. Nursery School.
The following, regular and special, is asked for 1936:
BUDGET FOR 1936 REGULAR APPROPRIATIONS
Teachers' Salaries
$154,450.00
Fuel
10,000.00
Care (Janitors' Wages)
11,450.00
Supplies
7,000.00
Repairs (and Project Materials)
6,500.00
Incidentals
4,450.00
Health (School Physicians, Nurse, Supplies and Incidentals)
3,800.00
Tuition (Worcester Trade School)
2,000.00
Transportation (Pupils and Teachers)
5,500.00
Supervision (Salaries of Superintendent, Clerk and Supervisor of Attendance) ..
6,400.00
Vocational Schools
3,800.00
Vocational School Supplies
400.00
$215,750.00
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SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Salary of Clerk of the Works (12 weeks) ..
$432.00
Taking down, repairing and resetting Portables
800.00
Alterations in present High School
2,000.00
High School Grounds, Walks and Sidewalks
4,000.00
Unpaid Bills
974.76
$8,206.76
ALFRED B. CENEDELLA, For the Committee.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
1934-35
Jan. 1, 1936
Public Schools
63
66
School Buildings
20
20
Teachers Employed
104*
107*
High School
29a
30b
Grades
68c
69c
Supervisors
4d
4d
Continuation and
Vocational
School
1e
le
Vocational School
1f
3g
* Includes one part-time woman and one man counted twice.
a Seven men and 22 women, including one part-time woman and one man counted twice.
b Nine men and 21 women, including one man counted twice.
c One man, the remainder women, including three teachers of atypical classes.
d Teaching supervisors (one man and three women).
e One woman.
f One woman.
g Two men, one woman.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 1934-1935
Total Enrollment :
High School 321
Grades 1097
Total
Boys
1418
Girls
392
974
1366
Totals
713
2071
2784
Average Membership
683
2055
2738
Average Attendance
647
1967
2614
Percentage of Attendance
94.73%
95.61%
95.47%
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NET SCHOOL COSTS FOR 1935 STATEMENT OF NET SCHOOL COSTS
Gross Expenditures $206,779.21
Receipts :
Public School Fund $24,752.40
Tuition :
Individuals 41.70
State Wards
2,066.50
Boston Wards
650.34
Bellingham Wards
801.60
Hopkinton Wards
32.73
Miscellaneous Receipts
29.02
Reimbursements :
Worcester Trade School ..
913.67
Continuation School $404.34
Vocational School 698.84
$1,103.18
Vocational School 695.00
1,798.18
31,066.14
$75,713.07
Net cost in 1934
$179,369.89
Net cost in 1935
175,708.07
Decrease for 1935
$3,661.82
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Honorable School Committee of the Town of Milford:
Gentlemen I herewith present my 25th annual report, the 57th of such reports in Milford.
PLATOONS
The end of platoons in Milford is in sight. As re- marked in these pages a year ago, it is planned to take down, repair and re-erect the High School portables in the Oliver Street School yard where, in addition to the regular daily use, they may serve as polling places for Ward 4.
Gifts During the Year
FROM THE LIONS CLUB
A great President said of a distinguished jurist of Massachusetts that he not only knew the right thing to be done but had the power to set it forward. This is a fitting tribute to the local Lions Club. During the pres- ent fall and winter season, the Lions took up the cause of the many school children in Milford needing eye- glasses and conducted a campaign which came to a trium- phant conclusion at the State Theatre, Monday evening, January 27, 1936, when, in connection with a splendid entertainment, it was announced that the Club's efforts were crowned with a fund of over $900.00. It is a rare pleasure to extend to the Milford Lions Club an expres- sion of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the School Department and of the direct beneficiaries who were not forgotten, for this timely and vital help to the children of Milford.
High School: From the Class of 1910, a fine por- trait of former Principal Thomas J. Quirk, presented at the Alumni Reunion in June.
-
.
170
Purchase Street School: A silk flag given to Miss King's room by the W. R. C.
DR. FRENCH
At the close of 1935, Dr. John Marshall French, a school physician since 1907, presented his resignation and retired to a well-earned rest. The period covered by Dr. French's services has seen the marked advance in corrective, remedial and preventive measures, and the striking improvement in the percentage of normals, that was the subject of special comment in these pages one year ago. For nearly three decades, Dr. French passed in and out of our school rooms, positive, definite, straightforward, in his appointed tasks, in kindly and understanding cooperation with his colleagues, for the well-being of the children. He retires well beloved and will be long remembered.
The School Committee passed the following resolution upon Dr. French's retirement :
"Voted :- That the resignation of Dr. French be ac- cepted, and that the Secretary be instructed to convey to Dr. French the Committee's sense of appreciation of his long, faithful, enthusiastic and effective service as a school physician, and the fine spirit of cooperation with his colleague in promoting the health of the children of the public schools, and their regret at the severance of relations. The members of the Committee wish for this true teacher and faithful physician the benediction of the Perfect Teacher and Healer Divine, in the midst of loyal friends, through serene and cloudless days."
At a meeting of the School Board held Saturday, Janu- ary 18, 1936, Dr. Francis H. Lally was elected a School Physician, succeeding Dr. French.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS HIGH SCHOOL-LEFT THE SERVICE
Miss Elizabeth A. Doyle, a successful teacher since 1923, left the service to become Mrs. James Neilan.
Miss Claire McGowan, in the High School since 1930,
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resigned at the end of the school year to become Mrs. Daniel Simon.
Miss Inez E. SanClemente, a teacher in the High School since 1928, resigned during the fall term to be- come Mrs. David I. Davoren.
ENTERED THE SERVICE
Mr. Benjamin F. Consoletti, Millford High School 1926, B.S., Norwich University. 1933.
Miss Claire Lynch, Milford High School 1930, A.B., Regis College 1934.
Mr. Philip O'Donnell, Milford High School 1927, A.B., Boston College 1932.
Miss Ida Kurlansky, part-time teacher in commercial branches for the past two years, was this year made a full-time teacher.
Miss Martha Molinari, Milford High School 1931, B.A.L., Boston University 1935, is a part-time teacher of Italian.
Mr. Ben C. Lancisi, Jr., engaged last fall to teach in- strumental music in the middle and upper grades, has charge of the High School orchestra.
JOHN L. DAVOREN
At the close of the fall term, Mr. John L. Davoren, principal of the George E. Stacy School since September, 1928, resigned to take a much more responsible position with the State Department of Education.
Mr. Davoren entered the service of the School Depart- ment nine years ago with excellent training, to which he added steadily during his years of service by graduate courses in education in university and law school. He was the author of the tenure bill that bears his name and fought valiantly until it became law. Mr. Davoren has a wide circle of friends in whose cause he showed a friendly and helpful interest, who will be very glad of his promotion to a responsible position in the Depart- ment of Education.
172
The School Committee of Milford, upon receiving Mr. Davoren's resignation, voted : "That Mr. Davoren's res- ignation be accepted and that the Secretary be directed to convey to him the Committee's feeling of regret at the termination of the professional relations enjoyed by them and the retiring principal in common; their sin- cere congratulations of Mr. Davoren upon the larger field opening to him; the Board's keen sense of the aggressive professional spirit shown by the retiring principal in constantly seeking to broaden and deepen his own train- ing, and the advancement of the George E. Stacy School under his stimulating leadership."
Mr. Davoren is now Director of the Teachers' Place- ment Bureau in the Department of Education.
MRS. HELEN KILEY BIRD
In May, Mrs. Helen Kiley Bird, teacher in the Milford schools since 1915, passed away very suddenly. At the time of her death Mrs. Bird was teaching in the George E. Stacy School. The Milford Teachers Association took special note of the occasion in a set of resolutions. The School Committee did likewise (see Page 3).
Miss Irene SanClemente, teacher in the Bear Hill School since 1933, resigned in May, 1935, to become Mrs. Victor Oliver.
ENTERED THE SERVICE
Miss Mildred C. O'Brien, St. Mary's High School 1926, Post-Graduate Milford High School 1927, Framingham Normal School 1929, assigned to George E. Stacy School.
Mrs. Helen Maxfield re-entered the service at the be- ginning of the school year and was assigned to the Bear Hill School.
Mr. Paul F. Raftery, St. Mary's High School 1931, A.B. Boston College 1935, was elected, to take effect at the beginning of the school year in September, as teacher of academic work for the boys' vocational class.
At the same time, Mr. Samuel Anastasia of Dorches- ter was elected to have charge of the boys' vocational shop.
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NEW PRINCIPAL OF THE STACY SCHOOL
As noted above, Mr. David I. Davoren, St. Mary's Academy 1926, A.B. Holy Cross College 1930, severed his connection with the faculty of the High School to be- come Principal of the George E. Stacy Junior High School, succeeding Mr. John L. Davoren, resigned.
TRANSFERS
Mr. David I. Davoren, as noted above.
Miss Grace Brown, from Grade 5, Claflin School, to Stacy School, Grade 7.
Miss Mildred C. O'Brien, from Stacy School, to Grade 5, Claflin School.
MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL
A brief report of the Milford High School during the year under review by Principal Frank C. Berry follows :
Milford High School opened in September, 1935, with the largest enrollment in the history of the school. The membership reached the high total of 789. There were 776 undergraduates and 13 post-graduates.
First year students 263
Second year students 191
Third year students 190
Fourth year students 132
Post-graduates 13
It is no longer necessary to mention the crowded con- ditions of our present building since the new addition should be ready for occupancy before many months pass. It will be a most welcome change for all concerned. Present indications point to a building of which the Town may be justly proud. 1
I would like to emphasize again my recommendation concerning the selection of courses by the students. Any child who shows scholastic ability should prepare himself for future schooling. It is a sad thing to find a boy or girl in the last year suddenly waking up to the fact that the course chosen does not fit him or her for the work planned. Parents should seek advice and help from the
174
school authorities, who are not only willing but anxious to help at all times.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR WORK
Junior Science Club, supervised by Mr. Fred A. Met- calf, organized again this year. This makes the sixth year of its existence. The purpose is to promote an interest in science and to provide a wider opportunity for consideration of many things that the class room will not permit.
David Garrick Club, supervised by Miss Sadie A. O'Connell, organized again this year. The purpose of this club is to develop a greater enjoyment and apprecia- tion of good plays along with an understanding of some of the many things that must be done in preparation for the promotion of a play.
The Dante Club, under the supervision of Mr. James V. Zurlo with the assistance of Miss Martha Molinari, organized for its third year. The purpose of this club is to promote interest in the Italian language, life and art outside the class room.
The High School Orchestra organized again this year, with Mr. Ben C. Lancisi, Jr., now a member of our fac- ulty, in charge.
GIFTS
In June, at the Alumni Reunion, the Class of 1910 presented the High School with a beautiful portrait of Mr. Thomas J. Quirk, former principal of Milford High and a distinguished member of this class.
Principal Berry expresses his thanks to the members of the Milford School Committee, the Superintendent and the faculty of the High School for encouragement and cooperation during the year.
GENERAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Late in the summer of 1935, a boys' class was insti- tuted in the general vocational school and men teachers provided for both the academic and shop work. As noted elsewhere, Mr. Paul F. Raftery of Milford was elected
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to give the academic instruction and Mr. Samuel Anas- tasia of Dorchester, suggested by the Department of Education, Vocational Section, as one of the best quali- fied men on their list, was elected to conduct the shop work. The shop is in the quarters formerly occupied by the boys' continuation school. Here a variety of the rudiments of trades is taught, actual work is done and that very well, and real products made by the boys in a workmanlike manner are creditably produced. At pres- ent, the entire salary of the shop instructor is paid di- rectly by the State Department from the George Ellzey Fund. There is an Advisory Board to consult with the Superintendent, Principal David I. Davoren, the Direc- tor, and the vocational teachers. This Board is made up as follows: Messrs. William Callahan, Patrick L. Lally, Walter R. Vitalini, Webster S. Gould, and Mrs. Mary H. Sherburne.
GIRLS' CONTINUATION SCHOOL
The Girls' Continuation School opened for the fall term September twelfth, 1935. The first week eighteen girls between the ages of fourteen and sixteen registered. There was the usual increase for a few weeks.
The courses for these girls include related academic work and household arts subjects. The academic work has a direct bearing on the household arts work, for in- stance, in arithmetic, the girls figure out grocery bills, halve and quarter recipes, etc.
This year, through the kindness and cooperation of Mrs. Mary Naughton, school nurse, the girls are to re- ceive instructions on home hygiene and care of the sick.
We feel sure the girls will benefit greatly from such a course.
RED CROSS COURSE
The objectives of the Home Hygiene Course which we have just completed are :
1st-To give pupils an opportunity to learn the prin-
176
ciples of health so that they may understand the reasons for the health habits that may have been or should be established.
2nd-To teach the fundamental relationship between individual health and the cleanliness, sanitation and arrangement of the home.
3rd-To teach girls and boys how to meet the many nor- mal problems of the home, such as the care of the baby, the pre-school and school child, and the care of the aged.
4th-To relieve the student's mind of many false fears and superstitions regarding health and to give in their place a sense of security, based upon knowl- edge of how sickness is caused and how it may be prevented and controlled.
5th-To develop some manual skill in the care of the sick in order that common illnesses may be cared for in the home under the direction of a physician.
6th-To develop understanding of and interest in school and community health in order that the students, as far as they are able may take a part in the solutions of these problems, thus inculcating civic responsibilities.
An objective optimistic attitude toward life is stimu- lated and the student's relationship with his fellows in home, school and community is improved.
An appreciation of the allied professions may be aroused as a means of suggesting a vocation to the pupils.
This course was given for the first time in Milford a year ago, beginning in January. A fine class of 32 grad- uated in June and from the outlines of the course given above and the showing made by the first class, it should be one of the most valuable experiences in the school life of any girls taking the course.
COOPERATING ACTIVITIES 4-H CLUB
Thirteen girls' club members and one boy's club mem- ber exhibited at the 4-H Club exhibit, June 7, 1935.
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Over three hundred twenty-five articles were exhibited by the home-craft, sewing, and cooking clubs. Over fifty articles were exhibited by the boys' club in handicraft. These clubs were under the direction of sixteen junior and senior leaders. Five girls received their national pins. Two girls received the honor of representing Mas- sachusetts at State Camp and one of the same girls re- ceived a trip to the 4-H Congress in Chicago.
(Account of Mrs. Elmer Rose, Town Director.)
THRIFT SAVINGS
Under the courteous and untiring leadership of the Milford Savings Bank the school children saved the sum of $10,377.29 during the year, nearly up to the record of the year previous. This is, in the opinion of the writer, one of the most valuable projects we have.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
Beginning with the new year of 1935, a posture club was formed among the grade school students. As each pupil attained sufficient excellence of posture, his or her name was taken by the Director, and inserted in the local newspaper; at the same time it was printed with gold crayon upon the blackboard in the room. The emphasis upon good posture was quickly noticeable as the students earnestly vied with each other for the honor of being chosen first.
A contest for the banner given to the best room in each grade was carried on, and the pupils responded as enthusiastically as they had the first year. The rooms are graded on three points: 1. Collective Posture; 2. Execution of Exercise Drill; 3. General alertness-dis- cipline.
The 1935 Baseball team was mostly composed of green material, due to the graduation of eight of the 1934 championship team. However, with a fine competitive spirit, the boys, although showing their lack of experience by costly mistakes, came through to win the Midland League pennant, newly reorganized, comprising the
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teams from Marlborough, Hudson, Clinton, Maynard and Milford. The team wound up with a rush, winning four of its last five games, and losing one by a close decision to the most powerful St. Mary's team in years. The sea- son's record showed eight wins and eleven losses. The 1936 season is highly promising as all the 1935 team re- turns with the exception of Captain Bonetti.
The 1935 football season opened with bad news when three veterans decided not to play football, and three more veterans decided to go to St. Mary's. Thus what should have been a veteran team was transformed into a comparatively green one. Again, against desperate odds, Milford came through to win the Midland League pennant-outfighting Hudson High for the top and fur- nishing that fine team with its only defeat of the season by a brilliant 7 to 6 win in a last minute rally. Injuries were light this year, and again we are happy to report that no boy was seriously hurt at Milford High School through football. The record was: four wins, four losses, one tie.
Comment of Frederick E. Steeves, Athletic Director.
MUSIC
The following is from the report of Miss Helena F. Swift, Supervisor of Music:
Our first consideration in all music work in the schools is the child: his mental and emotional condition, his tendencies and possibilities for absorbing music. Throughout the grades we have taught those musical compositions which, we hope, will inspire the pupil to greater musical endeavors in later life. Therefore, much attention has been given to the voice, presenting songs within the proper vocal compass whether in the first grade or in the Junior High School, so that all vocal strain may be eliminated and natural voice production fostered. The children have been taught to phrase care- fully, thus promoting proper breathing, which has a definite influence on the singing tone.
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In addition to the singing part of our program for the year, stress has been placed upon the technical side of music. The pupils have become familiar with, or have increased their knowledge of, scales in different keys, arpeggios, octaves and transposition.
In the Senior High School the students have studied the works of the great musical composers. A class in Theory and Harmony has been formed again this year. Excellent results have been attained thus far.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
It gives me great pleasure to report the progress of the new Instrumental section instituted this year.
In the grammar grades we have an enrollment of one hundred twenty-five enthusiastic pupils. Out of this group a band of seventy-five pieces was organized with the following instruments: 24 cornets, 22 clarinets, 4 saxophones, 7 trombones, 1 flute, 4 mellophones, 3 bari- tones, 3 basses and 7 percussion instruments.
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