USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 19
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The purpose of this association is to take care of the every day needs of the students. Whenever anyone has been absent from school because of illness or misfortune of any kind, this organization sees to it that flowers or fruit, which ever may fit the occasion, are sent to their homes.
During the year the students have been educationally entertained by the Venetian Glass Blowers who gave an interesting demonstration to which the parents were in- vited. This may be taken as an example of how the stu- dents have benefited by the Association.
Our association has been so beneficial in the past and at
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present, and has been so upheld by the faculty and students that we hope the goal we have reached will be greatly appreciated by High School students to come.
KIMBALL SanCLEMENTE, President REGINA CALITRI, Secretary
GEORGE STACY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
I herewith submit the report for our Junior High School for the year 1939 and in doing so I am happy to say that the year has been a successful one from many points of view.
The Stacy Junior High School Association entered an- other year of successful existence with the election of Joseph Fertitta as president, Florence Fertitta as vice- president, Joseph Gattoni as treasurer and Blanche Balian as secretary. The Association again sponsored a Minstrel Show which was directed and produced by Mr. Ben Lancisi, to whom we are deeply grateful for his untiring efforts and cooperation. This year the Association also sponsored a baseball team, and various tournaments, such as table tennis, horseshoe pitching, etc. It is felt that these recreational activities are beneficial to the boys and girls and as a result they are encouraged as a policy. The school is indebted to the children who, through their Association, donated a much needed safe to be used for the safe keeping of records, money and other valuables which are indispensable to the administration of a school of the size of ours. In the past there has been several cases of breaking into the school building and larceny of valuables, so it is very evident that this gift is useful and appropriate.
The teachers' meetings which were started the year be- fore last were continued throughout last year and have now become a part of school routine. It was found that these meetings are beneficial in the pooling of desirable experiences, thrashing out difficulties, formulating, under- standing and improving the policies of the school. These meetings are held after school hours and are attended by the entire faculty.
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In my report for 1938 I mentioned the problem of reading and what might be done to aid the alarmingly large number of our pupils who are having difficulty with reading. The nature of this problem is such that it requires the services of a trained expert in the field of remedial reading. It is my firm belief that the children of our schools would be immeasurably helped by the testing, diagnosing and assist- ance in reading which such an expert would present.
Also, as I have stated in a previous report, we are in need of a Guidance setup in our school that would aid our pupils in the selection of proper courses to be followed in high school and later life, with a view to getting the most out of their school work in the light of the varying interests needs and abilities of individual pupils. A great many schools have adopted such Guidance programs and it has been almost universally found that such programs are highly desirable and well worth the expense involved. Such a program does involve the purchasing of tests, per- manent record sheets and filing equipment which we are lacking at present, but which I hope will be forthcoming in the near future.
Late in the year our school newspaper, the "Stacy Spot- light" was revived after a lapse of almost a year. This paper is a mimeographed booklet of about twelve to fifteen pages, published by the pupils under the direction of their teachers and the supervision of the English teachers, Misses Miriam Kirby, Rita Fitzpatrick, Mildred O'Brien and Lucina Roche. The paper is made self-supporting through sales of copies, and it serves as an outlet and stimulus for enrich- ment work for those pupils having the ability and interest to write materials suitable for publication. Much time and work is put into the paper by both pupils and teachers but the general feeling is that the time and effort expended is highly justifiable.
During the latter part of the year, as the result of a joint investigation by Fire Chief Adams and Mr. Arthur Vesperi several changes were made in regard to Fire Prevention. These changes were suggested by Mr. Adams and I am happy to report that the full cooperation of teachers, janitor
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and pupils is being received, in the effort to bring our school up to the very highest standard in the matter of Fire Prevention.
In the near future an effort is to be made to establish a Parent-Teacher Association for our school. As far as I am able to find out Milford has never had such an organization in its school system. Much benefit to pupils may be derived from a Parent-Teacher Association which is properly or- ganized and managed. Consequently I have decided to take the initiative in bringing into closer contact two groups of people both of whom are vitally interested in, and associated with the children, namely the parents of children and the teachers of children. I trust that they can meet on a common ground with their common objective, the betterment of our school children.
In regard to the physical aspects of our building, we are grateful to the committee for the work done on the outside of the building during last year. However there remains a great amount of work to be done on the inside of the building which has been previously reported, such as the addition of adequate light fixtures, repair of ceilings, painting the interior of the building, repair to girls' stair- way and repairs to plumbing in both basements. I have been informed that the committee intends to do as much of this repair work as possible this year and I urge the voters of the town to appropriate sufficient money in the Repair Item of the School Budget to permit these repairs to be made. These repair items are getting larger as time goes on and unless they are taken care of in the immediate future, it will be necessary to expend a much greater sum of money in order to accomplish these repairs later, if they are neglected now.
The American Legion Citizenship awards were won last year by Vincent Votolato and Albina Diotalevi.
All of the teachers of the school join me in welcoming Miss Lucina Roche to our faculty. Miss Roche took over the duties left vacant by the resignation of Miss Alice Barlow who left the system to become Mrs. Edward Blasnek.
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I am grateful to the teachers of our school for their tire- less effort, sincere cooperation and loyalty which they displayed throughout the year 1939.
Likewise I extend my gratitude to Mr. Caswell and the members of the School Committee for the many courtesies shown to school and to me during the past year.
DAVID I. DAVOREN, Principal
MORE ROOM FOR THE GENERAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
The Boys' Vocational School now in its fourth year, has made a fine record under Prin. David I. Davoren's direction and Mr. Samuel Anastasia's competent shop management and training. From the start, however, there has been a crying need for more room. This need has been met by the recent allocation of the old building on Spruce Street formerly used by the Highway Department. The building is well located, and, with improved lighting and other changes, some of which the boys can do for themselves, more and better work can be turned out under safer and more comfortable conditions.
The report of Principal David I. Davoren, Director, follows :-
MILFORD GENERAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
During the past year the Vocational School continued to fulfill the functions that influenced its origin six years ago. The enrollment increased substantially over past years and for the first time we have more pupils seeking training in the Boy's Division than we can adequately and legally accommodate. In the Girl's Division the enrollment also showed a gain over last year and the outlook for the future is toward even greater increases.
At present our school serves the boys and girls at the seventh and eighth grade levels only. I heartily and re- spectfully recommend that the School Committee consider
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the possibilities for expansion of the offerings of our school to serve the pupils in the ninth and tenth grade levels also. The present school has been soundly organized and has grown steadily during the past six years. Many important factors point toward the expansion of the school's offer- ings as a logical and reasonable step to be taken as soon as possible.
At the end of last year the Board of Selectmen trans- ferred the old Town Barn on Spruce street to the School Department with the understanding that this building is to be occupied by the Shop Division of our school. The problem of space has always been bothersome with us and it is felt that with the moving of the Shop from its present location in the High School to the Town Barn, this space difficulty will be overcome.
In the matter of equipment we have made progress, having acquired machinery for use in the metal trades, thus opening up another important avenue of opportunity for training to our boys. Some of this equipment was purchased and some of it very generously donated by people interested in the progress of the pupils.
Placement of pupils has continued although it is felt that the addition of two more years of training would show marked improvement in this phase of the school work.
In May the Fifth Annual Open House Day was held and we are happy to say that the visitors to the School and the interest displayed by these visitors surpassed that of any previous years. Exhibits of school work, demonstration classes and appropriate exercises were presented and good many of the articles made in the Shop classes were offered for sale. In this regard it might also be added that, as in the past, the School was responsible for many repairs to the various school buildings in the department. These repairs represent savings to the Town and in many cases they would not have been accomplished for some time had they not been done in conjunction with the Vocational School.
We were unfortunate to lose a most capable teacher in the person of M. Celia Apicella who resigned in June to
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become the bride of Mr. Richard Farrell of Bronx N. Y.
The faculty was happy to welcome Miss Irene C. Mainini to their midst as the successor to Miss Apicella.
I am grateful to the four members of the teaching staff of the School, to Mr. Caswell, our Executive Officer, and to the members of the School Committee for the excellent cooperation, industry and effort rendered in the furtherance of the development of the School and the pupils thereof.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
For the first time in over a decade, basketball was intro- duced as a varsity sport in the High School, and the team was entered in the Bay State League which is comprised of the schools Norwood, Framingham, Dedham, Natick, Walpole, and Milford. Naturally, against such opponents, Milford's lack of experience was costly, and victories were rare. However, the team spirit was remarkable and we did manage to defeat both Norwood and Framingham late in the season, indicating the rapid improvement of the unit. Record-2 wins, 8 losses.
The girls also had a varsity team (the first in our school history) and played Hopedale and Bellingham. Their en- thusiasm greatly exceeded their skill, but they are learning fast, and time and practice will soon enable them to meet surrounding teams on an even basis.
The Intramural League was carried on for boys and girls, and the interest and activity of the students were greater than ever. Some four hundred boys and girls par- ticipated in the games, and the rivalry was intense. In the interclass games the sophomore girls were victorious, while the seniors won out for the boys.
In the spring, boys' and girls' classes in softball were held on the park with the girls showing more aptitude as their experience began to show effect.
The baseball season was one of the most exciting in many years with the series with St. Mary's for the final possession of the second Daily News Cup providing a dramatic climax.
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Milford High won the first cup in 1934 when Art Kenney's team won two straight. The Daily News then put up a second cup with the same provisions-permanent possession to the school first winning three series. St. Mary's won the series in 1935 and 1938; Milford High won in 1936 and 1937, making it all even with two each coming in to 1939. Thus this series was fought with tension and excitement. It took four games to finally determine Milford High the winner, and the second Cup was theirs.
The record stands 14 wins in 21 games.
The 1939 football team played well against League op- ponents, winding up the season tied with Clinton for the banner. Although our season was concluded, we agreed to play Clinton at Hudson on December 9. On a field frozen solid, we went down to an inspired Clinton eleven.
The record is 3 wins, 4 losses, 1 tie.
In the grade schools callisthenics are carried on by the teachers. In the spring at the Stacy School Open House day in conjunction with Flag Day exercises, a mass drill was put on by all the Stacy pupils on town park.
FRED E. STEEVES, Physical Director
CONTINUATION SCHOOL
The Continuation School meets every Thursday afternoon for a four-hour session. These girls are holders of home permits.
The aims of the school are to develop character and to train toward better home-making.
Visits are made to the homes of these girls and we feel this contact proves helpful to both parents and teacher. The parents become better acquainted with the school and its aims and the knowledge of the home background aids the teacher in understanding the pupil.
We are again pleased to report that we have been able to secure both part and full-time positions in the field of
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household service for those who desired employment, upon arriving at the age of 16 years.
MISS BEATRICE J. FLEMING, Teacher
MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS VOCAL MUSIC
The interest manifested in Music during the past year has been most satisfactory. With the hearty cooperation 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 train to musical interpretation on the part of the pupils, who are subsequently encouraged to translate these purposes into oral values.
Solo, group and assembly singing contribute vitally to the artistic and spiritual nature as well as to the growth of individuality and character; thus we have laid particular emphasis upon the song as the path to musical understand- ing and appreciation.
Developing the child's musical education from the simple folk lyric through the melodies of the greatest national composers of song, cantata and oratorio, the pupil becomes acquainted with, and drilled upon those works which will permanently enrich his life.
During the course of the year, many interesting programs have been given in our schools, illustrating the festal season. On December 22, 1939, our Senior High Girls Glee Club rendered a program of Christmas songs in the John C. Lynch Auditorium of the High School and their efforts received much deserved praise.
In addition to vocal work in the schools, starting in the fifth grade and continuing through the Junior High School, transposition, scale writing and other technical forms are studied. Much intensive work is done in the Theory and Harmony class in the Senior High school as a preparation for advanced study in music.
Plans are now being formulated for the students to attend a performance of one of the operas to be given later
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in the year at the Boston Opera House.
It is pleasing to note that some of the class have already signified their intention of furthering their musical educa- tion after graduation.
MISS HELENA F. SWIFT, Supervisor
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
This year the students of the instrumental department have shown a decided increase over preceding years.
Our Senior High School Band has had another unusually active year, participating in the Memorial Day exercises of Milford, Hopedale, and Mendon, the Elks' Flag Day, Boy Scouts' parade, and the Lions' Club Safety Show. In the Milford-Marlboro football classic the band made such an impressive showing that influential Marlboro citizens established a fund for the purpose of providing instru- ments to organize a band of their own. On November 11 at the dedication of the War Memorial, the band led the long parade and participated in the memorial exercises, and in the afternoon played at the Milford-Framingham football game in Framingham.
Favorable comments have been received on the Christmas Eve rendition of carols which added greatly to the holiday season.
This year the band was the guest of Tom Yawkey at Fenway Park, witnessed a major league baseball game, and in the evening attended a concert at Symphony Hall.
Rehearsals are now progressing most auspiciously for the eighth annual concert which is to be presented during the month of May.
BEN C. LANCISI JR.,
Instructor and Leader of High School Band
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ART IN THE SCHOOLS SENIOR AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
Lessons in Drawing are a series of experiences to the student and while the results may appear to be only a pretty picture, the effort to make that picture may bring out talent, although not necessarily so. It may also teach a rule in design, composition, measurement, or the use of light and shade to show third dimension. In each case, the pupil learns a rule which later may be applied to im- proving his surroundings by unconsciously carrying these lessons into the home. Neatness, accuracy, appreciation of beauty-all of which are taught in the Drawing classes- have their value in our civic and social life. The lessons are, therefore, planned with the thought of reaching beyond the schoolroom.
Drawing experiences make the individual think, help him to create new ideas, and express these thoughts through the use of pencil, brush, charcoal, or crayon.
If the student has talent, his lessons are necessarily different from those of the student who chooses Drawing only as a hobby, yet even a hobby sometimes develops into a real vocation.
A large group of average students should not be dis- couraged by parents or teachers from enjoying art simply because of a lack of what some people call God-given talent. There is a decided place for them in the art classes, for economically they are to be the great consuming group and should know how to buy artistically.
The vocational class of girls study lessons which teach them to dress, to plan and furnish a home with taste.
In the seventh and eighth grades where the classes are composed of both boys and girls, the Drawing is planned along a more general course.
High school classes are divided into two groups, mechan- ical and freehand. The mechanical courses prepare the student for a trade. The freehand work consists of lessons
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in sketching, advertising layouts, designs, posters, model- ing, color study and lettering.
A prize of ten dollars was offered by the Milford Mer- chantile Bureau for a design to be used by them as a seal. Twenty-six sketches from the high school Drawing classes were submitted. Miss Winnifred Kiessling, '39, received the honor of winning this award. These pupils were given honorable mention for originality and execution : Gus Eden, clas of '39, Mary Tumolo, Helen Gaskill, Martin Goldman, and Rose Ferrelli from the class of '40, and Everett Luce and Mary Kalenda from the class of '41.
The commencement cover for 1939 was designed and executed by David Casey.
MISS DORCAS WHIPPLE, Supervisor
ART IN THE FIRST SIX GRADES
Introduced into the schools of Massachusetts in the year 1870, Art has become a prominent part of the school curriculum. It is a practical subject and one must recognize how important and necessary it has become, when we view . the beautiful lines of the modern automobiles, the well designed clothes, and the attractive posters and advertise- ments displayed in the stores and magazines. Today in- dustry is making greater demands than ever for people who have art education to make merchandise more striking and beautiful.
Every boy and every girl needs art training to be able to select clothes, furniture, or other articles that have color- harmony and are in good taste. If instruction is provided some will become artists, architects, or textile designers. This education cannot be started too early in a child's life and our public schools recognize the importance of artistic training.
In teaching art in the primary and elementary grades, the most important objectives are to encourage the child to have confidence in his own abilities and stimulate his interest so that he may really enjoy his work. The course
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includes creative design, color theory, illustrating, letter- ing, poster work, and crafts.
Christmas affords the opportunity to make useful gifts. This year the children designed and made trays, wall plaques, Christmas tree ornaments, and calendars. The school rooms were very gay with decorations made by the children.
The boys and girls in the Special Classes are almost all enthusiastic for art work and some have real artistic ability.
MISS MARGARET V. CONDON, Asst. Art Supervisor
PENMANSHIP
I regard as a distinct step in advance, the decision to have a supervisor of penmanship. Miss Frances H. Kearnan submits her first report as supervisor :-
The Palmer Method of Handwriting is being taught in the first six grades. Each child has been provided with a Palmer Writing Book suited to his grade. In the first and second grades much time has been spent on blackboard writing. The use of the blackboard in teaching primary penmanship has three purposes :
(a) To give the right sense of direction
(b) To give the right idea of rhythm
(c) To give the right idea of form
In the third grades the children began writing with ink early in the school year instead of waiting until after Christmas.
I am pleased with the progress which they have made during the half year.
In the upper grades I have stressed the importance of correct posture, arm movement, correct penholding, rhythm and application of movement to form. I have noticed excellent results in class rooms where the teachers have
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insisted upon the children using a definite rhythmic or descriptive count during all penmanship lessons.
The children in the Special Classes enjoy their writing lessons and many of these pupils have shown improvement.
At least once during the month I mark each child's paper. It is pleasing to see how much they care about receiving one of the "stamps" which I put on the "good" papers.
All the teachers are to be commended for the interest and friendly cooperation shown.
REMEDIAL READING
Reading is the means by which the pupil is enabled to learn much that the schools have to offer. Outside of school, reading is necessary for the securing of information and as a means of recreation.
A child who is unable to comprehend the reading ma- terials of his own grade, or who reads very poorly, is in need of remedial instruction.
He has not learned to read because of certain handicaps
.. poor hearing or sight, impediment in speech, loss of .. time at school due to frequent illnesses, malnutrition, and lack of proper home conditions.
In remedial instruction the pupil is tested to find at what level he experiences reading difficulties and from that point encouraged to move on as fast as possible disregarding grade requirements. He is taught self confidence and that there is no stigma attached to his inability to read with his own class.
The following points have been stressed. . . enunciation, proper phrasing and comprehension of what has been read, with individual rather than group competition.
The work has been individual or in small groups of the reading level where each child is under no emotional strain.
While the work could be carried on much better in a centrally located, attractive room, well equipped with books,
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there has been much improvement in the remedial reading classes, due to the great interest of the pupils, the hearty cooperation of the teachers and the encouraging response from the parents.
MISS VIOLA LELAND, Teacher
REMEDIAL ARITHMETIC
During the months of September and October all children of the Milford Public Schools in Grades III through Grades VI were given the "Milford Diagnostic Test of Addition Facts". These tests had a definite time limit, determined by the grade in which used. The result of these tests was : any difficulty a child had in the mastery of addition was shown on each test paper. Each child who had need of correctional work was individually interviewed and his case was recorded. Of the cases recorded the greater number were found to be "finger-counters". Remedial assistance was given to these in groups of about ten-beginning with the most simple addition combination facts and working up to the more difficult. They were to be re-tested in January to note any improvements.
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