USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1946 > Part 6
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
In addition to approving the recommendations of the department heads, I respectfully present the following recommendations :
1. Extension of present five-hour school day to five and . a half hours in the immediate future and to six hours. ultimately. (More than one half of the High Schools in Massachusetts have a school day of greater length than five hour day in effect in our school.)
2. Improvement and extension of cafeteria facilities so as to enable students to obtain a hot meal, thereby making it feasible to attend school for a longer period of time daily.
140
3. The appointment of an additional male teacher, quali- fied to assist with coaching of so called, varsity teams, and the conduct of an intramural athletic program.
4. Reduction of the teaching load of the Director of Guidance in order to enable him to function more efficiently in the conduct of the Guidance program, his primary mission.
5. The extension of the so called department organiza- tion to embrace not only the English and Commercial fields, but also the fields of Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty mem- bers who have cooperated with me in the administration and management of the affairs of the school. I am thank- ful for the assistance and guidance rendered to me, since my return from military service, by the late Frank C. Berry, Superintendent of Schools, and by the members of the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID I. DAVOREN,
Principal.
6
141
DIVISION OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
The report of Mr. Harold M. Moran, Director, follows :
The program in guidance at the Milford High School was, of necessity, considerably curtailed this year be- cause the Director had to assume an increased teaching load as the result of the resignations of teachers, whose positions were not filled. In order to function properly, a program in guidance should receive more time and at- tention than the two periods per day now allotted to it. Last year the results of our first year's efforts in estab- lishing such a program here were very satisfactory and promising. Four periods were then devoted to it. We felt encouraged to do even more this year along the lines of guidance, but because of the increased teaching load, I could not do as I hoped. While I was attending Boston University last summer, studying advanced courses in guidance, I came in contact with several teachers and leaders in this guidance field. From them I received, in and out of the classroom, many excellent suggestions that I had hoped to carry out in our own program here.
The Massachusetts Department of Education recom- mends that high schools of our size provide a program in guidance in order to assure a practical education to all students, be their interests preparation for college, a vocation, or good citizenship. The Department also rec- ommends that such a high school as ours should effect a guidance program, in which the role of teachers and counsellors is duly recognized, and the efforts of all are closely coordinated.
Milford needs a good guidance program, but until more time is allotted to it, we cannot properly serve the best interests of our students along these lines. Although our program has been limited, we have assisted several
142
of our pupils, graduates and veterans in making educa- tional and vocational decisions in keeping with their in- terests, abilities, and aptitudes. Through our office li- brary and open file facilities, as well as through testing and counselling, limited though they have been, we have tried to provide the pupils with the information and sug- gestions that they need.
I wish at this time to express publicly my sincere thanks for the cooperation, personal encouragement, and valuable assistance that I have welcomed and have been pleased to receive from Principal David I. Davoren. Mr. Davoren is, I am happy to note, 100% in favor of a good program in guidance and will continue to do all he can, when he can, to help us achieve our objectives. I also wish to thank Vice-Principal James A. Higgiston, who originally recommended me for the position, and who pioneered most helpfully with me in setting up our pro- gram. My thanks are also extended, at this time to Miss Catherine E. Curtin, who has been acting as counsellor for the girls, and for the entire Junior class. The time, patience, and efforts that she has shown have already begun to show favorable results, sufficient for me to rec- ommend that she be continued in her present capacity.
I offer the following additional recommendations for your consideration and hopeful adoption :
1. That there be classes in group guidance, taught at least one day each week by the counsellors appointed for each of the four classes. In this way, all pupils, rather than those who might be counselled individually, will benefit. 2. That a course in "Occupations and Careers" be taught during the second part of the course in Civics now being conducted at our school. As matters now are, there is no study made of occupations, and as a result,
143
a pupil's vocational vision is narrowly limited. 3. That there be closer articulation in guidance between the Stacy and High schools. 4. That there be started in the seventh grade and continued all during a pupil's high-school ex- perience a cumulative record system. In this way a more complete picture of the pupil's school history will be ac- cessible for teachers and school officers in educational, vocational (or otherwise) counselling or for transcripts of record, for letters of recommendation or for general reference. We now have no such accurate, systematic, or up-to-date records. The cards now in use are of little or no value. 5. That more books and monographs of a guidance nature be added to our library. 6. That much more time be allotted to guidance so that a good program in this important field will result and benefit more than a few pupils.
I would not consider this report complete if I did not add an expression of thanks to the Misses Nancy Prouty, Ruth Carlson, Louise Beccia, Rita Aldrich, Helen Morin, and June Larson, as well as to James D'Arcangelo, Daniel DeSantis, Robert Andreotti, and Louis Iacovelli a re- turned veteran, all students here, for the very valuable and appreciated assistance they have given in their capa- cities as student counsellors or office workers.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD M. MORAN,
Director of Guidance and Placement.
144
THE GEORGE E. STACY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Report of the Principal
The program at the George E. Stacy School.continues as a preparatory plan for high school, with every effort made to serve in the transition relation from elementary to High School in the manner best suited for the students enrolled. Few curriculum changes have been made dur- ing the past year, but two changes in the school teaching staff have taken place.
Miss Mary E. Kelley, a member of the Stacy faculty for thirty years, died after an extended illness on Sep- tember 19, 1946, and the Stacy School where she spent so many of her teaching years and produced such a dis- tinct influence, holds her memory in respected honor.
Miss Mary E. Mullane, a teacher in the Milford Public Schools for many years, retired from the faculty of the Stacy School in June, completing 48 years of active work in the teaching profession. Miss Mullane's position and respect in the community are adequate expression of the extent of her loss to our faculty.
Miss Joan Smith and Mrs. Lillian Birmingham joined the faculty this year and are welcome additions to our staff.
The reopening of school presented a suitable time for the inauguration of a Student Patrol. The group under the supervision of Misses Rose Bertorelli and Mil- dred O'Brien have been competent and efficient in the problem of student traffic regulation that we presented to these most helpful students to solve.
145
Our school Library under the direction of Misses Rita Daigle and Margaret Scully offers a source of en- richment for our students and gives opportunity for our student librarians to experience a more useful participant role in school operation.
The Stacy Student Association under the direction of Misses Miriam Kirby, Ada DiGiannantonio and Zarie Noorjanian, serves as our sponsoring group for student activities and have presented assemblies that are most creditable to students and directors. The Assembly Officers chosen by the students for the year are Kenneth Hutchinson, president; Phyllis Lombardi, vice-president ; Adam Colianni, secretary; Gerard Cugini, treasurer.
Physical Education for all students has been inaugu- rated under the direction of Mr. Brucato and all of our students, boys and girls, participate with enjoyment and definite physical benefit.
I have enjoyed the complete cooperation of my teach- ers, the supervisors, the late Mr. Berry, Superintendent of Schools, the members of the School Committee and feel that the combined cooperation and cordiality of all have made for a successful year here for our students.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL F. RAFTERY,
Principal.
146
REPORT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPERVISOR
Skill in reading, writing, and arithmetic is the main objective for the elementary schools. Because of the im- portance of reading every effort is being made to improve instruction in this field and to increase the efficiency of our pupils. According to the Stanford Tests given in November, the reading ability of the pupils in the middle grades is slightly below the national average.
There have been many innovations and improve- ments in the field of education. For years the Milford schools have been using the old Palmer method system of writing. Of late the results have not been too en- couraging. Several towns in this neighborhood have found it to their advantage to adopt the Rinehart Writing system. The results of this system which seem to offer a better incentive for finer work more than justify the expense involved.
The following recomendations are offered with the hope that they may be fulfilled :
1. That a University Extension Course be instituted here in Milford to cover the field of remedial reading. Boston University - Harvard University Extension School is suggested as the best possible source of instruction.
2. That the Rinehart Writing System be adopted for the grades one through six.
In closing this report I wish to thank the members of the School Committee for their cooperation. Mr. Berry has shown himself to be kind and helpful in every phase of my work. To him I am very grateful. This attitude on the part of the Committee and the Superintendent, to- gether with the cooperative spirit shown by teachers and pupils insures progress in any school system.
Respectfully submitted,
J. GERARD SWEENEY, Supervisor of Elementary Grades.
147
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
High School
The Milford High School varsity sports consisting of basketball, baseball and football continue to provide the students and sports minded fans of the town with inter- esting competitive contests. Our athletic program was highlighted the past year with championship victories over St. Mary's in all three varsity sports.
An organized intra-mural basketball league for boys and girls continues, and much interest and enthusiasm is being displayed.
Stacy School
An athletic innovation has been added to the usual curriculum in the Junior High School. Intramural volley- ball for girls and "touch" football for boys have been the selected contests during the fall season. All of the boys and girls have had an opportunity to compete in these contests at least one period per week.
Physical exercise instruction for pupils in the gram- mar grades, which was suspended during the football season, has been resumed.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Principals David I. Davoren and Paul Raftery for their cooperation during the past year.
CHARLES J. BRUCATO,
Physical Director.
148
MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS
Vocal Music
The report of Miss Helena F. Swift, Supervisor, follows :
The plan followed in the teaching of music in the Milford Public Schools during the year 1946 was as follows :
In the lower grades
We taught rote singing, providing an opportunity for the child to gain facility in using simple elements of music, correlating with the child's studies, interest and experience.
In the Intermediate and Junior High Classes
Part-singing was taught. There was also work on tone-development and on technical knowledge of music fundamentals as a preparation for advanced study in Music. Much interest and improvement was noted.
In the Senior High School
The entire Senior class is studying group singing, both for pleasure and for preparation for its Commence- ment program.
The study of Theory and Harmony was also con- tinued. Plans are now being formulated for the students to attend a performance of one of the operas to be given later in the year at the Boston Opera House.
Special programs were arranged for Armistice Day and Christmas. There will also be one prepared as in all previous years, for Memorial Day.
It is pleasing to note that some of the class have already signified their intention of furthering their mu- sical education after graduation.
149
To all the teachers and principals, to our late Super- intendent, Mr. Berry, and to the members of the School Committee, I am grateful for the sincere co-operation which they have shown to me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HELENA F. SWIFT, Supervisor of Music.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
During the past year the Milford High School Band played more engagements than in any year since its in- stitution. As well as playing at football games, they par- ticipated in the following local patriotic parades: Memo- rial Day, Armistice Day, Elks' Flag Day, and made a very creditable showing in the Milford Welcome Home parade. They escorted Governor Tobin at the Blackstone Wel- come-Home parade; and also played at the Blackstone Valley League game at Hopedale.
The band played Christmas carols to help cheer fam- ilies on Christmas Eve.
The instrumental department in the Stacy School has its largest and most enthusiastic enrollment since its beginning.
Rehearsals are now in progress for the annual con- cert in May, 1947.
Respectfully submitted,
BEN C. LANCISI,
Instructor.
150
ART
The Supervisor for the George E. Stacy School and the Milford High School reports as follows :
It is interesting to note in the aftermath of war the beneficial use of the arts and crafts in the veterans hos- pitals throughout the country. Crafts may serve the same beneficial needs to the children in our schools, re- leasing pent-up emotions and promoting a desire to create something with their hands. Although some equipment and material may be expensive much of it is not and I would like to recommend that a small amount be added from time to time to the art department. We have al- ready experimented with finger painting, block printing and textile stenciling.
High School
During the year talented students helped in the pre- sentation of the Shakespearean Program, made the block print for the Senior Hop dance orders, and designed the symbol used on the Welcome Home souvenir program.
An art award given by the family of the late Robert A. Mancini '37 and presented at the graduation exercises was won by Rose Balian. Honorable Mentions went to Eleanor MeMann and Anna Coniaris, members of the class of 1946.
Stacy School.
Pupils of the seventh and eighth grades under the supervision of Miss Rita Daigle provided an exhibit of drawing, sewing, carving, model making and other crafts during the Children's Day program sponsored by the Quinshipaug Woman's Club.
I wish to thank the teachers for their help during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
DORCAS WHIPPLE,
Supervisor.
151
ART IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES
The Supervisor for the Elementary Grades makes the following report :
The future designers, builders, and planners are in our schools today. Our art lessons are the first steps in the teachings, ways and means to enrich our homes, fur- nishings, and even the buildings in our community.
In the first grades we introduce the simplest of art principles of balance, unity, and color harmony. Each room has an exhibition of the children's art achievements, including examples of free brush paintings, posters, de- signs, and illustrations. In spite of large classes, we try to help each child as much as possible.
The boys and girls designed and painted place mats and book-marks as their contribution to the Red Cross.
I wish to thank the teachers for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET CONDON,
Supervisor.
CONTINUATION AND HOME ECONOMICS REPORT
The program of the Continuation school for girls is planned to meet the needs of the girl in her home.
Practical methods of cooking, sewing, home hygiene and care of the sick are carried out in class-room assign- ments.
In the Stacy School, with shorter periods for Home Economics, the girls take sewing, hygiene and care of the sick their first year and cooking their second year. Although the time for this work is very short, the girls show great enthusiasm for this type of education.
BEATRICE J. FLEMING,
Instructor.
152
MILFORD TRADE SCHOOL
The Milford Trade School enjoyed the most success- ful year since its establishment in 1943. This year's en- rollment was the largest and due to the fact that we are now getting back to normal, more interest was shown by the boys.
The "highlight" of the year in the eyes of the boys and myself was the "Open Night" which was held last April at the Trade School. On this night a display of the work done by the boys attracted a large gathering and proved a huge success. A window display of this work was shown at the Worcester Suburban Electric Light Co. store, through the permission and cooperation of Mr. Louis A. Fiorani, President of this concern.
I extend an invitation to the people of the communi- ty to visit the School at any time to see what the boys do accomplish.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our late Super- intendent, Mr. Berry, the School Committee, Mr. Fiorani, and all others who helped to make this our greatest year.
JOHN BESOZZI,
Shop Instructor.
153
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Investigations made by your Supervisor of Attend- ance show over eighty-five cases of Truancies for the year 1946. I would like to feel that the majority of these cases have been corrected, but those remaining have a tendency of becoming problem children.
We shall have to take the problem child for what and where he is and lead him to something better for his own good and for Society's. How can we do it? There is not any one answer. There are many answers. The sooner we realize it the sooner we shall be on our way of licking the problem of juvenile delinquency. We must stop thinking that any one of us, individual or agency is big enough to solve the problem alone. The juvenile delinquent is society's problem. We are all responsible for the juvenile delinquent and we all must share in his rehabilitation.
We must pool all our resources in an organized effort to eliminate the cause of juvenile delinquency and then create the kind of environment in which children can grow into healthy, decent, and satisfying maturity. This means better homes, better schools, and better school services, better parental education, better coordi- nation of all social agencies into a concerted well or- ganized program that will move as a unit to tackle juve- nile delinquency on every front.
Child Labor Laws and State regulations were strictly followed in issuing 626 working certificates of all types.
I wish to extend my thanks to the Honorable School Committee, to the teachers and all others who assisted me in any way during the year 1946.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR E. VESPERI,
Supervisor of Attendance.
154
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
January 1, 1947.
To the School Committee of Milford :
The annual tour of inspection of the schools has been completed and the following tables will give an idea of the condition of the pupils.
Primary and Pre-primary Dept. Number of Pupils, 708
Number having no notable defects 338-48%
Number having slight defects 231
Number having serious defects 139
Number having mouth and teeth defects 218
Number having nose and throat defects 155
Number having miscellaneous defects 152
Grammar Department Number of Pupils, 554
Number having no notable defects 183-33%
Number having slight defects 191
Number having serious defects 180
Number having mouth and teeth defects 163
Number having nose and throat defects 85
Number having miscellaneous defects 230
High School Department Number of Pupils, 528
Number having no notable defects 227-42%
Number having slight defects 143
Number having serious defects
168
Number having mouth and teeth defects 148
Number having nose and throat defects
80
Number having miscellaneous defects 251
Whole School
Number of Pupils, 1800
Number having no notable defects 748-41%
155
Number having slight defects 565
Number having serious defects 487
Number having mouth and teeth defects 529
Number having nose and throat defects 320
Number having miscellaneous defects 633
Inspection of the pupils in our schools is not a thor- ough and complete examination such as would be given for life insurance or induction into the armed forces and probably some important defects occasionally go unob- served; but on the other hand, we have recorded many minor defects which would not interfere with obtaining insurance or admission to the Army or the Navy. These latter are noted so as to inform the parents and suggest further investigation and treatment of remediable faults.
Many pupils are underweight, anemic, or obviously undernourished. Many more show abominable posture, speech defects or decayed teeth and malocclusion which can be corrected. Abnormal tonsils and adenoids are re- corded under Nose and Throat defects and they are usual- ly treated as the family physician may advise.
The percentage of pupils showing no notable defect is 48% for the whole school population but it is not to be taken as too discouraging. There are very few, if any, human beings who can be called physically perfect.
JOHN V. GALLAGHER, M.D. JOSEPH E. LENARES, M.D.
School Physicians.
156
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
In 1946 the routine work of the health department was carried on, with a few valuable deviations. We were fortunate in having the assistance of the State in offer- ing a chest X-Ray clinic to all Sophomores and Seniors in the High School. Through the cooperation of all con- cerned, the response was 100%. This clinic was offered in an effort to discover any cases of tuberculosis. For- tunately, all reports were of a non-tuberculor nature.
We are grateful to the American Red Cross for the assistance given us in organizing three daily classes in Home Nursing. This course was included in the regular curriculum and two points given. Because of the number and frequency of the classes extra equipment and a capa- ble instructor was provided free of charge to the school.
Due to the rise in the number of Diphtheria cases throughout the state, we cooperated with the Board of Health in offering five Toxoid Clinics for the prevention of Diphtheria. Children twelve years and under who had never been immunized were given three doses of Toxoid. Those who had previously had Toxoid were given a "Booster" dose. The response throughout the grades was most gratifying. In regard to other contagious dis- eases, we did not have an epidemic among the school children throughout the year.
We are extremely grateful to the School Committee, our Superintendent, to the principals, teachers, parents and many agencies and organizations who have co-oper- ated and assisted us so greatly this past year. Without them we would be unable to offer a valuable and neces- sary program to which we feel the school children of Milford are entitled.
HELEN BREAULT, R.N.
School Nurse.
157
RESOLUTIONS
In Memoriam
WHEREAS, God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit to remove from our midst our beloved co-worker, Mary E. Kelley; and,
WHEREAS, by her death the Milford schools have lost the services of a teacher esteemed by pupils and fellow members of the faculty; and,
WHEREAS, we deem it fitting to pay tribute to the memory of a kind and generous friend, whose passing will be a community loss ;
THEREFORE Be It Resolved, that the Milford Teachers' Association has lost a faithful member, the School Department a conscientious teacher of high ideals and the pupils an instructor of high character, who was an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact; and,
BE IT Further Resolved, that we extend to her family out sincerest sympathy, with the hope that their grief may be alleviated by the knowledge that she is enjoying that eternal joy which is the reward for a life of Christian virtue.
BE IT Further Resolved, that these resolutions be in- scribed upon our records, and that a copy be pre- sented to her family.
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.