USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1929 > Part 5
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Article 53. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for new sidewalks as follows: (a) Sidewalk, with suitable curbing, along both sides of the stone bridge across the Ware River, in the Village, of Thorndike, near No. 1 Mill of the Thorndike Company ; (b) Cinder walk on Hill Street in Thorndike, from Church Street to Harding Street, and thence on Harding Street to Hobbs Street and thence along Hobbs Street to the northerly terminus of said Hobbs Street; (c) Sidewalk and curbing on the south- erly side of Converse Street in the Depot Village from
121
Thorndike Street to the Memorial Plot and from the Memo- rial Plot to Walnut Street; (d) Cement sidewalk on the northerly side of North Main Street in the Depot Village from the westerly property line of one Davitt to Shearer's Corner; (e) Tar sidewalk alongside the present curbing on the westerly side of High Street in the Village of Bonds- ville from State Street to a point beyond the Polish Hall; (f) Sidewalk and curbing in front of factory of Better Brushes, Inc. on South Main Street in the Depot Village.
Article 54. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the repair of sidewalks as follows: (a) Repair sidewalk in the Village of Thorndike from the corner of Commercial and High Streets to the Old Center Road; (b) Resurface present sidewalk on South Main Street in the Village of Bondsville from State Street to Crawford Street and install granite curbing along said walk; (c) Rebuild and repair the walk on the southerly side of South Main Street in the Depot Village from the Bond property on Depot Street to Vaille Street; (d) Re- pair or otherwise improve the sidewalk on the northerly and westerly side of the road leading from the Thorndike Road, so-called, near St. Thomas' Cemetery to a point opposite house of Anthony Fountain in Palmer Center.
Article 55. To see if the town will vote to purchase and equip a fire truck for the use of the Forest Fire Warden and raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 56. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money not to be paid from the revenues of the current financial year, to meet expenses incurred or appro- priations made under any of the articles of this warrant.
122
And you are hereby directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies thereof in some one public place in each of the four villages of the town known as the Depot Village, Thorndike, Three Rivers and Bondsville, seven days at least before the holding of said meeting, and by pub- lishing an attested copy thereof in at least two issues of the Journal-Register, a newspaper published in said Palmer, the first publication to be not less than seven days before the holding of said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at or before the holding of said meeting.
Given under our hands this eighteenth day of January, A. D. 1930
LUDWIK MARHELEWICZ CHARLES A. CALLAHAN WILLIAM B. KERIGAN
Selectmen of Palmer
A true copy, Attest : MICHAEL COLLINS, Constable of the Town of Palmer
TOWN OF PALMER
SCHOOL REPORT
For the Year Ending DECEMBER 31, 1929
125
School Committee, 1929 --- 1930
DR. GEORGE A. MOORE, Chairman CLIFTON H. HOBSON, Secretary
Robert E. Faulkner
Term expires 1932
Dennis J. Horgan
1932
John F. Shea
1931
Jeremiah J. Kelley*
66
66
1931
Dr. G. A. Moore
1930
Stanley Markot
66
66
1930
*Resigned Dec. 17, 1929.
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7:30 p. m. on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each school month.
All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on the Monday before the above date.
Superintendent of Schools, Clifton H. Hobson Office, High School Building. Telephone 54. Office Hours :- 8 a. m. to 12 m., 1 to 5 p. m. Saturdays, 9 a. m. to 12 m.
ATTENDANCE OFFICERS
Patrick McKelligott,
Depot Depot
T. J. Crimmins, Jeremiah Kelley, Thorndike William Smith, Three Rivers Arthur Bennett, Forest Lake Bondsville Depot
John P. Donahue, Daniel Dunn,
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JANITORS
Patrick McKelligott,
Palmer
William Matrow,
Palmer
Jeremiah Sullivan,
Palmer
Herbert Blanchard,
Palmer
Jeremiah J. Kelley,
Thorndike
John P. Donahue,
Bondsville
William Smith,
Three Rivers
Daniel Dunn,
Wire Mill
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
January 29, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Horgan. February, 4, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner. February 19, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Markot, Mr. Shea.
March 26, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Shea, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Markot.
April 30, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Shea, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Markot.
May 28, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Markot. June 25, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Shea, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Markot.
September 24, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Shea. Mr. Faulkner.
October 22, 1929-
Mr. Shea, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Markot.
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November 5, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Horgan, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Shea, Mr. Markot, Mr. Kelley.
December 17, 1929-
Dr. Moore, Mr. Markot, Mr. Shea, Mr. Faulkner.
CALENDAR HIGH SCHOOL
Winter Term:
Begins December 31, 1929; ends February 21, 1930 Spring Term :
Begins March 3, 1930; ends April 25, 1930
Summer Term:
Begins May 5, 1930; ends June 27, 1930
Fall Term:
Begins September 2, 1930 ; ends December 19, 1930 Winter Term:
Begins December 29, 1930; ends February 20, 1931 Spring Term:
Begins March 2, 1931; ends April 24, 1931
Summer Term:
Begins May 4, 1931; ends June 26, 1931
OTHER SCHOOLS
Winter Term:
Begins December 30, 1929 ; ends February 21, 1930 Spring Term :
Begins March 3, 1930; ends April 25, 1930
Summer Term :
Begins May 5, 1930; ends June 13, 1930
Fall Term:
Begins September 2, 1930 ; ends December 19, 1930 Winter Term:
Begins December 29, 1930 ; ends February 20, 1931 Spring Term:
Begins March 2, 1931; ends April 24, 1931
Summer Term :
Begins May 4, 1931; ends June 12, 1931
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VACATIONS-ALL SCHOOLS
Winter-
February 22, 1930, to March 2, 1930, inclusive Spring-
April 26, 1930 to May 4, 1930, inclusive Summer-
(Grades) :
June 14, 1930, to September 2, 1930, inclusive (High) :
June 28, 1930, to September 2, 1930, inclusive Fall-
December 20, 1930, to December 28, 1930, inclusive Winter-
February 21, 1931, to March 1, 1931, inclusive Spring-
April 25, 1931, to May 3, 1931, inclusive Summer-
(Grades) :
June 13, 1931, to August 31, 1931, inclusive (High) :
June 27, 1931, to August 31, 1931, inclusive
HOLIDAYS
Washington's Birthday, Patriot's Day, Memorial Day,. Labor Day, Columbus Day, Convention Day, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving (with day following).
129
Report of School Committee
To the Taxpayers of Palmer, Massachusetts :
The School Committee submits herewith a partial report which includes the report to it of the Superin- tendent of Schools.
Your school system today is function-
General. ing more efficiently than at any time in recent years.
The problem of the schools is how best to furnish to students that which they need from a school, educa- tionally and otherwise - educationally (in the limited sense of the word) because the prime function of the school is that; otherwise, because there now is included in the student body a greater number than ever before of those who, being obliged for one reason or or another to remain at school, must, however, get such benefits as they may secure, almost in toto, extra educationally (this too in the restricted sence).
This, as it implies, means that there is a great diver- sity in the abilities of students ranging from splendid to almost nil.
By a process of partial segregation
Grade Schools. and of "passing them along", some sort of satisfactory answer is found in the grade schools to the troublesome question pro- pounded by the heterogeneity of the school population.
130
When pupils arrive at the high school, High School. any failure to satisfy the real rational requirements of the situation is in this, the last division of your system, not only apparent, but troublesome and sometimes disastrous.
This is the place of departure for higher educational institutions ; and while up to this point we are able to carry on and look with sympathy upon the shortcomings of one arriving here from some lower grade in your own system, a different view is likely to be taken of any lack of preparation by those in charge of matters in the higher institutions-the arriving pupils simply must be fit or ex- pect little quarter. Even when advised not to attempt ad- vanced work, it often happens that a student has ambi- tion out of relation to his ability and that he will make an unwise attempt.
However that may be, it is the business of those running the high school to take these variously equipped children and give to each to the greatest possible extent, generous assistance.
In the high school, we have been handicapped in handling the diverse needs of pupils because adequate preparation and teaching of those students who are able to accept but sparingly of standard educational pabulum could not be afforded by the existing courses in your high school.
As probably 40 per cent. of pupils belong in this class, the importance of this reason can easily be appre- ciated.
The truth of the above statement was only slowly brought home to us by the number of failures encoun- tered.
Until recently our efforts to determine the abilities of pupils which, due in part to the "pass them along
1
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system," had been difficult had not fruited to the end that we could know, in the beginning of each freshman's course, what might reasonably be expected of him.
Considering the last factor first, as it chronologically is so, it is seen that all pupils able to enter high school necessarily were considered capable of assuming a place in a standard course; and indeed we had no other except the commercial training course.
Of course, this did not always work out satisfactorily as many were utterly unable to do the work.
Through means of analysis placed in operation years ago and kept in operation ever since, we finally arrived at knowledge of just about what each student entering his freshman work might be expected to do; but, hav- ing made our diagnosis and being able to advise pupils as to what they should do, we only were able to fill the wants of those who could do standard work. In other words, about 40 per cent. of our entrants were without an appropriate place in school work.
So many young people requiring beneficial assistance of the sort best secured outside of a standard course made it clear some time ago that special provision must be made for them. Much study was given that matter and we are glad to say that this past year we were able to make important changes in the curriculum and have added :-
a.) An improvement to the commercial course (elective).
b). A whole new course calculated to benefit the intellectually less robust students.
If objection be made that such a course is not pro- perly a part of high school work, one need but remember that the students it serves are not properly a part of the high school body, but are there because of law and other
132
reasons and the situation requires that they have sensi- ble and, so far as possible, efficient, helpful treatment.
It takes but a few words to tell of this work, but it took years of planning and work to get it done. Any- thing new is likely to meet objection; this did. But it is done and the committee feels some pride in this and other accomplishments which together have placed your sys- tem in a most enviable position.
In the modified course, there is much encouragement. I quote from Mr. E. J. Lawton, principal of the Palmer High School, who says :-
"The English Curriculum introduced for the first time in September, 1929, is working out very satisfactorily. About 40% of the students en- rolled in this curriculum. Although the student body has increased considerable over last year, the number of failures has decreased materially. Two factors might be mentioned as contributory. Many of the students whose attendance is re- quired by state laws relative to age and employ- ment are not fitted to study the foreign languages or more technical courses în mathematics or science. Neither will they remain in school long enough to get a complete commercial training. These students have, for the most part, chosen the English Curriculum and have elected subjects of practical value from their own standpoint and are therefore meeting with greater success.
"The second factor in the reduction of fail- ure is a system of segregation which allows pupils to compete with others of about the same ability. Other factors which are generally recognized are conference periods with teachers, various scholas- tic competition and a general improved attitude on the part of students toward satisfactory scholarship."
133
No report would be at all complete at Health. this time without mention of important health work which has been done in your schools during years past. To mention one speci- fically, that of diphtheria immunization, there have been immunized to date 1,280 pupils, of which number 144 were taken care of this year. This is out of a total of 1,734, all of which work was done on grade pupils. It is unnecessary to comment upon the importance of hav- ing 74% of our pupils free from danger of contracting this fatal disease. During the 3 years of this work, no case of diphtheria has developed in an immunized person.
Speaking a word of an entirely dif- Music.and Scouts ferent thing, that of the enriching course of music, it may be said that the work in general is being carried on under Miss Cantwell, aided by the teachers, in a splendid manner.
The work of the high school orchestra is of a quality to deserve the great approval uniformly given it. Recently inquiring about the work of the orchestra, the inquirer was told by the director that the students composing the orchestra were doing well; that they were uniformly on time at rehearsals; and the director added that each boy and girl is a scout. I mention this as I think that any or- ganization which can teach punctuality is exercising an important effect upon our educational system and is de- serving of praise.
In the grade of work done in the standard courses, Palmer compares favorably with any school in Massa- chusetts in a town of similar size.
The economic side is equally favorable. The com- parative costs published by the State of Massachusetts show that the schools of the town of Palmer are very economically administered.
134
Personnel.
During the year, the board has lost the service of Mr. J. J. Kelley of Thorn- dike by resignation.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. GEORGE A. MOORE For the Committee
Members of the School Committee,
DR. GEORGE A. MOORE
MR. JOHN F. SHEA
MR. ROBERT E. FAULKNER
MR. DENIS J. HORGAN
MR. STANLEY MARKOT
135
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
Gentlemen :- I herewith present my nineteenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools in Palmer. This is the thirty-seventh in the series of reports issued by the superintendents of the town.
INTRODUCTION
The problem that presents itself in a report of this nature is how can the much that should be said be crowded into such a small space. It cannot be. The report must per se be sketchy.
ATTENDANCE
The attendance statistics for the school year of 1928- 1929 are not as cheering as usual; especially, is this true in percentage of attendance, which is the lowest of any year since 1919-1920.
This percentage-95.43-is low because last winter was attended by much illness-measles and influenza. Another indication of this is shown in the fact that only two hundred sixty-nine (269) pupils were perfect in at- tendance, whereas, under normal conditions, about four hundred (400) would have been perfect.
Palmer's ranking, on a State-wide basis, has been high since the State Department of Education has issued
136
such ranks. In the first ranking, she ranked thirteenth (13th) ; in the second, twelfth (12th) ; in the third, six- teenth (16th) ; in the fourth, 1927-1928, fifth (5th). There are three hundred fifty-five (355) towns and cities in the State.
Summarized, the statistics are as follows :
1928-1929
Enrollment
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
% of
Attendance
Tardinesses
High,
320
289.254
280.179
96.84
234
Thorndike Street,
289
259.468
248.176
95.64
14
Park Street,
376
339.055
319.546
94.25
40
Three Rivers,
272
237.809
230.438
96.90
28
Wenimisset,
160
143.890
137.198
95.35
32
Thorndike,
278
250.099
236.421
94.54
26
Bondsville,
351
324.495
310.708
95.75
20
Quabaug,
215
189.069
177.489
93.88
24
Palmer Center,
35
32.786
30.463
92.91
7
Forest Lake,
34
27.011
24.708
91.47
3
Total
2,330 2,090.936 1,995.226
95.43
428
HEALTH WORK
One of the outstanding pieces of work done in your schools is that of health. This is done without any blare of trumpet or burst of bugle. It is quietly, persistently done.
Briefly, this year's work is stated as a sample of what is done annually. This year has been an ordinary year; not an extra-ordinary one, as was last year when the State Clinic for the Detection of Hilum Tuberculosis
137
was held or three years ago when Toxin Anti-Toxin was administered for Diphtheria Prevention.
Toxin Anti-Toxin was given one hun- Diphtheria. dred forty-four (144) children. This is done each fall in every case where the signed consent slip is received from the parent. This is given annually for the benefit of first-graders and others who have not previously availed themselves of the oppor- tunity. In our grades, there are approximately seventeen hundred thirty-four (1,734) pupils. Twelve. hundred eighty (1,280) of them are immune; four hundred fifty- four (454) are not. About seventy-four (74) per cent. are. This means that the possible number of cases of diphtheria has been vastly reduced. If every child would become immunized, there would be no diphtheria locally. As it is, it is practically a negligible quantity.
In September, 1928, the State Clinic
Tuberculosis. examined fifteen hundred eighty-three (1,583) children. Every school month since then, the school nurse has weighed those who were ten percent. or more underweight, suspicious, or hilum cases. The report in March, 1929, was as follows :-
FOLLOW-UP TUBERCULOSIS CLINIC THORNDIKE STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight 56
Number Gained from 5 to 14 Pounds 50
Number Gained from 21/2 to 31/2 Pounds 6
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases
1
Number Gained 61/2 Pounds
1
Suspects
Number of Suspects
5
138
Number Gained 21/2 to 31/2 Pounds 2
Number Gained 6 Pounds 2
Number Gained 7 Pounds
1
PARK STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight
32
Number Gained from 5 to 9 Pounds 26
Number Gained 3 Pounds
3
Number Gained 31/2 Pounds
3.
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases 1
Number Gained 4 Pounds
1
Suspects
Number of Suspects
1
Number Gained 4 Pounds
1
THREE RIVERS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight
21
Number Gained from 4 to 10 Pounds 21
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases 3
Number Gained from 43/4 to 131/2 Pounds
3
Suspects
Number of Suspects 3
Number Gained from 31/2 to 6 Pounds
3
WENIMISSET SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight 23
Number Gained from 4 to 8 Pounds 23
139
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases 2
Number Gained from 51/2 and 12 Pounds
2
Suspects
Number of Suspects 1
Number Gained 10 Pounds
1
THORNDIKE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight 33
Number Gained from 5 to 14 Pounds
26
Number Gained from 2 to 4 Pounds 7
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases 5
Number Gained from 51/2 to 14 Pounds
4
Number Gained 31/2 Pounds 1
Suspects
Number of Suspects 2
Number Gained from 51/2 to 10 Pounds
2
QUABAUG SCHOOL
Underweight
Number 10% or More Underweight
24
Number Gained from 5 to 10 Pounds 24
Hilum
Number of Hilum Cases
1
Number Gained 5 Pounds
1
Suspects
Number of Suspects 5
Number Gained from 41/2 to 7 Pounds 5
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This fall, the State Clinic checked up on these chil- dren. The report of their findings has not been sent to the School Department as yet.
At the beginning of each fall term, a Yearly Physical Examinations. physical examination, required by State law, is given and carefully tab- ulated upon Health Record Cards pre- scribed by the State. The examination is conducted by the School Physician, assisted by the School Nurse. It covers the following: Mucous Membrane, Color; Nutri- tion; Posture; Scalp; Skin; Teeth; Eyes (Diseases) ; Ears (Diseases) ; Throat (Tonsils and Other) ; Nose (Adenoids and Other) ; Glands; Heart; Lungs; Feet and Spine; Nervous System. There is also a Personal His- tory, which covers :- Vaccination ; Chicken Pox ; Measles ; Mumps; Whooping Cough; Scarlet Fever; Convulsions ; Poliomyelitis; Tuberculosis; Rheumatism; Diphtheria ; Toxin Anti-Toxin (Third Treatment) ; Negative Schick. Also Weight and Height are recorded. A complete phy- sical history of each child is thus secured and kept on file-a very valuable thing. Notices are sent home in case defects are found, followed up by personal home visits by the school nurse.
Much health information is given the children in school, which, together with that carried by the nurse, enters the home and has a direct influence on health standards therein. This is one of the socializing in- fluences of the schools. Who can measure its value ?
Eyes and Ears
State Law requires a yearly test for sight and hearing. Here are the results :
141
Enrollment Defective Defective Parents Eyes Hearing Notified
Thorndike Street
258
4
4
Park Street
339
13
1
14
Quabaug
186
5
1
6
Three Rivers
229
15
4
19
Wenimisset
136
6
6
Thorndike
248
4
4
Bondsville
307
7
2
9
Palmer Center
32
1
1
Forest Lake
29
2
2
1,764
56
9
65
As the result of the yearly Tonsils and Adenoids examinations, many cases of tonsils and adenoids which should be removed are discovered. Many parents take care of this upon notification. There are always some who cannot do so for financial reasons; there are a few who could but will not. This presents a problem- espe- cially where there is financial inability.
The local Red Cross this year financed during the summer nineteen (19) tonsil and adenoid operations. They have aided us many times before. It is a worthy use of their money.
Personally, I feel that the Town of Palmer will never be fully and completely doing her duty until she estab- lishes a yearly fund to take care of such work.
Success attended Child Health Day. Ex- May Day cellent co-operation from parents, tea- chers, pupils, and dentists made this possible. Greater strictness was exercised in awarding tags. Weight gain was a pound. Every teeth tag repre- sented that work had been properly done or there was no need of such work. Posture meant more.
Enrollment
Weight
Teeth
Posture
Total
1928 1929 1928 1929 1928
1929 1928 1929 1928 1929
1928
1929
Thorndike St.
234
258
200
204
137
141
208
164
545
509
76%
'66%
Park Street
347
339
335
284
256
237
344
315
935
836
90%
82%
Three Rivers
207
231
171
197
72
91
196
189
427
477
69%
69%
Wenimisset
152
139
133
112
87
43
128
109
348
264
76%
63%
Thorndike
248
249
221
212
78
110
210
211
509
533
68%
72%
Bondsville
352
310
271
254
65
73
344
285
680
612
67%
66%
Quabaug
191
190
139
166
77
82
169
177
385
425
67%
75%
1731 1716 1470 1429
772
777 1599 1450 3829 3656
74%
70%
1928
1929
Weight Tags Earned
85%
83%
Teeth Tags Earned
45%
45%
Posture Tags Earned
91%
84%
Per Cent.
tween last year and this year is given:
A comparison of statistics, in the larger schools, be-
142
143
More than eight hundred (800) people visited our schools; many more watched the out-of-door exercises. There are three great advantages in Health Day Obser- vance :- First, the concentration of the thought of the pupils upon health ; second, the centering of the families' idea upon health; and third, the contact established with parents and citizens.
PROMOTIONS
The promotion statistics for the last two years are here compared :
No. of Pupils
Promoted Uncondi- tionally
Promoted Condi-
Not
tionally Promoted 1928 1929 1928 1929 1928 1929 1928 1929
Grade 9
107
120
105
113
2
6
0
1
8
119
154
97
121
20
25
2
8
7
191
177
135
137
43
28
13
12
6
187
169
140
122
39
43
8
4
5
170
196
134
139
28
45
8
12
4
220
212
161
158
40
40
19
14
3
233
212
198
177
17
15
18
20
2
250
249
206
201
20
16
24
32
1
270
232
227
194
10
10
33
28
Total,
1747 1721 1403 1362
219
228
125
131
For the school year ending in June, 1928, the per- centages were as follows :- Promoted Unconditionally, 80.31%; Promoted Conditionally, 12.54% ; Not Pro- moted, 7.16%.
For the school year ending in June, 1929, the per- centages were :- Promoted Unconditionally, 79.14% ; Pro- moted Conditionally, 13.25% ; Not Promoted, 7.62%.
144
The ideal standard set up by educators throughout the country is to achieve a condition whereby not more than seven per cent. (7%) of Non-Promotions will exist. With our somewhat rigid requirements and early en- trance age to first grade, we are doing well in our near- approach to the ideal.
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