USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Westborough > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Westboro for the year ending 1940 Dec. > Part 3
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Nutrition is one of the most important factors in a health program and the federal government has sought to encour- age interest in it by furnishing some of its surplus com- modities for school lunches. For some time we have tried to make arrangements for serving fruits in various forms at noon to the children at the Eli Whitney and Harvey Schools who bring their lunches. Final plans for this service have been completed and it will be started with the opening of the new term. Its extension will depend
44
on the success of this first venture and the assistance we are able to secure to carry it on.
The plan for conducting our dental clinic has not proved satisfactory chiefly because the local dentists have been unable to give the time required for this service. With their approval plans were made with the cooperation of the Worcester County Extension Service to have this work done by a dentist in their employ. In the spring he came for the first time and conducted the clinic for a week, being on duty during the entire school sessions. In this way much more work was accomplished than ever before and the program has proved so satisfactory that the Child Health Committee voted to continue it. Dr. Merrill came again in the fall and the results obtained were even more gratifying. While this arrangement has greatly improved the conduct of our dental program, as has been stated be- fore, this work should be carried on by employing a school dentist under the direction of the Board of Health.
The service rendered by the school nurse is one of the most important parts of our health program. Her con- tacts with both school and home make possible the solution of many individual health problems affecting not only school attendance but also the well-being of the children. As in the past Mrs. Schuhmann has carried on her many activities with conscientious efficiency. The following sum- mary indicates the importance of her work :
Home calls (personal visits) 206
Number of pupils inspected 1208
Number immunized against diphtheria 76
Pre-school children 57
School pupils 19
Hospital calls .. 8
Number taken to hospital for tonsil operations 14
Assistance at Well Child Clinics 10
Dental Clinics 23 1/2 days
Number pupils having work done. 222
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Number dental certificates awarded 162 Contagious diseases. 78
(measles, 1; mumps, 1; scarlet fever, 3; chicken pox, 73)
RECREATION PROGRAM
Through the generosity of Mrs. Florence Ayer the recre- ation program started last year has been continued with Mr. Willard G. Patton again serving as director. The suc- cess of this venture is largely due to his skill and good judgment not only in setting up and conducting an excel- lent program but also in dealing with the many personali- ties involved. He has won the respect and confidence of all groups participating in the program and he is deserv- ing of special commendation for the fine service he is ren- dering our community.
His detailed statement regarding the activities of this new program is included in this report and merits the careful consideration of everyone. The surprisingly large number of participants is evidence that there is a real need for this program. These young people have had en- joyment, physical activity and recreation under whole- some conditions and they have been greatly benefitted thereby.
The question of making this program a permanent re- sponsibility of the community should receive the careful consideration of the citizens. It is too much to expect it to be supported indefinitely with private funds. Many who have been in closest touch with the movement feel that it should receive the financial support of the town because it has proved such an effective center for the recreational ac- tivities of so many of our young people. This can be done most economically by continuing the present plan by which it is one of the functions of the School Department and by increasing the annual school appropriation sufficiently to furnish the necessary funds.
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MUSIC AND DRAWING
The interest of our boys and girls in these two subjects and the enjoyment which they receive from them is largely due to the successful manner in which the work is con- ducted by the two supervisors, Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Ling.
The following statements are taken from their reports :
The music course is so planned that each year every child is given the working tools necessary for him to make pro- gressive gains in the ability to sing and listen intelligently. The number of children who show no ability to sing even after years of careful teaching is very small.
The elementary grade children have had some experience singing before larger groups through the programs given at Christmas in the high school auditorium and in the town hall just before Memorial Day.
The Girls' Chorus at the high school has had a large and enthusiastic membership. It has provided music for many of the assemblies, gave a special program for the Woman's Club and united with the senior class in preparing music at graduation.
With the resignation of Miss Conlin the high school or- chestra was left without a leader and up to the present time no one has been found to take her place. The number of pupils interested in instrumental music is very small but it is hoped that this valuable part of our musical program can be continued in the near future.
In drawing the pupils are allowed and encouraged to branch out in their interpretation of the assignments given by the teacher, thus developing much individuality in the work. There has been considerable correlation of the drawing with the regular class work. Only a very few high school pupils can arrange their schedules to fit the limited number of drawing periods available, hence those with both interest and ability in this subject can obtain
47
very little training. This is a situation which should be remedied as soon as possible. Three of our recent gradu- ates are studying in art schools of various kinds indicating that this subject has a definite vocational value.
Several fine exhibits have been arranged this year in addition to those of the drawings of our own children. Es- pecially interesting were those from the Providence Cen- tral High School, the Arlington High School and the work done by Charles Walkup, Jr., at the Massachusetts School of Art.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Special recognition of American Education Week was again made by arranging exhibits of school work, by in- viting visitors and by holding an evening session for con- ferences of parents and teachers. Many parents came to the schools during the week and the contacts thus estab- lished proved mutually helpful. As the same week was also National Book Week the importance of books was emphasized by placing exhibits of textbooks in three store windows and by the presentation of tableaus showing famous book characters as part of a program given by the high school pupils in the auditorium the night of the eve- ning session. These activities gave parents and citizens an opportunity to better understand the school life of our children.
The fine professional spirit of our teachers has been shown not only by their careful attention to their regular teaching responsibilities but also by their plans for pro- fessonal improvement. All are members of the Massachu- setts Teachers' Federation and a larger number than ever before have joined the National Education Association.
48
Every teacher in the Eli Whitney School has joined this or- ganization thus making it the only 100% membership school in town.
The encouragement and financial support given to vari- ous school activities by organizations and individuals of our community have been most helpful. Special mention should be made of the assistance given by Mr. and Mrs. Forbes, Dr. and Mrs. Ayer, the Woman's Club, the Ameri- can Legion, the Kiwanis Club, the Salvation Army and the Child Health Committee. Their cooperation in making possible services not supported directly by the town are very much appreciated.
CONCLUSION
As you well know, for some time I have been urging that another man be added to our high school faculty in order that our program may be broadened. Last year the salary item in our budget was increased sufficiently to make this possible but the full appropriation which we requested was not granted, hence this step could not be taken. Under present conditions the need is even greater than before because of the demand for more practical training of our high school pupils to meet the present emergency. Only by adding this teacher can we extend the work already be- ing done in the vocational courses which have more direct value to the great majority of our pupils. Again, I earn- estly recommend that another male teacher be added to our high school staff.
The plan for raising the age for entrance to Grade 1 is proving very satisfactory and I recommend that this be
49
extended one more month. This will make the final age requirement 5 years on the January 1st preceding the open- ing of school, or 5 years 8 months September 1st.
The progress made during the past year is due to your thoughtful decisions regarding the many important ques- tions which have arisen and to the fine cooperative spirit shown by all members of the department. For these con- ditions I am personally most appreciative.
Respectfully submitted,
J. HARDING ARMSTRONG.
January 10, 1941.
50
Report of School Physician
The 1940 school medical examinations showed the fol- lowing results :
Tonsils and adenoids 110
Defective hearts 36
Defective teeth 215
Arches 34
Number examined
785
Some of these heart cases were of the functional type and could be completely repaired if given proper medical attention. Notice cards advising this were sent to the pa- rents of all these cases.
There are still too many children with defective teeth and enlarged tonsils, both of which are capable of causing organic disease in other organs and we strongly advise parents to have these corrected.
DR. WALTER F. MAHONEY,
School Physician.
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Report Department Physical Education
Physical Education, due to the conscription and the re- sultant emphasis on health and well being, will be elevat- ed to a more prominent position in our educational system within the next few years. The attention focused on physical fitness for all branches of the United States ser- vice is bound to be reflected in our school health and physical education setup. I look for increased interest, especially by the young men in our public schools and colleges, in all forms of physical education.
The past year has been productive of some very fine athletic programs for both boys and girls in our Westboro schools. With the construction of the asphalt tennis courts on Forbes Field interest and attendance in this activity for the young ladies has doubled. Miss Stead reports that she has found it difficult to schedule the use of the courts due to the increased demand. Many girls now have their own racquets, though this equipment is supplied to all who do not have them. The athletic association provides ten- nis balls for instruction and play.
Interest in girls basketball has been on the upgrade for some time. Last season Miss Stead had representative teams from all four senior high classes play contests with like teams from Ashland, Framingham and Auburn, while varsity and junior varsity quintets competed with Upton, Shrewsbury and Auburn. Victories over Upton and
52
Shrewsbury were very pleasant occasions for the maroon clad lassies.
The boys' basketball teams, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, enjoyed very successful seasons. Coach Clyde Riley's Jay Vees won 17 and lost but 2 games, while the varsity won 17 and last 5. This team entered the Clark Tournament, but was eliminated in the semi-finals by Northbridge High, the finalist.
In other sports football and golf, enthusiasm was high. Football gave us a 7 win, 1 tie and 2 defeat record, while our golf team finished in a tie for 2nd place in the Bay State League with Dedham High. Our baseball season was not as successful as the other sports.
I wish to acknowledge the splendid work of Mr. Alton Bennett, who assisted me in football, and Mr. Clyde Riley and Mr. Albert Doran in basketball. I feel that the school committee made a very wise move in securing the services of additional men teachers capable of handling physical extra-curricular activities with our boys.
My appreciation and thanks to Dr. Mahoney for his care of our football injuries, also to Mr. Robert Johnson, Mr. LeBeau and Mr. Forbush for making the field playable on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks also to Mr. Walter Meigs for his gift of second hand bowling pins, which are used in our recreational program.
In 1927, with the help of boys from our manual train- ing department. I took over and cleaned a basement room in the Eli Whitney school for a small gymnasium. A few pieces of apparatus were constructed and installed. Since that time we have added many features. such as small climbing ropes, horizontal ladders, balance beam, vaulting box, boom, mats, recreation room with games such as teni- quoit, golf putting, paddle badminton, shuffle-board, shuffle-pin, bowling alley, quoits and box hockey. We now have added another interesting piece of equipment,
53
a climbing peg board. This vertical board, ten inches wide reaches to the ceiling and has two rows of holes eight inches apart. The object of the piece is to have a child climb the board by using two nine inch wooden pegs inserting them one at a time in the alternating holes. At the top of the board is a bell which is to be tapped by the climber when successful in getting to the top.
During vacation the wooden lockers in the Eli Whitney gymn were given a coat of aluminum paint and all floor lines touched up. We are planning on installing six new ropes to replace the old ones that have become worn out. Our gymnasium-play room setup is almost complete and has attracted quite a bit of attention. Numerous visits from physical education teachers have been paid. Mr. Ralph Colson, assistant state supervisor of physical edu- cation, spent one whole day looking over our work and was so pleased with the novelty of the Eli Whitney gymnasium that he asked me to write up this work in detail for his state publication.
This department has been helped by the construction, through the efforts of Mr. Paul Moran, of a new softball backstop on our high school play area. Also the installa- tion of a new type electric light bulb in the gymnasium has been very beneficial.
I feel that greater efficiency would be obtained in our department if the following suggestions were carried out.
1. Install one set of the new fan type basketball back- stops. These are official and all steel.
2. Take down part of the grill in front of the gym- nasium bleacher seats.
3. Repair our gymnasium mats.
4. Resurface with asphalt the Eli Whitney yard.
5. Continue the policy of increasing or at least of hold- ing the present staff of men teachers who are capable of teaching physical extra-curricular activities.
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6. Repaint the Eli Whitney gym and play room.
7. Replace the guards over the High School gym "exit" lights.
8. Add two more sections to the bookcase in my office. HAROLD L. FISHER.
Director of Physical Education.
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Report of Recreational Director
Through the fund provided by Mrs. Florence Ayer, the Recreation Division of the School Department has not only served youth from 18 to 25 but has opened its doors on Saturdays to high school pupils during the winter and has provided facilities and supervision for new out of door ac- tivities at Forbes Field and the high school grounds.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Since January 1, 1940, the following programs have served approximately the number of different individuals indicated from 18 to 25 years of age or over as actual participants :
Social Hygiene Class 24
Women's Bowling 75
Men's Bowling
130
Women's Swimming
40
Men's Swimming
30
Men's Basketball
100
Women's Basketball
15
Badminton 50
Miscellaneous games (indoor) 150
Woodworking 20
Town Meeting of the Air 20
Art 5
Dances 100
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The aggregate participation in indoor activities from Jan. 1, 1940, to Dec. 31, 1940, was 8,474, not including spectators.
Facilities used in the indoor program included the high school gymnasium, shop, special class room, and home economics room, pools at the Worcester Boys' Club and Y. W. C. A., Whitinsville Memorial Gymnasium, and the Lyman School pool and gymnasium, and Meigs Bowling Alleys.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Most of the outdoor activities took place either at Forbes Field or on the high school grounds. Being undermanned, this department could offer only spasmodic teaching of games and tennis. Usually one person was present at Forbes Field throughout the day to rent the tennis courts and equipment, loan equipment for games such as soft- ball, volley ball, horse shoe pitching, deck tennis, tether ball, and darts; giving instruction where possible, but principally providing general supervision to give all ages and groups an equal chance and prevent playing under hazardous conditions to either player or field. First aid was administered in several cases and the director co- operated in the conducting the six team soft ball league ..
The Director, Mr. Howard Foster, and Supt. of High- ways, Robert Johnson, made a thorough study of tennis court construction and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Forbes and the Trustees of the Community Playground provided the funds for a complete renovation of the tennis courts and putting on a hard surface. In the fall, both boys' and girls' classes for high school students were inaugurated.
Aggregate attendance and participation in activities sponsored or partially supervised by this department at Forbes Field and the high school grounds totalled 11,915.
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The approximate number of different out of school in- dividuals participating in activities is as follows:
Tennis
100
Soft-ball
125
Cook-outs
25
Other outdoor games
100
*In school individuals
Soft-ball
125
Other games
150
Tennis
100
The department has also cooperated with the hockey club.
Total indoor participation 8,474
Total outdoor participation, plus spectators 11,915
Aggregate for the calendar year 20,389
In addition to the above activities, a library of Recrea- tion Activities has been built by the Director, for which there is an increasing demand. Boy and Girl Scout troops, high school classes, school teachers, church organizations, and people planning parties have been served through the loan of this material.
*Some conferences in vocational and social adjustments have also been held.
Thus, without the outlay of funds for any new buildings, and their additional maintenance cost, the committee has provided leadership for a wholesome recreation program, at a comparatively low cost to the community. In addi- tion to the fund donated, clerical and some supervisory assistance has been made possible through the cooperation of the National Youth Administration. Most communities recognize their responsibility to provide such programs
58
and studies have shown that under qualified leadership they have proved definite assets. Among the benefits of such a program may be listed better health (both mental and physical), lowering of youth delinquency tendencies, better social and civic cooperation, and wholesome enjoy- ment.
WILLARD G. PATTON,
Recreation Director.
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School Statistics
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES FOR MONTH ENDING
DEC. 31, 1940 Senior High School
Boys
Girls
Totals
Seniors
23
2.8
51
Juniors
17
38
55
Sophomores
38
30
68
Freshmen
42
34
76
Post-Graduates
1
1
Totals-Senior High
120
131
251
Junior High School
Boys
Girls
Totals
Grade VIII
45
28
73
Grade VII
38
30
68
Totals-Junior High
83
58
141
Elementary Schools
Boys
Girls
Totals
Grade VI
42
37
79
Grade V
17
43
60
Grade IV
35
33
68
Grade III
25
38
63
Grade II.
35
23
58
Grade I.
37
33
70
Special Class
15
15
Totals-Elementary
206
207
413
Totals-All Schools
409
395
805
60
COMPARATIVE MEMBERSHIP TABLES-ALL SCHOOLS
December 31, 1922 750
December 31, 1927 841
December 31, 1932 852
December 31, 1933 851
December 31, 1934
861
December 31, 1935
867
December 31, 1936 841
December 31, 1937 852
December 31, 1938 836
December 31, 1939
814
December 31, 1940
805
Decrease from last year
9
CHANGES IN SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP-1923-1940
Senior High School-Increase 155 to 251-96 61.9%
Junior High School-Decrease 145 to 141-4 2.7%
Elementary Schools-Decrease 467 to 413-54 11.5%
SCHOOL EXPENSES FOR 1940
Salaries for Instruction 65.3%
Transportation 8.2%
Janitors 6.3%
Supt. of Schools, salary and other expenses
3.5%
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses
3.4%
Fuel
3.2%
Stationery and Supplies
2.6%
Repairs
1.8 %
Health
1.6%
New Equipment.
1.5%
Textbooks
1.2%
School Committee Expenses
.4%
Miscellaneous Expenses
.2 %
AGE AND GRADE TABLE. Ages Oct. 1, 1940.
Membership, Dec. 31, 1940.
Grade
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
9 10
11 12 PG SC T'ls.
5 years
26
6 years
38
23
61
7 years
6
26
23
55
8
years
9
30
27
1
1
68
9
years
9
36
18
3
66
10
years
1
5
33
32
2
73
11
years
7
40
17
2
1
67
12 years.
5
36
19
1
61
13
years
1
2
8
35
25
4
75
14
years
5
10
40
23
1
1
80
15
years
2
3
9
29
21
2
66
16
years
.
3
5
26
1
35
17 years
1
4.
5
18
years
70 |58 63 |68 |60 |79 68 |73 76 68 |55 |51 |1 |15|
805
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Normal Age
64
49
53
63
51
72 | 53
54
65 |
52
48 |
47
% Normal Age.
91.4 84.5|84.1|92.6
85
91.1 77.9
74
85.5 |76.4 87.2|92.1
Over Normal Age
6
9
10
5
8
7
15
17
11
16
6
4
% Over Normal Age
8.6|15.5|15.9
7.4|13.3
8.9|22.1 23.3 |14.5 |23.6 10.8
7.9
Below Normal Age.
1
2
1
1
21
67
4
2
13
27
26
61
62
DISTRIBUTION OF HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS BY SUBJECTS
Fresh. Soph.
Sr. P.G. Totals
English
75
66
Jr. 59
51
251
Foreign Languages:
Latin
12
5
3
1
21
French
1
36
40.
7
84
Sciences :
General Science
57
57
Chemistry
35
26
1 62
Biology
1
45
4
2
52
Social Science:
U. S. History
1
48
49
Mod. History
1 43
1
45
Com. Civics -
34
34
Ancient History
25
1
4
30
Mathematics :
Elem. Algebra
32
1
1
3
37
Adv. Algebra
10
10
Plane Geometry
21
3
24
Gen. Mathematics
19
1
20
Solid Geometry
1
3
4
Commercial Subjects :
Com. Law
14
3
17
Com. Arith.
14
5
1
20
Com. Geog.
1
35
1
37
Bookkeeping
28
28
Typewriting
23
19
43
Stenography
15
14
29
Manual Arts:
Household Arts
18
18
Sewing
10
9
1
20
Manual Training I
13
2
1
16
Mech. Drawing I
13
3
3
5
24
Mech. Drawing II
5
6
6
17
Manual Training II
5
5
DISTRIBUTION OF HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS BY COURSES
Fresh
Soph.
Jr.
Sr.
Totals
College
24
22
15
16
77
General
38
17
25
20
100
Commercial
14
29
15
15
73
76
68
55
51
250
1
63
SCHOOL CENSUS-OCT. 1, 1940
Number of boys between the ages of 5 and 7 77
Number of girls between the ages of 5 and 7 61
Total. 138
Number of boys between the ages of 7 and 16 313
Number of girls between the ages of 7 and 16 297
Total 610
Number of boys between the ages of 5 and 16 390
Number of girls between the ages of 5 and 16 358
Total. 748
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES
Number of certificates issued to minors, 14-16 2
Number of persons to whom issued 2
Number of educational certificates issued 99
Total number of all certificates issued 101
Total number receiving certificates. 91
ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT
Number of cases of absence investigated 41
Number cases of truancy 11
64
Graduation Class of 1940
GRADUATION EXERCISES
CLASS OF 1940
WESTBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 13, 1940, AT 8 O'CLOCK
GRADUATION PROGRAM
Processional-Festival March
Mendelssohn
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Invocation
REV. LYNDON S. BEARDSLEE
The Program Theme-Democracy JOSEPH ANDERSON HALEY, Class President
The Early Foundations of Democracy HARRIET CATHERINE BRUCE
Music-Nightfall In Granada
Buena
SENIOR CLASS AND GIRLS' CHORUS
Latin American Experiments in Democracy JOHN HAMLIN BURROUGHS
Violin Solo-Intermezzo Provost CARL ALBERT GERDEN
Growth of Democracy In Europe Until 1914 VIVIAN EULALIA SANSOUCY
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Democracy In Europe Since 1914 CATHERINE EILEEN GANNON
Baritone Solo-Recessional
DeKoven
NORMAN ELLIOT GEBO
Barriers to European Democracy
ALICE BEARDSLEE
The American Dream and the World CARL ALBERT GERDEN
Presentation of Diplomas MR. HARRY E. BURROUGHS, School Committee Member
School Song
CLASS OF 1940
Awards-American Legion Medals
D. A. R Good Citizenship Pin Washington and Franklin History Medal Woman's Club Scholarship Teacher's Club Prize
Presentation of Class Gift JOSEPH ANDERSON HALEY
Music-Dear Land of Home
Sibelius
America Triumphant
-
-
Demarest
SENIOR CLASS AND GIRLS' CHORUS Baritone Solo NORMAN GEBO
Recessional-March
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Nancy Aldrich Clifton Austin Bayliss Alice Beardslee Irene Rose Brown Harriet Catherine Bruce Jeannette Madeline Buffington
GRADUATES James Edward Lindsay John Joseph Lindsay Wilbur Delmond MacKay Donald Herbert McGlory Marion Ann Nelpi Nancy Lorraine Nichols
John Hamlin Burroughs Marilyn Lincoln O'Brien Mary Winifred Patricia O'Neil Yvonne Beryl Palmer
Audrey Dearing Chester Lawrence Fenno
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Howard Beal Frantz
Catherine Eileen Gannon Norman Elliott Gebo Carl Albert Gerden
Gladiola Joanna Giefing Mary Estelle Hackett Joseph Anderson Haley Albert Frazier Haworth Ann Hayward John Alfred Heywood Anne Elizabeth Hogan Donald Thomas Hoyle
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