USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1926-1930 > Part 19
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On Wednesday morning of each week, regular assem- bles are held under the direction of the pupils of the school. At each of these gatherings an effort is made to
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bring in outside speakers who have a real message for the children. Already we have had such people as Mr. Anson B. Handy, Superintendent of the Schools of Plymouth; Mr. William Seymore; Miss Annie Williams; Mr. Charles R. Clark; Mr. Charles Bittinger ; Miss Susan Moulton; Rev. Doris Swett, of Plymouth; Mr. Paul Bittinger; and Mr. Floyd Risley of Burdett Business College. Parents are always welcome to these assemblies and we sincerely hope that more of them will take ad- vantage of this opportunity to become better acquainted with the school.
Last spring, through the cooperation of the Elson Art Company, the pupils held an exhibit, the proceeds of which were to be used in the purchase of pictures for the school. From the resulting income of $79.85 nine pictures were purchased.
Since my last report two plays have been given, "Never Touched Me," presented by the class of 1928, was played before a full house and proved a success in every way. This last Fall the senior class decided to choose an earlier date and on December 21, they presented "The Charm School." Both of these undertakings were under the immediate direction of Miss Aronoff but with the latter Mr. William Seymore very generously gave of his time and experience with the result that the production was in every way far above the average of amateur work.
Working out ideas which had developed through the activities at Harvard Summer School, Miss Roper under- took the reorganization of the school publication. It was decided to change from a magazine, appearing three or four times a year, to a news sheet coming out ten or eleven times. The enthusiastic reception which the in- novation received showed the plan to be based on common sense and assured us of the wisdom of the change.
This year our relationship with the library has been even closer, and time has seen the development of an- other experiment into a systematic well-working plan.
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Any statement on this subject would be incomplete did it not contain a word of appreciation for the sympathetic cooperation with which Miss Higgins has worked with us in the handling of the children who weekly made the pilgrimage into her domain. The plan is an unquestioned success and the librarian has in no small measure been responsible.
A group of about thirty pupils, under the direction of Miss Roper has organized a Nature Club. The object of this club is to help the pupils to gain a wider knowledge of the out of door world. Special attention will be given to the study of birds and wild flowers.
This year it seemed advisable to discontinue football. This game requires the most rigid conditioning and in a town where the homes are as scattered as in Duxbury it is difficult for the boys to attend regular training. A care- ful check-up of the two years during which the game was played shows that injuries suffered therefrom and the resultant expense and loss of time from school more than offset any benefit which could be claimed.
Although the basketball season of last winter did not produce a winning team it was, as a whole, very suc- cessful, and I am proud of the clean, good sportsmanship that the boys and girls showed at all times. The baseball team of the high school held its own against very strong opposition. In all branches of athletics we are somewhat handicapped by the fact that we have fewer eligible boys and girls from which to select a team than most of our opponents. In the Junior high school, however, after a very active season, the boys won the championship cup of the league. Under the direction of Miss Kramer a club has been organized, the purpose of which is to en- courage and create interest in girls' athletics. This club is very active and has already formulated several work- able schemes for relieving that ever present problem of finances.
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As a check-up on the class room work, we have made quite extensive use of standard tests. These always give an opportunity for comparing our accomplishment with that in other parts of the country, and remove the possi- bility that a teacher may be over-emphasizing a given fact and completely ignoring the existance of other facts. In both intelligence tests and achievement tests the aver- age scores were high.
Of last years' graduating class, three entered college. This brings the total from this school now in good stand- ing at colleges of the first rank up to nine. Of these nine only one has had any serious academic difficulty. Observ- ing these figures from a percentage viewpoint, the only fair way of making comparison with schools of various sizes, our record is well above the average of any group.
The annual magazine subscription drive was suc- cessfully conducted last fall. Over ninety dollars was made which will be used for purchasing a radio for school use,
In the twelve-months since my last report the sys- tematization and extension of preparations for school lunches has progressed until now we are serving prac- tically every pupil every day. Preparing and serving over two hundred lunches a day is no small matter and it was found as the work increased that some help must be brought in from outside the school. Mrs. Glover has been engaged to supply this needed help and her salary is being cared for by the proceeds from the lunch counter.
Miss Williams, under the auspices of the County Extension Bureau, organized and conducted, at the new school building, a course in food selection. At several meetings, held during the past Fall, about twenty women enjoyed lectures by the Misses Dean and Foley. A con- tinuance of this work is expected during the coming months and it is hoped that courses in sewing and dress- making may be organized before Spring. All women in the town or in this vicinity are cordially invited to attend.
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THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Here, as in the upper grades, the reorganization has increased our opportunity for service, but the change was less radical and consequently less effective. The smaller children are at best housed in buildings only par- tially modernized. Part-time janitors although they may give the most faithful service, cannot be expected to be on hand at all times to attend to the fluctuations in temperature that are bound to occur. Teachers in widely separated buildings find difficulties in closely correlating their work, and joint participation in social activities and public demonstrations is almost impossible. In spite of these handicaps, the teachers at the primary schools have carried on in a most persevering manner.
Two heavy coats of paint were applied to the outside walls of the twin school houses at Tarkiln last summer. This somewhat improved their external appearance but there is still an opportunity for spending a considerable amount of money on the interiors. The floor of the south building is very uneven and worn in many places. Shrink- age from many hard years of usage has opened wide seams between the boards in which collects dirt and bacteria producing a most unhealthful condition. New blackboards should also be installed here on two sides of the room. The walls and ceiling are of sheet metal strips which have been cut and altered from time to time throughout the existance of the school until the effect of patch-work has resulted. These surfaces should be re- paired and painted if the room is to have the neat ap- pearance that the modern school room is expected to pre- sent. The north building of this group is also badly in need of paint and muresco. In the finish of the four walls above the blackboards there are no less than three dis- tinct shades. The heating system here has gone beyond repair and must be replaced by a new unit before another Fall. The dome and fire pot of the furnace are cracked in
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several places and the age of the outfit is so great that replacement parts can no longer be obtained. In its present condition it is necessary to run it in a most un- economical way in order that the escaping gases may not flood the room.
At the village school, quite extensive repairs were made during the past summer. The old toilets which were of a most unsanitary nature were removed and en- tirely new ones installed at either end of the corridor on the main floor. These are now above the ground level where the drainage is excellent, there is plenty of sun- light with its purifying effect, and ventilation is most satisfactory. The gutter pipes and dry wells of this build- ing have not been operating for several years with a con- sequent result that after almost every rain the basement floor was covered with water. New wells were dug and new pipes put in, in an attempt to remedy this condition. The furnace of this school has also been leaking gas into the school room for some time. Plumbers and heating experts have tried to correct this fault, but have so far had little success. It seems that as at Tarkiln, the health of the children requires extensive alterations or removal of the unit. The trimmings and windows on this building were painted last Summer. During the coming year the remaining exterior surface should be stained and the entire interior should be painted.
At the opening of school in September, there were forty-eight children in the first and second grades of the Village School. This was unquestionably more than one teacher could handle. Because it was in the better state of repairs and could be more quickly fitted for occupancy, the Point School was opened and the first grade moved in on the first day of October. Since every indication points to another large entering class next Fall, plans must be made for continuing this school or providing other accomodation for these small children. If they are to continue their attendance at the Point School, modern
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toilets and heating facilities should most assuredly be supplied. A large majority of these children come from the vicinity of South Duxbury. This fact introduces the question as to whether or not it would be better to make such improvements as are necessary on the South Dux- bury school house. To put this building in repair would cost something more than similarly fitting out the Point School. On the other hand, a greater number of children would be located near their homes.
Viewing the housing situation in regard to the prim- ary school children, we are confronted with the fact that these younger children are not being given justice in re- gard to health, comfort, and mental training. Several thousand dollars must be spent in repairing and modern- izing equipment. When this is done, we shall still be using old buildings and the expense must be repeated from year to year indefinitely. Then, too, considering the enroll- ment of the first grade, there is no assurance that this will not continue. If it does, in another year the Village School will again be crowded and still another one-room building must be opened and remodeled. All this is bring- ing about greater operating cost and gradually forcing us back to the situation we attempted to relieve through the new building and the reorganization of the past few years. I believe these facts should be brought to the at- tention of the public in order that they may decide whether the path of wisdom lies in the continued expense of repair and upkeep of old buildings or should we con- front the building problem once more and put up a mod- ern plant with modern conveniences to care for the edu- cation of primary children as we have cared for their older brothers and sisters.
TRANSPORTATION
Due to the increase in enrollment, it was found ad- visable to add another new buss to the transportation
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equipment. This of course increased the expense of op- erating this department but, in view of the careful and efficient way in which it is handled, I feel that the work is still being done very economically. The carrying of two hundred and fifty children to and from school every day, without a mishap or an accident, is an accomplish- ment of no small moment, and I believe it is appreciated by the fathers and mothers who trust their little ones to the care of others.
SUMMARY
In summarizing, let me ask the committee to hold in mind the grave need of quite extensive repairs through- out the coming year. The cost of these repairs will make serious inroads upon our budget and, were it not for them, I am certain that we could easily carry on the work of another year for the same amount of money as was asked for last year. As it is, limiting the amount of reconstruc- tion to only those things which are absolutely necessary, I feel that we must ask for an increase of about one thousand dollars in our appropriation for this year, and I recommend that the School Committee ask the town for forty-seven thousand dollars to cover the expense of operating our schools in 1929.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. GREEN,
Supt. of Schools.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE TARKILN SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools of Duxbury :
The work by the pupils of the first four grades at Tarkiln School for the year ending December 31, 1928 has been as follows:
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The pupils of the first and second grades had ac- complished in June the usual requirements necessary for promotion with the exception of one child.
The curriculum for both grades included reading, writing, spelling, language, phonics and music.
The third and fourth grades accomplished the usual requirements for promotion with the exception of four pupils.
These grades have arithmetic, spelling, penmanship, language, ( consisting of poems, sentence making, pic- ture studies, etc.,) music, geography, and reading every day. In reading the third grade has completed five books and the fourth six.
I try to have silent reading every afternoon. These lessons are based on history, health and geography.
We always observe the holidays by stories, songs, poems, etc. In June we gave the children a party of ice cream and fancy cookies. At Christmas we had a tree, with the exchange of gifts and an entertainment con- sisting of songs, pieces and a playlet, found in a Junior Red Cross Magazine. We also filled two stockings for disabled soldiers.
Our sandtables have been anincentive to the children. They have illustrated Eskimo Life, Dutch Life, Indian Life. Landing of the Pilgrims and Santa and his Reindeer.
In March we helped give an entertainment at the High School Auditorium, the proceeds to buy playground equipment. We are still delayed in using our part of the money.
Our supervisors. Mrs. McClosky and Mr. Warner. have been very regular in their visits and we all look forward to their lessons with pleasure.
Miss Williams has made her visits nearly every week. giving aid to all who needed it. We have tried to
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instill into the minds of the boys and girls that they should learn health habits, as those of cleaning teeth and finger nails and coming to school as clean healthy children. I wish all parents would encourage such things at home.
Miss Coughlin and I wish parents would show an in- terest in their children by visiting school and seeing the regular school work.
Submitted with respect,
ABBIE BAKER, Principal.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE VILLAGE SCHOOL
Mr. George E. Green,
Superintendent of Schools,
In submitting my first annual report it is a pleasure to note a decided improvement in the schools in general. The wisdom of the town in providing these improved conditions is clearly demonstrated.
Last year, which began so auspiciously for us of the Village School, proved to be most disheartening. Moving, getting settled, and reorganization took much time. Sick- ness prevailed throughout the year. There were several serious epidemics of contagious diseases. School was closed for two weeks and at no time during the year was it possible to have all the pupils present at the same time. However, even under these most discouraging conditions, a concert was presented by the pupils of the lower grades. Our many loyal friends attended and the affair turned out to be "a howling success"-in more ways than one, perhaps, but then, we made some money, which fact sur- prised not a little. We hadn't supposed we would. Each room made twenty dollars, to be exact, after general ex-
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penses had been deducted. Miss West bought a Giant Stride which has proved a never-ending source of de- light to her children. The remainder of the money was invested in a load of beach sand. And, oh! the wonderful castles that were constructed and the genuine distress when one accidentally collapsed. It takes so little to make children happy.
Costumes for the Cantata given by the pupils in my room proved rather expensive but, with the money at my disposal, I provided them with a swing, a very serviceable see-saw and a volley ball outfit. Spending our money on playground equipment has proved a happy investment.
During the summer of 1928 the Village School was thoroughly cleaned and several improvements made. The toilets were removed from the basement. The new toilets and washrooms are now on the ground floor. In the corridor we have a large double drinking fountain with a suitable drip pan. Everything possible has been done to provide adequate sanitary facilities.
Ever since I have been teaching in the Village School I have been pleading for a playroom for the children to use on rainy days. At the present time we are using the basement. This plan has many handicaps even though partitions have been torn down and toilets removed to provide more space. However, I consider such a playroom a luxury rather than a necessity and mention it simply to express the hope that some day we may be rich enough to afford one.
In the fall of 1928 school opened with a bang. Nearly fifty little people came trooping into Miss West's room with expectant faces. They had been promised a nice shiny desk, a nice smiley teacher and all the other first day promises. The teacher came up to expectations all right but they first began to lose faith when that desk promise failed to materialize. Every bit of available space was utilized. If any more children had entered we just would have had to hang them on hooks.
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After much thought and careful consideration it was thought best to open the Point School. This was done, and the many friends of Miss Pratt are glad to welcome her back to the work which lies nearest her heart-the teaching of little children.
Outside of the exceptions noted, I believe conditions are most favorable for a fine year's work. In our spare moments we are learning new songs and folk dances for a concert to be presented in March. We beg the con- tinued patronage of our friends because, if I fail to make enough money to buy a Giant Stride for my boys and girls this year, I shudder to think what may happen.
In writing of my associates in school I have only happy thoughts. Miss Pratt and Miss West are especially adapted to the work of the lower grades. As it is now quite generally conceded that the first years of a child's school life are by far the most important, Duxbury is most fortunate in being able to retain the services of two such valuable teachers.
As for my fellow teacher, Miss West, I will add that sympathy and complete understanding combine to make us very happy in our work together.
Our supervisors are all that the word implies, and more-they are warm personal friends.
Our school nurse, Miss Williams, gives unsparingly of her time, listening patiently to our imaginery woes and "doing something" in her efficient, capable way when our troubles are real.
I am grateful to the members of the School Com- mittee for the excellent support which they have always given. Without this friendly backing we could accomplish little. Always they give hearty, voluntary consent to any project that bids fair to work out for the best interests for the children.
I wish to use this opportunity of thus publicly ex- pressing, to you Mr. Green, my appreciation of your un-
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failing help and untiring efforts in our behalf. Every reasonable want of ours has been anticipated by you. Owing to the happy spirit of cooperation which exists among the members of the school organization, working conditions seem to be very nearly ideal.
As for myself :- Teaching in the public schools of Duxbury is in no sense of the word a "job." It is, rather, a wonderful privilege granted me by the parents to aid in the happy up-bringing of their children-the boys and girls of Duxbury, than which there are no finer in the whole, wide world. I shall always humbly strive to be worthy of this great trust.
Respectfully submitted, SARA E. PAULDING.
Duxbury, January 1, 1929.
Principal.
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Report of the Drawing Supervisor
To Mr. George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools, Duxbury, Mass.
Dear Sir:
We are trying to give the pupils in the Duxbury schools a good grounding in form and color, in order that they may be able to use their ability for any practical purpose in the trade or vocation that they may take up. A good workable knowledge of drawing is requirel in nearly every trade today.
Very good work is being done in all grades this year and the teachers in charge handle the subjects assigned to them very well indeed.
Art, or what generally passes for such, we do not attempt, as there are no two people in the world who can entirely agree as to what Art really is. Therefore we are wasting no time on that impractical enigma. Practical school work does not include this.
Our annual exhibit of drawings will be shown at the assembly hall during graduation.
I wishto thank the Superintendent, teachers andcom- mittee for the excellent assistance which I have received.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL WARNER.
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Report of School Nurse
To Mr. George E. Green,
Superintendent of Schools.
During the year terminating December 31st, 1928 my activities have been as follows :
Visits to schools 588
Visits to homes of school children
822
Carried to hospitals for tonsil operation 8
Glasses secured for 1
With one exception the tonsil cases were paid for by the Duxbury Nurse Association from a "Special Fund" carried for that purpose.
Clothing, shoes, and overshoes have been given to many children and their families.
We have also held food selection classes for adults at the high school. These classes were well attended, many women coming from our neighboring towns of Marshfield and Kingston. The speakers came from the State Department of Public Health and from the Ply- mouth County Extension Service and gave some very in- teresting lectures and demonstrations.
There are plans under way at the present time for dressmaking classes, and I hope every woman who possibly can will make use of this opportunity. It is all free of charge.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. WILLIAMS,
School Nurse.
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Report of Music Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In this, my third annual report I am glad to advise that the work in vocal music is making sound advances.
Beginning with the primary grades, it has been our aim to lay the foundation for sight singing with special emphasis on tone and rythm and some attention of sylab- lization.
If the foundation is firmly laid at this stage of the pupils school life, from then on it becomes merely a question of broadening his field of musical vision.
The chorus work in the high school is at a very sat- is factory standard.
I wish especially to make note of the interest shown by the boys during the past year. They have advanced to such a stage that the organization of a glee club is now possible.
It is my object, however, to interest and develope every child of the school capable of even mediocre accom- plishment.
I would like to add my word of appreciation for the excellent work accomplished in instrumental work under the direction of Mr. Copp. I regard this teaching of in- strumental music as one of the very essential branches of education.
I wish to thank the school committee, the superin- tendent and the teachers for their cooperation throughout the year.
MAY BLAIR McCLOSKY,
Supervisor of Music.
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Graduating Exercising
The Duxbury High School June 12, 1928
PROGRAM
1. March
2. Invocation
3. Now Thank we all Our God
4. Essay-Seven Wonders of the United States
Ruth Osgood
5. £ Class History
Ralph Blakeman Orchestra
6. William Tell
7. Gifts Ruth Evans and Edward Soule
William Wadsworth
9. (a) Comrades of the Road
(b) Would God I Were the Tender Apple Blossom School
10. Essay-Modern Inventions Carroll Foster
11. Class Motto Robert Crocker and Arthur Cushing
12. Bohemian Girl Orchestra
13. Essay-Twenty Thousand Leagues Over the Sea Richard Holway
14. Class Prophecy Richard Crocker
15. (a) I Heard You Go By School
(b) Out O'er the Deep School
16. Presentation of Partridge Scholarship Trustee
17. Presentation of Medals and Diplomas Supt. G. E. Green
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Orchestra Rev. Dudley Child School
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