USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 15
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We have made careful study of reading difficulties and such cases as did not respond to the devices at our disposal have been referred to Dr. Coopers' Reading Clinic in Quincy. In some cases the clinic has suggested exercises which could be carried out at home or at school and in other more unusual situations, where parental cooperation was received, the child has made regular visits to the clinic for more specialized work. Some very remarkable improvements have resulted from these treatments.
After very careful study by a committee of teachers, it was deemed advisable to change the reading system which had been followed in our schools for the past twelve or fifteen years. Our research convinced us that the Elson System, employing only such modern methods as had been proved successful by usage, was best suited to our needs.
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A committee is now at work studying our courses of study in elementary arithmetic. Such revisions as seem necessary to bring us in line with the most practical modern procedures will develop from this study.
Among the older pupils we have stressed a coördi- nation of subjects and made every attempt to demon- strate practical application of the subject matter studied. For example, the Manual Training Classes now have under construction ten tables for use of the Drawing Classes. These drawing tables, built at a cost of slightly more than three dollars each, would cost the School Department, at least twelve dollars, were they purchased from the regular supply sources. The Domestic Arts Classes, besides daily taking a part in the preparation of the noon-time lunch, are making, at a cost of about forty cents each, the Junior High School basketball trunks which would retail at a dollar and a quarter. All letterheads and forms used about the schools are done in our own print shop. Practically all bookkeeping and clerical work of the school depart- ment is done by the commercial students. These are but a few of many instances of the realistic uses made of the subjects taught, but I believe they serve to illus- trate my point. Other instances were demonstrated at a program presented before the Parent-Teachers Asso- ciation last Spring.
Special activities have followed very closely the pat- tern of previous years. Junior and Senior Basketball, the Orchestra, the Partridge, the Outing Club, the Stu- dent Council, the Senior Play, and the Operetta given by the Junior High School are some of the outstanding means by which the work has been motivated. The Parent-Teachers Association, through a gift of seventy- five dollars, brought to our school a series of educational programs which could not have been obtained other- wise. May I express here my appreciation and also the
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thanks of every teacher and pupil in the school for the programs which this organization made possible.
As in years past the Sons of Veterans have replaced all the flags worn with age or torn by violent winds. This patriotic service is appreciated most gratefully, and we attempt always to honor the receipt of new Colors with appropriate ceremonies.
Other gifts of books, sleds, and various pieces of play- ground apparatus have been appreciated enthusiasti- cally by the children in the various schools.
The upkeep of school buildings during the year has required rather less expense than for some time past.
Drainage trouble developed at the High School during the winter months and it was found necessary to dig a cesspool to supplement those already in use. This addition should take care of the situation for many years to come. There was trouble in heating some of the rooms in the High School and a solution was found only by putting in more radiators. The slate roof was carefully repaired on this building and leaks in the side walls were eliminated. To adapt the auditorium to gymnasium uses necessitated moving the basketball back-board across the room to the front of the balcony. This was, to say the least, an awkward and often dan- gerous undertaking requiring the services of several boys. The old piece of apparatus was also becoming insecure. This situation presented adequate reason for installing a permanent fixture of approved type. Most other repairs were of a minor nature.
At Tarkiln, the roof which has been threatening to give out for several years, finally showed definite signs of leaking and the wood shingles were replaced by a good grade of asphalt shingle.
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New steps and a platform were all the changes needed at the Village School, and, at the Point, nothing out of the ordinary was done.
The custom of summer cleaning, consisting of care- fully washing every class room wall and floor, was adhered to and every floor was varnished. Besides this summer work, floors and windows are always washed during both Christmas and Spring vacations.
For the coming year we must anticipate the replacing of the floors in the lavatories at the High School. We should start upon another cycle of painting, and we may find it necessary to reshingle the roof of the Point School. With prices spiked at the present high level there can be little hope of materially reducing our oper- ating costs without serious curtailment of the program.
During the year just past, we have had the good for- tune to make several purchases of necessary supplies before an upward revision of prices went into effect. This stroke of luck enabled us to keep well within the limits of our budget, and, for the first time within a number of years, we returned to the treasury a sub- stantial part of the appropriation. For the coming year, unless an unusual emergency develops, I believe we can run our schools efficiently with no further in- crease in the budget. I, therefore, recommend that the School Committee ask the citizens of Duxbury to approve an appropriation of $46,000 plus the customary dog tax for the support of the public schools during the year 1938.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GREEN, Superintendent.
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DUXBURY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT December 31, 1937
Teachers' Salaries
$27,809.02
Textbooks
794.53
Supplies
830.85
Janitors' Wages
3,923.00
Fuel, Lights, etc.
2,576.04
Repairs
1,372.25
Health
960.85
Transportation
6,053.00
New Equipment
487.64
Libraries
197.87
Miscellaneous
1,310.67
$46,315.72
Appropriations
$46,000.00
Dog Tax
574.66
Total
$46,574.66
Expenditures
46,315.72
Balance
$258.94
DUXBURY HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Financial Report-January 1, 1938
Income
Expenses
January
$245.89
$261.48
February March
244.44
204.64
252.58
296.39
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April
239.50
222.05
May
246.52
255.19
June
149.72
202.89
September
247.12
208.99
October
235.32
218.86
November
241.53
362.01
December
176.53
136.08
$2,279.15
$2,368.58
Cash Balance January 1, 1937 :
On hand
$63.99
Bank
98.87
$162.86
Receipts
2,279.15
$2,442.01
Cash Balance January 1, 1938 :
On hand
$57.79
Bank
15.64
Cash Balance
$73.43
Expenses
2,368.58
$2,442.01
Cash Balance
$73.43
Inventory
81.00
Assets
$154.43
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REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In preparation for the type of singing taught in the high school, the importance for particular emphasis in the grades on correct tone production is realized.
It is the purpose and intention, therefore, to teach tone production primarily, and as much as possible of elementary theory in the grades.
This work aided by the teaching of rote songs, to- gether with sight reading of less difficult songs, is given much attention.
As far as possible the teachers are instructed to fol- low the programs which are clearly outlined in the manuals provided in connection with their music readers.
An earnest attempt is being made in the grades to establish correct singing and to give definite attention to nonsingers and monotones.
A decided effort is being made to increase the appre- ciation of good music by the study of the lives of famous composers (simple biographical studies) and with the aid of victrolas the opportunity is given the children to hear the well-known compositions of these artists.
The Junior High School finished their year's work with a fine demonstration of artistic singing in the musi- cal setting of Dickens' Christmas Carol. During the
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performance many people noted the number of solo voices developed and the general good tone and dic- tion of the chorus.
The chorus work in the high school is developing nicely. Many choruses have been learned from which a program of songs will be selected for graduation.
The cooperation and the year's work ahead promise to be very satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
MAY BLAIR McCLOSKY, Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF THE DRAWING SUPERVISOR
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
As to proper and effective method in teaching draw- ing, which are questions often asked, it seemed to me that some explanation of our aims and plans might be worth while.
Drawings are planned and arranged by myself where vertical, horizontal, and oblique lines are required, to prepare the way for more difficult work, such as flowers, landscape, bird, and animal life, where curved and reg- ular lines are in use. Of course, all of this copy is made for copying purposes, and foundation work and ability is surely gained this way. The most difficult work is possible of accomplishment where a large amount of preparatory work is done. Our early or lower grades surely get plenty of subjects that show the way.
When we find that advanced artists of reputation resort to much copying, and that this work was prac- ticed extensively in their student days, we realize that if the great mind must be shown how much more im- portant it is to demonstrate to the minds of children and the common people. Water color work is being taken up with with a promise of much worth while work yet to come.
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That this constant and long-continued preparation does result in successful work has been proved often enough.
Our work progresses and much work has been done to date. For the assistance of the teachers who have so intelligently helped we are indeed grateful.
Sincerely yours,
SAMUEL WARNER.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To George E. Green Superintendent of Schools :
During the past twelve months' period the Physical Education program has varied but slightly from the basic principles set up at its inception in 1936. We have, however, enlarged its scope to include all of the schools in town and have made considerable improvement in several different phases of the work.
In September, as usual, we proceeded with the test- ing program. This included a medical examination by Dr. King and Miss Williams, the physical fitness tests, posture pictures, and foot examinations. The results were tabulated and placed in the permanent records and later compared to those taken in previous years. Thus in time, we will have a complete record of the health life of every child in town. Brief reports of these results were also sent home to the parents.
I rather look forward, each time the tests are given, to comparing the past and present records. The school as a whole has made definite and consistent gains in physical fitness and some individuals have improved as much as 80%. Posture, especially in the cases due to low vitality, has improved immeasurably; and sev- eral foot cases, which came within our scope of ac- tivities, are now quite normal. It is particularly en- couraging to trace the record of the individuals who have made the greatest improvement. Two years ago
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some of these cases had hardly enough energy to carry on ordinary activities of living. Now most of these cases have improved considerably, and many who had every prospect of going through life leading a 50% life existence are now improved to a point where they have a surplus of vitality, and have become interested and skillful in one or more activities. They feel more like doing things, and life has taken on a new interest for them.
Our general class activities are made up largely of the major athletic games (baseball, basketball, and football) together with such minor activities as calis- thenics, tumbling, volley ball, skating, sliding, relay games, first aid, posture and health discussions. Physi- cal Educators agree that games of high activity tend to increase organic efficiency, and to improve coordination of mind and muscle. In these classes every effort is made to give all the members an equal chance so that those who are unable to play on the school team will at least obtain some of the physical and character build- ing benefits of athletic competition. The minor activi- ties are distributed throughout the year between the more seasonal athletic sports. Posture and health dis- cussion are receiving considerable attention at present. Each child, through the medium of silhouettes, posture manikins, and his own physical records, must learn what good posture and physical fitness are, just exactly what his or her rating is, and what should be done to improve it.
Our examinations show that many of the pupils in the High School have remediable defects. Thus far we have been unable to organize separate corrective groups for these people because of lack of time and conflicts with other classes. Therefore it is necessary for them to work separately, during their free periods.
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Each child has a card indicating the exercises that he is to do for his particular defects or condition, and goes about his work with a minimum of supervision. This will be continued until a better plan can be devised.
We are still continuing with our Junior High School teams and feel that it is very important part of our work. The boys and girls have improved immeasurably in athletic skills and several of last year's basketball squad are now playing on the High School team.
The Outing Club has continued to be active. Last Spring we visited the White Mountains in New Hamp- shire and climbed Mt. Chocorua. Later we went on a camping trip to the Mohawk Trail, climbed Mt. Grey- lock and traveled on into New York. Both the junior and senior groups took a trip to Boston where they visited the State House, "Old Ironsides," Old North Church, and Bunker Hill Monument. There they fol- lowed the ride of Paul Revere out through Lexington and Concord. There have also been numerous short hikes and camping trips. I feel that these excursions have considerable educational value, especially when carefully correlated with daily class work.
Beginning this year we have extended our work to the smaller schools. In the fall, while the weather was good, games of high activity were taught to them. Since then we have been working on posture, marching, stunts, and games. It is only possible to have meet- ings at each school once a week, but the teachers have helped greatly by continuing the work during recess periods.
Another innovation this year is a short period of calisthenic drills in each room before the beginning of class work. The exercises given are of the posture cor- rective type, and are directed by the home-room teach- ers who have been very co-operative in carrying out
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suggestions. This work is of great value not only as a setting up drill, but also in view of the fact that it tends to make the students and teachers more posture con- scious.
Physical Education has passed through its experi- mental stage, and has now become firmly established. Each activity outlined above has been approved by leading authorities in this field, and those who have had occasions to view the work we are doing agree that we have one of the best programs which has come to their attention. We hope to maintain this record through the coming year, and to make any improvements which will help to better the physical condition of our children.
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Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
January 31, 1938
Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as school physician :
The annual physical examination of all school chil- dren was carried out in the Fall and completed by the first of November. Wherever defects were found the parents were immediately notified. The general health of the children as a whole was found to be excellent. It was most satisfying to note the improvement in the teeth of the children as a result of the school dental pro- gram inaugurated a year ago.
This examination was followed by an examination for postural defects by the Director of Physical Edu- cation. Special examinations for sight and hearing defects were given and the regular program of testing for Tuberculosis was carried out. The state psychiatrists made their annual examination of children submitted to them.
The annual Pre-School Clinic was held in June. These examinations were made with the parents pres- ent and any defects found were discussed at the time in order that corrections might be made before the child entered school.
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The principal contagious diseases encountered during the year were Measles, Scarlet Fever and Whooping Cough. The control and prevention of the spread of these diseases were carried out with the aid of Miss Williams, the teachers, and Dr. Richard MacKnight.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The activities in this department have, during the past year, been much the same as in preceding years, ex- cept there was need of more social welfare as a result of the present existing economic conditions ..
I assisted the School Physician in the physical exami- nation of the students at the opening of the school year, assisted him at the Well Baby Clinic, sponsored by P. T. A., and the Pre-School Clinic, sponsored by the school board and the school physician.
We were able again this year to hire the audiometer from the Plymouth County Health Association for two. days in September, when we tested the third, seventh, and tenth grades. If a student shows a loss of six or more units of hearing after a re-test, he is considered to have defective hearing. The parents are notified imme- diately and treatment advised. Some parents wished to take their children to their own specialist. Others I have carried to an ear specialist. This was financed by the Chandler Ford Fund.
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The T. B. Clinics and tests have been carried on this year by the County Sanatorium with the cooperation of the Local Health Department and the School Board. The students of the sixth, ninth, and eleventh grades were (with the consent of the parents) given the skin test, followed by a reading of the tests in three days. If there is the slightest reaction, the student's chest is X-rayed. Then if the slightest abnormality is disclosed, the parent of the student is invited to call at the High School and confer with the physician when he gives a thorough physical examination and discusses it with the parent. This year there were nine to be X-rayed as some displayed a mild reaction and others were known to be contacts. They were transported to Plym- out County Hospital for X-ray, which seemed easier than bringing the X-ray machine here. Miss Lundberg, from the Plymouth County Hospital, assisted with the transportation.
The day appointed for the Well Baby Clinic turned out to be stormy. In spite of this, thirty-five babies at- tended. This clinic causes the babies to become more familiar with routine examinations and also gives the mothers or guardians an opportunity for conferring with the physician.
As a few of the pre-school children had the measles on the date appointed for the Pre-School Clinic, we had to have a second session in September.
Several children were reported by the teachers to have defective vision. Some of these were taken by their parents for treatment, while others were carried to an eye specialist. This was financed from a special fund by the Duxbury Nurse Association, Inc.
This year we were able to send three students to the Bailey Camp for two months. Two of them were
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financed by the Duxbury Nurse Association, with money earned by the sale of Christmas Seals. One was financed by the Council of Churches. They all enjoyed their vacation and were greatly benefited by it.
I have carried children to the Jordan Hospital, to eye specialists, to ear specialists and to the Massachusetts General Hospital Out Patient Department. Mr. Blake- man assisted in the transportation to the Massachusetts General Out Patient Department.
I wish to thank those who assisted in carrying on this work. They were:
Miss Lundberg
Mr. Blakeman
Saint John's Guild
The Council of Churches
The Duxbury Nurse Association, Inc.
The National American Red Cross
The Duxbury Welfare Department
The Chandler Ford Fund.
Some private citizens
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My statistical report is as follows :
Visits to School Sessions 1,029
To home of school children 975
Carried to Dentist
9
Carried to Eye Specialist
3
Carried to Ear Specialist 3
Carried to Hospitals for Treatment 7
Carried to Physicians for Treatment. 5
Carried to Bailey Camp 3
Carried to Plymouth County Hospital for X-ray 15
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Children given blankets 8
Children visited in hospitals
7
Children given clothing
33
Children given new shoes
19
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. WILLIAMS.
December 31, 1937
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REPORT OF THE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Last March our organization ran a minstrel show that was highly successful. Of the proceeds $75.00 was turned over to the school assembly committee so that the children could all attend regularly scheduled as- sembly programs without cost. We are about to start rehearsals (at this writing) for a show to be presented this March.
Last spring our unit was host at a district meeting of the P.T.A. The afternoon session of discussions was held at the High School Auditorium. Then, after a tour of the most important historical points of interest the group gathered at the Congregational vestry for a fine supper. Speaking and round table discussions here brought to an end a very enjoyable and informative conference.
The programs for the regular monthly meetings of the P.T.A. have been varied and enlightening. Rev. Gordon King has headed an energetic committee in charge.
Membership was brought to a high point by that com- mittee under Mrs. Herbert Wirt, aided by our most efficient treasurer Edwin N. Noyes.
At the suggestion of Dr. King and Miss Williams the scope of our annual well baby clinic is being extended.
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To make it more thorough an attempt will be made to hold one each month. It will mean more work, but it is felt that results will make it worthwhile.
The spirit of all the committees and members has been gratifying. The two year rule in the by-laws will mean a change of nearly all officers and a renewed in- terest should result with the new leaders.
Meanwhile, the meetings are open to all interested in the welfare of the children. The 50c annual dues en- title one to certain voting privileges but all are wel- come to attend free. Refreshments are served following the meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER G. PRINCE, President
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PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS 1936-1937
Not absent or tardy
Arnold, Edward
Hagbourn, Will
Arnold, Mirian
Hubbard, Gordon
Barclay, June
Marshall, Alfred
Berg, Helen
Morton, John
Black, Annie
Morton, Mary
Black, Gladys
Perkins, Emma
Bunten, Robert
Peterson, Phyllis
D'Amelio, Mary
Putman, Gertrude
Davis, Frank
Putman, Marion
Davis, George
Randall, Dorothy
Davis, Olive
Randall, Helen
Drury, Charlotte
Randall, Inez
Edwards, Arthur
Teravainen, Agnes
Fernandes, Amanico
Teravainen, Margaret
Wadsworth, Fred
Not absent
Boucher, Philip
Boucher, Thomas
Chandler, Raymond Fernandas, Joseph
Harrington, Frederick
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GRADUATING EXERCISES
THE DUXBURY HIGH SCHOOL
JUNE 12, 1937
PROGRAM
1. March "Pomp and Circumstance" .. Edward Elgar School Orchestra
2. Invocation Rev. Gordon L. King
3. Song "Safe in the Harbor" Wagner
School Chorus
4. Essay "The First Trans-Atlantic Cable" Agnes Teravainen
5. Class History Geraldine Crocker
6. Class Motto Winona Peacock, Kenneth McAuliffe
7. "Blue Danube Waltz" Johann Strauss
School Orchestra
8. Essay "Life in Early Duxbury" Inez Randall
9. Class Prophecy Dorothy Mosher
10. Class Gifts Ethel Barriault, George Kirkpatrick
11. Solo "Ave-Maria" Schubert
Myrtle Pierce
12. Class Will Ruby Osborn
13. Essay "A Justification of the Indian" Kenneth Howland
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14. Songs
"Song of India"
"Serenade"
Rimsky-Korsakoff Beam
School Chorus
15. Presentation of Medals
George E. Green, Superintendent
16. Presentation of Diplomas Joseph W. Lund, Chairman of School Committee
17. Class Song Words by Ethel Barriault Myrtle Pierce
18. Benediction
Rev. Carl B. Bihldorff
GRADUATES
Edward Lewis Arnold
Ethel Ann Barriault
Thomas Bernard Boucher
Geraldine Crocker Roger Clifton Cushing Ethel Clarissa Hill Kenneth Arthur Howland
George Edgar Kirkpatrick Kenneth William McAuliffe Henry Purcell McNeil Dorothy Redmond Mosher Ruby Edith Osborn Winona May Peacock Myrtle Viola Pierce Helen V. Randall Inez Harriet Randall Helen Bradford Reed Agnes Cecelia Teravainen Percy L. Walker, Jr. Robert H. Watters.
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