USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 27
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There is also an increasing need at the high school for a small assembly room. This could be quite easily pro- vided through re-equipping the present study hall with a modern type of convertible desk. The study hall, also used for a school library, was the only room in the new building not furnished with modern equipment during construction. Into this room went a conglomeration of desks, chairs, and tables of every conceivable style, size, and state of repair. This was an economy measure, just- ifiable at the time, but the antiquated material gathered together from the abandoned schools of the town has not improved with eleven years of hard use. The room should be refurnished, even if there were not a crying demand for more adequate seating accommodations. With proper furniture, the capacity of the room can be in- creased from a present sixty to approximately one hun- dred.
CONCLUSION
It seems quite evident that an enlargement of the school plant will be unavoidable within the very near future. Through the friendly and generous cooperation of the Parent-Teacher Association, the school has been able to increase greatly its service to the community with- out material increase in costs. There is little evidence that prices of supplies and new equipment will change materially. Necessary repairs promise to be about the same as in previous years. Salaries, in the bulk, and other operating expenses should show little variation.
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This would indicate that our budget should remain at the figure established during the last two years. I, therefore, recommend the School Committee ask the citizens of Duxbury to approve an appropriation of $46,000, plus the dog tax which is customarily allotted, for the support of Duxbury Public Schools during the year 1939.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GREEN,
Superintendent.
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ENROLLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION By School and Grades, December 31, 1938.
Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.9 10
11
12 Oppty P.G. Ttl.
High
39 30 26 29 26 32
34
21
16
1 254
Village
23 18 23
64
Tarkiln
24 13 15 12
64
Point
30
30
54 36 33 35 39 30 26 29 26
32
34
21
16
1
412
Enrollment in the First Grade, December 31, each year since the opening of the new High School.
1926
32
1932
32
1927
39
1933
54
1928
36
1934
53
1929
38
1935
40
1930
34
1936
40
1931
35
1937
50
1938
54
TOTAL ENROLLMENT IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS DECEMBER 31
1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938
355
354
358
365
375
416
405
404
398 407 412
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Duxbury School Department
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
December 31, 1938
Teacher's Salaries
$27,341.52
Textbooks
739.53
Supplies
1,017.85
Janitor's Wages
4,088.02
Fuel, Lights, etc.
1,866.31
Repairs
2,069.36
Health
961.96
Transportation
6,035.00
New Equipment
422.90
Libraries
58.61
Miscellaneous
1,854.99
Total Expenditures
$46,456.05
Appropriation
$44,550.00
Hathaway Fund
1,453.60
Dog Tax
577.74
Total Appropriation
$46.581.34
Expenditures
46,456.05
Unexpended Balance
$125.29
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Duxbury High School Cafeteria
Financial Report-January 1, 1939
Income
Expense $293.58
January
$237.19
February
233.69
214.20
March
225.91
195.54
April
169.35
179.53
May
254.33
211.39
June
119.33
198.90
September
243.17
247.42
October
209.43
290.81
November
222.56
224.04
December
166.79
174.84
$2,086.75
$2,230.25
Cash Balance January 1, 1938 :
On hand
$57.79
Bank
15.64
Inventory
81.00
Assets
$154.43
Receipts
2,086.75
Total Income
$2,241.18
Expenses
$2,230.25
Stolen
19.69
Total Expenditure
$2,249.94
Cash Balance January 1939 :
Bank
$8.02
Inventory
50.15
Assets
$58.17
66.93
Outstanding Bills
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Report of the Music Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools : 1
In preparation for the music program of the schools, I have tried to realize two ideals; - First, to present songs carefully chosen to meet all the moods of child- hood, and second, to organize these songs that they may form the basis for definite instruction. Out of this should grow a lasting love for, and an intelligent appreciation of the best music. In the primary books of the "Music Hour Series" which are used in the Duxbury Schools, the material is so organized that through repeated ex- periences with these musical ideas, the children gain those fundamental concepts of rhythm and tone, upon which a sound musical education is based.
The teachers of all the grades, by following their manuals, find that the successive topics are clearly in- dicated, and that development is definite and logical. In part one, we find classified songs to be taught by rote, which are arranged in melodic design, embodying funda- mental ideas which are the basis of tonal relations and notation.
The work through the intermediate grades is built on the foundation, laid in the lower grades, and more dif- ficult steps are taken, which later afford the ability to read part music. In the Junior High School, the boys, for the first time, experience the reading of music writ- ten in the bass cleff. When ready to take up the more difficult music of the High School Chorus, many have become excellent readers.
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The Junior High School prepared and performed very creditably the operetta "A Christmas Carol," and the High School class is now learning an operetta, entitled "Star Flower" to be given in the spring.
Respectfully submitted,
MAY B. McCLOSKY,
Supervisor of Music.
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Report of the Drawing Supervisor
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
As usual we are experimenting on different kinds of work this year.
Poster work of an advertising nature, applied to local industry and business firms, is a feature which requires the combination of lettering and object work.
This branch of work if properly perfected should pro- mote and encourage worth while ideas and imaginative drawing. It also makes use of the student's ability to arrange and compose successfully. Good craftmanship is quite necessary to demonstrate good ideas.
The work in all the grades seems to be advancing favorably, and we hope to gain results far in advance of last year. We feel quite certain the work of last year was in advance of the previous year.
More progress is sought, for each successive year, in order to prove that we are not going back or standing still.
Last years exhibit represented every grade but the first.
With sincere thanks to Mr. Green and all the teachers concerned for their kindly assistance and continued in- terest, I remain as ever
Sincerely yours,
SAMUEL WARNER,
Supervisor of Drawing
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Report of Supervisor of Physical Education
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
This Marks the third year of organized Physical Education in Duxbury. During this time we have worked toward certain aims and objectives which it might be well to clarify. We have not attempted to make our boys and girls into gladiators, or even to make athletes of them all. We do, however, hope to lay a solid physical foundation for each one of them and, in addition, to de- velop such desirable traits of character as leadership, sincerity, cooperation, sportsmanship, friendliness, and loyalty-which can best be accomplished through the in- timate relations of physical activities.
The program for the year commenced with the medical examination of every child conducted by Dr. King and Miss Williams. These were followed by the physical fitness tests and posture examinations. The results were tabulated and compared with previous records to indicate individual and group progress.
A close study of this material is very gratifying indeed. Our physical fitness rating is the highest yet attained. It is 20% above the usual high school average and one of the highest in the state. There was improvement in every class, and on the part of practically every in- dividual; and, significantly enough, the greatest gains have been made by those who were the lowest in pre- vious tests. Thus, at present, we have very few who are below normal, and these are becoming fewer each year.
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The outline of work in the high school classes includes the major sports (baseball, basketball, tag football, vol- ley ball), marching calisthenics, tumbling, relay races, dancing, skating, sliding, first aid, posture and health discussions.
In the major sports the larger part of the period is spent in fundamentals. In this way all receive the same amount of practice and activity. The calisthenics are of the posture-correcting types, designed to improve all of the common types of posture weakness. Some of these are conducted every morning in the home rooms by trained student leaders as a part of the opening exercises. The more strenuous type come at the commencement of the gymnasium period. Marching is being more and more recommended as one of the best methods of teaching posture. Consequently, we have been stressing that con- siderably. During the marching drills, all are expected to maintain correct posture in order to develop better habits of standing and walking.
As for the discussion periods, we feel that a better knowledge of posture, health, and first aid is necessary. Every child should know the difference between good and poor posture, the advantages of good posture, and the method of making corrections. We also try to present general facts concerning the human body and to develop simple habits of personal hygiene. In first aid, we expect to teach methods of caring for simple injuries, and how best to treat a severely injured person before the services of a physician can be secured. These discussions have been very helpful in creating proper attitudes toward the work we are attempting to do and in developing class morale.
In the past we have concentrated on our main objec- tive-the improvement of health. This year, in addition
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to that, we are placing considerable emphasis on the character forming aspects of the work, particularly leadership. This is done by giving the class members every opportunity to show the qualities which are neces- sary to a good leader. They referee basketball games, have charge of lockers and equipment, help give examina- tions and tests, help in the conduct of the lower grade classes, and supervise the activities of their respective squads. As a result of this training we now have several persons in each class who are able to take complete charge and do a creditable job without the presence of a teacher. Many of them have become so interested that they hope to study physical education as a life work. I am distinctly proud of these people and can safely predict that these qualities will make them leaders either in their chosen occupation or in the community in which they may reside.
We are still continuing with our weekly period of supervised physical activities in each of the primary schools. When the weather permitted, we played active games out-of-doors. During the winter, we have been working on posture, exercises, marching, stunts, and in- door games. The work for the week is outlined during the class period and practiced during recesses and noon hours under the guidance of the primary teachers and student leaders. Each activity is in charge of a leader who is more exacting in his demands than a teacher would ever be. Last year we climaxed the season with a rally in which all of the schools participated and demonstrated what they had learned during the year. This generated a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. Since then it has been a simple matter to secure complete cooperation on the part of all groups. I find them practicing marching and stunts during their free play periods, and spontan- eously working out new ideas to show the other schools
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at the next rally. The teachers all pronounced the last one a complete success. I certainly hope we can have a bigger and better one this year to which the parents may be invited.
One major change this year has been the further co- ordination of class physical activities and athletics. This department is now responsible for the coaching of the high school and junior high boys basketball teams. Authorities argue that school teams should grow out of the gymnasium classes; that the chance of making the team should furnish the incentive for more concentrated effort on the part of the class members. Thus far the sys- tem has worked very well. The high school is leading the league with six straight victories, while the junior high has won the two games played. The success of the teams has added greatly to the student enthusiasm and general school spirit, and I feel that every student is just a little bit prouder of being a member of Duxbury High School because of the success of their teams.
In the past this department has been responsible for arranging group trips to see historical shrines, libraries, museums, college sports contests, places of amusement, and schools which may be attended after graduation. The purpose of all this, in addition to giving them a good time (an end highly desirable in itself), is to broaden their interests, and widen their experience, with the result that they will be better able to choose a school or an occupation after graduation. This year the Parent- Teacher's Association is extending the scope of the work further by organizing vocational guidance trips to in- terview business and professional men.
I feel that no finer recommendation for our work could be given than a report made by Mr. Edgar Everts, Pro-
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fessor of Physical Education at Boston University, who surveyed the Duxbury program. He said, "I came down here to explain what physical education is, and to offer suggestions for the improvement of the work, but find it so well organized that there is nothing left for me to do but pronounce a benediction."
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN
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Report of School Nurse
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The activities in this department this year have been varied. More need of social welfare this year was caused by the present economic conditions.
The School Physician made the usual examinations at the opening of the schools in the autumn. I assisted with these examinations, and did the follow up visits. I also notified parents when corrections were needed.
I have assisted Dr. King at the Well Baby Clinics, which were sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Associa- tion. The clinic was held on the last Saturday of each month, except December.
The Pre-School Clinic was held on the third and fourth of June. This gave the parents an opportunity to have corrections made (if any were needed) before the child entered school. Also it made the child familiar with a thorough routine examination, and put them at ease later during the school examinations.
We were able to secure the audiometer early this year so the ear tests were given in September. There were two grades tested-the fifth and the tenth. There were several students who showed a loss of six or more units of hearing. The parents were notified accordingly, and the children are now under treatment.
The T. B. Clinic was held and tests were given (with the consent of the parents) to students of the ninth and
er
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eleventh grades. The usual routine of reading the tests on the third day, and the X-ray for any who showed the slightest reaction, was followed. Later, a day was ap- pointed for the parents to meet the county T. B. Special- ist, who gave a physical examination and explained the X-ray to the parent.
Eye tests have been made by the teachers, and parents have been notified where vision was found to be defective.
During the reorganizing process of Jordan Hospital, the School Tonsil Clinic was suspended; but during this past month, through the efforts of Dr. King, we were able to secure a bed for a case that was badly needed.
Two students were sent to the Bailey Camp this sum- mer. They were greatly benefitted. This was financed by the Duxbury Nurse Association with money earned by the sale of Christmas Seals.
The statistical report is as follows :
Visits to School Sessions 834
To homes of students 784
Carried to Hospitals for Treatment
6
Visited in Hospitals
8
Carried to Bailey Camp 2
Carried to Dentists 6
Fully outfitted with new clothes 16
New Shoes given 29
Rubbers (new) given 11
Bed Linen 3
Bed Blankets 4
Used clothing given to families of 32
The above work could not have been done without the cooperation of
-
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The School Teachers St. John's Guild The Home Workers The American Red Cross
The Duxbury Nurse Association, Inc.
The Duxbury Welfare Board
I am also grateful to many private citizens who have given me slightly worn clothing which I have placed where it can be used.
To all of these people and organizations I am grateful for assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. WILLIAMS
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Report of School Physician
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 children 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. There was an increase in the number of children with sound teeth over last year. I think it can be definitely said that the number of postural defects is decreasing.
This examination was followed by special examina- tions for sight and hearing defects. The state psychia- trists made their annual examination of children sub- mitted to them.
The annual Pre-School Clinic was held in June. These examinations were made with the parents present and any defects found were discussed at the time in order that corrections might be made before the child entered school.
The facilities of the high school were given for a monthly Well-Baby Clinic conducted under the auspices of the Parent-Teachers Association. These clinics were well attended with gratifying results.
The principal contagious diseases encountered during the year were Whooping Cough and Chicken Pox.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
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Report of The Parent-Teacher Association
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Last April the Parent-Teacher association presented its second annual Minstrel Show, with net proceeds of $130.00.
Since early spring the well baby clinic, previously held annually, has been having regular monthly meetings, making the follow up work considerably more beneficial to both mothers and babies. Many thinks and much credit are given to Mrs. Walter Prince and her commit- tee who, together with Dr. King and Miss Williams, have worked so faithfully on this project.
The organization opened in the fall with many new officers and committee chairman. The work previously done by a program committee was taken over by the ex- ecutive board, who have planned the regular monthly meetings for the entire year.
In the late fall, a series of six weekly after school danc- ing classes, with over one hundred children attending, was sponsored by the association, under the direction of Miss Alice Astle, of Boston, who instructed in both danc- ing and ballroom etiquette. Many appeals to continue the lessons were received from parents, and we hope it will be possible to resume classes in the spring.
A new Social Activities Committee was formed for the purpose of guiding and giving assistance to the social functions of the school. This committee worked with both the Seniors and Sophomores in planning their an-
,
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nual class dances. It also arranged and directed the dancing parties given to those children, who had attended the after school dancing classes.
In October, our organization sponsored Miss Hazel Boone, of the Boston Dancing Academy, who spoke to the High School Assembly on "Social Etiquette and the Dance."
In December, Paul Clemens' Marionettes presented "Jack and the Bean Stalk" for all the Duxbury school children.
A vocational guidance group has been formed with Mr. Kenneth Garside as chairman. Its purpose is to help the young people in finding a life work by presenting to them possible vocations, by helping them to know the neces- sary requirements for such careers and by giving the older young people practical experiences in realizing the essentials in applying for any position.
A minstrel show to be presented the last of March is under consideration.
Executive board members, committee chairmen, and those working on committees, have earnestly cooperated in an attempt to make the meetings interesting as well as instructive.
The regular monthly meetings, which have been very well attended, are open to all who are interested in work- ing for children. While members only have voting privi- leges, all are welcome without charge.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIE M. DYER,
President.
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Report of Hobby Classes for Adults
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
The interest in the activities of the Hobby Classes for the past year has been gratifying. New pupils have en- rolled each month, making a total of over 175 members in 1938. Most of these come and go, but some have been attending classes off and on since this work had its in- ception early in 1935.
All kinds of furniture have been built, from footstools to chests of drawers and cabinets. A great many pieces of furniture have been repaired and refinished. Inumer- able chairs have been reseated with rush, hand cane, cane webbing, reed, splints and upholstery. Some new tools have been added to the shop equipment this year, from the class funds.
Both men and women have been active in the work but the women are in the lead in attendance so far. Classes meet at the High School shop four afternoons and five evenings a week.
Many people have stated that the classes have been a great help to them in using their leisure time for creative work and made life more interesting and worth while.
In June and again in December the teachers on the Federal Adult Education Program in eastern Massachu-
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setts participated in a one-day institute at the Mass- achusetts School of Art in Boston. Interesting programs were carried out, including round table discussions of outstanding problems and plans for the future.
Work in the Hobby Class has been improving steadily as we gain experience and the adult education movement gathers momentum. We hope for even bigger achieve- ments in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. MacFARLANE,
Teacher.
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PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS
1937-1938
Not absent or tardy
Miriam Arnold
Elizabeth Merry
Joseph Berg
Eden Peterson
Laurel Cahoon
Frank Putnam
Alice Caron
Gertrude Putnam
Charles Collingwood
Willard Putnam
William Drury
Raymond Putnam
Everett Dunn
Phillip Randall
Eleanor Field
Elizabeth Schaffer
Elizabeth Green
Richard Schaffer
Robert Green
Alice Soule
Mildred Hale
Donald Washburn
Stuart Lovell
John Williams
Not Absent
Kendell Blanchard
Frank Davis
George Davis
Amancio Fernandes Winthrop Murphy Jean Poole
Sverre Strom
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Graduating Exercises
The Duxbury High School
June 16, 1938
PROGRAM
1. March-"Tannhauser" Richard Wagner Orchestra
2. Invocation Rev. George A. Gately
3. Songs School Chorus
(a) "Dear Land of Home" Sibelius
(b) "Two Grenadiers" Shumann
4. Essay-"American Bands"
5. Class History
6. Class Motto
Fred Wadsworth Joseph Berg
Gertrude Putnam Frances McAuliffe Orchestra
7. Snow White Fantasy
Churchill-Arranged by Robert A. Patterson
8. Class Prophecy
Doris Collingwood
9. Class Gifts
Raymond Chandler Helen Olhson
10. Class Will
Eunice Arnold
11. Essay-"The Folly of War"
Thelma Peterson
12. Song of India-Rimsy Korsakoff Senior Class
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13. Presentation of Medal
George E. Green Superintendent
14. Presentation of Diplomas Joseph W. Lund
Chairman of School Committee
15. Class Song
Raymond Chandler Thelma Peterson Fred Wadsworth
16. Benediction
Rev. Gordon L. King
GRADUATES
Catherine Eunice Arnold Gertrude Florence Putnam
Doris Mae Collingwood
Joseph C. Berg
Cora Frances McAuliffe John E. Merry
Helen E. Olhson .
John C. Mobbs
Thelma E. Peterson
Fred W. Wadsworth
Raymond P. Chandler
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Index
Accountant's Report 10
Assessors' Report 140
Balance Sheet, 1938 69
Births 115
Board of Health
159
Cemetery Superintendent
172
Cemetery Trust Funds
72
Cemetery Trustees 169
Chief of Police
143
Deaths
117
Deaths, Out of Town
120
Dog Licenses Issued
121
Duxbury Free Library, Librarian 162
Duxbury Free Library, Treasurer 163
Fire Chief 145
Forest Fire Warden Report 148
High School Building Committee 127
Inspector of Slaughtered Animals 147
Jury List 7
Marriages 78
Memorial Day Committee Report 155
Moth Superintendent's Report 150
Planning Board Report 157
Public Welfare 141
Railroad Committee
176
School Department 187
Selectmen's Report
8
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Shellfish Warden 166
State Audit 86
Street Department 154
Town Clerk's Report 112
Town Historian 174
Town Meetings
123
Town Officers
3
Train Field Playground
165
Treasurer's Report
139
Tree Warden's Report
151
Valuation List
Appendix
Welfare Physician's Report
152
W. P. A. Clerk's Report 168
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VALUATION
OF
POLLS and ESTATE
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