USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 44
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forgotten or adopted in part. The safe and sane practice is to follow a median line, adopting and adapting what may be good in the new, but holding to the valuable in the old.
Our teachers through professional study are well in- formed about the latest educational theories but I am happy to report that none of them have simply become "credit chasers." They weigh wisely and carefully the material which is presented and accept only that which has been proved through successful use.
The program has changed little during the past year, and probably will change little until the problem of overcrowding has been solved. As in the past we attempt to study the personality of every child in order to help him develop the traits of character which will insure him a happy, useful existence.
My sincere thanks are given to pupils, teachers, super- visors, janitors, and to the School Committee for the har- monious co-operation with which they have worked with me and with one another towards the successful accom- plishments of another school year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GREEN, Superintendent.
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ENROLLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION By School and Grades, December 31, 1939
Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Opp. P. G. Tot.
High
36 37 31 23 25 25 26 34 17
3 257
Village
24 27 17
68
Tarkiln
22 18 16 17
73
Point
27
27
49 42 43 34 36 37 31 23 25 25 26 34 17 3 425
Enrollment in the First Grade, December 31, each year since the opening of the new High School.
1926
32
1933
54
1927
39
1934
53
1928
36
1935
40
1929
38
1936
40
1930
34
1937
50
1931
35
1938
54
1932
32
1939
49
TOTAL ENROLLMENT IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS December 31
1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
355
354 358
365
375
416
405
404
398
407 412
425
1
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Financial Statement
December 31, 1939
Teacher's Salaries
$27,648.34
Textbooks
962.19
Supplies
996.01
Janitor's Wages
4,004.75
Fuel, Lights, etc.
2,274.07
Repairs
1,414.44
Health
966.80
Transportation
5,862.60
New Equipment
377.52
Libraries
207.94
Miscellaneous
1,779.89
Total Expenditures
$ 46,494.55
Appropriation
$46,000.00
Dog Tax
495.30
Total Appropriation 46,495.30
Expenditures 46,494.55
Unexpended Balance $.75
.
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Duxbury High School Cafeteria
Financial Report-January 1, 1940
Income
Expenses
January
$255.50
$227.96
February
257.34
283.69
March
233.75
234.94
April
256.24
236.65
May
269.50
240.13
June
122.68
171.47
September
231.15
130.44
October
253.86
278.20
November
304.88
275.37
December
192.97
200.41
$2,377.87
$2,279.26
Cash Balance January 1, 1939:
Bank
$8.02
Receipts
2,377.87
Total Income
2,385.89
Cash Balance January 1, 1940:
Bank
$82.27
Cash
24.36
Cash Balance
$106.63
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Expenditures
2,279.26
Cash Balance
$2,385.89 $106.63
Inventory
45.00
Total Assets
$151.63
Outstanding Bills
81.15
Net Assets
$70.48
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Report of the Music Supervisor
Mr. George E. Green Supt. of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
In the Duxbury schools we are using a new series of music books called "The New Universal School Music Series" of which Dr. Walter Damrosch is one of the three editors.
The following paragraphs are taken from their "Fore- word" in the opening pages of the Manual of this pro- gram of study and show clearly our objective in the pur- suit of this subject in our Duxbury Schools:
"For the great majority, music study is to be justified primarily as an important factor in making human life more satisfying. Music is taught for the sake of the joy and satisfaction which it brings into the lives of the many; not merely as a means of enabling the few to re- ceive professional training.
"A series of books to be used by all the children of all the people must therefore stress that side of music which results immediately in aesthetic pleasure rather than that which concerns itself only with elaborate technical train- ing in preparation for future achievements and enjoy- ments. In short, we must give the children, abundantly, while they are still in school, the joyful experience of hearing and sharing in the rendition of beautiful music.
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"Accordingly we have emphasized, throughout the ser- ies, song-singing and listening lessons, with music appre- ciation as the general objective.
"The abundance of music of high quality which these books contain is perhaps their most distinctive feature, and we hope that through singing this music our children will come to love music because it is beautiful, satisfying and exalting. In thus learning to appreciate and to love beautiful music, we believe that our boys and girls will be inclined to observe and to acquire a taste for all beauty.
"Such stimulation of the children's aesthetic instincts will in turn tend to enrich, refine, and ennoble their en- tire lives, thus amply justifying the time devoted to music."
This seems to set forth very clearly and outline very concisely what we are trying to do in the Duxbury schools.
The teachers, for the most part, are talented and in- terested and we have wonderful material with which to work. Consequently, our progress should be outstanding.
Sc er
We have a limited number of Victor records and should in the near future add to this collection in order to carry on successfully this part of our work.
The High School is at present planning and preparing an operetta to be given in March. Also several choruses are under rehearsal for graduation.
Respectfully submitted,
MAY B. McCLOSKY, Music Supervisor.
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Report of the Drawing Supervisor
To George E. Green Supt. of Schools
Dear Sir:
The drawing continues to advance in all grades. While we use a definite plan with all concerned to promote a sense of form and color, the subjects are changed as often as seems advisable, with the result of keeping the workers interested, and improving.
At present we are promoting commercial drawing which results in much worth while work produced along very practical lines.
As usual an extensive exhibit was held at the High School during graduation. Much interest and enthusiasm enters into these annual exhibits on the part of the chil- dren. Their efforts to put forth the best work possible to contribute to a successful showing proves a whole-hearted interest that is admirable.
With sincere thanks to all concerned for their necessary help, I remain,
Respectfully yours,
SAMUEL WARNER, Supervisor of Drawing.
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Report of Supervisor of Physical Education
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
I submit herewith the fifth annual report of the Depart- ment of Physical Education.
Our examinations this year were conducted in the same manner as in the past. Dr. King and Miss Williams gave the usual thorough medical examinations and I, with the aid of student leaders, gave the physical fitness and posture tests. The results of these were compared with the past records to give us the information upon which to base our program for the present year.
The physical fitness tests which are given in this school are identical with those recommended by the Department of Education and are used in many of the large schools and colleges all over the country. Several tests are made for each individual pupil. From this information, by the use of a formula and norms prepared for sex, age, and weight, we arrive at a single number called an index which very closely indicates the physical condition.
Some of this examination data is quite interesting. First of all it shows that both the girls and boys lose consider- able strength during the summer. The reason for this, as it has been explained to me, is the change from regular living. Also the average high school boy or girl does less
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exercising during the summer resulting in weakened musculature and an accumulation of excess weight. Dur- ing the school year, however, we have always been able to bring this index of physical fitness up above normal as a result of our activity program. In September 1938 our girls returned to school with the lowest average yet recorded. We immediately arranged the program to meet the needs of the low people and when the tests were again taken at the end of the school year, we had attained a higher mark than ever before. The boys were also quite low but made a gain of 12 per cent during the year. In September 1939 both groups were higher than the prev- ious year which encourages us to believe that we may set another record when the final tests are taken in June.
As in the past the upper grade class activities included the major sports (baseball, basketball, tag football, field hockey, volley ball) marching, calisthenics, tumbling, re- lay races, dancing, skating, sliding, first aid, posture and health discussions.
Last year we conducted a contest in the girls' classes. By means of a series of tests we were able to rate them rather closely according to their abilities. The different items upon which they were checked were physical fit- ness, posture, weight, sportsmanship, school spirit and loyalty, attendance, health education, volley ball, basket- ball, baseball, first aid, marching, dancing and tumbling. The contest chart on the bulletin board showed each of the girls how she stood in relation to other members of the class and proved to be an incentive for many of them to better their marks.
One of the outstanding contributions made by physical education is the opportunity to develop desirable traits of character. The contest mentioned above helped to
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teach and improve sportsmanship, school spirit and loy- alty. Leadership and responsibility were taught by allow- ing class members to take turns officiating games, super- vising lower grade groups, or being responsible for lock- ers and equipment. Another opportunity for leadership training was the supervising of recess periods. Rules were set up by the Student Council and enforced by stu- dent leaders which regulated the play and governed the conduct of all during morning and noon recesses. Playing in close, hard fought games involving physical contact is the means of developing self control and sportsmanship. This continued practice in the qualities of good citizen- ship has helped to develop a fine group of dependable leaders, to maintain our standards of sportsmanship on the part of players and spectators, and to increase our school spirit.
In the primary schools there was very little change in program. During the fall and spring we played active games out of doors. During the winter we worked in the classroom on posture, calisthenics, marching, stunts, and games. Here again student leaders checked posture and led the various activities. At the end of the season we conducted a primary school demonstration to show some of the work accomplished. This was carried out with a great deal of enthusiasm by the children and was well at- tended by the parents. The primary teachers co-operated in every way, helping to plan the weekly program and assisting with the demonstration.
The transfer of the boys' basketball coaching duties to this department proved successful. Mr. Macomber was free to take charge of schedules, transportation, advertis- ing, training of managers, hiring of referees, purchasing of supplies and many other duties which must be performed before a team goes on the floor to play. By so distributing
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the responsibility our home games and our trips were conducted in a more systematic and businesslike manner. Also there was no conflict between two methods of coach- ing thereby permitting the same system to be taught in the gym classes as in squad practice. Many boys who have never been interested in basketball learned to play in gym and then tried out for the team.
We now have 23 on the squad which is nearly half of the male student body. The policy has been established of giving every man on the squad as much practice and playing time in games as possible. So far this year practi- cally every member of the squad has taken part in six of the seven games played.
In the nature of a recommendation for next year, I hope that all class members may be required to wear gym uniforms and to take showers. We are losing a large percentage of the value of our work when people fail to dress for gym or take showers afterwards. I know of no good physical education program which does not require uniforms and showers.
I am confident that we are making some measure of im- provement in our work each year. Our physical fitness records are above average, the coaching system is no longer a problem, we are gradually adding to our equip- ment, our student leaders are trained and proving of invaluable assistance, the lower school program is pro- gressing satisfactorily and recess periods are now careful- ly organized. I expect that, with the aid of minor changes, we will be able to add to this list during 1940.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN,
Supervisor.
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Report of School Nurse
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Activities have been carried on as usual in this de- partment during the past year. Owing to the present economic conditions, Social Welfare needs have not eased up.
I have assisted the School Physician when he made the physical examinations and made the necessary follow up visits. I also assisted at the Dental clinics and made the follow up visits where it was necessary.
There have been twelve Well Baby Conferences during the year. I have assisted Dr. King at these and made the necessary follow up visits. These Conferences are spon- sored by the P. T. A., with Mrs. Florence Flannery as Chairman assisted by Miss Constance Young and Mrs. Mary Crocker.
The School Department hired the audiometer from the Plymouth County Health Assoc. for testing the ears. This year we tested students in the fifth and tenth grades, also a few were tested who were found to have defective hear- ing last year who belonged in other grades and have been under treatment. Where defects were found, the parents were notified. Several under treatment have improved.
We had the T. B. Clinic carried on by the County T. B. Clinic and sponsored by the School Board. Tests were
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made, followed up by ex-ray and physical examination where it was deemed necessary.
The Pre-School Clinic was held in June and as there was a large number to enter the first grade this past September, the clinic covered four days. This clinic was carried on by Dr. King assisted by a State Psychiarist and a State Psychologist. This was also sponsored by the School Board. Holding this clinic early in the summer gave opportunity to have defects corrected before school opened in September. This caused many visits to parents also some follow up visits.
Eye tests were made and parents notified when vision was suspected of being defective. Some parents have attended to this by taking their children to an oculist for examniation and securing glasses for them. Some were not able to do this and their children have been carried to an oculist and examinations made and glasses secured. This was financed by the Duxbury Nurse Association from a special fund.
Three children have been carried to Jordan Hospital and had their tonsils removed. This was also paid from the special fund of the Nurse Association.
Three students were sent to the Bailey Camp last sum- mer for two months. They were greatly benefited by this. This was paid for by money earned by the Nurse Asso- ciation from the sale of Christmas Seals.
The statistical report is as follows:
Visits to school sessions 793
Visits to homes of students 921
Carried to hospitals 8
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Carried to Doctor 7
Carried to dentists for treatment 23
Carried to oculist
7
Carried to Bailey Camp 3
Fully outfitted, clothing, etc.
11
Shoes and stockings (new garments)
19
Used clothing given to
33
Food given to families of
8
I wish to thank all who have co-operated by giving clothing, food, toys and books or have assisted in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. WILLIAMS, School Nurse.
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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.
Between September and the first of November 415 school children were given physical examination. At the same time a thorough dental examination was conducted by the three school dentists. This was followed by special examinations for visual defects, hearing defects, Tubercu- losis and phychiatric problems. Wherever defects were found the parents were notified.
The Pre-School Clinic was held in June. At this Clinic the children who were to enter school the following fall were examined with the parents present, so any physical defects that were found could be corrected before entering school.
For the past year the Parent-Teachers Association has conducted a Well Baby Clinic the last Saturday in every month at the High School. This clinic is conducted by the school physician and nurse with the aid of a committee from the Parent-Teachers Association.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M. D.
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Report of Parent - Teacher Association 1938 - 1939
The third annual Parent Teacher Association Minstrel Show directed by Mrs. Harriet Phillips Crocker, was pre- sented in April, 1939 with a net gain of $164.73.
Our organization assisted the local police department in forming a bicycle safety club. Under its provision, any child, after passing an examination on traffic rules and regulations, may have his bicycle inspected and registered at the police station, thus encouraging more careful bicycle riding and helping to safeguard against theft.
Our fall program opened with a turkey supper in the high school lunch room and 105 members were secured. Each person who bought a supper ticket was entitled to a 1939-1940 Parent Teacher Association membership card. At this meeting the new sound motion picture outfit and public address system given to the high school by the trustees of the Partridge Academy Fund, was demon- strated.
Under the able guidance of Mrs. John Flannery and her committee, the Well Baby Conference has been held regularly each month with an average attendance of eighteen babies. We are very grateful to Dr. Connie King and Miss Williams who have helped so generously by giv- ing their time and interest to this worthy project.
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In September, the afterschool dancing classes were re- sumed under the direction of Miss Astle, of Boston. Tho nearly one hundred signed up for the series of ten lessons, many failed to appear at all and others lost interest, so that the attendance was much smaller than last year when the classes were so popular. In order to continue the work for those who were really interested, the Executive Board held a card party and a lobster supper to help finance the project.
The Social Activities Committee which was formed last year to assist and guide the young people in planning their school social activities which did not come under the regular school curriculum, has continued to work with the students on each group dance and party. The commit- tee has tried to stimulate parent interest in the young peoples' activities, has encouraged originality concerning the types of parties, decorations, etc., has offered helpful advice on points of social etiquette and given other sug- gestions designed to create more wholesome fun and hap- pier parties for the young people.
A Library and Publications Committee was newly' or- ganized this year to stimulate a desire for helpful parent educational reading. At each meeting, one member of the committee has briefly previewed several books and called attention to timely magazine articles which have then been placed on the Parent Teacher book shelf. Any inter- ested persons may borrow the books to read and study at their leisure.
At Christmas time, the association sponsored a marion- ette show held at the high school for all the Duxbury school children.
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We have voted to secure for a general school assembly program on February ninth, Walter Houston's Abraham Lincoln film, to be used in the new motion picture outfit.
As this report goes to press, the Ways and Means Com- mittee are planning another Minstrel Show to be pre- sented some time in March.
Our regular monthly meetings are planned not only to interest parents and friends of young people, but to create between the school and homes a mutual feeling of sympathy and understanding and to assist us in working jointly toward helpful community projects. Parent Teacher Association members only may vote, but all in- terested persons are heartily welcome to our meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIE M. DYER, President.
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Report of the Hobby Class for Adults
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
The activities of the Hobby Class this past year have been much the same as in past years, except that the work has become broadened somewhat in scope. We began up- holstering sofas, and completely rebuilt five old timers during the year. We also restored upholstered chairs of all kinds. A great many stools and chairs were reseated with rush, cane, reed of Indian splints. Repairing and refinish- ing antiques has now become quite a popular hobby in the town. A good deal of new furniture such as tables, wall racks, cabinets and stools have been built in the shop. One pupil made ten heavy tavern or saw-buck tables of native pine for use in a tea room.
The Hobby Class meets at the High School shop four days a week: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Satur- day from 3:15 to 6:15 P. M. and 7:00 to 10:00 P. M. It is open to both men and women over 16 years old and who are through school. It is not necessary to sign up for a certain period of time, as instruction is on the individual basis and is planned to suit the needs of busy adults. There are seldom more than 8 or 10 pupils in the shop at one time. Some attend for a few weeks and others for several months or years. The total enrollment for the year was about 175 pupils. We have had a number of persons
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attending from Plymouth, Marshfield, Hanover, Scituate, Weymouth, and several from the Cape. The summer resi- dents form a large percentage of attendance during vaca- tion seasons while the regular Duxbury citizens take full advantage of the opportunity the rest of the year.
The only expense is for the material used and a small charge for shop dues. Most of the material needed is on hand at the shop.
I wish to thank the Superintendent and School Com- mittee for their fine cooperation in extending us the ficili- ties of the school shop.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. MacFARLANE, Instructor.
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PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS
1938-1939
Not Absent
Annie Black
Norma MacKenney
Laurel Cahoon
Joel Newman
Mary Cardosa
Phyllis Peterson
Marguerite Chandler
Elain Randall
Madeline Churchill
Richard C. Schaffer
Arthur Cornwell
Barbara Scott
Frank Davis
Marion Shirley
Arthur Edwards
Alice Soule
Milton Ellis
Margaret Teravainen
Amancio Fernandes
Clarence Walker
Domingo Fernandes
Richard Washburn
Elizabeth Green
Ruth E. Washburn
Robert .W. Holmes
John Williams
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Graduating Exercises
THE DUXBURY HIGH SCHOOL JUNE 16, 1939
PROGRAM
1. March
School Orchestra "War March of the Priests,"
from Athalia F. Mendelssohn
2. Invocation Rev. John W. Laws
3. Song "The Happy Song" Gaines
School Chorus
4. Essay "Photography"
Wayne R. Stearns
5. Class History Edmund P. Frazer, Elizabeth F. Olsen
6. Class Motto "What Next?" Natalie A. Soule, Robert B. Delano
7. Two Waltzes J. Brahms
School Orchestra
8. Essay "The Objectives of Physical Education" Alice M. Soule
9. Class Prophecy Helen Phyllis Peterson
10
1:
12
1
1
1
1
1
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10. Class Gifts
E. Alma Nickerson, Winthrop A. Murphy
11. Class Will Margaret Teravainen
12. Piano Solos "Melodie" from Chants de Voyager "Minuet a L'Antique" Paderewski ยท Helen Phyllis Peterson
13. Essay "History of Aviation" John F. Morton
14. Awards George E. Green, Superintendent
15. Presentation of Diplomas
Joseph W. Lund, Chairman of School Committee
16. Class Song Words by Helen E. Berg
Helen P. Peterson
17. Benediction Rev. Allen Jacobs
GRADUATES
Raymond Bennett Winthrop A. Murphy Helen Elizabeth Berg George Alvah Davis Robert B. Delano E. Alma Nickerson Elizabeth F. Olsen Helen Phyllis Peterson Maurice H. Shirley Alice May Soule Natalie Anne Soule
Domingo M. Fernandes Thelma Ivealine Ferrell Edmund P. Frazar Edythe G. Hodgdon Wayne R. Stearns Margaret Teravainen Joseph Patrick Little John Franklin Morton Richard Wilson Tower
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INDEX
Accountant's Report 8
Assessors' Report 137
Balance Sheet, 1939
65 and 102
Births
110
Board of Health
155
Cemetery Superintendent
167
Cemetery Trust Funds
68
Cemetery Trustees
165
Chief of Police
140
Deaths
112
Deaths, Out of Town
114
Dog Licenses Issued 116
Duxbury Free Library, Librarian
157
Duxbury Free Library, Treasurer
158
Fire Chief 142
Forest Fire Warden Report
144
Inspector of Slaughtered Animals 30
Jury List 6
Marriages 105
Memorial Day Committee Report
151
Moth Superintendent's Report
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