USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1936-1940 > Part 7
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With the arrival of Mr. Blakeman in the spring we became quite sport conscious. Innumerable teams were organized for every conceivable game or interest. Through the efforts of the American Legion, this interest held through the summer with an organized baseball league and daily supervision of swimming at the Blue- fish River swimming pool. The Outing Club, which
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sprang into being provided afternoon and week-end hikes.
The only sports in which we formally meet teams from other schools are basketball and baseball. From the standpoint of percentage of games won, the season in each of these sports was rather disastrous. This year there seems to be much more enthusiasm and an im- provement in our standing at the end is hoped for most sincerely.
The Senior Play, The Guest Room, again directed by Miss Hausman assisted by Miss Downey, was the usual success.
The Student Council continued to function as usual within its own sphere of influence. This particular organization is especially endowed by traditions for it was in Duxbury, in 1840, that the first attempt at student participation in the government of a school was insti- tuted. "The Mattakeesett School Republic" in the old Powder Point School antedates anything of the kind of which there is authentic record.
Regular assemblies are held on Wednesday morning of each week. The programs vary widely from moving pictures and paid entertainers to pupil demonstration. Parents and friends are cordially invited to attend these assemblies.
Mr. William Clapp has spent nearly a lifetime of in- dustrious research building up a museum of biological specimens native to this part of the world. Some of these specimens are the only ones known to be in exis- tence. This priceless collection would fill a room forty feet long and twenty feet wide. Although he has had offers from several museums, Mr. Clapp is really anxious that his handiwork remain in his home town of Duxbury where it would be of educational value to young and old. To receive this gift the town must merely provide a place for its suitable display and pro-
177
tection. Such a room might be built in the attic of the high school building.
General repairs and upkeep were cared for as the need arose. A mechanical stoker was installed at the high school during the summer months. This piece of apparatus not only uses a cheaper grade of coal than could be used with hand firing, but also burns the fuel more efficiently. With this machine a uniform tempera- ture may be maintained more readily throughout the building, day or night. The greatest saving, however, is in the release of the janitor from the drudgery of hand stoking so that his attention may be turned to the care of the building. Some changes and repairs were made to the heating and plumbing, and minor changes were made in some of the electrical wiring at the high school. During the Christmas holidays the auditorium floor was varnished and the walls were painted. Paint- ing was also done on the walls of the lunch room, the kitchen, the opportunity class room, and the print shop. At Tarkiln a new well was driven and new motors for pump and ventilating fan were installed. New swings were put up at the Village, and repairs were made on the smoke pipe. There remains for our immediate attention during the coming year painting of the ceiling of the auditorium and of the exterior woodwork of the front of the high school building. General repairs and up-keep should correspond closely to the average ex- pense for the past few years. There are no unusual repairs which can be anticipated at present.
Our enrollment has remained practically the same as that of last year. The lower grades seem to be increasing in size, however, and if this tendency is maintained there are bound to be unwieldy groups, especially in those rooms where there are two grades to a teacher. At best these lower grades cannot receive the most efficient
178
training so long as they are forced to remain in the present buildings. Steps should be taken soon to pro- vide more modern housing facilities for these younger children if Duxbury hopes to compete favorably with the better school systems of Massachusetts.
Already prices on paper, books, and supplies have advanced. Economies in heating and other departments are more than absorbed by these advances. Additional teachers have been necessary in order that we might carry on efficiently the extensive program Duxbury is demanding of its schools. New equipment must be pur- chased and old renewed. All these factors influence our appropriation, but in spite of their extent we will be able to keep the increase to about 2% of the amount used in 1936. I recommend that the School Committee request a sum of $46,000 and the Dog Tax for the sup- port of schools during the year 1937.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. GREEN, Superintendent.
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ENROLLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL AND GRADES, DECEMBER 31, 1936
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Spec. P.G. TI.
High
School
30
32
26
37
38
24
17
20
9
1 234
Village
29
24
23
76
Tarkiln
12
15
21
12
60
Point
28
28
Totals
40
44
45
35 30
32
26
37
38 24
17
20
9
1 398
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts
Appropriation
$45,000.00
474.03
$45,474.03
Expenditures
Teachers' Salaries
$27,015.39
Textbooks
888.67
Supplies
966.96
Janitors' Wages
3,728.75
Fuel, Lights, etc.
2,147.26
Repairs
1,153.71
Health
955.00
Transportation
6,008.00
New Equipment
901.15
Libraries
116.92
Miscellaneous
1,592.02
Total
$45,473.83
Unexpended balance
.20
$45,474.03
180
FINANCIAL REPORT-JANUARY 1, 1936 Duxbury High School Cafeteria
Income
Expenses
January, 1936
$260.02
$247.10
February
245.30
259.37
March
253.04
222.94
April
214.37
229.32
May
256.34
146.78
June
198.16
276.32
September
203.63
273.57
October
231.86
264.69
November
259.40
281.84
December
251.78
110.52
$2,373.90
$2,312.45
Balance :
Bank
$98.87
Cash
63.99
Inventory
51.55
$214.41
Outstanding Bills
38.17
Balance
$176.24
Balance, January 1, 1936
$114.79
Cash Receipts
2,373.90
$2,488.69
Expenditures
$2,312.45
Balance, January 1, 1937
176.24
$2,488.69
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181
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To Mr. George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools, Duxbury, Mass.
Educators are recognizing more and more the need of developing the artistic instincts, and providing medi- ums for expression of the finer emotions. Since it is the primary purpose of art to express beauty, and of music to express feeling, their claims to a larger place in edu- cation are rapidly being recognized. Music must be made to function in the social activities of the school, home, and community.
The Duxbury School Department has liberally pro- vided the equipment necessary in planning an adequate program for the accomplishment of the above aims. In the primary grades, a great number of lovely and attractive songs are taught. This is accomplished through imitations, and if properly presented will result in joyful response on the part of the children.
Coincident with the program of singing, the chil- dren's musical experience includes rhythm plays, par- ticipation in the rhythm band and orchestra, and lis- tening lessons provided by the use of the victrola and radio. With this background in mind, the upper grade teachers continue with exactly the same aims in view,- namely that the children may develop a love of beautiful music, and be able to participate in some degree, in the musical activities of the school, and perhaps reveal un- usual talent.
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We are attempting to carry out this program from the primary grades to the High School, and the results are very satisfactory. The Tarkiln School has a fine radio, there, the children have studied the Walter Damrosch program, provided throughout the school year. In con- nection with the course, special notebooks are provided for the children. Miss Rust has developed the toy or- chestra, to which the children respond with great joy as well as cleverness. The intermediate grades advance in the singing part of music, with special care given to tone production. The Junior High School has given a fine exhibition of chorus singing, this year, and has been very earnest and attentive. The High School chorus is doing fine work, and is learning a group of songs, from which will be selected a graduation program.
Respectfully submitted, MAY B. McCLOSKY, Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF THE DRAWING SUPERVISOR
To George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
A large amount of work in drawing in the grades has been completed thus far, and I venture to state that this work will reflect much credit to the workers concerned. To demonstrate our improvement in form and color, we are at present hanging drawings of representative char- acter on the glass covered bulletin board placed in the corridor of the first floor, where everybody may see what is being done in the grades. The larger amount of better work being done in each room is indicative of the general results, while indifferent work occurs in only a small minority of cases. As water color always lends itself to direct beauty of clear color, some work of this sort is to be undertaken next month in connection with nature work and design of an interesting character.
We have some plans under way for a new combina- tion of lettering and picture illustration. The nature of this work is to be of the advertising sort.
Our exhibit of completed work, representing every grade but the first, was held as usual in the auditorium of the high school during graduation.
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With sincere thanks to everybody concerned for their kindly assistance during the year, I remain
Respectfully yours,
SAMUEL WARNER, Drawing Supervisor.
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185
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To George E. Green, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
Physical Education in Duxbury began on an experi- mental basis March 1, 1936. The purpose at that time was to discover whether such a project would be prac- ticable in a town of this size.
To initiate the program a letter was sent to each parent explaining its purpose and asking permission to give the necessary tests. These included a thorough medical and posture examination by Doctor King, the customary physical capacity tests, posture pictures, and footprints. The results of these examinations were placed on file and furnish a permanent and exact record of each child's physical condition.
The above examinations also furnished information necessary to divide the school into developmental and corrective classes. The developmental class work con- sisted of calisthenics, apparatus exercises, games, and athletics. In the corrective classes each pupil was given exercises designed to remove his particular deficiency and he worked on these individually.
The results at the end of the four month period showed a definite increase in health consciousness, athletic skills, and muscular control. The physical examina- tions, which were repeated, showed that practically all
186
had gained in physical fitness and vitality, some as much as 50%, and that there was an average gain of 10% for the class as a whole. At present we have no method of showing posture improvements other than by pictures and observations, but in my estimation such conditions as round shoulders, weak feet, and slouching due to fatigue improved considerably.
Physical Education had justified its existence and was made a part of the regular school curriculum in Sep- tember. The same testing procedure was repeated with some improvement in the method of posture recording. At this time Doctor Frederick Rand Rogers, Dean of Physical Education at Boston University, stated that in his opinion, we had a better testing program than any other school, large or small, in New England. That means that we know more about the physical condition of our pupils than any other schools, and consequently are better able to provide for individual needs. These same tests will be repeated at the end of this school year to show individual and group improvement. The amount of this improvement will indicate the efficiency of the program.
Class work this year has consisted largely of games and sports of high activity. There are several reasons for this. The first is to provide a good foundation for posture correction which will be emphasized the last half of the year. Poor posture is, in general, due to low vitality and it is necessary to remove all causes before any appreciable correction can be made. Strenuous activity increases organic efficiency which, in turn, re- sults in better physical condition. Then, too, Physical Education is elective at present and for this reason it is necessary to motivate the program with a certain amount of interesting activity. The purpose of this is to appeal not so much to the athlete but rather to the
187
people who are not athletically inclined and are really more in need of this work.
A leaders' corps made up of pupils of outstanding ability and character has been organized. The purposes of this group are to help supervise the lower classes, assist in testing, and to referee class contests. Education today sets forth the principle that children shall learn keen leadership and intelligent followership. For this reason development of pupil leadership in the Physical Education program is considered a valuable contribu- tion to general education.
Junior High School athletic teams have been organ- ized in baseball, basketball, and tag football. It is hoped that this interest will continue on into high school, and thus one of our aims will be realized, namely, "more people taking part in more activities."
Minor sports, such as tennis, horseshoes, wrestling, and tumbling have been organized. Skating, hockey, volleyball, and table tennis will be added with the idea of developing an interest in activities which will carry over into later life. This is an effort to encourage more worthy use of leisure.
The work herein outlined could not have been accom- plished without the fine co-operation of Doctor King, Miss Williams, and the teachers. They have been very free with their time in making examinations and assist- ing the new department to become established.
I believe that real progress has been made but there is a great deal more to be done in the way of improve- ment. We are at present developing a method of re- cording posture in exact mathematical terms so that a more positive check on individual improvement may be made. It may be possible to work out a better arrange- ment of schedules so that the pupils may be classified
For
188
according to individual needs without conflict with other subjects. And finally, it is necessary to demonstrate that this work has educational as well as physical values, that it develops the qualities of initiative, leadership, co-operation, clean sportsmanship, intelligent obedience to the rules of the game, and the acceptance of respon- sibility-these are all qualities of good citizenship and the making of better citizens is one of education's main objectives.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN.
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189
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
George E. Green, Superintendent Duxbury Schools, Duxbury, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In 1936 the following work in the schools was done:
In the spring the annual pre-school clinic was held. Small pox immunization was given those desiring it. In the fall the entire student body was given a complete physical examination, followed by such special exami- nation as was deemed necessary.
A few minor accidents were given first aid treatment. The general health of the student body was excellent. The amount of contagious diseases was unusually small.
Regular examination of the children's teeth and some corrective work was started in 1936. In grades one to four inclusive, all necessary work was done. There were 254 teeth filled and 130 were extracted. The teeth of every child whose mouth was operated upon, were cleaned. This work has long been needed in the schools and I think the results will more than warrant the small expenditure.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. KING, M.D.
190
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent and The School Board, Duxbury, Mass.
During the past year I have assisted the School Phy- sician in the examinations of students at the beginning of the school year. Also assisted him at the Well Baby Clinic sponsored by the P.T.A. and at the Pre-School Clinic sponsored by the School Board and the School Physician.
I have accompanied students to other clinics at the Massachusetts General O.P.D., the Brockton Hospital O.P.D., the Plymouth County Hospital at South Hanson, and the Jordan Hospital in Plymouth.
Two students were sent to the Bailey Camp this past summer for two months. They were much benefited by having a nice vacation and some useful training. This vacation was made possible by the sale of Christmas seals by the Duxbury Nurse Association. We hope to be able to send at least two again this year.
The T.B. tests have been carried on by the State and County Sanatoria co-operating with the local Health and School Authorities. These tests were made on the sixth, ninth, and eleventh grades (with the consent of the parents of the students). This test is given and then followed by an X-ray where there has been any reaction or students are known to have contacts. Then if there is any doubt, a physical examination is given and con-
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191
sultation is held with the parent. We have very few cases to be followed up in this town.
The Pre-School Clinic held in April was well attended. This clinic enables the parent to have corrections made where necessary and to have the child vaccinated before entering school. It also acquaints the child with the mode of examination and they are not so frightened later when they have the regular school examinations. The parents have given splendid co-operation in this clinic.
The Well Baby Clinic was very well attended. This clinic is of much benefit to both parent and child, as it gets them acquainted with a routine examination.
We were fortunate to secure the audiometer in Sep- tember this year for testing the ears. By paying a small rental we are able to use it for two days, enabling us to give a test to the third grade, seventh grade, and tenth grade, and a re-test where it is necessary; there were three of those tested who needed attention and they have been under treatment.
There were several children with defective vision. They have been tested by specialist and glasses have been secured for them.
Food and clothing have been secured for several chil- dren this past year.
We have assistance from the American Red Cross and the Duxbury Nurse Association. Some private citizens have assisted with money, also some of the school teachers have given money and clothing.
I wish to thank anyone who has helped with this splendid cause of enabling the children to better health and conditions.
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F
1
192
My general activities have been as follows :
Visits to School Sessions 741
Homes of Students 810
To Hospitals with Students 18
To Doctors 10
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. WILLIAMS, School Nurse.
193
REPORT OF THE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The association finished the year 1935-36 under Rev- erend Frederick Tileston with another of its "Well Baby Clinics." Seventy-three children were brought in and examined. Miss Wililams, the school nurse, did the follow-up work on the necessary cases.
The balance of the funds available through the Asso- ciation for dental work was handled most advanta- geously by Mrs. Paul C. Peterson. The dental clinic under the Board of Health is now rendering timely and invaluable service.
The Association is now endeavoring to finance the occasional paid assemblies so that all the children in the high school building may attend at no expense, and to make a few assemblies available to all the school children in town. This was done at the Christmas as- sembly. Miss Downey is chairman of assemblies, and appreciates our help.
The parents and teachers have worked together so harmoniously that the attendance and membership have increased and the meetings have become very enjoyable and helpful.
The programs under Mrs. Redlon, and now under Reverend King, have been varied and interesting. The March meeting should set a record for attendance. The talent will be from amongst the school children. In
194
addition, Archibald Davison, Professor of Music at Harvard University, will talk on music appreciation. Neighboring Parent-Teacher groups have been invited as well.
Meetings are held promptly at 8:00 P. M. on the third Thursday of each month and all are invited to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER G. PRINCE, President.
195
PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS 1935-1936
Eunice Arnold
Raymond Baker
Stella Baker
Joseph Berg
Howard Blanchard
Doris Cheever
Mary Putnam
Doris Collingwood
Raymond Putnam Doris Schall
George Davis Forrest Edwards
George Teravainen
Hazel Eldridge
Mildred Torrey
Edmund Frazar
Donald Washburn
Elizabeth Glass
George Walter
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Harold Hill
Alfred Mendes
Phyllis Mendes Esther Monterio Gertrude Putnam
196
GRADUATING EXERCISES
THE DUXBURY HIGH SCHOOL JUNE 12, 1936
PROGRAM
1. March, "Entry of the Gladiators"-Julius Fucik, Orchestra
2. Invocation Rev. Allen Jacobs
3. Song-"Summer Winds Blow"-Straus School Chorus
4. Essay-"The Development of Aviation" Elinor Herrick
5. Class History Adeline Bitters
6. Class Motto Rita Simmons
7. Auf Wiedersehn from "Blue Paradise"- Sigmund Romberg Orchestra
8. Essay-"Realism in American Literature" Virginia Bradlee
9. Prophecy Winslow Freeman
10. Class Gifts Ellen Walker, Wilford Herrick
11. Duet-"When Life Is Brightest"-Pinsuti Elizabeth Goodrich, Adeline Bitters
12. Class Will Clifford Wyman, Lois Whitney
13. Essay-"A Tribute to the Horse"
Elizabeth Goodrich
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197
14. Songs School Chorus
a. "Yo, Ho! For the Rolling Sea" O'Hara
b. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep" Knight
c. "Serenade" Beam
15. Presentation of Diplomas and Medal
George E. Green, Superintendent
16. Class Song Class
17. Benediction Rev. Frederick Tileston
GRADUATES
Raymond Spaulding Baker
Adeline Helen Bitters
Mildred Anna Berg
Edward Watson Berriman
Virginia Arthur Bradlee
Wilfred Charles Cushing
Charles Keene Estes
Winslow Parker Freeman
Elizabeth Wells Goodrich
Elinor Herrick Wilford Glover Herrick
Harold Brooks Hill
Francis Earl Kirkpatrick, Jr.
Edna Hildur Nilson
Thomas Gurney Parker
Rita Hayford Simmons Pansy Claribel Soule
Ellen Irene Walker
Lois Esther Whitney Clifford Sweetser Wyman
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INDEX
Accountant's Report
9
Assessors' Report
132
Balance Sheet, 1936
66
Births
110
Board of Health
150
Bureau of Old Age Assistance
133
Cemetery Trust Funds
68
Cemetery Trustees
164
Chief of Police
135
Clerk of F. E. R. A.
159
Deaths
112
Duxbury Free Library, Librarian
152
Duxbury Free Library, Treasurer
154
Duxbury Tercentenary Committee
162 137
Fire Chief
Forest Fire Warden
139
Licenses Issued
117
List of Jurors
6
Marriages
107
Memorial Day Committee Report
146
Moth Superintendent's Report
141
Planning Board
148
Public Welfare
134
School Department
167
Selectmen's Report
7
Shellfish Warden
157
State Audit, February 24, 1936
80
Street Department
144
Town Clerk's Report
107
Town Dump
140
Town Meetings
119
Town Officers
3
Train Field Playground Committee
156
Treasurer's Report
131
Tree Warden's Report
142
Welfare Physician
143
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE Town Officers and Committees
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY
For the Year Ending December 31
1937
1
1 8
1
7
H
3
٥.٠
-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Town Officers and Committees
OF THE
TOWN OF DUXBURY
MAS
E
ED J
For the Year Ending December 31, 1937
SANDERSON BROTHERS North Abington, Massachusetts
3
TOWN OFFICERS 1937
Selectmen
Sidney C. Soule
Term expires 1940
Harry F. Swift
Term expires 1939
Charles R. Crocker
Term expires 1938
Assessors
Charles R. Crocker
Term expires 1940
Harry F. Swift
Term expires 1938
Sidney C. Soule
Term expires 1939
Board of Health
Charles R. Crocker
Term expires 1938
Harry F. Swift
Term expires 1939
Sidney C. Soule
Term expires 1940
Cemetery Trustees
Ernest H. Bailey
Term expires 1938
John Simmons
Term expires 1939
Theodore W. Glover
Term expires 1940
Thomas W. Herrick
Term expires 1941
Arthur W. Wright
Term expires 1942
Registrars of Voters
Walter E. S. Frazar
Term expires 1938
Louis M. Bailey Term expires 1939
Clara M. Redmond
Term expires 1940
4
School Committee
George M. Mayers
Term expires 1938
Ethel S. Wyman
Term expires 1938
Joseph W. Lund
Term expires 1939
J. Newton Shirley
Term expires 1939
Walter G. Prince
Term expires 1940
Planning Board
Josephine H. Shaw
Term expires 1938
Jacob Manning
Term expires 1939
Ray O. Delano
Term expires 1940
Franklin Brett
Term expires 1941
Benjamin F. Goodrich
Term expires 1942
Town Clerk and Treasurer
Joseph T. C. Jones Term expires 1938
Collector of Taxes
Edwin M. Noyes
Term expires 1938
Department of Public Welfare (Elected Annually)
Charles R. Crocker
Term expires 1938
Annie L. Williams Term expires 1938
Gordon L. King
Term expires 1938
Constables
James T. O'Neil, Andrew J. Delano, William J. Murphy
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