USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1941-1945 > Part 8
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The Class of 1941 left $80 to be divided equally be- tween The Partridge and the Athletic Association.
The Duxbury Yacht Club left a sum of money to be used jointly by Mr. Blakeman and Miss Carter for the purchase of uniforms for physical education, and to buy shoes and clothing for needy school children.
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Several gifts of new books from private individuals were received by the school library.
The Grange gave a reception to the teachers in Sep- tember.
All of these very real attempts at cooperation improve the efficiency of our schools, and I sincerely appreciate the spirit which has been shown.
REPAIRS AND NEW EQUIPMENT
Nearly twenty-eight hundred dollars has been spent on repairs and new equipment this year.
At the High School a ventilating fan was necessary in the kitchen. The slate roof was badly in need of attention and before the trouble was corrected the bill for materials and labor amounted to one hundred and eighty dollars. The cement steps at either end of the building were rather dangerous passage ways in slippery weather. To correct this condition handrails were installed and an extra flood light was put up on the north end of the building. A new duplicating machine, new typewriters. a file, a desk, and several chairs were bought, either to replace worn out equipment or to supplement that already in use. In addition to those items the usual routine repairs and cleaning were done.
The lunch program necessitated the construction of a kitchenette at the Point School. Besides the usual sum- mer clean-up at this school, work was done on the heat- ing system, and a small amount of grading and painting was done.
The Village School basement was renovated almost entirely. An old storage room in one corner was ripped
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out and new cupboards built in the corridors on the first floor. Celotex ceiling was put up, and the material sal- vaged from the walls of the store room was used to build dining tables for the lunch project. Both ceiling and side walls of the basement were painted. There were consid- erable repairs made on the heating system. Venetian blinds were put on the windows of one class room. A new tile floor was laid in one lavatory. Walls of the class- rooms were painted. Some grading was done. New chairs for the elementary room were purchased, and a new vacuum cleaner was obtained to replace one that was worn out.
At Tarkiln, as at the other elementary schools, a small amount of construction had to be done to provide for handling the hot lunches. A gutter was repaired on these buildings. All of the outside walls and the inner wall of one class room were painted. The well was re-driven, the pump overhauled, and several repairs were made on the plumbing. A few elementary room chairs and a table were purchased.
OUR WAR EFFORT
Early in the summer the Civilian Defense Committee appointed Miss Margaret W. Elliott chairman of a commit- tee to organize youth defense activities. When school open- ed in September, Miss Elliott immediately began work- ing on plans for stiffening the morale of the children and acquainting the teachers with the responsibility confront- ing them in the defense program. The plans had been so well laid that with the opening of hostilities the transition to a "Total War" attitude was immediately accomplished. The teachers realize that now they are not only teachers but protectors of the children. They must continue not only to hammer home the "Three R's", but they must also
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guard each youngster against the war hysteria to which he is constantly exposed. They must know how to guide him safely to a refuge in time of danger, and, if he is in- jured, how to relieve pain and protect him from further danger. The duty of each teacher and pupil in this emer- gency is to do his or her daily task just a little better than it has ever been done before. Very few of the children in school today will participate actively in this war. Their job will be to try to reestablish peace after the last gun is fired.
CONCLUSION
We are faced with the fact that almost every pur- chasable commodity has already risen in price. In oper- ating the schools we cannot escape the effect of these price increases. Our country is involved now in a "Total War" to preserve democracy. While our men fight on distant battlefields, the schools must remain the main line of de- fense at home. Fuel, supplies, transportation, and wages must be provided for, and if we are to maintain our standards, more money must be available. Our expendi- tures for the year 1941 were slightly more than $47,000. To provide for advances already in existence an increase over this sum should be available. I recommend, there- fore, that $51,000 plus the Dog Tax be requested for the operation of our schools during the year 1942.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. GREEN,
Superintendent.
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ENROLLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOLS
and Grades, December 31, 1941.
Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Sp. Ttl.
High School
41 28 31 33 26 23 23 21 17 243
Village
27 31 18 76
Tarkiln
24 16 16 11 67
Point
23
23
Totals
47 43 47 29 41 28 31 33 26 23 23 21
17 409
PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN DUXBURY SCHOOLS
1940-1941
Mary Barclay
Beverly J. Freeman
Alice Barriault
Albertina Gonsalves
Blanche Caron
Richard Higgins
Ida J. Ferrell
Bernard Mullaney
Merritt Ferrell
Philip Randall
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Financial Statement
December 31, 1941
Appropriation
$45,500.00
Received from Hathaway Fund
1,271.33
Dog Tax
529.30
Total Appropriation
$47,300.63
Teachers' Salaries
$27,967.25
Text Books
651.35
Supplies
1,145.21
Janitors wages
4,273.66
Fuel, lights, etc.
1,310.59
Repairs
2,479.45
Libraries
170.47
Health
935.94
Transportation
5,581.00
New Equipment
304.09
Miscellaneous
2,480.55
Total
$47,299.56
Unexpended balance
1.07
$47,300.63
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Duxbury High School Cafeteria
Financial Report-January 1, 1942
January
Income $228.82
Expense $174.90
February
185.70
103.41
March
282.55
229.87
April
239.38
346.55
May
503.69
487.29
June
330.84
508.56
September
355.12
24.12
October
585.05
456.14
November
429.26
696.54
December
426.78
485.57
$3,567.19
$3,512.95
Balance in Bank January 1, 1941
$79.60
Receipts January-December 31, 1941
3,567.19
$3,646.79
Balance in Bank January 1, 1942
$133.84
Paid Out
3,512.95
$3,646.79
Cash Balance January 1, 1942
$133.84
150.35
Total Assets
284.19
Outstanding Bills
270.61
Net Assets
$13.58
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Report of the Drawing Supervisor
To Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
My plan of work remains largely the same as in the past four years. I am trying to develop workers, who have a sense of line, color, and form, and who can use this ability to explain and demonstrate edequately what- ever needs to be made clear.
When I put on exhibits of drawings in the High School Auditorium annually, showing work from the second to the twelfth grade, it is to display the general results gained of clean-cut work that can later be used for any purpose where drawing is required. Workers will do their own thinking and explaining, if they have the means to do so.
Our draftsmen are enthusiastic young people with whom it is a pleasure to work, and they seem to have a mature ability to concentrate upon the work at hand.
The room teachers are very helpful and kind. We have all the materials to work with that we need.
With sincere thanks to all who have helped me, I am,
Sincerely yours,
SAMUEL WARNER,
Drawing Supervisor.
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Report of the Music Supervisor 1941
The program of music carried on throughout the Dux- bury Schools this past year has varied little from that of the past two years. The children respond readily and great progress is noted.
Much stress has been put on music appreciation. Reg- ular monthly listening periods are conducted by the music supervisor, with weekly periods conducted by home room teachers. We have been fortunate in acquiring several new records, and the children have learned to recognize many familiar noted works. Children and teachers find this new phase of musical education most enjoyable.
The students of the High School have been doing a great deal with chorus work. A number of chorus pieces have been successfully learned and selections from this group will be offered in June at the graduation exercises.
Much interesting work has been done throughout the schools with very satisfactory results.
Respectfully submitted,
MAY BLAIR McCLOSKY.
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Report of Supervisor of Physical Education
Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Mass.
I submit herewith the seventh annual report of the Department of Physical Education.
In September, 1940, Dr. King, Miss Williams, and I conducted the usual physical examinations and physical fitness tests. There were no cases of hernia or heart de- fect in the entire student body from the fifth to the twelfth grades. The tests taken again in June indicated that there was an average gain of 15% in strength and physical fitness. The examinations given by Dr. King and Miss Carter in September 1941 show only one slight heart murmur and no hernia cases. This is the second year in a row in which no boy or girl has been refused permission to participate in active sports and games be- cause of these common defects.
The primary school program consists of outdoor active games, indoor games, calisthenics, posture tests, march- ing, stunts, and dancing. The primary teachers and stu- dent leaders have been very cooperative in carrying out the program as planned.
The Duxbury basketball teams had a successful season. The girls, coached by Miss Manter, took second place in the South Shore League, missing first by only one point. The boys won the championship. We also played scheduled
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and practiced games with several other towns including Thayer Academy, Avon, and Randolph.
The Junior High School girls and boys played several games with nearby towns and won a majority of these games. This year an effort is being made to increase the junior schedule. The girls, coached by Miss Brooks, have won their only game to date. Mr. Bradford, the boys' coach, has guided his team to four wins with but a single loss.
The boys' baseball team finished in third place in the South Shore League.
Mr. Macomber has generously given his time whenever necessary to help the athletic program.
The course in Highway Safety was continued, and twenty-two of the twenty-four members of the class pass- ed the final test issued by the Massachusetts Safety Coun- cil. These people are not required to take the oral exam- ination when applying for a driver's license. Orientation, which is a course in vocational guidance and personal adjustment, was also continued. The general outline of Study is Health, Personality, Character Training, and Ambition, and their relationship to success in later life.
There has been for a long time, and more particularly since the present national emergency, a demand for a thorough course in First Aid. This department, aided by Miss Pittman, has taken on the responsibility for training more than forty high school people in this very important work. Those who are unable to attend because of conflicts will receive the more important information in Physical Education classes. Also, we are conducting classes for the teachers of the Duxbury School System.
ยท
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Miss Pittman and Mr. Butler are assisting with the in- struction. The purpose of this emphasis on First Aid is to prepare teachers and pupils to care for injuries which might result from an air raid or which occur at school from time to time.
The biggest problem in our Physical Education Pro- gram continues to be that of uniforms, lockers, and showers. The uniform situation was relieved somewhat by the donation of $40 by the Duxbury Yacht Club. We are apparently unable to have lockers because of lack of space. The next best thing would be for the school to own all of the uniforms and shoes, number them, cleanse them, and keep them under lock and key except when being used. This would prevent loss of private or school property. This equipment would last for several years with proper care, and the upkeep would be small because only damaged or worn out pieces would have to be re- placed.
In these days of national emergency no factor is more important than health. Physical fitness is being stressed in the armed services, civilian organizations, schools, and colleges. We at Duxbury are attempting to do our part, and are confident that our boys and girls compare very favorably with those of other towns and cities.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH N. BLAKEMAN.
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Education Adviser
Mr. George E. Green Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Mass. Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my second report as Educational Ad- viser to the Duxbury Schools. After completing the school year 1940-1941 on the one-day a week volunteer basis, the school committee appointed me Educational Adviser for the school year 1941-1942 on the paid basis of one- day a week. It was decided that two half days a week would be more efficient. Therefore I am at the High School half a day Thursday and half a day Friday.
My aims as Educational Adviser are as follows :
1. To know each pupil from grades 8-12.
2. To analyze failures.
3. To check courses and aid in their choice.
4. To assist new pupils to adjust themselves and their studies.
5. To cooperate with teachers, parents, and school administration for the benefit of the child.
6. To arouse each child to use the maximum of his ability without stimulating ambition beyond that ability.
7. To assemble reading material on vocations, schools, and colleges.
8. To emphasize the intrinsic service value of all voca- tions.
9. To administer and interpret special tests, especially aptitude tests to aid in choice of subject or vocation.
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During this past year I have recorded 190 individual interviews with pupils. This number includes at least one interview with every child from grades 8 to 12. This does not include at least fifty interviews with parents at school, in their home or in my home, nor the numerous interviews with teachers and Mr. Green. During an in- terview I try to find out the child's interests, ambitions, personal problems, handicaps, parents' hopes, and the child's general attitude toward his present and future. Combining this information with a previous knowledge of the child's abilities and achievement, I use all my tran- ing and experience to help the child make his own de- cisions.
Last spring a Guidance Committee was formed includ- ing Mr. Green, Miss Downey, Mr. MacKenney, Mr. Blake- man and myself as chairman to work together on a needed project. We decided to work on a revision of the announce- ment to the pupils and parents of the Program of Studies. Many hours were spent on this project, and I recommend a careful reading of that Program of Studies to determine the value of this committee's work.
I wish to repeat that Duxbury High School is classified by the State Department of Education as a Class A high school and is on the accredited list of the New England College Entrance Certificate Board and therefore has the right to certify studens for college. The following colleges and schools have one or more of the Class of 1941 as freshmen this year : Bates College, University of Maine, Pembroke College, Chandler Secretarial School. Northeastern University, General Motors Training School, Boston Museum School of Art, and Lawrenceville.
I wish to thank the school administration and teachers for their unfailing cooperation and encouragement and the many parents who have expressed appreciation and helpful suggestions. May I also repeat my statement of
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last year? The children of Duxbury are as fine a group of young citizens as any town or city has.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET K. ELLIOTT,
Educational Adviser.
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Report of School Nurse
Since the opening of school on September 8, the gen- eral health of the children has been good. Physical and dental examinations having been done by the school doctor and dentist respectively, parents were notified of any defects found, and home calls were made to those parents wishing advice. Four families were given assist- ance by the Nurse Association in getting defects cor- rected.
Routine inspections were made every two weeks and in each case these were made as educational as possible. The children were encouraged to express their own ideas as to why each part of the inspection was done, and fur- ther explanation was given as needed. There has been a marked improvement in general cleanliness and some attention to appearance.
In December new portable balance scales were pur- chased for use in the elementary schools. The machine is taken around to each school every month so that each child can be weighed. This serves as a check-up on his development, and also as an indication of the benefits of the hot lunches which are being served in the schools.
The time spent by the nurse in school work totals 175 hours for this period, an average of 3 hours a day, or slightly more than one-third of the working day. Field visits on behalf of school children total 49 for this period.
A gift from the Duxbury Yacht Club of $86 was divided between the physical education department and
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the nurse. The portion in the hands of the nurse is being used, according to the donor's direction, for clothing for school children, and is very much appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN B. CARTER,
Duxbury School Nurse.
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Report of School Physician
Mr. George E. Green Superintendent, Duxbury Schools Duxbury, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The annual physical examinations were done in Sep- tember and October. This included a general physical examination by the school physician, a dental examina- tion by the school dentists, and special examinations for vision, hearing, tuberculosis and pshyciatric problems. The annual pre-school clinic was conducted in June.
I recommend that the school board purchase equipment for making tests for hearing and vision. At the present time the apparatus for making the test for hearing is borrowed by the school for one day out of the year. Special equipment for accurate tests for visual defects is bor- rowed. The cost of these two pieces of equipment would be under two hundred dollars and the benefit of having them on hand all the time is self evident.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. CONNIE H. KING.
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Report of Parent-Teacher Association
It is our children who have the greatest stake in the present emergency. They stand to lose most or gain most from the outcome of this war. The program of the asso- ciation this year is planned to emphasize some of the more important factors which have a bearing on the development of children and to emphasize the need for the school, home, and community to work together to reinforce these factors in order that our children may have the best possible equipment with which to meet a critical future.
Good Health and Good Education are essentials of this equipment. So far in our meetings we have stressed the importance of applying our knowledge of the principles of Nutrition, Mental Health, Social Hygiene, and of mak- ing the fullest possible use of the means to health in our community. The importance of maintaining high stand- ards of education and encouraging children to make the most of their opportunities for a good education, the value of physical education and wholesome recreation will be subjects of other discussions.
In the spring the School Department started serving hot lunches to the children of the elementary schools. Our association contributed about $100 toward the equip- ping of a kitchen for this undertaking. In order that this program might be resumed at the opening of school
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in the fall we helped with the serving and washing of dishes for a period of eight weeks until the necessary. regular personnel could be secured.
Until the close of the last school year Miss Margaret Elliott continued her work as Educational Adviser to the schools under the sponsorship of our organization. With the beginning of the new school year she became a mem- ber of the school staff and her work is now part of the official school program. Miss Elliott continues as a mem- ber of our Executive Committee and the association con- tinues its interest in the important work she has under- taken.
The Well-Child Conferences sponsored by the associa- tion and arranged by Mrs. Flannery and her committee are continuing under the immediate direction of Dr. King and Miss Carter.
The Social Activities Committee has continued to help the school children in planning their school social activities.
The annual members' supper and reception to teachers were held in October. The organization has at present 107 members. All those interested in the activities of the association are cordially invited to our meetings and urged to become members, if possible.
In December the association arranged for Dr. Helen I. D. McGillicuddy of the Massachusetts Society for Social Hygiene to talk to the high school students.
At Christmas time an entertainment was provided for all the Duxbury school children at the high school.
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As a means of raising funds the Ways and Means Com- mittee is planning to present again this year a Minstrel Show under the direction of Mrs. Harriet Phillips Crocker.
The association has gone on record as favoring the adoption by the town of "An Act Relative to the Regis- tration and Operation of Certain Bicycles".
Our national leaders tell us that there are grim days ahead. The outcome is of most importance to our children. We parents and teachers cannot escape the conviction that this is true. We must see that our children enjoy as free and normal a life as possible. At the same time we must not shield them from the facts which will encourage them to vigorous growth into mature preparedness for a society fit to survive this war experience.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET H. STEVENS,
President.
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Air Raid Precautions in the Duxbury Schools
To the School Committee of Duxbury :
This report is the summary of conclusions arrived at after many hours of discussion and study with many committees and individuals over a period of six months. My name appears at the end of this report simply because I have the time to attend more meetings, keep records of the findings at these meetings, and to arrange and organ- ize all material on the subject of air raid precautions for schools. Naturally after actual warfare began, we increased our efforts to lay the ground work for the best possible safeguard for our children during school hours.
A Defense Committee was organized at school includ- ing Mr. Green, Mr. Blakeman, Mr. MacKenney, and my- self, as chairman. This group, augmented by George Terravainen, Lawrence Marshall, and Phoebe Shirley from the Student Council, planned and put on a Defense Assembly on December 12, 1941. This assembly stressed the idea that every child could help his country most by taking his school work more seriously, by following all the rules to improve his health, and by cooperating in school projects. At this assembly a First Aid Class for the students of grades 8 to 12 was announced, an organi- zation to sell Defense Stamps was formed, and a Radio Club was started.
The committee without the students met almost daily for the first month of the war to organize the school for
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air raid precautions. It was decided that the Lunch Room for the High School, the basement for the Village School, and the class rooms of the Point and Tarkiln Schools, would be the air raid shelters. Drills were planned by which the students in the High School would return to their home-rooms, put on hats and coats, wait until at- tendance was checked, and then proceed slowly and in silence to their particular places in the Lunch Room.
Mr. Blakeman and Miss Pittman are in charge of a First Aid Station located in a room adjoining the Lunch Room. Approximately ten student helpers have been appointed by Mr. Blakeman to act as stretcher bearers, messengers, etc. The equipment for this room is being assembled and includes blankets, stretchers, bandages, splints, disinfectants, flash lights.
Mr. Butler is to be on duty on the top floor with two to four older boys as helpers for fire watchers and to take care of any incendiary bombs.
Mr. Smith has the responsibility of the general morale during a raid while the pupils are in the Lunch Room. Songs and simple entertainment are thought sufficient to keep their minds occupied. Individual cases of fright and hysteria will be handled by the First Aid group.
The Report Center is to be located in Mr. Green's office, ,where I shall stay at the telephone to receive and send messages. Miss Hazel Cornish is also stationed here and will take my place when I am not in school or until I arrive at school. As I am at school officially only half a day Thursday and half a day Friday, the whole organiza- tion has been planned so that it will function whether I am at school or not.
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