USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1946-1950 > Part 26
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are not in keeping with the best practice. All subjects customarily taught in the elementary schools with the exception of cooking and sewing (which are sometimes included) are now available to the Duxbury pupils.
Our physical education program in the elementary schools continues to progress in organization. At the present time every class has three half hours per week of organized play, one with the physical education super- visor and two with the classroom teacher.
The purchase of another set of encyclopedias and the purchase of more than a hundred other library books has afforded our elementary pupils one of the finest class- room libraries in the state.
Considerable attention is still being placed on ways and means of providing for all the children in the classroom whether they are average children, slow learners, or ex- tremely bright in academic work. A helping teacher has been engaged who will give special help to more than forty pupils during the school year. These are pupils who need extra attention in reading. For this year the work is con- fined to reading because reading is basic to more subjects than any other field of work.
Initial results after the first four months of work show that the children working with the helping teacher had an average gain of a little more than six months in achieve- ment which is about twice as much of a gain as would normally be expected. We are pleased with the result and feel that is the justification for our embarking on the pro- gram.
Our elementary teachers use a wide variety of books and methods and give different assignments to the chil- dren in accordance with their interests, abilities and
199
needs. One of the great challenges to education today is to provide for everybody in contrast to the education of years ago which felt that schooling was primarily for those of high academic ability.
HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTION.
There has been considerable change in the curriculum of the High School over the last four years. Although this subject is dealt with under the High School Principal's report, I might add that in two instances high school teachers have attended elementary school teachers' meetings in language and arithmetic. By having the high school faculty represented, both groups of teachers were able to come to an agreement as to just how much should be done in the elementary school and just where the high school teachers should be expected to start in order to have the entire program in proper continuity.
For the last two years, the number of pupils taking shorthand and secretarial work has been disappointing. Larger classes are now coming into the high school and it may be that the increased numbers will solve this problem. Other courses including science, college prep- aration, home economics, and shop are handling a large percentage of the students and the extra money that is put into them seems to be well spent.
EQUIPMENT.
We have added three major pieces of equipment this year :
A recorder which enables us to record the voices of the children and to play them back in order that the children may analyze their own speech and study it for improve- ment. This machine also enables us to record radio pro- grams and save them for class use at a convenient time.
200
A light weight movie projector was bought to replace an older model. This has made it possible for the elemen- tary classes to have the benefit of instructional films. Ele- mentary teachers are using these films more than ever be- fore this year and it is. expected that the program will grow as it has grown in the high school.
A basket system was installed which enables proper storage of gym clothes for the high school boys. It is planned to install the same type of system for the girls who are badly in need of proper storage space.
TEST RESULTS.
Throughout the school years, standard tests are given in addition to the tests that are made up by the teachers for the particular classes. In the elementary school, these tests test language, arithmetic, reading, and certain study skills. In the high school they test practically the same subjects but are organized differently and are based on adult life use rather than on school programs. Our tests year after year, place us somewhat above average. Sci- ence and mathematics scores have been weak in the high school, but both showed a considerable improvement this fall. Our elementary school tests have shown classes to be above average although last year in two or three cases, arithmetic scores were down slightly below average at the middle of the year. Considerable attention has been given to arithmetic in both elementary and high school with several meetings being devoted to the subject and outside speakers being called in. We are continuing to work on this and our observations as well as test results leave us to believe the problem is being solved. Other tests are given on the high school level for various purposes and intelligence tests are given in the elementary schools. Parents who would like more specific information about their children's work can get information based on these test results by consulting with the teachers.
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ASSOCIATIONS.
The School Department cooperates very closely with the Parent-Teachers Association and with the Duxbury Teachers' Association. The P.T.A. has engaged a band director to come here one day a week and to organize a high school band. Excellent progress has been made and more than thirty students are participating. This organ- ization also gives teachers and parents a chance to get together for conferences before meetings. The P.T.A. is to be congratulated on its fine work; it is making a real contribution to rounding out the education of the boys and girls.
The Duxbury Teachers' Association is an association of the Duxbury teachers whose purposes are social, profes- sional, and to serve as a means of school authorities and teachers reconciling their differences when and if this be- comes necessary. The projects of the P.T.A. have been actively supported by the Teachers' Association as part of the professional work of the organization. This type of cooperation is an indication of healthy relationship be- tween parents and teachers.
HEALTH SERVICES.
The program of health development aside from the regular school instruction, is making progress. Dr. Connie King, our school physician for many years, passed away during the school year. His fine work and influence on all of us has been greatly missed. Dr. Walter E. Deacon has replaced him as school physician and is carrying on the program splendidly.
Dr. Henry Messier served as the school dentist from January until June and did a tremendous amount of work on children's teeth which has helped considerably to im- prove the condition of children's mouths. Dr. Messier and Dr. Gillis Turner are working jointly as school dentists
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this year. Through the generosity of the Duxbury Nurse Association and the appropriation of the Duxbury Board of Health, more money is available this year than former- ly so that dental care for school children will be more adequately provided for than ever before.
The work of the doctors is made far more efficient by the capability of our school nurse, Miss Susan Carter. Her knowledge of the work, our problems, and ability to administer the program so that it functions smoothly, enable us to utilize every dollar of the money appropriated for these specialized services.
PROBLEMS.
As we look ahead, we find there are still pressing prob- lems that must be solved. I would list them briefly as follows :
1. The organization of the new elementary school. Of course this building will represent a change to all of us who are used to working with our widely scattered units. It will give us the opportunity of working together as a team and should enable us to show better results for the efforts and money ex- pended.
2. High School construction. Some redesigning inside the high school to make our gym work more efficient and to improve the poor locker-shower facilities is necessary. Our shop is too crowded for efficient operation. I would like to add my word to the High School Principal's word to urge action as soon as possible.
3. The last three years have been spent in trying to modernize our practices and adapt them to the best practices prevalent today. In many respects our
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progress has been rapid, but in others changes have come slowly. This has been intentional. School pro- gress is a slow process which requires careful study every step of the way. Changes in method partic- ularly, must be built from grade one up through. Children become confused by rapid changes of any kind. We on the staff feel we are making progress and hope that another two or three years will show beyond any doubt that this is so.
4. The problem of space is still with us. Next year the high school enrollment will be at or very close to the capacity for which that building was designed. The elementary enrollment will be very close to the capacity for which the new elementary school was designed. The birth rate in Duxbury has been break- ing all records in the last four or five years. Since we are near capacity before this record breaking birth rate even enters school, one can see that we still have a problem to meet. Although there is no intention here to "cry wolf" it is evident that some thinking and planning must be done now in order to meet the very acute problem that will be faced in the ten years between 1950 and 1960.
In closing, may I thank the School Committee, teachers, and people of Duxbury for their fine cooperation in build- ing better schools together throughout the last year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. WHITEHEAD, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
This is my annual report to you on the situation as it now exists in Duxbury High School with comments on plans for the future.
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
We now offer science in every grade from seven through twelve which rounds off our course of study, making it comparable to courses of study in other accredited high schools. The social science and English courses are so planned that each contributes to the work of the other. Our 1948 graduation exercises were planned and written by the students as a result of their study of the Uuited Nations. Those who saw these exercises were favorably impressed with the outcomes of such a plan. The faculty has been extremely alert to the possibilities and use of visual and auditory aids and have used field trips where these had real educational value. People of Duxbury have frequently been called in where their special knowl- edge has been of great assistance to us in enlarging our teaching program. This work, under the direction of Mrs. Bassett and Mr. Wood, has been one of our most forward looking and successful programs.
TESTING PROGRAM
We have carried on an intensive standard testing pro- gram to determine mental ability, scholarship, vocational
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preference, and an emotional inventory. These tests were valuable in that they gave us information which leads to a better understanding of the individual's needs and problems.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Our guidance program is now in full operation. Mr. Blakeman checks courses of study, rechecks poor grades, and consults with students in order to determine causes for not doing better and gives as much help as possible to those interested in further education in preparing and locating themselves. We notice an increased interest in higher education and fewer changes from one course to another.
We are continuing our policy of marking the students in the seventh and eighth grades and our non-college students in required subjects in the upper grades on the basis of their ability in the light of our tests and ob- servations. Under such conditions we expect from each child the best that he is able to offer and this becomes our standard. In certain fields of work, standards are set by the outside world and in these cases children are marked rather strictly according to those standards. For instance, in college preparation A's and B's are given only to those students who do work of a grade that will be expected for college entrance.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council continues to be active and capable. Although the principal has the power to veto acts, decisions and projects of this Council, he has not had to use it. Their decisions and judgments have been fine. The marshall system supervises the corridor traffic and lunch hours in the gymnasium. The Athletic Association has done an excellent job administering its budget while raising about $1500.00 to cover all athletic programs.
206
MUSIC PROGRAM
The music program is gaining for we are all working on it. We have had several music assemblies, more stu- dent participation and a new effort to start a band, through the securing of Mr. Donald Leach's time one day a week, by the Parent-Teachers Association. We still need more music teacher time to do the job adequately.
AUDIO-VISUAL AID PROGRAM
The audio-visual aid program is run by Mr. Wood and his Special Services Club. This organization has done a remarkable piece of work running a very active school program. The sound recorder is busy every day in speech work. The Class of 1948 gave the school a film viewer so that teachers can preview films to get better teaching use.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
We are hard pressed to do a sound educational piece of work here. The shower and locker situation makes it impossible to avoid unsanitary conditions, lost or mislaid clothing and personal gym equipment. It is my sincere hope that something can be done to correct this situation. When the cafeteria moves over to the new building, the basement possibilities should be investi- gated.
Our policy with regard to sports is to keep it on a sane educational basis, being careful of over emphasis and keeping desirable objectives constantly before us.
ATTENDANCE
We are pleased to report that absence from school was decreased by fifty per cent and serious tardiness prob- lems virtually eliminated. We do not want a child to feel compelled to come to school when sick. We are in-
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terested only in eliminating avoidable absence. Good attendance is necessary for successful study.
ATTITUDE
At this writing, we have noticed much fewer discipline problems and less maladjustment. We have contacted personally many parents and they all have evidenced a desire to assist us in our problems with individuals. We are convinced that the only way to be successful with the individual is through the united efforts of school and home. We encourage parents to visit the school and become acquainted with the teachers.
PROBLEMS
This past few months has seen us severely crowded, curtailing some activities and putting other activities in noisy environment and cramped quarters. This situa- tion will be greatly relieved when the fourth, fifth and sixth grades are able to move into the new building. We have a plan of action when the high school building be- comes available to us which will allow us to get maximum use of the building, especially by establishing headquar- ters for the various subject fields.
Although our most vexing problems are due to physi- cal plant limitations which will disappear next year, I feel that too much confusion and disruption is caused by the necessity of moving several hundred chairs on and off the auditorium stage each week. Every time we have an assembly program the whole school is dis- rupted to some degree. Perhaps a solution can be found in building bleacher seats and removing our balconies, or lowering our balconies and providing chair storage underneath, or in removing the balconies and building permanent ones at the rear of the hall. The final solu- tion will require very careful study by competent per-
208
sons, but we are convinced that a far more efficient solution may be found than the one we now have.
We do not anticipate any radical change in our cur- riulum. Rather, we would like to consolidate and improve on what we are doing. We have superior personnel who will be able to do better teaching when space facilities will be improved.
In closing, I wish to thank you and the School Com- mittee for your constant support. It has been a pleasure to work with you.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER K. HJELM, Principal
209
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith the annual report of the school nurse for the year 1948.
All routine activities were carried out as usual and no unusual conditions were found as to serious deviations from the normal health of the children.
In cooperation with the Home Economics teacher, a class in Home Nursing was conducted for the 10th grade girls. This lasted for four weeks with the chief emphasis on baby and child care, but also including some of the essentials and simpler procedures for caring for the sick at home.
Several health talks were given during the year, at the request of various High School teachers. Subjects of these talks included the health resources of the town, the duties of the School Nurse, the school's provisions for first aid, and a panel discussion of the importance of animal experimentation to medical science.
As a result of a case of diphtheria in a school child, Schick testing was done by the Board of Health on all children whose parents were willing. Of 327 tested, 75 were positive, showing need for protective injections against diphtheria. These were taken care of in the Board
210
of Health clinic, or in the case of those failing to appear, the nurse checked with the family to be sure the situation was being attended to privately.
Eye tests throughout the schools again turned up only about 2% of new defects in vision. In two cases where glasses were needed, financial assistance was given as necessary by the Duxbury Nurse Association.
Four children needing to have their tonsils out and needing financial assistance were helped also by the Nurse Association.
Home visits during the year were as follows :
Colds
19
Infested heads
14
Upset stomachs
9
Tonsillectomies 6
No doctor's certificate
4
Eye follow-up
4
Dental follow-up
3
Suspicious rash
3
Camp prospects
3
Earache
2
Toothache
2
Injured lip
1
Swollen glands
3
Diarrhea
1
Child guidance
1
Severe cuts of hand and arm
2
Total
77
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Following is a report of the school dental program from January to June, 1948 :
Compare with 1947
Total permissions
177
94
Cancelled
Parent's request
3
3
Child's request
2
13
Left school
1
Total completed
78
63
Total visits
298
284
(see below)
Free visits
26
Money collected
(Children's quarters) $26.50 (Collected from the safe March 16, 1948 by Mr. Whitehead) 36.10 (In the safe June 18, 1948)
Total $62.60
$55.00
Break-down of visits : 66 Children made 1 visit 79 Children made 2 visits 21 Children made 3 visits 1 Child made 4 visits (emergency)
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN E. CARTER, R.N., School Nurse.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
A complete physical examination of each school child was carried out this fall. Most of the examinations were carried out in the schools because of the transportation difficulties to my office.
The examination included special examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Neck examinations were carried out in cases in which infections were found in the nose and throat. The heart and lungs were examined by stethoscopic means and a few new cardiac cases un- covered. Flat feet and posture were appraised critically ; it is felt by this department that the posture problem in the town of Duxbury is the chief criticism that can be directed towards the school children. An outline of ex- ercises to correct poor posture was handed in to the Physical Education department and recommendations to the parents where it seemed necessary.
Parents were informed of physical defects by letter ; the general health of the children was felt to be good.
It is felt that if money can be appropriated from the town funds that urinalysis should be carried out and also blood counts to determine early kidney trouble and dia- betes and to ferret out those cases of anemia. It is felt
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that this would improve the general health of the school children even more so than at the present time.
The dental program and dental education were carried out by Dr. H. E. Messier during the winter and spring and the children's teeth do show a marked improvement over last year.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. DEACON, M.D., School Physician.
214
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The Dental Clinic for the year 1948 started January 15 and ended June 10. The results accomplished were as follows :
308 Amalgam (silver) fillings
16 Extractions
65 Cleanings
23 Cements (fillings)
412 Operations
An attempt was made to do the obvious, or most im- portant operations at the time of the pupil's appointment. Since the U.S. Department of Public Health and the American Dental Association are recommending Fluorine treatment for all school children, a future effort should be made in this direction to lessen tooth decay. I regret to state that for reasons beyond my control there was not a dental program this fall. However, I am sure the future program will make up for lost time.
Respectfully submitted,
H. E. MESSIER, D.M.D., School Dentist.
215
REPORT OF SCHOOL CENSUS
The following report of children in town and enroll- ment is based upon the school census taken October 1, 1948.
5 years and under 7 years
7 years and under 16 years
Number of boys living in Duxbury
52
205
Number of girls living in Duxbury
54
174
Total in residence
106
379
*Public School Membership
64
352
Private School Membership
1
19
Not enrolled in school
41
7
State and County Institutions
0
1
Prospective First Graders, 1949
55
*Does not include pupils over sixteen years of age.
* * Does not include private kindergartens.
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Various Classes on October 1, 1948 A Graph Showing Number of Pupils in 15 30 45 60
Point I-33
Tarklin I-28
Tarkiln II-20
Village II-29
Village III-32
High IVA-33
High IVB-20
High V-38
High VIA-30
High VIB-16
High VII-36
High VIII-42
High IX-27
High X-36
High XI-29
High XII-25
Totals-Elementary 279. High 195 Total Membership 474
217
TABLE SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS ACCORDING TO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE*
Number of
Years of Experience
Classroom Teachers
0-4
10
5-9
8
10-14
2
15-19
1
20-24
0
25-34
0
35-39
1
Over 40
1
Total Number of Teachers 23
* Does not include part time teachers and principal.
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TABLE SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS ON THE BASIS OF SALARY **
Salary Classification
Number of Classroom Teachers
2200-2299
2
2300-2399
0
2400-2499
1
2500-2599
3
2600-2699
0
2700-2799
3
2800-2899
6
2900-2999
1
3000-3099
3
3100-3199
0
3200-3299
1
3300-3399
0
3400-3499
0
3500-3599
2
3600-3699
0
3700-3799
1
Total Number of Teachers 23
*Includes present Cost of Living adjustment which varies with price level.
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES 1945 - 1949
1945
1947
1948
Requested 1949
GENERAL CONTROL
$5,656.92
1946 $3,973.00
$4,025.17
$5,011.93
$4,188.00
School Committee Expense
325.86
325.00
99.34
924.72
180.00
Superintendent's Salary
2,940.72
1,825.00
2,125.00
2,200.02
2,250.00
Other Expenses
2,390.34
1,823.00
1,800.83
1,887.19
1,758.00
EXPENSES OF INSTRUCTION
39,705.79
50,617.00
65,328.74
69,983.47
77,388.00
Principal's Salary and Expenses
3,099.96
6,570.00
7,403.30
7,640.73
7,710.00
High
3,099.96
3,823.00
3,101.40
4,364.39
4,450.00
Elementary
0
2,747.00
4,301.90
3,276.34
3,260.00
Supervisors' Salaries
2,629.58
3,290.00
4,655.00
5,074.13
5,710.00
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Teachers' Salaries
29,708.85
36,592.00
47,149.43
50,208.60
56,493.00
High
16,576.14
19,133.00
26,435.37
27,702.92
30,654.00
Elementary
13,132.71
17,459.00
20,714.06
22,505.68
26,539.00
Textbooks
1,425.66
1,600.00
2,239.60
2,246.19
2,100.00
High
648.03
700.00
1,517.90
1,327.32
1,100.00
Elementary
777.63
900.00
721.70
918.87
900.00
Stationery and Supplies
2,841.74
2,565.00
3,881.41
4,813.82
4,575.00
High
1,824.46
1,665.00
2,635.25
3,106.50
2,725.00
Elementary
1,017.28
900.00
1,246.16
1,707.32
1,850.00
OPERATION OF SCHOOL PLANT
9,193.95
9,647.00
12,103.72
12,843.70
14,453.00
Wages of Custodians
5,371.98
5,532.00
6,929.03
6,897.29
7,103.00
High
3,233.76
3,150.00
3,775.01
3,652.98
3,350.00
Elementary
2,138.22
2,382.00
3,154.02
3,244.31
3,753.00
1945
1946
1947
1948
Requested 1949
Fuel
1,689.38
2,200.00
2,664.96
3,266.60
3.925.00
High
1,004.13
1,240.00
1,022.17
1,704.25
2,000.00
Elementary
685.25
960.00
1,642.79
1,562.35
1,925.00
Miscellaneous
2,132.59
1,915.00
2,509.73
2,679.81
3,425.00
High
1,240.81
1,190.00
1,593.84
1,941.53
2,000.00
Elementary
891.78
725.00
915.89
738.28
1,425.00
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
1,326.62
2,174.00
2,244.60
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