USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1946-1950 > Part 47
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ENGLISH AND SOCIAL STUDIES are planned cooperatively by the teachers so that each will give added meaning and understanding to the other. In addition to the conventional work which has always been part of the High School program, there
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is included units on very practical subjects such as how public opinion is formed, the newspaper indus- try, mental health, and a study of the various occu- pations. College students study the more technical phases of both subjects in order to know the things necessary to pass board examinations. In the gen- eral course, the more practical phases of the same units are taught.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION is taught to every youngster twice a week, not only for its value in teaching skillful use of muscles, but it does teach pupils to get along with each other and develops good sportsmanship.
SCIENCE is compulsory for at least one year in the high school program as well as in the seventh and eighth grades.
MATHEMATICS - algebra for the college stu- dents, or a general math for the non-college stu- dents, is required in the ninth grade.
HEALTH AND DRIVER EDUCATION which are required at some period in the high school years, complete our basic program for all students. In preparing the students to make a living, more
courses are offered in Duxbury than are customarily offered in small high schools.
GUIDANCE is given by. a part time guidance coun- cillor who has the records, information, and tests necessary to assist our students, and who confers
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with them constantly on these subjects. A study of college requirements is becoming an increasing part of the work. Last year 25% of our graduates went to a degree granting institution. The college course consists of the regular work in English and social studies, while four years of math and science are offered and two years each of two languages. This enables us to meet the requirements of prac- tically any college.
COMMERCIAL EDUCATION divides itself into two main categories. General business background is well provided for and secretarial work includes ediphone operator certificates which are given to the graduates.
HOME-MAKING as a field of work is growing and a full program is available to those who choose to elect it.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS work is in a process of change in order to adapt our work better to the needs of our students who may later become inter- ested in any of a variety of fields.
ART AND MUSIC are being made available to many more students in the upper four years and the response is most encouraging. A boys' glee club and a girls' glee club are getting off to a fine start.
WORK EXPERIENCE outside of Duxbury for all seniors is gradually being introduced as part of our regular school curriculum. This gives both teacher and pupils a chance to determine whether or not the work being given is practical and of a high standard.
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Our High School has a broad program of extra curricula activities. Really these should be part of our regular class work, but at the present time it appears that they can be organized more efficiently as separate activities. Since few citizens realize the scope of these activities, some of them are listed below.
Student Council
Cheer Leaders Club
Athletic Association
Senior Play
Field Hockey
Tournament of Plays
Girls' Basketball
Boys' Glee Club
Softball
Girls' Glee Club
Soccer
Band
Boys' Basketball
Boys' Chef Club
Baseball
Year Book
Track
Photography
Special Services Club
These activities in addition to the regular social events, constitute things that we do beyond what appears on our regular school schedule. Such activi- ties are of tremendous value in building character and responsibility, in giving students an opportunity to make friends, and to become well adjusted socially.
PROBLEMS
Every school system will always have pressing prob- lems to be solved. It seems as though the solution or partial solution of one set seems to lead into another set of problems. In closing, a few of those that are facing Duxbury in the near future should be men- tioned :
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BUILDINGS- The problem of school space in Duxbury has by no means been solved. On the first of October this year, the present school plant was operating at the capacity for which it was designed. A rough estimate, using only the number of pupils in our Elementary School now, indicates that in six years the High School will increase fifty per cent. The Elementary School needs two more classrooms next year, will need one or two more the next year, and very likely will need even more in the future.
The problem of maintenance in the High School is becoming acute. The interior is badly in need of redecorating, ceilings are in need of replacement, and the gym floor will sooner or later need con- siderable work.
The present gym is not adequate for the purpose. This applies particularly to the locker and shower rooms which are not nearly large enough for the pur- pose. The materials used, particularly on the floor, are not conducive to good health. It is impossible to accommodate the number of spectators that would like to attend basketball games. This results in extra expense to the Town because pupils are unable to help finance their athletic programs in this manner. It also results in a great deal of teacher-pupil en- ergy and time spent on money-making schemes. This all indicates a very heavy financial burden in the next few years.
STABILITY-One problem that is always with small school system is the problem of stability. Be- cause larger systems pay more and since Americans in general seem to think that big things are good things, keeping teachers in a small system is difficult.
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Duxbury has sought to meet this problem by adoption of an adequate Salary Schedule. This plan seems to be working well. We have a congenial, industrious, and extremely capable faculty. It is hoped that all the people will be conscious of the desirability of maintaining such a faculty and that in the system we may develop further means of attracting and holding the best professional people to teach our children.
CURRICULUM- We have passed through a period of rather rapid development of curriculum. In general, our practices now are equal to or superior to the curriculum commonly found in Massachusetts. At this point, the problem seems to be one of fur- ther organization and consolidation of the gains that have been made.
FINANCE - The problem of financing the schools is becoming increasingly acute. Our local govern- ment, in Massachusetts, must support by far the larger part of the educational system. Fortunately Duxbury is not affected to the point where only a minimum program can be offered. In spite of per pupil costs which are considerably above average for Massachusetts, the actual tax per thousand dol- lars of valuation paid by the people for these ser- vices is somewhat less than the average tax through- out the Commonwealth. There is some indication that the increase in valuation will offset the extra money that will be needed to support our system as it grows.
There is evidence that the Duxbury school system is now in a position to serve the children of the Town well. It is hoped that the large amount of loyal support
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for a fine educational system that has been evidenced in the Town in recent years will continue.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the faculty, the School Committee, and the people of Duxbury for the very fine support they have given me in my four years here.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. WHITEHEAD, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
There is a great improvement in the creative work of the children of Duxbury in Art. This is due to the increased cooperation of the teachers in the grades, the opportunity for more Art in the new building, and the enthusiasm of the children for drawing. The addi- tion of an art room in the High School has made it possible to do kinds of work not possible before and we shall stress High School interest as much as we can. We are also being supplied with more of the necessary materials for diversified and modern methods of teach- ing this subject and we are looking forward to a pro- gressive and happy year.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLA BAGOT HEBERD, Supervisor of Art.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. John A. Whitehead Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The music supervisor is now available for and does regularly visit every room in the elementary school one period every week. The lower grades have twenty- minute music classes and the older children receive instruction for thirty minutes. The music program in the first six grades gives special emphasis to training in reading and singing, but also includes work in rhythmic activity, appreciation and enjoyment, and theme recognition.
Grades seven and eight meet in three sections for one fifty-five minute period a week. Because the music period is not an elective course, the program is varied as much as possible in order that the students may all derive the maximum enjoyment from the music hour. Therefore, enjoyment and appreciation are stressed, but time is also given to some theory and harmony study.
Musical activity in the high school is confined to participation in glee clubs and band, with a very good possibility of orchestra in another year. Nearly eighty students were auditioned for membership in the glee clubs, and about fifty were chosen as regular members for the combined girls' and boys' groups with
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a good reserve list available in case a vacancy should occur in the regular membership. The boys' glee club made its first public appearance at the November meeting of the Parent Teachers Association, and later appeared in conjunction with the girls' glee club at a high school Thanksgiving assembly and at the com- munity Christmas caroling service on December 19. (Students from the first six grades also assisted at the latter program.) There is also an active male quartet composed of senior boys from the glee club.
At the present time, the high school vocal groups are preparing for the Spring Festival of Music. The band continues to grow and the boys and girls are now giving one early evening meeting a week for band practice besides the regular school period. Several new instruments have been added and the elementary school band holds promise for the future of the high school organization. The latter group provides pro- cessional music for school assembly, and is working exceptionally hard at the present time in preparing for its appearance in the Memorial Day parade.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET R. HADLEY, Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith the report of the school nurse for the year 1949.
Probably no one entered the new elementary school building with greater joy than the school nurse. To have two rooms that are needed for nothing other than the health activities is a great boon in itself, but in addition these rooms are pleasantly and conveniently laid out and adequately equipped.
This great change makes any report for the calen- dar year fall into categories of before and after in many respects. Following are examples :
The physical and dental examinations were con- ducted under infinitely better circumstances, particu- larly as regards the elementary grades. It is good to know that such work no longer needs to be done in the crowded, cold and noisy quarters that were all we had in the outlying elementary schools.
The hearing tests usually done in the winter and spring by the teachers, were not done, on advice of the superintendent, due to lack of suitable space. It is very much hoped that the public address system in the new building will be a great help in improving the efficiency and reliability of these tests.
- --
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Vision testing was not completed by the end of the school term in June. All of the first three grades and about 20 in the high school remained to be done. This was largely due to lack of time and the crowded con- dition of the nurse's former office. In the new office, the telebinocular is permanently in place, so that doing a few eye tests as there are a few moments to spare is fairly simple (not that there have been many moments to spare.) It is hoped in this way to be able to tests all eyes by next June.
In the spring, the nurse attended, in Plymouth, a meeting to discuss the possibility of having a Child Guidance Clinic located there. She also spent one day at the state institution in Taunton attending an institute on mental health.
This fall, classes in school nursing were attended at the District Health Office in Quincy.
During the year the Nurse Association gave financial assistance, with one tonsillectomy, three eye examina- tions by an oculist, and two pairs of glasses.
The nurse's part in the dental program takes up the major portion of the time spent in school work. Following is a summary of a time study kept from January through May 1949, showing how the time was spent:
Total time spent in school nursing 1751/2 hours.
Total time spent in dental program 891/2 hours or 50% of total.
Time spent on dental records 651/4 hours or 70 % of above.
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Time spent on dental appointments 241/4 hours.
Following is the report of the school dental program from January to June :
Total permissions 189
Cancelled or withdrawn 5
Dental work completed 94
Total fees collected $299.93
Total visits 736
13 pupils made 1 visit
30 pupils made 2 visits
37 pupils made 3 visits
47 pupils made 4 visits
29 pupils made 5 visits
16 pupils made 6 visits
13 pupils made 7 visits
4 pupils made 8 visits
Home visits made during the year were as follows:
Suspicious rash 27
Pediculosis (infested heads) 26
Upset stomach 25
No doctor's certificate after 5 days' abscence 12
Colds 12
Eye test follow-up
6
Headache 4
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Inflamed eyes
3
Abrasions of face
1
Fractured wrist
1
Tonsillectomy
1
Toothache
1
Rheumatic fever
1
Total
120
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN E. CARTER, R.N .. Duxbury School Nurse.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. John A. Whitehead Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The complete physical examination of each school child 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 stetho- scopic means and a few new cardiac cases uncovered. 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 exercises to correct poor posture was handed into 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 still 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 diabetes and to ferret out those cases of anemia. It is felt that this would improve the general
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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 and Dr. G. K. Turner and the children's teeth continue to show a marked improvement yearly.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. DEACON, M.D., School Physician.
1
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REPORTS OF THE SCHOOL DENTISTS
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The Dental Clinic was held for the fiscal year as is customary, and the teeth in general seemed to be in a fair overall condition.
The records and amount of work accomplished are on file at the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY E. MESSIER, D.M.D., School Dentist.
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Mr. John A. Whitehead Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The School Dental Clinic for the school year 1948- 49 was begun on December 14, 1948, and ended on June 12, 1949.
For the first time in the history of the school clinic, a complete individual examination of all students was accomplished, with the results becoming a part of each student's permanent dental record. Only those stu- dents who presented certificates of approval from their family dentist were excepted. All parents of students examined were notified of existing conditions and were advised of the opportunities available under the school dental program.
This comprehensive examination marks definite for- ward progress in a school dental health program. Not only does it provide for definite planning for clini- cal and preventive work, but it likewise furnishes an index to annual improvement in the general dental health of the school population.
The following operations were accomplished in my office :
303 Silver Amalgam restorations
43 Cleanings
22 Extractions
17 Treatment restorations
14 X-Rays
11 Cement restorations
7 Porcelain restorations
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At the schools:
396 Individual examinations
Dental defects were treated in the order of their importance. Individual instruction in correct home hygiene was given where needed. Tooth brushes and dentifrices accepted by the American Dental Associa- tion were provided those children who required them. While the scope of the program did not permit all stu- dents to be included, fluorine therapy was instituted in those cases which demonstrated rampant decay.
Individual examinations for the 1949-50 school year, which I have just completed, reveal that there has been a marked improvement in the general dental health picture in the past year. There remains, how- ever, considerable room for improvement. The con- tinuation of the present program, at least, with the view in mind of enlargement as time and funds allow, is indicated.
I wish to express my appreciation to Miss Susan Carter, the Duxbury Nurse Association, and the Board of Public Health for their contributions to the success of the School Dental Clinic.
Respectfully submitted,
GILLIS K. TURNER, D.M.D., School Dentist
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REPORT OF SCHOOL CENSUS
The following report of children in town and en- rollment is based upon the school census taken October 1,1949.
415 years
5 years
7 years and under and under and under 5 years
7 years
16 years
Number of boys living in Duxbury
31
47
234
Number of girls living in Duxbury
13
44
182
Total in residence
44
91
416
Public School Membership*
31
90
388
Private School Membership
0
0
20
Not enrolled in School 13
1
8
State and County Institutions 0
0
0
Prospective Kindergarteners, 1950
59
Prospective First Graders 1950
62
*Does not include pupils over sixteen years of age.
* * Does not include private kindergartens.
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A Graph Showing Number of Pupils in Various Grades on October 1, 1949 20 35
50 65 80
Kindergarten-59
One-74
Two-52
Three-52
Four-35
Five-55
Six-40
Seven-42
Eight-39
Nine-41
Ten-29
Eleven-28
Twelve-24
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TABLE SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS ACCORDING TO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE*
Years of Experience
Number of Classroom Teachers
0-4
12
5-9
6
10-14
4
15-19
1
20-24
0
25-34
0
35-39
1
Over 40
1
25
*Does not include part time teachers or 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
3
2500-2599
1
2600-2699
0
2700-2799
2
2800-2899
4
2900-2999
5
3000-3099
2
3100-3199
2
3200-3299
0
3300-3399
1
3400-3499
0
3500-3599
0
3600-3699
2
3700-3799
1
25
*Does not include part time teachers and principal.
tIncludes present Cost of Living adjustment which varies with price level.
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES 1946 - 1950
1946
1947
1948
1949
Budget 1950
GENERAL CONTROL
$3,973.00
$4,025.17
$5,011.93
$4,132.05
$4,003.00
School Comittee Expense
325.00
99.34
924.72
60.68
260.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,825.00
2,125.00
2,200.00
2,358.32
2,100.00
Other Expenses
1,823.00
1,800.83
1,887.19
1,713.05
1,643.00
EXPENSES OF INSTRUCTION
50,617.00
65,328.74
69,983.47
75,570.07
83,535.00
Principal's Salary and Expenses
6,570.00
7,403.30
7,640.73
6,945.49
7,525.00
High
Elementary
2,747.00
4,301.90
3,276.34
3,259.64
3,125.00
Supervisors' Salaries
3,290.00
4,655.00
5,074.13
5,010.00
5,434.00
Teachers' Salaries
36,592.00
47,149.43
50,208.60
57,198.66
61,901.00
High
19,133.00
26,435.37
27,702.92
30,999.20
32,085.00
Elementary
17,459.00
20,714.06
22,505.68
26,199.46
29,816.00
Textbooks
1,600.00
2,239.60
2,246.19
1,891.36
2,400.00
High
700.00
1,517.90
1,327.32
1,103.74
1,300.00
Elementary
900.00
721.70
918.87
787.62
1,100.00
Stationery and Supplies
2,565.00
3,881.41
4,813.82
4,524.56
6,275.00
High
1,665.00
2,635.25
3,106.50
2,910.10
4,300.00
Elementary
900.00
1,246.16
1,707.32
1,614.46
1,975.00
...
...
3,823.00
3,101.40
4,364.39
3,685.85
4,400.00
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...
....
1946
1947
1948
1949
Budget 1950
OPERATION OF SCHOOL PLANT
9,647.00
12,103.72
12,843.70
12,925.48
16,350.00
Wages of Custodians
5,532.00
6,929.03
6,897.29
6,857.37
8,150.00
High
3,150.00
3,775.01
3,652.98
3,300.96
4,450.00
Elementary
2,382.00
3,154.02
3,244.31
3,556.41
3,700.00
Fuel
2,200.00
2,664.96
3,266.60
2,447.33
4,000.00
High
1,240.00
1,022.17
1,704.25
1,391.96
1,700.00
Elementary
960.00
1,642.79
1,562.35
1,055.37
2,300.00
Miscellaneous
1,915.00
2,509.73
2,679.81
3,620.78
4,200.00
High
1,190.00
1,593.84
1,941.53
2,279.11
2,200.00
Elementary
725.00
915.89
738.28
1,341.67
2,000.00
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
2,174.00
2,244.60
3,875.82
2,210.42
3,095.00
High
1,654.00
2,047.82
3,591.57
2,119.37
2,695.00
Elementary
520.00
196.78
284.25
91.05
400.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
10,500.71
11,615.05
13,272.10
13,331.27
2,803.00
Libraries
500.00
556.83
580.05
343.53
550.00
High
300.00
310.26
580.05
190.79
300.00
Elementary
200.00
246.57
275.14
152.74
250.00
Health
1,030.00
1,283.43
1,287.78
1,078.84
1,385.00
High
465.00
589.24
593.88
512.56
600.00
Elementary
565.00
694.19
693.90
566.28
785.00
Transportation
8,300.00
9,014.60
9,491.96
11,732.90
660.00
High
3,030.00
3,190.60
3,434.06
3,679.80
560.00
Elementary
5,270.00
5,824.00
6,057.90
8,053.10
100.00
.......
...
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...
1946
1947
1948
1949
Budget 1950
Miscellaneous ....
670.71
760.19
1,912.31
176.00
208.00
High
496.86
760.19
1,813.76
176.00
208.00
Elementary
173.85
0.00
98.55
0.00
0.00
OUTLAY
1,080.00
3,034.86
1,950.39
1,089.11
2,653.00
COSTING OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT
0.00
7,762.71
13,110.82
15,483.00
15,000.00
Est. Expend. Dec. 1-31,1949
1,161.00
TOTAL BUDGET
$77,991.71 $106,114.85
$120,048.23
$125,902.40
$127,439.00
Expected Balance Dec. 31, 1949-including $517.00 Cost of Living
$667.60
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SUMMARY
Budget 1949
Expended 1949
Budget 1950
GENERAL CONTROL
$4,188.00
$4,132.00
$4,003.00
School Committee Expense
180.00
61.00
260.00
Superintendent's Salary
2,250.00
2,358.00
2,100.00
Superintendent's Expense
1,758.00
1,713.00
1,643.00
COST OF INSTRUCTION
76,688.00
75,570.00
83,535.00
Elementary Principal's Salary
2,250.00
2,267.00
2,100.00
Elementary Principal's Expense 1,010.00
993.00
1,025.00
High School Principal's Salary 3,850.00
2,928.00
3,500.00
High School Principal's Expense 800.00
758.00
900.00
Supervisors' Salaries
5,010.00
5,010.00
5,434.00
Elementary Teachers' Salaries 26,539.00
26,199.00
29,816.00
High School Teachers' Salaries 30,654.00
30,999.00
32,085.00
Elementary Textbooks
900.00
788.00
1,100.00
High School Textbooks
1,100.00
1,104.00
1,300.00
Elementary Supplies
1,850.00
1,614.00
1,975.00
High School Supplies
2,725.00
2,910.00
4,300.00
OPERATION OF SCHOOL PLANT
13,869.00
12,926.00
16,350.00
Elementary Custodians
3,753.00
3,557.00
3,700.00
High School Custodians
3,350.00
3,301.00
4,450.00
Elementary Fuel
1,925.00
1,055.00
2,300.00
High School Fuel
1,600.00
1,392.00
1,700.00
Elem. Misc. Expenses of Operation
1,341.00
1,342.00
2,000.00
High School Expenses of
Operation
1,900.00
2,279.00
2,200.00
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
OF SCHOOL PLANT
2,280.00
2,210.00
3,095.00
Elementary
150.00
91.00
400.00
High School
2,130.00
2,119.00
2,695.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
12,305.00
13,331.00
2,803.00
Elementary Library
150.00
153.00
250.00
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Budget 1949
Expended 1949
Budget 1950
High School Library
200.00
191.00
300.00
Elementary Health
700.00
566.00
785.00
High School Health
600.00
512.00
600.00
Elementary Transportation
6,960.00
8,053.00
100.00
High School Transportation
3,595.00
3,680.00
560.00
Insurance
.00
76.00
108.00
Graduation
100.00
100.00
100.00
OUTLAY
1,240.00
1,089.00
2,653.00
Elementary
125.00
306.00
1,150.00
High School
1,115.00
783.00
1,503.00
COST OF LIVING
16,000.00
15,483.00
15,000.00
Estimated Expenditures Dec. 1-31, 1949 TOTAL BUDGET
1,161.00
126,570.00
125,902.00
127,439.00
-46-
DUXBURY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SCHOOL BUDGET FOR 1950
Budget 1949
Expended 1949
Budget 1950
SCHOOL COMMITTEE EXPENSE
Office Supplies
$5.00
$1.50
$5.00
Consultant
150.00
57.40
235.00
Professional Meetings
25.00
1.78
20.00
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