USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1956-1960 > Part 23
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The situation in the Duxbury high school is considerably better in this respect, although we need to strengthen our pro- gram in these areas.
A review of the subjects taken by our graduates for the last five years shows :
Science Subjects
100 percent had had a course in Biology.
53 percent or 1 out of 2 had a year of Chemistry.
44 percent or 2 out of 5 had a year of Physics.
Mathematics
60 percent or 3 out of 5 had one year of Algebra.
46 percent or 2 out of 4 had one year of Algebra, and one year of geometry.
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40 percent or 2 out of 5 had one year of Geometry and two years of Algebra.
28 percent or 1 out of 4 had two years of Algebra, one year of Geometry and one year of Solid Geometry and Trigonometry.
Foreign Language
32 percent or 1 out of 3 graduates had two years of a foreign language.
23 percent or 1 out of 4 graduates had two years in each of two foreign languages.
In addition to the above twelve boys are currently enrolled in the technical course.
Studies are going on to determine how we can best streng- then our high school science and mathematics program. We shall endeavor to enroll more students, to expand our program, and to maintain higher standards of performance. Our new course in Senior Mathematics is proving to be a valuable addi- tion to the curriculum. During the first half year in this course students study the relationships between algebra, geometry and trigonometry. The second half year is devoted to an introduc- tion to the study of calculus. This year eight pupils are taking this advanced course.
At the elementary level the most significant change has been in organizing the sixth grade on a departmental basis. Under this plan one person teaches all the mathematics, another teaches all the English, except reading, and a third teaches all the social studies and science. This arrangement makes it pos- sible to assign teachers to the subject fields in which they are best qualified. It also helps the students adjust easier to the work they will have the following year in high school. It is too early to measure by tests the value of this new plan, but it is currently operating very satisfactorily.
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SPECIAL FEATURES Merit Scholarships
One high school senior, Miss Linnea Bush, qualified in the national merit scholarship competition as a semi-finalist. When the results of the January college aptitude tests are con- sidered, it will be determined whether or not she will be one of the finalists. Her achievement to date has brought honor to her and to the school. Duxbury was one of a small number of towns on the south shore to have a scholarship award winner.
Teacher Achievement
Mrs. Mary Stott, girls physical education supervisor, was one of the three principal speakers on school physical educa- tion programs at the statewide conference at Amherst this year.
Course in Health and Physical Education for Elementary Teachers
Nearly all elementary school teachers enrolled in a course in the teaching of physical education during the first half year. Teachers learned how to give the Kraus-Weber and Indiana test of physical fitness to their classes, and gained skills in teaching methods so they could assist the supervisor with the physical education instruction. The course was given by Dr. Clem Thompson of Boston University.
Public Law 874
For the first time the town received a payment from the Federal Government on account of the employment on federal property of parents of some of our school pupils. To receive such grants at least three per cent of the total school enrollment must be so classified. The amount received this year was $3,916.16.
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SPECIAL SERVICES Instruction of Home Bound Pupils
For several years the school department has employed an instructor, as required by law, to instruct pupils of school age who have been ill or incapacitated for long periods of time. This work is done by a qualified teacher on a part-time basis, At the present time we have one such student. Two students, who received this instruction, returned to their regular classes. This instruction is given in the home and in amounts which depend on the physical condition of the pupil.
Last year for the first time the school department set up a home-to-school telephone service to bring instruction from the classroom directly to the pupil. This service was provided for a high school senior too incapacitated to attend school. The system operated by means of an intercommunication unit con- necting the classroom and the home through the telephone lines. The student at home followed her regular class schedule, and, by operating a switch could ask or answer questions and par- ticipate in class discussions. In this manner the home bound student kept up with her work and earned regular class credit.
The cost of all instruction for the home bound student is financed 50% by the state. In the case of instruction by tele- phone the equipment is rented for the desired period and the state pays 50% of the rental cost.
Instruction for such special students as conducted in Dux- bury by the school-to-home communication plan was given national publicity in "The Flame" a monthly publication of the Cabot Industries in April 1957.
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Evening Adult Education Classes
Four classes in vocational training were organized in 1957. These classes included: clothing, slip covers and draperies, furniture refinishing, and cake decoration. Classes are selected from an approved list issued by the State Department of Educa- tion. Each fall a survey of adult interest is made through the Duxbury Clipper. This survey reveals the numbers of people interested in enrolling in the courses listed and provides a basis for the course selection. A minimum enrollment of twelve students is necessary if a course is to be offered.
The town is reimbursed by the state fifty percent of its expenditures.
At the present time there are sixty-five persons enrolled in the evening program.
Library
The high school library now has about 2400 volumes for student and teacher use.
During the year Mrs. Bencordo, school librarian, gave a course to grade seven pupils in which they were taught how to use the card catalog and, how to find information in the library in relation to school projects. Such a course should bring about more effective use of library resources and aid students in doing research.
Guidance
About 28 percent of our graduates are currently enrolled in colleges and other institutions. Other studies show that about 48 percent of our graduates over the past four years have received or are receiving, training and education beyond high school.
- - -
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The following is a list of our graduates currently attend- ing colleges and other institutions:
Name
Institution
April, Edward
University of Massachusetts
April, Paul
Bentley School of Accounting
Atwood, Russell
Northeastern University
Barker, Peter
Wabash College
Brock, Donald
Bridgewater State Teachers College
Coffin, Madeline
Quincy City Hospital
Cushing, Gordon
Boston University
deGrasse, Diane
Rhode Island School of Design
DeLorenzo, Joseph
Boston University
Faulkner, Linda Gagne, Lois
Fisher Junior College
Mt. Ida Junior College
Hardy, Edward
North Adams State Teachers College
Ivanoff, George Jenner, Lois
Williams and Mary College
Northeastern University
Lantz, Richard Leonard, William
Babson Institute of Business Administration Massachusetts General Hospital
University of Miami Simmons College
Northeastern University
Bridgewater State Teachers College Framingham State Teachers College Babson Institute of Business Administration Northeastern University
Skidmore College
Bucknell University Franklin Technical Institute
Boston University
Bridgewater State Teachers College Smith College
Locke, Brenda
MacGibbon, Heather Mugford, Lois Mullaney, Thomas Nelson, Donald
Nichols, Edith Nightingale, Gerald
Noyes, Peter Patrick, Sandra Perry, Patience Pratt, Patricia Ricker, John Sanford, Mary Seaver, Barbara
University of Massachusetts
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Seaver, Edward
Skinner, Mary
Smithson, James
Thomas, Diane
Wadsworth, Barbara
Total students: 35
University of Wisconsin
Bryn Mawr College
Bentley School of Accounting
Cornell University
Westbrook Junior College
Total Schools: 25
Health
The Duxbury school health program stresses prevention by following up the results of frequent examinations, and by direct instruction as in the dental program. In addition, first aid is given by the school nurse as needed. Physical examina- tions are made by Walter E. Deacon, M.D., and dental examina- tions are made by Francis C. Ortolani, D.M.D., and Gillis K. Turner, D.M.D. All cases are screened carefully and follow- ups are made by the school nurse. The examinations given include:
1. General physical examinations
(a) pre-school children
(b) regularly enrolled pupils
2. Dental examinations
3. Blood and urinalysis tests
4. Hearing tests
5. Vision tests
A limited amount of corrective dental work is done at school in accordance with Board of Health policy.
A strong effort is being made through physical education classes to improve the general physical fitness of our young people. Special attention will be given to the problem of im- proving posture.
Reports of the school dentists, school physician and school nurse are presented on the following pages.
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January 12, 1958
Gentlemen:
The Dental Program in the Duxbury public schools con- tinues along the same pattern as in the past.
Again we encourage the purchase of more supplies and instruments to facilitate our services. It is felt that some progress is being made with regard to fluoridation of the town water as an aid in reduction of dental decay in the teeth of the school children of the town.
The Board of Health met with the dentists of the town and announced a public hearing which took place at the Elementary School Auditorium, Thursday, January 9th, at which time a very healthy discussion of the matter took place. It is further hoped that the townspeople may see fit to legislate in favor of fluorida- tion in view of the fact that United States Public Health, Ameri- can Medical Association and American Dental Society are so enthusiastic in their support of such a program.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. ORTOLANI, D.M.D.
January 13, 1958
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as a school dentist for the year 1957:
In accordance with State law, examinations of all pupils in grades one through twelve were carried out at the school dental clinic. Parents of all students who were found to need dental treatment were notified in writing.
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Treatment of those pupils on welfare status and those ad- judged to be in needy status by the school nurse were carried out throughout the school year. All types of dental service were provided and records of this treatment are on file in the offices of the school nurse.
May I again strongly recommend that the Town adopt the fluoridation of its public water supply as the only practical means of preventing dental decay. The proven and safe method of adding but one part per million of sodium fluoride to our drinking water, would, on the basis of long established study by the American Dental and American Medical Associations, re- duce the decay rate in our children's teeth by as much as sixty percent. And the rate of decay in our own children in this sec- tion of New England, by statistical study, is the highest in the nation.
Fluoridation is inexpensive. For less than a dime a year per person, we can reduce decay in younger children by 60- 65%. Future dental bills for fillings, extractions and replace- ments can be reduced. The cost of a single filling will pay for fluoride for one person for about thirty years.
Fluoridation is safe. Studies have been conducted among people who have lived continuously in areas where the drink- ing water naturally contains much higher concentrations of fluorides than we propose to use. The research work has been painstaking, yet no scientist has been able to find any harmful effects from fluorides in the amount recommended for protec- tion against dental decay.
Only complicated chemical analysis would enable one to know fluorides had been added to our water. It does not alter the color, taste, purity or safety of drinking water. It cannot have a deleterious effect on water systems, the laundering of clothing or upon cooking utensils.
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Organizations endorsing fluoridation include the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, Ameri- can Public Health Association, American Academy of Ped- iatrics, American Water Works Association, National Research Council, U. S. Public Health Service, American Association of Public Health Dentists, and many others.
When the matter of fluoridating our water supply comes before the town meeting in March, we will have an opportunity to insure better dental and general health for our children.
Respectfully submitted,
GILLIS K. TURNER, D.M.D.
January 11, 1958
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as School Physician for the year 1957.
In June, physical examinations were done on those children who were registered for kindergarten in the fall. A thorough appraisal of each child's physical status was done at this time in order to compare the findings of physical examinations in the future. Also, the children who required Smallpox immunization were vaccinated at this time. Following the pre-school clinic, the known cardiac children were given their bi-annual physical examination to determine any change in their cardiac status.
During the fall and winter terms the regular complete physi_ cal examinations were carried out. Parents were notified of the time this procedure was to be carried out so that they might be present to observe any defects and note suggestions by which they could help to improve the child's health. The posture of
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the average school child is considered to be poor but this is on a functional rather than a pathological basis. Neurological examinations were done on the children who manifested in- volvement of their central or peripheral nervous system. All cases of suspected nervous disabilities were carefully evaluated and recommendations made to the parents.
In summation, the general health of the school child in the Duxbury schools was considered to be good. A recent national survey has revealed that 85% of females and 65% of males of school age have foot deformities. This is in keeping with our observation of the situation in Duxbury schools. We wonder if, perhaps, walking to school might be an aid to some of these deformities. Our Physical Education Department is aware of the problem and is correlating corrective exercises with calisthenics to correct the situation.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. DEACON, M.D.,
School Physician
January 10, 1958
Gentlemen:
Grades one, three, five, seven, nine, and eleven were given a general physical examination by Dr. Walter E. Deacon, School Physician. This also included all pupils taking part in competitive sports, known cardiac cases, and rheumatic fever cases.
Dental examinations were given by school dentists Dr. Gillis K. Turner and Dr. Francis C. Ortolani. A limited num- ber of pupils are receiving dental treatment in accordance with the Board of Health policy.
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The Asian Flu vaccine was administered by Dr. George R. Starr to all school personnel desiring it.
The School Nurse did blood counts and urinalysis of seventy-five percent of the pupils, after obtaining parental per- mission. The blood counts were done on a Spencer Photo-metric Hemoglobin machine and the urine was tested for sugar and albumin by using the simple Clinitest method for sugar and Bumitest method for albumin. There were no referrals on the urinalysis and six referrals for low hemoglobin counts.
The final polio clinic was held at the Elementary School in May. A total of 543 booster polio shots was given by Dr. Starr.
The School Nurse assisted with all of the above and in addition gave first aid treatment 799 times during the year, made 123 home visits and conducted 96 teacher-nurse con- ferences. All personnel X-ray records were checked and follow- ups on accident and absence reports were made. The School Nurse also gave vision and hearing tests to 825 pupils with retests where necessary.
This year a program on dental health will be conducted over a five week period by Mrs. Tasseneri and Mrs. Mahoney of the State Department of Public Health. The first six grades will be visited once a week for four weeks and on the fifth visit a movie will be shown. The classroom visits are instruc- tion and practice on dental care. Due to the large number of pupils Mrs. Mahoney and Mrs. Tasseneri each take one half of a grade at a time. Working simultaneously they cover the same material.
The 7th and 8th grades are shown a movie on care and preventive dental procedures. Mrs. Mary Carr Baker, from the State House, will speak on charm and teeth to the 9th through the 12th grade boys and girls.
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Those who gave volunteer service in many of the above activities were Mrs. Everett Handy, Mrs. Stanley Merry, Mrs. Gordon Campbell, Mrs. Robert French, Mrs. David Cox, Mrs. Roger Cushing, Mrs. Arthur Bradford, Mrs. Thomas Thrasher, and Mrs. Earle Grenquist.
Respectfully submitted,
CAROL T. COLBURN, R.N.,
School Nurse
Cafeteria
During 1957 the total income from the sale of school lunches was $33,044.78. Federal subsidy amounted to $10,- 392.56. The following tabulation indicates the number of school lunches served in 1957.
Type A lunches (includes milk) 92,021
Type A lunches (without milk) 115
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SCHOOL BUILDINGS The General Situation
Each year since 1955 the Duxbury School Committee in its annual report has pointed to the future need for additional space at the high school level. Population growth studies have been made each year and they have indicated the need for more classrooms and larger and improved specialized areas (physical education, science, home economics, etc.) by 1960.
The Committee's long range program for the future growth of our school plant is based on a plan which will utilize exist- ing school buildings and keep to a minimum the number of new buildings to be constructed. In brief, this program recommends:
1. The construction of a new high school in 1960.
2. The use of the present elementary school for grades K-3 beginning in 1960.
3. The use of the present high school for grades 4-6 beginning in 1960.
Our best estimates of pupil population growth indicate that all three buildings - the new high school, the old high school building, and the present elementary school building, would be adequate to 1969-70. Thus, no additional structure would be required to 1969-70, a ten year period.
The Committee realizes that the probable effect of the southeast expressway on population growth is not reflected in its prediction. It is generally agreed that when this road is com- pleted it will have a "plus" effect on our rate of population growth, and that we may reach capacity before 1969-70. How- ever, at this time there is no basis on which to predict the ex- tent of this effect, nor is there any definite indication of the date the road will be completed.
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The year 1960-61 will find us several rooms short in the elementary grades. Afternoon kindergarten sessions and larger than recommended size classes will be necessary until more space is available. The enrollment at the high school will be above its working capacity (380) at that time. Holding the line at the elementary school until 1960, that is, getting along without adequate space until that time, is justified economically only if more space is provided for the high school by that date. If a new high school is provided the present high school build- ing would meet the additional elementary school needs.
Pupil Population Estimates
The school population estimate on the following page begins with the actual enrollments for the present school year. Future enrollments are determined by multiplying the enroll- ment of previous grades by index numbers shown at the top of the chart. These index numbers represent the average loss or gain over the previous fifteen years. Thus, the kindergarten enrollment of 105 in 1957-58, multiplied by the index 1.13 becomes 119 in grade one the next year.
The predicted grade sizes are conservative for two reasons: (1) they do not reflect the extent to which the new expressway will affect our population growth, and (2) they are partly dependent on estimates of the number of births shown in the first column. Only a very nominal increase in the number of future births has been indicated.
DUXBURY SCHOOL POPULATION PREDICTION, 1957-58 - 1969-70
Percentage age of survival **
1.27
1.13
97
1.01
1.01
1.04
.99
.96
.9-1
.91
96
90
.88
Year
Number of births 5 yrs. previous
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
K-6
7-12 K-12
1957-58 ***
105
92
91
98
76
104
77
76
56
68
48
43
16
643
307
950
1958-59
86
109
119
89
92
99
79
103
74
71
51
65
43
38
690
342
1032
1959-60
86
109
123
115
90
93
103
78
99
69
65
49
58
38
711
378
1089
1960-61
91
115
123
119
116
91
97
102
75
93
63
62
44
51
763
388
1151
1961-62
91
. 115
130
119
120
117
94
96
98
70
85
60
56
39
791
408
199
1962-63
90*
114
130
126
127
121
122
93
92
92
64
81
54
49
833
432
1265
1963-64
92*
117
129
126
127
128
126
121
89
86
84
61
73
47
874
440
1314
1964-65
94*
119
132
125
126
128
133
125
116
84
78
80
54
64
888
476
1364
1965-66
96*
122
134
128
129
127
133
131
120
109
76
75
72
47
904
499
1403
1966-67
98*
124
138
130
131
130
132
131
126
113
99
73
67
63
916
541
1457
1967-68
100*
127
140
134
135
132
135
130
126
118
103
95
66
59
933
577
1500
1968-69
102*
129
143
136
137
136
137
133
125
118
107
99
85
58
951
592
1543
1969-70
104*
132
146
138
139
138
141
135
127
117
107
103
89
75
969
618
1587
* Estimate.
** Percentage indexes based on average change during the period 1943-1957, a fifteen year period.
*** Actual membership as of November 1, 1957.
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Building Needs and the High School Curriculum
Spelling out an exact list of subjects students will be taking ten years hence is of doubtful value. There are too many variable factors involved in such a forecast. By studying the needs of young people together with the demands of the world in which they live certain broad areas of study can be fairly accurately determined, however. We know, for example, that research shows a larger and larger proportion of the young people of college age will be in college in the immediate future. This points up the need for continued emphasis on the college preparatory part of our high school program. It indicates the need for science laboratories, and classrooms for foreign language, English, mathematics and the social studies. The use of automation and new forms of power point to an increased number of technical jobs in the future. These jobs will not require a college education, but students preparing for them will need mathematics, science, mechanical drawing, and in- dustrial arts. Most industrial establishments do not have special schools to give their employees specialized or technical train- ing. Hence, this kind of training will be a continuing respon- sibility of the schools. These facts indicate the need for science laboratories, classrooms for mathematics, and shops for indus- trial arts training.
An increasing recognition of the value of good health through physical education and sports activities indicates the value and use of a gymnasium in a high school. This is further justified when one recognizes the leadership value of such activities.
That there is continued need for specific training in the commercial subjects is evidenced by the number of high school graduates who obtain secretarial and other commercial posi- tions. This points to the value of space in a high school for preparation for these jobs.
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That practically all girls become homemakers, and that some follow careers based on home economics training indi- cates the desirability of space for his kind of instruction.
Advances in communication and science point to the need for more instruction in foreign language and the social studies. If we are to live competitively and also peacefully with our neighbors in other lands, instruction in these subject areas be- comes more and more important and space must be provided for it.
Young people need an opportunity to express themselves through art, music and dramatics. Some students find a career in these fields of study. For generations such educational pro- grams have had an important place in high school curriculums. The need is no less great today, and space should be included for them.
Since the nature of the school program of the future is difficult to set forth with exactness, the school building should be flexible in order to accommodate changes in courses or teaching procedures from time to time. This may mean not only adaptation to change, as within a shop area, but it may also mean change in the size of class to provide for large group instruction - groups large enough to occupy two classrooms or even an essembly hall.
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