USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1928 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
School opened in September with an unusually -small number of girls. This was due to the lack of employment for minors. In spite of this fact, the girls did the usual amount of canning, which included a quantity of jams and jellies. Other cooking comprises the planning and serving of simple and attractive meals.
In our sewing classes we have made velveteen tams and dresses. We try to have the girls make ar- "ticles of a useful nature. For Christmas we have made cretonne covered boxes which are so popular this year.
In the academic work we study arithmetic, civics, hygiene, and English. The entire work is of a useful and practical nature, helping our girls make better, more attractive and healthy homes.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH P. COBB.
187
REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools,. Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my second annual report of the - drawing as conducted in the grade schools of Brain -. tree.
The work in drawing for the past year has been to me a source of great satisfaction. It has been of high. quality and has shown a great improvement. Not only - has a great deal of interest and talent been shown by the pupils, but there has been manifested a high de -- gree of cooperation on the part of teachers and prin- cipals as well. To all these I wish to extend my thanks: and express my appreciation.
Early in the spring the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades entered the State Wide Poster Contest of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Some of the figures from that contest may help to show - our standing in the State. There were 311 schools
from 115 different towns. 4,550 posters were sub -- mitted to the judges. There were 173 large medals, 523 small medals, and 713 honorable mentions given to" the winners in the contest throughout the whole State. Braintree, grades five, six, seven and eight, submitted 120 posters and received 2 large medals, (generally given only for high school work) 24 small medals, and 26 honorable mentions. The medals were a beautiful'
188
design in bronze by Raymond Porter of the Massachu- setts School of Art. Each pupil winning honorable mention received a subscription to the Dumb Animal Magazine for one year.
Effort has been made to correlate drawing with the regular course of study whenever possible. In the lower grades, correlation has been made with the study of Indians, Pilgrims, Eskimos, Dutch and Japanese. Each holiday and season as it comes along brings its special work to do. Correlation with geography was carried out in the fifth and sixth grades in the form of miniature stage settings of different countries. · Collec- tions of drawings were made illustrating such subjects as "Modes of Travel in Other Lands," "Modes of Travel by land and by Sea," and bound into book form by the pupils. We are looking forward to the time when we can have correlation with literature and composition through the study of pictures by famous artists.
The work of the seventh and eighth grades was shown to the Town in posters which were made for the All Souls Church Harvest Fair. The upper grades use water colors for all work in posters, design or repre- :sentation. Crayons are used only in the lower grades.
The object of drawing in the grades has been to develop habits of careful observation, to teach the pupils something of the laws that govern appearances of shapes and forms, and to develop the skill to express their ideas and observations by drawing.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH H. JOHNSON.
189
REPORT OF VOCAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my annual report of vocal music in the Braintree Schools.
The enthusiasm manifested in singing in many of our schools is well marked. Children are good imi- tators, so when we bring our own enthusiasm into the · school room their enjoyment may be expressed by the words of the poet:
"Singing, Singing, Happy the time of our singing ; Merrily voices are ringing. Singing many a song."
Children sing because they are happy, and happy be- cause they know how to sing.
Singing good music awakens a love for, an under- standing and appreciation of music in a most effective way. Yet we no longer limit a child's appreciation of music to the music he can sing and play. Learning to appreciate music through listening to the world's mas- terpieces has greatly broadened the music study in our schools, and stimulated a keen interest in good music. Children enjoy hearing over the radio musical selec- tions studied in school, thus developing a taste for beautiful and crowding out the vulgar jazz.
190
Singing with beautiful tone and learning to appre -- ciate music through listening are important, but we. must also teach children to read music independently and fluently at sight, otherwise music does not function. as a worthy school subject. Herein lies its intellectual. value, and upon this music reading power in the child depends the degree in which he can participate with. enjoyment the world's great music.
A strictly modern phase of Public School music, rhythmic work with percussion instruments, has been added to the kindergarten and primary work. Of the recent developments in teaching music to children, per -. haps nothing has proved so stimulating to both teacher and student as the toy symphony orchestra. The or -. chestra itself, composed of light percussion instru- ments, such as triangles, tambourines, bells, wood -- blocks, jingle sticks and small drum, prove not only fascinating to the children, but also significant as an educational force. In this work children obtain their. first experience in instrumental ensemble, and learn the beginning of orchestra behavior. They must be quiet, orderly, alert and prompt in obedience.
A chorus book has been purchased for the High: School which furnishes much suitable material for the undergraduate classes. The Freshman chorus this year- is the best I have ever had in the High School. In spite of the fact that most of the boys' voices are changing, they can sing without any hesitation in four and five parts.
One period of assembly singing with these young- changing voices is not sufficient to keep their voices in good condition, make progress in reading difficult music, and keep alive their interest in singing larger
191
"choral works. I wish to emphasize again the import- ance and the demand from the more talented students for glee chorus practice. I hope in the near future we · can realize not only regular glee chorus work, but can ·offer courses in harmony, voice training, and music ap- preciation.
There is a constant increase in the number of .young men and women who are entering the music pro- fession. A recent United States survey shows that as :a vocational subject, music ranks fourth on the list. I believe that we should give to these young people the ·same opportunities to secure a part of their musical education in the schools, before graduating from High -School, that we provide for those who take up busi- ness, trades, or other professions.
Through music in the schools, we can enter the homes and lives of our children, in a way that will not only bring greater joy and happiness, but will be a powerful force in the development of character and good citizenship.
Respectfully submitted,
INGRID E. EKMAN.
192
REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
The activities of the Instrumental Music Depart- ment among the eight principal schools of the town have been maintained in keeping with the standards : approved of by those informed concerning the best known methods of school music.
The aim of all school music is, "An Appreciation of Music," whether instrumental music or otherwise, and to equip the boy or girl with a definite knowledge best suited to his needs, that he may apply same in a useful way toward the successful accomplishment of this purpose. This has ever been the ideal and con- stant aim of the instrumental department, and to this end have been added nine instruments this year to those already belonging to the various schools, a list of which is herewith presented :
1 violin
1 bugle
1 cornet
1 B flat trombone
1 Snare Drum
1 BB flat sousaphone (Helicon)
2 E flat basses (Uprights)
3 E flat altos
193
3 B flat baritones
5 string basses
6 bass drums and cymbals making a total of 25 instruments (not including pianos).
The number of instrumentalist in the schools are as follows :
Noah Torrey School 21
Monatiquot School 17
High School 53
Penniman School 12 (18 Buglers)
Hollis School 20
Jonas Perkins School 30
Thomas A. Watson School 10
Abraham Lincoln School 10
181
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the teachers, principals, and to those who have donated instruments, and in any way contributed to the success of this de- partment.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK W. J. LEWIS.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
Physical Education has become an important fac- tor in the school life of our boys and girls, and has
194
taken its stand on a par with recognized important subjects in our curriculum. With the aid and coopera- tion of the children themselves, and the principals and teachers, we have been able to have our original plans working on a smooth basis, and we continue to add new and more advanced work as the boys and girls show their readiness and ability.
In the grade schools we are furthering our original plan of a typical class room lesson which takes in the corrective, educational, hygienic, and recreative phases of Physical Education. The teachers carry on at cer- tain periods each day the required work which is given by Miss Brown and myself during our weekly visits to each school. The Posse-Nissen girls have greatly aided us by spending one morning a week in each school last winter.
Great interest has been shown in group and com- petetive games, the climax of which was a series of scheduled baseball games played for a cup donated by the American Legion. Thomas A. Watson School and Noah Torrey School were the winners in their respec- tive groups, and Noah Torrey, after a hard fought battle of three games, won the play off of the post se- ries games. These games created great interest and rooting hard. The boys were not alone in their inter- school spirit, each child adopting his school team and est. Great spirit was shown by the girls, who we hope will be able to show their prowess in competition in the Spring.
Soccer has always been a popular sport through- out the country, and now we can join the ranks, for it is beginning to take hold in Braintree. We hope by next Fall to have organized grade school teams and play scheduled games.
195
Since the High School is now two years old, the freshmen and sophomores are showing the benefits. reaped from Physical Education work, which had been organized just before they graduated from the grade schools. The "Gym" with its equipment and locker room facilities has tended to popularize athletics in general. A track team was organized and has proved as popular as football and baseball have always been. The interest in basketball necessitated an inter-class schedule of games which has just been completed and won by the Juniors. That this interest has continued is shown by the number of boys who reported for varsity and second team practice.
The athletic plan mentioned in my previous re- ports has begun to show its possibilities in the High School. A new point system will be introduced where- by each boy will be credited according to his ability in a series of picked events from the following: high jump, rope climb, broad jump, chinning the bar, basketball goal shooting, standing hop-step-and-jump, and sprints. These activities allow for the all around development of the boys. A similar plan can also be worked out for the girls.
In conclusion may I thank you, Miss Brown, the principals, and the members of the teaching corps, in contributing to whatever success my department has attained ?
Respectfully submitted,
H. PERCY HERMANSEN.
196
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my second annual report of physical training in the Braintree Schools.
The work in physical training has continued along much the same. lines as last year, keeping in mind the most important factor that a healthy and strong body means a healthy and strong mind, A child in school, whether in the first year in primary school or the last year in high school, cannot do his best work if the body is not in first class physical condition. This fit- ness of the body should not end with the school day, but continue through the twenty-four hours of each day. „A regular routine, constantly repeated, is an ex- cellent thing for anyone.
We start the physical training in the first grade having mostly marching, story plays, which involve the regular gymnastic exercises in a "sugar coated" form, games, simple folk dances and rhythmic plays. This work is continued through the second grade, and in the third the mimetic drills are started, while marching, rhythmic exercises, games and dances are continued.
From the fourth grade on, the more formal work is taken which includes all forms of gymnastic exer-
197
cises, varying, of course, to the age and grade of the pupils. Each lesson is carefully planned so as to give an all around development to each child.
Classes are held two days each week for the 'girls in the high school. The periods are divided so as to derive the maximum physical benefit'for the time spent. Much stress is put upon good posture, importance of daily exercise and cleanliness. The work in'the high school consists of marching; tactics, free gymnastics, hand apparatus, folk 'dancing, English and Country dances, organized group games and special posture ex- ercises.
The entering class this year was the only one which had to have complete uniforms; the others are using the ones which they purchased last year: These were purchased through the school at cost, and, well cared for, should last the entire four years, with the exception of the sneakers.
This year the girls have made noticeable strides in their gymnasium classes as compared with last year when they were first starting. The freshmen have en- tered the advanced classes, and due to their previous training in the grades, grasp the work very readily.
The work in organized sports, namely, field hockey and basketball, has been most gratifying to me. The spirit of the girls on the various teams is of the best and I doubt if it could be surpassed in any school. They show a fine spirit of cooperation, are sportsmen at all times, and a great interest is taken in the games. We had evening basketball games last year playing mostly double-header games. This proved to be quite a financial success. We have a varsity team; picked for the most part from the upper classes, and then a
198
class team from each four classes. This gives an op -- portunity for a large number of girls to play the game ..
While our hockey season this year was not so suc -. cessful as last year we made, however, a creditable record. The schedule included eleven games and lasted: until after the middle of November.
Last winter the adult classes were started for the' first time. Two classes were held each week, ome in: the afternoon and on in the evening. The enrollment, in the evening class was double that of the afternoon,. which showed its popularity; therefore, this coming; year both classes will be held in the evening, in hopes; that we may have two more evenly divided classes. The: classes were conducted in a social way, and from alli appearances were much enjoyed.
In closing I wish to thank Mr. Fisher, the Super- intendent, Mr. Jordan, the Principal of the High. School, as well as the principals and teachers of the. various schools in Braintree for the very fine, coopera- tion which I have received from'them ..
Respectfully submitted,.
HELEN E. BROWN ..
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools; Braintree, Mass.
199
Dear Sir ::
In this, my fifth annual report upon the health work being done in the schools of Braintree, I would like to call attention to the following facts.
Upwards of 3200 children have had physical ex- amination by our school physicians. In all cases where children were physically sub-normal, parents have been notified to that effect. Attention has been di- rected in this way to physical deficiencies, and sugges- tions for remedial treatment have been given. All of the school children have been measured and weighed .at regular intervals, and with the information thus ac- ·quired, it has been possible to detect children who are underweight. In these cases it has been the practice .to keep a closer watch on such individuals, and to weigh them more frequently than the others. Often it has been found necessary to advise parents concern- ing special diet for certain children.
All children through the fourth grade have been examined to ascertain the need, if any, for dental work. "When such need 'has 'been discovered the parents are notified. All such children have the privilege of at- tending the dental clinic and receiving treatment at a nominal cost.
We have made it a point to inspect the children in the class rooms at frequent intervals for two reasons : First, that by this practice it has been possible to im- press practical facts of hygiene upon the pupils, and, second, that such inspection gives us a chance to detect ·contagious disease before it gets a real start and be- comes an epidemic. When children have shown symp- tons of contagious disease, we have required them to
200
remain at home. In cases where we have seen well -. defined signs of illness which is likely to be contagious, we have required a doctor's certificate before re-admit -. tance to school. By this means we have kept absences, through illness to a minimum.
A number of home visits have been made when children were absent from school. Parents are invited to consult with the nurse about their children, should they wish any advice.
Mothercraft was taught to the girls in the eighth grades. When they completed the course, a certificate. was granted after they had passed a satisfactory exam -- ination.
In conclusion I would like to mention that clean -- liness in our schools would be much easier to obtain if all schools were to be equipped with hot water. It is: natural for children to shrink from washing in the cold water in the winter. If we could have this convenience: in our schools, as well in our homes, we would have no, trouble with cleanliness.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPHINE D. CARSON ..
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
January 2, 1929.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools ;. Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I hereby submit the following report as Attend- ance Officer for the year closing December 31, 1928.
201
I have worked in conjunction with the State Board of Labor and Industries, also the Friendly Aid Associa- tion and School Nurse.
I have investigated 738 cases as reported to me and found pupils absent for the following reasons:
Sickness 184
Truancy 31
Lack of clothing, shoes, etc. 34
Kept out by parents
111
Found on street and taken to school
38
Left school 9
Non-registration (new pupils placed in school) 12
Left town 36
16
Employment cards
38
Tardy
28
Factories and stores visited
24
Found at home and taken to school
62
Department of Immigration cases investigated
2
Destroying and loss of school property 0
Disturbances at school and on streets 6
Home employment cards granted 8
Taken to court 0
Reported to school nurse 14
Boys placed under my charge by parents 9
From farm to school (under 14 years) 27
Evening calls on parents 49
I have investigated all cases of the schools includ- ing the Continuation School and the High School, in the interest of parents, Superintendent of Schools, and at all times having in mind the welfare of the Town'in general.
Respectfully submitted,
C. S. HANAFORD.
Found on street and taken home
202 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE: BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL
High School Auditorium, Wednesday Evening, June: 20, 1928, at eight o'clock.
March, "Grand March" Ascher. High School Orchestra
Songs, "A Night in June" Targett. "Come Where the Fields are Beaming" Kinkel
Senior Class
Salutatory Essay, "Appreciation of Music Queenie Oakley
Essay, "In Historic Kyoto" Kathleen Welch
Essay, "Herbert Hoover"
Gertrude Benson
Selection, "Flower Bell' Ascher High School Orchestra
Essay, "Aeronautic Progress" Clayton Barrett
Essay, "New England Homes" Rosalind Otway
Song, "Land of Hope and Glory" Senior Class Elgar-Fagge:
203
IPresentation of Philergian Essay Prize
Mrs. Herbert F. French, President of Philergians Essay, "Striving Toward the Goal"
Robina MacWilliam "Selection, "The Heavens Resound" Beethoven
High School Orchestra
Award of Scholarship Prizes
"Mr. Elmer E. Abercrombie, Chairman of Trustees of Braintree School Fund.
"Valedictory Essay, "Edgar Allan Poe" Louise Griffith
Presentation of Medals, Cup, and Diplomas
Mr. Ralph B. Woodsum, Mr. C. Frederick Tarbox
Farewell Song, (Words by Margaret Halloran). Senior Class
MEMBERS OF CLASS
Carolyn Virginia Bacon Elizabeth Bancroft William Clayton Barrett Mary Frances Bates Alio Benotti Gertrude Anna Benson Wilson Adams Bentham Joseph Carol Biskopsky Helen Erma Boardman Arthur Philip Branley Doris Weston Burdett Edward Joseph Burke May Burns
Mary Gardner Mead Mary Elizabeth Meara Dorothea Louise Meara Thirza Mabel Moore Laura Augusta Morse Wniifred Estelle Morse Viola Margaret Mortimer Rosa Jeanette Newcomb Queenie May Oakley Otis Briggs Oakman, Jr. Gladys Edith Oliver Gladys Rosalind Otway Allison Wesselhoeft Palmer
204
Mabel Frances Caskin Charles Howard Collins Paul Martin Collins Estelle Robinson Conary Joseph Warren Cuff Margaret Catherine Davis Phebe Esther Laura Davis Evelyn Rose DeCoste Alphonse Joseph DeGazio Nellie Lillian Diekmeyer Helen Marie Donahue Francis Anthony Doucette John Charles Duksta Jeanie Julia Elliott Carolyn May Fairbanks Dominick Francis Ferrante Mary Frances Flaherty Joseph Patrick Foley John Edwin Luoma Lois Estelle Mackenzie Robina Ross Mac William Signe Matilda Maki William Franklin Hurst Edward Bernard Kelly Frances Ellen Landrey Charles Herbert Lawrence Fred Martin Longabard Perley Eugene Lord Bessie Thelma Simonds Helen Elizabeth Smiley Katherine Louise Stoddard George Sydney Storme Frithiof Streiferd Irene Teresa McCarthy
Florence Parker
Stanley Emerson Pearson George Frederick James Peck Lucy Morton Peirce Alice Edith Pentz Norman Ervin. Plummer Gladys May Proctor
Mary Ellen Rand
John Joseph Reardon Mabel Florence Reed Paul Lobdell Ronnquist Daniel Francis Shea Hazel Bates French John Benjamin Galotti Louise Eleanor Griffith Edith Sofia Hadden. Margaret Frances Halloran Helen Langley Harraden Kenneth French Hayden Anna Kathryn Henley Esther Virginia Henry_ Marjorie Louise Honneus Grace Joanne Sullivan Robert William Sullivan
Ethel Corena Sweezey Winslow Eldridge Symmes Edmund Thorne Thomas Esther Williams Tirrell Esther Margaret Turpel Harrison Allen Walker Kathleen Louise Welch Harrison Franklin Williams Joseph Theodore Williams Virginia Willis:
CLASS OFFICERS
President, Edwin Luoma. Vice-President, Helen Boardman Secretary, Robina Mac William.
205
Treasurer, Clayton Barrett. PHILERGIAN ESSAY WINNER Louise Griffith. SONS OF ITALY CUP WINNER Alio Benotti. FRENCH MEDAL WINNERS Louise Griffith. Florence Reed. Kathleen Welch.
The following is a list of all the Grammar School graduates in the Town of Braintree, June 21, 1928.
MONATIQUOT SCHOOL
Hazel Elizabeth Bates
Harry Mansfield Belyea
Robert Otis Cain
Joseph Anthony Carlozzi
Elvera Virgillia Cassidy
Bancroft Chick Russell Vincent Davis Dorothy Elizabeth Diehl Olive Drew Dunham
John Philip Flaherty
Malcolm Edward Margeson Edna Christine McDougal Ralph Lester Moline
Frank Ellsworth Nelson Dorothy Elinor Newcomb Walter Leonard Peterson Paul Daniel Reardon
Hilda Virginia Sawyer Helen Dorothy Schlager John William Simpson
Imogene Claribel Simonds Roger Brown Stevenson Manley Arthur Tibbetts Andrew Vernon Thompson Marion Evelyn Tracey Harrison Turner Smiley
Merle Frank Williams
HOLLIS SCHOOL
Dorothy Elizabeth Alden Walter Parker Collins Rhoda Evelyn Cox
Walter Gilmore Cushing Charles Edward Fuller Norman Herbert Gile Donna Faye Griffith Howard Allen Hollis
Louise Watson Kenyon
William Frederick Lammers Dorothy Violet Naples
Edvard Everett Odell Oscar Arnold Oggier Walter Edward Pinola Alberta Edwina Roberts George Ernest Warren, Jr.
206
Irene Alice Jondro Frederick Thomas Jordan
Marjorie Jordan
Ruth Whitman Annie Jane Wilder Earle Russell Woodfall
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.