USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1931 > Part 10
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The High School music has been greatly benefitted by having a definite schedule every Thursday. Although it is extremely hard to conduct six high school chorus periods in one day with an hour after school for special chorus practice, a permanent program has proved more satisfactory. This program necessitates having pupils from all classes every period that means seniors must take the same chorus work as the undergraduates. Be- cause of this plan a new music pamphlet had to be pur- chased immediately so that the upper classes would not have to repeat choruses learned previous years with some easier selections within the scope of the Freshman and Sophomore ability. We have many talented pupils and a large percent of our students can read four part chorus
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music of average difficulty readily and could we have a period a week for the more gifted singers we could com- pete with any high school in vocal contests.
Music education is a real necessity of life. It has a wonderful effect upon individuals, homes, communities, and nations. It is the one universal language of worship, of love, of happiness, of comfort, the one universal langu- age of peace. What a dreadful world this would be with- out the whispering of the trees, the babbling of the brooks, the humming of the bees, the singing of the birds, and the crooning of the babes. Music is the one thing this world can never and will never do without.
I am particularly grateful to the principals and the grade teachers for their fine co-operation during the past year. I also wish to thank you for your kind interest in my work.
Respectfully submitted, INGRID E. EKMAN.
REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
January 1, 1932.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request I herewith submit my annual report.
The Instrumental Department of the public school system of Braintree maintains its growth in number of pupils enrolled and gains steadily in interest and appre- ciation.
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Appreciation of Music is the beginning, means, and end of all music, instrumental or otherwise, and is the goal of all activity, or should be, for every instrumentalist.
With this in mind we take the child where he is willing to begin, whether on the harmonica, violin, bugle or drum, etc., as his chosen instrument, or vehicle in this, his individualized manner and process whereby to ex- press himself in such attainment.
The musicianship that results naturally from ensemble playing, either orchestra or band or both, is more ad- vanced than that which naturally arises from any other ensemble or group activity.
More hours of practice, study and preparation are necessary before successful participation is possible. The expression of musical thoughts and action becomes a matter of great reflection. The mechanical process in- volves and required knowledge and comparisons which are very exact. The numbers and diversity of orchestral parts-diversity in pitch, tonal quality and rhythmic pro- cedure-make the whole a rich complex, and this com- plexity and vanity have attracted composers to orchestral expression for their greatest works.
This course in our public schools should be and is, solid, thorough, well arranged and strong in fundamental content and material and is evidently pursued and en- joyed by an increasing number of pupils as our records and results will testify.
Certain instruments should be bought by and for the school and remain school property, to be loaned under proper restrictions to students who will learn to play them.
We need many such instruments, as the Tympani, French Horn, English Horn, Oboe, Bassoon, Contra Bas-
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soon, Hecklephone, Harp and several others of percus- sion.
At present the school owned instruments are as fol- lows :
8 bass drums 1 violin
7 pairs of cymbals
2 Eb basses
6 string basses
1 BBb sousaphone
3 Bb Baritones
1 snare drum
3 Eb Altos
2 Bb trombones
1 cornet
1 bugle
The support and co-operation which I have received from the entire School Board, Superintendent, and every one of the Principals, and as far as I know, from the teachers and parents, make the work of this Depart- ment one of inspiring encouragement and I hereby ac- knowledge gratefully my appreciation of the same.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK W. J. LEWIS.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
January 1, 1932.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
For the past three years as physical director in the Braintree public schools it has been pleasing to note the progress of physical education in making life a finer thing to live. The work deals with the health and happi- ness of the individual and the group, and we as directors
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endeavor to place the pupils in the proper mental attitude to receive these benefits.
The work of the physical education department was definitely planned during the first week of school, so that both Miss Daughraty and I would be carrying on similar activities in the entire school system. We are very grate- ful for the additional time allotment which was granted for this year .. In additional to our weekly visits, the pro- gram receives a twenty minute period, out of doors, twice a week when the weather permits. This fulfills the state requirement for sixty minutes per week of physical education in addition to regular recess periods.
The grade school program consisted of formal gymnas- tics, informal games, rhythmics, action stories, etc., all explanations in copy form being handed to the teacher in the class room, and a copy for the Principal so that the work could be checked. We were fortunate in re- ceiving some much needed playground equipment and each school received some of the following: Volley balls, Net, Soccer balls, Footballs, Giant Beach balls (lower grades), Bean bags, and Playground markers. This equipment enabled the physical directors to carry on the program planned, as well as having sufficient material for the classroom teacher to use in the absence of the director. From the fourth to the eighth grades, teams were chosen and the captains were in charge, playing games such as tag football, kick ball, hole ball, bat ball, and running post ball. All of these games were of the highly organized type and proved their value as pupils were noticed playing the games outside of school hours. The carry-over value of a game determines its worth.
The coming of winter months calls for an entirely different type of event, in that all exercise must be con- ducted within the school building. Activity must be
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minimized and varied to hold the interest of the pupil. Formal work of fundamental, conditioning and corrective exercise with games, marching, etc., are the events used. This will be carried on until the spring season when the out-of-door program is again reverted to.
The opening of school in September found the high school gym classes overflowing, which is the result of the unusually large school enrollment. More than half of the total are boys and capacity filled classes averaged over 65 in each of the six classes per day. The program is very limited with such large groups, and endeavors for grading are almost impossible with a mixed group of Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. An activity which would be suitable to one group would be entirely out of the range of ability of another younger or older group. Due to the popularity of the game of football, the physical director introduced "tag football" for the boys, and each of the six classes were divided into their own respective groups mentioned above, with a chosen leader in charge. A schedule of games was arranged and each team played other teams several times before com- pleting a round. There were at least eight teams in each class which totalled over fifty "tag football" teams play- ing this game out of doors during the regular gym periods. It gives the participants an opportunity to practice the game skills necessary for football, en- couraged the "game-shy" boy to play, and offers the healthy atmosphere of outdoor play, team-work, and co- operation. This feature ended with the cold weather coming on, although many boys still expressed their de- sire to continue even though the temperatures registered unusually cold. The indoor work consists of marching, corrective, conditioning and fundamental exercises, ap- paratus work, combative work, individual achievement tests, and informal games.
226
Previous to the closing of the regular school football season, the call for inter-class basketball players brought out approximately 75 boys. The groups were divided and through the generosity of the high school faculty mem- bers, each class team had a faculty man teacher to aid them in their endeavors. Only boys who were not en- gaged in any varsity sport such as football or cross country running, were eligible to play. This gave many boys who had not previously had an opportunity to play basketball a chance to show their ability. As many as 125 boys were actively engaged in some athletic sport after school hours during the fall season and it is hoped that activities of this sort can be continued throughout the year. Again the need of additional gymnasium space is very urgent to relieve overcrowded conditions, and allow for the unusual demand on the gym for various purposes.
Plans for the annual Gymnastic Exhibition given by the boys' and girls' gym teams of the school are under way, which assures the public an evening of interesting and unusual demonstration of the work of the physical education department. Last year the teams were greeted with approval, and all proceeds were donated to the Injury Fund which aids needy students who have been injured while participating as a member of a high school representative team. This fund is entirely separate from funds received either from the Athletic Association or School Board, and is handled by an Injury Fund Ad- visory Board. The boys' gym team received invitations for competitive meets with two other schools as well as one for a public exhibition, which adds to the interest of the work. Some fifty students will participate this year.
The grade schools have enjoyed the fall season in
227
Soccer under the direction and training of young men from the Bridgewater Normal School. Team schedules were arranged and a large number of boys enjoyed this feature. Several Posse-Nissen girls are training in our schools and aid greatly in carrying on the program of physical education.
Keeping in mind that our one big aim is to make life richer and finer to live, three things as outlined by Dr. William H. Kilpatrick especially concern us :
1. Bodily health as the physical basis of all else.
2. A healthy personality as a moral basis of all else.
3. Ever better thinking in our efforts to make life better to live.
In closing I wish to thank Superintendent Fisher, Prin- cipal Jordan, the principals and teachers of the grade schools, my co-worker Miss Daughraty, and all training teachers in the grades, for their aid in any success which this department has enjoyed.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLSWORTH R. THWING.
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REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
January 1, 1932.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as one of the Physical Education Directors of the Braintree Schools.
Physical Education is fast becoming an important part of the daily school routine. We are continually striving for the promotion of leadership, fair play, and healthy minds and bodies. The principals and teachers have co-operated in such a way that the pupils have progressed to the point where they are disappointed if the instructor does not appear.
During the winter months the classes were held in- side. The lower grades were given creative work, games and dancing, but the upper grades were given more formal exercises to correct postural defects and to give a muscular sense of right posture. They were also given their share of games.
Starting this September all pupils from the fifth grade through the eighth grade were given the Posture Test and graded. Of the 487 examined, 84 were good, 333 were fair, and 70 poor. To get any noticeable result from this test, special classes in corrective exercises should be included in the Physical Education program, but the work is carried on as well as can be during the regular class period.
Each teacher was given balls and a program of games, dances, exercises, etc., to be carried on through Decem-
229
ber. Until poor weather prevented, the teachers were to take their classes out of doors during the time allotted to Physical Education. The teachers co-operated to such a degree that they looked forward to it as much as the children.
HIGH SCHOOL-During the winter months when only indoor work was possible, the more formal work was done on Tuesdays and the informal work on Fridays. To vary the formal work Indian Clubs, Wands and Dumb- bells were used with formal exercises. Informal work included Apparatus, stunts, tumbling and games.
A great deal more interest was shown in the apparatus and tumbling. Each class had a number of leaders who chose their own groups and were given pieces of appara- tus or sunt. Each leader was responsible for her group in time allotted the group progressed to another apparatus or stunt. Each leader was responsible for her group in regard to discipline and execution of stunt. In this way each girl had more chance at each piece of apparatus and gained confidence in herself.
Games to increase sportsmanship and fair play were . played.
Such an interest was shown when volunteers were asked for the gym exhibition that a group of 70 girls turned out at the first practice. A team of 26 was finally chosen and they worked hard but joyfully, having great enthusiasm in showing the public that they were also as capable as the boys in their marching, drills, and tumbl- ing.
Varsity basketball of 1931 had a fairly successful sea- son, playing the neighboring towns and high school women's faculty team.
.
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This fall organized and informal games were played until the middle of November and the girls were reluctant about going inside then.
The varsity hockey team of 1931 had a most successful season, losing only to our rival Hingham.
Class basketball has been started and more girls have come out for it than before, but limited space and time makes it most difficult to continue. Another or larger gymnasium is so badly needed, not only for basketball but for regular class work. There is an average of 60 girls in a class which means that highly organized games are impossible.
In closing I wish to thank Superintendent Fisher, Mr. Jordan, Principal of the High School, the principals and teachers of the grade schools, and all others who have aided me in the work of this Department.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE E. DAUGHRATY.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
January 1, 1932.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher,
Superintendent of Schools,
Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
Please allow me to submit my third annual report on the health work that is being done in the schools of Braintree.
About 3800 children have been examined by our school
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physicians. Eight hundred eighty-one (881) dental cards were given out, and 805 teeth and tonsil notices were sent out. The number of corrections made in the dental work were 120; tonsils 101. Even this is a help. Total number of notices sent out was 1686, which includes those for the dental clinic, teeth and tonsils.
Last year we took two prizes in "Mothercraft." Hazel Seaman, at the Hollis School, received the gold piece from the Philergians. Constance Shores, at the Hollis School, received the gold piece from the State Federation of Women's Clubs, which is an honor.
Nearly 100 home visits have been made. Three children have been fitted with glasses due to calls being made.
When the Toxin-Anti-Toxin test was given 570 in- oculations were given, out of which 112 were given to children of pre-school age.
Dr Paul Wakefield, with Miss Knight, field nurse, opened on November 19, 1931, the Chadwick Clinic in Braintree. This ended December 9.
Number signing for examination-Yes 2664
No 772
Tested 2552-Negative 2055-Positive 489-X-Ray 489
Physical Exam 153
After the physical examinations, the nutritionist talked with the parent, recommending a diet, and certain rest periods for the pupil.
Since the first of November about 900 heads have been inspected. First aid has been given when asked for or necessary.
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In conclusion I wish to thank Mr. Fisher, the Superin- tendent of Schools, and all the principals and teachers of the various schools in Braintree for their fine co- operation.
Respectfully submitted, MARY E. COLLINS, R.N.
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
January 1, 1932.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher,
Superintendent of Schools,
Braintree, Massachusetts.
I hereby sumbit the following report as Attendance Officer for the year closing December 23, 1931.
I have worked in conjunction with the State Board of Labor and Industries, also the Friendly Aid Association, the School Nurse, and the Quincy Trade School.
I have investigated 539 cases as reported to me and found pupils absent for the following reasons :
Sickness 186
Truancy 34
Lack of clothing, shoes, etc. 46
Kept out by parents 0
Found on street and taken to school 31
Left school 8
Non-registration (New pupils placed in school) 9
Found on street and taken home 51
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Left town
19
Employment cards 9
Tardy
26
Factories and stores visited 28
Found at home and taken to school 24
Department of Immigration cases investigated
0
Destroying and loss of school property
0
Disturbances at school and on streets
7
Home employment cards granted 6
Taken to court
0
Reported to school nurse 6
Boys placed under my charge by parents 8
From farm to school (under 14 years of age)
10
Evening calls on parents
31
I have investigated all cases of the schools, including the Quincy Trade School and 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,
CHARLES S. HANNAFORD.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL
High School Auditorium, Wednesday evening, June 17, 1931, at eight o'clock.
March, "Boys in Khaki" Bennett
High School Orchestra
Song, "Gypsy Night" Louis Ganne
Senior Class
Salutatory Essay, "The Lost Commander" Barbara Pierce
Essay, "The Poet Laureate" Katherine Barry
Selection, "Priest's March from Athalia" Mendelsohn High School Orchestra
Essay, "Decisive Battles in the World's History"
Edward Oakman
Essay, "Irving Babbitt, The Humanist"
Mary Lammers
Song, "A Heap of Living" Mrs. M. H. Gulesian Senior Class
Award of Philergian Essay Prize Mrs. George W. Treat, President of Philergians
Essay, "Women in Journalism" Margaret Messenger
Award of Scholarship Prizes Mr. Harry F. Arnold, President of Trustees of Braintree School Fund
235
Song, "The Lake" Frank Abt
Selected Senior Chorus
Valedictory Essay, "Work Conquers All" Robert Sawyer
Presentation of Medals and Diplomas
Mr. Henry D. Higgins, Chairman of School Board
Presentation of Class Gift; Acceptance by Mr. Henry D. Higgins
Daniel Holmes, President of Class Farewell Song (Words by Harriet Folsom) Senior Class
CLASS OFFICERS Daniel Holmes, President William Cronin, Vice-President Helen Mckay, Secretary Vera La Vangie, Treasurer
CLASS COLORS Orchid and Silver
CLASS MOTTO "Work Conquers All"
PHILERGRAM ESSAY PRIZE WINNER Robert Sawyer
FRENCH MEDAL WINNERS (Based on last two years of High School work) Katherine Barry Robert Sawyer Edmund LeVangie
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SONS OF ITALY MEDAL WINNER James Tedesco
MEMBERS OF CLASS
Robert Ellis Sawyer
Barbara Wood Pierce
Katherine Anna Barry
Edward Rufus Oakman
Margaret Josephine Messenger
Mary Elizabeth Lammers Fred Bateman Abdy
Allan Arnold Ahlquist
Joseph Henry Albrecht
Dorothy Marion Ambrose
Edward George Andrews Francis Arthur Austin Evelyn Spencer Barham
Joseph David Barrett Gertrude Eucharia Barry Olga Jessie Bean Eleanor Ruth Belyea
Elizabeth Jane Besselman Mary Gifford Blunt
+*Martha Jennie Brooks Harriet Eleanor Bucknam Blanche Carroll Mary Frances Conlon Addison Ralph Crafts Alice Josephine Crafts William Andrew Cronin Elizabeth Patricia Damon Benson Davidson Francis Elden Delaney
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Catherine Olive Delory Hazel Frances Devine Dorothy Katherine Diekmeyer Marguerite Elizabeth Donovan Harland David Drinan Irene Althea Drollett John Arnold Edmondson Jessie Kathleen Ellis Leonard Winchester Embree
Robert Worden Engle Marjorie Viola Eno Clayton Littlehale Fairbanks Rosemary Deming Fitch Harriet Folsom James Clark Furse Virginia Gilcreast
Preston Henry Grassick
Margaret Marion Hanlon Edwin Russell Hansen
Raymond Philip Hardy Dorothy Vivian Harmon Newton Henry Hastings Clayton Douglas Hayden Lillie Linea Heinricksen Daniel Luther Holmes *George William Holmes, Jr. Frank Everett Hull Doris Sanford Jones James Leland Jordan, Jr. Leon Wendell Jordan William Edward Jordan Anna Patricia Keating Vera May LaVangie Tristdan Everett Leavitt Doris Winnefred Lee
238 ,
Helen Frances LeSage Edmund Joseph LeVangie Esie John George Lewis Frances Dorothea Lund Catherine Day McCaffrey Elizabeth Laird McEwan Eileen Barbara McInerney Helen Reed Mckay Richard Hanson Mckay Edward Jeremiah Meaney Agnes Miller Ruth Gertrude Monroe Selma Janette Nelson James William Nickson Philip Thomas Nickson Herbert William Payne Thomas Henry Payne Dorothy Eleanor Pearson Violet Louise Powers Elizabeth Jean Qualey *James Henry Rashleigh George William Reardon Colin Estabrook Reed Alfred Manock Rogers William Joseph Ryan Joseph John Sarni Robert Keith Saxe
Ernest Cahill Smith
Esther Florence Smith Merle Alice Smith
Rose Margaret Smith Lincoln Bunce Spiess Walter Stepat Emily May Streiferd Ruth Margaret Sullivan
239
James Vincent Tedesco Alfred Joseph Thomas Hazel Isola Thompson Minnie Agnes Thompson Robert Eaton Thompson William James Tidgewell Edward Lucius Tilden Myrtle Lois Trott Grace Elizabeth White
Fred Roydon Whitehouse Mildred Wilson Margaret Theresa Woods Edna Elizabeth Wright
*French Medal Winners.
** Perfect attendance for 12 years in Braintree Public Schools.
The following is a list of all the Grammar School Graduates in the Town of Braintree, June 18, 1931 :
MONATIQUOT SCHOOL
Alice Avitabile Roland Garfield Belyea
Richard Thomason Burke
*Mary Charles Catherine Frances Christie
Francis Henry Cox Kathryn Eileen Crowe Phyllis Drollett Ruth Marjorie Durgin Lillian Grace Evans Catherine Rosemary Gallagher George Henry Hayden
*Donald Morrill Jordan Joseph Edward Kjellander
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*Thalia Cole Mckay Ambrose Francis McKeough Jessie Mildred McKeough
*French Medal Winners John Thomas McKeough William Francis McSharry William Joseph Murphy Jean Rita Pantano Grace Louise Peck Melba Anna Peterson Barbara Louise Preble Ignatius George Reed Katherine Howard Sampson Rita Beatrice Schlager Robert Oliver Stoddard Sherman Crocker Tilden Eleanor Mae Tracey Eleanor Ruth Wheeler Russell Langdon Willis Leonard Lamson Wing
HOLLIS SCHOOL
Harry F. Chisholm Erman Cocozello
Earl Clinton Cook, Jr. Allen Charles Craven Norman S. Drysdale Robert B. Harper Leo James Hart, Jr. *Robert Randolph Hastings Richard L. Hollis Agostino Lavina John Morcom
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David Page McMurray Harry Grant McMurray, 2nd Fred Emil Philbrick William J. Quinn Paul Revere William Allard Shaw
George Francis Shores Helen Ethel Arnold
Mary Louise Cordes
Edna May Diotte
*Martha Elizabeth Enos Meriam Alice Foley Gladys Elma Hatch Genevieve Grace Hooper Margaret Horsman Virginia A. Milne
*Mary Alice Muldoon Elsie Jane Nickerson Myrtle Elizabeth Payne Hazel Muriel Seaman Constance Mary Shores Arlene Charlotte Thompson Mary Agnes Walsh Margaret F. Worth Dorothy M. Wright
*French Medal Winners.
PENNIMAN SCHOOL
Marcia Lillian Arnold Jean Anne Bridgham Ruth Sargent Brock Ralph Gerard Dacey
*Jean Farquharson Day Florence Anna DeCoste
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Edwin Niel Elliott Malcolm Munro Ferguson George Glover Field Joseph Francis Gavin William Everett Hamilton Dorothy Gladys Johnson Cynthia Mildred Jordan Eugene Thomas Kelly Mary Helen Levangie *Louise McIlvene Emmett Francis Mclaughlin, Jr. John Call Mclaughlin Waldo Milton McLaughlin, Jr.
James Warren Nickerson Marion Louise Perry Ruth Naomi Simon
*Charles Philip Snow Marion Edith Sunbury Isabel Blanche Watters John Paton Young
*French Medal Winners.
JONAS PERKINS SCHOOL
Charlotte Adele Anderson
*Barbara Belyea Barbara Irene Chambers Catherine Mary Drummey Fredricka Evelyn Flint
* Audrey Rebecca Poore Mary Elizabeth Richards Roscoe Coley Adams, Jr. Henry Burton Brown David William Chapman Earle Jay Christian
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Harry Thomas Collins Charles Fred Forbes Harry David Hansen Charles Everett Haynes Arnold Stuart Hopkins John Patrick Keeley Wilfred LaMarine Rudolph Leth
*Alexander McEwan, Jr. Leo Kenneth McVay Paul Donald McVay Charles Earle Nickson Paul Edward Noonan Jack August Pafford George Harold Roberts Walter Rowson, Jr. Harold Edward Yourell
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