USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1939 > Part 10
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Additions to and changes in the teaching force are as follows:
Miss Mary Halloran, for several years a teacher in the Monatiquot School, was transferred to the High School to take the place of Mr. Grindle who resigned early in the new year.
Miss Bernadine McCusker was transferred from work in the after- noon with Freshmen, to upperclass work in English to take the classes of Miss Maxfield who resigned in June to marry. The vacancy caused by the transfer of Miss McCusker to the morning session was filled by Miss Eleanor Chace.
An unexpected overflow in commercial work demanded another teacher in that department and the services of Miss Mary Bohenko were secured to take care of that overflow.
Each one of the new teachers is proving to be most satisfactory.
Working under hardships imposed by crowded conditions and shortened periods, the teachers have, on the whole, done a fine piece of work, and are to be commended for the same. The school is, for the
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eighth year, working on a two-platoon system with all Freshmen and some upperclassmen in the afternoon. Unexpected developments in the choice of electives last Spring made it possible, because of the lack of number electing, to drop out three morning classes, thereby slightly relieving the crowded situation and making it possible for another year to have the bulk of the upperclass work in the morning. Should a re- newed demand for these subjects so dropped occur next Spring, still more of the upperclass work will have to be in the afternoon. We are avoiding this to the last possible moment since it means a lengthening of the school day until nearly six o'clock.
In many quarters there is complacency with regard to our two- platoon system with the idea that the building is used to a much greater extent. (It is, in fact, the most used school building in America.) What is not generally realized, however, is that in the speeding up of the work in an attempt to cover the required amount in the shortened day, a much larger number of pupils are failing to complete the require- ments in four years and are having to take an extra year in order to secure their diplomas. Also, a larger number each year have dropped out, through failing, at or near the end of the fourth year.
The work of the school shows to advantage when compared to other schools. Our boys and girls are doing satisfactory work in col- lege and our commercial students, who have taken the National Clerical Ability tests the past two years, have stood far above the average of the country as a whole.
No curricula changes have been made during the past year. Changes from time to time in the past have kept our school up-to-date except in the matter of Manual Arts. It may be a better policy for Braintree to pay in the vicinity of seven thousand dollars to Quincy, Weymouth, etc., for trade school accommodations rather than to install such work in its own system, but as our Town grows eventually such work, not only in the High School, but in the grades as well, will be required. This should prove a good investment in citizenship.
A little more than a year ago a hint that we might lose our class "A" rating was based, in part, upon the idea that because of our two- session day many worthwhile extra curricula activities might not be possible. The truth of the matter is that there is no school which can be found anywhere in this vicinity which does so much along the extra curricula activity line as Braintree High School. Such activities are recognized as an essential part of the modern secondary school in the development of good citizenship, which is the most important object of secondary school education today. We have a splendid student body, reasonably academic and, for the most part, well behaved and desirable. The boy or girl with any real vicious traits is a rarity in Braintree High School.
Along the lines of extra curricula activities might be mentioned the success of our Band, Orchestra and Glee Club, all of which won "A" ratings at the Massachusetts and New England Music Festivals, the work of our pupils in debating, etc., in the National Forensic League, the work of the Editorial Board of the Wampatuck, the operetta, Physi- cal Education exhibition, Oral English play, Senior Show, "B" Club entertainment, etc., all of which have been outstanding in the past year. Our athletic teams have won their share of contests played and, win or lose, have always shown good sportsmanship and clean playing. It might be said in this connection that since, presumably, boys and girls of High School age play team games for pleasure that this side should be emphasized rather than that of winning games at any cost. When the time comes that our team members cannot get enjoyment from the games, the games should be discontinued.
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Late in the school year last Spring, plans were made for a Parent- Teachers Association in the High School and in October the first regular meeting was held with Miss Melinda Prentiss, of the Boston School De- partment, as speaker. A second meeting was held in November. It has been a source of disappointment that so few parents have evidenced any interest in this organization.
At the present time the school is in the process of being surveyed, according to the vote of Town Meeting last Spring. Dr. S. M. Brownell of the Graduate School of Education of Yale, one of the three selected to make the survey, was assigned to the High School. After preliminary conferences with the teachers, heads of departments, etc., and a study of the school organization, Dr. Brownell and four students of the Gradu- ate School spent two days in visiting classes. A series of standardized tests are now in the process of being given to various groups. We know that this committee can give only a favorable report on the school as a whole but they may be able to make suggestions which can be adopted and prove useful. Undoubtedly, they will be able to make some definite recommendations relative to the housing problems of the schools in general, and of the High School in particular. What those recommenda- tions will be, and what the reaction of the voters will be toward them, remains to be seen.
Respectfully submitted,
J. L. JORDAN.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
December 1939.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1939.
November 1 to 7 was National Art Week which was observed throughout the country by schools, clubs, art galleries, museums and stores with lectures, special exhibits, special advertising, etc. In Brain- tree Schools each class planned their own Art exhibit for Art Week. Work of the previous school year (winter and spring) had to be saved over the summer in order to, in November, show work from a whole year. A pupil might have his work on display in two grades because of his promotion in September. Space in a classroom does not permit the showing of a whole year's work so only the "high spots" of greatest interest were shown. In some schools the auditorium and corridors were used as well as the classrooms. To make a survey of the art work it would have been necessary to visit all the classes in all the schools; because each was individual. Although the syllabus outlining the art work is presented to all the classes of the same grade in the same form, it does not follow that the work is carried out in exactly the same way. Individual differences in teachers and pupils entered into making the results varied and interesting. Large murals in chalk and tempera colors, sometimes covering a whole side wall, were conspicuous in the exhibits. Subjects depicted were New England Industries, Circus Parades, Homes in Other Lands, Ferdinand the Bull, Our Community, Eskimos Life, Indian Life, a Holland Tulip Farm, etc.
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Of the various types of posters made during the year, perhaps the most notable in the exhibits were the large travel posters, about 24" x 36". Some were original ideas and a few were copies of some of the better foreign travel posters. The assignment consisted of one copy from a good poster, to better understand the technique, then an entirely original poster was made. Another project which deserves special mention is the "Picture Maps of Braintree" which also were of large proportions (about 36" x 56"). Every seventh grade class in town pro- duced one or more such maps, showing the principal buildings, such as schools, churches, Town Hall, Library, Fire and Police Station, factories, historic landmarks, etc. For the correct information regarding those buildings, preliminary sketches, either from the actual places or from photographs, had to be made. This made the pupils familiar with places which are a part of their civic life. Assembling all the sketches on a map to be painted in tempera colors involved a difficult problem in design, arrangement, and color harmony.
Designing, cutting, and printing linoleum blocks to make individual Christmas cards was another project which was very popular in the eighth grades. Since block printing was first started, many program covers, title pages and cover designs for school publications have been made by the students.
I do not here wish to go into detail concerning each grade; but it is my general aim to have a broad Art Program which functions with the other learning experiences in school life and not wholly set aside and isolated as a separate unit. Specific aims for each grade are stated in the Drawing Outline. An integrated program is more significant and enriching to the school life of the children and modern educational methods require it. Since individual initiative in creative work is a prized and valuable asset in a student, it is our aim to promote the quality of the creative work, to offer new fields in which to explore and advance, to create interest and enthusiasm which will express itself along artistic lines, and to promote the type of Art Education which will enable the pupils to appreciate and enjoy that which is good, according to artistic standards.
In conclusion, I wish to thank Mr. Fisher, the principals, teachers and cadets and all who have co-operated with us and shown an interest in our school art.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH H. JOHNSON.
REPORT OF THE VOCAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
January 2, 1940.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher Superintendent of Schools Braintree, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The main objectives of our vocal study are:
1. To give every child an opportunity to develop his singing voice together with a growing ability to sing in tune with as good a voice quality as the individual child's vocal organs make possible and
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definite enjoyment on the part of the children in producing true, beauti- ful tone.
2. Opportunity to acquire a song repertory with the purpose to arouse the child's interest and pleasure in expression.
3. To experience the happy group activity of chorus singing which has important social values.
4. To acquire skill and power in reading fairly difficult music in any key and including the common rhythmic figures.
In my two previous reports I outlined the procedures of these four main objectives. This year I wish to outline another musical experience, probably not so well known to people outside of the schools as singing and playing but which is getting more important every year now that we have the radio. This is known as intelligent listening.
It is important that early in life every child be brought in contact with much beautiful music, an opportunity to hear constantly music from the enduring classics and to give them a large musical experience, richer than that afforded by children's own singing and playing.
Portable phonographs, with good tone qualities, and records can provide our children from kindergarten through the grades a splendid opportunity to listen to the world's best music played by fine artists and this music can be reviewed frequently until it becomes familiar.
In the primary grades the hearing of small fragments of melody, with great varied appeal, attentive, discriminative listening, also much passive listening for general beauty is of great importance in building the background of the child's music life.
In the grammar grades the main objectives are to develop a feeling for the beauty and power of good music, to inculcate a discrimination with regard to tone color of the different instruments of the orchestra; to apprehend the moods of various musical compositions, and as one edu- cator words it, "to discover that music is something more than pretty sounds, that music may be the voice of a nation speaking; it may be the emotional record of a period of world history; the reflection of a famous story or the portrait of a great man done in tone." With the opportunity to hear music over and over and to listen to the same composition a number of times they can learn to recognize and enjoy the many fine details of music workmanship-details the untrained listener misses.
During the past year four schools have received new radio-phono- graphs with fine tone qualities. Through Mr. Ray's efforts the Hollis, Penniman and Monatiquot Schools each have purchased one and at Mr. Lord's suggestion the Noah Torrey Primary School received a fine machine from the Parent-Teachers Association.
I hope it will not be long before we can have a time allotment and the necessary equipment in phonographs and records to carry out these objectives in listening lessons in all our schools.
The grade schools gave four outstanding public performances dur- ing the past year. The Monatiquot, Hollis and Penniman Schools each gave a large concert in the form of a broadcast. The speaking parts were planned and written by Miss Steele of the Monatiquot School. The Thomas Watson School gave a fine performance of the Comic Opera, "Pinafore," by Gilbert and Sullivan. All the leads were selected from the eighth grade. Never have we had so much talent in one grade. Last year was a banner year for all the eighth grades. The music selections
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on the graduation programs were of High School standard and these choruses were rendered with fine tone quality, good balance of three and four parts and with interesting song interpretation.
In closing my report I wish to quote from an educator of our day, "Of all the arts, music, perhaps, reaches the most people and touches them most intimately, whether we ourselves sing or play or merely listen, we know that music is a part of life. Going back to the days of the psalmist David and the far-off philosopher Plato, records show that the wise men of all times and countries have considered music, not as luxury but a necessity to public welfare. To quote Plato's own words, 'But with what object are our citizens to learn music?' We reply, in order that they may be better fitted to live the life of peace." Plato- Laws of the Republic, Book III. Circa 400 B. C.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all who so kindly co- operated with the department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
INGRID EKMAN.
REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
:
Mr. C. Edward Fisher
Superintendent of Schools
Braintree, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith my annual report for 1939.
Enrollment figures of this department are as follows:
Grammar schools
259
High School
83
Total 342
Instrumental distribution in the grades and high schools is:
GRADE
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Total
Instrument
Violin
11
17
5
11
21
7
5
77
Viola
1
Cello
1
2
3
2
3
1
2
6
53
Saxophone
1
1
10
3
1
2
2
22
Trumpet
22
8
12
8
5
6
6
6
4
77
Trombone
1
7
5
2
1 1
1
18
Baritone
1
1
2
3
1
7
Basses
3
Percussion
6
1
5
27
12
2
1
2
1
57
Total by Grades
43
33
32
81
70
28
20
15
20
342
1
7
Flute
1
1
1 15
9
Clarinet
3
4
6
12
5 2
2
1
1
4
Bass
1
1
1
1 2
1
7
Horns
1
2
-
December 20, 1939.
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A glance at the above data clearly indicates the popularity of cer- tain instruments. This year, however, fifty-six new pupils chose many more of the much needed unusual instruments. I look forward with great anticipation to the day when our high school band and orchestra will have as regular equipment such instruments as the oboe, bassoon, alto and bass clarinets.
During the year our grade and high school instrumental units have found outlets in many and varied activities. Excluding assemblies,. grade school orchestras and soloists took part in thirty-four different programs, usually in cooperation with other departments. The units at the High School participated at twenty-two various events ranging from football games to a style show. Outstanding, perhaps, was the Third Annual Music Festival given by the chorus, band, and orchestra,. plus the All-Grade School Orchestra of 70 pieces.
On May the thirteenth, approximately 130 members of the High School musical organizations attended the Massachusetts Music Festival at Belmont. In the competitive part of the affair our chorus, band, and orchestra, performed meritoriously. The chorus and orchestra placed in Division I (Superior) while the band placed in Division II (Excellent). One week later at the New England Music Festival at. Worcester the band revealed full potentialities by placing in Division I. It is interesting to note that nearly 10,000 high school musicians par- ticipated in these two festivals.
I am very grateful to the many members of the School Department for the assistance and cooperation extended me during the past year.
Respectfully submited,
ARTHUR P. HAUCK, Instrumental Instructor.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS
December 19, 1939.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher
Superintendent of Schools Braintree, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher :
Physical Education is a vital part of the school curriculum because of its far reaching effect upon the health, character, and personality of the individual as a child, and because it has such great carry-over value into life as an adult.
Physical Education develops muscular control and coordination through the following activities :
1. Walking erect.
2. Running lightly.
3. Skipping.
4. Handling play equipment.
5. Games.
6. Rhythms and Dancing.
7. Posture (including classroom sitting as well as standing).
8. Stunts.
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Because he is coordinated and can play well, a child likes to play with other children in after school time. This is certainly a healthy and socializing pastime. Also, if he likes to play, and is able to do so well, a child has the needed respect of his playmates. In this manner the school is definitely influencing the growth of the child at times other than when he is in the schoolroom. From these active childhood pas- times come the interests in other activities and sports which are engaged in, throughout life. The most important objective of all teaching is certainly to aid us to live a richer, fuller life and Physical Education should be able to contribute very much.
Physical Education develops correct emotional and social reactions in play and recreational activities as to: interest, initiative, persever- ence, courage, participation in the group, control under excitement of play, leadership, cooperation, and taking turns.
DEMONSTRATIONS
There have been five demonstrations showing the type of work being done in Physical Education throughout the town. The partici- pants were not chosen for ability. Any child who so desired took part. The following demonstrations were conducted during February and March :
School
Number of children participating
Thomas A. Watson
240
Jonas Perkins
240
Abraham Lincoln
200
Monatiquot
220
Hollis
230
Total
1130 pupils
During the month of May, every child in the elementary schools took part in May Play Day festivals in their own district. These affairs were arranged as follows:
Location
Entire school body, grades one through eight.
Adams Street Playground :
Thomas A. Watson, Abraham Lincoln, and Jonas Perkins.
High School Playground:
Hollis, Monatiquot, and Penniman.
Noah Torrey Playground : Highlands Playground :
Noah Torrey, Pond, and Colbert. Highlands.
These playdays were successful and worthwhile in that so many children were actively engaged in playing at the same time, with chil- dren of their own age, but with whom they were not acquainted. Rib- bons donated by the P.T.A. were awarded to the winners of the various events for older children.
We wish to thank you, Mr. Fisher, the Principals, the Teachers, and everyone who cooperates with us in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL N. DOUGLASS, FRANCIS G. LUOMA.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
January 2, 1940.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher
Superintendent of Schools Braintree, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Herewith is submitted my annual report on the health work that is being done in the schools of Braintree.
The children in the Public Schools of Braintree have been examineo by Dr. Gallivan, Dr. Frogel and Dr. Ripley.
The Norfolk County Tuberculosis Clinic was held on November 10, 1939, at which time one hundred sixty-eight Juniors and one hundred sixty-nine Freshmen were inoculated. Of this number only thirty showed positive readings. The X-rays will determine whether there is any cause for further consideration.
In February, 1939, eighteen pupils were examined in the Tuber- culosis Clinic, six parents being present. The X-rays of eleven teachers proved to be negative. Five pupils were taken to the Norfolk County Hospital for X-rays as they were absent at the time of the Clinic. In November, 1939, one hundred forty pupils were X-rayed.
One hundred fifty-five essays on "Mothercraft" were submitted by the eighth grade girls. Miss Jeanne Moffatt received the Philergians' prize of $2.50; also, the State Federation's prize of $5.00. Miss Phyllis Leatherbee received honorable mention.
HEALTH WORK: Whooping cough began soon after school started. In May 2606 children were weighed and measured; in November, 2558; ringworm, 2; toothaches, 20 (mostly in upper grades) ; cut finger, 10; burn, 3; foreign body in eye, 6; home visits, 27; dressings, 70; heads, 950; treatment, 15; impetigo, 7; scrubbed, 3; sent home with nits, 10; pen point in hand; advised, 36; splinter, 6; cut back of ear, 1.
The school children are receiving many benefits from the Dental Clinic.
This year one hundred fifty-eight pre-school children were given the inoculation for diphtheria; this is the largest number we have had. 11111 I wish to thank every one connected with the School Department for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. COLLINS, R. N.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
December 30, 1939.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher,
Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
In reviewing my activities in 1939, I am strongly impressed by the large number of problem children whom I have contacted. The new and better way of dealing with unruly children is scientific, kindly, helpful, and in great contrast to the righteous punishing in old ways. Intelligent understanding and loving kindness prove to be the proper prescription for offending little ones. Bad conduct in the little child, is a symptom and the reason for the symptom is ever so much more to be considered than the offence. The authorities who have constructed the new science of child guidance and all modern parents and teachers agree on this.
Those who have made an intensive study of the mental and emo- tional behavior of children blame "fear" for most of the misdemeanors. A parent's task doesn't end till she arranges for both bodily and mental health today. Fears, hurt feelings, inferior feelings or just an imagina- tion running riot may lead to the dangerous near-psychopath. Example plays an important part in a child's world, and if the environment is such that he may really start growing up in it, he will become adjusted, be happy and be strong enough to meet the tasks and duties as they pre- sent themselves in his daily life's progress. He will be adjusted to his words, not only loved by his father and mother, but understood by them, as well.
Braintree's list of broken families is longer than we would wish it to be. These homes where trouble, friction, misunderstandings, etc., prevail have naturally provided most of my work this year. Truants and delinquents generally thrive on such living conditions.
The Juvenile Court, The Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, The Salvation Army and The Red Cross are very important agencies to the Braintree Schools, and I am deeply grateful for their help in my work of striving for perfect attendance. In ninety percent of all cases, the child is not to blame; which is the sad part of the story.
I am indeed grateful for the one hundred percent cooperation of the teaching staff, the Supervising Principals and for the advice and help which I have received from you.
As last year, I have omitted summaries, feeling they could not be tabulated to tell anything of interest to the public.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCES L. WALKER.
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HIGH SCHOOL
Phyllis Eloise Kilmain Esther Bernadette Zecchini Marion Doris Tobin
* Robert William Maxwell Ruth Dimock Shedd Myrtie Carpenter Thomas Franklin Robinson Malcolm Chandler Walker Mary Evelyn Holton
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