USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1942 > Part 7
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31 Jessie D. Coakley
[80]
Date Name
8 Edward F. Hughes
9 Secontino Graziano
16 Gertrude Murphy
18 Ernest L. Frazier
20 Stillborn
24 Raymond Lindblow
26 Manuel Andrade
28 Della May Wilken
30. Frank V. Rogers Jr.
Birthplace :.
Age
Weymouth
41- 0-25
Braintree
21- 4-12
Quincy
25- 6-12
Weymouth
7- 1-19
Weymouth
Brooklyn, N. Y. 39- 8-11
North Easton
27- 5-16
Fitchburg
62-10-21
Boston
0- 5-23
:
SEPTEMBER
1 Gladys May Burton
Brookline
41-1-1
3 Dorothy Elizabeth Stuart
Worcester
22~ 2~29
3 Mary Taylor
Scotland
36- 2-17
Ralph C. Walker
Cambridge
46-6-25
8 Carl Lehtonen
Finland
37-11-18
9 Arthur W. Davis
Lowell
81
12 Arthur Joseph Bourgeois
Farnum, Quebec 81- 2-27
13 Anna J. Tracey
St. John, N. B. 81-6-4
14 Arthur Williams Eaton
Nova Scotia
16 Florence Nightingale Chapman
19 Peter Johnson
21 Patrick John Hayes
Cork, Ireland,
42- 5-20
24 Nellie L. Walsh
Hingham
85-6-3
25 Ina M. Kenney
Braintree
50- 0-25
25 Hazel M. Grieve
Blue Hill, Me.
48 - 3
29 Edith Isabel Ball
West Townsend
68- 9-9
30 Robert Lockyer
Devonshire, Eng.
57-1-0
30 Maude E. Doten
Livermore, Me.
68- .6-7
30 George H. Wilkinson
Taunton
69- 9-20
.30 Mary Farina
Italy
48-5-18
OCTOBER
1 Florence M. Connelly
France
76- 4-24
1 John B. Gillis
Quincy
47-2~12
3 Stillborıl
Quincy
4. Martha J. Orcutt
Braintree
51- 5-11
4 John F. Quinn
Canton
56-6-7
6 Stillborn
Weymouth
Weymouth 77-8-9
No. Weymouth
74- 5-19
10 Bert Crocker
Newfoundland
48-3-2
Keiser
Boston
1 hr. 39 min.
10 11 Frank D. Sherman
Weymouth
91-10-14
13 Annie M. Wilmot
Halifax, N. S.
67-11-12
14 Henry Bremala
Finland
71- 3-19
15
Frederick P. Blagden
Hyannis
78-3-21
15 Andre Harvester
Finland
65- - 6-25
17 Frederick Joy
Quincy
0-0-1
17 Charles W. Mann Jr.
Boston
22- 4-12 87
19 William E. Daily
21 Alfred A. Gilman
Hanover
50- 3-10
22 Harriett Frances Ferrx
Gloucester
53- 9-23
24 Mary N. Schroth
Rockland
27-10-1
Mechanics Falls Maine 76-6-9
Portland, Me.
53-2-0
30 Grace Winslow Davenport
31 Joseph Bianchi
Italy
62~ 5-27
[ 81 ]
29 Helen S. Kimball
Boston
7 James E. Maloney
9 William W. Kenerson
90- 1-25 Somersworth, N.H. 85- 6-25 Sweden
71-3-23
Date
Name
Birthplace Age
NOVEMBER
1 Kermit E. Pettit
1 William H. Jones
1 Stillborn
Brockton
Saugus
21- 0-20
Sanbornton, N. H. 43- 0- 1
Quincy
Somerville 69- 1-24
14 Alice E. Haskins
16 Mary J. Gannon
19 Annie M. Barber
22 Edgar M. Sprague
Hingham
80- 5-21
Boston 38- 6-13
Boston
44-9-2
28 Henry L. Rivoire
Weymouth
19- 1-23
28 Carl Eric Nelson
29 Martin Breen
30 Frank J. O'Neil
Cambridge
46- 1-17
DECEMBER
1 Heustis R. Smith
Selmah, N. S.
86- 2-5
1 Ada A. Maxham
Hebron, N. H.
79- 2-16
2 Raffaele Zanghi
Italy 54- 9-13
2 Isabella C. Jones
Quincy
86
3 Mary A. Cahill
Braintree
81- 1-10
3 Maureen Louise McCartney
Weymouth 0- 8 -22
3 Joseph Brown von Grison
4 Henry Winslow Davenport
Boston 79-9-7
4 Maud G. Chapman
Auckland, N. Z.
57- 8-12
5 Lillian M. Ness
Braintree
85-6-1
10 Gladys Margaret Angevine
East Weymouth
28- 4-13
10 Stillborn
Quincy
12 Annie Ladner Stewart
Canada
73
12 Henry Dugan
Braintree
about 74
15 Mary Eliza Cutler
Brooklyn, N. Y.
79-1-1
16 Stillborn
Weymouth
17 Isabel S. Pope
Hingham 65- - 2-15
24 M. Anna B. Lovell
E. Weymouth
95-0-2
25 Robert M. Brown, Jr.
Holyoke
44-10-0
29 Michael Bensusan
London. England 83
31 Angelina G. Marchetti
Italy
49
31 Charles E. Clapp
Roxbury
61- 6-25
Total number of Deaths : 249.
Males, 127: Females. 122; Single. 54; Married, 116: Widowed, 76; Divorced, 3.
Ages : Stillborn, 11; under 1 year, 10; 1 to 10. 4; 11 to 20, 3; 21 to 30, 13; 31 to 40, 11: 41 to 50, 35; 51 to 60, 26; 61 to 70, 50: 71 to 80, 56; 81 to 90, 23; over 90, 7.
Diseases : Tuberculosis, 33 (4 residents, 29 non-residents) : Pneumonia, 37; Carcinoma, 23; Heart Disease, 22; Cerebral Hemorrhage, 22; Coronary Thrombosis, 16; Arterio Sclerosis, 14; Accident, 13; Stillborn, 11; Chronic Myocarditis, 9; Embolism, 7: Coronary Occlusion, 5: Cardiac Decompen- sation, 5; Prematurity, 4; Uremia, 3; Aneurysm, 2; Intestinal Obstruc- tion, 2; Respiratory Failure, 2; Chronic Nephritis, 2; Lymphoblastoma, 2; Aplastic Anemia, 2: Suicide, Asthma, Myocardial Failure, Epilepsy, Aci- dosis, Pulmonary Edema, Cirrhosis of Liver, Arterio Sclerotic Gangrene, Peritonitis, Staphlocossus Bacteriemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Ectopic Penis, and Atelectosis Neonatorum, 1 eaclı.
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Vonore, Tenn. 22
Putnam, Tenn. 23
2 George Marshall Lusk
3 Orvis W. Brown
4 Stillborn
6 John Richard McGrath
Weymouth 50-10-18
Braintree
69- 7-14
Yorkshire, Eng. 70-11-4
24 Sylvia Iannuzzi
25 Ida M. Stevens
Braintree
19- 5-6
Lewiston, Me.
40
Chester, Pa.
64- 0-13
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Department
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FROM
December 31, '41 to December 31, '42
INCORPO
AT.L
EE
1640
TS
T
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MR. HAROLD R. QUIMBY, Chairman 132 Tremont Street, South Braintree
MRS. ALIDA N. STEVENS, Recording Secretary 75 Tremont Street, South Braintree
MR. HOWARD B. BLEWETT 188 Hollingsworth Avenue, South Braintree MRS. SOPHIE G. BLUNT, 259 Washington Street, Braintree MR. ARCHIE T. MORRISON, 555 Liberty Street, South Braintree MR. G. RALPH YOUNG, 68 Cedarcliffe Road, East Braintree
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
MR. C. EDWARD FISHER, 10 Tremont Street, South Braintree Office Telephone 0782 Office Hours on School Days, 8:00 to 9:00 A.M.
SECRETARIES
MISS EDNA E. WOODSUM MISS ESTELLA M. DEMERS
Office Hours: 8:00 to 12:00, 1:00 to 5:00 on days when Schools are in Session
MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE
Second Monday evening of each month except July and August at seven o'clock in the School Committee offices, 10 Tremont Street, South Braintree
[:84 ]
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Braintree:
In periods of national anxiety and unrest, much, much too often, history has recorded a surprising lack of deep-seated interest in matters of an educational nature. In the present period of world-wide disturb- ance, however, we are happy to report that during the past year-a year of grave and depressing concern to many-we have witnessed no lack of parent and public enthusiasm in our community towards matters of à school nature. Youth and the problems of youth should be fore- most considerations of the day. On the shoulders of our growing boys and girls will fall the tremendous responsibilities of post war prob- lems. To adequately prepare them now for future responsibilities and duties is a major task, one which should not be accepted lightly by any citizen who enjoys the privileges of a free country. It is, therefore, our sincere hope that your continued interest in public school matters will not lag or diminish in the future.
The war has brought many vexatious problems to your School Department. Because of war directives we have seen a well organized school staff shattered at many points. The number of our school per- sonnel now members of the U. S. Fighting Forces totals twelve. Those of the school staff who have joined the Armed Services include:
Lt. Albert Avitable, Braintree Highlands School.
Pvt. Clarence N. Blair, Jonas Perkins School.
Lt. Herbert O. Boardman, Former Member of School Committee.
Lt. Aldo D. Chiesa, Braintree High School.
Lt. Thomas J. Corrigan, Hollis School.
Lt. James Dysart, Braintree High School. Pvt. Arthur P. Hauck, Instrumental Music.
Lt. Walter J. Kane, Braintree High School.
Cpl. Edward R. Oakman, Braintree High School.
Lt. Donald E. Ross; Monatiquot School.
Capt. Paul V. Toolin, Braintree High School.
Lt. U. Chester Ullman, Braintree High Schoool.
This is more than just a soldier's war. It is a people's war and we are proud of all those who have joined the fighting ranks. Many of these teachers were in key positions and we are extremely sorry to be without their services. However, we have been exceedingly fortunate in securing experienced substitutes to accept temporary assignments to ,
fill "duration" vacancies. Thus, our present school staff carries on in a truly efficient manner.
The School Committee operates on the philosophy that "Tomorrow Begins Today". Because of that, many innovations have been intro- duced to our system during the past twelve months the results of which will be evidenced in 1943 and the years to come. These innovations have helped to increase the efficiency of our teaching staff and operating departments as well as our standards of education. And what is vitally important they have been introduced at no increase in cost. In fact, many of these innovations have resulted in substantial savings which are reflected in the 1943 School Department budget. We believe a few of these innovations are worthy of space and discussion in this report.
SCHOOL BUDGET FOR 1943
Of foremost importance is the School Department Budget for 1943. This year, because of operating economies which have been introduced,
[ 85]
economies which do not in the slightest degree retard teaching efficiency or the maintenance of our buildings, we have effected a saving of at least $16,412.00 for the year 1943. Because it was possible to intro- duce some of these economies during 1942 we were able to further reduce expenses during the past year to the extent of $9,306.07, which has been refunded to the Town. Thus, during this period it has been possible to initiate savings to the extent of more than $25,000, a sum which is equivalent to more than $1.00 on the tax rate. This, in view of mounting tax rates and governmental expenditures, is a most com- mendable showing and we wish to express our appreciation to those of our staff who have so willingly cooperated in helping to make this achievement possible.
It is also worthy of emphasis to note that this is the first year, in seventeen, that the Current School Department budget has been less than the preceding year. Again we restate, this curtailment will in no manner effect the educational standards which we have perfected.
SINGLE SESSION PLAN
Through the cooperation of a group of civic minded citizens, Parents Council officers, and members of our supervisory staff and School Committee, an intensive survey was made early in the spring of 1942 to ascertain the merits of the single session plan in relation to the Braintree Highlands School. This plan has now been in operation for a period of several months. While we have not as yet been able to fully ascertain its merits as a plan worthy of adoption for all grade schools it now appears that it is proving satisfactory in most every re- spect in the Braintree Highlands School.
CLOSING OF POND AND COLBERT SCHOOLS
Conditions in connection with fuel supplies and manpower, to- gether with a reduced number of children in the Colbert and Pond Schools made it necessary, in the opinion of the School Committee and the Superintendent, to close these two schools until such time as condi- tions make it advisable to again reopen these two units. Arrangements were made to redistribute the children to the Noah Torrey and Monati- quot Schools. This was accomplished on November 20, 1942, without inconvenience to pupils or teaching staff. The closing of these schools has resulted in an estimated net saving of at least $3,965.00, minimized our fuel problem, concentrated student enrollment and simplified super- visory details.
MAINTENANCE SQUAD
The manpower problem has been particularly acute in our Custo- dial and Maintenance Departments. During the summer vacation we had an opportunity to experiment in the Cafeteria of our High School and learn the value and economy of establishing a Maintenance Squad composed of individuals assigned to our Custodial Department. This experience proved so valuable we immediately organized a Maintenance Squad of Custodians which is now performing valuable work in repair- ing, painting and maintaining the various buildings of our school system. We have been able to demonstrate beyond question that this Maintenance Squad has effected savings in certain items of our Main- tenance Budget to the extent of approximately 50 per cent and at the same time has helped overcome a critical manpower problem in relation to certain types of maintenance work which in the past have been per- formed by outside labor on a contract basis.
CONTINUATION OF TECHNICAL STUDIES
As is well known, the School Department for some time has con- sistently advocated the introduction to our High School of a course of
[ 86]
-
study devoted to technical subjects. To thoroughly prepare the ap- proach to these studies we have established manual training and home economic divisions in each of our three grade school districts. These are proving successful. However, because of lack of facilities and space in our High School we are, at the present time, seriously handi- capped and hardly able to do more than whet the educational appetities of mechanically inclined boys in the 7th and 8th grades. We again reiterate the need for introducing technical studies in our High School on an enlarged scale with the knowledge and appreciation that the fulfillment of such a program cannot be consummated at this time on account of war and economic conditions. At the conclusion of hostili- ties and the return to normalcy we firmly believe this subject should again be taken from the shelf, thoroughly dusted, and again presented to our citizens for their further consideration. We would be remiss in our duties and obligations to the children of Braintree if we did not again bring this to your attention in a forceful manner.
TWO-SESSION HIGH SCHOOL
We are still enjoying the unenviable reputation of being the only High School operating on a two-session plan. Because of lack of accom- modations the Freshmen Class attends High School in the afternoon, where as the Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors attend in the morning. For the purposes of teaching efficiency and school morale we firmly believe that the citizens should correct this situation at the earliest opportunity, so that the single session in the High School be adopted.
AERONAUTICAL STUDIES
Great interest has developed recently in the matter of Aeronauti- cal studies. For the purpose of giving to pupils in our schools accurate, reliable information pertaining to Aviation as well as creating what is sometimes termed "air-mindedness" we have added to our High School Library during the past three months at least thirty authoritative Aviation reference and study books and maps. In addition to these books, which are available to our students, more specific attention is being given to the mathematical problems of aviation, and the same may be said of the work being done in our Science classes, particularly Physics.
While we have mentioned a few subjects pertaining to school matters which we believe worthy of discussion many more of a similar but smaller nature have been introduced. Lack of space prohibits mention of these at this time.
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
At the present time there are but two items of bonded indebted- ness outstanding against School Department buildings. One covers the addition to the Abraham Lincoln School, the bonded indebtedness of which is $6,000 yearly for a period of two years; and the other covers the construction of the Braintree Highlands School, the bonded indebt- edness of which is $8,000 yearly for a period of two years. The total unretired bonded indebtedness for both buildings amount to $28,000. $14,000 of this sum will be retired in 1943 with an interest charge of $1,260. The remainder will be retired in 1944 with an interest charge of $630. Thus, in 1944 all School Department bonds will have been paid and all school department property will be entirely clear of any financial encumbrances.
Most citizens are familiar with the splendid cooperation which the School Department under the guidance of Superintendent, C. Edward Fisher, has extended in conjunction with Government rationing pro-
[87]
grams. Teachers and members of the supervisory staff have given freely and willingly of their time and energy. With the exception of a few disagreeable cases in which applicants unreasonably, unwisely and unbecomingly challenged the work of school department employees and citizens who had volunteered for this work, the gigantic task of , rationing was accomplished speedily, efficiently, and to the thorough satisfaction of rationing authorities. The School Committee once again expresses its sincere appreciation to all those who so enthusiastically extended help when aid was vitally needed.
Someone has said that "Education is a clinical thermometer. Take a reading of it in any democratically inclined nation and you have unerring evidence of the social and political health of that society." The public schools of Braintree, even as in other communities, have nourished students and citizens in their adventurous experiment with government and the fine art of making a living, be it through industry, the professions, or commerce. They have weathered many a storm, and with your cooperation and your continued belief and support in our system the mercurial reading on our own educational thermometer will continue to be high.
Your interest in our problems-which conversely are your prob- lems-has been, and is, sincerely appreciated. We, the stewards of your School Department, shall continue to extend the hand of coopera- tion and endeavor to fill to overflowing the bowl of educational nourish- ment which you, as citizens of our community, make possible for us to serve to those who are hungry and thirsty for knowledge.
Yours very truly, HAROLD R. QUIMBY, Chairman ALIDA N. STEVENS, Recording Secretary HOWARD B. BLEWETT, ARCHIE T. MORRISON, SOPHIE G. BLUNT, G. RALPH YOUNG.
[ 88 ]
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
January 11, 1943.
To the School Committee:
I present herewith, as Superintendent of Schools, my twenty- second annual report. The same type of report is presented as re- quested by you two years ago, omitting statistical tables and the com- plete reports from the various departments to economize on printing.
Education is today having at least one of the same problems with which practically every activity in the industrial and commercial field is having its troubles, namely, personnel.
The recent action of the Town in granting a 15 per cent additional compensation will be or certainly should be, helpful to a considerable extent.
The School Committee's action in changing the regulations of the Department so that a teacher marrying a man in the Armed Service may continue in her present position as a substitute is also sure to cause a smaller overturn in personnel than would be taking place otherwise.
Priorities in materials seriously handicapped our maintenance pro- gram this last year and labor too was a problem but your action in utilizing the services of our janitors was, and will be, very helpful in doing much of the most urgently needed work.
This last year much and long needed new music books were intro- duced into our schools along with a series of Science books. These latter introduce into our curriculum for the grades a new subject and it has come at an opportune time when more and more must an empha- sis be put on this subject as we are in so great a mechanical age and of the greatest importance even to the very existence of our country.
Several interesting and instructive books pertaining to air-flight have been secured and made available to the pupils in our Grade schools in order that they may be better acquainted with the facts pertaining to this means of transportation and acquire some ideas as to the devel- opment of the airplane and its operation.
From an average membership in our schools for the school year of 1938-1939 of 3,784 to an average membership in the school year of 1941-1942 of 3,589 is perhaps surprising when we know the extensive developments in buildings which have taken place in the town and the big increase in demand for labor but in part at least it is this demand for labor which has created this situation. May I quote from the report of James L. Jordan, our High School Principal:
"The percentage of withdrawals since the opening of school in September is much larger than for any previous year for a long time. This is accounted for by the fact that labor conditions have made jobs very attractive to High School students of all ages. Service has called some boys. The advertisements of Fore River and the Hingham plant for boys of sixteen have made a big inroad into the High School mem- bership of many towns in this vicinity. Instead of a graduating class of well over two hundred, as of last year, next June we will see a class of well below two hundred."
The work of physical education in our schools is and has been for many years emphasized and now that so much attention is being fo-
[ 89 ]
cused on this work as a necessary preparation for success in the conflict among the nations of the world we can point with some pride to our preparedness and with confidence say, "It is not necessary for us to make any changes in our procedures to meet most effectively the re- quirements of the situation."
To quote from the report of Ellsworth R. Thwing, director of our Health Department, where he refers to the attitude of the Army:
"We have emphasized what they now are stressing, that military training is not a substitute for physical education. One authority has stated that one hour of physical training is more valuable than thirty hours of military drill and they'll teach the boys in two weeks what the school will do in a whole semester of military training."
The New England Association of School Superintendents, which is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary, has prepared a "Statement of Policies" for Education and I can think of no more appropriate way, considering the times in which the world finds itself, than to close this report with a quotation which is the "Statement of Policies" by this Association :
"Almost a year has passed since Pearl Harbor. During that time the schools have made a magnificent contribution to the war effort. As the forces of America gather strength and the magnitude of the strug- gle unfolds, the task of the school grows in clarity and importance. The new draft law and the manpower shortage in industry and agricul- ture bring into sharp focus the vital role of youth in the struggle.
The policy of the schools must be determined in the light of the following facts:
1. Every able-bodied high school boy is destined for service in the armed forces;
2. There are labor shortages in industry and agriculture that will draw large numbers of boys and girls from high school and demand the part-time service of many others;
3. The correction of educational deficiencies revealed by the draft and the preparation of aliens for naturalization are the unique duty of the schools;
4. Every phase of the war effort-selective service, rationing, price control, war financing, industrial production-depends for its success upon an enlightened citizenry.
A realization of these facts leads to the conclusion that the war program can no longer be an extra-curricular activity. A senior high school curriculum must be provided that will prepare boys for a strenu- ous life in foreign lands. The armed forces need men with technical knowledge and skill and they have neither the instructors nor time to provide the basic instruction. A people's war and a people's peace call for a universal understanding of the issues of the war and the broad principles that must underlie any real peace.
The lowering to sixteen years of the age at which girls can work on Federal contracts and the decrease in the senior high school enroll- ment since September are indications that young people are needed in industry. We have long deplored the lack of work experience in the lives of modern youth. The present crisis suggests that the schools provide a plan to continue the education of young people who enter employment and to capitalize the educational value of work.
[90]
Education as usual is as obsolete as business as usual. During the crisis the American school must continue to be an integral part of the machinery of war, a center of training and community service, a source of information and inspiration, a basis for building a sound morale and a noble peace.
There shall be one test for all our thinking and planning, all our policy and program: Will it help to win the war?"
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD FISHER, Superintendent of Schools.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1
Teachers' Salaries (including Principals, Super-
visors and 4 Secretaries)
$258,692.08
Superintendent's Salary
4,500.00
Secretaries' Salaries
2,284.48
Supervisor of Attendance
1,030.00
Telephones, Printing, Postage, etc.
1,317.63
Nurse, Physicians & Health Supplies
3,020.97
Janitors' Salaries
19,754.15
Fuel
11,151.36
Light, Water and Misc. Operating
5,211.41
Text Books and Supplies.
22,492.38
Transportation
10,689.50
Tuition
3,310.80
Repairs and Improvements.
16,032.82
Outlay
382.50
Miscellaneous
838.15
$360,708.23
RECEIPTS OF THE TOWN ON ACCOUNT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Massachusetts School Fund
$ 29,600.00
State Reimbursement (on tuition paid)
1,596.14
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