USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1930 > Part 2
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HEALTH ACTIVITIES
This year has seen the introduction of the clinic for the prevention of Diphtheria among our school and pre-school children. During the month of April four clinics were held and over one thousand Toxin-Anti-Toxin treatments were given under the direction of Dr. Richard P. MacKnight, State District Health Officer, and Dr. A. Vincent Smith, School Physician. In October these children received the Schick Test and practically 90 % showed a negative reaction or an immunity to the disease. This clinic will be repeated next April when it is hoped all pre-school children planning to enter school in the Fall will receive the treatments.
The Dental Clinic is more and more proving its great value in the Health program, and approximately three hun- dred cases have been attended. For the first time this clinic is having the experience of some children coming to the clinic voluntarily and without solicitation. This is a most satisfactory condition. More children are going to
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their family dentists and the number of certificates for perfect mouths has steadily increased. During the past year some work has been done in the two strictly primary Suburban schools namely the Green and Plymouth Street schools.
This Clinic is conducted each Tuesday morning from 9 until 12 and the public is most earnestly urged to visit and observe this most important Health project.
The Ten Year Tubercular Class Clinic has been held as usual and the number of cases reported as improved over the previous year is encouraging.
The State Clinic for Retarded Children was held in January. All cases where corrective physical defects were reported by the examiners have been followed up by the School Nurse and corrections in most cases have been made. The co-operation of our local physicians in making these corrections possible where sufficient funds were not available is greatly appreciated by the School Department. Some of these children, after defects have been corrected, have been able to progress at the normal rate with their grade, others by their more regular attendance due to better physical condition have been able to regain a grade lost. When one considers the cost of "repeaters" in the school system one of the values of the scientific study of retarded children will be evident.
The Hearing of all children above the second grade has been tested by means of the 4-A Audiometer and all parents notified where defects were found. All of these cases are followed up by home visits and corrections arranged for where possible.
HEALTH EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS
A course of several lectures in Health Education was held during October and November of this year for local teachers and those of neighboring towns. The course was very successful and exceedingly well attended, an average
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of 122 being present at each meeting. All phases of Health Education were discussed from the viewpoint of the teacher and the classroom while the high calibre speakers made each subject of interest and of practical value. Below is the program of the course as presented.
October 7 "The Community, the Teacher and Com- municable Disease Control." DR. CLARENCE L. SCAMMAN, Director, Divi- sion of Communicable Diseases, State De- partment of Health.
October 14 "Common Sense in Health Education." MR. CARL F. SCHRAEDER, Supervisor of Physical Education, State Department of Education. .
October 21 "Childhood Tuberculosis. Caution Signals. What is the Teacher's Responsibility?" DR. BRADFORD H. PEIRCE, Superintendent, Plymouth County Hospital.
October 28 "The Child and its Environment." DR. FREDRICKA MOORE, Pediatrician, State Department Health Division of Child Hy- giene.
November 4 "Mental Hygiene in the Class Room." MISS SYBIL FOSTER, Educational Secretary, Mass. Society for Mental Hygiene.
November 12 "Social Hygiene in the School."
DR. HELEN I. D. MCGILLICUDDY, Executive : Secretary, Mass. Society for Social Hygiene.
November 18 "Health Procedures in the Class Room."- emphasis on the elementary and junior high school groups. MR. RICHARD J. SCHMOYER, Director of Health, Lynn Public Schools.
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AN APPRECIATION OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY HEALTH ASSOCIATION
I feel that an official word of appreciation should be extended to the Plymouth County Health Association for their co-operation in the health work in our own schools. The money paid by our citizens for the purchase of the annual Christmas Seals is returned to us many fold in ser- vices rendered by this Association. The Health Education Course for Teachers mentioned in detail in another section of this report was arranged, speakers obtained, and all expenses paid by the Association. The Audiometer, a very expensive instrument for the scientific testing of Hearing together with the necessary supplies is not only furnished each year but operated by the Executive Secretary, Miss Anna J. Foley. This testing program here occupies her full time for five or seven school days. An hourly record of temperature is kept in all of our class rooms during the winter months and this Association has printed and furnished weekly charts for this record for all our schools. Profess- ional books on Health subjects are available upon application by the teachers as well as a large amount of valuable "teacher's helps" in the way of posters and pamphlets, all of these without cost to teachers or town. Last but not least should be mentioned the Summer Camp conducted at the County Hospital at South Hanson, to which we send three or four school children each year, the number depend- ing upon the returns from the Seal sales and the amount collected for this purpose by the School Nurse.
The Plymouth County Health Association has played an important part in our school program during the past year and it's work has been appreciated by Teachers and Superintendent.
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PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS
One third of the teaching force of our schools have taken courses in Professional Improvement during the past sum- mer. These are shown in the statistical table appended to this report.
PRACTICAL ARTS
The Parent Teacher Association of the Bates School have undertaken the project of preparing the basement room at the school for practical arts work for the boys. It is sincerely hoped that this project will be completed before the close of this school year and that some form of practical arts work may be begun next September.
LORENZO WOOD
At a meeting of the School Committee on May eighth the following resolutions were adopted on the death of a faithful member and chairman, Lorenzo Wood.
Whereas-The All-Wise Ruler of the Universe has called from our midst one who has been closely associated with this board for many years as a member and at the time of his death as its Chairman.
And Whereas-This Board recognizing his special fitness for such duties, his faithful services, his wise counsel, his sense of fairness and justice to all, his quiet, genial nature that made the association with him a memory long to be cherished, would in some permanent form record their great appreciation of his sterling character, his faithful attention to duty, exemplified in a life of good deeds.
Therefore Be It Resolved, that in the passing of Lorenzo Wood this town has lost one of its most worthy citizens, the School Board one of its most valuable members, and the teachers and the schools a loyal friend and staunch supporter.
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Be It Further Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the records of the School Board and a copy of the same sent to the family of the deceased to whom in this time of . great bereavement the heartfelt sympathy of the members of this Board is sincerely tendered.
CONCLUSION
In concluding, I wish to express again to the teachers, janitors and all other town departmental officials my sin- cere thanks for their loyal cooperation and to the School Committee my appreciation for your continued confidence.
Respectfully submitted, J. STEARNS CUSHING,
Superintendent.
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
January 8, 1931
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools Middleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit with pleasure my fifth annual report under the following headings and tables.
I. STATISTICS AND ENROLLMENT:
There are at present five hundred and sixteen pupils in the High School. Those interested should study the mem- bership statistics in the table following this report. These figures give the actual present number in the several classes, and not the total enrollment. The total enrollment is five hundred and forty-two as compared with five hundred and thirty-three a year ago. This would seem to indicate that the enrollment has reached a point where there will be little change. The graduating classes will continue to be record classes for the next two years and then they will probably reach a level (see table showing graduates of the past five years.)
A study of pupils who have left during this year does not reveal any new truths. Twenty-six pupils have left. There were twenty-four expected from the several eighth grades, who did not appear. These two numbers, added to the five hundred and sixteen would make our registration five hundred and sixty-eight, instead of five hundred and six- teen.
Reasons for leaving were-work, moving out of town, and sickness. One truth is evident, that in the majority of cases those leaving have been actually failing in their work, or poor students. The present unemployment doubtless affects the situation, as it would cause more pupils to remain in school.
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The table shows one hundred and eleven pupils from Lakeville, Carver and Plympton. In a study made of the size of our classes, it was shown that on account of their distribution those one hundred and eleven (111) pupils do not necessitate more than one extra teacher; for example in a class of thirty seven (37) pupils in U. S. History, only seven are tuition pupils.
Another table (appended) shows the number of boys and girls for the past nine years.
II. EXTRA-CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:
Socials have been held by the several classes and organ- izations of the school, at the rate of seven or eight a year in the Walter Sampson Auditorium. The practice has been to have a program of solos, short plays, etc. for nearly an hour, followed by dancing. These affairs, well supervised, are to be encouraged. There are problems connected with them, of course; but the successful solution is a constant challenge.
The Pro Merito Society is proving its worth as an honor society. It clearly rewards, as well as stimulates, scholar- ship. Of the present Senior Class (91), twenty-one (21) are members of the Pro Merito. This year for the third time, Principal-Emeritus Walter Sampson has financed the buying of Pro Merito pins. This opportunity is taken to thank Mr. Sampson again, for his keen interest in the scholarship and welfare of the school.
The Student Body organization has continued as before, except that meetings of the entire student body as such, have been discouraged as being too large a group to permit constructive discussion. The organization of the home room as a smaller unit, is encouraged, with the Student Body Council made up of representatives from all rooms. Mem- bership in the Student Body is limited to those who pay two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) for the year, or ten cents (.10) a week. Benefits of membership include season tickets to the three sports, football, basketball and baseball, the
30
three issues of the Sachem and reduced admission at socials. It must be recognized that financing successfully the school activities is a problem. Probably even those who do not care for athletics would not approve of doing away with the football team, for instance. Equipment, transportaion etc. go into sizeable amounts very quickly. Money is raised by student body dues, plays, concerts, socials, maga- zine contests etc. We cannot force the sale of athletic tickets on the playground, neither can we enforce the pay- ment of student body dues. This year we have curtailed expenses so that athletics should not cost over eight hundred dollars ($800). The important point however is that we are paying our bills and adapting expenses to income, as well as safeguarding the players.
III. PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Each girl receives physical instruction one period a week, under the direction of one of the lady teachers, with a trainer from the Nissen School of Physical Education. The boys receive no physical education except in athletics. As was pointed out last year, the athletes are in little need of it. There certainly should be physical education for the boys.
IV. GRADUATES:
The table shows the number of recent graduating classes attending higher schools of learning
V. CHANGE IN TEACHERS:
The resignation of Miss Grace Allen was received with great general regret. She has been a strong teacher always. The French department of our school has become recognized everywhere for its superior quality. Thirty-four years of meritorious service should not go unnoticed.
In October Miss Mary Brier, a graduate of Colby College and a teacher of several years' experience, assumed the responsibilities of the French department.
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When school began in September, it was believed that' we were to have the same faculty as the preceding year for the first time since 1913. Miss Allen returned in September planning to continue teaching, but had to give it up because of poor health.
We have been fortunate in losing only one teacher of the nineteen, however, and for the best interest of the school it is to be hoped that we may keep our faculty.
VI. CURRICULUM CHANGES:
There has been much criticism, both within and without educational circles, throughout the country, as to the courses to offer in high schools. Practically every subject has been assailed. Much of this criticism is destructive and indefinite. The big change this year is in the art courses, explained elsewhere. A curriculum should not be looked upon as settled for an indefinite period.
VII. AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK:
This week was observed with special programs and with a Parent-Teacher Night in the Walter Sampson Auditor- ium, which was well attended.
The extra classroom activities include athletics, Sachem, Orchestra, Glee Club, Latin Club, Dramatic Club, Socials, Senior Class Play, Cosmos Club, and Junior Red Cross.
VIII. COLLEGE CERTIFICATE:
The High School continued on the approved list of the New England College Certificate Board, Worcester Poly- technic Institution, Dartmouth College and is in the Class A for Normal Schools. It is worthy of note that seven of last year's graduating class were admitted to Bridgewater Normal School, which is a credit to our high school as well as to the students. Last year for the second time, one of our graduates received the Augustus Buck Scholarship at Boston University (four years free tuition, and a year abroad.) Those interested in knowing which higher in-
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stitutions are attended by graduates, should look at the table at the end of this report.
IX. VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE:
For the past several years it has been possible for Mr. Wilber to confer with all pupils. With available data and personal interview this work has become invaluable. It has been helpful in educational guidance as well as voca- tional. This year, Miss Randall has special opportunity to interview Freshmen. Questionaires have been filled out. The number of students found interested in certain voca- tions has been determined, and men and women representing those fields of endeavor have been secured to discuss their vocations with the group of students interested. This opportunity is taken to thank those who have so well co- operated.
X. Miscellaneous:
We are at or near capacity, but if it is true that our registration has reached a level, there is no problem.
The Class of 1930 left money which has been used to purchase rhododendrons and to add trees of the evergreen variety. Ivy planted in previous years is beginning to climb, and altogether our building and grounds present an extremely attractive appearance.
The hearing tests with the audiometer showed less than two percent of the pupils defective in hearing.
XI. PUBLICITY:
Each week in the Middleboro Gazette there have appear- ed High School Notes, written by Seniors under the direction of the English department. This opportunity is taken to thank the Gazette for this service.
XII. CONCLUSION:
After all, it is the attitudes and ideals instilled in our students that are most important. The particular courses are but tools in shaping the desired ends, which are the
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attitudes of being helpful and the ideal of living construct- ively. We are indebted to those who have helped in our objectives,-our town, our School Committee, our Superin- tendent, our Faculty, and our Student Body.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED R. MACK
MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Middleboro, Massachusetts Membership, December 19, 1930
Lakeville
Plympton Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total
Carver
Membership Boys Girls Total
Post Graduate
1
1
4
4
Senior
1
7
8
1
9
10
5
0
5
28
63
91
Junior
3
5
8
1
2
3
2
10
12
54
66
120
Sophomore
6
2
8
5
5
10
6
5
11
64
76
140
Freshmen
7
8
15
5
5
10
1
9
10
83
78
161
Total
17
23
40
12
21
33
14
24
38
229
287
516
34
4
35
GRADUATING CLASSES OF 1922-1930
Total
Class
81
41
1930
71
1929
67
1928
56
1927
50
40
1926
47
1925
48
27
21
1924
50
1923
32
1922
GRADUATES OF PAST FIVE YEARS
Class of
Number in Class
Number going to College
Number going to Normal School
Number going to other schools
Total continuing Study
29
1926
50
28
1927
56
12
6
13
28
1928
67
26
1929
71
29
1930
81
5
8
GRADUATES OF 1930
Higher Schools
Boys Girls Total
Colleges
1
Boston University
1
M. A. C.
1
M. A. C. (Stockbridge)
1
Forsythe Dental (Tufts)
1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
1 6
University of N. H.
7
11
11
10
10
5
16
7
3
16
17
33
24
8
Girls
Boys
40
46
25
39
28
31
25
10
21
26
36
Boys Girls Total
Normal Schools
Bridgewater Framingham Bridgewater
1
1
6
8
Commercial Schools
Burdett
3
Burdett
3
6
Hospital Training Schools Long Island Hospital Faulkner Hospital
1
1
2
Post Graduates
3
3
Other Schools
Wentworth Institute
1
Bucksport Academy
1
Springfield Library Training School
1
Faelton's School of Music
1
4
Total
11
18
29
--
1
37
DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS BY SUBJECTS
Subject
IX
X XI
XII
Total
English
161
137
121
103
542
(19)
French
76
50
30
156
(6)
Latin
43
28
20
11
102
(5)
Spanish
42
13
55
(3)
Algebra
105
105
(4)
Plane Geometry
57
57
(3)
Advanced Algebra
36
36
(2)
Solid Geometry and Trigonometry
11
11
(1)
Elementary Science
149
149
(4)
Physics
2
14
16
(1)
Chemistry
31
24
55
(2)
Ancient History
96
96
(3)
Modern History
120
6
10
126
(4)
U. S. History
111
23
134
(4)
Problems of Democracy
15
16
31
(1)
Citizenship
45
45
(2)
Commercial Geography
55
9
14
78
(2)
Commercial Arithmetic
80
80
(2)
Business Training
70
70
(2)
Stenography ยท
42
27
69
(3)
Typewriting
69
33
102
(5)
Bookkeeping
66
33
99
(4)
Economics
18
11
29
(1)
Law and Advertising
18
17
35
(1)
Crafts
50
50
Interior Decoration
23
23
Art Appreciation
Mechanical Drawing
13
14
27
(12)
Costume Designing
Art Appreciation
7
7
Commercial Art
11
11
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
Middleboro, Massachusetts December 26, 1930
J. Stearns Cushing Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith respectfully submit to you a report of the work of the Art Department for the year ending December 19, 1930.
Art is an essential factor in the twentieth century civil- ization, and it plays an important and vital part in the every day life of the people.
Art may be a constructive force cheering the work-day, glorifying and ennobling the recreation and leisure. Our public school presents the best opportunity for conveying the beneficial influence of art to the individual, the home, and the environment of the people.
All persons need sense training and a fine discrimination in selecting the purchase and use of manufactured articles for the person and home.
Our community needs citizens who desire attractive homes, beautiful yards, parks, play grounds, and school buildings. Our merchants need salespeople with fine taste, beautiful show windows and attractive advertising for these "sell their goods." Manufacturers everywhere are looking for new textiles, wall paper, rugs, furniture, jewelry, pottery etc. It is the trained designers and artistic crafts- man who fill their needs. Most of printing requires the principles of design, illustrations, magazines covers, and labels to interest the demand of the public.
Knowing of the different fields required by Art we attempt to give to the pupils a knowledge of the principles used. Therefore the practical and aesthetic side of Art Education may be recognized by all.
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The course of art in the grades aims-
1. To increase skill and to maintain freedom in the use of drawing as a language.
2. To acquaint children with a fundamental means of securing harmonious color.
3. To give opportunity for originality and inventive- ness.
4. To show some regard for good composition, or in other words, good arrangement and spacing.
The course of art in the High School aims-
1. To increase the pupil's power of graphic expression in terms of drawing and design.
2. To stimulate creative ability on the part of the pupil through the various craft activities-bookbinding, block printing, basketry etc.
3. To cultivate appreciation of art through the under- standing of art principles in their application to affairs of the community, the home and the individual.
4. To teach the technique of art so that students leaving school at the end of the twelfth year will have a working knowledge of the subject and that students who continue the study, in art school, college or university will have a solid foundation, for future work.
We acquaint the pupils with fine examples of beauty in every possible way, and allow the interest of the pupils to take active part, have direct experience and direct contact with life's activities.
By these courses we are trying to develop aptitudes, interests and skills, aspirations and recreations and to dis- cover those adapted to make some branch of art their life work. The addition of more time given to the course in High School has greatly benefited the pupils.
Through parents' interest and co-operation, class room teachers, civic organizations, art clubs, business and in- dustrial firms, the Library and the Gazette the art work for the children has been very much enriched.
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As directing and teaching all the art in the schools of Middleboro, I would be most grateful, if the Superintendent and the Committee would give these suggestions careful consideration.
1. That three double periods a week be given for Mechanical Drawing in High School to allow for a more thorough course.
2. That freehand drawing be compulsory all four years for furthering the training in observation and judgment and as a cultural subject.
3. That scholarships or aid may be given for the higher education of the many talented pupils of Middleboro.
4. That a small sum be set aside for miscellaneous purposes for furtherance of Art, lectures, travelling exhibits etc.
The Art Department of the Middleboro Schools have given much help to the Community affairs and entertain- ment, decorating for dances, socials and other functions by High School pupils.
An Art Exhibition was held at the Town Hall last May and each pupil's work was shown. Posters, projects, mechanical drawings, blue printing, design work, free ex- pression and many interesting creative compositions and hand work was exhibited. Groups of pupils from High and Bates Schools gave a demonstration of various kinds of hand work in their exhibit.
In conclusion I wish to thank all who have helped in the advancement of Art in the schools of Middleboro.
SYLVIA GRENVILLE COMLEY
Supervisor and Teacher of Art
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleboro, Massachusetts December 26 1930
J. Stearns Cushing
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report of the year of 1930-1931.
The usual routine has been followed the past season, with over 800 personal visits to the different classes. This would have been impossible only for the use of the auto- mobile. One other activity has been made possible by modern methods-that is the large and fully equipped orchestras which is the outcome of our instrumental classes. Not all of those who start out so enthusiastically carry on for any great length of time-but a goodly portion do to the extent of being able to perform well enough to join our organizations, when one can make music themselves it becomes doubly valuable, because it is a means of self expression, and in our orchestras he not only expresses himself but helps to create a real school spirit.
Rhythm, the foundation of music is established in the First Three Grades by the use of the percussion instruments and phonograph records which is called the Toy Symphony, and the demonstration which I have been permitted to witness has more than surprised me. This activity makes. for recreation, socialization, citizenship, and concentration.
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