USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1932 > Part 3
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A Pre-School Clinic is held each year for those children planning to enter the schools in the Fall. This gives the parent an opportunity to have the child examined and have corrections made before entrance and therefor prevent the loss of school time.
The Chadwick Clinic for Tuberculosis is held each year and childhood tuberculosis scientifically treated and parents
31
given the expert medical advice of these specialists of the disease.
The Dental Clinic, held every week, is one of our most valuable assets. Upon examination of the children of the first two grades we find that a great percentage of the chil- dren, more than eighty percent, have dental defects. If a tooth is aching or the poisons from decayed teeth is seeping thru the system good schoolwork cannot be done and many a grade is repeated thru the lack of tooth attention and every grade repeated is a financial loss and an expense to the town. Every defect is recorded and every parent notified. Where parents are not financially able to have this work done by the family dentist the pupil is treated in this clinic for the fee of ten cents. This year one hundred and seventy-nine such pupils were treated and those important teeth such as the six year molars placed in perfect condition and for those children much future suffering has been eliminated.
The Diphtheria Clinic held each year has certainly proved its worth in practically eliminating that disease from our list. I believe there has not been a school session lost from that cause during the last three years, the effect of the im- munization being as definite as that of vaccination.
The Retarded.Class Clinic also held each year is required by law. The recommendations of this clinic are of great value to teachers as to the placing of the pupils, their treat- ment of their individual abilities and differences, and to the nurse as to physical treatment and correction needed.
A class in Home Hygiene for the girls of the Bates School is conducted by the School Nurse each week and is sponsored by the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Here the girls are taught the more simple rules of the care of the sick in the home, the proper care of babies and their food, and the ordinary duties of the homemaker.
The great success of the Clinics has been made possible only by the wonderful cooperation and interest of the parents of our school children. Parents have braved the stormy weather and have left their household duties to attend with
32
their children and receive the expert advice free of charge from the attending physicians. These clinics take much time and thought in preparation and are in reality clinics for parents as well as for children for here the parent obtains the information necessary for the proper nourishment and care of her child.
The details of these three departments of the school will be found in the yearly report of the schools as printed in the town report. I do hope that all parents and citizens of the town will read these reports carefully and even tho they have no children in the schools at the present time will try to visualize the work that the schools are doing for the Education and Health and Citizenship of all the children of our town.
In closing this report I wish to thank the Town Manager for his assistance in the maintenance and care of the buildings of the schools, and all Departments and Teachers for their earnest endeavors in making this school year one of progress.
J. STEARNS CUSHING, .
Superintendent.
33
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools Middleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
As principal of Memorial High School I am submitting my second annual report and summary of the work of the year just ending. The two major problems have been the caring for an unprecedented enrollment without additional teachers or seating facilities, and the providing of a type of training valuable to pupils who cannot profit from the study of the traditional college preparatory subjects.
With one teacher less than in 1930 we are caring for over 100 more pupils. A total of 632 different pupils have been enrolled with 623 present at one time in a building authorized to house 500 having a maximum capacity of 570 fixed desks. This has been accomplished in spite of some inconvenience, the most serious harm being that some pupils are forced to take subjects where seats are available instead of those subjects which they might elect. As there is one room vacant each period the fault can be corrected when an addi- tional teacher can be made available, a less serious situation than it would be if all rooms were now in use for class in- struction. It has been still more difficult to provide books and equipment for 100 more pupils without additional funds while still maintaining the quality of instruction. By rigid economy on the part of all teachers, pupils have been pro- vided with a reasonable amount of equipment so that the instruction does not appear to have suffered.
The problem of providing a new type of training for those who are not adapted to college preparatory or com- mercial work has been more difficult to solve due to the absence of manual and household arts courses and to the restricted offerings possible with a faculty too small for the
34
enrollment. We realize that it would be unreasonable to expect greater facilities at present but on the other hand the problem will be here as long as the law requires all pupils to attend until they are sixteen years of age. To take a figure from a well known book, it has been like trying to 'make bricks without straw'.
THE CURRICULUM
The problem just mentioned has been partially met by the introduction of eight new subjects of a general nature to replace an equal number of divisions of college preparatory subjects. This has necessitated the preparation for more different classes per day for some teachers and some extra study on their part to become qualified to teach the subjects assigned them. Mr. Hyman and Mr. MacGowan volun- tarily went to summer schools in order to be qualified to handle new subjects. In all cases teachers assumed these added duties cheerfully in the interest of the school as a whole.
Pupils going to college or taking commercial work have little choice of subjects which is not true for those in the general course. As a result evils have crept in due to lack of planning by pupils not held to strict requirements. Too often seniors discovered that they had not taken the pre- requisite subjects to those offered for seniors. As a result many had to resort to the subjects intended for freshmen and sophomores with the inevitable result of the lowering of the standards of work for a diploma. This has been corrected by definite requirements for the selection of a field of concentration. This means that a pupil must follow, in addition to English, one major subject and two related minor subjects to receive a diploma, thus insuring that he will be qualified to do senior work his fourth year. A more detailed summary of these changes is printed in the Program of Studies which is available at the high-school office. The
35
results already have amply justified the extra efforts neces- sary to make them possible.
THE PUPILS
A class of 114 members, the first to exceed 100, was graduated in June. Of these 114, twenty-one entered in- stitutions of collegiate grade, twenty-seven post graduates entered Memorial High School seventeen of whom have continued, two entered preparatory schools, and at least six entered schools of business or nursing. The twenty-one who entered colleges are attending eleven different schools all of which colleges accepted them upon certificate. Pupils who attain an average of eighty or better and are thus en- titled to this certificate privilege have no difficulty in enter- ing college. The fact that our graduates can enter without examination such schools as Harvard, Syracuse, Bates, Colby, Boston University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts State College, and Northeastern University, in addition to the State Teachers' Colleges speaks well for the academic rating of Memorial High School. A widely used achievement test in academic subjects given to the senior class last year showed that class to be above the aver- age according to the published normal scores.
THE FACULTY
There have been no changes in the faculty, a condition conducive to efficiency as teachers become more valuable as they become accustomed to the system. Five teachers attended summer sessions last summer. Miss Doris P. Chase secured a degree of Master of Arts from Harvard. As Miss Erickson has already secured this degree we now have three teachers on the faculty with advanced degrees. Other teachers who attended summer schools were Miss Wentworth, Mr. Hyman, Mr. MacGowan, and Miss O'Neil. Miss Brier went abroad spending some time in France, an
36
experience that will contribute much to her teaching of French. Eight teachers took advantage of the University Extension course offered this winter in Middleboro by the State Department of Education. It is apparent that a large percentage of the faculty members are interested in pro- fessional improvement.
THE BUILDING
At the present time the building is in very good condition. This is due to the policy followed by the janitors that 'a stitch in time saves nine'. We are fortunate in having men for janitors who are so zealous in caring for minor repairs promptly so that more serious damages may be prevented. The present arrangement for janitorial service saves the expenditure of a substantial sum that might otherwise go for repairs.
Damages caused by lightning late last summer have been repaired and the building shows no ill effects save for a patch of new plaster.
PARENT'S NIGHT
On the evening of November 9th, a program consisting of pupil demonstration was given as a part of the observance of National Education Week. More than 250 parents availed themselves of this opportunity to become better . acquainted with the school. Contacts between parents and teachers are necessary for any great degree of co-oper- ation to take place. Parents are always welcome to visit the school or to attend social functions.
A college Choosing Day is being contemplated, to be arranged for some date in the early spring, at which time parents might have an opportunity to meet representatives from the various types of colleges. The purpose of such a program is to enable pupils and their parents to get first
37
hand information about college courses, expenses, and en- trance requirements.
THE SCHOOL BAND
The school band of about forty pieces which was or- ganized last year, is now equipped with uniforms. Much favorable comment was received on the showing made by the band in the Armistice Day parade at which time it re- ceived the first prize among all the marching organizations. We wish to thank all those who by their contributions made possible the new uniforms. Mr. Weeman is to be com- mended upon the progress the band has made under his direction in the past year.
CONCLUSION
It has been our aim constantly to provide a practical and interesting training for the majority of pupils, at the same time keeping in mind the welfare of the superior pupils who will go on to higher schools of learning. Changes in curricula and in requirements in the election of subjects have been made to this end. Even though difficult to do so, with large classes, an attempt has been made to keep the superior pupils doing the rigorous work necessary for proper preparation for college without at the same time discouraging the less capable and less interested pupils. The offering of more general subjects for the non-college group has done much to achieve this aim.
The chief problem of the classroom teacher of to-day is to handle her class so skillfully that the omnipresent few who attend under compulsion will not by their loafing dilute the enthusiasm of the others and so retard the class. With many in school, who in normal times would be at work, teachers need the co-operation of parents more than ever in getting home work done. Pupils are dependent upon their parents for a motive in going to school and for a deter-
38
mination to do good work. We earnestly solicit the co- operation of parents in this respect as it is essential to the maintainance of the high academic standing that Memorial High School has so long enjoyed.
In conclusion I wish to say that the school could not have progressed as smoothly with its large enrollment and inadequate faculty without the helpful attitude that has been shown by our superintendent, faculty, and student body. For this spirit of helpfulness I here express my per- sonal appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
LINDSAY J. MARCH,
Principal.
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STATISTICAL TABLES MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Total Enrollment 1932-33
Lake- Plym- Carver Membership ville pton Totals
Boys
Girls Total
Post Graduates
2
0
2
9
18
27
Seniors
5
8
9
49
60
109
Juniors
15
2
8
48
56
104
Sophomores
15
10
15
83
90
173
Freshmen
13
9
26
109
110
219
50
29
60
298
334
632
GRADUATES OF PAST FIVE YEARS
Class of
Number in Class
Number going to College
Number
Total con- going to tinuing Study other schools
1928
67
10
18
28
1929
71
7
19
26
1930
81
5
24
29
1931
96
9
22
31
1932
114
*27
25
52
(*Beginning with 1932 Normal Schools became colleges.)
GRADUATING CLASS OF 1928-32
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
1928
28
39
- 67
1929
25
46
71
1930
40
41
81
1931
32
64
96
1932
: 51
63
-
114
40
GRADUATES OF 1932
Higher Schools
Boys Girls
Total
Colleges
Harvard
1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
2
Bates College
1
Colby
1
Northeastern University
3
Amherst (Mass. State College)
1
Salem Teachers' College
1
Bridgewater Teachers' College
5
Syracuse University
1
Massachusetts Nautical School
1
Boston University
1
2
Vesper George School
1
21
Commercial Schools
Burdett College
1
1
Preparatory Schools
Severn
1
Wilbraham
1
2
Post Graduates
8
16
24
Other Schools
4
4
1
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
January 16, 1933
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing Superintendent of Schools
Middleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The musical program of the Middleboro Public Schools for the season of 1932-33 has proceeded in the even tenor of its way. The vocal and instrumental music has been carried on as usual and the Rhythmic classes supervised by Mrs. Guidiboni have continued to establish that necessary quality in the minds of the first two grades while the third grade are playing from scores and are gaining an experience in reading that is of great value.
The instrumental classes are not as large this year, but Mrs. Belmont and Mr. Weeman are still able to furnish us with good material for our beginning orchestra at School Street.
The outstanding event of the year was the organization of the Band; its splendid playing and snappy appearance in their new uniforms on Armistice Day was a revelation to the citizens of the town. Incidentally they were awarded first prize for appearance and ability. The organization is deeply indebted to the Pierce Trustees for a most liberal contribution toward their outfit. No event in the memory of the present supervisor has elicited so much favorable comment as this splendid band in which forty aspiring young musicians vie with one another in their efforts to excel.
It has been interesting to look through the records of earlier days in the town report and note the changes that have taken place and the growing emphasis that has been given to the subject of music in the past generation.
In the record of 1882 the first mention of music is noted
,
42
when it says, "We have at present no instruction in music other than a few pretty little songs taught by rote for special occasions."
Again in 1886 we find that they had music books and a few charts. No mention of the subject is made again until 1892, when it says, "Systematic drill adapted to the ability of the pupils is carried on by the grade teachers."
In 1894 the Superintendent of Schools says that while we may have books and materials, unless the subject is properly supervised best results will not be obtained.
In 1895 the music for the graduating exercises of the high school was by the Bay State orchestra so it is evident that no school orchestra was available for that event.
In 1900 the first supervisor was engaged.
In 1901 the first public demonstration of school music was presented.
In 1902 a system of music books was installed and a regular schedule of visits by the supervisor was arranged.
The first time orchestral music is mentioned is in 1907 when it says, "We have the best orchestra of any high school of its size in the locality."
In 1911 the first orchestra was formed at School Street numbering fourteen. These orchestras of varying numbers and instruments have continued until the present when we have over fifty orchestra players and forty or more band members in the schools. This is significant evidence of the tremendous interest manifested in instrumental music in the schools which has not lessened the desire for vocal music.
I take pride in presenting these facts and statements and hope that the results have met with your approval.
Very truly yours,
WIRT B. PHILLIPS,
Supervisor of Music.
43
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
Middleboro, Massachusetts December 23, 1932
J. Stearns Cushing
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith respectfully submit a report of the work of the Art Department. The purpose of the report is to sum- marize the work being done, to explain aims and objectives.
We study art because a knowledge of art can give us more pleasure than almost anything else. It can make us rich. It can give us a vista-and a vision. It reveals hid- den beauty. It is like the window in the workshop that lets in the sunshine and gives a beautiful outlook-it makes life more worth while. It makes common things more valuable. A flower pot is worth a few cents, a bowl of the same clay a few dollars, a vase exquisitely formed and finely glazed or decorated sometimes hundreds of dollars. The difference between a kitchen chair and a chippendale chair is a matter of art. The cities of Europe are visited because they are beautiful-works of civic art. The artistic home is the one every one would choose. The difference is a matter of choice-taste. If you want to know how, you must know about art. Art is one of the few things in the world that is permanent-the art of Greece is still the glory of that great nation. So is the art of Italy and of France. It is for all. It enriches life; both for the individual and for the nation.
Art has grown out of man's desire to make or to invent. Wherever man lives, there you will find art. What moves us as beauty in a box or bowl, a painting or pageant, is not the close copy of nature's beauty that man has accomplished,
44
the beauty that delights us is due to man's creative faculty. Nature may have been the inspiration, but the artist himself is the creator, the designer. This ability to design and in- vent raises man above all other living beings.
Educators know that the ability to make and invent things need exercise and therefore in the schools of America a certain ·part of the time is used for Art. From the first grade through high school, the pupils design their own works of art. As they try to express some of their own ideas and feelings in their own way, through drawing, painting, or designing, they understand the problems of the artist better and enjoy his work more keenly. With application and perseverance they may discover some field of art that makes a special appeal to them. The designer is an important factor in the mass production of our age.
Young people may be helped in their business careers by knowing something about art. The salesman who knows how to présent in an intelligent way to a prospective customer the art values as well as the practical values of merchandise will increase his sales. The taste of a manager of a store draws or turns away customers. His good taste or poor taste is shown in the kind of merchandise he sells. The typist, the jeweler, the florist, the baker, have to solve many problems that involve taste-that is, the ability to recognize art values. A knowledge of art often adds to the earning powers of business men and women. With this in mind, people of intelligence are finding a more lasting enjoyment and a fuller satisfaction through developing an understand- ing and appreciation of some form of art.
No matter what a man's or a woman's vocation or pro- fession is, life will be fuller and richer for those who learn to appreciate art.
A knowledge and understanding of art helps to make living itself an art.
Knowing of the different fields required by Art we at- tempt to give to the pupils a knowledge of the principles
45
used. Therefore the practical and aesthetic side of Art Education may be recognized by all.
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 inventiveness.
4. To show some regard for good composition, or in other words, good arrangement and spacing. The course 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, block printing, basket- ry, 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 leav- ing schools 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 activities.
By these courses we are trying to develop aptitudes, interest 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 . Bates School and High School has greatly benefited the pupils.
An Art Exhibition was held in all of the schools last May and each pupils work was shown. Posters, projects, mechan- ical drawings, blue printing, design work, free expression
46
and many interesting creative compositions and hand work was exhibited. Groups of pupils from each school gave a demonstration of various kinds of hand work in their exhibit.
There is a fine spirit of cooperation among principals and teachers in Middleboro. They have mutally helped and benefited the whole course of work in all departments. With this close correlation, I am confident that the work of art will show a continuous improvement and joy to our boys and girls in our Middleboro Schools.
I express sincere appreciation to the School Board, Super- intendent, Principals, and teachers who have had a part in making Art in Middleboro progressive and successful.
SYLVIA G. MATHESON,
Supervisor.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE.
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1932.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith present my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1932 showing by statistics the work done dur- ing the year.
VISITATIONS
Home Visits
402
Central Schools
264
Suburban Schools
154
Doctors' Offices with pupils
54
Office Treatments
505
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Jan. Feb.
Mar. Apr. May
June Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Whooping Cough 1
8
3
5
6
0
0
0 0
Chickenpox
19
8
0
14
1
0
0
0 0
0 0
Scarlet Fever
0
5
3
1
6
Measles
0
0
0
1 1
0 3
2 0 2
0 0 2
6 1 9
0 13
0
Mumps
0. 0
0
27
Total
20
21 6 22
16 4
2 16 15 28
2
1
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS.
Assisted School Physician in examination of 1914 pupils. 244 Defect Notices, exclusive of hearing, sent home. Measured all pupils in Suburban and Central Schools twice, weighed all pupils four times.
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Weighed and measured all pupils in High School once. Note: Pupils taught the importance of increase in growth and weight. Childs weight classified according to type.
RETARDED PUPILS
Home Visits 25
Personal Histories of Pupils 25
Examination with Dr. Steinecke of Taunton State Hospital
Number of days for examination
4
Result of Clinic
Defects needing correction
Eye Glasses
2
Dental Care 6
Defects corrected
Eye Glasses 2
Dental Care 6
Note: Defect Corrections:
Eye Glasses; Lions
Club Donation. Dental Care; Dental
Clinic.
PRE-SCHOOL CLINIC
Date: May 25, 1932.
Time: 10 A. M. to 12 noon.
Examining Physician: Dr. A. V. Smith, School Physician.
Type of Examination: Complete Physical. Weight and measurements.
Number of children examined 30
66 66 66 found to have been vaccinated 27
not vaccinated 3
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