USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1934 > Part 2
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" 'The motive back of all this,' Dr. Kelly asserted, 'is that colleges want to do better work and turn out a better product. They are working at it just as hard as industry.' "
Standardized tests were given to every class last year in order to note the progress over the previous year's work and also to compare the quality of work done here with that done in other schools in the country. A group of four tests has been given to each of the last three graduating classes, in the subjects of English, mathematics, science, and social studies. The average for the class of 1934 ex-
23
ceeded that for the class of 1932 by ten points in English, eight points in mathematics, nine points in social studies, and was the same in science. The results show that the quality of work done in our high school is not only up to the standard but that it is steadily improving.
An arrangement was made this year to admit a few pupils as sub-freshmen. There are some pupils each year in the eighth grade who need additional preparation but who be- cause of their maturity would be out of place in the junior high school. These pupils can profit more from work done in the high school with pupils of their own ages. The plan provides a place for pupils who might otherwise have to be promoted on trial with only fair hope of success. It also makes it possible in January to remove from the freshman class the small group who have failed hopelessly and would be a serious handicap to their respective classes if allowed to continue in them. The plan, improved as it will be by experience, bids fair to insure that only properly qualified freshmen will continue through the year in that class. The result will be a better quality of work at the beginning of the course.
Last spring special letters of warning were sent to parents of seniors whose work at mid-year did not seem to warrant graduation. Some failures were saved in this way. Letters were also sent to the parents of pupils who had been certi- fied to enter colleges in order that there might be a clear understanding of the responsibility such pupils have to the school granting the certificate. The school faculty can predict who can make good but it is not so easy for it to tell who will make good. This is the responsibility of parent and pupil, but nevertheless the school suffers when a certi- fied pupil fails for any reason. A pupil's moral worth, stead- fastness of purpose, and industry may seem worthy of a high rating while in high school. When he goes away from home into a new environment these qualities sometimes are no longer as evident. The faculty wishes to be fair to each
24
pupil in giving him his chance to enter college by certificate, but to quote a dean of a large university; "In the long run the principal serves better his school and community by not giving the applicant the benefit of any well-grounded doubt." In the future, seniors will not be guaranteed certi- fication upon receiving marks of B alone. Scores in stan- dardized tests must substantiate these marks, and seniors must demonstrate an earnestness of purpose that will make their future success seem certain. Pupils not certified may enter college by examination, in which case the responsi- bility for the admission rests entirely with the college. Doubtful cases must be decided by examination for the best interests of the school.
CURRICULUM
Few changes are being made in the curriculum as it seems quite satisfactory at present. Until some form of manual training in practical arts can be provided no major changes are contemplated. Two very worthwhile phases of education are receiving special attention. They are health and safety education, and education in money man- agement.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The girls' physical education program is rapidly being expanded by Miss Jenkins. Tennis and soccer are two sports in which a large number of girls have participated. A gift of field hockey equipment discarded by the State Teachers' College at Bridgewater will make possible a start in that sport next year. Field day activities and girls' base ball were also provided last spring. An interscholastic basket ball team will be supported as usual, followed by class games.
25
Boys' sports are being well handled by Mr. Battis. Play- ers on all teams have been properly conditioned and taught the fundamentals of each sport. The large number of underclassmen on the various squads indicates the proba- bility of even better teams in the near future. The coaches provide a wholesome environment at practice sessions, insist on clean sport, and consider the best interests of the player before the winning of the game. The problem now is to provide opportunities for boys who are not able to be on the squads of school teams. The playground facilities will soon be as fine as could be desired. It is unfortunate to have this equipment idle all day when we have a trained physical director on the staff. When Mr. Battis can be relieved of some of his teaching duties, as we hope may be arranged next year, he will give special attention to the needs of the boys who are not well as developed already as are the athletes. The program at the Y. M. C. A., under Mr. Gammons, helps to supplement the school program but neither is reaching a large percentage of the pupils.
It is unfortunate that the health program for our pupils has to be dependent for its support upon the money that can be raised by sales of magazines and Christmas cards, minstrel shows and the dues the pupils themselves pay. The present arrangement for the collection of admissions at games never defrays the expense of a game. The time given by principal, coaches, teachers, and pupils for the earning of this money, should not be taken from the regular duties of instruction. In schools where an up-to-date health program is supported, the results are shown to be worth the investment. Health is the first of the seven cardinal objectives of secondary education but is the one most neglected in our school.
CONCLUSION
The general morale of the school is the best that it has been in the past four years. Pupils are willing to render
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services to the school cheerfully. The spirit of the athletic teams has been excellent. All activities have been well supported by members and efficiently directed by their respective officers. The supervision of the curricular pro- gram has been improved by the keeping of better records and the installation of a system to regulate participation. Much credit is due Mr. Cox for his work in this field and in the field of guidance.
I wish to express my appreciation of the professional spirit shown by the faculty and our efficient clerk Miss Veazie. Many parents have come to the school office for helpful conferences the on work of their children. The principal wishes to encourage parents to become acquainted with the teachers of their children and to keep in close touch with the school. It is only by working together that the home and school can give the child the helpful guidance so essential to successful citizenship in later life.
A word of appreciation should be expressed in memory of Mrs. Ida Peirce the manager of the lunch room for more than three years. Mrs. Peirce was always faithful and co- operative. Her service to the school was always cheerfully given. No matter how successfully her position may be filled, we shall miss her.
Respectfully submitted, LINDSAY J. MARCH, Principal
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TOTAL ENROLLMENT 1934-35
Lake- Plym- Car- ville pton ver
Membership Boys Girls Total
Post Graudates
2
1
4
10
14
Seniors
13
6
4
45
65
110
Juniors
10
9
12
61
76
137
Sophomores
11
7
15
83
86
169
Freshmen
14
5
23
99
104
203
50
27
56
292
341
633
GRADUATES OF PAST FIVE YEARS
Class of
Number in Class
Number going to College
Number going to other schools
Total con- tinuing Study
1930
81
5
24
29
1931
96
9
22
31
1932
114
27
25
52
1933
108
13
27
40
1934
95
12
23
35
GRADUATING CLASSES OF 1930-34
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
1930
40
41
81
1931
32
64
96
1932
51
63
114
1933
49
59
108
1934
43
52
95
28
GRADUATES OF 1934
Boys
Girls
Schools
Bridgewater State Teachers College
4
University of Alabama
2
Simmons College
3
Boston University
2
Dartmouth College
2
Chandler Secretarial School
2
Post Graduates at M. H. S.
4
8
Nursing Schools
3
New Bedford Textile School
2
Vermont Academy
1
Leslie Kindergarten School
1
Northfield Seminary
1
-
Totals
9
26
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-
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleboro, Mass. January 2, 1935
J. Stearns Cushing
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
As Supervisor of Music in the schools I hereby submit my report for the year 1934.
The schools as a whoe are keeping up to the standards of the past in music. The introduction of a new series, "The Music Hour", is a very successful experience in the grades where they are already installed and we are looking forward to all grades from the second to the sixth inclusive having these books which embrace a very concise and se- quential procedure.
The orchestra at School Street School, which now enrolls fourteen members, is rapidly gaining in a manner that will make them a factor in the musical life of the community. Most of these young players started in the instrumental classes in the schools and are now private pupils of the var- ious teachers. This certainly justifies the project of class instrumental instruction for the first year. The Drum Corps of this school, with its outstanding drum major, has main- tained the reputation of the school as it has done for several seasons in the past on Armistice Day.
The Bates School has in preparation a pageant showing the progress of music which combines the services of both Chorus and Orchestra. The Concert in the Spring and the Promotion Day exercises of last year reflected great credit on the performers as well as on those who adapted the selec- tions. This was a most colorful combination of dramatics and music.
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The High School choral group presented the operetta "Ask the Professor" at the end of the Spring term. The Music Department was most ably assisted by Miss Doris Chase of the English Department who coached the dialogue; by Miss Ruth Jenkins of the Social Studies Department who taught and originated many of the dances; and by Sylvia G. Matheson of the Art Department in stage settings. The production was presented two evenings and netted a considerable sum a part of which has been expended in the purchase , of a new Bass Viol and case. This makes the fifteenth instrument purchased by the school for the Band or Orchestra and which are loaned to performers in these organizations.
The High School Orchestra played at the Senior Play for the Teachers Association Dramatic Night, and for the Cabot Club on "Conference Day" and werev ery highly commended by the state officers for their splendid work. The Girl's Glee Club participated in the Christmas obser- vance for the Community by singing with the Cabot Club Chorus in the antiphonal responses of "Silent Night".
Music is composed of two fundamental ingredients, tone and rhythm. We continually urge the production of beautiful tone through the use of the light voice and the neutral syllables. Rhythm is equally stressed by the toy or rhythmic orchestras in the first three grades.
We should be sure at all times that the cultural effects of music are not overlooked and as children are taught to sing songs in a correct and pleasing manner the cultural effects are manifested. Knowledge of the technical part is not so much our aim as to stimulate an interest in and a love for Music as a whole. Let us be more interested in pupils than in theories and methods. We are teaching boys and girls rather than Music.
One may not be able to understand the languages of other races but one can understand their music no matter what the race or speech, for as Longfellow once said, "Music
31
is the universal language of mankind". Music refreshes the mind of man and this recreation is accomplished by participation rather than by passive or even active listening, by this I do not mean to frown on the idea of hearing fine music from phonograph records or the radio or from great artists but this idea is prevalent in the minds of many, "What's the use of studying any form of music when I can have it handed to me without any effort on my part by just turning the dial or starting the phonograph?
I would here thank all who cooperate to give to the school children of Middleboro an opportunity to gain even a little joy in expressing themselves in some musical activity.
Very respectfully, WIRT B. PHILLIPS, Supervisor of Music
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
January 2, 1935
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.
The courses in art in our schools for the past year are based on the following outline.
Objectives
General Aim-Appreciation of beauty in nature and human expression.
Specific Objectives
CONSTRUCTION
1. To develop the habit of invention and creative expression in materials.
2. To increase technical skill in the use of tools and materials.
3. To develop the ability to read and make diagrams and working drawings.
4. To develop a growing appreciation of the charac- teristics, possibilities, and limitations of various materials, processes and results.
DESIGN
1. To recognize, understand and enjoy order as the basis of beauty in nature and art.
2. To develop the power to create orderly and possibly beautiful designs in color, line, shape, and form.
3. To increase discrimination in the selection and arrangement of products.
33
REPRESENTATION
1. To develop the habit of using drawing as a language.
2. To develop the habit of visual memory and creative imagination through the use of drawing.
3. To develop the power of discriminating observation.
4. To develop the skill necessary for the free use of the mediums and tools of graphic expression.
5. To cultivate the enjoyment of the best available examples of architecture, painting, and sculpture.
In planning lessons from the above outline I realize these worthy objectives and adapt them to the child's age and interests from grade to grade. These same outlines are carried along in more advanced stages in the Junior and Senior High School Classes.
The Junior High School Art Classes sent to the U. S. S. Argonne, San Pedro, California Christmas menu folders for each member of the crew. A letter was received from T. D. Warner, Lieutenant Commander U. S. Navy, Executive Officer, U. S. Sargonne, acknowledging their sincere appre- ciation of the good work done by the pupils.
The art department of the High School has been a ser- vice station. At short notice the art room became a work- shop for making posters, costumes, place cards, decorations, and etc., for school and town activities.
The High School Art Classes exhibited work in Boston last May at the E. W. Babb Company showrooms. A letter was received from E. W. Babb stating that Art Super- visor. Instructors and all who saw the exhibit commented most favorably on the exhibit and were much impressed with the caliber of the pupils' work.
There is something wholly satisfying in the work that is being done by many of the students in our schools. It simply means that the teaching of art in our schools has
34
developed a much finer and much more general artistic taste in the whole community that ever before existed.
I express appreciation to the School Board, Superin- tendent, Principals, and teachers who have helped in making art in Middleboro a continued success.
SYLVIA G. MATHESON, Supervisor.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1934
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith present my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1934 showing by statistics the work accom- plished during the year.
VISITATIONS
Visits to Homes
401
Visits to Central Schools
382
Visits to Suburban Schools
151
Visits to Doctor's Offices with pupils
50
OFFICE TREATMENTS
Pupils attended in office
561
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.
May
0
0
0
0
0
Whooping Cough 4 0
1
27
0 24
0
0
0
0
56
Scarlet Fever
1
3
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
7
Measles
3
0
2
35
26
0 57 160
126 447
Chickenpox
0
0 0
1
38 2
0
0
0
0
0
3
June Sept.
Oct. Nov. Dec. Total
Mumps
0 0
0
0
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Assisted the School Physician, Dr. A. Vincent Smith, in annual examination of 1852 children. 352 Defect Notices, exclusive of Hearing and Dental defects sent to homes.
36
Measured all pupils in Suburban and Central schools twice for height; weighed all pupils four times. Weighed and measured all pupils in the High School once.
Note: At these inspections pupils are taught the signi- ficance of increase in growth and weight. Pupils are classified for weighing according to type.
PRE-SCHOOL CLINIC
Date: May 23, 1934
Time: 10 A. M. to 12:30 P. M.
Examining Physician: Dr. A. Vincent Smith, School Physician.
Examining Dentist: Dr. R. H. Wood, School Clinic Dentist.
Assistants: Two students from Red Cross Home Hy- giene Class.
Number examined .17
(Number examined was much smaller than last year due to lack of funds of the Board of Health to support this project.)
Clinic program
Children weighed and measured
Examination by Physician
Examination by Dentist
Vaccination certificates issued
Birth certificates issued by Town Clerk
Pre-school Health leaflets issued
Physical Health cards filled out and recorded
Defects found Tonsil & Adenoid Cases 4
Dental Cases 16
Dental certificates issued
1
Children not vaccinated 4
Children not immunized against Diphtheria 0
37
Follow-Up
Defects corrected
Tonsil & Adenoid Cases 4
Dental Care 16
Vaccinations 4
Immunization against Diph - theria
17
ADULT TUBERCULAR CASES
Type of Cases
Active
Arrested
Pulmonary
26
18
Hilum
18
5
Bone
1
1
Total
45
24
Of this number
Number of Deaths
2
Moved out of town
5
Examined and X-rayed
16
New Cases
3
JUNIOR RED CROSS CLASS IN HOME HYGIENE
Sponsored by the local Senior Red Cross Chapter Classes held in Red Cross Room, Union Street School. Members of Class: twenty pupils from Bates School, grade 8
Class meets Monday & Thursday 3 to 4, First class Nov. 19
Length of Course: thirty lessons of one hour each.
Examinations: held at Bates School. Seventeen pupils passed.
Certificates were presented to the seventeen pupils by Chairman, Mrs. J. Stearns Cushing, at a meeting of the Junior Red Cross at the Bates School.
Note: Visitors are welcome and parents are urged to come and observe the work in the class.
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SUMMER CAMP AT PLYMOUTH COUNTY HOSPITAL
Camp located in South Hanson
Number of pupils sent dependent upon amount of money received from sale of Christmas seals.
Number of children sent in summer of 1934. 2
Length of vacation period at camp, June 27 to August 22, eight weeks.
Cost per pupil 1934 $64.00
CHADWICK CLINIC
School Group
Recommended for re-examination
41
Re-examined
38
Improved 37
Unimproved
1
X-Rayed
36
Recommended for Summer Camp
1
Discharged from the clinic
3
Lef-School and Working Group
1
Improved
1
X-Rayed 1
Treatment Recommended
Dental examination
1
Series of Sputa examinations 1
Note: The following recommendations of the 1933 Clinic have been corrected during the year 1934. Dental examination 7
Tonsil & Adenoid operation 1
DENTAL CLINIC
School Dental Clinics are held on Tuesday mornings, 9 to 12 o'clock, from October 1 to June 1.
Re-examined
39
Examination
School membership of first two grades 300
Number of children examined 298
Number found with dental defects 246
Corrections of Defects
Children with defects corrected at clinic 238
Clinic Operation
Cleanings
15
Fillings, Temporary teeth
159
Permanent teeth
112
Extractions, Temporary teeth Permanent teeth
9
Number of different children treated 1934
238
Number of pupil treatments
355
Dental certificates issued
75
Emergency cases
25
Summer Camp children treated
2
Retarded Class Clinic children treated
2
Children treated for Welfare Department
24
Amount collected in fees at Clinic
$25.96
OPPORTUNITY CLASS CLINIC
Required by law-examination of all pupils three or more years retarded.
Number of visits made to homes for personal histories of the children 23
Examination under the direction of Dr. Steineche of
the Taunton State Hospital Clinic Staff
Number of days of examination
2
Total number of pupils examined
18
Results of Clinic
Defects needing correction, Dental
3
T & A 2
Eyes
2
75
40
Defects corrected during the year, Dental 3
T & A 2
Eyes 2
Defect corrections were made possible thru the donations of the following:
Dental Care, Dental Clinic
Tonsils & Adenoids, Middleboro Teachers' Assoc. Eyes and Ears, Junior Red Cross
Note: The first Opportunity Class was started in September of this year with an enrollment of 12 pupils. Class is located in the Bates School in the room formerly used as the Art room.
DIPHTHERIA PREVENTION CLINIC
Toxin Anti-Toxin Immunization against Diphtheria
Dates of Clinic: March 30, April 6, 13
Time: 10 A. M.
Place: Selectmen's Room, Town Hall
Attending Physicians: Dr. A. Vincent Smith, School Physician, Dr. Richard P. MacKnight, State District Health Officer
Number of children treated 145
Ages in years
Number of children immunized against Diphtheria
Under 1
17
1- 2
3
2- 3
8
3- 4
14
4- 5
18
5- 6
21
6- 7
33
7- 8
15
8- 9
12
9- 10
2
10-11
2
Total
145
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Note: In the future this Clinic will be held for all Pre- School children in the month of March. All parents are urged to have their children from the age of six months to six years immunized against this dreaded disease.
DIPHTHERIA CAN BE PREVENTED BY IMMUNIZATION
SCHICK TEST
The Schick test was not given this year by the advice of Dr. Richard P. MacKnight, State District Health Officer.
AUDIOMETER EAR TEST
The ears of pupils in grades III, VII, and X were again tested by means of the Audiometer.
Dates: November 1-5
Total number tested 397
Total tested second time
69
Number found defective in hearing
19
Number of defect notices sent to home
19
The testing of the ears in these grades was formerly done by the agent of the Plymouth County Health Asso- ciation. This work has been given up by that organiza- tion and now has become a part of the regular work of the School Nurse. The Audiometer is loaned by the Association.
LIP READING CLASS
Financed by the Chandler Ford Fund, Herbert E. Walker Trustee under the will of Chandler Ford of Marshfield. Instructor: Miss Harriett Gibson of Brockton. Class meets on Monday and Thursday of each week in the office of the School Nurse.
The pupils in this class have shown a definite improve- ment in their school work due to their ability to under- stand directions of the teachers thru the medium of lip reading.
42
DONATIONS RECEIVED FOR HEALTH WORK
Junior Red Cross (Ear examinations) $10.00
Nemasket Community Club 2.00
South Middleboro Parent-Teacher Association 1.00
Middleboro Teachers Association
(T & A operations) 25.00
Lions Club (Shoes and rubbers) 17.65
DISTRIBUTION OF MILK
Milk has been distributed in all Central Schools from January to May. Beginning this year milk is also de- livered to two Suburban Schools for hot cocoa at the noon lunch period. Nothing but Pasteurized milk is used in our schools and is sold now at 31/2 cents per bottle. This is an advance in price of 12 cent per bottle over last year due to the increased price from the dealer.
Number of bottles of milk sold
6,500
Number of bottles of milk given to needy pupils
7,767
Total number of bottles served
14,267
Donations to Milk Fund 1933-34
Thimble Club Daughters
$25.00
Nemasket Community Club
2.50
Pollyanna Club
2.00
American Legion Post No. 64
2.00
King's Daughters
2.00
Catholic Daughters of America
3.00
Cabot Club
15.00
Elks Milk Fund Tag Day (March)
158.83
Elks Milk Fund Tag Day (October)
103.66
Middleboro District Beverage Assoc.
50.00
Helping Hand Club
1.00
Nemasket Community Club
5.00
Total
$369.99
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Financial Statement
Balance, Jan. 1, 1934
$ 17.73
Donations
369.99
Sale of Milk
264.77
Total receipts
$652.49
Expended for Milk & Straws
317.70
Balance, Dec. 31, 1934
$334.79
Middleboro Trust Co.
$333.79
Cash on hand
1.00
$334.79
Unpaid Milk bill
54.58
GENERAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Professional Meetings attended
14
Trips with school children to Lakeville and South Hanson Sanitoria
6
Health Literature and Leaflets distributed to pupils and parents.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN B. PASZTOR, R. N. School & Public Health Nurse
44
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Middleboro, Massachusetts January 8, 1935
J. Stearns Cushing
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my annual report as School Physician for the past year.
We have this year been especially free from any serious diseases. Measles. travelling in its usual epidemic cycle, visited our schools. While there were a large number of cases the school attendance remained high due undoubtedly to no persistent complication attributable evidently to the good general health conditions in our schools and the care received at home.
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