USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1937 > Part 2
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County Follow-Up Clinic
Physician : Dr. Richard Scherman, Plymouth County Hospital, South Hanson.
X-Ray :
Date: December 8, 1937
Technician : Mr. John Fuscillo, Plymouth County Hospital. Number X-Rayed 19
Physical Examination :
Date: December 16, 1937
Number of pupils examined 19
Continue on Follow-Up 10
Follow-Up cases not X-Rayed this year 51
Total number for Follow-Up 61
Junior Red Cross Class in Home Hygiene
Sponsored by the local Red Cross Chapter. Classes held each Tuesday afternoon in the Bates School. Mem-
25
bers of the class: twenty pupils of the Bates School, Grade 8. First class held October 5, 1937. Length of course : thirty lessons. Examination held at Bates School. Fourteen children passed the course and received certificates from Washington headquarters.
* Note : Visitors are welcome and parents are urged to come and observe the work of these classes.
Adult Tubercular Cases
Type of Cases :
Pulmonary 43
7
Hilum
Bone 3
Cervical Adenitis 1
Kerato-Uvitis 1
Pulmonary Nephritis 1
Total 56
Of this number:
Number of deaths 5
Moved out of town 1
Examined and X-Rayed 12
New cases
2
Patients at sanatorium 1
Opportunity Class Clinic
The examination of all children three or more years retarded in school is required by the general stat- utes :
Examination held under the direction of Dr. Olga Steinecke of the Taunton State Hospital Clinic Staff.
Dates: April 27, 29, and May 3.
Number of visits made to homes for personal his- tories of the children 24
Number of days of examination 3
Total number of pupils examined. 24
Results of Clinic :
Physical Defects needing correction :
Dental care
2
Tonsils and Adenoids 2
1
Physical defects corrected during the year :
Dental care 2
Tonsils and Adenoids 2
Vision
1
*Note: Defect corrections were made possible through the donations of the following:
Vision
26
Dental care: Dental Clinic. Tonsils and Adenoids: Junior Red Cross, Middleboro Lodge of Elks.
Diphtheria Prevention Clinic
Date: March 26, April 2, 9.
Place : Town Hall.
Physician : Dr. A. Vincent Smith, School Physician.
Time : 10:00 A. M.
Toxoid used in this Clinic.
Certificates were issued stating that the child had received the three treatments of Diphtheria Toxoid.
Age at time Protected
First Treatment
Second Treatment
Third Treatment
Under
1
3
2
2
1
4
4
4
2
5
4
4
3
2
2
2
4
3
2
2
5
0
0
6
22
20
20
7
14
14
13
8
2
2
2
9
2
2
2
10.
1
1
1
Total
58
53
52
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.
Amount of money received from the Christmas Seal sale, $203.26. Of the amount received, $203.26, one-half is sent to headquarters and the postage for local letters is deducted, leaving a balance of $176.76, to be used for Summer Camp.
Amount used for postage, $26.50.
Number of children sent in summer of 1937, 3. Length of vacation period at camp, June 24 to August 18, 8 weeks. Cost per child, $60.00.
Home visits are made to investigate cases eligible for the Summer Camp.
27
Preference is given in the selection of children ac- cording to the following classification prepared by Dr. Bradford H. Peirce, superintendent, Plymouth County Hospital :
1. Children positive to tuberculin and with x-ray evidence of the childhood type of tubercu- losis.
2. Children, with or without known exposure to tuberculosis, suspected of the childhood type.
3. Children exposed to the disease and who may or may not have reacted to tuberculin.
4. Reactors who have definite malnutrition.
5. Children who are definitely undernourished and underweight.
The above classification should be regarded as the basis for selecting the preferred group of children but should not exclude other children who are in need of Camp care.
Distribution of Milk
Due primarily to the success of the tag day conducted by the Middleboro Lodge of Elks it was possible to have milk distributed to needy undernourished children in the schools from January to May. Milk was also delivered to three suburban schools for hot lunches during the recess periods. Nothing but pasteurized milk is used in our schools.
Number of bottles of milk sold. 7,512
Number of bottles of milk given to needy pupils 6,661
Total number of bottles served 14,173
Financial statement:
Balance January 1, 1937
$302.99
Elks Milk Fund Tag Day
242.53
Includes Middleboro Beverage
Assoc.
$25.00
Lucey Shoe Company
25.00
Ward Baking Company 3.00
Guisti Baking Company 5.00
Wonder Baking Company
3.00
Nemasket Community Club
5.00
Sale of milk to children
225.36
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Total receipts $770.88
Expended for milk and straws 425.44
Balance January 1, 1938, Middleboro Trust Company $345.44
Visitations
Visits to homes 390
Visits to Central Schools 479
Visits to Suburban Schools 140
Visits to doctor's office with pupils 67
General Health Education
Professional meetings attended 10
Trips to Lakeville and South Hanson Sanitoria with school children and adults 12
Health talks to groups
8
Health literature and leaflets distributed to pupils and parents.
Office Treatments 404
Pupils attended in office
Donations Received for Health Work
Fall 'Brook Mothers' Club (Dental Clinic) South Middleboro-Rock Parent-Teacher Association
Middleboro Teachers' Association
Lions Club
Junior Red Cross
Contagious Diseases Among School Children
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
Mumps
2
5
1
4
1
13
Scarlet Fever
3
10
2
1
1
19
German Measles
2
1
3
Chicken Pox
2
18
3
10
2. 3
46
Whooping Cough
2
1
1 1
3
8
Measles
1
2
3
Rspectfully submitted, HELEN PASZTOR, R.N., School and Public Health Nurse.
29
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
December 28, 1937.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir:
The results of the annual inspection and examination of all the school children in the schools was exceedingly pleasing to me as School Physician.
All children engaging in school athletics have been examined at different times according to their seasonable activities.
The watchfulness of all the teachers for acute or general health deviations is most praiseworthy .. The good accomplished by our School Nurse, Miss Helen Pasztor, is beyond estimate. I would suggest that all read carefully her annual report of the health activities with the school children.
Let me again suggest that all parents having children entering school for the first time next September have their children examined by the family physician before such entrance or bring them to the Pre-School Clinic in May.
Respectfully submitted, DR. A. VINCENT SMITH, School Physician.
30
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleboro, Mass., January 1, 1938.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools, Middleboro, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit the report of the Music Depart- ment for the season of 1937. The grades have as usual started with rote songs and gradually progressed through "observation" and "reading material" so that two part singing is possible in the fifth and three part music in the sixth grades. In the sixth grade is the time when the most beautiful quality of the voice is experienced. Just® before the change in the boy's voice virility is at the ex- treme and the pupils are deeply interested in the display of their artistic ability, which makes it a most opportune time to have a successful demonstration. This has been most truly proven in the schools in the past. Many writers ascribe the origin of music to the rhythmic sense of primitive man, and the classes in the first, second and third grades are a beginning of the study of rhythm, which is the foundation of the art.
The drum corps at School Street is functioning twice a day at dismissals. This gives an opportunity for twenty or more to display their rhythmic ability and work off some surplus energy.
The orchestra, though not large in number, is getting experience that will make them of considerable value when they get to the Bates School. An evening of carol singing at School Street has become an annual event and one that is gaining rapidly in interest to both the parents and friends, as evidenced by the increased attendance this year. The orchestral classes meet every week, and in- terest in these instruments is at a high pitch. Many of the members of the splendid band and orchestra of which we boast made their start in these classes.
31
At the Bates School choral groups have been very active. The seventh grade have studied the three-part works of many different composers, while the eighth grade have been very busy getting ready for the operetta, "Green Cheese," one of the most adaptable and brightest that has been published in a long time. Talks illustrated by phonograph records on many different phases of both vocal and instrumental music, namely, great waltzes, great marches, great singers, music of many nations, and the instruments of the archestra have been given and several types of ancient instruments have been displayed and their origin discussed.
The High School chorus, glee club, boys' quartet, orchestra, and band are rehearsing for the annual spring concert, to be given during Music Week in May. A new organization, The Reed Players' Club, has blossomed forth and bids fair to be another novelty in our entertain- ment.
We hope to have as our guests this spring the May- flower Festival Association, composed of singing groups from the towns in Plymouth County, and several from outside of this boundary who meet annually to sing in friendly competition for each other's benefit.
In presenting my report, I would be remiss if I did not suggest a few things that could be done for the im- provement of the Music Department. First, a radio in the Junior and Senior High Schools so that much of the music suitable for the pupils of that age could be heard and that the period during the Damrosch Broadcast could be enjoyed. 4
By exposing pupils to good music through phono- graph records or the Damrosch program we can force- feed their musical consciousness, and by this stimulation bring about the results that would otherwise have been impossible.
Second, a new set of books are needed in the High School as the ones now in use are from twelve to fifteen years old. Music should be compulsory in the High School, for as it is now, we lose the benefit of the more matured voices, and many will take that time for a study period if the subject is not obligatory. Third, I would advocate that the school department buy fifes for the
32
fourth grade, to remain permanently in the school. They could be sterilized each year and each child would have an opportunity to begin an experience on a musical in- strument that would lead to further endeavor. Financial reasons have caused us to abandon that activity for a season or so ,and we have felt the loss of this in both band and orchestra. We had at one time eight piccolo and flute players; today we have two and only two more in sight for the distant future. Fourth, many new pianos are needed in the schools, and the ones that are worthy should be fully repaired. A piano out of condition is a big handicap to both teacher and pupil.
Fifth, the student body, recognizing that the High School Orchestra should have some material recognition for their organization, are considering a matter of pre- senting a letter or pin suggestive of that art to each mem- ber in good standing.
Something should be done in every locality about . utilizing the training in music that the schools have given, such as forming a choral club of either or both men and women, and a community orchestra or band. The stu- dents would then have an objective for continuing their instrumental or vocal work after leaving school.
One individual who is in commercial life said: "I go home tired as can be, but the thought of going to the orchestra rehearsal gives me new energy, and after five minutes of playing I am revived both mentally and phys- ically." Such would be the reaction of many if given the opportunity. If something is not done along these lines, the pupil at the end of the senior year finds himself in the position of one who is all dressed up but with no place to go.
Music is vital; it is in the fullest degree an expres- sion of life; music appeals to the whole nature of man. He marches to the military strains and his feet are set dancing in response to spirited tunes. It comforts him in sorrow and enhances his joy, and he forgets pain and perplexities in his musical experience.
Thomas Fuller says : "Music is nothing else but wild sounds civilized into time and tune."
33
Another writer has said: "I believe that music is the highest of the arts because at its, peak it is like pure mathematics and having no meaning interpretable in words. I believe that a Bach Fugue in the long run is more important than all the battles in history."
Respectfully submitted, WIRT B. PHILLIPS, Supervisor of Music.
34
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
"We must, if we are to have culture at all, go back to the method where the hands and the brain and the heart work together in a goodly coordination."
December 30, 1937.
J. Stearns Cushing,
Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my twelfth annual report of the Art Department for the year ending December 23, 1937.
The longer I teach the more enthusiastic I become about the opportunities which confront art teachers as a group, and I am sure that I am only citing a feeling com- mon to us all when I say that we are in a profession whose contribution to the individual student and to the community cannot be measured by any curriculum or by any budget, for its effects are as intangible as they are important.
Art touches the lives of all of us and we as artists, in one line or another, hold the key which unlocks new vistas to many who might otherwise overlook the beauty surrounding them. It is a joy to work with talented students and to suggest this or that to help release their natural ability, but it is a more satisfying experience to awaken aesthetic appreciation in someone who was prob- ably unaware of its existence within himself.
Art, its principles, and its effects, confront us on every hand. I think I am safe within the bounds of reason when I say that no other subject is so often a part of our daily life as Art.
Whether we are conscious of it or not, Art directly touches the life of every individual during every day of his life. In our homes, for instance, we constantly are "creating" a picture by the selection of furniture and other objects. By means of gardens and . lawns we "create" artistic backgrounds for these homes.
Our houses always express us. If we are indifferent to the orderly arrangement and of color harmony, they
35
show it. If we use what we have in the best way that is possible for those things to be used, our houses will bear witness to our love of order and to our feeling for and knowledge of beauty. Unless we can apply our knowl- edge of color to the common activities of life, we miss the largest benefit and the greatest joy that such knowledge can give. The clothes that we wear proclaim our knowl- edge or ignorance of the laws of color harmony, for clothes cannot be separated from color, and we must of necessity, select, buy and wear them.
More people in the United States have been under the direct influence of Art in recent years than at any time in the history of our country. This is due to the widespread realization of the value of pleasing design and good color and of the beneficient influence of Art in all affairs of life.
Hardly an article of manufacture and common use can be found which has not been influenced to a consider- able extent by Art principles applied to its design and coloring. Great buildings and engineering works, our homes and their furnishings, and even the lowest priced articles of personal use, have been beautified and enriched with corresponding increase of their utilitarian value. Because of this realization, the Art Department this past year applied the principles of art to the home. Each teacher had a complete outline of the subject and the work to be taught. These outlines aim to cultivate good taste; to teach an appreciation of the beautiful; to teach good judgment in selection and arrangement; to train students to adapt their needs, ideas and suggestions from others and create ideas of their own; and to teach the fundamental art principles in application to dress and the home. These same principles have been carried along in more advanced stages in the Junior and Senior High School classes.
A Home Beautiful Art Exhibition was held in the schools during the month of May. Each grade applied color harmony, good arrangement, design and applied decoration to the different rooms of the home. Some grades applied the principles of Art to landscape gar- dening. To reach its highest use, Art must be practical. This exhibition was an excellent way to show a practical use of Art.
36
Therefore, the practical and aesthetic side of art education was recognized by all who attended the differ- ent exhibitions.
In the annual poster contest sponsored by the Massa- chusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- mals, held in Boston last April many students were awarded prizes for those submitted by them. A total of eighty posters were sent to the exhibition, with thirty- nine receiving awards, which was most satisfactory and highly complimentary.
At the Young America Paints Exhibition sponsored by the Binney & Smith Company of New York, held at Rockefeller Center last March, the Art work of ten pupils from our Junior and Senior High Schools was selected to be exhibited. Three of the pupils were awarded prizes. This certainly was an honor for the pupils and for Middleboro.
The Art Department of the High School presented an excellent entertainment given by Pitt Parker on the afternoon of January 4. On December 15 the Art De- partment sponsored an afternoon dance. The proceeds, which amounted to $21.14, were used to purchase extra materials for the Art classes.
At the teachers' meeting on September 30, Mr. Henry E. Rice, representing the American Crayon Company, gave a most interesting talk and demonstration of handi- craft work. Miss Eleanor Beaton of New York was here for three days in January and gave splendid demonstra- tions of the new frescol and finger painting to all of the schools. On Wednesday, May 12, Mr. Bertram Har- graves, founder and director of the New England School of Art in Boston, gave a lecture and exhibited many examples of work of the students of his school. This gave the pupils who were especially interested in Art an un- usual opportunity to view some excellent work.
Last spring I took a course at the New England School of Art in Boston under the direction of Mr. Har- greaves. Also a craft course at Dennison's in Boston.
The Art Department of the schools has given much help in the community affairs. Posters for entertain- ments, assembly programs, costumes, place cards, deco-
37
rating for socials and other school functions were made by the Junior and Senior High School pupils.
In closing, I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the support always extended to me by the members of the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools, and my gratefulness to the principals and teachers who have given me splendid cooperation in my efforts to make Art in Middleboro practical and progressive in the past year.
Respectfully submitted, SYLVIA G. MATHESON, Supervisor of Art.
38
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1937
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
I herewith present my report as Supervisor of Attendance for the year ending December 31, 1937:
School
Sickness
Truancy
Other Reasons
Children taken home sick
Memorial High
59
20
61
10
Bates
21
10
15
10
Union Street
5
0
0
5
School Street
10
2
2
1
Flora M. Clark
15
2
4
1
Green
3
0
0
0
Pleasant Street
6
0
0
0
Soule
3
2
3
0
Thomastown
5
2
2
.
0
Waterville
3
2
2
0
South Middleboro
5
0
0
3
Plymouth Street
7
0
0
0
West Side
15
10
15
6
157
50
104
36
Visits to Homes
229
Visits to Schools 64
I wish to thank Superintendent Cushing, Miss Pasztor, Dr. Smith, Chief Sisson, the teachers and parents for their help in my work with the children. .
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS E. HIRST, Supervisor of Attendance.
39
STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1936-1937
SCHOOL
Number of
Teachers
Number of
Enrolled
Non-resident
Pupils
Enrolled
Average
Daily
Attendance
Average
Daily
Yearly
Percent of
Attendance
Memorial High
22
601
129
527.5
552.9
95.3
Bates
11
348
12
307.9
321.2
95.9
Grade VIII
143
Grade VII
152
Grade VI
38
Opp. Class
15
School Street
10
358
2
324.3
340.4
94.6
Grade VI
48
Grade VI
38
Grade V
42
Grade V
35
Grade IV
22
Grade IV
43
Grade IV
39
Grade III
45
Grade III
46
West Side
6
144
1
129.6
136.3
95.6
Grade VI
27
Grade
36
Grade IV
25
Grade III
21
Grade II
19
Grade I
16
Union Street
4
114
0
96.1
105.8
90.7
Grade II
31
Grade II
27
Grade I
27
Grade I
28
Flora M. Clark
2
67
0
57.9
62.2
93.2
Grade II
31
Grade I
36
Pleasant Street
1
29
0
23.0
23.7
97.0
Plymouth Street
1
26
0
21.5
23.4
91.8
Pratt Free
1
15
0
14.1
14.6
96.3
Purchade
1
32
2
29.3
30.5
96.2
Thompsonville
1
15
0
12.7
13.4
95.0
Green
1
22
0
18.9
20.6
92.2
Soule
1
17
0
15.5
17.0
91.4
Waterville
1
20
2
17.2
18.6
92.5
Thomastown
1
15
0
16.7
17.4
96.1
Rock
1
27
0
23.9
25.9
92.4
So. Middleboro
1
38
3
30.2
32.9
91.7
Totals
1
66
1,899
152
| 1,667.3
1,768.8
94.1
Membership
Pupils
40
SCHOOL CENSUS
October 1, 1937
Suburban Districts
Years
Males
Females
Total
5-6
27
43
7-13
169
137
14-15
56
42
471
Central District
1
Years
Males
Females
Total
5-6
95
89
7-13
342
350
14-15
96
102
1,074
LIST OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 31, 1937
High School
* Lindsay J. March, 17 Barrows Street, Principal
*Leonard O. Tillson, 11 North Street, Sub-Master, Science
*Walter G. Hicks, 44 School Street, Head Commercial Department
*Ernest E. Thomas, 38 Pierce Street, Head History De- partment
Carlton Guild, 1 High Street, English
*Herbert L. Wilber, Rock, Latin
*Joseph R. Hyman, 111 Everett Street, Mathematics
*Roland C. MacGown, 3 High Street, Science
Alfred E. Farley, 61 Wood Street, Abington, Social Studies
*Mary Brier, 81 Pearl Street, French
*Chrystal M. Chase, 181 North Main Street, English
*Henry E. Battis, 31 School Street, Health Studies, Phys- ical Training
* Alice D. Brawn, 5 Barrows Street, Social Studies
* Anna C. Erickson, 61 Wood Street, Mathematics
*Esther L. Moore, 12 Coombs Street, Commercial Mary F. Clutton, 1 High Street, English Margaret H. Ryder, Lakeville, English
*Lillian M. O'Neil, 21 Pearl Street, Commercial
Evelyn F. Whitty, 11 Everett Street, Physical Training, Mathematics
* (On tenure)
41
* Helen M. Merselis, 49 School Street, Social Studies Bessie M. Veazie, Smith Street, Rock, Clerk
Bates School
*Henry B. Burkland, 50 Pierce Street, Principal, Social Studies, Music
*Norman W. Lindsay, 327 Wareham Street, Assistant Principal, Science, Health Studies
* Martinia K. Donahue, 6 Reland Street, English, Music Donald T. Welch, 5 Crowell Street, Mathematics
*Lucy E. Merrihew, 22 East Grove Street, Mathematics *Abby Rugg Field, 182 North Main Street, English, Crafts, Health Studies
*Elizabeth H. Benson, 12 Benton Street, English
*Harriet M. Jones, 56 Everett Street, Social Studies *Faye H. Deane, 63 Oak Street, English, Social Studies *Effie D. Tucker, 28 Oak Street, Art, Social Studies
*Bernice C. Shaw, Plympton, Opportunity Class Mason Legee, Brockton, Handicraft
School Street School
* Lottie N. Lang, 8 Pearl Street, Principal
*Bessie B. Bailey, 15 Forest Street, Grade III
*Leah M. Boutin, Wareham Street
*Eleanor H. Thomas, South Middleboro, Grade IV
* Esther M. Spooner, 3 Rock Street, Grade V
* Alice R. Begley, 7 Benton Street, Grade V *M. Alice Jones, Rock, Grade VI
*Edith Frost, Wood Street, Grade VI
* Marianne Mederios, West Grove Street, Grade III *Olive M. Kidd, 333 Wareham Street, Grade V
West Side School
* Nellie L. Sawyer, 9 Blain Street, Acushnet, Principal, Grade VI
"Mary R. Hammond, Barden Hill Road, Grade V
* Rose Maley, Sandwich, Grade IV
â‚Margaret C. Peck, Middleboro, R. F. D., Grade III
*Etta W. Toothaker, 29 Oak Street, Grade II
*Annie Lee Washburn, County Street, East Taunton, Grade I
* (On tenure)
42
Union Street School
*Lottie N. Lang, 8 Pearl Street, Principal
*Elsie A. Cahoon, 26 Frank Street, Grade II, Ass't Prin.
* Marjorie McClusky, 106 Pearl Street, Grade II
*Sara E. Matheson, 49 Everett Street, Grade I
*Amelia L. Boutin, So. Middleboro, Grade I
Flora M. Clark School
*Raye F. Guidoboni, 14 Southwick Street, Principal, Grade II
* Dora L. Cobb, Wareham Street, Grade I
Suburban Schools
* Maude DeMaranville, Lakeville, Pleasant Street School
*Dorothy B. Robinson, 9 Warren Avenue, Plymouth Street School
*Elsie L. LeBlanc, North Street, Waterville School
*Margaret Sullivan, 8 Taunton Street, Purchade School
*M. Louise Nutter, Chestnut Street, Thomastown School Hazel Long, Lincoln Street, South Middleboro School Mildred K. Bowman, 55 So. Main Street, Soule School Myra A. Shaw, 81 So. Main Street, Pratt Free School
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