USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 9
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The two greatest curricular needs at present are: (1), for the provision of instruction of pupils interested in practical work, both boys and girls, and (2), for the provision of instruction of handicapped pupils who should have teaching to meet their sev- eral needs.
Since the law requires pupils to stay in school until they are sixteen, instruction to suit their needs should be provided. The
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present situation in which all pupils are required to pursue aca- demic instruction, does not give more than one half of them the training most valuable. More serious still is the loss of confidence in themselves and the unhappiness resulting when pupils are forced into work for which they have little talent and hence little interest.
The curriculum building in recent years, coupled with the increased attention given to the needs of individual pupils, has enabled the school to improve steadily the service it has rendered to the children in the community. This is shown by a steady reduction, year by year, in the percentage of pupils failing to be promoted.
For the past four years, the percentage of those in school at the end of the year (June) who have failed to be promoted has been steadily reduced.
1936
11.3%
1937
9.0%
1938
8.9%
1939
5.3%
This fact becomes even more significant when it is also shown that for the same period the percentage of pupils enrolled during the year who left during the same school year has also been reduced correspondingly.
1936
14.2%
1937
12.4%
1938
8.8%
1939
7.7%
(These figures do not include the pupils in any of the three lower classes who failed to return to school in September of any year.)
The degree to which the school has served its members has in- creased almost fifty per cent in terms of holding power and more than that in terms of promotions. The results of standardized tests, and the records of the increased number of pupils in higher schools, give evidence of the fact that the quality of achievement required has not been lowered to promote more pupils nor to keep them in school.
Instruction and Supervision
During the past summer, six teachers attended summer ses- sions. They were Miss Erickson and Mr. Hyman at Harvard, Miss Whitty at Boston University, Mr. Maynard at Bates College, and Miss Clutton and Miss Merselis at the New Jersey State Teachers College at Montclair. Mr. Farley is taking a course in guidance each Saturday at Boston University, and Miss Erickson is con- tinuing her study at the Harvard School of Education with a course in Statistics.
More attention than ever before is being given to guidance and orientation, particularly for those in the freshman class. Mr. Farley, as adviser to that class, has planned assembly pro- grams for freshmen with talks and moving pictures. On the fol- lowing day, the home-room teachers conduct meetings in their respective rooms for discussion of the assembly topic. Mr. Farley
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has a similar program planned for the seniors in the spring to assist them in learning how to select higher schools or to apply for positions.
As principal anl supervisor I have visited classes for substan- tial periods one hundred and forty-four times in the seventy-three days of school since September, visiting every class at least once and every different teacher from five to ten times. In addition to these visits, I have frequently visited home rooms, study halls, and class rooms for shorter periods.
Conferences with teachers have been held to work out the solutions of class problems and to plan new work.
Since early in November Miss Barbara Freeman, a training teacher from the Bridgewater State Teachers College, has been doing practice work in the fields of English and physical education. Miss Freeman has been very helpful, particularly in assisting in the handling of a special class in remedial English for freshmen.
Two honor study rooms have been organized under the control of pupil officers elected by the respective groups. The traffic squad continues to supervise the corridors before school, during the lunch period, and at assembly time. These opportunities to practice, under guidance, the principles of self-government have been shown to have value.
School Activities
The Junior Red Cross, the one organization in school which is primarily a service club, has been very active under the leader- ship of Mrs. Brawn. The members have made and filled Christmas bags for soldiers in hospitals, have had a float in the Armistice Day parade, collected a huge box of presents for children at the Lakeville Sanitorium, and cooperated with the Student Council in sponsoring the providing of complete Christmas dinners for fifteen needy families with a gift for each member of the family.
Athletic competition has been carried on successfully with players receiving proper care from the coaches and athletic direc- tor.
An assembly program has been planned for each Thursday under the direction of a joint committee of pupils and teachers with Miss Chase as sponsor .. The programs have been of excep- tionally good quality. Several plays have been especially well done under Miss Clutton's coaching.
School parties have been conducted once each month with parents present as sponsors, and well planned programs of games and entertainment. These social affairs are planned and super- vised by a joint committee of teachers and pupils with Miss Clutton as sponsor.
Buildings and Grounds
The repairs needed have already been enumerated in a recent letter to you. It may be sufficient to state here that there is considerable to be done if the building is to be protected from damage by the elements, and if the welfare of the pupils is to be safeguarded as it should be.
133
Conclusion
The needs for equipment for physical education and for a program of instruction in home economics and agriculture or general shop are so urgent that it would seem almost unnecessary to make any brief for their support.
It is unfortunate that Middleboro has been unable to provide the type of training that would be so helpful to more than half of the pupils who enter high school each year. It is earnestly recommended that some plan be formulated which will be within the means of the community, to make a beginning in the securing of equipment needed for the teaching of special subjects.
Respectfully submitted,
LINDSAY J. MARCH, Principal.
STATISTICAL TABLES Memorial High School, December, 1939 Table A
Total Enrollment
Lakeville Carver
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
1
1
5
6
Seniors
20
7
48
63
111
Juniors
16
10
66
52
.
118
Sophomores
15
13
73
83
156
Freshmen
16
95
78
173
Totals
67
31
283
281
564
Table B Graduating Classes 1935-1939
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
1935
43
64
107
1936
48
55
103
1937
50
51
101
1938
43
62
105
1939
49
52
101
Table C Graduates of Past Five Years
Class of Number in Number going Number in Total
Class to College other schools contin-
uing
study
1935
107
11
30
41
36%
1936
103
14
22
36
35%
1937
101
11
19
30
30%
1938
105
12
17
29
28%
1939
101
10
27
45
45.5%
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Table D Graduates of Class of 1939
Boys
Girls
Total
Colleges
Boston University
Bridgewater State Teachers College
College of William and Mary
1
Harvard College
1
Ithaca College
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1
Skidmore College
1
Suffolk Law School
1
Trinity College
1
Tufts College
1
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
1
12
Commercial Schools
Bentley School of Accounting
2
Burdett College
1
1
Chandler Business School
3
Williams Business College
1
8
Other Schools
Boston Conservatory of Music
1
Browne and Sharp
1
Hawley-Mullane School
1
Massachusetts School of Art
1
Modern School of Applied Art
1
New Bedford Textile School
2
New England Conservatory of Music
1
New England School of Art
1
Nursing Schools
1
3
Stoneleigh Junior College
1
Wentworth Institute
2
Worcester Academy
1
Post Graduates at M. H. S.
1
5
Post Graduates at city schools
2
1 26
Total
46
Members of the Class of 1938 entered the following schools of higher learning in September, 1939 :
Boys
Girls
Total
Bridgewater State Teachers College
1
University of New Hampshire
2
Wentworth Institute
1
Nursing School
1
Burdett College
2
Total
7
1
1
1
1
135
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Middleboro, Mass., December 31, 1939.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing,
Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir:
I herewith present my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1939, showing by statistics the work accomplished during the year. The report is prepared in the order of the year's Clinical Program.
Annual Physical Examination in Schools
Assisted the School Physician, Dr. A. V. Smith, in the annual examination of 1744 children. Four hundred and six defect notices, exclusive of hearing, vision, and dental defects, were sent to the homes.
Tonsil and Adenoid defects found 328
Vision defects found 72
Hearing defects found
6
Defect Corrections during 1939 :
Tonsils and Adenoids
63
Vision
41
Hearing 4
Measured all pupils in suburban and central schools once; weighed all pupils three times during the year.
Dental Clinic
School Dental Clinics are held each Wednesday morning, 9 to 12 o'clock, from October to June.
Examination :
School membership of first two grades 290
Number of children examined 269
Number found with dental defects 217
Number found without dental defects 52
Correction of Defects:
Children with defects corrected at the clinic 203
Clinic Operation :
Cleanings
Fillings, temporary teeth 104
Permanent teeth 98
Extractions, temporary teeth 89
Permanent teeth 30
Number of different children treated 1939 203
Number of pupil treatments 325
Dental Certificates issued 64
Emergency Cases
33
4
136
Summer Camp children treated 3
Retarded Class children treated 2
Children treated for Welfare Department 17
Amount collected in fees $27.50
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 school week in Union Street School.
This Clinic costs the town nothing and saves the cost of pupils repeating their grades, or about $60 per year each.
County Follow-Up Clinic
This year an opportunity was given to the students in all four years of High School to have a Von Pirquet Test, also an X-Ray and Physical Examination if necessary.
Preparations :
Health Talk given by School Nurse.
Booklets on Tuberculosis distributed to all pupils.
Von Pirquet Test :
Physician : Dr. Richard Scherman, Plymouth County Hospital, South Hanson.
Nurse: Miss Hilda Lundberg.
Place: Memorial High School.
Time: 9 A. M.
Date: November 2, 1939.
Students Tested :
Class Number Tested
Post-Graduate 5
80
'Senior
-
Junior 70
Sophomore 100
Freshman 105
Total 359 64% of school
Result of Reading:
Number of students with a positive test 63
Number of students with a negative test 297
X-Ray Clinic :
Date: November 7, 1939.
Time: 10 A. M. at the High School.
X-Ray Technician: Mr. E. J. Fuscillo. Number X-Rayed 80
Number absent from X-Ray Clinic 3
137
Of this number
Students
70
Teachers
12
Follow-up case
1
Total 83
Follow-Up Group:
Note: Number students left school
1
Number moved out of town 1
Physical Examination :
From the 83 X-Rayed eleven students were selected who needed a Physical Examination.
Date of Clinic: December 11, 1939.
Time: 10 A. M.
Physician: Dr. Richard Scherman.
Nurse: Miss Hilda Lundberg.
Number examined
11
All were present.
Note: Number of pupils for follow-up next year .. 15
Junior Red Cross Class in Home Hygiene
Sponsored by the local Red Cross Chapter. Classes were held in the Bates School. Members of the class: sixteen pupils of the Bates School, Grade 8. First class held October 3, 1939. Length of course: thirty lessons. Examination held at Bates School. Fifteen pupils 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 49
Hilum
7
Bone
3
Cervical Adenitis
1
Kerato-Uvitis
1
Pulmonary Nephritis
1
Total 62
Of this number
Number of deaths
2
Moved out of town
0
Examined and X-Rayed
9
New cases
2
Patients at Sanatorium
2
Opportunity Class Clinic
The examination of all children three or more years retarded in school is required by the general statutes. . . . .
138
Examination held under direction of Dr. Olga Steinecke of the Taunton State Hospital staff.
Dates: March 25, 27, 28 and 31st.
Number of visits made to homes for personal his- tories of the children 21
Number of days of examination 4
Total number of pupils examined 24
Results of Clinic:
Physical defects needing correction :
Dental care
2
Tonsils and Adenoids
1
Referred for improved nutrition
4
Physical defects corrected during the year : Dental care
2
Tonsils and Adenoids
1
Note: Defect corrections were made possible through the donations of the following:
Dental care: Dental Clinic.
Tonsils and Adenoids: Junior Red Cross, Middleboro. Teachers' Association.
Diphtheria Prevention Clinic
Date: March 30, April 6 and 13, 1939.
Place: Selectmen's Room, Town Hall.
Physician: Dr. A. V. Smith, School Physician. 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
4
4
4
1
20
18
18
2
9
9
9
3
7
7
6
4
8
8
7
5
16
15
15
6
32
31
32
7
16
16
15
8
5
5
5
Total
117
113
111
Pre-School Clinic
Date: May 19, 1939.
Time : 10 A. M.
Physician: Dr. A. V. Smith, School Physician.
Number of children examined
20
Results of clinic examinations:
Curvature of spine cases 1
. Cleft palate, corrected by operation
1
Tonsils and adenoids defects
8
139
Mal-formed chest bone 3
Underweights 1
Defective teeth 12
Number of children not vaccinated 18
Number of children found immunized against Diphtheria 15
Number of children found not immunized against Diphtheria 5
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, $450.57. Of the amount received ($450.57) one-half is sent to headquarters and the postage for local letters is deducted, leaving a balance of $194.44, to be used for Summer Camp. Amount used for postage $30.84.
Number of children sent in summer of 1938, three. Length of vacation period at camp, June 28 to August 22, eight weeks. Cost per child, $60.00.
Home visits are made to investigate cases eligible for the Summer Camp.
Preference is given in the selection of children according to the following classification prepared by Dr. Bradford H. Peirce, Superintendent, Plymouth County Hospital :
1. Children positive to tuberculosis and with X-ray evidence of the childhood type of tuberculosis.
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 under- weight.
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 four suburban schools for hot lunches during the recess periods. Nothing but pasteurized milk is used in our schools.
Number of bottles of milk sold 8,848
Number of bottles of milk given to needy pupils 6,537
Total number of bottles served 15,385
Financial statement:
Balance January 1, 1939 $359.76
Elks Milk Fund Tag Day $247.64
140
Includes :
John Cabot Club $5.00
1
John E. Lucey Shoe Co. 25.00
Alberts Shoe Factory 5.00
A. & P. Store 5.00
Cabot Club
12.79
Middleboro Beverage Association 25.00
Sale of milk to children $265.46
Total receipts
$872.86
Expended for milk and straws 461.57
Balance Jan. 1, 1940, Middleboro Trust Co ...
$411.29
Audiometer Ear Test
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 1939.
School: School Street School, Grade 6 2
Number of pupils, Grade 5 111
Number of pupils, Bates School 9
Total number tested 122
Total number retested 54
Number with defective hearing
18
Visitations
Visits to homes 511
Visits to Central Schools 574
Visits to Suburban Schools
92
Visits to doctor's office with pupils 63
Pupils taken home because of illness 36
General Health Education
Professional meetings attended 12
Trips to Lakeville and South Hanson Sanitoria with school children and adults
5
Health talks to parent groups
11
Health literature and leaflets distributed to pupils and parents
Conferences with parents
39
Office Treatments
Pupils attended in office 381
Donations received for Health Work:
Fall Brook Mothers' Club
South Middleboro-Rock Parent Teachers Association
Nemasket Community Club
Junior Red Cross
John Cabot Club
Middleboro Lodge of Elks, B.P. O. E.
. .
141
Contagious Diseases Among School Children
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
Chickenpox
42 |37
9
1
8
Mumps
2
3
1
2
Measles
2
20
160
21
203
Scarlet Fever
2
....
1
3
Respectfully submitted, HELEN PASZTOR, R. N. School and Public Health Nurse.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
December 22, 1939.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir:
At the beginning of the school year an examination of all the pupils was made with the assistance of our efficient Public Health and School Nurse, Miss Pasztor, who, as any defects were noted made a record which later was forwarded to the parents so that they could have the children re-examined and treated by their own physician if considered necessary.
At various times through the year all pupils participating in any athletic contest have been examined by me and later advised by our athletic instructor as to the extent or degree each pupil should continue in his chosen field.
Every year there is a general health improvement in our pupils, proving the fruits of all the efforts and, advice given by teachers, school nurse, lectures, and clinics.
The Pre-School Clinic is worth while and parents of children about to enter school should avail themselves of this opportunity of inspection and check-up so that if any faults are discovered they may be corrected and the child on entering school will be in the best of health.
I have been in attendance at the. Diphtheria Clinic for Pre- School children for nine years. During this period 1549 children below six years of age have been immunized against this disease. The absence of diphtheria in the town has shown the great value of this protection.
Respectfully submitted, DR. A. VINCENT SMITH, School Physician.
...
....
79
142
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleboro, Mass., December 18, 1939.
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools, Middleboro, Mass.,
Dear Mr. Cushing:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Supervisor of Music in the schools of Middleboro, Mass.
Many years ago William Byrd wrote:
"Since singing is so good a thing ยท I wish all men would learn to sing."
Little did William Byrd realize that in years to come, all men would be given the opportunity to learn to sing and that the interest in the art would become such a vital part of our lives. He realized that singing would aid in developing brain power, concentration, keenness and accuracy.
Starting with the first grade, our vocal work is endeavoring to instill in the children a love of good music by actual participa- tion in it. Many children enter the first grade unable to compre- hend how a musical tone is made. Treatment by the room teacher under the direction of the music supervisor generally develops the ability of the child so that he is able to sing very well with the class.
A course of study has been made and each teacher supplied with the requirements of her grade. In this way all pupils are receiving a step by step development in note reading, time prob- lems, and other necessary technical instruction which will enable the child to read music without the assistance of the teacher. Tone work, interpretation and individual singing are also being stressed.
The vocal music in the Junior High School is continuing as in the past. The eighth grade has been supplied with a music book and I am sure they are very grateful for it. Some of the songs which will be heard in the forthcoming operetta have been taken from the new song book. The Junior High School Choir, which was organized last year, continues to interest a large number of girls and boys. I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Burkland and the music teachers for their support in the music program.
At the High School, the girls' and boys' glee clubs have been organized and music is being practiced for the spring concert. A minstrel show was staged by the boys' glee club which was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. I wish to thank Mr. Alger and those of the High School faculty who were very helpful in making this entertainment a success.
In the instrumental department, progress is being made with a beginners band at the School Street School, which was started this fall. Most of the children, about forty in number, took ad- vantage of the plan whereby they rented the instrument of their
143
choice for a period of three months. At the end of the rental period those children who have been successful will probably purchase the instrument, while those who have failed will return the instrument to the owner. This band meets with me on Monday mornings and sectional rehearsals are held when opportunity pre- sents itself. The orchestra has resumed rehearsals and, as usual, we are very much in need of more violin and cello players. I have made an intensive drive, endeavoring to interest pupils in the study of a stringed instrument, and I am pleased to report that Mrs. Belmont has a much larger class than last year.
The orchestra at Bates Junior High School is practicing every Tuesday for one hour, after school. The instrumentation is better balanced this year, consisting of 10 violins, 1 cello, 3 flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 alto saxophones, 6 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 French horn, drums and piano.
Mr. Walter Weeman is directing the School Band and has made several public appearances since school opened in Septem- ber. If possible, I hope to see the band take part in the Massachu .. setts State Music Festival next May. Rehearsals of the band are held at the High School every Monday evening. The High School orchestra meets every Thursday morning during school for one hour. I am very grateful for this opportunity to practice during the school day and wish to thank Mr. March for his continued cooperation and assistance.
It might be of interest to know the public appearances made by school organizations during the past year. The High School orchestra played for Cabot Club play, Senior play, Spring concert ; School Band, concert and Tabor Academy commencement; oper- etta, Parent Teachers' Association, Bates. choir at Mayflower School festival and for the Cabot Club; School Street School orchestra for Claire Tree Major players, and Parents' night; High School glee clubs in concert and minstrel show; Parents' night at Union Street School.
In closing this report allow me to express my appreciation to you, the principals and all teachers for their splendid cooper- ative spirit.
Respectfully submitted, LUTHER CHURCHILL, Supervisor of Music.
144
REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
"Art furnishes a reinforcement to life rather than an escape from it."
December 22, 1939
Mr. J. Stearns Cushing, Superintendent of Schools, Middleboro, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir:
I herewith present the annual report of the Art Department for the year ending December 22, 1939.
The key to our course of study in art is a broad but clear definition of the word "art" and a focusing upon that which will, in the end, bring about the desired result of our efforts-the training of our young people that they may take their places in life better equipped to improve their environment and the nation's output. Artists and artisans who will pride themselves on the beauty and quality of their work, no matter how humble, will bring about homes with better arrangements, more artistic inte- riors, and exteriors; manufactured goods and crafts noted for excellence of workmanship and design; in the end, a people more cultured and fine, less commonly commercial.
To follow out these ideas, a plan was thought out and used. The real test of this plan was the interest stimulated and held, that real creative power was set in motion, that individual and collective progress was made. The most successful plans were where consideration was for a close correlation with other sub- jects.
The following plan of procedure was offered, suggested by this definition of art: Art is that skill, knowledge, taste, and judgment displayed in man's adaptations of nature's gift to his need. Very naturally our outline was planned into three large divisions, which gave us topics for study, analysis, discussions, and drawings: (1) Nature's Gifts .... (2) Man's adaptation of Nature's Gifts to his own practical uses; (3) Man's adaptation of Nature's Gifts to satisfy, not only his needs, but also his aesthetic taste. This third division, it will be readily seen, offered the fullest development of our subject. From divisions 1 and 2 were chosen topics and problems from which to develop representative and illustrative work, and division 3 gave us art appreciation, design, and color.
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