USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1941 > Part 5
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The office of the department is adjacent to the Report and Control Center in the Town Hall and will receive reports as they are received in that Center. All schools will then be notified by telephone and orders given as to procedure.
All windows in shelter rooms have been covered with fine mesh wire to insure safety from flying glass or bomb fragments. Teachers, janitors, and older boys have been instructed in the handling of incendiary bombs and fire control while many teachers have completed courses in defense and first aid.
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Our school buildings have been opened to Civilian Defense Courses and hundreds of civilians are being trained in these evening courses.
Parents must now do their part and cooperate with the school. Parents must not telephone the school during an air raid period for all school lines must be open for instructions. Your call might hold up a direction most vital to hundreds of children. Parents should not call in person for their children as cars will be ordered off the streets and high- ways by the wardens and less sufficient shelter would be available than at the school itself. Parents must have faith in the teachers and faith in the knowledge that everything possible is being done that is within our power for the safety of your children during school hours as we all must have faith that our national government is doing all within their power to keep foreign invaders from our shores and insure the safety of us all.
Elementary Grades
Enrollment in our elementary grades is practically the same as for the past few years. The first grade enrollment of September 1941 was equal to that of the previous year when we experienced the largest entering class in nearly ten years. A third first grade class in the Union Street School has had to be continued.
The curriculum of the grades is constantly being studied and revisions made. Reading proficiency has definitely been improved and test results in this subject are very encouraging. Social Studies teaching has been conducted as in the last two years, and the current history of the old world taught as events of the day dictate. History in our own country is now being made and geographical changes are occurring almost daily. Although these current changes and events are studied as they occur more emphasis is placed upon the historical background of our country and the deeds and exploits of our American Patriots.
The Bates School
The Bates School, in which is housed all of our seventh and eighth grade pupils, still continues to be outstanding in accomplishment. The program of Standardized Testing as suggested by Prof. Herbert Blair of Boston University has been successfully continued under the most able guidance of the principal. In-service training in the faculty of the school through the medium of various courses, meetings, conferences, and reports has been of great educational value.
In addition to the above among the outstanding accomplishments taken from the report of the principal of this school we note the following: "Worthwhile 'learning activities' in varied interest clubs, in the school pub- lication The Echo, in home-room activities, and in planned assemblies using visiting speakers and musicians."
"We may be justly proud of our high standing in County 4-H work and doubly so of our service activities by the Junior Red Cross, which have been greatly increased because of the war."
"With direct correlation of Music, Art, and Academic Subjects our pupils have presented three public performances during the year. The operetta, 'The Bells of Capistrano'; the cantata, 'Rip Van Winkle'; and the promotion pageant, 'Our New England,' offered pupil expression and participation to the entire student membership."
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"Some of the long needed improvements have been made during the year. The cooperation of the Bates Parent-Teacher Association has helped us in equipping and improving our kitchenette, first aid room, and costume closet. May we publicly thank them for their help."
The report of the principal calls attention to the urgent need of some system of automatic bells, a necessity for departmental work; an addition to the unit heating system; and the renewal of blackboards which are worn out from long and hard usage.
The High School
Membership in the high school is but slightly smaller than that of last year, however, some boys are now finding employment in defense industries and more will probably follow should the war be of long duration. College requirements are changing from day to day and our students entering higher institutions will this year enter shortened and concentrated courses of instruction.
Eleven of our faculty have this year taken courses for professional improvement and several teachers have done outstanding pieces of work that merit recognition and praise. Programs of directed reading, well planned and worthwhile assemblies, vocational guidance, all have been forward steps in effective education.
The following paragraphs are taken from the report of the high school principal:
"The significant feature of the school in 1941 has been its faculty, characterized, as a group, by competence, professional mindedness, and con- scientious effort. Changes in personnel have come and will continue to come under present conditions with the demands that war and industry will make. However, any plans that can be made to hold good teachers and thus avoid the inefficiency occasioned by rapid turnover in personnel, will help in the solution of a problem that is becoming serious in all schools. The strength of any school is in the quality of its teachers, in which respect Memorial High School has been fortunate."
"The loss of submaster Leonard O. Tillson on November twenty third, causes a vacancy which can never be completely filled. Men of his worth are rare in any calling, Mr. Tillson, like Mr. Sampson, will long be remembered for his part in giving Memorial High School the respected position which it holds today. His life of unstinted service, cheerfully given, will be an inspiration to those with whom he worked."
"The absence of any instruction in household arts or mechanical arts is being felt more keenly than ever since there has been such a need for trained persons in these practical fields."
"Dr. Spaulding of Harvard said at the county convention in Brockton last October, "There will be a revision of the curriculum. It is just a question of who will make it.' At the present time the federal govern- ment is making it by offering practical training in the Civilian Conservation Corps and in National Youth Administration schools. The trend toward stronger central control of school systems by the federal government is fraught with considerable danger. The Educational Policies Commission of the National Education Association makes a strong argument in favor of a continuation of the policy of state control of schools even though there may be federal aid. A study of the possibilities for the installation of practical arts courses in the high school is recommended, since without them children cannot now be adequately trained for economic living."
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"Instruction in defense, - protection from the dangers to which civilians are subjected, will be taught as rapidly as the information becomes avail- able. Many pupils are already enrolled in classes outside of school. Some literature is now being received from authoritative sources."
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The Agriculture Department
"In September 1940 Memorial High School added a course in Voca- tional Agriculture to its curriculum. This course under the supervision of the Federal and State Departments of Education is in absolute keeping with the latest trends in education. In the future, there will be less of the cultural and more of the vocational trend in education. (President Conant, Harvard University 1941.)"
The instructor is approved and accredited by the Federal and State Departments of Education. The very modern classroom and the excellent equipment are the direct result of the foresight and generosity of the Peirce Trustees. So up-to-date and well planned and equipped is the classroom, that State representatives have asked for pictures to be used in publications describing the ideal agricultural classroom.
The aim of the course is to train prospective farmers for proficiency in farming. The program is based on the axiom of 'Learning by doing' which is the guiding principle of all Vocational Education.
A total of 17 boys enrolled in September 1940. This number included 8 Freshmen, 4 Sophomores, and 5 juniors. Of this number 14 completed the year and 13 returned in September 1941. One boy transferred to the Bristol County Agricultural School, one moved from town, and 2 were dropped. In September 1941 the enrollment had almost doubled and reached a total of 26 boys (the maximum allowed for a one instructor department) with a waiting list of 12 prospective students.
During the school year the course consists of the following studies:
School Year
50% Agriculture
50% Academic
I Freshmen
Vegetable Gardening Small Fruits Farm Arithmetic
English Physical Education Electives
II Sophomores
Poultry Husbandry Animal Husbandry
English Electives
III Juniors
Orcharding Floriculture
English American History Science Farm Mechanics Electives
IV Seniors
Dairy Farming Advanced Poultry Farm Mechanics Mechanics
English Electives
The courses like every other in the high school curriculum is of four year duration. However, unlike any other course it is also of twelve months duration. All agricultural students are required to work at their
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ultimate profession each summer if they are to complete the course. The primary aim of this work is to obtain skill and experience and develop good work habits. It is based on the principal of the Federal Department of Vocational Education calling for the equivalent of 6 months school work and 6 months practical work each year.
The first summer of placement found all the boys working. The statistics show 10,286 paid hours worked, for a total of $3,302.42 paid. The boys averaged $.32 per hour and a total of $235.84 earned by each for the summer work. Added to this are 8,281 unpaid agricultural hours, by boys working at home, valued at $1,678.27. Added together the figures show an average earning per boy of $355.76. The 14 boys on placement adequately demonstrated that the axiom should be changed to read "Earning and Learning by Doing."
Upon return to school in September the Agricultural Department boys were released from school part-time to assist in the harvesting of local crops. One local farmer stated: "without the aid of the Agricultural Department boys I would have been unable to harvest my crop in good condition. And, incidentally, with their aid my harvest was excellent and the costs were the lowest I have experienced in years." (The boys were paid at the same hourly wage as the men) .
During the school year the department is gradually building a schedule that will give opportunity for the boys to gain experience in doing various farm jobs. The work being primarily aimed at teaching good work habits and acquiring skill in handling tools in preparation for summer place- ment. Incorporated in the course curriculum is 10 weeks practical work in Farm Mechanics in both the Junior and Senior years. This work is under the instruction of Mr. Harold E. Frizzell and the supervision of the Agriculture Instructor. The work is done at the garage of the Nemasket Motors, Inc. and consists of overhauling and repairing farm machinery, especially motor driven machinery. Every boy is given approxi- mately 200 hours of practical mechanical work before he graduates.
The boys of the Agricultural Department compete in Judging Con- tests against schools from all over the State of Massachusetts. These contests result' in many fine educational trips. The first year of the department's existence included trips to:
Mass. State College-Amherst, 2. Bristol County Agricultural School, 2. Waltham Field Station - Waltham, 2.
Brockton Fair. Essex County Fair - Topsfield.
Boston Spring Flower Show - Boston.
Boston Poultry Show - Boston.
This year more trips of educational value will be added as the program of the department begins to function.
The department has an excellent Advisory Board to whom they can turn when in need of help and guidance. The following citizens are members:
Frederick S. Weston - Plymouth Street, Middleboro. G. Ward Stetson - Plympton Street, Middleboro.
Dwight Kinsman - Thompson Street, Middleboro.
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John McNeece - Summer Street, Middleboro. H. Arthur Standish - Thompson Street, Middleboro. N. Merrill Sampson - Main Street, Lakeville. Ernest Shaw - South Carver.
The department's success in its first year is the direct result of the excellent cooperation and guidance received from the State and Federal Departments of Education and their Personnel; the Peirce Trustees; the Advisory Committee; the School Committee; the School Administrators; and the High School Faculty. With such cooperation the department will continue to improve and be of valuable service to the citizens of Middle- bo10.
In the years to come the department will be striving toward the major objectives of developing in each student an effective ability to:
Make a beginning and advance in farming.
Produce farm commodities efficiently.
Market farm products advantageously. Conserve soil and natural resources.
Manage a farm business.
Maintain a favorable environment.
These are major objectives set up by the Federal Department of Edu- cation and if accomplished will insure the future success of Agricultural Education in Middleboro.
Music in the Schools
The program of music in our schools is one of which we may justly be proud. Middleboro schools rank with the best in music among the schools of New England and too much credit cannot be given to the excellent work of our supervisor from whose annual report I quote.
"In previous reports, I have given in detail the methods of teaching music in the public schools and commented upon the achievements of the pupils of the schools in Middleboro. This year my report will show the activities of the music department."
The Bells of Capistrano, an operetta, was presented by the eighth grade. As usual, the audience completely filled the Town Hall auditorium and was very appreciative of the efforts of the young people. The choruses of the operetta were taught during my regular weekly visit to the eighth grade, and Mr. Burkland spent considerable time in perfecting troublesome spots. The dances were taught by Mr. Burkland during the noon hour and the soloists rehearsed with me on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday noon. The dialogue was directed by Mrs. Benson. The scenery used on the stage and many of the costumes were made by the art classes under the direction of Mrs. Matheson and Mrs. Tucker. All of the teachers at Bates School assisted in preparing and presenting this very worthwhile activity. It is worthy to note that the greater part of the operetta is taught during the noon recess."
A group of twelve girls were chosen from the High School Glee Club to take part in a broadcast from radio station WEEI in Boston. This proved to be very interesting and of high educational value.
"Several girls of high scholastic standing, and with above the average musical ability, were given the privilege of singing in the All New England High School Chorus at New London, Conn. in March. Your super- visor was honored in being chosen manager of the chorus."
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"The National Music Week concerts given by all of the pupils in the grades and by those who elected music in the high school, were by far the outstanding events of the year. Each grade teacher was given a musical project which she developed during her daily music class. I want to publicly thank Mrs. Matheson for the excellent costumes which she planned and had made by the children."
"Several pupils of the high school have appeared, under my direction, before the Middleboro Teachers' Association and Memorial High School Parents' Night programs."
This department has been very fortunate in having the assistance of Mr. Russel Cetlin, a recent graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and a resident of Taunton. In addition to routine duties, Mr. Cetlin gave the Seashore Music Proficiency Tests to pupils of the fifth and sixth grades. He was recently appointed Supervisor of Music in the schools of Pittsfield, N. H.
"The Memorial High School Band is now rehearsing during school hours. I am very grateful for this change from evening rehearsal and I am sure that parents of band members were unanimous in their approval. The band has made many public appearances during the year including two basketball games, two football games, Class Day, Massachusetts State Music Festival at Plymouth, National Music Week program and at a defense meeting at one of the local shoe factories."
The band received the highest rating possible at the Plymouth Music Festival being placed in Division One.
The School Street School Band and the Bates School Band played several numbers in the National Music Week programs and also participated in the Memorial Day and Armistice Day parades.
The Memorial High School Orchestra has also made sevaral public appearances including the Senior Class Play, Teachers Play, Massachu- setts State Festival at Plymouth and for Senior Class graduation.
The orchestra likewise received a Division One rating at the Ply- mouth Music Festival.
In the appointment of Mrs. Marion Belmont as teacher of stringed instruments, much has been done to overcome the lack of interest in these very important orchestral instruments. In the past our training group at the School Street School has consisted of two or three students of violin. Today we have twelve children studying the violin at this school.
The New England Music Festival contests were held in Auburn, Maine in May and your supervisor was chosen to judge Class B and C bands. This experience brought out the fact that most of our New England High Schools are endeavoring to develop fine bands on a minimum of time. Comparisons are generally odious, however, we can never develop fine bands and orchestras such as the mid-western states have until more time is given to practice. This is also true of the vocal work. To be specific, our New England high schools in general, are alloting one period of from thirty to sixty minutes per week for chorus, one period for band, and one for orchestra. A few of our high schools have three band re- hearsals and two orchestra rehearsals each week and five periods for a selected choir. At this time, such a plan for Middleboro is out of the question, however, it is worthy of thought.
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Art in the Schools
The purposes of art education in our schools may be stated in these five general statements:
"To enrich the life of the child and develop a love of beauty and harmony.
To satisfy his creative instincts and through the manipulation of tools and materials, develop skills, inclinations, and character.
To develop tastes and appreciation leading to discrimination in the choice of materials used in everyday life which will find expression in more beautiful homes and gardens, parks, playgrounds, and public works.
To provide for the initial training and guidance of those who have exceptional interest, abilities, and capacities in the field of art and who will become artists, architects, sculptors, designers, and craftsmen in the various fields of art, trade, and industry.
To provide a culture leading to a more worthy use of leisure time."
To follow out these purposes a course of study was made this year for each grade through the high school in the following subjects: Design, Color Study, Lettering, Constructive Handwork, Representation, and Ap- preciation.
In planning this course of study consideration was given to the statement of the Federated Council of Art Educators recognizing that "The object of our public schools is the same as the object of the United States itself: Equal right to Life, Liberty, and Happiness."
"Tests were given in April and May in all the schools in Color, Lettering and a memory test (stored observation) of the drawings taught during the year."
"The operetta given by the Bates School boys and girls last February gave the Art Department an excellent opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way the principles taught in art in designing costumes and the stage setting."
"The art classes helped in designing head bands and costumes for every boy and girl taking part in the singing for the National Music Week Festival held in the Town Hall last spring."
"A costume Design Exhibition was held at Bates School last May showing the fine work and interest shown by the eighth grade girls in designing costumes."
"The girls of the Interior Decoration class redecorated the Emergency Room at the high school - it proved to be a very practical and worthwhile project.'
"One hundred and five posters were submitted to the annual poster contest, sponsored by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals last April. Our pupils received 17 First Prizes, 18 Second Prizes and 22 Honorable Mention. These posters were exhibited in Boston Public Library during Be Kind to Animals week.
"The Art Department has helped in making posters for entertainments; stage decorations for school socials, Junior Prom, Senior Banquet, Class Day and Senior Reception. Illustrations and department headings and
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cartoons for the Sachem, designing emblems for the girls' Field Hockey Team, Posters for all athletic games, menu covers and favors for the American Red Cross and decorations of all kinds for the many school and community activities throughout the entire year.
Health in Our Schools
All pupils in our schools have been examined by the school physician assisted by the school nurse and notices have been sent to the homes when defects were found. It is encouraging to note that in response to these notices a large percent of the defects have been corrected. The year was fairly free from contagious disease but mumps and whooping cough were with us as usual.
The Dental Clinic has performed a major service. Only the first two grades can now be examined and only about one hundred children or three hundred pupil-treatments are possible. The great number of the selective service and enlistment rejections because of bad teeth is a definite challenge to our health authorities and clinic work should be extended through the entire school membership.
The Lip Reading Class, financed by the Chandler Ford Fund, has definitely helped those children in attendance and marked interest and much progress in their school subjects has been shown.
The annual Tuberculosis, Retarded Class, Diphtheria Prevention, and Pre-School Clinics have been held with encouraging response from children and parents. Let me urge parents of children who are to enter school in September to present their children at the Pre-School Clinic in May in order that the child may be physically ready for school attendance. This is a free service offered the parents and should be more widely used.
Due to the generosity of our citizens it was possible to serve free milk to the underweight and undernourished children during the winter months. A total of 10,349 bottles of free milk were served to these children and milk was also delivered to suburban schools for hot lunches during noon and recess periods.
In December the hearing of the children of grades five and ten was tested with the Audiometer. Nine new children were discovered to have a serious hearing loss and parents were duly notified.
Periodic examination of all children has been made by the school nurse, height and weight recorded and general condition noted.
Battis Field
On Saturday, November eighth, the School Committee dedicated the lower football field with appropriate exercises and a football victory over the visiting Dartmouth High School team.
A brief history of the field shows that in response to a request the Board of Selectmen of Middleboro, on September 20, 1939, granted a twenty year permit to the local School Committee to enclose, with the exclusive right and privilege to use, a portion of the premises leased to the town by the Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce.
Construction of the playing surface was started with NYA and student labor under the supervision of Mr. Battis. An enclosing fence was made possible by the Trustees of the Pierce estate and all home games were played on the field during the season of 1940.
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During the summer of 1941 the field house was moved to the area from the hockey rink and will be developed for the serving of refreshments and the convenience of patrons at the games.
Also during the summer of 1941, with some lumber from the old Union Street School, and some financial help from the Trustees, the bleachers on the west side of the field were constructed by Mr. Battis. A press box has been built above the top row of bleachers for the accom- modation of the press and the operation of the public address system in assisting patrons in following the progress of the games.
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