USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1944 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
In the year 1933 there were 142 children born in the town, in the year just passed 253 children were born, an increase of 78%. To state it in another way, there have been more children born in the last five years in Middleboro than in the 7 years previous to 1939. As in Marriages the number of children born and recorded in Middleboro from outside towns is balanced by the number of children of Middleboro parents born in outside hospitals.
66
The Birth Table
1933
142
1934
163
1935
141
1936
162
1937
164
1938
188
1939
215
1940
229
1941
199
1942
238
1943
253
1944 (Oct. 1)
169
This increase in births has already been felt in the enrollment in the schools for even with the boys taken from High School for armed service and essential war work the present enrollment of 1,649 is 46 more than that of last year. This increase of about 112 classrooms has been absorbed with existing classes. It will be im- possible to absorb the certain increases of the next few years with- out additional classroom space.
The Birth Table would indicate an increase of about one class- room a year for the next six years and perhaps longer. This is the condition that must be met with additional space and teachers or our children will be on a part-time schedule and much of their educational opportunity lost forever.
Accumulative Enrollment. The accumulation of enrollment over the years needs careful study. If for the next six or more years an extra classroom of children is added on the lower end of the sys- tem and only the normal graduating class is dropped each year from the upper end of the system there will result a definite crowded condition pushing up through the entire twelve years.
The Accumulative Enrollment Table
1
2 £
3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 Sp.Cl. Total
1944 .... 160 161 161 147 133 130 128 137 147 127 115
87
15 1648
1945 .... 206 160 161 161 147 133 130 128 137 147 127 115
18 1770
1946 .... 220 206 160 161 161 147 133 130 128 137 147 127
18 1875
1947 .... 192 220 206 160 161 161 147 133 130 128 137 147
18 1940
1948 .... 228 192 220 206 160 161 161 147 133 130 128 137
18 2021
1949
242 228 192 220 206 160 161 161 147 133 130 128
18 2126
Post-graduates in the High School have not been taken into consideration due to the usual small number. The size of the Special Class is limited by the State Department of Education at 18. It is very probable that with the increased numbers a second Special Class of children three or more years mentally retarded will have to be formed but of course these are already included in the enroll- ment. It does mean, however, that an additional room must be pro- vided for the small group. This is prescribed by the Laws of Mass- achusetts and there is no alternative.
67
At the end of the next six years there will be an increase in the total enrollment of about 478 children. As these larger groups progress through the grades the overcrowded conditions will first appear in the Primary Grades, then in the Middle Grades, next in the Junior High grades, and finally in the Senior High School. The Senior High School building itself will be overcrowded when these large entering classes reach that school in successive years. Their number will of course be smaller than at entrance due to normal elimination but with the normal loss it is even probable that the Freshmen will have to be housed outside of that building and the town school system put into a 6-3-3 instead of 6-2-4 plan.
From the above statistics it is plain that long-term planning is necessary and should be given careful attention, however, the prob- lem is immediate and must be provided for without delay. The children have been born and will be ready for an education almost too soon. Their process of education cannot be delayed.
"There are deadlines all through life. We are all working to. meet them. Parents, perhaps more than anyone else, should be conscious of deadlines. Teachers are members of a profession that is entirely built upon a concept of meeting deadlines. Children who are two years old today will be three a year from today. We must give them what they need while they are two, three will be too late.
Today, at two, there are bones to strengthen, teeth to make, bodies to build, habits to form. Tomorrow will be too late to do what should have been done today, for tomorrow will demand to- morrow's needs which must be met then.
An aeroplane plant builds up backlogs of orders; we cannot build up a backlog of needs for children. Children are not made of steel and plastics and plywood. Things are happening to children every minute of their lives. You can't stack them up in a corner to await your good time to put together the parts that make their lives. While they are waiting they are growing and needing things. There's the deadline. A day too late in our ministering to a child's needs is just as hopeless as a lost minute when you have missed a train.
Deadlines are good. They make us alert, efficient, and ingenius. They develop discipline and judgment. Let us welcome the deadline, not rail against it. Let us give children the skills, the habits, the philosophies they are ready to assimilate today, for tomorrow there will be others they will need, and they will have today's strength to build upon."
Our Elementary Grades
The enrollment in our elementary grades has shown an in- crease to date of twenty-five children over that of last year. Be- cause of this it was necessary to transfer all sixth grades from School Street School to the Bates School. By adjustment and in- creasing teacher-pupil load no additional teachers were necessary. A clerk, however, was provided the principal to relieve him of the added clerical work and allow him added time for classroom super- vision.
Under the guidance of Mr. Abbott, principal of School Street School, a study is being made of new Arithmetic texts for the
68
grades and our adoption will probably be made for the new school year in September.
Owing to the small number enrolled in the Waterville School that building was not opened in September. These children are now attending the central schools.
The Junior Red Cross work, 4-H Club work, and pupil partici- pation in community war effort has been outstanding.
Minute Man flags, indicating 90% of the children buying war stamps during the month, are flying from most of our flag poles. During the calendar year, the schools have sold $33,861.50 in war stamps and bonds which is an excellent record.
Our High School (from the report of Lindsay J. March, Principal)
The influence of the war upon the school began to be felt two years ago. During the past year its effect has increased steadily, particularly in the rapid turn-over of teachers. The losses in con- tinuity in teaching, administration, and guidance caused by too rapid a change of teachers tends to lower the effectiveness of the school generally, and places extra burdens on the veterans of the staff.
The administration is continually at work to improve the serv- ices of the school to young men and women who have entered or may enter government service. Diplomas were awarded as of June 14, 1944, to the following boys in service: William F. Gaudette, Lawrence N. Holmes, John J. Murdoch Jr., David Pimentel, Phillip K. L. Robertson, and Bruce M. Surrey A diploma as of the class of 1943 was awarded to Paul Hodsdon.
Persons now in service who wish to take advantage of the provisions of the so-called "G. I." bill for the privilege of free ed- ucation after the war, may secure information and guidance from the principal, relative to schools which they may be eligible to at- tend later. Pupils now in school and who are to be called into serv- ice or who may enlist are advised to maintain records that will qualify them to enter the schools of their choice at government expense after the war. Decisions as to schools to be attended should be made before pupils leave high school. Parents are welcome at anytime to come to the school to talk over future plans of their children.
The war has stimulated trends in curriculum revision that have been apparent in recent years. Unless provision is made for some type of shop training for boys and home economics for girls, Mem- orial High School will not compare at all favorably with the schools in similar communities after the war.
There are some fields of instructon of a special nature for which no special preparation is available in teacher training insti- tutions, or in which a new teacher cannot be effective until he or she is thoroughly acquainted with the community, the school sys- tem, and the pupils. The school has suffered in the loss of teachers who had begun to be especially effective in such fields. Curriculum revision is a problem requiring the help of heads of departments
69
and of experienced teachers, many of whom have been lost to the school recently.
Since no two high schools are organized in exactly the same manner, it takes time to find persons having the peculiar combina- tions of training, ability, and interests to fill the needs of particular positions and to become efficient in functioning in such positions. Unfortunately, several of the recent changes have been in positions for which teachers of particular talents had been selected with special care and who had begun to be unusually effective.
While it is to be expected that teachers will always be seeking promotion, every means available should be used to retain the teachers in key positions who contribute so markedly to the func- tioning of the faculty as a trained and balanced staff.
Progress has been made during 1944 in the expansion of the general health program of the school. Miss Catherine Thompson now is able to give full time to a survey of the general health needs of all pupils. Her work as teacher of the physical education classes for girls comprises only a portion of her duties. Miss Thompson's training at Simmons College and her experience in the Massachu- setts Department of Health make her especially well fitted for her work.
The facilities for providing a suitable health program for girls, which have been so limited in the present building, are now being somewhat improved. More space can be made available and more suitable conditions made possible by some reconstruction of the basement rooms.
Progress has also been made in the guidance program in the school. The Dean of Girls, Miss Arline Merrill, has extended her duties to include educational guidance for all girls to which she is giving considerable time each day, relieving the principal of this responsibility and to which he could give only limited time.
The testing programs of two established testing services, one a test of general educational development and the other vocational guidance tests, to which the school department has subscribed, are proving to be very effective.
The organization by Mr. Sturtevant of a chapter of the Future Farmers of America, to which boys in the agricultural department may belong, is extending the services of the school to boys inter- ested in agriculture.
In spite of teacher changes, shortages in supplies, outside em- ployment of pupils, and the many other influences of war times that have tended to retard the smooth functioning of the school, satisfactory standards have been retained in instruction and in the general administration of the school. This has been made pos- sible by the co-operation of a staff of teachers who have a real professional interest in the school.
Agriculture in Our Schools
(from the report of Jack Sturtevant, Instructor)
In the four short years of the existence of the Agricultural Department at Memorial High School, the boys enrolled have com- piled an outstanding record of achievement in war time service.
70
The department has shown a continued growth reaching in 1943-44 an enrollment of 31 members and was by far the largest of the State's one instructor units. In the past three war years, these boys have answered the call for food production by working on the farms of Middleboro and surrounding communities. The statistics compiled by the agricultural instructor show a total of 77,790 hours of farm work performed by these boys which is the equivalent of 9,724 man days on the farm. Their combined earnings of $29,353.13, accrued by working for farmers, and of $7,864.24 for goods produced at home show a total of $37,217.27 earned. The year 1943-44 witnessed the reaching of top figures by the boys in working time and in income. $14,000 was earned for over 29,000 hours of work while many bushels, quarts, and pounds of food were being produced.
The boys, with the aid of other pupils enrolled at Memorial High School, compiled an excellent record of cooperation with farmers in need of help. On September 12, 1944, the instructor re- ceived a letter supporting this fact, part of which is as follows:
"I wish to inform you that the Farm Labor Program in this county is extremely grateful to you for the work that your boys and girls have done on the farms in the Middleboro area. It is certainly reflected in the fact that we have received very few requests for youths from your area. I am sure no other section in Plymouth County has had the advantage of high school cooperation that has been present in Middleboro.
Frank F. White, Emergency Farm Labor Assistant"
The boys of the department answered emergency calls of farmers to harvest apples before the hurricane struck, to salvage silage corn crushed by the hurricane, to maintain poultry blood -. testing schedules in the Middleboro area, to harvest crops, and many other calls that were urgent. Many of the boys, in addition to working on farms and doing chores at home were also among the first volunteer to help in picking up paper and other salvage materials in the local scrap drive.
However, they have not stopped with the home front. The farmer students of the department are compiling an excellent record in the armed services. These boys, temporarily diverted from agriculture to assume a grim task that must be done, have done much to disprove the theory that there is any marked differ- ence in ability to achieve based on the type of course one takes in school. Three of those in the armed services have succeeded in army and navy college training programs and are well on their way to success as aviators and officers. Others have fought and are fighting valiantly in foreign countries. The following is a partial list of the former students and their present situation and record:
Marines
Ernest C. Charron-Wounded at Tarawa, Guadalcanal veteran, Purple Heart, Presidential citation.
Charles Lindstrom-Pacific Theatre.
Army
Harold Dunham Jr .- Missing in action in France.
William Belrose-Active duty in France.
71
David Pimentel-Air cadet, officer candidate. Donald Bowles-Air cadet, officer candidate.
David S. Hurd-Training in Artillery (animal pack).
Navy
Vernon Brooks-Convoy duty, Armed Guard. Henry D. Gates-Convoy duty, Armed Guard. Roger Quelle-Convoy duty, Armed Guard. Joseph MacAllister-Air Cadet, officer candidate.
Anthony Belmont-Training in Gunnery School. John Shaw-Training in Mechanics.
During the year the boys of the department organized the first chapter in Plymouth County of the largest organization of high school boys in America; namely, the Future Farmers of America. This organization with chapters in every state in the union already aiding to develop the boys for better citizenship. The boys have taken an active interest in the development of the chapter; they have adopted, and are in many cases wearing, the official jacket of the organization. The members have conducted one successful trip to Boston to see the Red Sox play, and they have held their first annual Father and Son Banquet. Many ac- tivities are planned for the future. One of the first items on the agenda for the new year is the honoring of all former members now in the armed services by making them honorary members of the chapter. Another item is that of compiling an honor roll. The boys as a group are looking forward to welcoming these former students back home and having them take part in their functions.
The agricultural room has continued to improve both in attrac- tiveness and usefulness. This past year has seen the addition of added blackboard space; new and colorful Future Farmers of America banners in blue and gold; satin drapes for officers' chairs; symbols of the organization, such as a model ear of corn, a blinking owl, and other Future Farmers of America equipment. The de- partment library has been enlarged with new reference books and will continue to grow to meet the demands and needs of the stu- dents. These features have all contributed to make the room a more colorful and pleasant place in which to work.
The department is justly proud of its room, equipment, the character of the boys it graduates, its Future Farmers of America chapter, and above all the outstanding record of war service in agriculture, community service on the home front, and accomplish- ment, courage, and valor on the battle front.
Music in Our Schools
(from the report of Luther Churchill, Supervisor)
In vocal music our pupils are receiving a course which enables them to understand the art of singing. This includes an appreciation of music by developing their ability to sing with good tone, good expression and enunciation. Much of the time devoted to music is used in teaching the pupils to read music fluently. In the lower grades much time is spent in the treatment of monotones.
Music at Bates School continues to occupy a conspicuous part of the program. The eighth grade presented the operetta "King Koko" by Ira B. Wilson before a capacity audience in the Town Hall. Mr. Burkland adapted the operetta to the conditions re-
72
quired for staging so that each member of the eighth grade class had a part in the play. It is a privilege, indeed, to work with Mr. Burkland in the presentation of the annual operetta.
The glee clubs at the High School have reached such propor- tions that it is difficult to carry out a regular program. Each of the clubs receive about twenty minutes actual singing time. The boys club numbers about 125 and the girls club about 275. Their interest in singing is manifested by the number electing glee club.
Due to the changes made in housing the sixth grade, a new class of instrumental pupils at the School Street School was start- ed. Much to my surprise, the class is the largest I have ever had. In the past, I have started this group of heterogeneous instruments as a unit, however, due to the variety of instruments and the size of the class I found it necessary to divide the class into small groups of like instruments. Mrs. Marion Belmont is teaching a class of twelve violins.
The Bates School band and orchestra continues to function as in the past. Rehearsals are held every week and several public appearances were made. This year the band has grown to such proportions that rehearsals are being held in the shop. Fifty new folding chairs were purchased for the band and are kept in the shop.
The Memorial High School band and orchestra rehearse each week and have made many public appearances. The outstanding event of the year was the annual band concert given in the Town Hall. A large audience attended the performance and were lavish in their praise of the young musicians. We were honored in having Mr. Robert Gibb, of Dedham, Massachusetts, in the audience. Mr. Gibb is a noted composer and attended the concert to hear one of his latest compositions.
Art in Our Schools (from the report of Sylvia G. Matheson, Supervisor)
"As Michelangelo laid aside his brush and chisel to design and construct fortifications for his native Florence, so may we turn for the duration to functional art service with the trust that each one of us has helped to keep art alive in the hands and hearts of young people for the civilization we are hoping to save."
The emphasis in Art Education in our schools this past year has been based on the premise that every child know the import- ance of art in their lives. They recognize that it is essential every- where; in the home; the school; the community. They realize that it is integral with life and arises out of universal human needs. Art is inseparable from normal living as indicated by the simple fact that it is natural to want to improve the appearance of things. It is a part of life that must function with life. There- fore, our schools have recognized the importance of art and have built into the program activities that have made the children sensitive to the art aspects of ordinary, everyday living.
Although much of the art skill developed during this period has been related to the war program, benefits will extend to peace- time since more people are becoming art conscious.
Designing a symbol for the United Nations flag was carried out in the fourth grade through the High School art classes last
73
spring. The boys and girls undertook to design a symbol emblem- atic of the ties of freedom and justice which bind the thirty-two nations.
The project involved the study of symbolism and color. As symbols are the language `of the emotions. Symbols know no bar- rier of continent or country. The world over, symbols speak in terms of the emotions which are common to mankind. Ine study also necessitated a knowledge and understanding of the habits, customs, religion, literature, history, and arts of other peoples. The symbol which was produced was emblematic of world unity and lasting peace. There were over four hundred designs submitted.
Some day their efforts will come to fruition in the choice of a flag, by whatever instrumentality may then seem best, which will become a spiritual symbol of unity throughout freedom-loving nations.
This project proved most interesting especially in the High School.
It is most interesting to note that Mrs. Roger S. Forbes of Marion, Massachusetts was the one to present this idea of design- ing a United Nations flag to the schools of the United Nations.
The Art Bazaar that was held a year ago last spring which raised a $1,000 for the benefit of the Junior Red Cross War Ac- tivities Fund has received acclaim in many educational magazines throughout the country as an outstanding art achievement in the war effort.
A Fashion Show was presented last spring in the High School auditorium by the Girls' League which created considerable interest to the members of the Girls' League, their parents and friends. The models were the girls of the Costume Design class.
One of the outstanding features was a dress designed and made by each girl. One of the problems during the year was to design and make a dress not to exceed over one dollar. It was amazing what practical dresses were created by them and how much they gained by such a worthwhile project especially in conservation in war time.
The operetta given by Bates School boys and girls, last April gave the art department an excellent opportunity to demonstrate, in a practical way, the principles taught in Art in designing some of the costumes and panels for the stage setting.
The Art Department of the High School helped in making War Bond posters, stage decorations for the Junior Prom, senior play, banquet and the reception; also decorations of all kinds for the many school and community activities throughout the entire year.
The High School art classes now total a membership of 160 pupils. Since more time has been given to these classes there is a notable improvement in their work, with many showing excep- tional talent. Because of being deeply interested in the develop- ment of boys and girls it is a cause for deep rejoicing that at last such a program has been produced.
74
Health in Our Schools
(from the report of Helen B. Pasztor, R.N., School Nurse)
The regular yearly examination of all school pupils has been conducted by the School Physician assisted by the School Nurse. All defects were noted and parents duly notified. Again let me urge parents to take serious notice of these warnings and contact the family physician for a more thorough check. A defect cor- rected now may prevent a serious condition in later life.
Particular attention was given this year to examination of the skin due to a report of the Health Department that Impetigo and Ring Worm of the scalp had been reported. Practically no cases of either were found in the examination.
The annual Milk Fund Tag Day was held in October and the largest amount ever was collected. This will allow the schools to serve more undernourished children with milk than in previous years.
Our Lip Reading class, financed by the Chandler Ford Fund, continues to give help to those children with serious hearing de- fects, and successful regular school advancement results. This is one of the most valuable classes in our school system and is open to all whose hearing is defective.
Our Teaching Staff
The teacher turn-over during the year has been particularly. heavy in the high school and replacements are steadily growing harder to find.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.