USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1949 > Part 7
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Veteran Institutional On-Farm Training continued at full enroll- ment until the cranberry growers' income from the fall harvest showed lower returns. However, since there is still a waiting list, more students are being accepted.
The general decline in farm prices has altered the marketing of poultry products for some veterans and each has had to revamp his former plans to meet the squeeze that many farmers are experiencing at present.
Fire disaster and poultry diseases have hampered the progress of two veterans, but these misfortunes only made them more deter- mined to make a success of their projects. Dairy students increased numbers as cranberry students decreased to the lowest enrollment in three years.
As with the day school students, we are working at a terrific disadvantage since we do not have shop facilities to train the veterans in farm mechanics and carpenter work which would enable them to operate their farms at a lower cost and much more efficiently. The farms are rapidly becoming mechanized and we must train the students to make their own repairs and do a large amount of their own main- tenance work themselves.
THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (from the report of Henry E. Battis, Supervisor)
A recent nationwide survey on the values of a physical education program points out that not enough emphasis is being placed on the "carry over" sports, such as tennis, golf, skiing, swimming, etc.,; activ- ities in which a person can keep himself physically fit and experience the spirit of competition, without having to organize large groups into teams and leagues in order to do so. Too many young men and
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ANNUAL REPORT
women who have been participating in a physical program while in school find themselves in their early twenties graduated into the everyday walk of life where a similar program is impractical, if not impossible. As a result they become "soft" in a very short time. Experience has shown that at this age and with less leisure time the average individual isn't interested enough to learn from "scratch" some new sport. Much of this could be prevented if in the shortened periods of time one finds for recreation the individual could partici- pate rather than spend the time organizing.
This past year the Physical Education Department attempted to incorporate in the program more individual work through some of the "carry over" sports. The most successful results were with tennis. Although classes were conducted on a voluntary basis, each gym class had some representation, and some of them taxed the facilities available. Results were shown by a constant demand for courts after school all spring. The value of this type of program is clearly evident, but it must be remembered that too much emphasis cannot be placed on this type of program without detracting from the numer- ous advantage gained through a group game program.
Another inducement for individuals to better themselves is the addition to the list of self testing activities. There are now 12 tests for boys and 8 for girls, records of which are carefully kept so that gym classes and grades can be compared with one another or with other years and most, important, individuals can keep track of their own improve- ment. This incentive creates an interest in the program which, added to the interest created by a careful record of all team and league standings makes 99% of the pupils look forward to the physical education class. A certificate, presented each boy on graduation, with a four year record of all his physical education accomplishments is another innovation adding further inducement and interest.
Through the competent leadership of Mr. Farley, Mr. Kunces and Miss Bartlett in the high school and Mr. Rando in the Bates School, the program is functioning better than ever before. Yet, it is impossible to accomplish so many necessary things, due to inadequate facilities.
The chief concern is a lack of gymnasium space. The only indoor play area in our entire school system is at the high school. In the past few years, a program at the Bates School has proven itself of of untold value, yet, it has to be given up completely whenever out- door facilities become impossible, or, in other words, for at least 50% of the school year. The one gymnasium is so small that even with overcrowded classes neither junior nor senior girls can be accom- modated. The athletic program is also seriously handicapped by these cramped quarters. If the available time were divided evenly among the boys and girls who are desirous of using the gymnasium afternoons, the time allotted to each group would only amount to 15 minutes. If it were not for the splendid cooperation of the Y. M. C. A., an indoor program for both the freshmen and the Bates School would be out of the question.
The next most pressing need is for more locker room space. With only freshmen and sophomore girls taking gym, it is necessary to assign at least two girls to each locker. The boys' locker room is really a corridor, artificially lighted, with no ventilation nor place
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ANNUAL REPORT
to sit down. The recommended area for locker rooms is 20 square feet per individual. The present space varies with the size of the class from 6 feet to 10 feet per individual.
Locker space for our athletic teams is likewise a problem. There is no such space for visiting teams. The conditions are not only overcrowded, but equipment kept in the lockers is often wet from one end of the season to the other. The equipment room is such that all the equipment must be moved back and forth to the attic in order to keep it from spoiling. This same equipment room is the first aid room. It is the only place where a boy taken ill in school may be kept until arrangements can be made to take him home. Normally, he would come in contact with eight or ten other boys every period he remains there, making the chances of an epidemic quite possible.
THE ART PROGRAM (from the report of Sylvia G. Matheson, Supervisor)
"Because the soul is progressive, it never quite repeats itself, but in every act attempts the production of a new and fairer whole. Thus in our fine arts, not imitation, but creation is our aim." Emerson.
The ultimate aim in Art Education this past year was to develop a complete and rounded personality. How did the Art Education Program contribute to this goal? I believe that its most important contribution was in making the student of art realize that he must (1) observe keenly and react vividly; (2) develop memory and imagi- nation; (3) exercise judgement and discrimination; (4) express ideas courageously and logically; and (5) construct with power and with vision. The student who acquired these abilities through active classroom practice will be well equipped to confront the opportunities that present themselves after high school and will regard them as a challenge, for he has a foundation for independent judgement that will serve him well.
Curiosity, imagination and inventiveness have been aroused by the new course of study introduced this past year. The New Art Education course of study and Teachers' Reference by E. Ruffini and H. Knapp of Columbia University has been used in Grades One thru twelve. New Art Education is a complete art course. The method of art education was devoted to individual development, to the home, school and community. Every lesson was based on an interest and fulfilled a need. The lessons planned from this course of study stimulated growth of every individual student and developed his innate capacity for expression in the environment in which he lives.
New Art Education presented many initial ideas for projects and activities. When these were interpreted and expressed by individual students, each working in his own way, possibilities for expression became almost limitless. Every suggested activity was soundly conceived to stimulate original thinking on the part of the student. Every craft problem stressed art quality (design) color, good work- manship, and practical use.
Seven art students of Memorial High School entered the Art Contest sponsored by the Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition at Boston. Three of the students received the certificate of merit and a gold key.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Their paintings were sent to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One was selected as a "show piece" in the National Scholarship Art Awards at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is now on display there.
A series of exhibitions of the work of pupils in Grades One to Five in Art Correlation was held in all the elementary schools last May. These exhibitions showed how art contributes in teaching the other subjects where mind pictures needed to be clarified.
In October, the Art Department sponsored a Fine Arts Exhibition consisting of one hundred fifty reproductions of famous paintings. The purpose in sponsoring this exhibition was to give the citizens and the boys and girls an opportunity to see and to appreciate authentic reproductions of the outstanding work produced by famous artists.
"The Massachusetts Teacher", the official organ of the Massa- chusetts Teachers' Federation, which is published monthly from October to May inclusive, and goes into the schools throughout the state, had for its cover illustration for December issue a picture of eight boys and girls of the School Street School holding examples of their art work displayed last May demonstrating and correlation of art to their other subjects. The caption on the picture, "Art Work and Smiling Youngsters at the School Street School, Middleboro."
Five students from the Memorial High School graduating class of 1949 are attending art schools. This is quite a large percentage for a town of this size and shows the growth of art interest.
The Christmas decorations which adorned the Town Hall were painted by the students of the Senior Art Class of Memorial High School. The decorations consisted of three large panels depicting the birth of Christ. These brilliantly colored panels filled the opening of the eastern entrance to the Town Hall. They resembled stained glass windows. On the balcony above were five carol singers in colorful costumes. The excellent work done by the pupils brought much joy to the people of the community in the message that it portrayed. The Art Department has grown into a workshop not only for the progress of the students but for help and enjoyment of the people in the community.
The secret of real success comes when a few are truly ready to give themselves in service, not counting the cost to self but caring only for the advance of the larger group. We all need to dedicate ourselves in taking a real interest and in devoting a sincere loyalty to the ever expanding needs of the youth of today."
THE MUSIC PROGRAM (from the report of Luther Churchill, Supervisor)
For many years our New England High School administrators have followed a custom regarding the music courses which they offer their high school students which in antiquated. It is not uncommon to find a high school which doesn't offer any music courses during the school day, therefore, the music supervisor must carry on a very limited program with rehearsals scheduled for afternoons or evenings. Such was the case when I first came to Middelboro in 1938. Band rehearsals were held Monday evenings, orchestra rehearsals were
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ANNUAL REPORT
scheduled for Tuesday afternoons and one period each week was allotted to a reahearsal of the Glee Club. In 1949 all of the music classes were held during school hours with the band, orchestra and voice class meeting once each week for fifty minutes, four periods each week devoted to music appreciation classes, and the a cappella choir rehearsed daily for forty minutes. All of these groups are under the direction of the Supervisor of Music. Classes in music at the Bates School are taught during the regularly scheduled school day except the orchestra which meets after school on Wednesday.
One is immediately impressed with the opportunities which the Music Department offers. In 1938 many of the students who came to school in busses weren't given the opportunity to carry on their musical activities after they reached high school. Today all students are given equal opportunity whether they want to sing or play an instrument.
Under the title of "Highlights", I should place first the activities of the a cappella choir. They have sung many programs during the year, but the most outstanding achievement came on October 21 when they sang for the Teachers' Convention in Brockton. This concert was, without doubt, an outstanding performance. Many complimentary letters have been received from those in attendance and the choir has been invited to sing at assemblies in several district high schools.
Another highlight which should be mentioned is the New England Festival Concert in Wellesley where eighteen of our young people participated with other outstanding music students from New England. It is of interest to note that two of our students, playing in the orchestra, were given solo parts.
The singing books being used in the grades were bought in 1929 and have been used continuously ever since. Some have had to be replaced but as a whole they are in very bad condition.
I should like to recommend the construction of two small dressing rooms in the attic at the high school to be used by the band members when they try on their uniforms. At present a very undesirable situation exists which should be remedied. This would also facilitate the issuing of the band uniforms.
I should like to recommend that new singing books be purchased for all grades up to and including the seventh grade at Bates School. The greatest need at the present time is at the Pleasant Street and South Middleboro Schools where these children are using books published many years ago and which are not suited to present day teaching methods.
My last recommendation is one which may not be necessary this year but should be thought about as a future need. The work of the Supervisor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music involves a tremendous amount of time and is becoming more and more difficult for one person to attend to properly. As an example, in order to maintain a balance in the high school band, it is necessary for me to teach the larger instruments such as mellophones, baritones and basses. At the present time, I am teaching a student to play a baritone horn at the high school and this lesson is given on Tuesday mornings at 7:45. I have a boy who would like to play a bass horn, and I shall
6
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ANNUAL REPORT
have to teach this lesson on Wednesday mornings before band rehearsal. I have three students waiting for me to find time to teach them to play mellophones which are a necessity in a well balanced band. A senior who intends to enter Boston University College of Music next September should be given a review of the theory of music, harmony, ear training and other phases of music education which she needs for her entrance examination, and it is difficult for me to find the time when this can be done. These conditions are but a small part of the many problems with which I am faced, and it becomes more and more apparent that I should have an assistant in the Music Department so that this work could be properly accomplished. It is not my desire to separate the two departments as I feel strongly that a closely coordinated vocal and instrumental program produces results which cannot be attained in any other manner.
HEALTH PROTECTION
(from the report of Ila P. Jackson, School Nurse)
The annual physical examinations as required by law were given to all children by Dr. A. Vincent Smith with the assistance of the School Nurse.
The past year has been marked by a low incidence of communicable diseases in the schools. Anti-Diphtheria Clinics were held and 146 school children immunized. Eighty third grade pupils and 386 Bates School pupils were given the Massachusetts Vision Test and 250 boys at Memorial High School were given the Massachusetts Pure Tone Hearing Test. Audiometer testing is done at such times as the machine is made available.
Our Lip Reading Class continues to do its excellent work although membership is only two at the present time.
Home instruction, as required by law, is being given the Physically Handicapped unable to attend school. Three children are receiving such instruction.
The collection of $427.15 in contributions to the Milk Fund allowed the free distribution of 8,276 bottles of milk. A total of 44,336 bottles were used during the year.
One thousand eight hundred sixty-four children have been cared for at the office, 63 more treated at the schools, 23 treated at doctor's office, and 102 taken or sent home from school during the year. Many home visits and consultations have been held with parents that the health of their child might be protected.
Teachers Changes
There were only two resignations in 1949. Four teachers were added to the Union Street School faculty due to the two platoon classes. Withdrawals:
Elliot R. Allen ( leave of absence), Memorial High School Margaret H. Ryder, Memorial High School, resigned Doris M. Wright, Bates School, resigned
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ANNUAL REPORT
Appointments:
Laureat J. Bernard, Memorial High School Ruth A. Cushing, Union Street School
Ruth M. Doyle, Bates School
Ethel H. Manwaring (temporary), Union Street School
Anna W. Panza (temporary), Union Street School
Alban Richey III, Memorial High School
Lillian R. Rudolph, West Side School
Transfers:
Margaret A. Begley from West Side School to Union Street School.
In Conclusion
The spirit of cooperation of the teaching staff in meeting the prob- lems of the school housing shortage, the broken schedules, the platoon classes, the oversized classes, and general deficiencies has been most gratifying. All have adjusted themselves willingly and efficiently.
I believe, also, that the parents who have had to make many adjustments and have had to suffer many inconveniences should be congratulated and praised for their part in making the platoon plan work smoothly. It is hoped these conditions may not exist long.
In closing, may I recommend a careful reading and study of the Financial Report that immediately follows this section that you may better appreciate the State Aid for Public Schools Act, effective for the first time this year.
Respectfully yours, J. STEARNS CUSHING,
Superintendent of Schools.
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
Seldom do taxpayers look at the Receipts in any Financial Report. However, both sides of the ledger are equally important as both influence the NET COST in any department.
It should be of interest that the Receipts of the School Department in 1949 were over one hundred thousand dollars, and nearly twice that of 1948. In the main, this is due to the new State Aid for Public Schools Act of 1948 for Middleboro received an increase of $42,457.00 from the new Act. This Act was passed by the Legislature with the express purpose of aiding the taxpayer in carrying the burden of increased costs in education.
A comparison of the figures in the Financial Report below shows that the cost to the local taxpayer for public schools has actually not increased over 1948 but has decreased, even with greated expenditures, by $30,040.77.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Receipts
1948 $16,950.00
1949
General School Fund, Chap. 70, Part I, G. L.
State Aid for Public Schools, Chap. 643 G. L.
$ 59,407.00
State Transportation Reimbursement, Chap. 71, Sec. 7a, G. L.
14,625.99
17,722.28
Tuition, State and City Wards
3,759.22
2,790.87
Tuition, Outside Towns
10,282.45
16,450.09
Federal Aid, George-Barden Fund
5,020.67
4,625.00
Federal Aid, Smith-Hughes Fund
62.50
281.48
Other Receipts
60.00
431.63
Vocational Agriculture Reimbursement
1,478.06
1,959.55
Vocational Tuition Reimbursement
236.68
373.37
Total Receipts
$52,475.57 $104,041.27
Disbursements
Salaries
$199,488.76 $211,310.22
Transportation
25,115.74
29,399.92
Textbooks
4,199.88
4,499.82
Physical Education Program
999.17
1,000.00
Fuel
7,799.70
9,005.28
Light, Power and Water
3,221.91
3,281.38
Supplies
4,997.04
5,248.37
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds
3,477.75
1,898.98
Tuition
1,194.81
1,556.58
All Other Expenses
1,776.05
1,923.12
Repair of Buildings (Town Manager)
6,665.97
6,969.02
George-Barden Fund
4,093.82
5,060.05
Smith-Hughes Fund
456.33
62.50
Truck
1,773.32
Science Equipment
1,500.00
Total Disbursements
$263,486.93 $284,488.56
Summary
1948
Total Disbursements
$263,486.93
Total Receipts
52,475.57
NET COST IN '48
$211,011.36
1949
Total Disbursements
$284,488.56
Total Receipts
104,041.27
NET COST IN '49
$180,447.29
Net Cost of Public Schools 1948
$211,011.36
Net Cost of Public Schools 1949
180,447.29
Actual Decrease in Net Cost
$30,564.07
Statistics for the School Year 1948-1949
School
Number of
Teachers
Number of
Enrolled
Pupils
Enrolled
Average
Daily
Attendance
Average
Daily
Membership
Percent of
Attendance
Memorial High School
27
528
67
483.5
501.6
96.4
Grade XII
110
Grade XI
132
Grade X
136
Grade IX
147
Post Graduates
3
Bates School
14
407
5
391.0
406.4
96.3
Grade VIII
117
Grade VII
139
Grade VI
151
School Street School
9
314
4
296.7
315.2
94.1
Grade V
39
Grade V
38
Grade V
37
Grade IV
39
Grade IV
39
Grade IV
37
Grade III
42
Grade III
43
Union Street School
9
284
0
254.2
278.1
91.4
Grade III
38
Grade II
29
Grade II
28
Grade II
28
Grade II
28
Grade I
33
Grade I
34
Grade I
33
Grade I
33
West Side School
4
85
2
79.1
83.1
95.1
Grade V
14
Grade IV
16
Grade III
18
Grade II
19
Grade I
18
Flora M. Clark School
2
51
0
48.9
51.6
94.8
Grade II
24
Grade I
27
Pleasant Street School
1
36
0
34.9
35.7
97.9
Grade VI (9) V (14) IV (13)
Plymouth Street School
1
41
0
36.2
38.5
94.3
Grade III (14) II (11) I (16)
Pratt Free School
1
15
0
13.3
13.5
98.8
Grade VIII (8) VII (7)
1
40
4
35.3
39.3
90.1
Grade II (17) I (23)
South Middleboro School 1
25
3
25.1
25.9
96.7
Grade V (7) IV (10)
III (8)
Totals
70
1826
85
1698.2
1788.9
95.0
Rock School
Non-Resident
Yearly
Pupils
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ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE A
Distribution of Memorial High School Enrollment
Tuition Pupils Enrolled
Boys
Girls
Total 3
Lakeville
Plympton
Post Graduates
2
1
Seniors
60
54
128
12
1
Juniors
65
63
128
17
1
Sophomores
52
83
135
22
Freshmen
74
71
145
24
Total
253
272
525
75
2
TABLE B Graduating Classes 1945-49
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
1945
42
50
92
1946
42
63
105
1947
48
53
101
1948
47
53
100
1949
55
51
106
TABLE C
Class
No. in Class
No. going
No. in other Schools
Total continuing Study
%
1945
92
16
14
30
32.6
1946
105
23
13
36
34.2
1947
101
17
18
35
34.6
1948
100
19
8
27
27.0
1949
106
28
23
51
48.1
TABLE D Schools entered by graduates of Class of 1949
Colleges
Boys
Girls
Total
Bates College
1
Becker Junior College
1
2
Bridgewater State Teachers' College
2
Bryn Mawr
1
College of New Rochelle
1
Colorado School of Mines
1
Colorado Woman's School
1
Dartmouth College
1
Fitchburg Teachers' College
1
Gorham State Teachers' College
1
Holy Cross College
1
New England School of Theology
1
Northeastern University
2
Roanoke College
1
Penn Hall Junior College
1
Rochester Institute of Technology
1
Salem Teachers' College
1
University of Connecticut
1
1
1
Brown University
of
to College
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ANNUAL REPORT
University of Massachusetts University of New Mexico Westbrook Junior College
Other Schools
Army (Water Purification School)
1
Bristol County Business School
1
Brockton City Hospital Leland Powers School
1
Massachusetts School of Pharmacy
1
Navy (Machinists School)
1
New England School of Design
1
Quincy School of Nursing
1
Stockbridge School of Agriculture
1
St. Elizabeth's Hospital
1
St. Luke's Hospital (New Bedford) Swain School
1
2
The Fay School
1
The Fisher School
3
Post Graduate Total
1
3
4
51
High School Graduates Class of 1949
Sally Alden
JOHN RHODOLPHUS ALGER*
Mildred Armstrong
EVELYN LORRAINE BANTA **
Antonio Manuel Barbozat
Betty Ann Boyce
Carlton Bradley Gammons Joseph Walter Gomes* Ellen Annie Grantham
Leonard Wayne Brackett
RUTH GLORIA BREHAUT ** Doris Patricia Brown*
Carol Louise Gregory* Chester Phelps Haire, Jr.
Jeanne Buisson
Stuart Lyman Butler*
Robert Eldon Hallock, Jr. Stephen Page Hardy, Jr. ARTHUR HORNE HARRIS* Herbert Douglas Holmgren, Jr.
Dorothy Anne Carver*
JOYCE MARGARET HOPKINS* Richard Carl Houghton
Sylvia Lee Caswell Shirley Ann Churchill Jean Alice Coe Lois Delana Cole* June Marilyn Cooper Sylvia Emilie Cosseboom
Francis Rocco Iampietro
Maria Luica Iampietro Richard Burton Jefferson
Paul Guthrie Jones
George Everett Cowan Ronald Harold Craig* George Everett Davis, Jr. Maurice Wilfred DeLongchamps Allen David Demers Robert Earl DeMoranville Esther Claire Dunham
Robert Sharp Jones, Jr. Samuel Kayajan, Jr. Warren Clinton Leggee
Charlotte Vivian Leonard Edna Muriel Leonard* SUSAN COOLEDGE LEONARD*
Arthur Francis Letendre
-
2
1
1
28
William Lester Byrne
Sylvia Mary Dutra David Harmon Ethier Theresa Anne Farley PEGGY MAY FORBES*
1
19
2
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ANNUAL REPORT
Alfred Edward Mackiewicz
Joanne Marian Richmond
Lelia Florence Marsden
John Edward Richmond Rosemary Richmond
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