USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1950 > Part 7
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Educationally, the restoration of the special opportunity classes should be a "must" as soon as these groups can be housed. Many pupils over past years have gained the needed help and impetus by such a chance and better citizenship has been the outcome of this added service to our children."
For the conditions at the high school level, I am submitting a few sections of the annual report of Lindsay J. March, Principal.
The Effects of War
"The year 1950 marked a period when the school was beginning to hold once more its more usual position in the minds of teachers and pupils. There was no certainty that universal military training would take our boys directly from high school, and as a result there was a more settled feeling everywhere.
Teachers were free to think of professional training, and of planning their teaching. Pupils were more relaxed, less cynical, and more ready to settle down to work. Almost overnight the situation has changed and the tension of war has gripped everything again.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Colleges are mailing new policies in regard to admissions next year. Some will speed up the work by eliminating summer vacations. Others will take very large classes of first year pupils. All are anxiously await- ing announcements of the policies of the draft boards. The New York State Board of Regents is contemplating a plan for a three-year high school course of study. Boys are beginning to ask, "Should I enlist or wait to be drafted ?" Some are cynical, others fatalistic, or just perturbed as to what will become of them. War of the kind that is going on in Korea is not a popular war and there is no glory in being in uniform. The feeling of unrest is wearing for everyone and makes teaching less effective. In spite of these conditions, everything possible is being done to make school work valuable and to keep pupils interested in maintaining satisfactory measures of achievement.
Special Projects
The spring of 1950 saw growth in several departments, resulting in the addition of an assistant in art and in the need for assistants in music and in agriculture. The work of the Director of Guidance has been out- standing. He has been particularly effective in handling the testing pro- gram and in wise educational counselling. The Dean of Girls has now been in her position long enough to begin to know people and to lay the foundations for school policies in the various aspects of her work with the result that valuable services are being rendered. Her visits to the homes of pupils provides a much needed contact between school and home.
Significant accomplishments were made last spring in the beginning of a program in civic education. A part of this program involved the establishment of provisions for the selection of the best school citizens, boy and girl, as worked out by a joint committee of of faculty and students, J. Robert Riley and Carolyn C. Alger being the winners of the honors.
A strong start was made in beginning instruction in general office practice, to fit persons for office work which does not involve the taking of dictation. The purchase of the more commonly used office machines has strengthened this course greatly.
Teachers are being asked to send parents reports of the progress of their children during marking periods to supplement the regular report cards. As the teachers grow increasingly proficient in recognizing real progress and the basic cause of failure, the reports will grow correspond- ingly valuable.
A large number of pupils are interested in the new course in driver education. Since records in the Registry of Motor Vehicles show that persons trained to drive in school have 43% fewer accidents than others of the same ages, the course should prevent many accidents and save lives. Appreciation is hereby extended to the firm of Atwood Costello, Inc., for the use of a dual controlled automobile for use in driver training.
The Faculty
It has been a pleasure to work with the present faculty which has a fine balance of young, enthusiastic teachers and older, seasoned staff members. The faculty includes an unusually large number of talented,
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growing teachers who are truly interested in young people. Middleboro will do well to hold such teachers as long as possible. The professionally minded people are a constant challenge to the entire faculty to keep up-to-date in philosophy of education and in methods.
The Curriculum
In one generation there has been such a change in the personnel in the high schools of this country and so much liberality in the admission requirements of the colleges that the selection of what shall be taught in the high school curriculum has become the number one problem in school systems everywhere.
Looking forward, one of the aims of the school may well be the acquainting of the general public with the reasons for the trends in curriculum changes.
Recently, General Bradley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: "An educated people is easy to lead but hard to drive: easy to govern but impossible to enslave." A recent issue of Life magazine gave proof of the crisis which the schools in the United States are facing. It is the public schools of Middleboro which must bear the responsibility for maintaining an educated people here. In many ways the educational facilities on the high school level in Middleboro are not equal to those in other towns of its size and hence are not meeting their obligation in this national crisis. It would be ironic if education were neglected when it is needed most and unfortunate indeed if our town were not to do its part for Middleboro children."
This is the tenth year that we have offered an agricultural course in our high school and we should be proud of its accomplishments.
To better appreciate the excellent record of the department, I shall quote from the report of. William H. Tufts, the Department Head.
"It is fitting in this tenth year I should pause long enough to say that the farmers and business men of Middleboro owe a great deal of thanks to you and the School Committee of Midddleboro for being able to see in the years ahead the need for this type of education when this program was launched ten years ago. It contributed much to the war effort during those years. In this mobilization period I am sure you can count on the present enrollment to shoulder their responsibilities.
At the close of the year 1950 it is obvious to most of us living in a world of such strained economic and social relations that we must be ready to adjust our plans to the changing world conditions on rather short notice.
Farming has become big business in this country and the farmers in Plymouth County can point to several branches of agriculture which they have helped develop to such large scale operations it attracts national attention. Poultry, dairy and cranberry culture have shown rapid devel- opment during the past ten years in this county.
From the ten-year records showing what has become of the graduates from the Agricultural Department of Memorial High School, we discov- ered that fifty per cent of the graduates are engaged at present in farm-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ing activities. While this percentage is still higher than in many towns where agricultural courses are offered, yet it would exceed this figure were it not for the fact that some have enlisted or have been drafted in the armed forces. A few of the graduates' versatile accomplishments are here listed:
Ernest Charron, a Marine hero of World War II, is now teaching on the University of Connecticut Staff.
John Bianchini is in partnership with his father doing an excellent job managing the poultry business.
Richard Morse is living in Shrewsbury and following a branch of dairy work at present covering the entire state as an artificial inseminator of dairy cows.
Richard Picone of Middleboro, well known for his success in Inter- scholastic Judging Contests, is now established in the dairy business. This enterprise is an outgrowth of a project he started as a freshman while attending Memorial High School. He also was chosen as Star Farmer for Massachusetts.
Irving Minott is further evidence of just how fast these agricultural graduates can assume a position of adult proportions. He is managing the Leona Farm, a task which is a challenge to any university graduate.
During the past semester, the pupils in the Agricultural Department of Memorial High School have gained local, state and national honors in dairy contests. Three poultry contestants placed in the first twenty dur- ing the first elimination contest.
I would like to express my appreciation for the fine cooperation exhibited by the parents during the numerous contests. In many in- stances when we have to be away over night, extra chores are left for other members of the family to assume. We do feel, however, it is excellent training for your boys to meet other lads with mutual interests and share their experiences. They often return home with a greater appreciation of the fine opportunities you as parents are providing for their benefit.
It has been my observation over the years that the town folks, parents, teachers and classmates are truly interested in the contests in which the agricultural pupils participate and the boys will do their best to win. It is natural for them to want to please those who understand their ambitions in life."
The report of the Physical Education Program submitted by Henry E. Battis, Supervisor, indicates the limitations in this field due to insuffi- cient facilities.
"Over the years the Physical Education Program has passed through its infancy; gone through the experimental stage; met the demands of acceleration during the war years; and finally has levelled off to a point where it is as well rounded a program as facilities permit. The Physical Fitness tests show the average girl and boy making considerable progress each year and interest is still extremely high. From year to year a report of changes will be possible, but a report of improvement in the program is out of the question until improvements are made in the physical plant. A "bird's eye" view of the inadequacies can be secured from last year's report. No changes have been made since then.
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ANNUAL REPORT
An additional problem has presented itself since then, however. Due to an enlarged program at the Y.M.C.A., the gymnasium there is available to our freshmen and the Bates School basketball teams only one hour each per week. This has necessitated a curtailment in both of these pro- grams which is extremely undesirable as both were limited even before this action took place. The size of our gymnasium is making it more and more difficult for Middleboro to compete favorably with the other schools in the district. If, in addition to this problem, we have to limit our "build up" program while every other school is enlarging theirs, the results are inevitable.
In order to give the freshmen and Bates School teams enough time in the high school gymnasium to warrant having them at all, it has be- come necessary to drop the boys' intra mural program. This program has been carried on every year since the gymnasium was built and has grown to a point where from 70 to 80 boys participate in it each year. As far as we know, it is the best program of its kind in the district and naturally we do not approve of its elimination, but under the circumstances there is no other reasonable alternative.
Where the trend throughout the country, including all of the sur- rounding communities, is for better recreational programs, it seems wise that Middleboro should maintain as high a standard as possible. The youth in our community are with us altogether too short a time. We should do whatever possible to make those years pleasant, as well as profitable, ones."
The report of Luther Churchill, Supervisor of Music, contains four important recommendations that the Committee should carefully consider. Sections of this report follow.
"A committee composed of school music supervisors appointed by the Music Educators National Conference has come to the conclusion that there are five basic points in the teaching of music in the grades, all being closely related.
1. Song singing.
2. Listening or music appreciation.
3. Physical response to rhythmic impulse.
4. Creative work, interpretation, dramatization.
5. Instrumental.
The children in our schools have been experiencing all of the above basic points except music appreciation. Several years ago all of the schools in town had some type of record player and a few records. Today the old type record player is obsolete due to the heavy reproducing arm. The new type of records requires a player capable of three speeds. The new 45 rpm records are being used more and more and the Victor Company is making very excellent recordings for children. We have very fine ma- chines at the high school, Bates and Union Street Schools. The new machine at the Union Street School is ideal for regular classroom work. It is light and can be moved readily from room to room.
Our instrumental program continues to interest students as in the past. Every effort is being made to keep a perpetually balanced band in the high school, but it is difficult for me to find the time to teach the very important bass instruments which I feel it my duty to do. Parents, as a rule, don't hesitate to provide a private teacher for their children studying
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ANNUAL REPORT
such instruments as violin, cello, trumpet, clarinet, flute, horn and trom- bone, but there is a definite reluctance to spend money for their children to study the tuba, baritone horn, bass drum or cymbals. This duty, there- fore, becomes part of the work which belongs to the music department. All school-owned instruments are being used including a new half-size violincello which was donated to the music department by the Whitmarsh Music Co. of East Bridgewater. Mr. Whitmarsh has been doing all of our instrument repair work, procures music for us from various pub- lishers and assisted in finding instruments for the new beginners' class. The gift of the violincello was his way of showing his appreciation for this business.
It is interesting to note that several of our band and orchestra mem- bers were recipients of high honors at the New England Music Festival in West Springfield last March. It has always been an honor to be as- signed to the first chair in any section in these superb organizations, and after considering several contestants our students were awarded first chair trumpet and first chair trombone in the orchestra, first chair piccolo and trombone in the band. Further honors came to one of our graduates last June when she was accepted for matriculation at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. This opportunity to attend one of the greatest music schools in the world today, with a four-year scholarship, was the result of very serious competition from students from all over the United States. It is also very interesting to note that she is the first woman to be accepted at this school for instruction in the brass instrument section. Several other students who graduated last June have been accepted in college brands including Brown, Dartmouth, University of Massachusetts and University of New Hampshire.
The high school and Bates School bands attended the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Festival last May and were awarded superior ratings by very competent judges. They also participated in the Armistice and Memorial Day parades.
Students in all grades are showing an intense interest in our singing program. The a cappella choir, which is the culmination of many years of preparation, is a most outstanding musical organization. At the music festival last May the judge rated our choir highly superior. They have been an extremely busy group, giving concerts in several high schools in the form of assembly programs and before church organizations. Here again, one of our choir members attending the New England Music Festi- val in West Springfield was adjudged by a group of music supervisors as the boy with the most perfect singing posture. He was admitted to the University of Massachusetts in September, and, although a freshman, was admitted to a most exclusive choral group. Such honors are the result of careful teaching processes and an exceptionally co-operative group of students.
This year I have found it most difficult to attend to all of my respon- sibilities. I visit the children in the grades only once a month and it is impossible for me to supervise the sixth grade vocal program. Such conditions will eventually lead to very mediocre musical organization. There are nearly 70 children studying instruments who are beginners and need careful supervision. Last year I had a group of six boys studying drums. Since September I have found it impossible to carry on their lessons and they have discontinued. Those boys have been lost to the
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ANNUAL REPORT
band because of a congested program. There are two boys in high school waiting for lessons on the bass horn. It is a most distressing situation when, after having built up an intense interest in music, I find I haven't time to do all of the work which confronts me.
Recommendations
1. That our song books be replaced. Most of our song books have been in use since 1934 and in very poor condition.
2. That record players be purchased for Pleasant Street, Plymouth Street, South Middleboro, Rock, West Side, Flora M. Clark and School Street Schools, and a set of records suitable for these grades be pur- chased for the teaching of music appreciation.
3. That the pianos in our schools be tuned and repaired. This is an urgent request and should be attended to as soon as possible. The piano at the high school has a broken string and nearly all of the instru- ments are in need of action adjustment.
4. That an assistant music supervisor be employed."
"The art program in our schools for the past vear has been a practical The work of the past year is summarized in the following report of Sylvia G. Matheson, Supervisor.
The art program in our schools for the past year has been a practical training touching closely to the needs of the community; it has aimed to cultivate taste and applied that taste to the homes, the dress, and the business of those it trained.
The course of study has been outlined to give a broad course in art which has met the demands of the present day. It has provided for creative activity, appreciational experiences, and for "functional" use of art knowledge in meeting the problems of daily life. It has recognized the value of art as a distinctive contribution to the spiritual, social, voca- tional and leisure-time objectives of the modern school program. The primary purpose of the art course has been the development of a practical understanding and appreciation of art in its direct relation to the imme- diate life interests of the pupils.
The art training has not produced artists alone but it has endeavored to raise the standards of taste throughout the community.
A full time course in Interior Decoration at the high school has been introduced for the first time this year. The course has proved very helpful for the students in learning the fundamental steps in decorating their future homes.
The Art Department has increased considerably during the past years and made it necessary to have an assistant art teacher in the high school.
As in previous years, the Art Department has been a service unit to the schools and community by helping in many ways too numerous to mention in this report. It shows that art is a "functional" and a practical part of the entire curriculum.
The Christmas decorations which adorned the Town House lawn were painted by the students of the Senior Art Class of Memorial High School. The excellent work done by the pupils brought much joy to the
-
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ANNUAL REPORT
people of the community. The pupils were happy in the thought that they were providing their talents and time as a service to the community. It was an ambitious undertaking for pupils of high school age."
The health of our children has been closely guarded and watched by Ila P. Jackson, School Nurse, who reports that annual physical examina- tions, as required by law, were given to all children by Dr. Edward L. Perry, School Physician.
Anti-Diphtheria Clinics were held and 249 children inoculated. Chest X-rays were done for all school personnel together with the Junior and Senior classes at the high school.
Lip Reading Classes were conducted until September and then dis- continued due to lack of funds. Hearing tests were given by use of the Audiometer and Vision Tests by use of the Massachusetts Vision Test Machine.
Through the School Milk Program, 48,774 bottles of milk were dis- tributed of which 12,738 bottles were issued free of charge to the under- privileged and undernourished children.
In the School Nurse's office, 1910 children were treated while 110 were treated in the school buildings and 13 taken to the doctor's office.
One hundred thirty children were taken ill in school and had to be returned to their homes. Many of these children were not feeling well when sent to school and should not have attempted attendance. Parents are urged not to send children to school if there is any doubt about the child's health for in many instances when the child must be returned home there is no one there to properly care for him.
Teacher Changes
Resignations:
Stanley C. Reed, Memorial High School
Margaret A. Dodge, Memorial High School Ruth M. Doyle, Bates School
Elizabeth A. Carbonara, Bates School
Margaret A. Begley, Union Street School
Withdrawals:
Anna W. Panza, Union Street School Ethel H. Manwaring, Union Street School
Esther L. Moore, Memorial High School (leave of absence)
Appointments:
Elliot R. Allen (returned), Memorial High School Margaret H. Ryder, Memorial High School
Leonard J. Anderson, Memorial High School Robert W. Gross, Bates School Margaret E. Richey, Bates School Nancy M. Kendall, Bates School
Mary M. Durkin, School Street School
Mary E. Doyle, Plymouth Street School (temporary)
Mabel I. Fornaciari, Rock School (temporary)
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ANNUAL REPORT
Janitor Changes
Resignations:
Charles H. Goodwin, Memorial High School (retired) Preston Southworth, West Side School (retired)
Appointments:
George Rogers, Memorial High School
Howard G. Jollimore, West Side School
In Conclusion
The continued spirit of cooperation of the teaching staff and other school personnel has been most gratifying. In the face of the many problems, all have done their best in adjusting themselves to the welfare of the children.
Parents, as well, have had to make adjustments and suffer incon- veniences that their children might receive, not a full, but some education. May we hope and pray that soon the necessity for such adjustments may cease to exist.
Respectfully yours, J. STEARNS CUSHING, Superintendent of Schools.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Receipts
State Aid for Public Schools, Chap. 643, G. L.
$61,096.84
State Transportation Reimbursement, Chap. 71, Sec. 7a, G. L.
25,061.13
Tuition, State and City Wards
4,109.24
Tuition, Outside Towns
12,681.62
Tuition, Other
204.16
Federal Aid, George-Barden Fund
200.00
Federal Aid, Smith-Hughes Fund
280.26
Other Receipts
6.25
Vocational Agriculture Reimbursement
1,658.92
Vocational Tuition Reimbursement
686.93
Vocational Practical Arts Reimbursement
40.50
School Lunch Program (September-December)
6,092.02
Physical Education Program (September-December)
2,467.90
Total Receipts
$114,585.77
Disbursements
Expenses of Instruction:
Salaries
$205,116.69
Supplies
5,612.17
Textbooks
5,249.86
Physical Education
3,500.00
Commercial Equipment
2,045.59
Other Expenses of Instruction
265.08
$221,789.39
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ANNUAL REPORT
Operation of School Plant: Salaries
$11,861.91
Fuel
7,733.02
Other Expenses of Operation
4,765.91
24,360.84
Maintenance of School Plant:
Salaries
$2,080.00
Repairs (Town Manager)
7,238.81
Other Expenses of Maintenance
1,801.15
11,119.96
Auxiliary Agencies :
Promotion of Health, Salaries
$2,716.46
Promotion of Health, Expenses
48.02
Libraries
249.75
Transportation
36,515.77
Tuition
1,989.84
Other Expenses
588.12
42,107.96
General Control:
Salaries
$7,271.80
Expenses of Administration
623.71
7,895.51
School Lunch Program (September-December)
5,508.95
Physical Education Program (September-December)
2,332.03
George-Barden Fund
1,079.28
Smith-Hughes Fund
281.48
Total Disbursements
$316,475.40
0
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ANNUAL REPORT STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1949-1950
School
Number of
Teachers
Number of
Enrolled
Pupils
Enrolled
Average
Daily
Attendance
Average
Daily
Membership
Yearly
Percent of
Attendance
Memorial High School
26
528
77
485.8
506.9
95.9
Grade IX
141
Grade X
136
Grade XI
125
Grade XII
113
Post Graduates
3
Bates School
14
397
6
374.5
389.1
96.3
Grade VI
107
Grade VII
155
Grade VITI
135
School Street School
9
248
5
234.0
246.0
95.1
Grade IV
94
Grade V
120
Grade VI
34
Union Street School
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