USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1927 > Part 3
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The accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The commitment books were proved and reconciled to the warrants. The recorded payments to the treasurer were verified ; the abatements were checked and the outstand- ing accounts listed, reconciled and checked by mailing notices
66
STATE AUDITOR'S REPORT
to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town.
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The books and accounts of the collector of the electric light department were examined and checked. An analysis of the charges for light and power was made and the collec- tions were checked to the collector's cash book.
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The town clerk's records of dog and of hunting and fish- ing licenses issued were examined and the records of the fees collected were checked to the amounts shown as having been paid to the state and county treasurer, according to receipts on file.
The records of receipts for rent of the town hall, fees collected by the sealer of weights and measures, sale of lead, etc. and for licenses issued by the selectmen were verified.
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The deeds for property taken by the town for taxes were examined.
The surety bonds were examined and found to be in proper form.
The securities representing the investments of trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer and of the library trus- tees were examined.
While engaged in making the audit I received the co-oper- ation of the various town officials and on behalf of my assist- ants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FENTON,
Chief Examiner.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
School Committee
Superintendent of Schools AND
Yearly Statistics
OF THE
Grammar School
OF THE
Town of Middleton
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1927
69
SCHOOL REPORT
School Department
School Committee
ARTHUR E. CURTIS
WAYNE A. GILES, Chairman
ELLA MORRILL, Secretary
Term expires 1928
Term expires 1929
Term expires 1930
STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools DR. ANDREW NICHOLS, School Physician MRS. M. E. ROUNDY, School Nurse WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Attendance Officer
TEACHING STAFF
MISS C. ALICE MANNING, Principal-Grades 7 and 8 MISS MINA B. NOYES-Grades 5 and 6
MISS FANNIE C. HINCKLEY-Grades 3 and 4 MISS HELEN CONNERS -- Grade 1 MISS MADELYN LAWRENCE-Grades 2 and 3
MRS. H. JANE MARTIN-Sewing Supervisor MRS. GENIE F. KIMBALL, Music Supervisor MISS HELEN FARLEY, Drawing Supervisor
ELI RICHARDSON, Janitor
No School Signal-Two Rounds on Fire Whistle at 7.45 A. M.
.
70
SCHOOL REPORT
Report of the School Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Middeton :
During the last school year some changes have taken place in the administration of the school, but we are pleased to be able to state that our superintendent, Mr. Bean is still with us and is guiding the work in his usual efficient manner. Most of the teachers have remained, the only change being that Mrs. Titsworth resigned in June and Miss Madelyn Law- rence of Beverly was chosen to fill her position.
The school nurse has continued her good work and the special teachers have been helpful and successful as formerly. We feel that the school is running very smoothly and that the children are being taught as they should be.
The opening of the two new rooms in the Center School have given the much needed space for efficient work and the children have been comfortably housed. The rooms are now filled and there will probably be need for using the extra room and for a new teacher in the near future.
The school grounds have been graded and an attractive and safe yard made for a playground for the pupils. Seats have been made by the boys in the manual training class. The bulkhead has been fixed and new locks placed on the front doors.
The work of the school nurse has been very constructive and her watchfulness and careful supervision has been the means of discovering cases that might otherwise have been a menace to the health of the community. The clinic has been a great help and the school committee wishes to thank at this time the people who so kindly contributed to the cause.
The transportation problem which is always a serious one in every town, has been satisfactorily solved and the children are warm and fairly comfortable, although some barges are
71
SCHOOL REPORT
somewhat crowded. Care has been exercised by the drivers and no accidents have occurred.
Your school committee appreciates the support which you, the citizens of the town have given it.
WAYNE A. GILES, Chairman. ELLA MORRILL, Secretary. ARTHUR E. CURTIS, School Committee.
Report of the Superintendent
To the School Committee of Middleton :
Madam and Gentlemen :
For the fourth time I have the privilege of presenting my Annual Report as Superintendent of Schools. Departing from my former custom I am reducing my remarks to the min- imum and have asked my associates to give expression to their own views of the year's work. There are points in these re- ports to which I desire to direct special attention.
In the report of the principal it will be noted, that con- trary to the opinion of many people in town, the need of the rooms added last year has already been demonstrate. Any appreciable increase in numbers will necessitate opening the sixth room in the building, which is now used for manual train- ing. All classrooms now in use are taxed very near to the limit of their seating capacities.
It will be noted that the new reading system introduced this year seems to be justifying its selection. The improve- ment will show more clearly as the present first grade advan- ces through the school.
Emphasis is being placed on accuracy in the fundamental processes in number, as a better preparation for work in
72
SCHOOL REPORT
mathematics. We have found in the past a decided weakness in knowledge of what used to be called "tables." It was found that many a problem received a low score because of inaccuracy in one of the fundamental processes.
The work in manual training in this school is very, very good. It is especially good because of its practical nature. There are items of equipment in the classrooms which could not have been had, were it not for the work of the boys in their manual training classes. The work that I saw done, just be- fore Christmas, in reed basketry made me envious of the opportunity these youngsters were having to express them- selves through their hands. Some of the work was worthy of professionals.
Manual work for the girls, taking the form of sewing was no less well done and interesting. Attention is called to Mrs. Martin's report on this branch of our school work.
It will be seen from Miss Manning's report that certain items of our budget for next year will have to be increased. Books will wear out, and increased enrollment makes larger demands also.
The Supervisors of Drawing and Music were not asked for reports. It can be said for them that their earnest efforts meet with ready co-operation from the teachers and that these arts are progressing as well as our limited time allotments will permit.
The physical welfare of the children receives the usual careful supervision of Dr. Nichols and Mrs. Roundy. These two co-ordinate remarkably well and produce results greatly appreciated by those of us who have contact with the school children.
Not the least important and successful element of the health work for the past year was the dental clinic. Thanks is due to those agencies which made this possible by their
73
SCHOOL REPORT
financial backing. The dentist in charge was a very satisfac- tory technician as well as a pleasing personality. His hand- ling of his patients was satisfactory in every respect. It is hoped that we may have his services again during the coming year.
A clinic is in prospect to determine the number of men- tally retarded children in the school. It seems probable that the number may prove sufficiently great to require a special class for their better training. Should this prove necessary it will require an appreciable increase in the salary element of the budget for next year. This is a legal requirement and cannot be evaded. Failure to meet it can deprive us of state reimbursement which now aids so materially in decreasing the net cost of the schools to the town.
The following tabulation shows the age and grade distri- bution of pupils as of October 1st, 1927.
AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION October 1, 1927
5
6
7
8 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
I
13
12
4
29
II
2
16
4 4
1
27
III
7 9
4
3
2
25
IV
1
9
9
4 1
24
V
2
7
4
6
3
22
VI
3
5
3
3
3
17
VII
3
6
2
4
1
1
17
VIII
9
3
4
|1|
1
18
13
14
27
14
19
22
17
27
11
11
2
2
179
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SCHOOL REPORT
TEACHING STAFF
There was only one change in the corps of teachers during the year. Mrs. Titsworth resigned in June and her place was taken by Miss Madelyn Lawrence of Beverly. Miss Lawrence is of course a Normal graduate, and she seems to fit into our organization very happily.
The courteous and co-operative helpfulness of the mem- bers of the committee has been greatly appreciated. Harmony between the legislative and executive branches of a school sys- tem cannot help but work for the good of the children.
Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent.
Somerville, Mass., December 31, 1927.
Report of the Principal
Middleton, Mass., January 11, 1928. Mr. S. G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
In reply to your request for a report of the year's work and suggestions, I submit the following.
Naturally after our crowded conditions at the Town Hall sessions, the building has been greatly appreciated and as we have worked in it, we have found it to be most attractive, comfortable and convenient.
On account of the unusually large registration this fall, it was necessary to put more seats in both the new rooms in the addition. These rooms were arranged for thirty-five
75
SCHOOL REPORT
pupils and now are seating thirty-nine and thirty-seven re- spectively. In fact there have been vacant seats in no room but Room III, Grades V and VI, where there are forty-five seats, and forty occupied.
The changes in the south hall have lessened its accomoda- tions as a cloak room and it seems to me the only solution is a wardrobe, similar to those in the new rooms, in Room III, Grade V and VI, which will care for the girls in that room and have the hall for girls of Room IV, Grade VII and VIII, and the extra pupils of Room VI. A space in that room is particularly well-fitted for such use and at the same time a large closet in the room below should be made as a storage space for sloyd models and supplies.
With one exception, there have been no changes in the course of study, but the usual results were not secured last year as the year was so shortened and broken. Nevertheless the children responded well when conditions at school made it possible to carry out a regular schedule. This last term special efforts has been made along several lines,-Language, Arithmetic and Reading, which suffered greatly during our term at the Town Hall. A new system was introduced in Grade I in September of this year and this, the Beacon Course in Reading, has been found very satisfying and successful.
Teachers have been taking University courses in these subjects, thus bringing into their work new ideas and methods. The trend of arithmetic towards 100 per cent accuracy in fun- damentals and a much simplified course in upper grades has been noted. As an aid in this a set of Clapp drill books for Grades V-VIII has been purchased, and these are proving of great value.
The manual work schedule was changed somewhat this fall, the periods being shortened, but the classes meeting once a week instead of twice a month. This has been found
76
SCHOOL REPORT
especially satisfactory in the sewing classes where a two hour period was rather long.
The value of the boys' manual work was never more plainly shown than during this year. They supplied many needs which otherwise would have been an expense to the town. They made five table tops, and horses to fit, from scrap lum- ber,-these for use at lunch time and for sloyd. Bookcases were made for several rooms, and some old ones were recon- structed to fit new spaces. Groups also helped in making frames for cellar window screens and benches for the yard.
A movable closet for mugs and pitchers was added recent- ly. At present they are working on a sand-table for Grade I and a sand-box for Grade II, where it is necessary to save space of second table.
Basketry was the project for November and December and unusually good results were obtained, while a group is plan- ning to begin cane seating soon.
One of the biggest problems is that of the noon recess. By actual count there are 118 barge pupils and during the winter, many more stay at noon. It is not possible to seat nearly all the boys in one room and no one person can super- vise a large group distributed in three rooms. Our only solu- tion was to retain all pupils in their home rooms during lunch time and have the regular teacher in charge until twelve-thirty when the children go out doors or to the playing rooms for the remaining twenty-five minutes. As all teachers but one stay at lunch time this is working satisfactorily. The co-op- eration of the teaching force in this matter has been splendid and is much appreciated.
As our last year was so short and some subjects were not taken up at all until February, our supply order was much abbreviated. While this year with a normal year and a large registration our needs will be greatly increased. The book
77
SCHOOL REPORT
question demands attention. The usage last year was espec- ially hard and many sets must be replaced entirely while in others a large percentage will not be usable by the end of this school year in June.
Respectfully submitted,
C. ALICE MANNING.
Report of the Sewing Supervisor
To Mr. Stephen Bean, Superintendent of Schools
of Middleton Grammar School :
I, as sewing supervisor, hereby submit my report from March 1, 1927 to January 1, 1928.
When I took charge of the sewing class the first of March, I went on with the work where Miss Hayward had left it. The fifth grade were making sewing bags, by applying stitches already learned. After finishing these the girls began to make bloomers.
The sixth grade were learning patching and darning. After finishing these they began to make simple gingham dresses. On account of the measles epidemic among the school children during the last term, the girls in these grades could not finish these at school but finished them at home.
The seventh grade were making pillow cases applying overhanding and hemming.
The eight grade girls were making smocks which they finished and later cut, basted, fitted and finished their gradu- ation dresses.
In the fifth grade we plan to teach the use of the needle, thread and thimble and the simple stitches in sewing, namely the running stitch or basting; back stitch ; over casting; over
78
SCHOOL REPORT
handing and hemming. This year the girls have made these first on squares or samples of monks' cloth, using colored threads, afterward applying them by making sewing bags of checked gingham, to be used at school to keep the sewing material and utensils in. After finishing the bags we began to make simple wearing apparel such as aprons, bloomers, etc.
In the sixth grade the girls are taught to mend by darn- ing and patching, darning woolen and lisle stockings and patching knit underwear and flannel, also making a hemmed patch and a set-in patch on cotton material. During the later part of the year we learn the use of the sewing machine, but most of the construction work in this grade is done by hand.
During the month of December the fifth and sixth grades made linen dish towels, blanket stitching the ends and em- broidering designs on them in outline stitch.
The seventh grade having learned the stitches and mend- ing are ready to begin construction. This year the girls have made cotton crepe kimonos using the sewing machine to sew the long seams.
The eighth grade learn the use of paper patterns by plac- ing on the material and cutting and making the garment. This year the girls have made white tailored blouses, apply- ing a set-in tailored pocket.
During the month of December the seventh and eighth grades made linen squares, hemstitching four sides.
Respectfully submitted,
K. JANE MARTIN,
Sewing Supervisor.
79
SCHOOL REPORT
Penmanships Awards
1927-JANUARY TO JUNE
FINAL CERTIFICATE Ursula Busineau .
IMPROVEMENT CERTIFICATE Amelia Phaneuf Lillian Ogden
PROGRESS PENS FOR 100 DRILLS
Millicent Goodrich
Richard Anderson
Raymond Barbrick
Amelia Phaneuf
Victoria Jankoski
Rosamond Le Calst
MERIT BUTTONS FOR 60 DRILLS
Allan Wennerberg
Millicent Goodrich
Josie Sheldon
Rosalind Gould
Theodore Sigman
Rose Thibodeau
Norman Roberts
Stanley Klosowski
PALMER BUTTONS FOR 25 DRILLS
Sheldon Daigle
Charles Campbell
Bernard Carlson
William Whittredge Ervin Conley Bray Wilkins Lewis Ryer
Rose Thibodeau
Luella Fuller
Elizabeth Mckinnon
Stanley Klosowski
Leo Fournier
80
SCHOOL REPORT
School Calendar
January 3. - Winter term commences.
February 24 .- Winter term ends.
Vacation-One Week.
March 5 .- Term commences.
April 27 .- Term ends.
Vacation-One Week.
May 7 .- Spring term commences.
June 22 .- Spring term ends.
Vacation-10 Weeks.
September 5 .- Fall term commences.
December 21 .- Winter term ends.
1929
January 2-Winter term commences.
Holidays-January 1; February 22; April 19; May 30, October 12. Noon of November 28 to December 3. Thanks- giving recess.
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
TOWN WARRANT
AND THE
BALLOT
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON
MARCH, 1927
PART III
83
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Recommendations of Finance Committee for the Year 1928
TOWN OFFICERS' SALARIES
Selectmen
$300 00
Town Treasurer
300 00
Town Clerk
200 00
Town Accountant
300 00
Tax Collector
400 00
Assessors
600 00
Registrars
54 00
Moderator
25 00
Inspector of Slaughtering
25 00
Inspector of Cattle
150 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
100 00
Constable
35 00
Overseers of the Poor
100 00
Superintendent of Burials
15 00
Cemetery Commissioners
30 00
$2,634 00
Janitor of Town hall, 35 cents per hour.
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police
$1,000 00
Building Fires
200 00
Forest Fires, (to include $325 for new hose) 1,000 00
Firemen's Wages
65 00
Fire Hose double jacket
300 00
$2,565 00
84
FINANCE COMMITTEE
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
Tree Warden
$500 00
Moth Department
681 49
$1,181 49
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES
Highways and the Selectmen be authorized
to apply to the State highway department for aid
$3,650 00
Sidewalks
300 00
Fencing
200 00
Snow Removal
Bridges
300 00
EDUCATION
Schools, including tuition and transpor-
tation of pupils to vocational schools $21,600 00
Library 200 00
$21,800 00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Board of Health
$ 50 00
Essex Sanitorium
342 60
Dental Clinic
150 00
$542 60
Poor Department
$2,500 00
Soldiers' benefits
48 00
State aid
360 00
$2,908 00
85
FINANCE COMMITTEE
UNCLASSIFIED
Contingent
$1,200 00
Insurance
650 00
Town Hall
800 00
Memorial Day
225 00
American Legion
110 00
Cemeteries
800 00
Interest
2,400 00
Municipal Indebtedness
4,000 00
Middleton Electric Light, including depreciaton
1,500 00
$11,685 00
Recommendations of Committee
Article 1-No action
Article 9-No action
Article 2-No action
Article 10-Favorable
Article 3-No action Article 4-Favorable
Article 11-No action Article 12-No action Article 13-Favorable
Article 5-No action
Article 6-No action
Article 14-No action
Article 7-Favorable
Atricle 15-No action
Article 8-Favorable
Article 16-No action
Signed, W. W. RICHARDSON, Chairman M. W. BERRY A. B. HARRINGTON E. B. MEADE J. W. OSBORNE
Finance Committee.
86
TOWN WARRANT
Town Meeting Warrant
Essex, ss. To William H. Young, Constable for the Town of Middleton, in the County of Essex:
GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Masaschusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Town, on
Thursday, the first day of March next
at 8 o'clock P. M., for the following purposes :
ARTICLE 1. To authorize the Selectmen to appoint such other Town Officers as are required to be chosen annually.
ARTICLE 2. To see what action the Town will take in regard to defraying the Town expenses for the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the aproval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year, and expressly made payable therefrom by this vote. And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, one at the Town Hall; one at the Center Post Office and one at the store at Howe Station, in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
ARTICE 4. To see if the Town will appropriate $250 for the erection of suitable street signs and guide posts under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
87
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 5. To see what action the Town will take on the report of the Anniversary Committee and to appropriate money to cover the expenses of the celebration.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the refund of Dog Tax shall be transferred to the Library fund.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will appropriate $300 to make necessary repairs on the Fire House.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint Town Council to represent the Town in all matters and things relating to the business of the Town and to appropriate $250 as a retaining fee.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will empower the Board of Selectmen to prepare and submit at a future Town Meeting a suitable set of By-Laws and Regulations for the Town in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will appropriate $2,000 for reconstruction work on East Street to be spent in conjunc- tion with like amounts from the State and County, when and if appropriated.
ARTICLE 11. To see what action the Town will take on petition of Edwin B. Meade and eleven others to see if the Town will vote to have a number of copies of the valuation lists made and appropriate money for the same.
ARTICLE 12. To see what action the Town will take on petition of Edwin B. Meade and fourteen others to have the Electric Light Commissioners elected by the voters.
88
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 13. To see what action the Town will take on petition of Charles E. Wilkins and eleven others to have the Town appropriate $400 for gravel to be used on School Street.
ARTICLE 14. To see what action the Town will take on petition of Walter Clayton and thirteen others to extend the electric light wires from Essex Street through Debush Avenue to North Main Street and to appropriate money for same.
ARTICLE 15. To see what action the Town will take on petition of fifteen property owners of Highland Park to have the Town make a special appropriation to lay a water pipe of sufficient size to supply a hydrant in a central location in said park.
ARTICLE 16. To see what action the Town will take on petition of fifteen property owners of Highland Park to have the Town make a special appropriation to repair roads in said Park to make them passable and safe.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies thereof at Town Hall, Post Office, and Dow's Store, cor. Maple and Gregory Streets in said Town seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this 21st day of February, 1928.
MAURICE E. TYLER ROGER T. CLAPP WILLIAM H. SANBORN Selectmen of Middleton.
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRI
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