USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1942 > Part 4
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Classes in the local school being confined to the first eight grades, there is less direct and tangible evidence of war's effect than is found in a community where there is a local high school organization This is, of course, because the high school pupils, especially the juniors and seniors, are very close to the time of entrance into active participat- ion in the conflict.
There are naturally some changes in the accent on the different parts of our school curriculum which are directly traceable to the effects of the war. We are, or should be, teaching geography from a more air minded point of view. We are thinking more in the terms of global distances and air lines rather than more tortuous routes on flat maps. We must teach our children of the interdependence of the various continents and countries of this spherical world. They must be prepared in their thinking for those days to come when so much more of the world's social and economic contacts will be by way of the skyways. Time and space will mean much less in the future than it does even at present.
In reading, history and arithmetical problems an endeavor will be made to increase this air-mindedness and to reduce the feeling of isolation. The object of this is to prevent them in the future from thinking that this great island between two oceans cannot be reached and ravaged if it be unprepared to ward off invasion from both sea and air. At the same time we must teach them the necess- ity for mutual good will and understanding between nations and races. It must be made plain that a man's size or the color of his skin is not an index of his abilities either in war or in peace: that it is his native ability plus his training that determines what he can and will do. It must be most forcefully impressed that training, that is teach- n g, is necessary to bring any person or people to highest development.
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SCHOOL REPORT
This war is daily making more evident the necessity for good teaching, whether it be in army camp, defense plant or schools and colleges. Nearly everything that has part in keeping this daily life of ours going and progressing has to be learned either from some sort of teacher or by the much slower and more costly method of ex- periment and experience, i. e. trial and error. This last method is necessary only where there is no previous knowledge.
This necessity for learning from some form of teaching leads us to think of the necessity for a teacher. The result of instruction can be only as good as the instructional skill of the teacher. The mere fact of graduation from some teacher training institution is no guar- antee that the graduate has the qualities required for success in teaching. Teaching is an art or skill and therefore requires certain personal and inherent qualities in those who pursue it successfully. It is no simple matter of setting forth certain factual matter in daily stints to be learned and sooner or later forgotten. It is rather an all around cultivation and guidance of thoughts, mental and spiritual attitudes, and of all desirable human characteristics, not only by pre- cept but by more personal example.
When a community has one or several real teachers in its employ it is manifestly worth while to endeavor in every way to keep them. This is increasingly difficult to do unless adequate financial provision is made to meet the bids for their services by other communities. During the past year the increase in demand has raised the market value of teachers' services markedly. This tendency is on the in- crease and is likely to become acute in the coming year because even the national government agencies are bidding for their services. Teachers like all other individuals have to meet the increased living cost and the steadily growing tax demands. There is also the illur- ing competition of the high pay available in the industrial world. They can see some of their recent pupils of not too high scholastic accom- plishments being paid fifty or sixty dollars each week while they, the teachers, may not receive even thirty. All of these influences are tending to make salary increases urgent.
STAFF CHANGES
As was to be expected we had a large percentage turnover in the teaching staff during the summer. In number the changes were three, which is a third of the total staff. One of these changes was for the common reason, matrimony. Miss Wilkish married during the
87
SCHOOL REPORT
summer and accompanied her soldier husband to his post. Glouces- ter offered Miss Lane a more attractive position which, I believe, she later left to get married. Miss Marie Hanley is reported to be teach- ing in her home town, Peabody.
These positions were filled respectively by Miss Barbara Staples, Miss Mary Shinnick and Miss Arlene McEvoy. At this writing Miss McEvoy is asking for release to enter teaching employment for the government in the Middle West.
Even the year before this situation would not of been as serious. In one year the condition changed. Where there had been a surplus of candidates there were comparatively few available. We were for- tunate that we did not have a high school staff to maintain. Securing teachers is made more difficult here because of the fact that we have to get teachers who can commute. There is difficulty in finding places for them to board in the town.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
The enrollment in the elementary grades varied very slightly from that of the last fiscal year. The present enrollment, as shown by the appended tables, is three less than last reported. This is more than accounted for by the difference in numbers in the eighth grade where there are but twenty-three as compared to twenty-nine last year. The present seventh grade is much larger than last year so that next fall an increase in enrollment which may test our capacity in some rooms.
BUILDING CONDITIONS
The building still continues to justify the expense of its con- struction. It is a very satisfactory place for school work for both teachers and children. Naturally a few defects of a minor nature appear from time to time. These are remedied as fast as present con- ditions will permit.
The care of the building is excellent. It has never been kept in a more satisfactory manner. It is a credit to the town. The care- taker is to be commended. His care of the grounds during the sum- mer was excellent.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Attention is directed to the reports of the Principal, the Art Supervisor, the Supervisor of Music, and the School Nurse. Each deals with matters which should be of interest to every citizen.
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SCHOOL REPORT
CONCLUSION
In closing I desire to express hearty approval of the endeavors of all my coworkers during the year. They have been sorely tried with the various rationing programs both because of the complexity and the inadequacy of preparation for such unusual projects. They have shown a wonderful spirit of loyality and cooperation for which they deserve the hearty thanks of the community. They have mine.
To the members of the School Committee I offer sincere appre- ciation of their friendly spirit and helpful cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN G. BEAN,
Wilmington, Mass. February 12, 1943.
Superintendent of Schools.
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1
Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1942
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
T
I.
-
11
19
4
34
II.
-
8
20
5
1
34
III. -
8
20
10
2
2
42
IV. -
8
23
8
4
43
V. -
9
19
3
5
2
1
3
42
VI. -
4
16
9
9
1
39
VII. -
12
17
5
5
1
1
41
VIII.
2
12
7
2
23
Total
11
27
32
33
43
33
37
33
28
14
6
1
298
SCHOOL REPORT
89
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SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution October 1, 1942
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot.
Miss Devane
34
34
Miss Lawrence
34
34
Miss Flynn
31
31
Miss Shinnick
11
23
34
Mrs. Sylvester -
20
13
33
Miss Hinckley
29
29
Miss Staples
39
39
Miss Mack
41
41
Miss Manning
23
23
Total
34
34
42
43
42
39
41
23
298
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The year 1942 has been one where war prices and material shor tages have prevailed. Even under these unusual economic conditions, it has been possible for the School Committee to return to the town thirteen hundred fifty seven dollars and forty-nine cents as an unex- pended balance.
Again this year through careful budgeting, sufficient funds were available to purchase the greater part of next year's fuel supply at a much lower figure than to-day's prices. Our school supplies have been purchased with the same caution, buying in as large a quantity- as possible to insure delivery and a lower market quotation.
Many items used in school systems, through war necessities have been difficult to secure. Due to priorities the electric gong which cannot be repaired because of its obsolete make, cannot either be re- placed until after the duration.
The Assembly Hall wall during a northeast storm, shows signs of many leaks which in the near future should be repaired. Repeated estimates from reliable concerns fix the repair bill at a much larger figure than the present budget tendered could handle.
Since the last School Committee report many changes have been made in our teaching staff. Miss Elinor Lane resigned to teach in Gloucester. We received Miss Lane's resignation with regret but feel the move was to her advantage to teach in her home city.
Miss Mary Wilkish resigned to become the bride of Dr. John Oliver. At present Dr. and Mrs. Oliver are residing in Kansas City, Missouri.
Miss Mary Shinnick of Lawrence, a graduate of Lowell Teacher's College and with two year's experience has replaced Miss Lane.
Miss Arlene McEvoy, a graduate of Lowell Teachers' College with two year's experience has become the new Building Assistant and Coach Teacher.
Miss Barbara Staples of Beverly, graduate of Salem Teachers' College has become the new Sixth Grade Teacher. To our new teachers as well as those who have been members of our splendid teaching staff we extend to you our sincere appreciation for your co-operative work both in school problems and the many interrupt- ions caused by the rationing program.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The heat control system has been causing considerable trouble ever since the school was erected. Money was expended this past year to correct this defect and a more even temperature prevails. The townspeople have been most fortunate in securing Mr. Charles Clinch as janitor of the school. He has been untiring in his efforts to do his duties efficiently.
May we parents and citizens of the town realize our good for- tune in our efficient faculty and co-operate to our utmost in these times of unrest to preserve what we possess, a splendid democratic school system.
Respectfully submitted, DR. RAYMOND W. SILVERNAIL, Chairman SEAVER MACDONALD, ALICE K. CASS, Secretary.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Children are weighed and measured in January, May and Septem- ber. Cards are sent to the parents after each weighing showing the child's height, weight and the correct normal weight. Lists are also kept showing whether the children are over or under weight.
Heads and hair are examined when school opens and after each vacation for pediculosis.
The audiometer test was given to 244 pupils, and notices of defects requiring attention were sent to the parents of 40 pupils. Of these about half were found to be retarded in one ear only, or to have a very slow reaction to sound. These cases should be checked up occasionally to avoid permanent loss or impairment, or to see if their condition improves which is frequently the case.
Dr. Adrian C. Moulyn, of Topsfield, the School Physician gave physical examinations to all the children present in the school start- ing Monday, September 14, 1942. Of the 284 examined, 109 pupils were found with conditions requiring attention. These were as fol- lows:
Defective teeth
33
Tonsils
-
28
Wax in the ear
-
15
Pronation of feet
9
Glands
8
Eyes - -
7
Posture - -
4
Skin
4
Speech - .
1
109
Fifty-four pupils were inoculated for immunization against diph- theria. All children between the ages of six months and twelve years should be immunized with diphtheria toxoid without having the Shick test performed on them. The majority of children of this age group are susceptible and therefore the Shick test is not necessary.
Eye examination given to 289 pupils resulted in notices being sent in fourteen cases.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICIA KINGSLEY, R. N. School Nurse.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendant of Schools and members of the School Com- mittee:
The children of the Howe-Manning School continue to show keen interest in their music lessons, and, although the teachers have been handicapped the past year by lack of time, due to conditions beyond their control, and by rather large classes, good progress is being made.
Most of the music work is devoted to singing many songs and learning to read by note, with a period a week being given to the orchestra. At the beginning of the year there were fifteen in this group. Graduation in June took several away, although several recent graduates of the school return to practice with the orchestra most every week. We have new members, making a group of twelve at present.
The orchestra joined with the school orchestras of Georgetown, Groveland and Topsfield in giving combined orchestral concerts at the Howe-Manning School, and the Groveland and Topsfield High Schools during the spring. The concert at Middleton realized a good profit for the Junior Red Cross. It is planned to continue these concerts when transportation improves as they are very stimulating to the young musicians.
We also have a hill billy band composed of tonettes and guitars that practices noon times.
Members of the seventh and eighth grade chorus successfully presented a Stephen Foster program in May.
The Supervisor of Music is grateful to Principal C. Alice Manning and her teachers for their fine cooperation at all times. The attitude of both the teachers and pupils makes it a pleasure to come to Mid- dleton.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE N. KILLAM.
FLINT
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC
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