USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1943 > Part 5
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During the past year we have had many changes in our school faculty.
Miss Barbara Staples resigned to join the Waves and Miss Arlene McEvoy has become a government employee.
Mrs. Patricia Kingsley has returned to private nursing while Mrs. Bernice Sherwood whose services we were most fortunate to secure, has undertaken the duties of School Nurse.
We welcome to our staff of teachers Miss Natalie Smith and Miss Marie Keegan, both State Teacher's College Graduates who come to Middleton with splendid credentials.
As to School maintenance, with a constant check on the fuel supply, there is an adequate store of coal to fulfil the demands of this coming year. Though shortages have occurred and war prices have prevailed it has been the policy of the Committee to keep a generous supply of workable material and necessary books on hand. New exit lights, required by state law electrically con- nected to an operating switch, have been installed. Our former equipment proved inadequate as batteries furnishing power had to be constantly replenished.
Many interior improvements have been accomplished through the untiring efforts of our School Janitor, Mr. Clinch.
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SCHOOL REPORT
To all the faithful members of our school system we, as dele- gates of the town, wish to express our appreciation for their sin- cere co-operation and loyalty. The inspiration created by the sound teachings of our corps of teachers continues on through the higher education of the student, steadying him and directing him forward to better living and a saner world.
Respectfully submitted, Dr. Raymond Silvernail, Chm. Seaver MacDonald, Alice N. Cass, Sec.
97
SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
January 26, 1944
To the Middleton School Committee and Supt. S. G. Bean, Madam and Gentlemen :-
In compliance with your request I submit a report of activities in Howe-Manning School for 1942-1943.
Our school year began with an assembly at which Defense Stamps were explained and discussed. Pupils purchased them when they wished at the post office until January, when a real effort was made at school when we decided to sell stamps there, on Tuesday, the period of our former Bank Day.
This proved a success and has been continued ever since. Until September, the sales were made by Miss McEvoy, Mrs. Ganley or myself but since then, pupils from Grade VIII have most ably carried on.
We were requested by the U. S. government on Jan. 19, 1943 to sign up for a special effort to end April 17, 1943. We chose a Jeep, at that time priced at $900. After our citation for that we added a star to denote another Jeep as we earned one. We also secured our Minute Man flag to be flown monthly if 90% of pupils enrolled, purchased stamps. This has been up every month but one, to February, 1944.
In September, 1943, the value of a Jeep was set at $1165, and in response to a call from Education Dept. of the U. S. Treasury, for a drive to end Dec. 7, 1943, we decided to work for a new Jeep and at least two parachutes, we got it and nine parachutes instead of two.
Our total sales from Jan. 1943 through Jan. 1944 have been $4934.75.
We are now signed up for a Field Ambulance and as many parachutes as possible before April 25, 1944.
Room flags, designating 100% weekly purchasers and room graphs to show individual buyers have been designed and made; and these have helped much, in, holding interest and participation.
We are purchasing a $50 bond in this Fourth War Loan, with funds raised in paper drive and stamp movie show.
The cooperation of pupils and teachers in carrying on this project is a lesson in itself.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Our instrumental music instructor, Mr. Woessner of Lowell, has continued his groups on Wednesday, and has been most generous with his time. At present he has 5 violins, 1 saxaphone, 2 guitars, 1 piano accordian, 1 trumpet, 1 mandolin and 1 clarinet. The school orchestra, under Mr. Killam, meets on Thursday. New members are added as they reach the point when they are recom- mended by Mr. Woessner.
A subject, which to me, seems to need much consideration is manual work,-sewing for girls and whittling, chair caning, and simple constructive wood-working problems for boys. For several years this was a part of our school curriculum but was necessarily given up. There was no room, either, when we came to the new building in the fall of 1937. There are several sides of the ques- tion to be considered, but these stand out to me. The practical side of the course in sewing for girls is self-evident, while the hand-work for boys gives them much useful knowledge, applicable at home, and also is a morale building opportunity for many who are not, perhaps, quite socially adjusted in their grades.
At present, the classes might possibly be held in the play- room, but there is no place for storage of the bulky equipment, necessary for that type of work.
The long day for bus pupils and the lunch hour are problems that are still with us. In the spring and fall the play-ground fur- nishes "something to do," but in the winter months there is little chance for games. Over two hundred children who are transported plus those who go home to lunch, arriving back almost as soon as the former get out in the yard, must necessarily create a situa- tion, difficult to adjust. As we see it, the only solution is a shorter noon recess.
Our P. T. A. is sponsoring as usual, our cocoa and soup noon lunch project, that is the organization pays for cocoa, soup, sugar and making while money collected takes care of the milk for cocoa and soup as well as that served as milk. This year we are using over one hundred ten (110) quarts per week.
I know I speak for all teachers as well as myself when I say we are justly proud of the pupils who make this project a success. Without their help, it could not be done.
Grade registration has necessitated some changes in pupil distribution, but a sincere effort has been made to arrange classes so that each child may have the best social adjustment possible.
Coach classes have been arranged according to grades in room, and special pupil need. As formerly, the room-teacher decides on the subject for the month, and the pupils. We have found the very irregular attendance has prevented some from receiving the extra help which was planned for them.
In conclusion, may I thank all members of the teaching staff for their splendid assistance, and express my appreciation of the co-operation of the committee and superintendent.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Alice Manning.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Supt. of schools and members of the school committee.
The Nursing Service activities include weighing and measuring the children in January, May, and September. Cards are sent to the parents after each weighing, showing the child's height, weight and the correct standard weight. The preliminary testing of vision, assisting with totoid inoculations, and medical exami- nations. Inspections of contagion suspects and return absentees. Examinations of heads and hair when school opens and after each vacation for pediculosis, and each week for recurrent cases.
Dr. Adrian C. Moulyn, of Topsfield, the school physician gave physical examinations to all the children present in the school starting Tuesday, September 7, 1943, and continuing each Monday following until they were completed. These were as follows.
Total number of children examined 301.
Total number of pupils were found with conditions requiring attention 180.
These were as follows:
Defective teeth 51
Tonsils
71
Wax in the ear 14
Pronation of feet 4
Glands
28
Eyes
7
Skin
5
180
Twenty six pupils were inoculated for immunization against diphtheria. All children between the ages of six months and twelve years should be immunized with diphtheria toxoid.
Eye examinations given to 300 pupils resulted in notices being sent in seven cases. Three new pupils are now wearing glasses. Six home visits were made regarding health habits and follow up work in each case for school hygiene.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernice Sherwood, R. N. School Nurse. Feb. 1, 1944.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Our Art course this year has presented work in Drawing, Color and Design to the children of the Middleton schools.
This course covers the fundamental art skills that provide a secure foundation both for the interpretation and appreciation of art, and develops genuine creative ability for those who are capable of it. It teaches whatever is within the power of all to acquire, and at the same time, encourages the development of children with special talent. It shows children how art can and does, enter into all the aspects of man's life and encourages them to use art principles as a means of beautifying their houses and all things they use and wear. It seeks to develop in children a desire to make a contribution of their own by learning how to improve the things around them. It seeks to enrich all the teaching that the teacher does, by giving art a practical connection with the children's interests, activities, and experiences both in school and outside school.
It has been said that art is second only to radio as an instru- ment for war effort appeal to the public. The visual stimulus of the poster, the illustration and the cartoon are of paramount importance in teaching "the man who reads while he walks."
Drawing from their own experience and backgrounds, the children have developed sketches relating to such current subject matter as Civilian and National defense, Nutrition, Salvage, and Bond and Stamp sales. The development of figure drawing has been particularly emphasized during these past months.
I feel that the work accomplished this year has been most stimulating and the results most satisfactory.
My gratitude to the teachers, whose unfailing interest and efforts have contributed so much to the success of the Art program!
Respectfully submitted,
February 1, 1944.
Mary Shea, Supervisor.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
The program of music in the Howe-Manning Grammar School is similar to that of the last few years and the pupils continue to show a keen interest in it.
Due to the splendid cooperation of the teachers, the ability of the pupils to read by note is considerably improved, and each room has a fine repertoire of beautiful songs which the children love to sing. All the teachers, including recent additions to the staff, are doing effective work in music.
Mr. Woessner's instrumental class still acts as a feeder to the orchestra, and, in addition, we have a tonette band, made up of piano accordion, guitars and tonettes.
The orchestra parts to many well known songs have been purchased this year and the seventh and eighth grade chorus sometimes sing with orchestral accompaniments.
Besides the choral and instrumental music at graduation in June, the seventh and eighth grade chorus gave a Young-Old Folkes Concert in April, when groups from other rooms assisted. The event was well attended and quite successful.
At Christmas time a particularly successful program was given in the hall when each room gave special numbers and the whole school sang carols with orchestral accompaniment.
The supervisor appreciate the efficient work and help of Prin- cipal C. Alice Manning and wishes to thank the members of the school committee and the superintendent for their support.
Respectfully submitted, Horace N. Killam, Supervisor of Music.
FLINT
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC
BRARY
1
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