USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1918 > Part 11
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Died Derember 22, 1918
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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
Mr. Charles A. Harris,
Superintendent of Schools,
Plymouth, Mass.
Dear Sir :
Permit me to submit to you my eighth annual report of the Senior High School.
The total membership for the year has been 316, a decrease of 5 from last year. That the membership has practically re- mained the same in spite of the increased cost of living, the great demand for labor, and high wages, speaks well for the place which the school holds in the community. There has never been a time in the history of the world when there has been and will continue to be such a demand for trained men and women. It has been proven over and over again during the past few years, that each year spent in school now will yield more than 100 per cent. interest to the individual later on. The great effort which is being made by parents, ofttimes with great sacrifice on their part, to keep their children in school would seem to indicate that they are fully alive to this fact. No pains have been spared to make the young people realize this and the result has been very gratifying .. Many changes have occurred in the corps of teachers during the past year. Almira J. Coffin, teacher of science; Edna M. Sturtevant, who organized our domestic science department, and has done such remarkably efficient work during the past four years ; Mary R. Miller, teacher of French; Helen W. Smith, teacher of English and Bookkeeping; Helen J. Bedell, teacher of Bookkeeping and Typewriting; Paulyle W. Flavell, teacher of German and French, resigned to accept more lucrative posi-
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tions. Mr. John A. W. Pearce, teacher of mathematics, re- signed to enter the army. All were experienced teachers and had made for themselves a secure place in the school and com- munity, and their loss has been keenly felt. No matter how efficient a new teacher may be a change cannot be made with- out an interruption to the work which is plainly visible in the school. Without doubt the increase in salaries which has recently come to teachers will result in fewer changes in the future.
The following teachers were elected to fill the above posi- tions : Anne M. McKinnon, Science and Mathematics; Ruth W. Lane, Domestic Science; Helen H. Worth, French; Helen Getchell, English; Agnes A. Lisk, Bookkeeping and Typewrit- ing; Ethel M. Frizzel, Mathematics. Mr. Pearce, fortunately for the school is with us again after being discharged from the service. They are all doing good work and I believe we have been fortunate in securing their services. That a high grade of work and scholarship has been maintained in the several departments during the past year, a year that has been so full of influences which tended to take the minds of the pupils away from their work, the world war, influenza, etc., is an evi- dence of the devotion of the teachers to the high ideals of the profession which they have chosen.
The introduction of the longer school day and supervised study marks a new and important era in the history of the school, one which, in my opinion, will exert a greater influence over the lives of the young people than any change that has ever been made. Although the past four months have been so full of interruptions that a fair trial of it has not yet been made, yet the good resulting from it is already manifest.
Supervised study ought and I believe it will react in the following ways on the school: (1) it enables the instructor to teach the pupils how to study and use their minds; (2) it saves time; (3) it prevents waste of energy; (4) it makes for definiteness ; (5) it aids discipline by keeping the child active
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all the time; (6) it makes the class room a live workshop; pupils are not slow to appreciate that with the teacher at hand to help over hard places it is well worth while to concentrate on one study at a time and to economize the class room hour to the utmost; (7) it inspires pupils to study because they know how; (8) it provides an atmosphere of study- everyone is doing it; (9) it brings about a better mutual understanding between teacher and individual pupil; (10) it results in better prepared lessons, and should reduce the amount of home study in the first two years of High School.
Notwithstanding the additional hour in the school day, tha teachers have taken up the work enthusiastically, and are unanimous in the opinion that already far better work is being done than ever before. The introduction of the longer school day and supervised study was made possible by installing and equipping the Lunch Room. We now have a well appointed Lunch Room, where appetizing and nourishing lunches are served daily at recess, from 11.50 to 12.15. It is self support- ing and everything is sold at the lowest possible figure. No one except those who have known and seen what the pupils have eaten for their lunches heretofore can realize how much the school and pupils will be benefited by this arrangement. Parents are urged to visit the school during the lunch period and see for themselves what is being served to their children.
In closing this short report, I wish to express my apprecia- tion and that of my associates for the cordial support given us by the School Committee and yourself.
WILLIAM C. WHITING.
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ANNUAL
GRADUATION EXERCISES
PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1918
HIGH SCHOOL HALL
Evening of June Twenty-sixth
Nineteen Hundred Eighteen At Eight O'clock
Program
March, Lachner
SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Invocation
REV. JOHN PEARCE
Duet for Cornet and Trombone
JOHN PERKINS, ALFRED COBB
Salutatory and Essay, Women and the War.
BETSY A. MORTON
Essay, Literature and Liberty.
EILEEN MCMAHON
Songs (a) "Love's Matin."
(b) "Angel's Serenade." (c) "Good bye."
FLORA G. SHURTLEFF.
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Essay, Americanism.
LINDA CAPPANNARI
Oration, The Battle Ground of the World. ALBERT WESLEY NICHOLS
Singing, "Devotion," Mascagni Arranged from "Cavalleria Rusticana." SCHOOL CHORUS
Essay and Valedictory, Fatherless France.
PAULINE S. HOWLAND
Ballet, "Flight of the Birds W. M. Rice / SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Presentation of Diplomas.
DR. HELEN F. PIERCE
Singing, "Song of Deliverance," .. S. Coleridge-Taylor SCHOOL CHORUS
Singing of Class Song.
CLASS OF 1918. .
Class Song. 1.
On wings of Time the years have fled, And school days now gone by, Leave with us tender memories Of good old Plymouth High. For when in distant future, Of days long past we dream, Then we'll recall our High School days, And the year 1918.
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2.
We've reached a turn in the Road of Life ; Henceforth our ways must part ; But a feeling of good fellowship Remains in every heart. And as through Life we journey, When dark clouds endless seem, Let's bring to mind the spirit Of our class, 1918.
3.
Our town is proud of its boys "out there," And lads from Plymouth High Are fighting in a foreign land Ready to do or die. For Liberty and Justice They're facing foes unseen :
May God protect our country Is the prayer of 1918.
Words by Alice McDougal Music by Ethel E. Holmes.
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CLASS OF 1918.
"Victory is a Question of Stamina."
John Alexander Armstrong Natalie Bartlett
Warren Cleveland Bartlett Sadie Bass
Evelyn Mary Boutin
Harmon Moore Bradford
Richard Baxter Brown, Jr.
Linda Louise Cappanari
Thelma Frances Collier Theodore Collins Tonio Vincent Corsini Freeman Loring Coville Chester Kenneth Delano Miriam Augusta Downey
Howard Theodore Engstrom Anna Mildred Goodwin George Ferdinand Grandi Esther Burgess Griswold Ethel Elizabeth Holmes Eleanor Bradford Howland Pauline Stephens Howland John Edward Jordan, 2nd Francis Edmund Junior Thurba Willard Landry Elmer Frances Langille Agnes Frances McCarthy
Alice McDougal
Eileen Barbara McMahon Frances Ruth Miller Betsy Holbrook Morton
Agnes Philip Murray Albert Wesley Nichols
Fannie Mary Ortolani
Annie Madeline OFihelly
Sadye Orentlicher Gladys Viola Pero Charlotte Mary Perrier Helene Frances Perrier Harry Mitchell Resnick Ruth Roberts Abraham Joseph Sadow Esther Linwood Sampson Frances Howard Sampson Flora Gertrude Shurtleff Virginia Louise Swift
· Lillian Elsa Temple Hazel Wakefield Edith Reed Wall
Esther Marian Ward
George Alton Ward Elsie Luella White
Thomas Stevenson Whitman
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
Mr. Charles A. Harris,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
I submit for your approval, the first report of the Junior High School.
In September, 1917, the school was reorganized after the general plan of all Junior High Schools, by the grouping of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades in one building, thus forming a new educational unit, so that secondary school sub- jects and methods begin in the seventh grade.
At present, the school day is made up of six 45-minute periods, 30 minutes being the limit of a recitation in the seventh and eighth grades, the remaining 15 minutes being given to study or assignment. At the close of each period, the pupils pass to other rooms, and by so doing, relax both mind and body. The result of this is renewed interest in a new subject. It is one good feature of the daily program and an excellent way to work off surplus energy. The number. of periods per week for each pupil varies; the largest number occurring with those who take bench work or household arts. Pupils' free periods are given to study or anything else that may seem best for the individual.
On account of a flexible program, it frequently happens that a room teacher will have for supervised study, differentiated groups. The assignment for these different groups is always an English assignment. Foreign languages are supervised only by the teachers of those languages.
Pupils whose work at the end of the week is below standard. return on Monday afternoons. In some ways this plan is not proving satisfactory; it frequently happens that certain groups
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who live at a great distance are unable to return and are liable to lose promotion at the end of the school year.
Provision is made in the program for individual differences. Besides the major subjects which all pupils are required to take, they are allowed some choice in election, beginning with the seventh grade where they may choose either manual train- ing or a modern language. All subjects, both required and'elec- tive, continue through the seventh and eighth grades, with one exception : typewriting and bookkeeping begin as electives in the eighth grade and continue through the ninth grade. Pupils are allowed to continue the study of a foreign language only on condition that their work in English is satisfactory.
One of the aims of a Junior High School is providing for those who are forced to leave school. The pre-vocational subjects, such as commercial subjects, wood-working or household arts, offer excellent opportunities for these. A year or two will not make pupils skillful in these subjects, but they do acquire a certain amount of industrial intelligence which is an asset not only for themselves, but for the commu- nity.
Promotion by subject from the eighth grade only, went into effect last June, when four pupils who failed in mathematics were promoted to the ninth grade, on condition that they re- peat that subject with the eighth grade the following Septem- ber. These are now doing the work of the ninth grade in all subjects but mathematics. This they take with an eighth grade class. Had they been demoted, the tendency would be to leave school.
At the end of the school year it was thought best to elimin- ate formal graduation. A class of 100, consisting of pupils from both eighth and ninth grades, received certificates for promotion to the Senior High School.
Acting on your suggestion. of last September, that retarded pupils in ninth grade be allowed to enter the Senior High School, provided that they had satisfactorily completed the
Plymouth 17
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work of the eighth grade, and were 16 years old, or would be before January 1 of that year, five pupils from the ninth grade entered the High School last October on these conditions.
As far as it is practical, the work in English, history, and geography is based upon the reorganized outlines in these sub- jects. This year the course in English has been closely articu- lated with that of the Senior High School. This necessitated not only a change in the content of the subject but also the methods of teaching. Perhaps the greatest change was made in grammar. The grammar taught is the grammar of use- useless reviews are eliminated. A more extensive and varied course in reading was introduced.
The socialized spirit of the school is shown in its activities. One of these is the school orchestra, which meets every Thurs- day afternoon under the direction of the music supervisor. Credit is given to the members for faithful attendance.
The war with its resultant activities emphasized the patriotic spirit of the school.
The work of the Junior Red Cross, under the direction of the sewing supervisor, has been remarkably successful. This is done by volunteers who return three afternoons a week. Work on refugee garments is now going on.
In the cooking classes, girls were taught how to conserve food and to co-operate with the Food Administration. Posters made in the drawing class gave an added interest to the war activities.
The splendid spirit displayed in all "win the war" move- ments was manifested by the pupils' participation in contribu- tions to Red Cross and Victory Boys and Girls, in purchasing Thrift and War Savings Stamps, and in services rendered the community on days of special observance.
Respectfully submitted,
KATHARINE A. O'BRIEN.
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REPORT OF PRIMARY SUPERVISOR
Mr. Charles A. Harris, Superintendent of Schools,
Plymouth, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my second annual report of the work of the primary grades.
Unusual conditions during the past year have made the school work difficult. Despite adverse circumstances, however, the teachers have made an earnest effort to keep the schools up to the required standards. At the same time, the unusual sit- uations have afforded rare opportunities for teaching patriot- ism, thrift, and the value of service.
Flag salutes, patriotic exercises, patriotic songs, discussions concerning posters supplied the schools by State and National Committees, together with the conservation of food in order to feed our Allies, have furnished much material for les- sons in loyalty to our country, and have helped to create a desire to think of others, to work for others, and to sacrifice for others.
The lower grades responded with enthusiasm to the call of the Junior Red Cross, and the value of twenty-five cents per pupil was quickly and easily earned. Constant emphasis has been placed upon penny savings, which has resulted in the pur- chase of Thrift Stamps. Some of the pupils even attempted the Home Garden work, and although the product was not large, yet we feel it has been a start in the right direction.
We have learned that an important function of the primary school is to teach right ideas of law and government. Begin-
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ning, with the first year of school life, children must be given liberty and taught how to use it, that they may not mistake it for license. They must learn to obey, and the obedience should be of such a nature that it can be carried outside of the school- room. To this end, teachers are studying the individual, his characteristics, and his environment in order to know how best to inspire and develop ideals of true citizenship.
The recess period is serving as one of the greatest opportu- nities for inculcating these ideals and establishing, right habits. Games suited to the particular needs of the class are selected. The teacher usually enters into the games or supervises to seć that the children follow the rules of the game, use clean lang- uage, await their turn to give others a chance, and, generally speaking "play fair." There is no better place to lay the funda- mental principles of co-operation, loyalty, and good-fellowship.
In our desire to make the work more uniform throughout the town, we have studied needs and problems and have aimed to apply the best methods. As last year, we have followed the plan of meetings of the teachers of the same grades in different schools. At these meetings we have discussed subjects of gen- eral interest to all grades, but have given special attention to a few necessary matters.
Particular emphasis has been placed upon reading .. The task of teaching the mechanics of reading rests upon the teach- ers of the first three grades. Various devices have been used to make this part of the work interesting, as well as effective. At the same time, realizing that the reason for failure in school work is frequently due to inability on the part of pupils to read understandingly, much time has been spent in developing the power to get thought from the printed page. A new list of reading books has been prepared, these books to be used when- ever it becomes necessary to discard any of those now in use. Aside from this, it is desirable that each room should. be sup- plied with fifteen or twenty different supplementary readers for those pupils who complete the assigned work before the others of the class.
2.
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A child needs to acquire the habit of using initiative when first he begins to go to school. The large number of pupils in most primary rooms permits little opportunity for freedom and self-expression. However, we are making a careful study of profitable occupation and practical educational material to be used during the "between-recitation period." At specified times during the day, pupils are allowed to choose their own material and work out their own projects. This is proving very success- ful in several rooms where it is being tried. In all the work we are striving to connect education with life.
Two new features have been introduced-a study period and a special group. Young children do not know how to study and if left to themselves form careless habits, which once formed are difficult to correct. To teach them how to apply . themselves understandingly, a short period is being given each day when all the pupils in the room study some assigned lesson under the direct supervision of the teacher.
The special group consists of pupils who are handicapped in any way. While the brighter pupils are profitably employed at their desks, this group receives individual instruction. In this way we hope to lessen retardation.
The teachers have shown a marked professional attitude and are endeavoring in every way to make their work more efficient. Outside of teachers' meetings and conferences, all inspiration has come from reading school magazines and books, but during the coming year we hope to add lectures and reading clubs for the purpose of continuing the study of educational problems.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH H. SAMPSON,
Primary Supervisor.
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VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
REPORT FOR YEAR OF 1917-1918.
Mr. C. A. Harris,
Dear Sir :
I have the pleasure of submitting to you the first annual re- port of the Vocational Agricultural Department. The work of this department may be conveniently grouped under four heads as follows :
I. Work with boys over fourteen in the High School.
II. Work with boys under fourteen in the grades.
III. Work with adults on farms and in the town.
IV. Co-operative work with business interests of the town. I.
Classes in vocational agriculture were started in the High School with an enrollment of twenty boys, the maximum num- ber allowed for one instructor. This enrollment later dropped to sixteen, due largely to the difficulty in finding the requisite employment outside of school for all the boys. The state in aiding such departments as ours, requires that all boys taking the work be required to spend half their time at practical farm work. This provision is a hard one to meet in Plymouth where so few of the farmers employ help.
During the year, these boys carried on home projects totalling, some ten acres and raised products to the value of over seven- teen hundred dollars. A total of three hundred visits to these
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boys were made by the instructor during the year. Instruction in this line of work must of necessity be largely individual.
The projects during the year 1918, were all fruit and vege- table growing and only in the case of exceptional lack of facil- ities was a boy allowed to substitute anything else as a project. Accurate and complete accounts were required of every boy throughout the year and during the summer. These were tab- ulated and summarized at the end of the year. In addition each boy was required to enrole in the state contests and sub- mit complete reports of his work to the Club Leaders at Amherst. This work appears to have a successful start in Plym- outh and should become more valuable each year.
II.
The school garden work was taken over by the Agricultural Department this year. Owing to lack of time and press of other duties it was impossible to give as much instruction in the lower grades as was desired. Most of the work done was in the nature of propaganda urging the need of larger production this year. Approximately two hundred pupils, including some high school pupils, enrolled in the home and school garden course this year. In each case the consent and promise of co-opera- tion of the child's parents were obtained before the enrollment was accepted. These gardens varied in size from a few square feet to a quarter of an acre. The plot at Nelson Street was again loaned to the School Department and was ploughed and harrowed at their expense. These plots were in every case suc- cessfully cultivated and yielded their workers good returns. The home gardens were nearly all visited three times during the summer and such help and advice given their owners as was needed at the time. This work needs more time given to it than can be given by the Agricultural Department, and it is hoped that another year someone may be appointed to devote full time to the work.
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A successful exhibit was held at the South Street Engine house on September 17th. Products raised by the home and school gardeners and by the members of the High School Agricultural Classes were on exhibition. All exhibits were entered according to a previously posted premium list. They were judged by Mr. Frank Davis, assistant County Agent. A list of awards follows :
Class I. Beans.
Pole Beans, Kentucky Wonder-1st prize, $.75, William Braunecker.
Pea Bean's-1st prize, $.75, Almore Burgess; 2nd prize, $.50, Alfred Peterson ; 3rd prize, $.25, Harold Prince.
Yellow Eyes-1st prize, $.75, Harold Prince; 2nd prize, $.50, Allen Perkins; 3rd prize, $.25. Earl Eddy.
Shell Beans, any variety-1st prize, $.75, Edward Ransden ; 2nd prize, $.50, Richard Delaney ; 3rd prize, $.25, Francis Bartlett.
Class II. Sweet Corn.
Sweet Corn, any variety-1st prize, $.75, Paul Prince; 2nd prize, $.50, Francis Bartlett ; 3rd prize, $.25, Sumner Howard.
Class III. Cabbage.
Cabbage-1st prize, $.75, John Brenner; 2nd prize, $.25, Paul Prince; 3rd prize, $.20, Paul Prince.
Class IV. Squash.
Hubbard Squash, best single specimen-1st prize, $.50, Sumner Howard; 2nd prize, $.30, Earl Eddy ; 3rd prize, $.20, Edward Ransden.
Any other variety, best single specimen-1st prize, $.50, Milton Perkins ; 2nd prize, $.30, Allen Perkins ; 3rd prize, $.20, Milton Perkins.
A successful potato project.
Earl Eddy, Summer Street.
An onion and bean project. Yield, 30 bushels of onions. Edward Ransden, Manomet.
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Class V. Potatoes.
Best plate of five any variety-1st prize, $.50, Earl Eddy ; 2nd prize, $.30, Walter Engler; 3rd prize, $.20, Sumner How- ard.
Best Peck, any variety-1st prize, $1.00, Sumner Howard; 2nd prize, $.75, Leroy Peck; 3rd prize, $.50, Arthur Fihelly.
Class VI. Onions.
Onions-1st prize, $.50, Sumner Howard; 2nd prize, $.30, Edward Ransden; 3rd prize, $.20, Edward Ransden.
Class VII .- Beets.
1st prize, $.50, Francis Bartlett; 2nd prize, $.30, John Bren- ner; 3rd prize, $.20, Sumner Howard.
Class VIII. Tomatoes.
Best plate of four of any variety-1st prize, $.50; Almore Burgess ; 2nd prize, $.30, Earl Eddy ; 3rd prize, $.20, Edward Ransden.
Class IX. Carrots.
Best plate of four of any variety-1st prize, $.50, Percy Haigh; 2nd prize, $.30, Edward Ransden; 3rd, $.20, Almore Burgess.
Special prizes were awarded as follows:
Peppers, $.75, Oscar Ries; Peppers, $.50, Louis Avanzini ; Muskmelons, $.20, Sumner Howard; Parsnips, $.50, Arthur Fihelly.
The following pupils were awarded prizes for the best cared for home and school gardens :
School Gardens-1st prize, $5.00, Paul and Harold Prince ; 2nd prize, $3.00, Earl Wall; 3rd prize, $2.00, Alfred Muthig.
Home Gardens-1st prize, $5.00, Milton Perkins; 2nd prize,
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$3.00, Percy Haigh; 3rd prize, $2.00, Charles Smith; 3rd prize, $2.00, Leroy Sampson; 3rd prize, $2.00, John McGoff; 3rd prize, $2.00, Arthur Fihelly; 3rd prize, $2.00, Gladys Marvel.
Ten one dollar prizes given by the woman's club were award- ed as follows: Nicholas Douylliez, Mathias Smith, Edith Knight, Austin Fratus, Nelson Sampson, Kendal Estes, Ellen Lahey, Donald Reid, Frances Burgess, John Alden.
III.
The work with adults consisted largely of advising the vari- ous planters of the so called "war gardens." During the winter months an evening class of eight people was held once a week at which a lecture was given on various aspects of soil fertility and gardening. Early in the spring, talks were given at all the factories in town. The names of those people who wished advice were taken and these were later visited on their prem- ises. By permission of the Plymouth National Bank, the instructor kept office hours there, at which time, people were at. liberty to consult him regarding various garden problems. Many availed themselves of this opportunity. In connection with the war emergency work, the instructor also acted as local food administrator until the close of the war made such work unnecessary. Still another phase of this activity consisted in aiding the community market as much as possible. Many farmers were visited and urged to bring their products to mar- ket.
IV.
At the conference of the Agricultural Instructors held in Amherst last Summer, it was urged on all present that depart- ments co-operate to the fullest extent with the business inter- ests of their towns. These interests are in many cases closely tied up with the Agricultural industry. The Plymouth
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Department was cited as an example of how such co-operation might be affected. The Plymouth National Bank has aided in the financing of a great many Agricultural Enterprises, in this vicinity. During the past year with the assistance of the Department, three hundred and twenty-six pigs have been placed in the town. The buyers, largely boys and girls, although adults were not excluded, signed notes for the amount of the purchase price. It is estimated that at least twenty tons of pork has resulted from these pigs. The notes signed were placed with the bank, which had already advanced the money for bringing the pigs to town. Farmers desiring financial assistance for farm projects were looked into by the Agricultural Department before such assistance was given. The bank allows the Department the use of an automobile as its part of the co-operation.
Another example of such co-operation with business interests has been the work with the Plymouth Cordage Company. The department was able to help them in the judging of the gardens on which prizes were offered by the company. Each place was visited by the instructor and accurately scored.
As this report goes to press, word is received that Plymouth has been awarded the county cup for home garden work during nineteen eighteen. This cup is awarded year by year to the town having the best results in Home and School garden work. Last year it went to Whitman, this year it comes to Plymouth and it is hoped that we may keep it here until it becomes our permanent property.
The Department has participated in many useful phases of work, but space does not permit of their description here. We start on the new year with only one desire: to make ourselves of the utmost service to every citizen in the town of Plymouth.
Respectfully submitted, W. I. MAYO, JR.,
Vocational Agricultural Instructor.
A
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REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. Charles A. Harris,
Superintendent of Schools :-
I respectfully submit the following report from January 1, 1918 to January 1, 1919.
Truancy
Sickness
Cr Absentee
Total
Alden Street School,
0
1
6
Burton School,
9
13
33
55
Cold Spring School,
6
0
2
8
Cornish School,
2
7
20
29
Chiltonville Primary School,
0
0
2
2
Hedge School,
15
28
109
152
Individual School,
11
8
36
Knapp School,
6
8
33
47
Knapp Evening School,
0
2
20
22
Lincoln Street School,
1
1
0
2
Manomet Primary School,
0
0
2
2
Mount Pleasant School,
4
9
31
47
Nathaniel Morton School,
12
69
82
163
Oak Street School,
6
0
4
10
Spooner Street School,
0
6
40
46
Ship Pond School,
0
0
1
1
South Pond Village School,
0
0
1
1
629
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Cases investigated for Superintendent's Office,
21
Employment Certificates investigater, 18
Number of homes visited, 668
Total number of investigations, 668
Found on street and taken to school, 14
Number of visits to schools, / 92
I wish to thank the Superintendent and teachers for the kind assistance which they have given me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
.
JOHN ARMSTRONG,
Attendance Officer.
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STATE AIDED PRACTICAL ARTS COURSES.
During the first week of August a class was organized for instruction in canning. These lessons continued for three weeks with a membership of thirteen.
Early in November, courses in Dressmaking and Millinery were offered to the women of the town, free of charge. The enrollment for these classes is as follows :
First Unit Second Unit
Millinery (afternoons)
8 8
Millinery (afternoons)
9
8
Millinery (evenings)
5
Dressmaking (afternoons)
Dressmaking (evenings)
6
6
The members of the advisory committee are: Mrs. Charles E. Bittinger, Mrs. William C. Whiting, Mrs. Harry W. Whit- ing.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH H. SAMPSON,
Director.
V
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
True to his convictions and high ideals our esteemed school physician Dr. Shaw left his work here, for the greater work overseas. While we have endeavored to keep up the good work as begun by him, it is impossible to have as satisfactory a re- port.
The first five months of the school year were covered by Dr. Shaw, the next by Dr. Shurtleff, and the last four by me. Dur- ing these months influenza made such havoc in school attend- ance (40 per cent. being out from nearly every school in town) it was deemed wise to close the schools. When they opened, as careful supervision as possible was kept, and all children in whose family there was a case, and all children showing symp- toms of such trouble, were barred from school. In this way we hoped to lessen the spread of the disease. There were few deaths among the school children, but Miss Shaw, one of our Knapp teachers died from pneumonia following influenza.
During these four months two cases of diphtheria were re- ported to us by the Board of Health. No other contagious diseases reported.
One bad mastoid case has been successfully operated upon at the Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston. Several bad eye and ear cases have also been treated at the same place, taken there by the school nurse.
Two cases of spinal curvature have been referred to Bos- ton specialists, and the attention of many parents has been called to children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, to de- fective eyesight and hearing, bad postures and mal-nutrition.
Believing that the physical welfare of the child is as im-
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portant as mental training, we urge the cooperation of the par- ents.
Teachers have helped much in their watchful care of the children, and both teachers and janitors have been wise and helpful in ways of ventilation and sanitation.
Most important of all is the follow-up work of the nurse whose report follows this.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN F. PIERCE, Acting School Physician.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE, 1918.
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Number of school visits, 503
Number of home visits, 565
.
Number of treatments in school, 894
Number of contagious cases found in schools,
126
Number of contagious cases found in homes, 72
Number of pupils inspected, 5,185
Referred to physicians, 43
Nine cases of diseased tonsils and adenoids were operated at the Jordan Hospital, and several cases of eye and ear trouble taken to Boston Hospitals for treatment or operation. The need is felt more and more each year, for a local clinic, to which children suffering from various defects can be taken for treatment.
Clothing has been supplied to a number of .needy cases, through the kindness of the Fragment Society, and private in- dividuals.
SUSIE MACDONALD, R. N.
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