USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1924-1925 > Part 15
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The regular weighing of our school children did much to emphasize the need of the Fresh Air School as it is among the undernourished that we find those who need help wheth- er because they are getting into that condition which we have come to recognize as the beginning of what may be-
42
come lung tuberculosis if nothing is done to build up re- sistance in the child's body, or because the nervous system is showing evidence of breaking down or it may be some other evidence of weakness which demands a modification of the demands of the school life.
During the past summer a room in the Cornish building on the ground floor with windows on three sides and hav- ing a southern exposure was equipped by the School Com- mittee for a Fresh Air School. The room was thoroughly renovated and the hot air system of heating replaced by steam, coils being run about three sides of the room under the windows. Each window was furnished with a novel screen recommended by the McCormack foundation of (Chicago.
This screen is in effect an inverted awning which when lowered leaves the window opening clear and when raised allows the air to come in freely but directs it upward. It is therefore possible to have the windows open in very cold weather as the screens protect the children from direct draughts and the air from the coils rises and tempers the cold air entering above from the screens.
Instead of the usual school furniture three long tables of three different heights accommodate groups of children of varying size. The chairs are partly of the kindergarten type and partly of the adult size, some of them being cut down. Cots of light construction folding easily to take up the minimum of space, are an indispensable feature of the equipment. Each pupil is provided with a good quality blanket which a metal tag identifies by number.
A modern gas range and such simple culinary material as is necessary for the purposes of the school complete the equipment.
The program which is modified from time to time as we learn better the needs of the schools, is as follows: Opening Exercises
Flag Salute
Lord's Prayer
8:15- 9:05
MUSEUM
FRESH AIR SCHOOL
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Inspection
Story if above is good Arithmetic, Reading
9:05-10:00
Penmanship, Language
10:00-10:15
10:15-10:30
Recess Lunch
10:30-10:45
Rest
10:45-11:15
Spelling, Sentence Formation
11:15-11:45
Noon Lunch
11:45-12:15
Noon Recess
12:15-12:45
Geography or History
12:45- 1:30
Hand work or Drawing or Music
1:30- 2:00
Rest
2:00- 2:30
Classes and rest periods are carried on out of doors in the open air whenever practicable.
The children remain at the school for the lunch and are encouraged to bring the right kinds of foods. They also bring five cents a day per pupil on which the teacher suc- ceeds in providing them with a hot dish each day such as thick soups, baked macaroni, escalloped fish, etc. Also each child has one pint of fresh milk every day.
The committee have been fortunate in the choice of a teacher, for the work of carrying on a fresh air school is not to be turned over lightly to the first comer. Its unique problems require among other things resourcefulness, tact, persistence, common sense and a cheerful spirit. If the school proves to be the success that we believe it will, it will be largely due to the fitness and perseverance of the teacher.
Those who have visited the school have come away en- thusiastic about it. The pleasant school room, the fresh invigorating air and the smiling faces make an irresistible appeal.
On October 7th. the total enrollment of the school was thirteen and the gross weight of the pupils was 800 lbs.
On October 28th. it was found that the gross weight was 825 lbs. or twenty-five pounds aded to the weight of the
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thirteen pupils in three weeks making an average gain of 30.8 oz. per pupil. The largest gain for any one pupil was 41/2 lbs. and the smallest gain 3/4 lbs.
There were no absences among the pupils for respiratory diseases such as coughs, colds, and sore throats and there were no such diseases among the pupils in school.
Temperatures taken twice a day gave an average of 60.06 degrees, the highest being 80 degrees and the lowest 50 de- grees.
On November 4th. the gross weight of the pupils in the Fresh Air Room was 8841/2 lbs. On November 25th. the same pupils weighed 9071/4 lbs., a net gain of 223/4 lbs. in three weeks or an average gain of 17.6 oz. per pupil.
The largest single gain was 23/4 lbs. and the smallest gain was 1 lb.
Four pupils failed because of too much exercise, late hours, dietary indiscretions, etc., to gain, losing from 1/4 to 3/4 of a pound.
The average room temperature was 59.8 degrees.
December with its Christmas recess made the poorest showing with a net gain of only 133/4 lbs. for the school, or an average of 12 4/5 ounces. Three pupils were dismissed to other grades from 21/4 to 9 lbs. overweight.
The largest single gain in December was 21/4 lbs. Three pupils lost from 1/4 to 13/4 lbs.
The average room temperature was 56 degrees.
During the months of November and December a record showing absences and their causes was kept in the Fresh Air Room and in an ordinary room with closed windows. The findings are reported in terms of pupil days, there being as many pupil days each school day as there are pupils enrolled on that day. The number of pupil days in the month is obtained by multiplying the number of school days in the month by the average enrollment for the month. The records show then that during November there were six pupil days of absence in the closed window room due to respiratory troubles and ten pupil days of respiratory ill-
45
ness in school. While in the Fresh Air Room there were no pupil days of absence and no pupil days of respiratory illness in school.
During December there were four pupil days of absence for respiratory disease and 27 pupil days of respiratory disease in school in the closed window room, while in the Fresh Air Room there was one pupil day of absence for respiratory disease and no pupil days of respiratory illness in school.
DR. EMERSON'S NUTRITION CLASSES
During the period from January 14 to June 30, nutrition classes were organized from among the children of employ- ees of the Plymouth Cordage Company under the general direction of Dr. W. R. Emerson whose methods were fol- lowed. As the school physician of the Plymouth public schools was placed in charge of the classes and as the chil- dren who composed the classes were all either pupils of the Plymouth public schools or of the kindergarten age it seems fitting the results obtained in these classes should be reported here.
Of the 282 children weighed and measured 13% .were found 7% or more underweight which is, to quote from the official report, "a better showing than is found in most communities In many representative cities twice as many children are in the two groups below the safety zone as were found in North Plymouth.
Half of the 35 who were actually members of the classes were present during the entire 20 weeks and two-thirds were present more than half the time."
"The members of the three classes averaged during the 20 weeks 190% of the growth in weight that would be ex- pected of average children of their ages in the same period. While this is not all that could be desired yet it is no small achievement to take 35 children averaging 9% underweight who are making practically no progress in weight and in many cases are losing weight and bring them to a point.
46
where they average nearly double the gain that is made by the general run of children of their age."
In conclusion the report reads: "In estimating the value of this work to a community it should be borne in mind that besides the improvement in health of these children themselves and the educational value for parents, teachers, etc. the danger of tuberculosis, respiratory affections and nervous disturbances is diminished 500 to 600% .... certain- ly a notable result in the prevention of disease."
NUTRITION GROUPS AND HEALTH CRUSADE
The general weighing and measuring of pupils done by the nurse twice a year although it takes much time is well worth while as it directs attention to that group of under- nourished children who are in the danger zone. In all the large schools those pupils who are ten percent or more underweight meet the nurse each month for conference and re-weighing. Charts are posted on a bulletin board which show graphically what progress, if any, is being made and serve to keep the interest of the pupil in reaching his nor- mal weight for height. The gains made in these groups have been very gratifying, one group making 189% of the gain which might be expected of children of their age and height, as shown in the report of the nurse.
At the Mount Pleasant School an active Parent-Teachers' Association has become interested in the nutrition problem and provided milk for the undernourished pupils at the school on school days. This, with the cooperation of the parents in regulating the activities of the undernourished children, seeing that they have sufficient hours of sleep and eat the right kinds of food, should result in a marked re- duction in the percentage of malnutrition in the school.
The last general weighing and measuring completed about the first of November, included 2117 pupils and showed that 9.87% were ten per cent or more underweight. This indicates that the school children of Plymouth are in a better physical condition than those of the State as a whole,
17
as it has been found that the average throughout the Com- monwealth is 15%, ten percent or more underweight.
The Health Crusade which has proved its value in in- culcating health habits has been stronger than ever the past year and Plymouth has been signally honored by the Massachusetts Tuberculosis League for its accomplishment in this valuable work. Such success is not won without persistent painstaking effort on the part of the nurse and the teachers who assisted her. They are to be congratulat- ed on this recognition of the service they have rendered the cause of child health.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE 1924
The Health Crusade continues to hold the interest of the children, all the pupils from the third to the sixth grades being enrolled this year.
The Silver Cup presented by Miss Louisa P. Loring to the larger communities in Massachusetts, for the best Cru- sade work, was awarded to Plymouth by the Massachusetts Tuberculosis League.
The accolade, through the fine cooperation of the teachers, was held in June, at the Hedge, Cornish and Mt. Pleasant schools. Miss Johnson, Executive Secretary of the Massa- chusetts Tuberculosis League, conferred the title of "Squire" or "Knight" on each pupil completing the Cru- sade work.
Nutrition classes are held in the larger schools, for all pupils who are found to be 10% or more underweight. They are taught the importance of a daily rest period, the drinking of milk, wholesome food, early bed hour, etc.
Out of 440 pupils in one school thirty-three, varying in age from 6 to 13 years were from 10 to 20% underweight. At the end of three months, this group had made a total gain of 112 lbs. the largest single gain being 81/2 lbs. Fif- teen are now less than 6% underweight. One child who did not gain is 18% and the rest are from 7% to 12% under- weight.
48
The normal gain for this class in the three months would be 60 lbs. so that they have made a 186% gain.
With teachers and parents cooperating every effort should be put forth to build up the health of our school children and to "keep the body in such a condition that disease cannot assail it."
Number of school visits 625
Number of home visits 646
Number of treatments in school
812
Contagious diseases found in homes
71
Contagious diseases found in schools 102
Number of pupils taken to hospitals or clinics 63
Number of pupils operated for diseased tonsils and adenoids 39
Number of pupils excluded 215
Number of pupils referred to physicians 31
Number of pupils inspected 4655
SUSIE MACDONALD, R. N.
INTELLIGENCE TESTS AND INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
During the year many intelligence tests have been made by the school physician. These tests are not given with the feeling that they decide definitely and finally the future possibilities of the pupils examined but they do show very well what should or should not be expected of them in terms of school work, therefore the tests help to solve the problems of school life and assist in placing children where they will profit most by the instruction which the School Department offers them.
For example A. B., a boy of ten, had spent three years in the first grade and had then been placed in the second grade on account of his age although he was not doing the work of that grade. He was of a gentle and tractable dis- position, giving no trouble in the school but making no progress. Here was an apparently hopeless situation. An intelligence test was given him which showed that he was
SENIOR HEA TH CAUSADE CUP
RESENTED BY ISS LEVISA P.LORING : 1924
HEALTH CRUSADE CUP
SENIOR HEA
TH CRUSADE CUP
TESENTED BY MES LEVISA P.LORING 1924
HEALTH CRUSADE CUP
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mentally capable of doing fairly good work and it was shown that absence from school and home conditions had much to do with his lack of success. On the recommenda- tion of the school physician he was placed where he could have a little help outside his regular room instruction. Hle is now a happier boy with possibilities before him, for he is making real progress in third grade work.
Often children who are given the intelligence test are recommended for the Individual School on South Street, than which the School Department maintains no more useful agency for the welfare of the children and the community.
This should be called the "Opportunity School" for under the efficient direction of the principal, Mrs. Jackson, it finds means to develop mentality and character in children who are becoming discouraged and perhaps vicious in the regular grades.
This school is not a dumping ground for undesirables. Children of low mentality who cannot make progress are not kept in it. It is on the contrary a well organized insti- tution which turns out useful citizens.
Those who see this school and understand what it is doing become its enthusiastic supporters.
CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERS
During the year the school physician has given talks to the teachers on the following subjects :
"Health Work in Plymouth Schools."
"The Schick Test and Diphtheria Immunization."
"Talks on Scarlet Fever, Mumps, Chicken pox, Measles and German Measles."
"Notes on New England Health Institute."
"Health Teaching in the Public Schools."
"Mental Hygiene in Teaching."
"School Furniture and its Proper Adjustment."
"The Sight Test and the Conservation of Sight."
"The Hearing Test and the Conservation of Hearing."
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CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
With the opening of the year the prevalence of measles, mumps and a contagious form of conjunctivitis, popularly called "pink eye", interfered seriously with the school work. Excluding from school children who have these diseases and those who are known to have been exposed gave little or no relief as the opportunities for the spread of contagion outside were unlimited. The only hope of success seemed to be in getting in touch with the parents. Circulars were prepared in three languages giving in sub- stance in the form of questions and answers the rules of the Board of Health relating to the common forms of con- tagious disease and information about these diseases which might help to limit their spread. The number of cases gradually declined until there were very few at the close of school in June.
Unless a rigid quarantine of such diseases as mumps, measles and chicken pox can be maintained in the home, I believe it is useless to exclude children who have been exposed to these diseases from school as now required by the rules. The loss of school time to the pupils is enormous and little or nothing is gained by it.
There has been practically no contagious disease among the pupils since the opening of school in the fall with the exception of impetigo which is very difficult to control on account of the popular impression that it is only "cold sores". If parents could only be made to understand the havoc it works in a hospital we should have less trouble with it.
The following statistics for the year are compiled from the monthly reports of the School Physician :
1. Number of examinations 4633
2. Number of notices sent to parents 1033
3. Number of pupils referred to nurse 128
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4. Number of permits signed by school physician 1532
5. Number of permits signed by other physicians 229
6. Number of pupils excluded 102
Respectfully submitted,
J. HOLBROOK SHAW, M. D.
School Physician.
Mr. Horace F. Turner,
Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass.
My dear Mr. Turner,
I herewith submit my annual report of the work done in Americanization and Evening School Classes during the past year.
The Americanization Classes are composed of adults, who usually come to class after working all day at their usual occupation. When after a hard day's work they will put in three evenings a week in classes, with a zeal and enthusiasm for the work that is most commendable, it would seem to prove beyond a doubt the value of these classes.
Americanization cannot be imposed from without. It is best handled when the immigrant becomes assimilated through his own efforts and lively desire. Citizenship is a goal to be prized.
The Classes grade into Beginners', Intermediates' and Citizenship. The first step is the teaching of English. In this the Gouin Theme and Direct Method are largely used. The teacher endeavors to get the pupil to talk in English from the very start. Themes are copied and later short sentences from dictation. A beginning is also made in teaching the ideals and principles of good American Citizen- ship.
.
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The Intermediate Classes continue and advance with a much wider range of subject matter. More reading, short letter writing, more history and things pertaining to our American Democracy are given.
By the time the Citizenship Classes have been reached the members are able to read and understand English very well. The Course in Citizenship prepared by the State Divi- sion of University Extension Department is followed. The aim-not only to teach the necessary facts of the history and government of our Country but duties of good citizens as well.
Nearly all the men and women in the Citizenship Group this year will try for their Naturalization Papers in June. Members in any of the classes are aided in filling out and filing necessary papers. This type of class has met with a steady growth ever since their start a few years ago.
The State reimburses the Town one half of all money paid in salaries for director, principals, teachers, and sup- plies for adult classes.
Into the regular Evening Schools there fall all minors who have not completed work equal to that of a Sixth Grade. Many of the members of these classes are learning English for the first time. With these the same methods are employed as with the Americanization Classes. An- other group is made up of Intermediates and another of those who have left the Day Schools before the completion of the Sixth Grade. These are excused from further at- tendance, if they desire, when they have completed the nec- essary amount of work.
Classes are being conducted this year at the Plymouth Cordage Company, the Cornish and Knapp School Build- ings. At the Cordage Company the classes are in session from five to six o'clock Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thurs- days. Other classes are in session from seven-fifteen to eight-forty five o'clock in the evening of the same days.
Plymouth is fortunate in having a sufficient number of teachers in her corps who are especially trained and expe-
53
rienced in this line of work. Nearly all have State Certi- ficates, which represent special study and training for this line of teaching. The careful, thorough, and enthusiastic work of the teachers is met I believe with a hearty re- sponse from the men and women in the Classes.
The record of classes from October 27, 1924 to the present time is as follows-
Total enrollment
180
Average membership
147.68
Average attendance
130.14
Per cent of attendance
88.09
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM I. WHITNEY,
Director of Americanization
and Evening Schools.
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REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. Horace F. Turner, Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir :
I respectfully submit the following report from January 1, 1924 to January 1, 1925 :
Absentee Sickness
Truancy Total
Alden Street School
0)
1
1
Burton School
9
7
3
19
Cold Spring School
2
0
0
Cornish School
11
5
11
27
Hedge School
50
17
5
72
High School
2
1
8
20
Lincoln Street School
4
1
1
6
Mount Pleasant School
14
8
0
22
ยท Nathaniel Morton School
73
107
13
193
South Street School
20
13
3
36
South Spooner Street School
8
0
3
11
204
159
50
413
Cases investigated for Superintendent's Office
30
Employment Certificates investigated
Number of homes visited
459
Visits to schools
29
Total number of investigations
487
Children found on street and taken to school
14
Brought to Court for keeping child from school
3
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.
2
4
Knapp School
11
15
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
High School
Geo. C. Marsden, Prin., Hist., 100 Allerton St. *Florence K. Baker, Span., Hist., 27 Russell St. *Irvine E. Brown, Phys. Educ., 5 Winter St. Claire T. Carroll, Eng., 17 Pleasant St. Ruth E. Cummings, Dom. Sci., 17 Allerton St. Marjorie E. Darling, Commercial, 112 Sandwich St. Frank E. Fash, Science, 11 Mt. Pleasant St.
Paulyle W. Flavell, Fr., 8 Park Ave.
Dorothy A. Goodenough, Eng., Hist., 17 Pleasant St.
Hilda Hinckley, Lat., Fr., 3 Stephens St. Helen C. Johnson, Commercial, 13 Whiting St.
Miriam A. Johnson, Eng., Bay View Ave. M. Eliz. Mackenzie, Commercial, 8 Sever St. E. J. Mongan, Civ. Salesmanship, 220 Sandwich St. #Elsie R. Stevens, Drawing, 11 Whiting St. Richard Smiley, Biol., Alg., 4 Maple Place. Marjorie White, Math., 22 Allerton St. Edwin B. Young, Agr., Sci., Shop, + Maple Place.
Junior High School
Katharine A. O'Brien, Principal, 23 Nelson St. Sadie HI. Barrett, Eng., Music, Hist., 35 Mayflower St. Katrina W. Bittinger, Cook, Geog., Music, 11 Russell St. M. Agnes Burke, Eng., Geog., 35 Mayflower St. *Esther M. Chandler, Eng. Hyg., Kingston. Gladys L. Cobb, Fr., Music, Eng., 18 Allerton St. Beatrice T. Curran, Math., Sci., 23 Warren Ave. Mary M. Dolan, Math., Eng., 11 Lothrop St. Ellen M. Downey, Hist., 19 Oak St. Pauline Kimball, Dom. Sc., 17 Sever St.
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*Margaret K. Elliott, Math., Civ., Hist., 13 Clyfton St. * Alma Hermann, Math., Music, Eng., 13 Whiting St. Edith S. Newton, Commercial, 13 Whiting St. Leonard Wright, Manual Tr., 109 Court St.
Hedge School
Elizabeth H. Sampson, Prin., Clifford Rd.
Marion B. Babcock, Grade V, 23 Samoset St. Hazel Bates, Grade I, 30 Pleasant St. Olive B Clark, Grade II, 48 Allerton St. Florence B. Corey, Grade VI, 133 Court St.
Lucy L. Hildreth, Grade IV, 133 Court St. Cora M. Irwin, Grade I, 11 Sever St. *Mrytie E. Marland, Grade V, 13 Whiting St. Mary F. Perkins, Grade IV, 29 Stafford St. Susan M. Quinn, Grade VI, 147 Main St., Kingston. Ella F. Robinson, Grade III, 21 Vernon St. Mildred A. Soule, Grade II, 14 Vernon St. Ethel D. Tolman, Grade III, 21 Chilton St.
Spooner Street School
*Marie Neis, Ungraded, 92 Allerton St.
Knapp School
William I. Whitney, Principal, Grade VI, 70 Sandwich St. Annie S. Burgess, Grade III, 37 Union St. Margaret L. Christie, Grade II, 401 Court St. Lucy L. Cummings, Grade I, 14 Jefferson St. Lydia E. Holmes, Grade V, 261 Court St. Maude H. Lermond, Grade VI. 79 Court St.
Helen F. Perrier, Grade IV, 12 Washington St.
Flora C. Stevens, Grade I, 55 Main St.
Katherine G. Zahn, Grade V, 320 Court St.
Cold Spring School
Gertrude C. Bennett, Grade II, 12 Stafford St. Mabel F. Douglas, Grade III, 210 Court St.
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Oak Street School
* Mabel C. Noyes, Grades I, II, 22 Allerton St. Mildred Randall, Grades III, IV, 79 Court St.
Cornish School
Addie L. Bartlett, Principal, Grade VI, 28 Allerton St. Frances I. Bagnell, Grade VI, 5 Spring St., No. Plymouth. M. Gene Black, Fresh Air, 130 Court St. Edna Brown, Grade I, 10 Clyfton St.
"Lois Hallowell, Grade II, 11 Washington St.
Helen F. Holmes, Grade VI, 28 Chilton St.
Charlotte E. Lovering. Grade II, 48 Allerton St.
*Crystel M. Robbins, Grade VI, 16 Clyfton St.
Anne P. Wilson, Grade V, 17 Sever St.
Burton School
Alice H. Bishop, Grade V, 33 Russell St.
Bertha E. McNaught, Grade III, 33 Russell St.
Teresa A. Rogan, Grade IV, Newfields St.
Ruth H. Tolman, Grade IV, 21 Chilton St.
Mt. Pleasant School
Louie R. Tripp, Principal, Grade VI, 13 Clyfton St.
Grace L. Knight, Grade V, 133 Court St.
Helen H. Linnell, Grade IV, 72 Warren Ave. *Esther A. Lowry, Grade I, 16 South St.
Nellie L. Shaw, Grade III, 14 Vernon St. A. Ruth Toombs, Grade II, 19 Mayflower St.
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