USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1935 > Part 15
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Of necessity, the home projects are small, and many of the students must work away from home in order to fulfill certain departmental requirements. If a student's home conditions do not provide suitable means for a project, he must seek work on some approved farm where he can secure supervised farm practice. Dur- ing the past project year, from October 15, 1934 to October 15, 1935, twenty-six students reported 22,859 hours, with a value of $3,709.11, which was a very creditable showing, particularly when the unemployment situation was so distressing.
We have many people to thank for the success of our depart- ment, but we want particularly to thank those men who by their splendid co-operation have made it possible for our students to enjoy practical farm work one forenoon each week on their respec- tive farms. This type of "dirt" education has been of real value, and we appreciate what has been done for us by the following men:
Mr. Albert H. Kress, Hingham (dairy) Mr. Paul E. Kress, Hingham (market garden) Arnold Brothers, Braintree (market garden) Mr. Lester L. Lovell, Hingham (greenhouse) Mr. Edward A. Hirt, South Weymouth (poultry) Mr. Norman E. Belcher, East Weymouth (poultry) Mr. John House, East Weymouth (poultry)
Teams and individuals representing the department at the var- ious agricultural fairs and shows have been very successful in
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the judging contests, in the exhibition of poultry, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and in the various demonstrations such as poultry picking, seed sowing, and plant potting. The fairs,
shows, and contests attended were as follows : Weymouth Grange Fair, Topsfield Fair, Brockton Fair, Eastern States Exposition, Nofrolk County Junior 4-H Fair, F. F. A. Fair at Walpole, Inter- scholastic Judging Contests at the Massachusetts State College, 4-H Fruit and Vegetable Show at Boston, Boston Poultry Show, and the Union Agricultural Meeting at Worcester.
From these various contests the following awards were re- ceived: A total of 161 ribbons, divided as follows: 54 firsts, 65 seconds, 26 thirds, 7 fourths, and 9 fifths; prize money amounting to $57.75; three silver and four bronze medals; three certificates of merit; and special prizes to the value of $13.50. One of our outstanding student judges was Francis H. Cox, who received the highest award in the state for judging vegetables, and as a result was a contestant at the National Vegetable Judg- ing Contest held in Hartford, Connecticut.
To our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Parker T. Pearson, and to our Principal, Mr. Fred W. Hilton, may we extend our sincere appreciation for their friendly co-operation in supporting the activities of this department.
COURSES OF STUDY
(Report of Flora Haviland McGrath, Director of Courses of Study)
During 1935, because of the added duties as a full-time teach- er of English in the high school from March to November, I found it necessary to cancel some of the plans made for curriculum con- struction, testing, and supervision. However, in addition to teaching and coaching, it was possible to complete the following work in the testing and supervisory field :
Arithmetic
Tests were given in grades V, VI, VII, and VIII during the month of May. The median for each grade was recorded and inter- esting differences noted. While no further general testing in arithmetic has been done since that time, it is planned to carry on the regular program for the year 1936.
English
In February, English tests based on common errors and follow- ing the work outlined in the course of study were given in grades IV and V. The tests in grades VI, VII, and VIII were given in May.
It seems to be quite generally conceded that checking and testing in English at regular intervals contribute to a more satisfactory result.
Spelling
Spelling tests were given in grades II through VIII, and a substantial increase in grade medians was noted throughout the system.
Revision of Courses and Adoption of Textbooks .
It is necessary to revise courses to meet the changing needs of the times. In accordance with this, the changes which have al-
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ready been made in the past four years in Arithmetic, English, and Geography, seem to prove satisfactory. Other courses which need special consideration at this time are History and Science. In view of this fact, a complete adoption of new histories has been made for grades V through VIII, and science books are being carefully examined in anticipation of adoption.
Modern English books which better meet the demands of our course of study have been adopted for grades IV, V, and VI. The books will be in the hands of the pupils as soon as money be- comes available.
Emphasis and interest are now being centered throughout the state on character education. For the past year we have been collecting material, hopeful that we shall be able to organize something of value to our school system in this field.
Conclusion
I wish to extend to the members of the school committee, to Mr. Pearson, Superintendent of Schools, and to the principals and teachers my thanks and appreciation for their kindly and co-opera- tive attitude.
DRAWING
(Report of Miss Evelyn Silvester, Supervisor of Drawing)
It is with deep appreciation that we are able to write of an unbroken year in this department. We are grateful for this fact, because a few months of less work, as in any art, take many months to recover the original standard.
As always, we have endeavored to improve the work of the children each year, setting ourselves a sliding standard which we mean to push constantly higher.
The last course of Drawing, Design, and Picture Appreciation which we have formulated for the grades seems to be giving much more spontaneous results than any previous course which we have used. The children are left freer to create within certain re- stricted limits, like the limits and rules of any game. Then, as their ability increases, the limitations are changed.
The correlation of the Picture Appreciation with the English work has been a very satisfactory one, for which we thank Mrs. McGrath. Oral and written descriptions of pictures help to make the child see, understand, and enjoy fine pictures in a way that is of real cultural benefit. By the time the child has passed through the eight grades, he should have some knowledge of at least eighty different famous pictures and know by whom they were painted. These should form a basis from which to judge other pic- tures .
The child should be able, after the first eight years, to make a good simple design for a specific purpose, should do a well spaced job of simple lettering, and be able by drawing to express ideas or illustrate some point which can be made more understandable in this way. A knowledge of elementary color harmonies for everyday use in the home and in clothing is also important.
Supplies have been very limited this year, and we have all tried very hard to be economical. We are glad that we are to have
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a more normal supply for next year. This last year has meant delivery of the things we did have by the drawing supervisors, a few articles at a time. To do this meant many extra trips and a contant "robbing of Peter to pay Paul".
The usual graded courses were carried on in High School for the general course, the Practical Arts course, which includes dress design, color, and interior decoration, and the design and lettering as taught to the Trade School printers.
Extra curricular work, which we believe to be of great value to the student, consisted of some work in brass and copper, a little etching, an outdoor sketch class, and an indoor portrait class. But the largest outside project was the planning and exe- cuting of a puppet show. This time it was a variety show, with each act written by the students taking the parts. Each made his own puppet, learned to manipulate it, and made the scenery necessary for his act. The boys did the heavy work, and the girls the sewing for the most part. Our aim in this particular show was better puppets, which was accomplished by making all wooden bodies. Unusual lighting effects were also in the plan. In this particular lights were made to do interesting things, give a properly radiating aurora in an Antarctic scene, using ultraviolet light on luminous paint to make things of no substance suddenly glow in the darkness. One act was wholly a shadow play, with profile puppets used for the first time by our group.
All the problems, and there are many of them, that need solution before a show of this kind can be produced give the active minds and hands of the young people a very worth-while form of activity. They have to think, create, and execute a problem which is of very real interest to them all.
The proceeds from these shows have been used in slightly different ways each year, but always to help along the art inter- ests of the students. This year we have given five of our present students, of more than average ability, a free tuition in the Saturday classes at the Massachusetts School of Art. In this way, these students will be better able to judge whether or not they wish to continue art training after High School.
This fall, one afternoon a week from 2:30 to 4:00 has been set aside for craft classes. During September and October we worked with dyes. During November and December clay plaques were modelled, which were finally cast in plaster. As the New Year advances, metal work will be alloted to two months; monotype, etching, and drypoint to two months; and outdoor sketching to two months in the warm weather. We teachers get real pleasure from doing the things we do not have to do, just exactly like the children, and when we can teach worth-while things in this extra work, we believe it much more than justifies itself.
We have lots of fun. If you doubt it, come and see for your- self. That is an invitation to every parent or friend who is the least little bit interested.
MANUAL TRAINING
(Report of Miss Alice L. Tucker, Supervisor of Manual Training)
Twenty-five classes had manual training last year. The work was similar to that of 1934, mechanical drawing and woodworking being taught to the boys in the seventh and eighth grades.
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The articles made in the seventh grade were as follows :
94 bill holders
1 kitchen rack
31 window sticks
11 necktie racks
54 utility racks
6 breadboards
1 door stop
46 pen and pencil stands
162 knife sharpeners
6 boxes
121 broom holders
6 bird houses
1 game
In the eighth grade, the boys made the following articles :
169 hot dish stands
2 end tables
127 book racks
1 candle stick
3 wall book racks
1 hat rack
10 costumers
1 moulding board
33 stools
15 necktie racks
15 tabourets
1 broom holder
2 tool boxes
2 letter racks
4 cabinets
2 bird houses
1 piano bench
1 game
Because of the unusual increase in the number of boys in the seventh grade at the Pratt School, it has been necessary to make the boys' basement into a manual training room, and many of the boys there have been very helpful in getting the room in working condi- tion.
MUSIC
(Report of Mr. Vance W. Monroe, Supervisor of Music )
The report of the Music Supervisor at this time is neces- sarily brief. The teaching of singing and sight reading in the grades is now being supervised weekly. With this close contact, rhythmic training and music appreciation can now be reorganized. Music appreciation has a more definite place than ever, in this day when nearly ninety-five percent of the people are listeners. I am looking forward to a very busy and profitable year.
(Report of Mr. John M. Lyons, Assistant Supervisor of Music )
The standard of the music in the North Weymouth elementary schools, which has been under my supervision, is gradually rising. The fundamental objective is to have each child able to read music well before entering the High School.
The second annual operetta, "Ask the Professor," by North Weymouth pupils was held at the Bicknell School on April 12, and provided a very enjoyable evening.
Plans are now under way for the third annual operetta to be given some time during the spring, and it is expected that it will be fully as good as its predecessors. These operettas afford the children a valuable opportunity to display their talents and serve also as a training ground for participation in future High School performances. I wish to thank the teachers for their valuable assistance in furthering these aims, for upon them falls the brunt of the groundwork.
The number of music periods under my supervision in the High School has been materially increased, and consists of the follow- ing :
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4 large choruses (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior)
2 girls' glee clubs
1 boys' glee club
1 large boys' chorus (Vocational School) .
3 harmony classes
2 choruses (Junior Annex )
1 large mixed-voice glee club.
It is my aim to build musical units in the High School up to the highest point possible and to make the study and knowledge of music available to those pupils who desire it. It is gratifying to note that over one hundred pupils registered for the special harmony classes. The large mixed-voice glee club will produce an operetta, probably in March, which will have its world premier performance in Weymouth High School. It is my hope that the glee clubs may be developed to the point where they will be able to present a formal concert with the High School orchestra each year, in addition to the operetta. I would suggest that the proceeds from such a concert be used to buy needed musical instruments and music.
SCHOOL GARDENS
(Report of Miss Sarah E. Brassill, Super- visor of School Gardens and Clubs )
Our pupils are being taught, as they have been taught from the beginning of the work, that a garden needs careful planning and preparation; that one needs to know where the garden is to be and of what size; whether it is to be of vegetables or of flowers, or of both; what kinds and what varieties and what quantities of each are to be grown; how these are to be arranged; what seeds are to be bought and where purchased, and how those seeds should be planted if good results are expected. They are taught that every good up-to-date farmer or gardener plans during the winter for. the coming season. That is, the foundation of the work of one year is laid during the preceding winter. Gardening is a year- round project.
The home interest in gardening which has been steadily increas- ing during late years has its effect on the school gardening. Young people do more heartily what their elders are doing. This, too, has been true: that children have added to their own questionings the questions of an adult in the family who was also gardening.
There have been flower gardens, vegetable gardens and gar- dens including both flowers and vegetables. There have been several young people working on what we know as "home improvement." This project adds to garden work the care of lawn, walks, and shrubbery about the home, occasionally the care of a grapevine or fruit tree, and a general oversight of whatever improves the con- dition of growing things about the home. Because Weymouth is a residential town of many small homes, this type of work appeals to those who could not take land for a large garden.
The clubs that began one year ago as forestry clubs have been a decided success. These groups study outdoor life; trees, birds, and other wild animal life. There is one boys' group and one girls' group. Other clubs interested in poultry, homecraft, food, and clothing have organized and are carrying on as usual.
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SCHOOL NURSE
(Report of Miss Anna A. MacDavitt, R. N., School Nurse )
One of the most difficult problems during the past year has been the care of many children who were not sufficiently supplied with clothes, shoes, and rubbers to attend school regularly. Were it not for interested friends and special funds upon which we have been privileged to call, the problem would have been even more serious. The principals and teachers have been most under- standing in such cases, and at all times have stood ready to assist. I wish at this time to assure everyone who has helped in any way of my deep appreciation.
E. R. A. concerts were held under the auspices of the Wey- mouth Rotary and Lions Clubs, together with the Weymouth Teachers ' Association, to provide a Milk Fund for use in the public schools. This enabled us to serve milk every day for about ten weeks to undernourished children with less fortunate home conditions. A small balance available for the present school year is being used for special purposes.
The Weymouth Rotary Club again sponsored a Tonsil Clinic at the Weymouth Hospital. Forty-six children, largely public school pupils, were treated.
During the month of March, Dr. A. L. Clark, State psychiatrist, examined thirty-one children who were retarded in their studies. Seventeen were recommended for the Opportunity Class; three, for special instruction in reading; and eleven, for special attention in several directions.
The enrolment in the Opportunity Class is forty-one. During the year two pupils have been transferred to the regular grades; and one boy who showed special aptitude along manual lines was allowed to enter the Vocational School.
In May, the Norfolk County Hospital, under the direction of the Superintendent, Dr. N. R. Pillsbury, introduced a new Tuber- culosis Clinic in our schools, with an idea of carrying it on annually and eventually replacing the Chadwick Clinic which has been running for several years under the State Department of Public Health.
Previous records show that in children below the seventh grade the tendency to tuberculosis is very slight. Therefore, it was decided to test only those children in the seventh, ninth, and eleventh grades, thus enabling each pupil to have three examina- tions during his remaining school years.
The following is a summary of Dr. Pillsbury's report:
Grade
Number tested
Number positive
XI
137
39
IX
243
51
VII
225
39
In October eighty children were re-examined by the Chadwick Clinic. Of this number, seventy-six children were found to have improved; three showed no improvement; and one was discharged.
The State Department of Public Health conducted a Toxin- antitoxin Clinic during the month of December under the direction of Dr. H. M. DeWolfe. The work was largely in the nature of a
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follow-up clinic to provide protection against diphtheria for those children who have entered school since the clinic of 1933, when 3,349 pupils were immunized, and also for those children who did not receive treatment at that time. There were 781 different pupils who visited the Clinic. Of this number, 712 received the three injections necessary for complete immunization, while 69 received one or two injections.
The following statistics relative to the routine work of the year may be of interest:
Pupils
General inspections
4,880
Weighed and measured
1,282
Home visits
740
Assisted doctors with examinations
720
Dressings in schools
322
Sent to doctors
140
Taken home
30
Exclusions for :
Chicken pox
22 Sore throats and colds 87
Measles
17 Whooping cough 43
Mumps
11
Impetigo
12
Scarlet fever
4
Scabies
7
Pediculosis
15
SEWING
(Report of Miss Pauline Ahern, Supervisor of Sewing)
During the year 1935 we have followed practically the same program as that of last year.
In the seventh grade the girls acquire the knowledge of all hand stitches in the completion of a sewing bag. Then the use and care of the sewing machine is taught. With this foundation, practical experience is gained by the making of sleeping or beach pajamas and blouses.
In the eighth grade the girls review the lessons in theory and practice learned in the previous year, and continue the work by making of woolen skirts, underwear, little girls' dresses, shorts sets, and dresses for themselves.
This has been the outline of work for two years, and I am planning no change at present. The practical side appeals to both the children and their parents and arouses interest sufficiently to encourage the pupils to do considerable work at home.
ATTENDANCE
(For school year ended June 20, 1935)
Total number enrolled 4,820
Average daily membership 4,633.10
Average daily attendance 4,332.84
Per cent of attendance 93.52
HIGHEST BUILDING IN TOWN
Jefferson 96.08
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HIGHEST ROOMS IN TOWN
Jefferson, Grade IV
98.98
Bicknell, Grade IV
96.91
Abigail Adams, Grade VI
96.66
Bicknell, Grade VI
96.65
Abigail Adams, Grade V
96.58
Bicknell, Grade III
96.56
Abigail Adams, Grade VIII
96.44
Athens, Grade VI
96.33
Jefferson, Grade II
96.18
HIGHEST ROOMS IN TOWN BY GRADES
Grade VIII Abigail Adams
96.44
Grade VII Pond
95.92
Grade VI
Abigail Adams
96.66
Grade V
Abigail Adams
96.58
Grade IV Jefferson
98.98
Grade III
Bicknell
96.56
Grade II
Jefferson
96.18
Grade I
Jefferson
1
95.14
SCHOOL CENSUS (as of October 1, 1935)
5 to 7 years
7 to 14
14 to 16 years
Total
BOYS
Ward I
88
436
124
648
II
99
445
121
665
III
55
267
72
394
IV
59
249
68
376
V
54
219
58
331
Total Boys
355
1616
443
2414
Girls
Ward I
84
407
129
620
II
85
411
150
646
III
53
253
77
383
IV
53
247
78
378
V
36
233
50
319
Total Girls
311
1551
484
2346
Grand Total
666
3167
927
4760
DISTRIBUTION OF ABOVE MINORS
Public Day School
474
2852
898
4224
Private Schools
58
302
24
384
Not enrolled in any school
133
11
2
14
Working
-
2
2
County and State Schools
1
2
1
4
Total
666
3167
927
4760
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years
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES
Weymouth minors between the ages of 14 and 16:
Total number in town, October 1, 1935 925 Total number employed in town, 1934. 4 Total number employed elsewhere, 1934 2
CONCLUSION
Although the work of the year has been somewhat interrupted because of two readjustments of the program, yet the law of inertia has carried us through. A body at rest remains at rest; and a body in motion remains in motion, unless acted upon by some exterior force. The momentum of previous years has enabled us to carry on without serious damage to the morale of the teachers or permanent injury to the instruction of the pupils.
The loyalty of the teachers to the schools and to the child- ren under their charge, the continued support of the parents, and the untiring efforts of the School Committee have been a source of gratification and pleasure at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
PARKER T. PEARSON Superintendent of Schools
-
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APPENDIX
ROLL OF HONOR
Names of students not Absent during the School Year 1934-1935
Neither Absent nor Tardy
HIGH SCHOOL
* Ruth Adams
Winifred Allen
# Frances Bailey
* James Baird Mary Bates William Baulis
* Mary Berry
* Sumner Bickford
* Shirley Bicknell
* Frederick Blanchard
* Frank Bosche
* Harry Botterud Marjorie Boudreau Francis Boutilier
* Randall Boyd
* Barbara Bush
* Anthony Caccavale
* Albert Colarusso
* Harry Coleman
* Geraldine Colligan
* Laurice Corey
* Roy Cowe
* Sadie Dean
* Clara DeTommaso
* Charles Diersch John Dizer
* Gladys Farren
* Harland Fay
* Betty Fielding
* Carmella Fogarty
Vincenta Gailus
* Helen Gardner
Norman H. Garland John Ghublikian Wilfred Gifford
Mary Gloster Ruth Gould
Florence Hawes
* Woodrow Hersey Albert Holbrook Dorothy Holbrook Stanley Jackson
* Esther Johnson * Nellie Karpinskas
* Edna Keller
* Linn Kohler
* Beatrice Lafayette Gerard Lambert Betty Langhurst
* Rose Leonard Howard Libby
Vincent Lilla Anne Lindsay
* Evelyn Luciano
* John MacDonnell Dorothea MacPartland
* Lloyd Manuel
* Dorothy Mason
* David McClune
* Gladys McGaw
Barbara Merrick Norman Morrisey Edwin Mulready
* Ruth Murray
* Walter Murray Patrick O'Brien
* Robert Olander * James O'Neil
Amalio Pagliccia
* Barbara Pettee
* Dominick Pileggi Robert Pirie
Madeline Poole
* Daniel Pratt Phyllis Pray
Lois Preston
* Frances Quinn
* Catherine Quirk Helen Quirk
* Barbara Ralph
John Reidy
* Beryl Richardson
* Harold Rogers
* Hilda Ross
* Edith Rounds Melba Sample
* Raymond 0. Scott
* Arthur Seller
* Catherine Skinner
* Marion Smith Norman Smith
* Robert Spear James Stevens Walter Stevens, Jr.
* Herbert Sullivan
** John Tedesco Bernard Thibodeau Charles Tibbs
* Burton Tisdale
* Mary Vanasse Mary Villanova Albert Vinal
* Charles Vinal
* Charles Welch
* Katherine Whitford
* Albert Wilder
* Arthur Wilder
* Thelma Worden
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* Frances MacCallum % Marjorie MacCallum
Francis Wyman John Yaxter
JUNIOR ANNEX
* Frederick Bicknell Eleanor Caracciolo Filomena Caruso
* Vincent Cirigliano
* Ralph T. Cipullo, Jr.
* Ellen Coyle
* Janet Durgin
* Barbara Hunt
* Harold Kosonen
Victoria Larocco
* Peter Lilla
Irene H. Metcalf
* Eleanor Nocera
* Concetta Passero
* Laura Passero
* Lincoln A. Passero
* Sebastian M. Rubbo Marguerite Villanova
OPPORTUNITY CLASS
Lillian Dixon
* Robert Jones Edwin MacCallum
* Irving Marshman
Lawrence Stevens
ABIGAIL ADAMS SCHOOL
* Helen Akie Barbara Ambach
* Harold A. Andrews
* Warren L. Billings Frederick N. B. Chase Amoret G. Cowan Dorothy I. Deering Joseph DeFasio * Ruth M. Haines
* Gus C. Hanson
Betty Ireland
James MacAlpine William A. MacAlpine
* Joseph J. Ouellet
* Louise Ouellet
* Evelyn B. Robertson
* Alan W. Sampson John R. Senigo
* William Skidmore
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