USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Abington > Town annual report of the officers and committees, 1940 > Part 14
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Table II presents a distribution of subject failures, and Table III a distribution of pupils by subjects taken. Table IV presents a distribution of failures by depart- ments. The higher percentages of failures in the mathe- matics and language fields indicates again that too many pupils are in the college preparatory fields who ought not to be there. Here again, guidance is needed.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
We are attempting to build a high school which will meet the needs and interests of all pupils of secondary- school age in Abington. Because of limitations to the financial support which the town can give education we cannot ever do the job entirely at Abington High. Some of our pupils may have to go to nearby vocational high schools. But we can do more for our boys and girls than we are doing now. The task is difficult and the accomplishment of sound educational objectives will take time, but the faculty members are ever ready and willing to do their share within the limits of their ener- gies. May I repeat that we are fortunate in having a Superintendent who is aware of our needs.
I should like to express my appreciation, also to the Committee for their unselfishly given time and effort on our behalf.
EDWARD LANDY, Principal.
TABLE I HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM DISTRIBUTION FOR 1940-41 AS OF DECEMBER 30, 1940 By Grade and Sex
9
10
11
12
All
Curriculum
B
G
T
B
G
T
B
G
T
B
G
T
Pupils
No. %
No. % No. %
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
No. % No. % No. % No. %
College
13 29
30
61 43 46 11 29 31 56
42 45 14 38
14 33 28 35
12 29 16 33
28 31
141 40
Commercial
10 23
17 35
27
29
10 26
19 35
29 31
10 27
27
64
37
47
14 34 25 52 39 44
132 37
Civic
21
48
2
4
23
25
17
45
5 9
22 24
13
35
1
3 14 18
15 37
7 15 22 25
81
23
Total
44 100
49 100
93 100
38 100
55 100
93 100
37 100
42 100 79 100
41 100
48 100 89 100
354 100
38
TABLE II HIGH SCHOOL NUMBER OF SUBJECTS FAILED BY PUPILS BY GRADE AND SEX AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 1940
4 Subjects 3 Subjects
2 Subjects
1 Subject
0 Subjects
All Pupils
Grade BGTBGTBGT
B
G
T
B
G
T
B
G T 39
9
No.% No.% No.% No.% No.% No.% No.% No.% No.% No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 1-2 1-2 2-2 2- 5 - 2-2 4- 9 2-4 6-6 12-27 14-29 26-28 25-57 32-65 57-61 44-47 49-53 93-100
10
1-2 1-1 5-13 - 5-5 5-13 2-4 7-8 12-32 17-31 29-31 16-42 35-64 51-55 38-41 55-59 93-100
11
12
2- 5 1-2 3-4 5-14 2-5 7-9 11-30 7-17 18-23 19-51 32-76 51-65 37-47 42-53 79-100 1- 2 1-2 2-2 10-24 5-10 15-17 30-73 42-88 72-81 41-46 48-54 89-100
-
40
TABLE III
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION BY SEX, SUBJECT, AND GRADE AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1940
Subject
Freshman
.. Sophomore
Junior
Senior
B. G. Tot. B. G. Tot. B. G. Tot. B. G. Tot.
Algebra
19 30 49
6
6
1
1
5
5
Adv. Gen. Science
16
8
24
2
2
4
Adv. Math
5
9
14
2
1
3
Art
1
1
1
5
6
2
5
7
1
9
10
Biology
38
50
88
2
8
10
Bookkeeping
5
15
20
9
10
19 1
16
23
39
Chemistry
8
9
17
3
2
5
Chorus
6
6
3
3
6
6
Clothing
1
1
5
5
1
1
1
1
Com. Geog.
14
5
19
1
7
Con. Math.
14
5
19
English
46 49
95
41
56
97
34
42
76
41
49
90
French
9
28
37
6
15
21
7
11
18
Gen. Science
44
49
93
10 19
29
5
3
8
1 2
3
Glee Club
28
28
28
28
2
2
9
9
Home Management
1
1
6
6
Jr. Bus. Tr.
18
20
38
1
1
Latin
7
23
30
2 19
21
1
1
2
1
3
Modern History
3
2
5
2
6
8
Occupations
36
41
77
21
11
32
2
2
Office Practice
1
1
3
20
23
Physical Education
39
35
74 36
53
89 31
34
65
32
38
70
Physics
25
18 43
1
1
21
11 32
1
1
12
4
16
Shop
21
21
16
16
13
13
9
9
Social Studies
43 49
92
Solid Geom. and Trig.
2
3
5
Stenography
20
20
6 23
29
Typewriting
12 27
39
13
25
38
9
24
33
U. S. History
36
41
77
3
4
7
5
5
10
Prac. Math.
Prob. Dem.
Salesmanship
Mech. Drawing
1
1
Geometry
Bus. Org.
1
TABLE IV DISTRIBUTION OF FAILURES BY SEX, GRADE, AND DEPARTMENT
9 10
11
12
Dept.
Boys Girls Tot.
Boys Girls Tot. Boys Girls Tot. Boys Girls Tot.
Commercial
1
4
5
6
4
10
3
3
6
1
1
English
7
2 .
9
16
5
21
12
3
15
8
4
12
Fine Arts
Home Economics
Industrial Arts
1
1
1
1
Languages
4
9
13
3
4
7
1
1
2
1
1
Mathematics
7
6
13
1
8
9
4
2
6
2
1
3
Science
5
5
5
5
6
3
9
Social Studies
6
6
4
4
5
6
11
1
1
2
Total
31
21
52
35
21
56
32
18
50
12
7
19
41
42
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Dr. Derwood A. Newman Superintendent of Schools Abington, Mass.
My dear Dr. Newman :
I herewith submit my report :
From the very beginning of the child's career we strive to arouse and develop the feeling for music which almost everyone possesses in some degree. We teach the pupils songs which combine poetic verse and tune- ful melodies. We point out to the pupils the variety of moods which music can express, and correlate them with the pupil's daily life and activities.
Our fundamental purpose is always the production of a beautiful singing tone and we devote as much time to achieve this aim as the schedule permits. Thus, while the children are learning how to use their voices and are acquiring a repertoire of new songs, they are unconsci- ously absorbing some of the essential characteristics of music which will eventually result in real music ap- preciation.
We have now put in a new series of music books en- titled "The World of Music" in grades I to VIII in- clusive. These books have a complete and excellent collection of folk songs. Through the folk song and classic masters of a country the pupils readily feel the distinctive characteristics of the people. Thus we point out diverse cultural differences with great vividness. The grade teacher makes effective use of music to clar- ify and vitalize the social studies of the class by inter- spersing vocal and instrumental music. As illustration : art study is advanced by using copies of the master- pieces contained in our music books. In order to com- plete the correlation of Music Appreciation, I would sug- gest the purchase of phonographic records suitable for the various grades.
43
The allotment of time for the High School Girl's Glee Club is at present inadequate. I recommend lengthen- ing this period and in addition, devoting a full period to Voice Culture. These recommendations are in step with the modern trend of vocal education.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you, our Superinten- dent, the School Committee, Principals, and teachers for their hearty cooperation in carrying out the music program of the Abington schools.
Respectfully submitted, BLANCHE G. MAGUIRE, Music Supervisor.
44
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Dr. Derwood A. Newman
Superintendent of Schools Abington, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Newman :-
The complete courses of study were given to the teachers of Grades 1-6 in September. These courses of study consisted of two one-half hour lessons each week.
Grades 1-6 are visited bi-weekly by the Supervisor. In Grades 7 and 8 there is one 57-minute period each week taken by the Supervisor. In Grades 9-12 those electing Art have two periods each week. The reduc- tion of time allotted to the Supervisor has not proved successful. The time for the High School should be restored and increased.
I should like to recommend the following time sche- dule :
Center School
1 day each week
North School
11/2 days each week
High School 21/2 days each week
Much emphasis has been placed on design in all grades during the past four years and the results are now beginning to show. In each of the grades the Christmas project was an application of some type of design and many beautiful and unusual Christmas presents were created.
Art is an expression of ideas, moods, and emotions and therefore the importance of creative work is stres- sed. A series of lessons in Representation has been in- troduced in the lower grades and carried through the upper grades to encourage free creative expression. The children illustrate only familiar subjects and situa- tions, such as: "What Sport I Like Best," "A Fire- drill," "Vacation Activity," and illustrations of history and geography.
45
A number of years ago, a series of Picture Study les- sons were purchased for the elementary schools. Most of these pictures are still being used for picture inter- pretation and Art Appreciation. However, many of these pictures need to be replaced. As a result of the lessons in design and representation, a keener apprecia- tion of Art and Nature should be evidenced.
In closing, I wish to thank you, Dr. Newman, the principals and teachers for the fine cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully yours,
MARGARET T. GERVAIS, Supervisor of Art.
46
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN AND THE SCHOOL NURSE
Dr. Derwood A. Newman
Superintendent of Schools Abington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
We submit our annual report.
The school health program includes all activities ar- ranged by the school for the protection of the child and maintenance of good living and learning condi- tions. It also includes activities arranged by the school which result in desirable habits, attitudes and behavior pertaining to wholesome biological and socialogical liv- ing as an individual and as a member of society.
HEALTH EXAMINATIONS
Pre-schoolers, grades 3, 7, 9 and 11 were examined by the school physician plus "follow-ups" of the previ- ous year and any special recommendations made by the teachers or nurse. We have found it more bene- ficial to make examinations in this group rather than examine a larger number superficially. Diagnosis is not made. The examination is thorough enough to re- veal significant abnormalities on account of which the child should be referred to the family physician or the diagnostic clinic for more thorough examination.
Number of pupils examined
334
Number of defects found
84
Nose and throat
51
Glands
9
Heart (slight murmur)
13
Nutrition
11
Written form notices of defects found were sent to the parents. Conferences were held in school with teach- ers and at home with parents explaining the nature of the defect and securing a history of growth, develop- ment, illnesses and habits of eating and sleeping.
47
Health problems involving other members of the family such as preventive treatment for pre-school children, adequacy of the family dietary and the importance of dental attention may also be discussed at this time. Pupils were referred to their family physicians or when necessary, clinical arrangements were made. A number of parents have called at the nurse's clinic at school to discuss various health problems. We are very glad to meet them and hope that the number will continue to increase.
Number of consultations
Teachers
1,879
Parents
598
Pupils 478
Others
642
Home Visits 315
Number referred to family physician 88
Number referred to school physician 64
CLASSROOM WORK
Emphasis in all public health has changed from the negative aspect of correction of defects to the positive aspect of health promotion through health education. The health program is one with the educational pro- gram, not a service set apart from education. The classroom teacher, physical director, dental hygienist and nurse all have a definite contribution to a program of health instruction.
Grades one through four are weighed and measured three times a year. Grades five through eight are using the graph type weight card which shows individual growth records. They are weighed every two months. Emphasis is placed on the number of pounds gained or lost rather than reaching a set standard. Figures are quoted that perhaps 25 to 40% of children are rated as poorly nourished, when what is really the case is that they have failed to come up to the arbitrary stan- dard set. As yet there is not judgment on nutritional status better than that of a physician, and no standard for the use of the nurse better than growth.
Classroom inspections are made monthly by the nurse and informal daily inspections are made by the teachers. The classroom teachers with the nurse, test the eyes and ears of all the students.
48
Number of classroom inspections by nurse Number of exclusions recommended
253
99
Pediculosis 36
Skin
24
Symptoms of communicable disease 39
Number of eye tests
681
Defects
17
Corrections 13
Number of ear tests
(See audiometer report)
EMERGENCIES
Our school aims to provide an environment which shall be safe from accidents and also immediate and adequate emergency care when accidents occur. The function of the school is first aid only and not treat- ment. In an emergency needing the attention of a physician, attempt is made to reach the family that it may select its own physician and assume further re- sponsibility for the care of the child.
Number rendered first aid 224
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
In March, Dr. Steinecke of the state traveling clinic examined 20 people who were retarded or presented problems. Recommendations were made and sent to the school. Special work was planned for these people.
Registration of pre-school children to enter school in September was held in April. These people had to be five years old by the first of March.
Number of pupils registered 79
Number of appointments for pre-school clinic 47
Number referred to family physician 32
Number examined by school physician 42
The pre-school clinic was held in May. The examin- ations were made by the school physician with parents present. Recommendations were made by the physi- cian.
Clinical arrangements for the removal of tonsils and adenoids and the correction of eye defects were made by the nurse. Nine children had their tonsils removed
49
through the efforts of family physicians and parents, five through proceeds from the Maud Scott Clinic Fund, three through the Abington Chapter of the American Red Cross, one through the Kiwanis Club of Rockland, and one through the Child Study Group. We are very grateful to these organizations for enabling us to render this important service.
Five eye corrections were made possible through the Abington Chapter of the American Red Cross, and eight corrections were made through the efforts of par- ents and family physicians. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the Red Cross not only for this service but for the many services rendered to our boys and girls during the year.
In June 26 girls of grade 8 in the North School were awarded Red Cross certificates in Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick.
There are two Milk Funds, one sponsored by the Women's Club and one by the Red Cross. The Child Study Group also supplies three people in each school with milk for the entire year. At the present time fifty underprivileged children receive free milk at recess. We wish to thank the people of the town for their gen- erous support of the Milk Funds.
In December pupils of grades five and ten plus old hearing defects and new suspects were tested by the audiometer which was obtained from the Plymouth County Health Association of Brockton.
Number of pupils tested
160
Old defects tested
10
New suspects tested
6
Improved discharged
4
Left school
9
Total discharged
13
Old defects carried
10
New defects
12
Total defects
22
The Clinic for the Prevention of Tuberculosis was held in December. It was conducted from the Ply- mouth County Hospital.
50
Number of skin tests Positive reactors
253
78
Number of X-Rays Negatives 71
76
Physical examinations
5
Continued on Clinic Follow-up
5
Discharged from Clinic Follow-up
2
Total number of children on Follow-up
5
We wish to thank you Dr. Newman, for your fine co- operation and assistance with the health program. We also wish to thank the parents, principals, teachers, den- tal hygienist, physical director and various civic organ- izations for the help given us in carrying out our health activities.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES S. RECORD, M. D. School Physician.
MARJORIE HANSON EAGAN, R. N.
School Nurse.
51
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC, 1940
Dr. D. A. Newman
Superintendent of Schools
Abington, Massachusetts
My dear Dr. Newman :
Survey (number of pupils examined)
1649
Examined during March 625
Examined during Sept. and Oct.
668
High School Examinations 356
Report of Survey
Examinations this Fall
1024
Number of pupils with defects
855
Number of pupils without defects 169
Work completed by Dental Clinic
Fillings
280
Temporary
96
Permanent
184
Extractions
220
Temporary
194
Permanent
26
Cleanings
623
Dental Certificates
304
Family Dentist
219
School Dentist
85
Number of children treated
100
Number of children completed
85
Pre-School Clinics
Sponsored by the Red Cross Funds
Number of children treated and completed
13
Extractions
27
Fillings
19
Silver Nitrate
17
52
Tooth Brushes Sold Money collected by Clinic
144 $73.70
Report of Clean Teeth Inspections for year
Best Rooms in
Center School
North School
Grade I 92.1
Grade II and III 91.4
Grade VIII
89.9
Grade V 92.4
YEARLY AVERAGE FOR BUILDINGS 87.7
A series of Dental Talks have been given each room twice a month. Pupils' teeth have also been inspected at this time for brushing with marks recorded and aver- age put on report cards twice during the year.
This year there has been quite a little competition among class rooms and buildings for bringing in Dental Certificates. A goal was set for 100 for each of the three schools. For the school year (Sept. 1939-June 1940) 319 were brought in. High School 43-Center 126-North 150. As a surprise award a moving picture was shown to these pupils.
A considerable amount of Dental work has been done for the pupils in the first three grades, and also a few in the fourth. Pupils in the upper grades and high school are also in great need of Dental Work. I hope in the near future some provision will be made for them.
A second dental examination was made in March to check up on pupils in the grades, who had received no dental attention. Notices were sent to these parents. This Fall's examination shows 17% of the pupils hav- ing perfect teeth, a two per cent increase over last year.
Work in the High School has been continued this year. The results of last year's work has been most gratifying. Many pupils have had dental work done but neglect to bring in a Dental Certificate, therefore no statistics can be made. The problem of dental work is obviously an important one in connection with nat- ional conscription as statistics show in current national reports. As our attention turns more and more to our
53
national problems, school clinic work in dentistry be- comes more and more a vital part of the school pro- gram.
The success of the Dental Clinic depends upon the cooperation of all those deeply concerned in the general welfare of the pupils. In conclusion we wish to thank the Superintendent, Principals, Teachers, and School Nurse for their help to the Dental Clinic.
Respectfully submitted, DR. J. W. CHESSMAN, D. D. ELIZABETH THRASHER, D. H.
1
54
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
January 26, 1941
Dr. Derwood A. Newman
Superintendent of Schools Abington, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Newman :
Following is a report of activities, changes, accom- plishments, and data concerning the Department of Physical Education.
The program in the high school was changed radi- cally during the last year. Instead of each boy taking physical education once a week, it was changed to twice a week! This is a great advancement, one that I hope merits the approval of all. The gym classes are now conducted on a much more extensive scale; much more time is given to individuals rather than groups; the program is greatly diversified; the interest of the pupils is keener.
Following is an ordinary program for a winter day.
1. Putting on gym clothes-7 minutes
2. Corrective exercises and posture
3. Class divided into groups of fairly equal ability that have been predetermined by the Physical Fit- ness Index Test. Game activity takes place, con- sisting of basketball, volley ball, tumbling stunts, relay games, and beat ball. (20 minutes)
4. The above activity is followed by showers (no ex- ceptions) (10-12 minutes)
Also, throughout the year, various tests are given : tests in football, basketball, volley ball, track, soft ball, physical fitness, and motor ability. We hope these tests give the pupil a greater appreciation and a greater all around development in the various sports. We cannot all play on the varsity teams, but we can build up our health and gain some experience and recreation in the games played by the gym classes.
55
Although our physical education program has grown, we should not be content. There are changes to be made to meet the increased demand for perfection from our pupils. Three days a week of physical education is not too much. Special body mechanics classes to correct defects must be instituted. Dr. Kelly, in exam- ining the boys and girls of our high school, found many orthopedic cases. In giving the pedograph test this past fall, I found a few cases of flat feet. Exercises are being given to correct them. But still, more time is needed for this work. To continue our Physical Ef- ficiency Tests one machine is needed-the back and leg dynamometer. Our department has the rest of the ap- paratus, thanks to a gift from the Abington Women's Club last February, 1940. I hereby publicly thank them for their greatly appreciated gift.
The work in the grade schools has followed a similar pattern of last year. The after school intra-mural ac- tivity is again in charge of Mr. Dennis, Mr. Campbell, and Mr. Ahearne. Football, soft ball, baseball, basket- ball, and track are the activities enjoyed under their direction.
During the week I have a class with each grade from the second through the eighth in both grade schools. The second, third, and fourth grades are of fifteen min- utes duration, during which time new exercises in rhy- thym and posture work are given. These exercises are then closely followed by the teacher in her class- room during the week. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades have a full period of thirty to thirty-five minutes in the gym each week, alternating boys and girls.
The following activities make up my program-bas- ketball fundamentals, folk dances, various quadrille dances, newcomb, marching, relays, and posture work; for boys-basketball fundamentals, relays, marching, rhythmic drills, stick drills, and posture work.
Suggestions for the grade schools follow lines similar to the high school. In addition to exercises given in the classrooms by the teacher for ten minutes every day, I suggest two full periods of activity in the gym each week. Ninety minutes of physical education each week would, in my opinion, produce very satisfactory re- sults.
56
In conclusion, may we continue to strengthen all of the departments of the Abington schools. The physical education department is grateful for the cooperation shown by the Superintendent, Principals and Teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
TOIVA TYNI, Supervisor of Physical Education.
57
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS
Abington High School Washington Street Abington, Mass. December 31, 1940
Dr. Derwood A. Newman Superintendent of Schools Abington, Mass.
My dear Dr. Newman :
Please find below a report of the Industrial Arts De- partment for the year 1940:
For the first time in some years we are offering courses in woodworking to the pupils of the seventh and eighth grades as well as to the pupils of the senior high school. These courses have been well received and participated in by the pupils of these two age-grade levels. Many interesting and useful projects have already been com- pleted and certain students who have shown consider- able ability are already planning and constructing proj- ects of a more advanced nature leading into the work of our high school industrial arts studies. Mr. Lawrence Campbell and Mr. Robert Dennis of North and Center Schools respectively are in charge.
At the present time there are 166 boys receiving in- structions in industrial arts work in Abington. These boys have completed a variety of woodworking projects such as footstools, taborets, book cases, whiskbroom holders, tie racks and step ladders. All of these projects have been designed, drawn and constructed by the boys themselves and a good deal of interest and effort has been shown in the work.
The following are the commonly accepted objectives of industrial arts education as presented by the policies board of Epsilon Pi Tau, the National Honorary Fra- ternity in Industrial Arts.
58
1. Industrial Arts is that phase of general education which seeks to guide and develop the inherent desire to construct things with tools and materials.
2. Industrial Arts seeks to provide various explora- tory experience in activities which use the methods and materials of industry.
3. Industrial Arts strives to encourage the develop- ment of some fundamental handy-man abilities in order to increase the efficiency of the individual in his home life and in the life of the community and nation.
4. Industrial Arts training seeks to provide each pupil with some sound criteria of good workmanship and construction in the selection and use of many pres- ent day industrial products.
The Industrial Arts Department is, at present, sadly in need of tools and other basic equipment. There is a great need for additional hand and bench tools for wood and metalworking. The attainment of the above objectives would be much more possible if a reasonable amount of the following plan of develop- ment could be accomplished during the coming year. The purchase of small quantities of tool and machine equipment each year over a period of several years would be sufficient to bring our shop machinery up to par with that of most neighboring towns of equal size in the state.
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