USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1940 > Part 12
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The School Patrol at dismissal time, which was estab- lished at the direction of the School Committee in 1939, continues to function quite satisfactorily. The police
168
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
officer at the front of the school is particularly pleased to receive the children at his cross-walk, in line.
The use of the Achievement Tests in the spring of the year is of much value to the school authorities, both in the matter of placement of the pupils in courses to which they are best suited in high school, and as a measuring stick on the pupils' progress. It is the only objective mea- sure that is available by which we can feel sure that we are accomplishing the objectives of our courses.
The enrollment at the Warren School remains about the same as last year and the plan of organization remains the same. We find it necessary to have two rooms in which there are two grades.
The first grade is a single grade room, making it possible for the teacher to concentrate on the work of the new pupils in their first effort at socialization in a large group.
A number of the parents in the district organized a parent-teacher group in the spring of 1940, and regular meetings are now being held. The spirit of the meetings has been fine, and valuable speakers have been heard. We look forward to the co-operation of a helpful associa- tion, and hope that the children will benefit from its work.
The upper grade pupils have established and published a school newspaper for distribution within the school. It has been published at regular intervals under the title THE WARREN BANNER. We believe that it has been a good educational activity for those who contri- buted their time to it.
The use of Achievement Tests in the upper grades in the spring has given us a very good check on the work accomplished, and the results are very gratifying when we compare them with nation wide averages.
ELIOT B. LEONARD,
Principal
LINCOLN AND MONTROSE SCHOOLS
At the beginning of the year 1940, much thoughtful attention was given to fire drills. The building was free of pupils within sixty seconds at different drills.
The Safety Patrol by pupils is having good effect and no pupils have been injured while leaving the school areas. Both boys and girls are doing well as leaders.
The revised time schedule for the various subjects taught is proving a good guide, and the teachers are try- ing to keep within its scope, giving the allotted time to each part of their program.
169
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Achievement Tests given in the seventh and eighth grades were a great and valuable assistance in deciding promotions.
At Montrose the pupils have had two orchestra concerts by the Malden WPA Orchestra, one last winter and the second in November. The Lincoln and West Ward pupils assembled in the High School auditorium on November 20 and were entertained by a concert by the Medford WPA Band.
Many pupils were awarded certificates, and in the lower grades, buttons for excellence and improvement in writing at the end of the term in June.
The Beebe Town Library has been in close cooperation with the schools, both by sending cases of books to each room and by the visits of teachers with entire classes to the Library on several occasions when the pupils have been instructed in the proper use of the various depart- ments and equipment.
In short, all that it is possible to do to enhance the opportunities for education is being done, at the same time safe-guarding the children as the future citizens.
T. FRANK SHEA,
Principal
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
The following is a report concerning the health of the children in the Wakefield Schools from September 9, 1940 to January 1, 1941:
High School
In a routine physical examination of the boys in the Freshman Class, scoliosis or curvature of the spine was found in some degree over 50%. In the girls the incident of curvature of the spine or scoliosis was found to be about 33%.
From the above observations it can be seen, that the entering class is in need of corrective exercises, with the assurance that such curvatures can be arrested if proper physical exercises are taken.
In a previous examination of a group of students, both boys and girls, it was amply demonstrated that postural scoliosis exists to a large degree among boys and girls thus far examined.
Correction of posture and postural defects should be one of the major objectives for the Department of Physical Education. Owing to the lack of facilities in this department, attention to posture and the correction of postural defects should be one of its most important duties. An attempt was made by the use of the shadow-
170
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
graph to give graphic evidence of the above facts, but the manner in which the situation was handled, promptly discouraged its further continuance. This method of a graphic record of every student entering High School, should be made in the natural posture before any cor- rection is attempted, and at some future time following correction.
The health examination of the Freshman Class entering High School in September 1940, showed a distinct and marked improvement in their physical hygiene and care of the body, as against my first examination of the Freshman Class in 1939. This is due entirely to the fact that every 8th grade was visited on several occasions, their physical condition checked, and the students in- formed as to what would be expected of them in the future in the way of personal hygiene when they entered High School.
From the examination of the defects listed, the most important appeared to be the teeth, with a large number in the way of cavities, and the small number of excellent teeth, of whom six boys may be considered to have per- fect teeth. I am calling to your attention this important subject of teeth in a later paragraph.
It is of interest to note that in the Age, Weight and Height Ratio, there are 43 freshman girls, age 13 years, whose height ranges from 55-70 inches and whose weight ranges from 71-145 pounds. In the boys age 13 years, there are 31 freshman boys whose height ranges from 56-74 inches and whose weight ranges from 76-156 pounds.
Grammar Schools
Complete physical examinations have been made of all students in the first five grades in all schools. Defects have been recorded on the health cards and notices sent home to the parents, asking that attention be given to said defects. It is interesting to note that about 50% of all notices sent home are returned. In the first grade the greatest number of defects are in tonsils and teeth.
It is felt that many of the defects encountered in chil- dren of the first grade should have been corrected prior to their admission.
Of the defects encountered, infected tonsils and teeth constitute the greatest hazard to the health of the child.
Examination of the pre-school child will reveal many cases of hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids which will influence the progress and development of the child.
When should the tonsils be considered a menace to the child's development? The answer to this question is
171
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
whenever the clinical signs are sufficient to direct atten- tion to the tonsils and adenoids, as the cause of retarding the normal development of the child.
Acute and chronic infections will retard the child's development. Severe or repeated infections of the nose and throat are known to interfere with the uninterrupted development of the child. Tonsils and adenoids, if they are enlarged, act as a reservoir of infection with handicap to the normal development of the child. Experience has shown that the removal of such tonsils removes the focus of infection, and permits the growth and development process to proceed without further handicap.
Fewer colds develop in those children whose tonsils and adenoids have been removed. Infections of the middle ear and impaired hearing are relieved by the removal of the adenoids. Rheumatic manifestations in children have long been associated with infection in the tonsils, for tonsillitis was a frequent initial symptom.
Chronic or recurrent diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, nephritis, diabetes and rheumatic fever are known to influence the development of the child. In the pre- vention or control of these diseases the tonsils must be considered.
The proper development of the child may be interrupted by the recurrent infections or may interfere with nutri- tion, digestion, speech, hearing and mental development. Many times a child's nutrition, which has been impaired by enlarged or infected tonsils, promptly improves when the tonsils are removed.
Teeth
In the examination of the children in the first grades a very large number already had decayed teeth. Adequate care of the teeth should begin at the age of three so that on entering school at the age of five the child will have sound teeth. Many children have decayed teeth which act as a reservoir for infection, and the development of the child is affected.
The parents must be blamed if the teeth of the pre- school child are decayed when the child starts school, and therefore the parents must be educated as to the im- portance and necessity of the pre-school dental examina- tions. Parents must realize that a larger percent of the second teeth begin to decay during adolesence, than in any other age group, therefore dental care is essential at this time.
The parents should realize that the teeth of the pre- school child could be kept in good condition by the simple
172
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
expedients of teaching the child the importance of brush- ing the teeth regularly, the use of plain wholesome food, and the abstention from excessive sweets. These factors which cost the parent so little, will guarantee good whole- some teeth and excellent health in the child.
Infectious Diseases
The number of cases of infectious diseases has been maintained at a minimum. From January 1940 to January 1941, there have been only six cases of scarlet fever; Saint Joseph's School (1), Greenwood School (3), Montrose School (1), Woodville School (1). This shows a low incidence of infectious diseases, and all cases were of a mild type.
Work Certificates
Five applications by children between the ages of four- teen to sixteen were made for work certificates, and follow- ing a physical examination, five work certificates were approved.
DR. J. WILLIAM BURKE, School Physician
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
The duties of the Supervisor of Attendance are mul- titudinous, such as checking on attendance, truancy, tardiness, home permits, school property and filing com- plaints in court against school offenders, etc. The at- tendance problem continues to be a social one. Confidential talks with most of the boys and girls who violate school attendance laws are usually effective. Several hundred personal visits were made at homes during the day and evening and in public schools and places of employment during the day, and over three hundred letters were forwarded in connection with the duties of the office.
Many of the absences and truancies during the year could be reduced considerably if the parents and children sensed the real value, educationally and financially, of regular attendance at school. Employers often check on applicants for work regarding attendance at school and promptness at the opening of school. The parents "cover up" their children in many cases when they are absent or tardy, and the children deceive their parents, as well as themselves, when they play truant.
In the elementary schools, the most serious problem is what to do for the boys and girls between the ages of fourteen and sixteen who absent themselves from school because of lack of interest, many of whom have apparently
173
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
reached the limit of brain absorption of academic sub- jects. They can't learn and they can't find jobs; yet they must attend school. In the meantime, in school they create an unhealthy condition in the class room through their disinterest in their studies and thereby upset the morale of the other pupils. Some attention should be given to this problem.
In the High School many pupils remain away from school for little or no reason at all. Of course, the parents readily submit excuses for such absences. What happens to the pupils in these cases? It generally leads to frequent absence, and a retardation in their studies. Subsequently they find themselves unable to catch up in their work, and finally they leave school and go out into the world without a completed high school education. The pupil, the parents, the town and society in general suffer from this premature exit into a world that more than ever before seeks educated and trained men and women for economic leadership.
THOMAS F. KENNEY,
Supervisor of Attendance
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENT
The major improvements and changes in our school buildings during the year took place in the High, Green- wood, Woodville, Lincoln, Hurd and Warren Schools.
In the High School, through a special appropriation, a new central stairway was constructed; a new class room was created through the removal of lockers from the second floor boys' locker room to the former Print Shop; the replacement of the auditorium chairs; the installation of a blower system in the Woodworking Shop and a shift of the baseball diamond on Walton Field.
In the Greenwood School, which is the largest elemen- tary school, the WPA erected a plastered ceiling and laid a cement floor under the assembly hall; replaced all loose plaster in the basement; painted the recreation room and the remaining walls and ceilings were being washed for painting when the project was suspended by the Selectmen. An excellent job was done by the WPA in redecorating the Assembly Hall. The School Depart- ment replaced most of the window shades in the hall and installed the lighting system under the hall.
A somewhat similar job was done at the Woodville School basement, and in addition seven class rooms, cloak rooms, offices, and the teachers' room were redecorated. The one remaining class room was completed by the School Department. Several smaller ceilings were replaced. The
174
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
School Department, by contract, pointed and water- proofed the brick in the north side of the building to prevent seepage of rain water through the walls. The east side of the building was likewise done in 1939. This work has apparently halted further damage by rain.
At the Lincoln School, the WPA started on a pro- gram to improve the basement, but were forced to dis- continue. Walls were constructed dividing the basement into sections; ceilings were plastered in the girls' toilet and the old ceiling in the boiler room was torn down and replaced. The Department, from its own appropriation, completed the plastering of certain sections which were planned to improve the ventilation of the boys' toilet.
The Department, upon the recommendation of the in- surance and state inspectors, erected smoke screens or partitions on the first and second floors, the purpose being to allay smoke in event of fire so that the children would have a better opportunity to escape.
A new steamheating system, with a soft coal stoker, was installed in the Hurd School, replacing a three- furnace system. This also necessitated plastering and carpentry changes throughout the building. Considerable work was done in the attic to prevent further heat loss.
Smoke screens or partitions were installed in the first and second floors of the Warren School. Work was done in the attic of the building to prevent further heat loss. Additional lights were installed in the stairwells. The fire alarm system was improved.
As a result of the installation of the smoke screens in these buildings, a certificate of inspection, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, now hangs on the walls of every school building in town. This is outstanding among the cities and towns of the State.
The Hamilton School building, with the exception of one room and part of the basement, has been turned over to the Board of Selectmen for WPA use.
The Woodworking Shop at the High School continues to be of fine service to the Department. During the 1939- 1940 school session, the boys in the Shop completed fifty- one projects for the Maintenance Department. The cost of the material used was $373.59 and the market value of the finished products was $1,898.49, giving an estimated saving of $1,524.90.
THOMAS F. KENNEY, School Committee Agent
175
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
APPENDIX
A. Statistics of School Enrollment and Attendance
B. Tabulation of Records of Attendance for School Year, 1939-1940
C. School Organization
D. Cost of Public Day Schools
E. How a School Dollar Is Spent
F. Age and Grade Chart, January, 1941
G. School Census
H. Changes in Personnel
I. High School Graduation
A
Population Census, 1940
16,179
Average Membership ending June, 1940
3,001
Average Membership ending June, 1939 3,072
Decrease in Average Membership
71
Total Membership, 1940
3,102
Total Membership, 1939
3,136
Per cent of Attendance, 1940
95.88
Per cent of Attendance, 1939
95.70
Days Lost, Stormy Weather, Holidays:
High
12
Elementary
13
Actual Length of School Year:
High Elementary 17712
180
Special Teachers Employed, 1940-1941
3
Regular Teaching Positions
108
Total Teaching Positions
111
B RECORD OF ATTENDANCE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1939-1940
*No. of Different Pupils Enrolled
Pupils
5 - 6
Pupils
Pupils
Pupils
16 or Over
Total
Enrollment
Membership Average
Average
Attendance
Per Cent
Attendance
Attendance
Days
Absences
Tardiness
Dismissals
High Franklin
Charles J. Peterson
82
556
548
1,186
1,129.93
1,080.98
95.66
194,230
7,590
3,025
2,013
Christine Callan
18
2
20
20.00
19.81
99.06
3,517
24
7
6
Edna M. Paulson
3
10
6 19
18.15
17.61
97.02
3,127
98
20
4
Eva M. Chick
28
3
31
30.25
29.44
97.34
5,226
142
16
3
Cora Guarnaccia
34
1
35
34.83
33.97
97.53
6,030
153
16
3
Helen M. Delaney
32
32
32.14
31.68
98.56
5,624
80
0
7
Stella H. Blaikie
33
33
32.79
31.85
97.14
5,653
167
24
2
Helen E. Harper
26
26
23.28
22.78
97.85
4,030
91
6
3
Lydia M. Sullivan
28
28
28.63
27.54
96.19
4,876
185
2
18
Winifred Geizer
8
16
24
25.55
25.15
98.41
4,947
71
13
5
Lee Pfeiffer
8
13
21
21.09
20.86
98.89
3,692
42
24
11
Avis M. Jones
23
23
23.09
21.44
92.88
3,795
291
10
17
Elizabeth D. Burke
9
5
14
15.52
14.87
95.77
2,646
119
20
15
Hester A. Walker
13
1
14
13.17
12.24
92.92
2,178
166
89
26
Abbie A. Bell
14
16
30
27.65
26.59
96.14
4,719
189
27
15
Clareberta Wilson
25
5
30
27.31
26.39
96.64
4,684
163
35
9
Signe M. Peterson
29
1
30
28.35
27.32
96.35
4,849
184
15
12
Ethel M. Wilson
27
1 28
26.17
24.90
95.15
4,420
225
16
8
Theresa J. Collins
32
32
31.58
30.54
96.70
5,448
185
40
22
Amanda J. Stephenson
32
32
25.59
24.34
95.11
4,321
222
29
13
M. Grace Pike
28
28
27.07
26.14
96.57
4,640
165
26
2
Winifred Beal
27
27
26.99
25.48
94.43
4,523
267
70
15
Lillian J. Shoff
34
34
30.85
29.49
95.60
5,234
241
30
16
Laura A. Hart
29
29
31.51
29.83
94.69
5,297
297
20
8
Hilda M. Hayden
32
32
31.25
29.62
94.78
5,243
289
34
19
Hazel O. Wilder
28
28
28.88
28.06
97.13
4,966
146
36
11
176
TOWN
OF
WAKEFIELD
Greenwood
School
Teacher
Days
7 - 14
14 - 16
.
Hurd
Ruth V. Conley
24
5
29
30.15
29.29
97.13
5,228
154
41
12
Constance Doyle
25
25
24.55
23.59
96.07
4,212
172
11
27
Katheryn Carney
27
27
25.36
25.85
95.79
4,326
202
19
19
Bella A. Rattray
16 10
26
23.66
22.58
95.45
4,020
191
22
3
Bernice O. Bazley
25
16
41
42.00
40.63
96.75
7,213
242
29
31
Catherine A. Doran
28
7
1 36
35.34
34.36
97.22
6,100
176
0
7
Ruth B. Spence
37
2
39
38.64
36.96
95.65
6,561
299
38
27
Gladys M. Douglass
46
46
46.60
45.21
97.01
8.026
247
30
11
Alice M. Scipione
42
42
42.26
39.93
94.48
7,088
413
25
49
Bernice E. Hendrickson
47
47
46.74
45.20
96.70
8,024
273
24
4
Ruth E. Webber
38
38
36.35
35.11
96.58
6,215
220
12
10
Mary T. Bonney
10
29
39
40.39
38.67
95.74
6,445
306
15
15
Blanche L. Meserve
50
4
54
52.08
49.57
95.18
8,774
445
52
9
Beatrice Moody
18
8
26
23.48
22.72
96.76
4,056
136
35
9
Dorothy E. Petersen
22
22
19.81
19.20
96.92
3,428
111
34
2
Mabel F. Johnson
38
2
40
38.77
37.53
96.80
6,670
221
43
5
Mary E. Grace
37
37
35.10
33.67
95.92
5,993
257
29
2
Marion E. Garland
7
28
35
34.73
32.97
94.93
5,870
314
38
10
Margaret McGonagle
22
9
31
29.60
27.67
93.47
4,926
345
49
10
Warren
Lois I. Jordan
33
11
44
44.37
42.11
94.90
7,516
404
145
46
Nancy D'Amico
37
1
38
39.33
36.95
93.96
6,596
424
94
29
Mary E. C. Geagan
43
3
46
42.51
39.96
93.99
7,129
459
47
35
Bessie E. David
39
39.19
37.70
97.98
6,730
265
32
6
Irene F. Norton
36
31.40
30.21
96.19
5,386
213
60
3
Lillian A. Shaffer
3
27
30
30.53
28.92
94.74
5,148
286
61
13
Elizabeth M. Strout
3
28
26.41
24.77
93.78
4,409
292
43
13
West Ward
Mabel A. Kernan
33
33
30.68
29.40
95.83
5,236
293
33
25
Flora S. Hall
8
30
29.31
27.04
92.26
4,812
404
18
12
Woodville
21
4
25
23.69
23.03
97.17
4,111
120
7
1
25
1
26
25.63
25.14
98.06
4,492
88
23
8
11
15
26
27.28
26.43
96.86
4,677
151
35
0
Madaliene J. Crocker Alice E. Calkins
27
4
31
30.95
29.25
94.49
5,177
302
54
9
30
1
31
28.74
26.29
91.47
4,653
434
33
6
Lincoln
Grace E. Widtfeldt Maude E. Parks
12
16
28
25.27
24.12
95.47
4,270
2.03
52
4
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
177
22
Eleanor B. Ringdahl
Margaret M. Landers
25
39
36
Montrose
Marjory Finney Virginia A. Bauer
32
32
35.16
34.47
98.05
6,138
122
63
7
25
8
33
33.11
31.72
95.78
5,647
245
106
7
271 1,580
696
555 3,102
3,000.79
2,877.14
95.88
513,217
21,221
5,102
2,769
* Does not include pupils enrolled in any other public schools of the State or transferred from another public school in Wakefield.
C SCHOOL ORGANIZATION SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Willard B. Atwell, Ph. B., 1911 Brown University SECRETARY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT Pauline E. Meads, B. S., 1929, Simmons College CLERK Doris Skinner, 1937, Chandler Secretarial School LIST OF REGULAR TEACHERS TO DATE
HIGH SCHOOL
Name
Subjects
Charles J. Peterson, A.B.
Principal
1919
Wesleyan University University of N. H.
Roland H. Kinder, B.S., Ed.M.
Sub-master
1919
Harvard University
English
1930
Wheaton College
Eleanor K. Abbott, A.B. A. Louise Allman, A.B., Ed.M.
English
1934
Bates College
Harvard College
Walter E. Antunes, B.S., A.M.
Mathematics, Biology, Science
1936
Boston University
Marjorie T. Bunker, A.B.
1924
Boston University
John Butler, A.B., M.A.
Algebra, General Mathematics English
1934
Boston College
Harvard University
178
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Date of First Election
Where Educated
Algebra
Joseph Cassano, B.Voc.Ed., Ed.M. Biology, Horticulture Physiographic Science Head of English Department
1927
Bernice L. Caswell, B. S., M.A., B.L.I. Lucian J. Colucci, A.B.
Italian, French, History
1939
Mass .State College Boston University Emerson College Columbia University Amherst College
Elvira C. Cosman, A.B.
Ancient and Medieval, World History
1921
Boston University
Ellen L. Cowing, B.S.E., Ed.M.
French
1935
Boston University
Raymond S. Dower
Head of Commercial Department
1918
Northampton College
Alice M. Drugan, B.S.
Law, Accounting, Economics, Salesmanship Civics, English
1935
Boston University
Harriet D. Dunning, A.B.
English
1926
Radcliffe College
Joseph H. Fanck
Head of Manual Arts Department
1913
Mass. School of Art
R. Edgar Fisher, A.B.
Head of History Department
1921
Bowdoin College
Arthur A. Fulton,LL.B.
Civics, History, Algebra
1915
Northampton College
Myron E. Gallop, B.S. *Helen F. Gilmore
Dean of Girls
1913
Boston University
Eleanor M. Gleason, B.S.
Biology, Science
1934
Simmons College
William D. Healey, A.B., Ed.M.
History, Algebra
1928
Holy Cross Harvard College
Coach of Football
Director of Extra-Curricula Activities
Howard J. Heavens, A.B., M.A.
Head of Mathematics Department
1927
Amherst College
Coach Cross-Country
Director of Guidance
Plane Geometry, Algebra
1929
Boston University Columbia University
.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
179
Janet S. Height, A.B., M.A. * Not a graduate
Chemistry, General Science, Physics
1929
Bates College
German, History
Blackstone Institute
Mechanical Drawing
Elementary Business Training
1927
Coach Track, and Assistant Football
Name Ruth F. Hiatt, B.B.A., M.B.A. Isabel M. Hirst Alice E. Ladieu
Margaret L. Macdonald
Stenography, Typewriting, Elementary and
1927
Advanced Business Training
Woodworking
1923
Wentworth Institute
Anne H. Meserve, B.S.
1925
University of N. H.
Thomas C. Murray, A.B., L.L.B.
Modern, Ancient and Medieval History,
1931
Boston College
Civics
English, French
1936
Boston University
Physical Education
1936
Bouvé-Boston School
of Physical Education
Ethelyn M. Pattee, A.B., M.A.
French
1927
Wellesley College
Columbia University
Alfred E. Preble, B.S.
Physics, Chemistry
1913
Tufts College
Ethel G. Reed, A.B., M.A.
English
1911
Tufts College
Middlebury College
M. Alice Ryan, B.B.A.
Stenography, Typewriting, Office Practice,
1902
Boston University
Script and Gregg Shorthand
Margaret A. Ryan, A.B.
Latin
1905
Boston University
Louise E. Sheldon, A.B., B.S.
Librarian
1937
Boston University
Simmons College
Homer M. Shellenberger, B.P.E.
Subjects Typewriting, Business Training Script and Gregg Shorthand Freehand Drawing Elementary and Advanced Business Training, Accounting
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