USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1933 > Part 14
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We have continued the instrumental and piano classes in the school under the direction of Mr. Pioppi and Miss Bowditch, respectively. There are about forty children taking advantage of this in- struction, and they are making marked progress.
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Home and individual instruction has been carried on by Miss Muriel Bradford. Three of the children taking this work were able to come to school this year and are making a good record in their respective grades. There are two children now being taught at home.
The Rest and Nutrition Class has had thirty-four pupils enrolled during the past year. Through reg- ular rest periods and carefully planned diet, all children have gained in weight, and in some cases shown marked improvement in general health and scholastic work. We are indebted to several local business men, organizations and many individuals who have contributed generously and made it pos- sible for us to continue this work. We acknowledge these gifts and appreciate the interest shown in this class.
It is the desire of the teachers and myself to work efficiently and for the most good to every child. I am very grateful to the parents who have helped by talking matters over with us which concern either the child or school routine.
I would like to express my gratitude to Miss Charlotte Haskins, Librarian, and the Library Staff, for the service they have rendered in supplying so much helpful school material. This cooperation is invaluable.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN M. RIESE, Principal
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REPORT OF THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
It gives us pleasure to state, that our efforts to inspire our charges to attempt individual and cre- ative work, during the past year, have been very successful.
The training of children for independence in adult life, cannot be well done without introducing them, as early as possible, to the experience of work that is creative.
Unfortunately, our, modern homes tend to make passive recipients rather than active creators.
Nothing makes a child so self-reliant as the abil- ity to do something well, though it be nothing more than sweeping floors or similar mechanical tasks. This kind of manual labor should be carried on in both home and school.
Children should be taught, no matter in how small a degree, to share in the responsibility of running the home and the school. This means that there should be hearty co-operation between teachers and parents, so that the work of the school may be car- ried over into the home.
Every creative hobby noted in a child should be encouraged so that the child may produce something indicative of self-reliance.
That even slow thinking children have special abil- ity in some line of work was demonstrated by an exhibition of posters displayed, during the Spring term, in the store windows of Buttner Company. We wish to thank this firm for this favor and for many others granted to us in the past.
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The older boys, for two previous terms, had studied ancient and modern sea-craft. This study of ships covered a period of over two thousand years. The boys, to depict the changes that take place in sea- craft at different times, made sketches and water color paintings, beautifully done. The older girls, at this same time, interested themselves in the cos- tumes worn by women since the landing of the Mayflower.
By means of colored paper, generously given to us by our many friends, beautiful posters were created to portray the changes in feminine apparel during the past three hundred years.
The dental hygienist made her monthly lessons more vividly representative by inspiring the chil- dren to create a ten reel moving picture, entitled, "All Aboard for Healthland." Each reel pictured the work accomplished in oral prophylaxis for a certain month, and was originated, sketched, colored and printed by the pupils themselves .. The fin- ished product, toward the end of the school year, was exhibited at the annual Massachusetts Dental Convention held in Boston.
In addition to vocal and mechanical work in music, last year, a primary orchestra, comprising two-thirds of the school, was organized.
This instruction in rhythm, requiring so much patience and drill, showed signs of progress from the first, with the prospect of developing into something worthwhile.
The Health Work for the year was particularly gratifying. "Health Day," June 14, 1933, was a banner health day for the Individual School. From an enrolment of thirty-two pupils:
26 received Weight Tags.
11 received Teeth Tags.
15 received Posture Tags.
9 received Physically Fit Tags.
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This, we think, is a record of which we may be proud.
At the Bristol County Teachers' Convention, held in Fall River, October 27, 1933, an exhibition of our school work, consisting of hand-woven articles, a rose pattern handmade quilts, moccasins made from felt hats, artificial flowers in artistic flower pots, pottery, paintings and posters, was on display. Some very critical teachers, after inspecting our exhibit, re- marked that it was difficult to believe that such fine work could be done by special class children.
These comments were received by the teachers of the Individual School as the highest form of praise.
To the many friends who have been of help to us during the school year, we extend our appreciation and thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. JACKSON. Principal.
REPORT ON AMERICANIZATION
The opening of Americanization Classes last Octo- ber for the year of 1933-1934, saw a large increase in the enrollment. This was felt most especially in the classes conducted in Harris Hall, at the Plymouth Cordage Company's Plant. For several years only two classes have been held there-this year there are nine classes and a total enrollment of one hundred ninety-two men.
The State Department thinks that an enrollment of fifteen to a class is as many as can be efficiently taught by one teacher in the few hours that we have. It has been necessary to make our classes somewhat larger than this.
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Our teachers are well trained, competent and thor- oughly interested, so very creditable work is being done. Those who were not certified for this work have become so by attending classes giving special training. It is a requirement of the State Depart- ment that all teachers engaged in this work be cer- tified, as a result of special training in courses con- ducted by the Department.
The classes in Harris Hall meet as soon as the men get out of work in the afternoon on Mondays, Tues- days, and Thursdays. They are divided into groups according to their understanding of and ability to speak, read and write our language. We have in our classes the illiterate in his own language, the per- son who has had a grammar school education, and some who have been still more advanced in their own language and country.
Primarily the work in the Beginners' Classes is di- rected toward the spoken word. Reading simple English with adult interest in the content is at- tempted as soon as possible. Time is soon given to the writing of English.
In the Intermediate Classes these types of work are continued but with a wider range of subject matter. Writing from dictation, expression of thought through letters and short written themes. Some his- tory and government are also taught and interest in current events developed.
The Citizenship Classes follow the Course outlined by the State and approved by the Federal Depart- ment. Some of the aims are:
1. To show the functioning of our government.
2. To teach facts of history and government which have significance in their bearing on good Ameri- can citizenship.
3. To trace the growth of American Institutions.
4. To stress right civic conduct.
5. To teach American ideas, ideals, principles of gov- ment, problems, and abiding beliefs.
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Of our nine classes in Harris Hall all but one grade as Beginners. This one is a Citizenship Class, com- posed of men who are studying so that they may bet- ter understand the history and government of our country. These men are all desirous of that prized goal-American Citizenship.
At the Cornish School Building there is an enroll- ment of seventy-two. A Citizenship Class, Advanced Class, and Beginners' Class.
With the opening of classes the latter part of Oc- tober a Women's Class was formed, meeting in the teacher's home. As number soon became too large for this the Cordage Company have very generously given us the use of a room in one of their buildings. This class has an enrollment of twenty-five and meets three evenings a week.
More of the men and woman are endeavoring to gain their Naturalization Papers and become Ameri- can Citizens by adoption than ever before. Ameri- canization cannot be imposed from without. It is best handled when the immigrant becomes assimi- lated through his own efforts and lively desire. Citi- zenship is a goal to be prized and sought for.
Since the opening of classes this present year seventy-five Applications for First Papers have been filed by members of the classes and many more are now waiting to receive assistance in doing the same.
No citizen of Plymouth, who has attended one of the graduation programs or visited classes, will ever raise the question as to the value of the returns received for the money being spent for Americaniza- tion Classes. The work is far reaching and we trust that the appropriation for it will be sufficiently large to develop it more and more.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM I. WHITNEY,
Director Americanization Classes and Evening Schools.
School Report Four
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REPORT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The school work goes on and the general health of the students seems to keep up to normal, in spite of the lack of money and employment. There are more calls for aid and many have been supplied with cloth- ing and shoes and rubbers, through the help of dif- ferent people and agencies. We always have a cer- tain number of underweight and undernourished children in the school, and there is no noticeable in- crease in the number, which shows the activity and efficiency of our town and its various organizations for relief. We also feel that our rest and nutrition classes at the Cornish, Hedge and Knapp Schools have materially contributed to lessen the number of the undernourished.
The Schick Test was given in March to 132 pupils who had received the toxin antitoxin a year ago. There were no positive reactions in this group, show- ing in this case 100% result. If it were possible to have the consent of the parents, we would soon have a school population immune to diphtheria. We have obtained permission from more than half of the par- ents. Some have had the toxin antitoxin privately, but most of them would not have had this protection except for the School Clinic. It was thought advis- able to give the toxin antitoxin earlier, if possible, in the school year, so we gave the inoculations in November to 149.
The Chadwick Clinic pupils who are being ex- amined yearly in the ten year program, were X-rayed and re-examined in October, 61 were found improved and three not improved. Four were dis- charged as requiring no further examination. Four former pupils and two new ones, who had been exposed from cases in the family were X-rayed and examined. Each month these children are weighed,
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measured and a check-up made as to absences on account of sickness, health habits, amount of time spent in bed, out-doors and such matters. From this group we select those children of suitable age for the summer camp. It was possible this year to send ten children to the Bailey Health Camp at South Hanson, though the amount received from the sale of Christmas seals was less than in previous years. All of the children enjoyed their eight weeks and returned greatly benefited.
Forty-five pupils were operated upon for tonsils and adenoids at the Jordan Hospital, and some were taken to the County Hospital at South Hanson for examination.
Physically Fit Tags were given to 444 pupils who had all their remediable defects corrected, 1705 re- ceived weight tags, 1263 posture tags, and 745 teeth tags.
At the pre-school examination 123 children were examined by the School Physician and Dentist. The parents of children beginning school the next Sep- tember are urged to have their children take this pre-school examination in May and to also have them vaccinated early.
The duties of the school physician, while he was unable to attend to them, were most efficiently car- ried on by Dr. J. Holbrook Shaw.
We are endeavoring to teach the students how to keep healthy, how to correct their disabilities and faulty habits, that they may have and keep a sound body.
We have had this year, as always, the cooperation and assistance of the principals, teachers, physical instructors, dentists and dental hygienist.
Respectfully submitted, SUSIE MacDONALD, R. N.,
L. B. HAYDEN, M. D.,
School Nurse.
School Physician.
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STATISTICS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Number of inspections 872
Number of examinations 2109
Notices sent to parents 437
Number of admittances signed by School Physi- cian 533
Number of admittances signed by other physi-
cians 188
Number of pupils excluded 63
STATISTICS OF SCHOOL NURSE
Number of home visits made 554
Number of school visits made 642
Number of pupils treated in school 534
Number of pupils inspected in school
2000
Number of pupils inspected in homes
157
Number of classrooms inspected
259
Contagious diseases found in schools
109
Contagious diseases found in homes
12
Number of pupils weighed and measured
5030
Number of exclusions 101
Number of pupils referred to physicians
106
Number of pupils taken to hospitals or clinics . 60
Number of pupils operated for Tonsils and Ad- enoids 45
REPORT OF THE ORAL HYGIENE DEPARTMENT AND DENTAL CLINIC
I hereby submit my report of the dental work done in the Plymouth public schools during the year 1933.
Plymouth has the distinction of being a true pion- eer in mouth hygiene work, as well as among the first to employ a dental hygienist.
The first clinic was held in the office of the Super- intendent on Saturday morning, October 17th, 1913. Thus the program began on a small scale with each dentist doing his share.
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However, the work has gone forward with a steady increase of O. K. mouths, and school officials are thoroughly convinced of the benefits of this work.
In 1919 Miss Gladys White (now Mrs. Colburn Wood) began the work of educating children mak- ing them "Mouth Hygiene" conscious, for which she deserves much credit.
In the fall of 1928 dental examinations were started in the Junior High School, until then only the first six grades were examined.
The present dental hygienist feels that we are still, in a sense, pioneers, but that we are very fortu- nate to have a cooperating superintendent and Board of Health, also an enthusiastic corps of teachers and principals, and a complete equipment in order to carry on this work. The dentists of the town have also helped to make our program a success.
It may be of interest in this report to give some of the figures gathered at the dental clinic during the past few years.
Pupils Examined
Needed Repair Work
0 K in
Year
June
1927-1928
1750
1685
473
1931-1932
1796
1515
627
At the beginning of this school year, September, dental examinations were made in the grades through Junior High School, when 1870 pupils were ex- amined and 374 were found with O. K. mouths.
The children have an opportunity to visit their family dentist and have all necessary work done before our examination is started. It is surprising to know the number of children who avail them- selves of this opportunity.
Wellingsley School has reported 100% in dental corrections for the past two years (average number of pupils 30.)
The pre-school examinations are conducted by both the dentist and hygienist.
The examination is important in the furtherance
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of good mouth hygiene because of the contact made with the mother and directing her to the family den- tist.
These figures may help to show some value of pre- school examinations.
In 1931-33 pupils were found with 100% mouths in grade 1 upon examination.
In 1933-51 pupils were found with 100% mouths in grade 1 upon examination.
It is gratifying to know that there are fewer chil- dren who have lost six-year molars (permanent teeth) for the past few years.
In 1922 there were 127 six-year molars extracted, whereas, in 1932 there were only 15.
Just a few generations ago, the importance of sound teeth as a health and brain factor was not considered.
Today it has been proven that much retardation in the public schools is due to decayed teeth and un- healthy mouths.
Dental clinics are needed now more than ever be- fore. The value and importance of both the Oral Hygiene teaching program and the Dental Clinics has been demonstarted during this period of depres- sion by the unusual demands upon the clinic for ser- vices. Reduced incomes and unemployment causes many people to send their children to the dentist less often or not at all. Families have been unable to get enough Tooth-Building Foods to prevent decay. All of these conditions have had a harmful effect upon children's mouths.
This year in the dental clinic 104 children have had their work completed, while many others have had some work done.
Pupils in the Rest and Nutrition Class have also been treated.
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Here is another distinct saving which perhaps some have not considered. If we had no dental clinic our principals and teachers would have to spend much of their time in trying to relieve pain due to toothache. This time, of course, would have to be taken from their class-room instruction which would lower the efficiency of the school program, and the children would lose many days of school.
The school dentists have given freely of their time for charity, working in their own offices in order that deserving children who could not be taken care of at the clinic be relieved of their sufferings.
Our story of mouth hygiene and health education must go on and continue if our race is to improve and advance with each succeeding generation. Prop- er care of the individual and proper supervision by the dentist can keep dental decay at a minimum.
Much suffering can be prevented and large bills for services rendered by dentists and physicians can be avoided.
We must ever keep in mind that these children are the citizens of tomorrow.
ORAL HYGIENE DEPARTMENT
My program in dental health education is built around three factors, ranking in value as listed. First, that a proper diet is of greatest importance to good health and to good teeth; second that periodic visits should be made to the family dentist. Third, that brushing of the teeth and gums and oral prophylaxis are of definite value.
Pupils should know that good health and personal appearance plays an important part in his success in life.
How unsightly it is to find a child whose teeth are stained, uncleaned, and badly decayed. What a sat-
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isfaction it is to restore such a neglected and diseased mouth to a clean healthy state.
It is my aim in the Health Teaching program to establish specifice health habits.
Therefore, unless there is effort on the child's part for clean teeth his mark in health habits is lowered.
A factor which is of great importance in the pre- vention of dental disease is home care.
Dental expense for children should be considered among the necessities.
Briefly summarizing, I am endeavoring to stress these three factors in teaching oral hygiene; first, tooth-building foods, second, early and regular dental care, third, cleanliness.
Statistical Report of Dental Clinic and Oral Hygiene Department
Number of examinations 1870
Number of children having dental work done by family dentist at time of examination by school dentist 6
Number of children having received dental certificates from family dentist before ex- amination 58
Number of children given dental certificates by school dentist at time of examination
310
Total number 100% mouths 374
Number of pre-school examinations 36
Number of fillings in permanent teeth 211
Number of temporary teeth extracted 175
Number of permanent teeth extracted 18
(15 of these extractions were on cases which
would normally not be included in the clinic.) Number of treatments 60
Number of treatments for Vincent's Angina 34
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Number of children discharged at the clinic (work completed) 104
Amount of money received for filling and extractions $15.75
Oral Hygiene Department
Number of Oral Hygiene talks in the schools 333
Number of children having a dental prophy- laxis 984
Number of pre-school examinations 28
Number of Well-Child Conferences attended 3
Amount of money received for dental pro- pylaxis $94.90
Amount of money received for sale of tooth- brushes $63.37
Total amount of money received at the clinic $174.02
School Dentists
E. H. Donovan Dr. W. O. Dyer
Respectfully submitted,
JANE BRADFORD, Dental Hygienist.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Absentees
Sickness Truancy
Total
High School
7
5
4
16
Junior High School
34
62
9
105
Cornish School
5
3
1
9
Hedge School
12
2
8
22
Knapp School
2
1
1
4
Mt. Pleasant School
3
2
1
6
Oak Street School
1
0
0
1
South Street School
8
21
5
34
Total
72
96
29
197
Investigated for Superintendent's Office
86
Employment Certificates Investigated
12
Investigated for Evening School
0
Number of homes visited
354
Number of visits to schools
203
Children found on street and taken to school
14
Other investigations
45
Total Number of Investigations
714
Grand Total Cases
911
In addition to the attendance work, we have come in close contact with the conditions in the homes and were able through the various agencies to give im- mediate relief to the needy, giving them those things which were most necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH F. MATINZI.
-
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, 1933
School
Grade
-
1
2
3
-
4
- 5
- 6 | 7
8
- 9
- 10
- 11
12
Total
High
196
199
148
142
- 685
Junior High
254
216
470
Hedge
28
30
39
35
33
31
26
29
15
14
31
28
339
Knapp
28
33
33
30
29
37
190
31
30
13
28
42
35
41
41
Burton
- 33
- 42
44
- 43
-
162
Mt. Pleasant
38
34
- 32
- 42
42
34
- 222
Cold Spring
19
17
12
15
63
Oak Street
18
15
16
12
-
61
Manomet
12
11
13
20
12
15
83
Wellingsley
6
6
4
13
29
Cedarville
5
6
5
5
21
South Street*
30
Total
246
244
211
243
259
228
254
216
196
199
148
142
2616
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
* Ungraded
-
-
-
-
-
Cornish
261
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EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS SCHOOL CENSUS, 1933
-
1932
1933
Certificates to Minors 14 to 16 years
. . 35
29
Certificates to Minors 16 to 21 years
124
160
There were 29 minors between 14 and 16 years of age who, within the calendar year 1933, were em- ployed while schools were in session.
SCHOOL CENSUS 1933
Males Females
Totals
Persons
5 to 7 years
168
161
329
A
M
Persons
7 to 14 years
785
789
1,574
Persons 14 to 16 years
207
215
422
Total
1,160
1,165
2,325
B
M
Es
GI
Ba
De
Ei
C
C E F
E
L
J
H
H
L
E
M
K
N E A
R
H
M
E
Ma
A
F
V
M
Be
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
(*) New Teachers Employed in 1933
Office
Anson B. Handy
Ruth F. Thomas
Supt. of Schools
Secretary
5 Bay View Avenue 41 Mayflower Street
High School
Wayne M. Shipman
Charles I. Bagnall
Hist., Com. Law, Coaching 31 Allerton Street
Charlotte C. Brown
Hist., Am. Culture
16 Leyden Street
E. Doris Carey
French 31/2 Mayflower Place
Frank E. Fash
Physics, Chem., G. Science 11 Mt. Pleasant Street
Mary E. Hayes
English, Civics
4 Bradford Street 7 Lincoln Street
Louise B. Humphrey
English
19 Franklin Street 31/2 Mayflower Place
Jeannette C. Jacques
English, French
Bookkpg., Type.
13 Whiting Street
Helen M. Johnson
Civics Sten., Type., Bus. Org.
36 Mayflower Street
Elizabeth C. Kelly
Margaret A. Kenefick*
Jr. Bus. Training
Type., Off. Pr., Bus. Org. 16 Leyden Street
Nellie R. Locklin
Geom., Adv. Math.
13 Whiting Street
Edgar J. Mongan
Asst. Prin., Algebra
English, Science
33 Warren Avenue
13 Whiting Street Sandwich Road
34 Oak Street
14 Clyfton Street
17 Pleasant Street
4 Maple Place
3 Goddard Court
Junior High School
Principal, Math.
11 Lothrop Street
English
31/2 Mayflower Place
English
Mathematics
English, Gen. Lang.
34 Court Street
19 Oak Street
11 Jefferson Street
7 Lincoln Street
16 Allerton Street
6 Water Street Ext
Mary M. Dolan Elizabeth R. Barlow
M. Agnes Burke Esther M. Chandler Gladys L. Cobb Ellen M. Downey
Social Studies, Math.
Social Studies
Woodworking
Home Economics English
115 Court Street
Lydia E. Judd
Type., Bookkpg.
11 Jefferson Street 90 Court Street
Arthur G. Pyle Amy M. Rafter Miriam A. Raymond Richard Smiley Helen F. Swift
Margie E. Wilber Edwin B. Young Barbara M. Coombs
History
English
Biology
English
Latin
Agri., Science
Clerk in Prin.'s Office
11 Lothrop Street Kingston, Mass.
Barbara E. Dunham Deane E. Eldridge Amy L. Hammond Beatrice Hunt*
Principal, Hist.
156a Sandwich Street
Elizabeth Hendry
Home Economics
Helen C. Johnson
Katherine J. Lang
195 Sandwich Street
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Bertha E. McNaught Rita E. Oosterdiep Julia A. Salmon
Kenneth L. Walton Catherine D. Welsh Marion Bennett
Mathematics
Math., Science Social Studies
Woodworking
Health, Phys. Trg.
Clerk in Prin's Office
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