Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1936, Part 21

Author: Rockland (Mass.)
Publication date: 1936
Publisher: [Rockland, Mass.] : [Town of Rockland]
Number of Pages: 1154


USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1936 > Part 21


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Mr. John B. Haggerty, in charge of the Industrial Arts department of our high school resigned in June to accept a position in the Abington High school. Mr. George W. Wilson of North Adams, Mass,, was elected to fill the va- cancy. Mr. Wilson graduated from the Fitchburg State Teachers' College in 1933 with the degree of B. S. in Ed- ucation. The past two years he had been the director of W. P. A. Adult Education in Adams, Massachusetts.


In January 1937, Miss Evelyn Murphy of our Com- mercial Department secured a promotion by receiving an appointment to the Everett High school. Mrs. Marian Ray, a graduate of Boston University and a former teacher in the Commercial Department of the Brockton High school substituted for the remainder of the year.


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Mr. Earl Komarin, who had substituted for Miss Rose Magadini who was studying at Boston University the past year was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Evelyn Murphy.


During the summer Miss Louise Flannery resigned to be married. Her place was filled by the appointment of Miss Virginia Ford, a four year graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers' College. Miss Ford had previously taught in the Nursery School for several months.


Miss Eleanor Birch, teacher of our Special Class re- signed in June to accept a more lucrative position in the Swampscott School System. Her place was filled by the appointment of Miss Isabel Philbrook of Randolph, Mass. She graduated from the Wheelock School in 1936. Miss Philbrook had pursued graduate study at the Boston School of Occupational Therapy, Boston University and at Simmons College in Social Psychology and Social Service. This past summer she took courses in Special Class Tech- nique at the Hyannis State Teachers' College. During the summer of 1934, '35 and '36 Miss Philbrook taught the Special Class at the North Reading Sanatorium.


Miss Margaret Shortall teacher of grade 5 in the Mc- Kinley School resigned in October to be married. Mr. John Ryan of Rockland a graduate of Boston College and State Teachers' College at Bridgewater was appointed to fill the vacancy.


Miss Dorothy Ellershaw, teacher of grades 3 and 4 at the Gleason School resigned to be married. Her place was taken by Miss Helen Kovalchuk who was transferred from the Central Street School. The vacancy in that building was filled by the appointment of Miss Alice Mur- rill of Rockland who had taught for several months in the Nursery School. Miss Murrill graduated from the State Teachers' College at Bridgewater in 1936 with a B. S. degree in Education.


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SIXTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT


WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION ACT AS IT AFFECTS SCHOOLS


Our department has continued its plan to cooperate with the town officials in providing suitable quarters for the Sewing and the Recreation projects of the W. P. A. The sewing project is housed on the third floor of the Mckinley School and the Recreation work is carried on in the gymnasium.


The sewing project has a regular weekly schedule whereas the Recreation work is carried on during the fall, winter and spring months in the building when wea- ther conditions are not suitable for out door games. The citizens of the town in their March meeting raised and ap- propriated a sum of money to help defray the additional expense of opening the building, that these projects might continue.


We have availed ourselves of the opportunity of the National Youth Administration as it operates in schools and colleges throughout the U. S. Boys and girls 16 years of age and over whose parents are on low income may ap- ply for this financial help. Our quota in Rockland since the opening of schools in September is set at $66.00 per month. At present we have eleven who are receiving this financial aid of $6.00 per month for which they render twenty hours of services to the schools. The assistance rendered is clerical or janitor service. The money is giv- en the recipients to assist them in paying for school lun- ches or to purchase necessary clothing in order to contin- ue their attendance in high school.


NURSERY SCHOOL


The unit of the Nursery School authorized by the Works Progress Administration has continued to operate at the Mckinley School the past year with two teachers and a cook employed. There have been several changes


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in the teaching personnel this year. The teachers have been appointed to regular positions. The unit accommo- dates the children of parents who are on W. P. A. rolls or those with low income. We have had 57 enrolled with an average attendance of 35. The session of the school is from 9:15 A. M. until 2:00 P. M. with a noon luncheon. This systematic training and care of children by efficient instructors serve this community well.


SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS


Junior-Senior High


The redecoration of the walls and ceilings of the build- ing has been completed as a W. P. A. project. It is ex- tremely unfortunate that leaks in the walls of the build- ing have caused damages to both walls and curtains. It will be necessary yearly to replace some of the shades which are badly water stained and in some cases rotten. The School Committee, very much alarmed over the sit- uation, engaged the services of a consulting engineer who submitted a detailed report after careful inspections of the walls of the high school. A portion of his report fol- lows: "The masonry walls of your building were laid up with a cement mortar which apparently contained a rela- tively large percentage of sand to its content of cement and the joints in consequence present a rather porous surface to the weather. The brick, which was selected for its wide variation in color, shows a corresponding var- iation in density, the darker brick being dense, hard, and non-porous, while the lighter colored brick are porous, absorbent, and easy to fracture. During the first two or three years after completion of the construction contract, the wall developed many shrinkage cracks and the open joints between the window frames and the brick work per- mitted considerable moisture to enter the walls. This accounts for the severe soaponification that occurred in the plastered rooms in the first years of occupancy.


"As you probably know, there are two methods of wa-


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terproofing masonry walls. One is to examine all joints, cut out and repoint those that may be defective and el- iminate all shrinkage cracks by cutting and repointing or by filling with a thin cement grout brushed over the surface and helped by capillary attraction to enter those troublesome shrinkage cracks. The other method is to cut out and repoint all defective joints and to coat the entire surface with a waterproofing material to make the masonry impervious to water. The effectiveness of this method depends on the liquids used and the care display- ed in their application.


"Some contractors use a wax product which slowly ev- aporates and loses its affinity in two or three years. Others use chemical products which are permanent and which enter the pores of the brick and mortar, sealing up the shrinkage cracks and densifying the whole surface permanently. The first method is usually effective on walls laid up of non-porous brick with reasonably dense mortar joints. Your building does not come under this classification and consequently some seepage is still tak- ing place during the stormy weather with resulting soap- onification of your plaster walls in areas where the out- side brickwork is most porous. I believe that the second method would have been entirely successful on your building and I would recommend that you try this meth- od out on the southerly wall of the front wing facing the baseball stands where seepage conditions are most seri- ous."


The committee after careful deliberation of this re- port and realizing the increased damages to the build- ing with delay in action voted to make this trial demon- stration. Since this work was completed that southerly end of the building is practically water tight. It seems imperative that other portions of the building should be similarly treated without undue delay in order to save the interior walls and to reduce the damages to the build- ing.


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TOWN OF ROCKLAND


No work has been done to date to improve the present drainage system for the high school in accordance with the plans as outlined by the Special Committee appointed by the town at its March meeting in 1936. I understand the special committee has prepared a plan but the work has not been started. It is desirable that this work be done to prevent sewage. odors from entering the build- ing and to prevent the hacking of water into our gym- nasium. We are fortunate that these conditions have not prevailed the past two years.


The mastic floors in the corridors and toilets are con- stantly in need of repairs. This type of floor is less ex- pensive to install but more expensive to maintain than other types of flooring. Our janitors have repaired these floors but it will be necessary to have a major job done this year by having several layers of the mastic replaced as the floors are down to the cement in several places. The gravel walks and drives to the building, if covered with a hard surface will prevent tracking our floors with dirt and gravel and thus prolong the life of the mastic corridors as well as the maple floors in classrooms.


It will be necessary this year to replace several of the large exit doors in the building that are beyond further repair. These doors were large, heavy doors apparently not made of seasoned lumber and not in accordance with the best specifications where weathering plays such an important part in the life of the doors.


The acoustic properties of our auditorium are very poor so that until we are able to install absorbent material in the walls and ceilings an amplifier should be added to our equipment.


For the past ten years we have had no equipment in cur gymnasium for our physicial education classes and this condition has not promoted the efficiency of this de- partment. This year we have secured a horizontal and


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vaulting bar, climbing appartaus and parallel bars which will be used by all of the boys and girls in the high school.


For several years the reports from the instructor of our manual training classes indicated the inadequacy of our benches for class work and until this year it has been im- possible to add to that equipment. We now have two double manual training benches which will accommodate four students. Others should be added as soon as possi- ble. As I previously suggested, our single printing press is very old and not in good repair and should be replaced with another machine in order to continue our class in- struction in printing.


It is earnestly hoped that the new track which has been installed in Memorial Park will be made usable so that our track team will have the use of it. I refer you to the principal's report on this matter.


Again I wish to state that our building will be much more effectively heated when oil units or a stoker can be installed in the boilers. The heat will be much more constant. With the installation of oil heat we shall re- lease the services of a janitor at least half time. Since 1931 we have been working with one less janitor in this building and with a school this size an additional man is needed.


McKinley School


The drainage of the school yard continues to be a prob- lem and probably before it is completely solved major ex- pend ture will need to be made. The topography of the land is such that the yard receives the draining of several properties on Belmont Street. It has been necessary the past year to have the liquid pumped out of the cesspools because of an overflow. At present we have the addition- al W. P. A. projects, Nursery Unit, Sewing and Recrea- tion projects housed in the building, making additional sewage.


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TOWN OF ROCKLAND


As soon as funds are available the cement walks at the north and south ends of the building should be repaired and the cement and brick work of building repointed.


Roof repairs will be necessary to prevent leaks which are appearing from time to time. Corrosion of the water pipe system in the building will necessitate replacement of pipes. Lighting conditions in this building are inade- quate so the School Commttee made a sample installation of a modern lighting system in the room most poorly il- luminated and much to their satisfaction great improve- ment has resulted in this Installation. The lighting in several rooms of the elementary buildings should be im- proved as soon as possible. I would suggest that two or three rooms be improved yearly until the work is com- pleted.


Lincoln


The school yard has been greatly improved by having it hard surfaced. The building is much cleaner as a re- sult Minor repairs have been made in the plumbing and heating apparatus of the building. Because of the age of the present boilers it will be a matter of a short time be- fore replacements will be necessary.


The walk on Howard Street adjoining the school prop- erty should be constructed as soon as possible and a ce- ment curb on the southeast side of the property would prevent drainage on the land of Franklin Avenue resi- dents.


Badly grooved stairway floors have been replaced to make them safe. Window ventilators and door stops have been installed in some of the rooms.


Jefferson


The basement doors have been re-enforced with metal gratings. Because of the secluded location of the build- ing, many panes of glass have been broken in the doors


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and windows. Since the installation of the sewage pump in the buildings, the drainage has been greatly improved.


Webster Street


Upon the completion of the new road on Webster Street the safety of the children at the building was endangered. After careful consideration by the Committee it was de- cided to install a five foot wire fence on the Webster and East Water Street sides. This has given protection to the children at a very dangerous road junction. The heating equipment continues to be a problem as it is very old.


Market Street


The floors have been refinished with a combination varnish and gum filler. Minor repairs have been made in the building with several panes of glass replaced.


Gleason


Repairs to the veranda have been made. Door checks were repaired and other minor repairs made. The lighting of the rooms in this building is far below the standard. As soon as possible additional lighting equip- ment should be installed.


Central Street


Minor repairs have been made at this building.


SPECIFIC REQUESTS FROM DEPARTMENTS


As soon as possible additional equipment should be added to our general shop. A power driven jig saw will improve the efficiency of this department. The old Gold- ing printing press which was second hand when installed eleven years ago is worn badly and must be soon replaced hy another press whenever a desirable second h'and one may be located. In a school of our numbers an addition- al press could be used to good advantage.


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TOWN OF ROCKLAND


One or two electric sewing machines should be added to the equipment of our sewing department in order to modernize and supply the needed machines. The Domes- tic Science classes are in need of additional spoons, knives, bowls, sifters and cooking pans.


A moving picture projector for use in the elementary schools will add to the efficiency of our visual instruction and will make more interesting to pupils the teaching of subject matter.


The velour shades in the auditorium are badly stained with water marks and have rotted so that within a year or two it will be necessary to replace them.


Whenever the town can afford to have traffic officers stationed at the Lincoln School for the opening and clos- ing of school sessions a safer condition will prevail. The corner of Church and Howard Streets at noon, especially, is a dangerous spot.


We are indeed grateful to all organizations and individ- uals who have assisted us by contributing to the milk fund, scholarships and gifts to our schools.


CONCLUSION


The children of Rockland are intrusted to our care and instruction for twelve years during the formative period of their lives and although we are responsible for them only six hours of each day during five days of the week we feel that our school work offers a rich opportunity to help in the development of true manhood and womanhood. To that end the teachers and administrators are striving each year for better, unified, lasting results.


I deeply appreciate the constant aid and encouragement of parents, teachers, principals and school committee members.


Respectfully submitted,


R. STEWART ESTEN, Superintendent of Schools


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SIXTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF THE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL


Mr. R. Stewart Esten Superintendent of Schools Rockland, Massachusetts


Mr. dear Mr. Esten:


My annual report as Principal of the Junior-Senior High School is submitted herewith. i


Although the total enrollment of the school is about the same as last year, there has been a substantial in- crease in the number of pupils in the Junior High. All of the rooms are filled to capacity. In the Senior High, some of the study hall are crowded due to a greater en- rollment in some courses of study than in others, but classes as a whole are not too large.


The average attendance for the year was again very good. Our record for punctuality was a good one and it showed an improvement over last year. Credit for this should go to the pupils and parents who have cooperated in this matter.


From results of standard achievement tests given in a few subjects, we can feel that our standards of work in those subjects have been of a high grade. Better meas- urement of achievement in all subjects awaits the furth- er development of a testing program.


Without expense to the town, our teaching has been strengthened by a program of visual education. A fine 16 mm. movie projector was purchased last spring, and a limited program has been carried on this fall and will continue throughout the year. The program is limited


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to such free films as are obtainable. However I feel that a very good start has been made. Several boys have been trained to operate the machine, and they have been effici- ently showing the films during the fall term.


Our school library will soon receive a large number of needed books. A loyal group of alumni, realizing the need of more books in our library, raised a sizable sum of money for the purchase of these books. This fine gift to the school is indeed appreciated and will do much to make the school more efficient. The Rockland Woman's Club again presented the school with a sum of money for this same purpose. New shelves have been built in the library to hold the new books. One section of these will be devoted to the needs of the Junior High. With this added material and equipment, there only remains the ob- taining of a teacher-librarian to make our library what it should be for a good secondary school.


For some years it has been difficult to develop a good program of physical education due to a lack of gymnasium equipment. Now that some equipment of this kind has been obtained, a more interesting and worthwhile pro- gram can and will be developed in the immediate future. This year's gym exhibition should be even better than the fine one of last spring.


Our athletic program was enlarged to give a greater number of boys a chance to participate by the addition of track as a major sport. Mr. Pratt, a member of the fac- ulty and a former Dartmouth track man, was appointed coach of track. In the first competition of the track team last spring, a very fine showing was made. Cross-coun- try was established this fall and the team won two out of its three runs. Football, baseball and basketball (which includes boys' and girls' varsity, and Junior High varsity and intermurals) all enjoyed fairly successful seasons. However, in my opinion, greater success in our athletic activities is dependent upon the development of a strong-


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er school spirit. The running track needs attention so that its surface may be made suitable for all track events. We also need an enclosed athletic field so as to be able to better underwrite our athletic program for no money ap- propriated by the town is used for this purpose.


Our other extra-curricular activities have made pro- gress during the year. More of these, non-athletic in character are still needed. There is some demand for debating as a school activity, and I hope that a coach may be obtained so that this most worthwhile activity may be established in the immediate future. In public speaking, our school again did very well. One of our girls won first place in extemporaneous speaking at the district meet in Hingham. There is much talent for speaking in this school, and only the problem of coaching keeps Rockland High from a prominent place in prize-speaking among the high schools in this section of the state.


One club, the Commeroff Club, was organized during the year. Upperclassmen of the Commercial course are eligible for membership therein, and its purpose is to consider various phases of the business world. A well functioning club, organized about some common interest, can play a very important part in the educative process. I trust that more clubs will be organized soon.


Our chapter of Pro Merito accomplished much during the past year. Money was raised to obtain complete robes for the society's induction service. These robes were made in our Sewing department. In March, a priv- ate induction service was held to which parents, friends, and delegates from other Pro Merito chapters were in- vited. A public induction service was held in June and a large group of new members was admitted at that time. Pro Merito continues to be an incentive for high scholar- ship and good character.


The Student Council is slowly making itself felt as a


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beneficial factor in the life of the school. One of its out- standing accomplishments was the taking over of some of the lavatory supervision during the recess periods. This has been done very well to date and is a fine beginning in pupil participation in the running of the school.


A special home-room program was recently started in the three lower classes of the Senior High. A home room should be more than a place where attendance is checked -it should be the pupil's school home. From this pro- gram it is hoped that there will evolve the conditions nec- essary for proper pupil guidance-social, moral, personal, educational and vocational.


In the year to come, we will strive to make Rockland High even more worthy of her fine traditions and keep her standards on the high plane of the past.


I wish to express my sincere thanks for the cooperation and help given to me by the School Committee, the Sup- erintendent of Schools, the faculty, and the pupils of the school.


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE A. J. FROBERGER, Principal


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SIXTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS AND SCHOOL NURSE


Mr. R. Stewart Esten


Superintendent of Schools


Rockland, Massachusetts


My dear Mr, Esten:


We have carried out our usual program making a phy- sical examination of all the pupils of the elementary grades. High school pupils were examined carefully be- fore being allowed to participate in the competitive sports.


Our Diphtheria prevention program was carried out during the month of May. The group immunization out- fit purchased by the Board of Health for use in this work was used for the first time with good results.


We sincerely hope that the Kiwanis Club may find it possible to continue the Milk Fund work as it has been a distinct benefit to the school children.


Following is a list of physical defects found in our ex- aminations :


Number of examinations by school physicians 1001


Cases of enlarged tonsils and adenoids 86


Cases of enlarged cervical glands 16


Cases of defective hearing 28


Cases of defective vision 49


Cases of hilum tuberculosis 14


Number of children given toxoid inoculations 98


ACTIVITIES OF SCHOOL NURSE


An office hour is maintained each school day at the


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high school between 8:30 and 9:30 A. M. and the parents may reach the nurse by telephoning the school office.


Each of the elementary classrooms is visited twice weekly. Daily inspections are made if pupils have been exposed to contagious disease.


Pupils are inspected by nurse each month and weighed four times during the school year. Classroom weight charts are used so that the pupil may follow his or her individual gain.


Number of visits to classrooms


1954


Number of visits to homes


483


Number of minor wounds dressed


116


Number of emergency treatments


15


Number taken home ill


56


Number sent to school physicians


10


Number referred to family physician


23


Number excluded from school


14


Number x-rayed


77


Number taken to habit clinic




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