USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rockland > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Rockland Massachusetts for the year ending 1959 > Part 10
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This year every boy was required to purchase and maintain a physical education uniform. These uniforms are purchased by the school and sold at cost to the boys. The importance of clean clothes and clean bodies is prac- ticed through regular uniform checks and showers after every physical education period.
A limited corrective weight training program has been set up and this year twenty boys are taking part in
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the program. With more equipment and time, we hope to expand the program in the future.
The following is the physical education program that was pursued this year.
Number of Number of
Unit
Weeks
Periods
FALL PROGRAM:
Introduction
1
2
Testing (physical fitness)
1
2
Football
5
10
Soccer
3
6
Speedball
1
2
WINTER PROGRAM:
Basketball
5
10
Badminton
2
4
Volleyball
3
6
Tumbling and Apparatus
3
6
Wrestling
2
4
Square Dancing (co-educational)
3
6
SPRING PROGRAM:
Track and Field
3
6
Testing (physical fitness)
1
2
Softball (baseball)
6
12
I am hoping to better and enlarge my current physi- cal education program to include more activities and more intramural contests. The basis of a well rounded program, I believe, lies in being able to provide competition. With this in mind I will close my report.
Respectfully submitted,
A. SCOTT MacKINLEY
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Town of Rockland
REPORT FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR FOR GIRLS
Mr. R. Stewart Esten Superintendent of Schools Rockland, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Esten:
I present herewith the Annual Report of the girls Physical Education Program.
The most important part of a Physical Education Pro- gram is the work presented in the regular class periods. Each girl is required to take two periods of Physical Education a week, unless she has a medical excuse. A blue gym suit and sneakers are required. They are just as essential for Physical Education as texts are for aca- demic subjects. The girls, so equipped, present a neat and uniform appearance and are properly prepared for class.
The showers are used extensively. They were most appreciated when the weather was warm and when we exercised vigorously. A ten minute period at the end of each class period is reserved for showers.
The daily class starts with conditioning activities. Several routines of exercises are presented which include exercises for all important muscle groups. The routines are made appealing with the use of music. The girls are requested to practice these exercises each day to develop good muscle tone and good posture.
A wide variety of activities are taught during the school year. The girls are given drills and instruction in Field Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Deck Tennis, Track and Field, Softball and Badminton. Girls are also taught to officiate, thereby necessitating a knowledge of the rules. A great interest is shown in dancing and apparatus. We are still quite handicapped due to the lack of equip- ment, but hope to have some heavy apparatus added to our inventory.
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
This year we have three varsity sports. Field Hockey was introduced for the first time. Although it was difficult to get the girls interested in playing, once they started competition with the various schools in the area, they enjoyed it thoroughly. Many now consider it their favor- ite sport. Of course, basketball and softball are very popular and we find many girls trying out to make these teams. It has been a pleasure coaching these sports. On many occasions our opponents have commented on the high degree of sportsmanship and the fine spirit displayed by our girls. All the girls have shown a most cooperative spirit.
It has been very enjoyable teaching at Rockland High under the supervision of Mr. John Higgins and Mr. Joseph Cogan.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH GOULD
REPORT FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. R. Stewart Esten
Superintendent of Schools
Rockland, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Esten:
I present this report to relate the activities of the girls in their physical education program in the Rockland Junior High School from September 8, 1959 to December 23, 1959.
All girls in grades 6, 7, and 8 attend gym once a week. I hope the number of periods will at least be doubled in the near future.
Rhythm and good posture are the aim of the exercises
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Town of Rockland
performed at the beginning of each class. Marching is also part of the program.
Volleyball skills and techniques start the fall season and the game is enjoyed while the girls learn the rules. Team unity is highlighted and the game provides many situations in which the girls learn and practice good sportsmanship.
Work on available apparatus precedes the basket- ball season. Ball handling, direction changing, and rules are taught after the first game of basketball has been played in each class.
The intramural competition begins after the Christ- mas vacation.
Rhythm development will follow basketball and soft- ball will end the physical education program for the second term.
I wish to thank Mr. Leo Mulready, principal of the Junior High, and Mr. Richard Hamilton, boys physical education instructor for the assistance they have given me.
Respectfully submitted, LAURA SAHAGIAN
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
REPORT OF READING CONSULTANT
Mr. R. Stewart Esten Superintendent of Schools Rockland, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Esten :
It is my pleasure to submit to you this first report of the Developmental Reading Program in the Elementary Grades. This covers the period from September, 1959 to December, 1959.
To help those children who are encountering failure in reading, the following program went into operation :
Children with the greatest promise, as well as, the greatest need, received first consideration for individual help outside the classroom. Referrals were made by prin- cipals and teachers in each of the elementary schools with the realization that a small group would be selected in each school to receive this special instruction.
Prior to the formation of the individual instruction groups, time was set aside to diagnose the causes for the individual child's reading failure. This was done through testing, conferences with teachers, principals and parents, and by a study of past school records.
Children who had similar needs and who were achiev- ing at the same level in reading were grouped together in each school, for reading instructions. These groups meet four times a week for thirty to forty-five minutes. Specific plans for the following areas of the work were made: suitable materials of instruction, highly motivated materials, growth in silent and oral reading, development in word analysis skills and word recognition, development in study skills.
The children have used enthusiastically the library materials, games and devices provided them. These have been necessary for correcting various types of faulty habits which they displayed.
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Town of Rockland
Improvement in reading has been observed in their classrooms, as well as, in their reading groups.
Realizing that each child progresses at a different rate, in accordance with his intelligence and the severity of his confusion, no child is assigned to a group permanent- ly. Provision is made for the readjustment of the pupils in any group who make rapid progress or who can work better in a group other than the one in which they start.
When a vacancy occurs in any one of the groups, it is soon filled by a child whose name has been placed on the long waiting list.
Another phase of the reading program deals with more direct contact with teachers and principals in plan- ning their individual reading programs.
The Sixth Grade teachers are now working out a program whereby those children who are low in reading may be able to profit from small group instruction. A testing program is now underway to discover some of the reasons for these failures. A suitable program will be planned to aid these children in reading.
Some new materials and techniques have been de- monstrated to teachers and children in the classrooms.
Library books which are discussed on the Third Grade TV Literature Program, have been brought to the classrooms to be enjoyed by the children.
It is hoped that a diagnostic testing program in read- ing, begun early in the Fall, 1960 will be of help to the teachers in planning their reading program.
May I take this time to thank you, Mr. Esten, as well as, the teachers, principals, parents and all who have been most cooperative in carrying out the reading program.
Respectfully submitted,
CLAIRE JOURNAY
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
REPORT FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. R. Stewart Esten Superintendent of Schools Rockland, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Esten:
As Elementary School Nurse for the Rockland School Department I assisted with pre-school registration at the Memorial Park School on May 5, 6, 7 and 8. At that time a total of 261 children were registered to enter the first grade in September. Mothers of these children gave the nurses the medical background necessary in understand- ing each child. This was recorded on the Permanent School Health Records. P.T.A. mothers were present at all sessions and gave us valuable clerical aid.
At the request of the Board of Health a Toxoid Clinic for the prevention of Diphtheria and Tetanus was organ- ized. Permission slips were sent home to all children in grades one through three in all Elementary Schools in- cluding the Holy Family. On March 1, April 1 and May 13 the School Nurses assisted Dr. Lough at the Memorial Park School in administering a total of 241 inoculations. Once again the P.T.A. mothers assisted in the supervision of the children.
I was happy to assist the Board of Health in the Polio Clinics held at the Memorial Park School on Sunday June 7 and June 21.
A case of Diphtheria was reported to the Board of Health in May. The children in the Elementary Schools were told about this at the request of the Board of Health so that the parents could immediately contact their pri- vate physicians about the advisability of being inoculated. Over 800 Elementary School Children were immunized against Diphtheria as a result of this. I examined the throats at the Lincoln School on three occasions as re- quested by the Board of Health.
The free lunch program has been made available
171
Town of Rockland
for any eligible pupil.
The Elementary Physical Examinations were given at the four schools on October 2, 5, 9 nd 13. Two hundred and eighty-six first graders were examined by the School Doctor and 22 chose to be examined by their Private Physicians. Seventy-six defects were discovered and the parents were all notified of the findings. With the increas- ed enrollment in the first grades, the P.T.A. played an im- portant part in making the examinations run smoothly. As in the past, the Elementary Nurse and the Jr .- Sr. High School Nurse help each other in the Grade 1 and Grade 6 physicals.
Elementary School Nurse Statistics
Number of visits to classrooms 745
Number of dressings to minor injuries 198
Advised 449
Emergency treatment
51
Taken home ill
227
Home visits 214
Weighed, Measured and Recorded
1294
Individual inspections 1104
Number of Vision Tests Administered 1253
62 failed 38 received treatment
Number of Hearing Tests Administered 1254
49 failed 34 received treatment
In my capacity as School Nurse I have attended monthly meetings of the district school nurses where we have round table discussions of our mutual problems. I also attended the Teachers Convention, Annual Meeting of the Visiting Nurse Association, conferences with the State Nursing advisors, conferences with representatives from the M.S.P.C.C. and our community agencies when- ever the situation arose.
The Rockland Kiwanis Club made it possible for six boys to have a two week vacation at summer camp. They also provided warm clothing to eight boys at Christmas and glasses for another child.
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
The Junior Red Cross has been helpful to me and a report of its activities can be found elsewhere.
The Lions Club is taking care of an eye case which may require considerable follow-up.
Due to crowded classroom conditions and increased enrollment, it is becoming more difficult on the part of the School Nurse and Principals to find adequate testing areas.
Because this is the completion of my first year as Elementary School Nurse, I wish to thank the following people for making it a success: Miss Louise Considine R.N. my predecessor, who retired last year after 36 years of service and who has been my counselor on many oc- casions; Mrs. Virginia Basile R.N., School Nurse in the Junior and Senior High Schools for her splendid coopera- tion and thoughtfulness, the administrative personnel, school doctors, teachers, custodians and cafeteria workers.
I would particularly like to thank the elementary school principals for their willingness and cooperation in helping me to carry out the health program in the elemen- tary schools.
Respectfully submitted, DORIS KAMUDA, R.N. Elementary School Nurse
REPORT FROM SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
The Elementary Physical Examinations were given at the four schools on October 2, 5, 9 and 13.
Grade 1 enrollment - 309 pupils
Pupils examined by their private physicians - 22
Pupils examined by school physicians - 286
76 pupils were found to have one or more physi- cal defects
76 parents were notified of the defects
NORBERT F. LOUGH, M.D.
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Town of Rockland
REPORT OF SENIOR - JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL NURSE AND ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. R. Stewart Esten
Superintendent of Schools
Rockland, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Esten:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Junior- Senior High School nurse and attendance officer.
The individuals in the school personnel upon whom the administrator primarily depends for the effective operation of a comprehensive school health program are the classroom teacher, the school physician and the school nurse. This report contains a description of the essential functions and the work accomplished by one of those individuals, namely, the school nurse.
Essential Functions of the School Nurse
1) Health appraisal and counseling. Interpretation of the results of the appraisal to pupils, school personnel and parents.
2) Assist in prevention and control of illness, including communicable disease and other infections.
3) Provide for proper emergency care and first aid for sudden illness or accidents incurred under school juris- diction.
4) Contribute to the health guidance of families of school children.
5) Serve as a liaison between school, home and com- munity agencies.
6) Participate in community health education programs.
7) Assist in the development and maintenance of a healthful school environment.
8) Participate in planning, coordinating, evaluating and promoting health programs and resources in the school and the community.
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Miscellaneous Duties
1) Attendance officer.
2) Assists at immunization clinics for Board of Health.
3) Responsible for school accident insurance claims, in- cluding all athletic injuries, with the exception of football.
4) Assists at the annual registration for first graders.
5) Assists in evaluating applications for free lunches.
6) Attends all Senior High faculty meetings.
7) Attends all Senior High class outings.
In accordance with these functions the following summary is presented.
Grade 6 Physical Examinations
Examined by school physician 208
Examined by family physician 20
Total number examined 228
Parents notified of physical defects
157
Physical defects corrected or
under treatment 115
Physical Examinations for Participation in Competitive Athletics (Includes Boys and Girls)
Baseball - Track - Softball - Cross Country 80
Freshman Football
39
Field Hockey 23
Basketball 50
Total 192
Follow-up physical examination of athletic
injuries 42
Total Number of Physical Examinations
462
Vision tests administered
349
Hearing tests administered
487
Toxoid clinics 242
Polio clinics - Sun., June 7-27 1560
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Town of Rockland
Home visits
140
Emergency treatments
55
Taken home ill
296
Minor injuries
193
Advised
1074
Absentees investigated
96
Agencies Contacted When Necessary
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Division of Maternal and Child Health Services
Division of Child Guidance
Crippled Childrens' Clinic
State Nursing Advisor
State School Nursing Advisor
Youth Service Board
Judge Stone Mental Health Clinic
Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Town of Rockland
Board of Health
Welfare Department
Veterans' Services
Public and private community agencies
Because of the steady increase in the school enroll- ment it is suggested that a conference be instituted of all those concerned for the purpose of evaluating the total school health program. In such an evaluation many questions concerning any proposed changes are raised. Are these changes workable, practical, whom do they affect, and most important, will they benefit the child? It must be realized that as a rule, no change is readily accepted. Problems cannot be solved by the wave of a magic wand, but only through the concentrated efforts and the cooperation of all concerned with the school health program. With this in mind, it is hoped that even- tually, the program will reach a level that will prove satisfactory and give assurance to all. According to the National Education Association, HEALTH is listed as
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
number one on the objectives of education. Firmly adher- ing to this objective gives all school administrators, teach- ers, physicians and nurses one common bond - the child - thus making the solution of all school health problems mandatory.
During the past year I have been extremely fortunate to have had as my co-worker in the elementary schools, Mrs. Doris Kamuda, R.N., to whom I extend my deep appreciation and sincere thanks for her continual assis- tance and cooperation.
I also wish to express my gratitude to all school personnel who have, as always, cooperated with the school nurse, many times above and beyond the call of duty, especially Mrs. Hortense Spinale, R.N., who so capably substituted for me, as school nurse, in February and March.
Respectfully submitted, VIRGINIA K. BASILE, R.N. School Nurse - Senior-Junior High Schools Attendance Officer
REPORT OF DENTAL HYGIENIST
Mr. R. Stewart Esten
Superintendent of Schools
Rockland, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Esten:
This has been a very busy year and a very rewarding one. As you know, I have always taught Dental Hygiene to each child as I clean his teeth. This year I can see real results. I seldom see a really unclean mouth if the child has been to the clinic two or more times.
From my records, I find more parents are arranging for their children to have regular appointments with their family dentist. However, I see far too many mouths that need but do not receive this care. I do not know in most cases whether the parents cannot afford dental care
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Town of Rockland
for their children or just do not consider it important. I have sent home hundreds of booklets and notices as I have other years so they are well informed.
I feel that Rockland, for a long time, has needed a clinic with a full-time dentist to attend to the pre-school children and the pupils of grades one through five. There are problems in establishing such a clinic :
First: Finding the available Dentist.
Second: How to judge which children would be eligible for free or nearly free dentistry.
Third: How to finance the clinic.
These problems have been solved in many towns and we should solve them in Rockland.
The one thing that has troubled me most over the years is having the children walk from Lincoln School to McKinley School clinic and back again. Now I am happy to report we have a clinic at Lincoln School. It isn't ideal but the safety of the children is more important than the perfection of equipment.
I am very grateful for the support and cooperation I have received from everyone on the Board of Health and in the School Department.
Yours truly, DORIS BILLINGS, R.D.H.
REPORT OF THE ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Mr. R. Stewart Esten
Superintendent of Schools
Rockland, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Esten:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Rockland High School Cafeteria.
From January through June of 1959 approximately
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
28% of the student body participated in the Hot Lunch Program. Because of the low percentage, the program showed a financial loss.
Since the beginning of the new school year the par- ticipation in the program has increased to approximately 51% of the enrollment. With this increase and possible greater support by the students, the High School Cafe- teria should become self-supporting.
Following are the reasons I believe the Hot Lunch Program in the High School is growing :
1. All the new equipment is put to good use. The steam pressure cookers make large amounts of "home cooking" possible in the limited time avail- able.
2. The staff has been trained to practice good sanitation methods of cleansing and caring for equipment, thus maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
3. Contrary to some ideas, Secondary School young- sters do take an interest in health and its nutri- tional aspects. The Rockland students have be- come aware of our efforts to serve them well balanced and attractive meals. They have taken a keen interest in the menus and accept any intro- ductions of new food combinations offered them.
4. All government food donations are used. These foods are of the highest quality and greatly reduce the cost of purchases, especially the protein foods.
5. The staff is genuinely interested in the growth of the program and looks forward to greater partici- pation.
The consolidated Hot Lunch Program in Rockland is showing progress this year. With the Junior and Senior High Schools' increase in cash sales, the whole program
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Town of Rockland
should be self-sustaining at the end of the school year.
Respectfully submitted, THEO E. TYNI
Cafeteria Manager
REPORT OF JUNIOR RED CROSS
Mr. R. Stewart Esten Superintendent of Schools Rockland, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Esten:
The following report for the year ended December, 1959 is hereby submitted. The Junior Red Cross Program operates in the elementary schools of Rockland.
During the past year the Junior Red Cross made and filled candy cups for the patients at the V.A. Hospital on three holidays. Two gift boxes were packed from each room in the elementary schools and sent overseas. We are most grateful to Mr. Ralph Murphy who donated the express and shipping expenses.
Since we are part of the Rockland Chapter of the American Red Cross, we made a donation to the Rockland Senior Branch to help them to meet expenses.
We have cooperated with the School Nurses and the Dental Hygienist in their programs.
As in the past, this organization exists only for the express purpose of helping children in the Rockland Public Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED HEALEY, Teacher Sponsor DORIS BILLINGS, Dental Hygienist DORIS KAMUDA, School Nurse R. STEWART ESTEN, Superintendent of Schools DORIS M. HIGGINS, Chairman, Junior Red Cross
AGE GRADE TABLE AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1959 Age
Grade
5 6 7 8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 20
21 Total
1
61 285
14
360
2
3 73 224
20
320
3
50 196 32
3
281
4
49 222
26
4
301
5
44 160
28
3
1
236
6
66 178
26
2
1
273
7
62 207
30
5
304
8
52 154
28
8
1
1
244
9
31 94
20
6
1
152
10
32 76
31
9
2
150
11
32
87
16
4
139
12
28
57 26
1 112
Post Graduate
1
1
Special Class
2 3 5 7
17
Total
64 358 288 265 298 257 275 293 225 160 136 153
84 33 1 2890
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
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Town of Rockland
GRADUATION EXERCISES Class of Nineteen Hundred Fifty-nine ROCKLAND HIGH SCHOOL
MEMORIAL PARK Sunday Afternoon, June 7, 1959 at Four o'clock
PROGRAM
Processional - "Pomp and Circumstance" Elgar
Carol Jean Evans, Organist
Salute to the Flag
National Anthem
Invocation Reverend John A. Sabean
Selections
"Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" Berlin
"The Halls of Ivy" Russell-Knight
Senior Class Carol Jean Evans, Organist
Address of Welcome William Gray Nash
Presentation of Awards John T. Higgins, Principal
Presentation of Class Gift William Gray Nash
Acceptance of Class Gift Rosemary Walsh
Class Song Directed by Ellen Brown
Presentation of the Seniors for Graduation
R. Stewart Esten, Superintendent of Schools
Presentation of Diplomas Hobart A. Capen Chairman, Rockland School Committee
Benediction
Reverend John A. Sabean
Recessional
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Eighty-sixth Annual Report
Seniors, 1959
Craig Irving Anderson Patricia Ann Anderson Anthony George Aretino John Robert Arkell, Jr. John Spencer Barrett Anne Elizabeth Basile William Joseph Beals Gerald Anthony Bean Robert Bainbridge Bewsher
Russell Raymond Blake, Jr. William Gordon Blake
Frederick Joseph Boudreau, Jr.
Nancy Irene Bowser Georgia May Boyle Ellen Ruth Brown Charles Oliver Bryant
William Henry Burke Barbara Lee Campbell
Robert Anthony Cartullo Jeanette Marion Carumbo Robert John Casey L. David Chandler Donna Arlene Chapman Stephanie Leed Clifford Nancy Jean Collyer Phylis Mary Conant Ann Marie Conley Barry Roland Cormier
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