USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1926-1930 > Part 23
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Hall Brothers Co., wood
76.00
South Acton Woolen Co., coal
50.25
Total
$1,987.48
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses (High)
American Woolen Co., light
$151.56
American Woolen Co., power
123.72
J. L. Hammett, supplies
234.15
Fuelite Natural Gas Co.
154.80
Finney & Hoit, supplies
9.03
Maynard Drug Co., bulb
4.00
J. S. Moore, supplies
.72
Strong & Tracy, supplies
.40
West and South Water district
36.43
Masury Young Company, floor oil mops, etc.
28.75
O. F. Nelson, bleacher, labor and supplies
40.60
A. W. Davis, supplies, varnishes, misc. ..
101.84
Vannah Lithograph Co., diplomas
35.50
William H. Holt, supplies
9.62
Hall Brothers Co., lumber
5.88
J. W. Livermore, trucking
6.00
Jordan Marsh Co.
2.40
Laffin's Bedford Express
1.00
R. H. Austin, repair battery & clock
19.44
South Acton Coal & Lumber Co., pipe
4.00
F. T. Welch, rebinding
1.25
Acton Agricultural Association, gas
7.00
Commissioner of public safety, boiler in- spection
5.00
J. T. McNiff
3.00
J. A. MacPherson, hardware supplies
15.61
Acton Drug Co., acid
2.80
$1,004.50
Total operating high school
$2,991.98
Operating Expenses, Elementary
Janitors, Fuel
Center (1) South (2) West (3) $640.00 $760.00 $768.00
Janitors
13
Fuel, coal Wood
255.13
617.60
287.81
46.00
39.20
38.00
$941.13
$1,416.80 $1,093.81
Miscellaneous Operating Expenses (Elementary)
American Woolen Co., light ..
Center $22.08
South $36.40
West $32.71 14.50
A. W. Davis, supplies
41.63
J S. Moore, supplies
1.47
A. N. Hederstedt, supplies
.39
South Acton Coal & Lumber Co.
.26
Finney & Hoit
5.36
J. A. MacPherson Co., supplies
.80
3.50
.80
West & South Water District
20.86
12.36
12.00
Masury Young Co., soap, floor oil, janitors supplies
16.46
16.47
16.46
Theron F. Newton, care of build- ing during summer
5.00
George Little, care of building during summer
5.00
H. B. Butler, sawing wood
9.50
14.50
9.50
Laffin's Express
.50
.50
.50
Thomas F. Parker
4.00
F. W. Green
10.00
Alfred D. Holt
4.00
John Evans, helping at West
School
5.00
$86.16
$120.84
$147.84
Total
$354.84
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS-HIGH SCHOOL
E. Z. Stanley, furnace repairs
$15.20
Nelson Tenney, radiators, etc.
54.05
Chandler Barbor Co., door check repairs William B. Holt
10.42
Acton Coal & Lumber Co., lumber and hardware
31.02
A. Johnson, sharpening lawn mower
1.00
Roy Jones, labor
72.80
Martin Duggan, labor
39.55
Edwin Costello, labor
22.75
Herbert Evans, labor
29.75
Charles E. Smith, labor
51.18
Albert E. Sims, labor
5.95
J. A. MacPherson, hardware
20.45
J. L. Hammett Co., supplies ..
10.96
21.02
3.83
.35
E. E. Grey Co., supplies
14
A. J. Wilkinson & Co., hardware 148.98
E. P. Gates
1.00
Massachusetts Reformatory, chair repairs
12.00
A. W. Davis
2.73
Total
$522.66
MAINTENANCE-ELEMENTARY
Charles E. Smith, coalbin, fence, misc. ... $312.77
Acton Coal & Lumber Co. 25.30
A. Merriam Co., seats 6.00
O. D. Wood, carpentry work
18.00
L. T. Fullonton, ceilings and misc.
155.90
Hall Brothers, posts and lumber
17.64
E. Z. Stanley, furnace pipes and grates
97.46
Albert E. Sims, toilet and ventilation
373.41
Thomas F. Parker
4.76
Ed. Jewett, cement work
10.50
M. E. Taylor
8.50
A. W. Davis Co.
8.16
Total
$1,038.40
Health
High School :
$50.00
Elementary :
Ernest Mayell
150.00
Total
$200.00
Transportation Jan. 1, 1928, to Sept. 1, 1928
PRECINCT 1
Driver, O. M. Swanson
Storage, O. M. Swanson
Gas, oil and repairs :
J. T. McNiff, repairs
$3.75
O. M. Swanson, gas and oil
85.66
Arthur's Acton Garage, repairs . 9.50
98.91
Total Transportation, Precinct 1, Jan. to Sept.
$488.91
PRECINCT 2
Drivers :
Paul Olsen
$306.00
Lovell Bus Line, special
150.00
$456.00
Ernest Mayell
$342.00 48.00
-
15
Storage :
Paul Olsen
$48.00
$48.00
Gas, oil and repairs :
Gately Motor Co., repairs
$87.78
Fletcher Corner Filling Station
42.02
Herbert Nealy, repairs
90.00
Hewett's Tire Shop
2.50
$222.30
Total Transportation, Pct. 2, Jan. to Sept. · $726.30
Transportation Sept. 1, 1928, to Dec. 31, 1928 Special Contract : A. W. Davis (four months) $1,380.00
$1,380.00
Total: Transportation Fiscal Year
$2,595.21
Outlays
Labor on high school drain :
Tim Moynihan, labor
$4.00
Jesse Briggs, labor
3.25
Norman Perkins, labor
3.50
Raymond Perkins, labor
3.50
A. H. Perkins, labor
6.00
Hall Brothers, lumber
38.76
A. W. Davis, supplies
40.39
John Evans, septic tank labor
13.75
Albert E. Sims, septic tank labor
68.93
Ed. F. Jewett, septic tank labor
26.00
Total
$208.08
Unclassified $9.92
City of Waltham, tuition
Total
$9.92
Total outlays, etc.
$218.00
Total expended fiscal year
$43,984.70
16
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and the Voters of the Town of Acton :
It is again an honor to present my report, the third report as Superintendent of Schools and the fourth as Principal of the Acton High School.
The year has been one of marked progress in many lines in the Elementary Schools and in the High School.
In the Elementary Schools the curricula and work are be- ginning to be knit together, grade by grade in each of the build- ings. Marked improvement has followed the introduction of our reading text books and new arithmetic and language text books, during the past two years. In the seventh and eighth grades the work is developing along the lines outlined by the State and the leading Educators throughout the country. The High School continues to do effective work in spite of the heavy turnover of Teachers.
One of the important items to report progress on is revision and development of the School Curriculum. It is planned to broaden the high school curriculum to provide better educa- tional opportunities for the non-college going student. The elementary school curriculum is being revised gradually as new units of the Massachusetts State course of study are made avail- able to us. The loyal support of the elementary and high school Teachers has made progress in curriculum development much more rapid. It is safe to state that Acton's schools are abreast of the great majority of the schools of the State in almost all sub- jects of classroom instruction.
One of the most acute school problems confronting the Town of Acton is the too rapid "turnover" of teachers. In the past year this has been particularly true in the staff at the high school and the West Acton school building. Acton suffers too much from the difficulty common to many small towns, namely its schools are training grounds for the larger towns and cities. With rapid change of teacher personnel there is an inevitable break in the continuity of efficient instruction until the inex- perienced teacher has mastered the art of teaching, and of class room management, and learned how to achieve the aims and objectives outlined in the course of instruction. Under such con- ditions the pupils too often suffer seriously in their progress. One remedy which will help to relieve this situation, and keep our good teachers with us for a longer time is the paying of higher salaries to the elementary and intermediate school teachers and even to the high school teachers. Such an increase should put us on a salary basis with our surrounding towns. A more stable staff will minimize the loss in educational progress to the school children.
17
During the year the following teachers resigned from the School Department : Mr. Richard Hood, Mr. L. Ashley Rich, Miss Hazel Murray, Miss Louise Turner, Miss Olive Valente from the high school building, and Miss Moore and Miss Spring from West Acton and Miss Jeaneth Landerville, drawing teacher, and Miss Ethel Lovely, music teacher. Their places are taken by Miss Thelma Eaton, Mr. Walter Holt, Miss Marion Fuller, Miss Edith Damon, Miss Helen Murray, Miss Madeline Allard and Miss Harriette Chace, Miss Marion Ray, and Mr. Elmer Pierce, respectively.
When school opened in the Fall it was found that the popu- lation of Acton Center School had grown unexpectedly to such a size (from about 60 in June to over 75 in September) that it was deemed advisable to add another teacher to the staff of that school to teach grade III and IV. Miss Caroline Chace was elected to the new position. This leaves each of the three teach- ers with two grades apiece. The new arrangement is producing very desirable results.
Mr. Thomas Scanlon
It is with regret that we record the passing, on December 21, 1928, of Mr. Thomas Scanlon of West Acton. For nearly thirty- five years he faithfully performed more than his duty in caring for the school and the children who attended West Acton build- ing. His hard work, thoughtfulness and care has made many a teacher's load lighter and many a scholar more considerate. His passing is a loss to the department, as well as to his friends.
One of Our Biggest Needs
Physical training in the grade schools and athletics in the high school are two urgent needs of the School Departments. The classroom teachers are doing what they can in their rooms and on the play ground. Much corrective work and group train- ing needs to be done. We have some equipment but it is by no means sufficient. More play ground equipment is needed at the elementary schools. Our athletic field should be finished at the high school.
The High School is still seriously handicapped in not having sufficient area for group athletics. In the Fall and Spring the boys and girls can use the front and side lawns immediately sur- rounding the High School building. Every recess and spare moment out of doors during fair weather, this area is swarming with boys and girls at play and there are many who cannot find place to play on this limited area. There is about 11/2 acres of our total area of 3 acres still to be developed for the use of outdoor sports. It has been found impossible to develop this land from private initiative and resource. It is therefore neces- sary to bring this matter before the Town again for assistance.
For winter athletics a number of plans have been discussed to make Blanchard Hall available for physical exercise and at the same time not damage the beauty of the hall. One plan appears feasible above the others but difficulties in designing an
18
installation which are sure to protect the hall during athletic exercises and ball games indoors, as well as high costs, have de- layed this plan.
It is hoped that if the land now owned by the Town is de- veloped so as to be usable for play, the children can have some real physical training and athletic work out of doors. They can do much themselves toward helping to develop the facilities for indoor athletic work, as soon as a satisfactory plan is ap- proved.
Maintenance and Repairs
In the elementary school buildings many of the more urgent repairs have been made. The committee voted to have all of the ceilings whitened. Sufficient funds were not available to refinish the walls of these buildings. This should be done at an early date as a measure to save eye strain, as well as saving electricity on dark days.
In Center school the metal ceilings were painted, some plaster patched, chairs and desks revarnished, furnaces and chimneys cleaned and repaired. In South School building the toilets have been repaired and their ventilation system so changed that the former unwholesome odors and condition which have existed for many years are removed and the system is functioning in a highly satisfactory manner. No trace of the former objectionable odors has been found since the work was completed in Septem- ber. Furnaces have been cleaned and repaired. Desks and chairs were revarnished. In West building the desks, chairs, and blackboards have been renovated, ceilings whitened, furnace pipes cleaned with renewals.
An Important School Problem
Elementary school buildings are becoming increasingly ex- pensive to operate and repair. For the past three years they have exceeded the cost of operation of the High School building, even where the latter has had some unusual repairs and improvements. They do not care for proportionately greater number of children as the following table shows :
Enrollment Grade School Buildings vs. High School Blg.
Total enrollment by grades.
Grades
Oct. 1928
April 1927
April 1926
April 1925
1
40
53
44
58
2
37
49
41
36
3
49
44
39
40
4
41
37
43
41
5
37
45
49
50
6
38
39
39
52
(7)
44
(8)
-
41
Total Grades 242
267
255
362
19
School Blgs.
7
48
45
30
8
32
53
36
9
45
49
32
37
10
36
34
34
19
11
29
30
15
20
12
29
14
16
22
P.G.
3
8
5
4
222
233
168
102
Totals all Schools
464
500
423
464
*Grades 7 & 8 moved to H. S. Blg. March, 1926.
Authorized Capacities
Center
South
West
100
140
120
High School 245
Enrollment
78
99
77
228
December 31, 1928.
It is rarely possible to use each elementary building to its capacity under the present arrangements of six grades in each precinct school, without overcrowding in some room. Temporary readjustment of furniture and transfer of grades from room to room make possible satisfactory work up to a certain point in growth of numbers. After that point some other plan must be adopted.
The elementary school buildings are costing more to operate than a modern building. All of the buildings were erected from fifty to fifty-five years ago. In spite of improvements already made and others urgently required, they are still not economical nor wholly satisfactory, although they provide fair to good edu- cational and sanitary facilities in each precinct. One important item, where costs are high, is fuel. In South Acton Mr. Newton deserves high commendation for his efforts and success in keep- ing his building very clean and attractive, and operating his heaters economically. Yet in spite of all his care and efforts the heaters consume more coal each year than the other two element- ary buildings together. Repeated checks and investigations bring the committee and myself to conclude that the high expense for fuel in this building is due to the inefficiency of the old heaters and not in the method of handling them, which we be- lieve is as economical as possible with present old apparatus. It should be noted that fuel costs in South Acton School are within a few dollars as much as the heating costs of the new High School building.
Moreover the elementary school buildings need thorough ren- ovation in their interiors. The floors in Center School are especially weak and thin, new stair treads, and many new sashes are needed, all walls refinishing. In South School economy sug- gests new furnaces, new floors, stairtreads, some new sashes, walls
20
refinished. West School needs flush toilets, and alterations to make heating more economical; almost all sashes are rotted and will have to be replaced soon, walls need to be refinished. These repairs are in addition to the repainting of exteriors of each building and ordinary annual operating repairs. It will either be necessary to pour money into these old buildings, or replace them, or prepare a plan for a new central building.
The following facts may be pointed out. It is true that a central building would require more transportation than at present. This could be covered by certain savings in the present operation costs, (1) by utilizing eight teachers for grades I to VI instead of ten as at present, (2) one janitor for three, (3) and a saving in coal and other operating costs equal to about half of the present elementary operating costs. The net saving from these three economies would probably cover all of the added cost of transportation.
This is an important school problem that must be met in the near future.
We acknowledge gratefully the gifts of books, magazines and money for the Conant Library, especially from Mrs. Frank Lothrop and the members of the Conant family. Books and magazines are a valuable addition to the library facilities of the schools and the teachers in their work. Grateful acknowledg- ment is made to the Trustees and Librarian of the Acton Library for their cooperation and courtesy in permitting the use of their books among our teachers and school children.
School Activities
The morale and spirit of the schools has been on a high plane. Acton Center School has purchased and almost completed payment for a new piano, of a special school type for their use, as the result of a musical playlet, several socials and parties, through the enthusiasm and generosity of many of their friends. West Acton has followed close behind in buying a new piano for their own use to replace the very old one now discarded. It is a duplicate of the piano in use at Acton Center School, and is also very satisfactory from a school point of view. South Acton has similary purchased a much needed encyclopedia and some athletic equipment. They also need a new school type piano. The High School has raised money towards the athletic equipment of the hall or for other athletic uses.
At Christmas time the School Children presented a Christ- mas party for all of the children of the town. To accomodate all who wanted to come, it was given twice, on the afternoon and evening of December 21. The theme was "Christmas in Many Lands." It started with a tableau of the Nativity, with Christ- mas songs, then a journey to see Christmas in Holland, Russia, and Old England, with dances, carols and songs, under the guidance of the Spirit of Christmas. As the concluding number, the Spirit of Christmas produced Santa Claus, who distributed candy to them.
21
Graduation was held in Blanchard Hall, high school build- ing on the evening of June 8, 1928. At the exercises the gradua- ting class was addressed by the Hon. John F. Fitzgerald, while the chorus sang several selections, among them, The Recessional by DeKoven, and the Song of Farewell, by Kountz. Twenty- four diplomas were presented at that time. It is a pleasure to record that a number of this class are continuing with their education in colleges.
The graduates of Acton High School class of 1928 are em- ployed as follows :
Esther Balch
Burdett College
Alice Bernier
Acton High School
Mary Butler
At Home
Charles Byron
Northeastern Univ. Law School
Alfred W. Davis, Jr.
A. W. Davis Co.
Herbert Evans
American Woolen Co.
Eleanor Heath
Office Clerk at West Concord
Elizabeth Howe
Mass. Agricultural College
Ethelyn King
Burdette College
Evelyn King
Burdette College
Ethel Massie
Mass. Women's Hospital
Laura Mayell
Acton High School
Walter O'Neil
Garnette Mfg. Co., W. Concord
Raymond Perkins
Levi Perkins Farm
John Risgin
Northeastern Univ. Eng. School Acton High School
Pauline Tracy
St. Elizabeth's Hosp. Tr. School Leslie School for Kindergarten American Woolen Co.
Albert Tucker
William Toohey
Harvard College
Mable Wamboldt
At Home
Thomas Yetman
Boston College Prep. School
Stephen Teele, should have been recorded last year as gradu- ating in the class of 1927. He is employed in managing the large farm left by his father.
The report of the Supervisor of Domestic Science indicates but a small proportion of the fine work accomplished. It should be especially noted that this lunch room provides a very much needed facility for hot lunches for the very many children who are away from home so many hours each day. This lunch room also has materially assisted the athletic association in providing minor athletic equipment. There is another fact not brought out before, namely that in the past three years much sewing room equipment has been purchased from the excess of income over out- go, namely a sewing desk for the teacher, teacher's chair, fitting stand, individual boxes for each girl in the sewing class and other needed equipment.
Olga Servais
Margaret Shea
22
THE REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE
FOLLOWS:
Mr. C. W. Lawrance,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
In the Sewing Course of the seventh grade, the outline is similar to last year's. The pupils first make an apron by hand, each one is made different so as to illustrate the various stitches and trimmings that may be used. The use and care of the sewing machine is taught as they start on their underwear. Mending, darning, the making of buttonholes and a simple course in Tex- tiles are included in this course.
The eighth grade reviews the work of last year. The pro- jects include three different pieces of underwear, and a dress, practical darning and mending. The work in this grade is greatly helped by the aid of a new sewing book for each pupil.
The seventh grade have simple cooking lessons. Dishes of foods are prepared that can be used on the Cafeteria Table and may also be made at home. In each lesson the following are taken up :- kinds, care, cleanliness, ways of buying and serving, preparation and the planning of simple meals.
The eighth grade have more to consider in their lessons :- costs, food values and balancing of the food products. With the aid of the new class book "foods, Preparation and Serving," the pupils will accomplish more and have a broader sense of the values of well balanced economical meals.
It is important to point out that the supplies for these cook- ing lessons are paid for from the receipts of the Cafeteria Lunch- on. Thread, patterns, and supplies for the Sewing Course are .also paid for from this same fund.
The Cafeteria has the following report to make :-
Dr. Cr.
Cash Jan. 1, 1928
$2.45
Total Sales for Fiscal Year
1,749.02
'Costs of Supplies, Cooking and Sewing
$1,657.67
Athletic Ass'n
77.63
Cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1928
16.17
$1,751.47 £ $1,751.47
I wish to thank the Superintendent and the School Com- mittee for their help and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH M. AMES.
23
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. C. W. Lawrance,
Superintendent of Schools,
Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In response to your request, I shall endeavor to outline a report on my work in music in your schools. I should begin by saying that my time has been short, my work beginning October first and in continuation of that done so well by Miss Lovely.
The best thing one can do in public school music is to make secure a good standard of singing, first one-part and later, and at the proper time, two, three and four-part, and following a course of study embracing necessary fundamentals. This: furnishes a reliable basis for a departure in music appreciation,. instrumental practice and other musical activity.
To read music expertly is then something to set up, not as an end in itself, but rather, as a means toward a richer musical experience in any field. It is, further, the most economical way to proceed in terms of effort, and in other ways, in the end. In- dividual singing and recitation are imperative.
The course in music appreciation which you introduced last year is one of the best things of its kind on the market. We are giving about one-fifth of the music time to this work. It divides itself into a few well-defined headings and, if carried out for some time, should result in habitually intelligent listening. One may well consider the possibilities in store for those who will listen to the constantly improving radio programs. An outline in brief follows :
1. Name of selection and composer.
2. Recognition of tone quality and the instrument, or in- struments, playing the melody, or air.
3. Nature of the accompaniment, whether rhythmic or chordal, etc., and the instruments furnishing it.
4. Form; involving recognition of recurring themes, the introduction of new ones, etc.
5. Program notes of reliable nature and other interesting facts.
It should be stated that the children thoroughly enjoy this work.
We have two-part music well started in grades five and six and grades seven and eight are getting the swing of three-part work. As soon as this is well-grounded we may look forward to three-part in the former, and four-part in the latter schools, if there are basses.
In the senior high school the interest and effort are very good and there are a few very good leaders, but a more general good reading ability would aid tremendously toward better work, as it is obvious that the individual contribution improves when all, or nearly all, know what to do.
24
This work should find community expression in the local choirs.
There are a few string players in the junior and senior high schools and the attempt is made to help them for work in a high school orchestra and for community activity. If other players appear and desire help it will be freely given-and this without attempting in any way to interfere with the work of private teachers, but, rather, to give their work more meaning.
My connection with the Christmas party was a great pleas- ure to me. The preparation and carrying out of the work with you and the schools was very interesting and successful.
I hope that we may prepare other programs for presentation during the spring.
I wish to thank yourself and all teachers for interest and cooperation.
All of which is respectfully submitted and with kindest re-
Yours very truly, ELMER E. PIERCE, Supervisor of Music.
January 23, 1929.
The School Doctor and School Nurse have labored effective- ly in keeping sickness at a minimum in the schools and attend- ance of children as high as possible. It is a pleasure to comment on their hard work. In connection with the clinic held in the High School, it should be noted that the doctors and the nurses from the State Department of Health worked most enthusiasti- cally and effectively in helping our nurse discover children who might, unless properly protected, develop Tuberculosis. They examined 173 children in one day which almost equals their highest record, which was achieved under extreme pressure. Due to the effective planning of Miss Frost, this work was completed in one day instead of at least two, under ordinary conditions.
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