Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1931-1935, Part 30

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1931
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 766


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1931-1935 > Part 30


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$18.76


135


Tuition :


City of Lowell 26.94


New Equipment : Royal Typewriter Company


200.00


Miscellaneous Expenses :


C. C. Cullinane, express $ .85


Laffin's Bedford Express .50


George H. Pierce, express 2.00


Commissioner of Public Safety, boiler inspection 5.00


E. Faulkner Conant, census 35.00


43.35


$4,489.05


Total Expended


41,499.77


Unexpended Balance .23


C. A. Durkee, Special Appropriation for Insurance . .


$837.22


136


Report of School Superintendent.


To the School Committee and Voters of Acton :


This is my fifth annual report of Superintendent of Schools and Principal of the High School.


The past year has seen increases in the prices of practically all school supplies, including coal, paper, pencils, etc. The market has been watched, however, and such supplies have been purchased at such times and in such quantities as have been most advantageous to the town. Money has been saved some- what by substituting coke for coal in two of the buildings, and in arranging better heating facilities in the piping system to radiators in one building.


An ERA project took care of a painting job last winter in the High School building as far as labor was concerned, but there was a considerable sum for material that had to come from the school appropriation.


The Town of Acton has been accustomed to good-looking buildings, well heated and clean, to good up-to-date textbooks and classroom material, to plenty of paper, pencils, pens and ink, to good teachers, and to plenty of transportation for pupils, many of whom live at great distances from the school buildings. Of course, these things cost money, and since I honestly believe that the administration has spent wisely as well as frugally, I do not see how equally good things can be had for less, nor more things for the same amount.


The public has expressed its desire to have the Domestic Arts course and the Manual Arts course extended to include pupils in the senior high school, and that has been done this year. There is every indication that next year many more will elect these courses than has been the case this year. In that event it will be necessary to supply more textbooks and ap- paratus and make provision for a full time instructor in the Manual Arts course. Since these courses meet the needs of a large group of pupils and train them for actual life situations it has the approval and support of the superintendent.


137


The approved modern educational system emphasizes the need of educating for life and of giving knowledge that will enable high school graduates and even those who leave school earlier to find themselves in life, and to meet problems squarely. No one can honestly deny that social conditions have changed much more rapidly than educational methods and courses have changed-the educational courses which should prepare the young to cope with these social changes.


Most courses in high school can be modified and adapted in such a way as to stress the qualities in them that do give pupils training to fit them for life more definitely than is now done. The course in Civics, given to all first year pupils in the high school, brings out a great many discussions of current history and social problems designed to teach the fundamentals of good citizenship and to show practical every day ways of putting it into effect.


It is common knowledge that, thanks to the radio and news- papers, the average citizen of our country knows more about the qualifications of a candidate for the presidency or governor- ship, than he does about the qualifications of a candidate for a local town or county office. Somewhere in our education there should be stress placed upon training to cope with actual life situations. American and European History courses as well as all English courses lend themselves to opportunities for such training, and even such courses as modern foreign languages and Latin can be adapted to varying degrees.


In the schools of lower grade the revised system of Elson readers has supplanted the older edition in all but the fifth and sixth grades, and it is hoped to complete that equipment this year.


In May, 1934, Standard Achievement Tests were given to all pupils in grades six, seven and eight. These tests, which are based upon what pupils throughout the United States are doing in those grades, showed that Acton pupils were well above the average in all subjects except possibly spelling. Conse- quently we extended the formal drill in spelling with a textbook into the eighth grade, and more pressure has been brought to bear upon that particular subject.


138


In order to improve the handwriting of pupils in our schools, The Functional System of Handwriting has been introduced throughout the system. Penmanship is put under the guidance of a special supervisor, a master in his field. To date the experiment has been quite successful as you have perhaps noticed if you have children in school.


Personally, I think the schools offer more value at present than ever before. This opinion may be biased, I admit, but it has been the desire and endeavor of this administration, if it may be called that, to give pupils value in their school work. It may not have always seemed that way to them. Correction does not always meet with our approval when we are being corrected. The thought of the schools has always been first. No friendships or relations or sentimentalisms have taken precedence or exerted influence. The present administration has done what was thought right without fear or favor. Mistakes have probably been made. But through it all, pupils and teachers have worked together to the end that many have found themselves in high school and have gone into life to meet its problems with a ready hand and a stout heart.


The gratitude of the superintendent is extended to the School Committee for its co-operation, to parents and friends of the school for their loyalty, and to all those boys and girls of the school, who have graduated during the past eight years and who, when they were in school, furnished me with many delightful, inspiring, and profitable hours whether as their teacher, princi- pal, or superintendent.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN F. HOUGH, Superintendent.


139


Athletics


Mr. John Hough, Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Mass.


Dear Sir:


It is with a happy realization of accomplishment that we look back to the past athletic year. We have striven to keep before the pupils, at all times, the importance of fair play, clean living and honest endeavor, as the fundamental elements of happiness and success in all games, especially, the Game of Life.


Our athletic teams in Acton High school have achieved dis- tinction in the eyes of the athletic rivals who, at once, respect and fear them. Their success is due to the mental alertness on the part of their players and to the earnest perseverance on the part of their coaches in drawing out the latent forces within them.


The spirit of competition runs strong in the blood of Ameri- centre of the "All Star" team. In the Lowell Suburban League can youth. Coupled with an equal amount of co-operation, it makes for independence, self-reliance and confidence. A most certain proof that these characteristics have been carried to our athletes is the exemplary manner in which they have played.


The basketball season opened about the middle of January. Practice for the boys' and girls' varsity team was held daily in the auditorium of the school.


The boys developed exceptionally well and succeeded in win- ning all but two of their regular scheduled games. In March, the team journeyed to Fitchburg and won three out of four tournament games. Appleton Academy, from New Hampshire, won over Acton High School in the final game for the champion- ship. However, each boy and the coach were awarded a silver basketball and Charles Claflin, the Acton centre, was chosen as the boys were tied for the league leadership. They finally lost, in a well played game, to Johnson High School, a team they had previously defeated twice.


140


The girl's team, under the supervision of Miss Mary Stolte, developed remarkably well before the season was finished. The squad consisted chiefly of inexperienced players from the Fresh- man and Sophomore classes. These girls, working diligently willingly all season, displayed a perseverance and a determina- tion that promises better success in coming seasons. Miss Mary Stolte deserves much credit for the guidance she gave as coach and as friend.


The baseball and the football teams were fairly successful. The baseball team won the majority of its games while the football team, the lightest in Acton High School's football history, played unexpectedly well against its heavier and more experienced opponents from larger schools.


The Freshman, Sophomore and Junior High School boys and girls were benefited directly by physical training classes during the school year. The classes were conducted by teachers with the aid of some seniors. Thus, the majority of the pupils in the High School and the Junior High School were reached athleti- cally.


The funds for sponsoring the entire athletic program were raised by the magazine campaign conducted by the pupils, the athletic dues paid by the pupils and the income received from the basketball games. Football, baseball and basketball equip- ment had to be bought along with equipment for the physical training classes. Added to this expense, referees had to be paid for their services and transportation bills had to be met. The entire program is large and expensive and only careful buying and spending make it possible.


It is pleasing to report that no athlete suffered any serious injury during any of the games. The physical condition of all the players was determined before the season started and every player had to be physically able to participate in each game. We take this opportunity to thank Dr. E. A. Mayell, school physician, and Miss Lillian Frost, school nurse, for their helpful advice and professional assistance during the year.


It is interesting to note that most of the athletes attended school regularly and maintained a fairly high scholarship record. No athlete was allowed to play a game unless his weekly scholas-


141


tic average was satisfactory. Thus, the athletics gave added im- petus to study.


The coaches realize that in educating the players mentally and morally and in developing them physically, they have no easy task to accomplish. However, the high calibre of the girls and boys of Acton and their apparent realization of what the Game means, lightens the burden on the coaches.


The future of athletics in Acton High School is bright, for the future teams will have their heritage, a truly memorable athletic record or tradition-a tradition that is adding to the already sacred historical traditions of the town they represent.


Respectfully submitted,


ROBERT A. DOLAN, Physical Director.


142


Report of Domestic Science Teacher


-


Mr. John Hough, Superintendent of Schools,


Acton, Massachusetts.


Dear Sir:


In the Sewing Course in the eighth grade the fundamental stitches are taught in the order of use on the garments being made. Aprons, slips, pajamas, gymnasium suits and baby gar- ments are some of the articles made. Knitting is taught to those interested.


Cooking lessons for the eighth grade come early in the morning, thus giving them more time to work with Foods and Meal Planning. The girls in this class plan and prepare the menu two days a week for the school cafeteria.


The seventh grade cooking classes plan and prepare one day's menu for the cafeteria besides their regular cooking les- sons. They also serve the food at lunch time and take care of the teachers' trays.


Household duties in the school kitchen are allotted to each pupil in all classes.


A course has been opened to high school pupils this year which they seem to enjoy. Two periods are devoted to advanced cooking lessons, one period to talks and discussions on etiquette, systematic work in the home, practical buying of household needs, first aid for the home, child care, and personal hygiene. Two periods are used for sewing, the pupils learning to make garments for themselves, useful articles for the home, and practical gifts.


The cafeteria is self-supporting, and has the following report to make:


143


Cash on hand January 1, 1934


$23.18


Total Sales for Fiscal Year


1,087.77


Cost of Supplies for Cooking, Sewing, and Replacement of Dishes Lunch for Music Teacher


$1,066.76


5.10


20.15


Lunch for Needy Pupils


Cash on Hand December 31, 1934


18.94


$1,110.95 $1,110.95


Respectfully submitted,


EDITH M. AMES.


144


Report of School Physician


Mr. John F. Hough,


Superintendent of Schools,


Acton, Massachusetts.


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit my annual report as School Physician.


The usual physical examinations were completed in late Oc- tober. Details will be found in the nurse's report.


We have been very fortunate in not having any serious out- breaks of contagious diseases this past year, and I think much credit is due Miss Frost and the teachers for their watchfulness.


The general physical condition of our school population is very good.


Much improvement is noted in the condition of the teeth of the pupils in the higher grades.


I wish to thank the Superintendent, teachers, nurse, and the parents for their co-operation.


Respectfully submitted,


E. A. MAYELL, M. D.


145


Report of School Nurse


Mr. John F. Hough,


Superintendent of Schools,


Acton, Massachusetts.


Dear Sir:


The physical examinations for the year were completed by the School Physician during October with the following result: Total Number of Examinations by Doctor 506


Defects Found :


Tonsils and Adenoids 38


Glands


148


Poor Posture


123


Teeth (in need of attention) 216


Heart (irregularities) 21


Report of Examinations by Nurse During School Year :


Special Examinations


1303


Simple Dressings


218


Individual Instruction


168


Pupils Excluded Because of Communicable Disease 52


Sanitary Inspection of all Buildings 170


Pupils Taken Home Ill (by nurse)


23


Pupils Taken to Eye .Specialist


6


Pupils Taken to Dentist


6


May 5, 6, and 7, pre-school conferences were held in the graded schools. Eighteen children were examined by the school doctor.


In the latter part of May the children were given the oppor- tunity to be immunized against diphtheria. Thirty-two children previously immunized were given the Schick Test, and all but four of this number were immune. Three of these, together with fifty others, were given three injections of Toxin-anti-toxin.


In August two children were sent to Camp Virginia. Both children showed marked improvement. This was made possible by our seal sale fund.


Respectfully submitted,


LILLIAN E. FROST, R. N.


146


Report of Music Supervisor


Mr. John F. Hough, Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Massachusetts.


Dear Sir:


Music for every child-every child for music! This is the motto of the Music Educators' National Conference. With this in mind, I have tried to put this motto in practice, since my con- nection with your schools as Supervisor of Music.


The main objective in teaching music in the public schools is to create within the child a natural desire to express his and her emotions through the study of music, either vocal or instru- mental. In order to try to accomplish this, great patience, care- ful attention to pitch, tone quality, rhythm, and interpretation must be the essential points the supervisor should insist upon.


In school systems where the supervisor meets the class only once a week, such as Acton, he or she depends entirely upon the willingness and co-operation of the room teacher. It is necessary, therefore, that the supervisor, before leaving a room, be sure that the new lesson is thoroughly understood by the room teacher, and any detail of the old one explained again if found necessary. I am very happy to say at this point that I have been very fortunate in having one of the best groups of teachers to carry on in all my years of experience. My person- al thanks to all of them.


It is the hope of the supervisor that the work of the first six grades may be presented to the people of Acton sometime during the coming spring. We have attempted to organize an orchestra, girls' glee club, and mixed chorus in the High School. The orchestra, I am sorry to say, cannot function without the necessary instruments, and so far we have very few. Unless the parents are willing to buy instruments, an orchestra in the High School is almost impossible.


147


The Girls' Glee Club has a membership of twenty-eight. It is now in the process of studying two and three part music, and will present a program later on. This organization is also planning to put on an operetta in May, the first one that has been attempted, as I understand it.


The mixed chorus is studying some of the well known chor- uses, both sacred and secular, with attention paid to the bass and tenor sections. When the opportunity presents itself I have tried to interest the students to listen to the classics through the play- ing of records, first giving a sketch of the composer's life and then the story of the composition. Through lack of time it has been impossible to do the things that one would like to introduce.


May I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Hough, Superin- tendent of Schools, for his splendid help and co-operation?


In closing I would like to say to the members of the School Committee of Acton that there are fine possibilities in your schools for good music, and I hope that you will see to it that these children are given every opportunity to express them- selves in the greatest of all arts, Music.


Respectfully submitted,


F. CARL GORMAN.


148


Report of Manual Training Supervisor


Mr. John F. Hough, Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Massachusetts.


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit my report of the Manual Training Depart- ment.


Due to the fact that I now have approximately eighty pupils taking Manual Training, it is necessary that they work on the group project system. This means that three or four pupils must work together on one project because of an inadequate amount of tools and materials. Under the present conditions I find it necessary to demolish completed projects and use the stock in constructing new ones. This is discouraging to the pupils as they would like to keep some of the work to show to their parents. However, we have accomplished much, and have just recently acquired five new sloyd benches, each being equip- ped with two vises and a tool rack.


The seventh and eighth grade pupils have thus far been taught the proper care of tools and the sharpening of edged ones. They have learned use of marking gauge, coping, rip and crosscut saws; how to square and plane stock, bore holes, drive nails and brads, set plane and spoke shave blades. These classes have been immensely interested in their work, and through their ambitious endeavors have gone far in this field.


The Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior classes are doing very well in the regular practice work.


The school and parents may well be proud of the young men of the 1935 class who have taken this course. Their course has covered a wide variety of work, all of which has been done with the best of spirit and workmanship. The knowledge they have acquired prepares them for a higher education in colleges and mechanical and technical schools. Those who are unable to


149


continue their school career will find this course very helpful in working for tradesmen, enabling them to go about their work with a general understanding of the tools which they are ex- pected to use. This course does in no may make an accomplished tradesman of the pupil but presents to him the ground floor upon which to build.


In order to create and stimulate the mechanical ability which is prevalent in 'about ninety per cent of the male pupils in our school, it is necessary that their interest be kept at all times. The pupils should appreciate the quality, value, and skill of the finer things in the fields of knowledge so that their minds and hands will develop on an equal basis.


Our present equipment is as follows : Five sloyd benches. One sanding machine. Bench tools and stock.


In conclusion, I anticipate proper equipment may be allotted ยท to this department for the education of our future citizens and craftsmen. Their reward will be unlimited.


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE A. BRAMAN.


INDEX


Accountant


80


Auditor 119


Appointments by Selectmen


4


Assessors


59


Board of Health


64


Cemetery Commissioners


41


Elizabeth White Fund


120


Finance Committee


11


Emergency Relief Administration


16


Fire Department


63


Forest Warden


63


Goodnow Fund


65


Inspector of Animals


57


Inspector of Slaughtering


76


Librarian's Report


68


Middlesex County Extension Service


66


Old Age Assistance


15


Police Department


54


Selectmen's Report


13


State Election Nov. 6, 1934


24


Superintendent of Streets


58


Tax Collector


60


Town Clerk


29


Births


30


Deaths


35


Dog Licenses


37


Marriages


32


Non-Resident Burials


36


Town Meetings:


Annual Meeting 17


Special Town Meeting, July 23, 1934 22


Town Officers 3


7


Treasurer


109


Acton Fremen's Relief Fund


117


Town Warrant


Cemetery Funds 113


Elizabeth White Fund 112


Firemen's Relief Fund 116 Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund 115 Nineteenth of April Fund 116


Susan Noyes Hosmer Cemetery Fund 118 Wilde Library Fund 116


Welfare Department 14


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


Comparison of Cost 125


Domestic Science 142


Estimates for 1935 126


Legal Holidays


122


Manual Training Supervisor


148


Music Supervisor


146


Organization


122


Paid for Support, 1934


128


Physical Director


141


School Calendar


122


School Committee


124


School Nurse 145


School Physician 144


Summary of Expenses 127


Superintendent 136


Teachers 123


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


Several Official Boards


OF THE


TOWN OF ACTON MASSACHUSETTS


RATED


ONI


1735.


"ACTON.


For the Year Ending December 31


1935


ANNUAL REPORT


OF THE


Several Official Boards


OF THE


TOWN OF ACTON


MASSACHUSETTS


RATED


DONI


-1735.


ACTON ..


For the Year Ending December 31


1935


Town Officers, 1935


Moderator Albert P. Durkee


Selectmen


Ralph W. Piper


Term expires 1938


Waldo E. Whitcomb George S. Braman


Term expires 1936


Term expires 1937


Town Clerk Horace F. Tuttle


Town Treasurer William Henry Soar


Assessors


Albert P. Durkee


Term expires 1938


Henry L. Haynes Warren H. Jones


Term expires 1936 Term expires 1937


Collector of Taxes Charles A. Durkee


Tree Warden James J. Knight


Board of Public Welfare (One Year)


Carl E. Backman Bertram D. Hall


Frank S. Braman


Constables


George A. Braman Charles A. Durkee Alan B. Frost


Michael Foley


Cemetery Commissioners


Fred W. Green


Term expires 1938


Wendell F. Davis


Term expires 1936


Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1937


School Committee


Samuel E. Knowlton


Term expires 1938


Lulu L. Clark


Term expires 1938


Albertie M. Mead


Term expires 1936


Randall N. Woodworth


Term expires 1936


Louisa N. Wood Term expires 1937


Everett N. Montague


Term expires 1937


-4-


Trustees of Memorial Library


J. Sidney White


Term expires 1938


Frank A. Merriam


Term expires 1936


Horace F. Tuttle


Term expires 1937


Board of Health


Raymond F. Durkee


Term expires 1938


Frank E. Tasker


Term expires 1936


George H. Tuttle


Term expires 1937


Trustees of Elizabeth White Fund


Warren H. Jones


Term expires 1938


Waldo E. Whitcomb


Term expires 1936


Charlotte Conant


Term expires 1937


Trustees of West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund


Arnold H. Perkins


Term expires 1938


H. Stuart MacGregor Term expires 1936


A. N. Hederstedt Term expires 1937


Trustees of Goodnow Fund


Charles E. Smith


Term expires 1938


Charlotte Conant


Term expires 1936


Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1937


Appointments Made by Selectmen-1935


Finance Committee


Murray Brown


William T. Merriam


Alfred W. Davis


Webster S. Blanchard


Albert P. Durkee


Howard J. Billings


Superintendent of Streets A. H. Perkins


Town Accountant


Howard L. Jones


Term expires 1938


Registrars of Voters


Daniel W. Sheehan


Term expires 1936


Edwin A. Phalen


Term expires 1937


Clarence D. Chickering


Term expires 1938


Horace F. Tuttle Ex-Officio


-5-


Election Officers Precinct I Warden-James W. Coughlin Clerk-Arthur W. Wayne Inspector -- Arthur F. Davis Deputy Inspector-Harold F. Coughlin Deputy Warden-George A. Murphy


Deputy Clerk-Spencer H. Taylor


Deputy Inspector-S. E. Knowlton Inspector-Leo F. McCarthy


Precinct II


Warden-Theron Lowden


Clerk-William F. Driscoll


Inspector-Clare Milbery


Inspector-Timothy Hennessey


Deputy Warden-John G. Maguire


Deputy Clerk-Thomas Murray


Deputy Inspector-Frank A. Merriam


Deputy Inspector-James Brown


Precinct III


Warden-Bertram D. Hall


Clerk-David R. Kinsley


Inspector-A. R. Beach


Inspector-James Kinsley


Deputy Warden-Fred S. Whitcomb


Deputy Clerk-Frank McDonald


Deputy Inspector-Harry Holt


Deputy Inspector-John J. Duggan


Fire Engineers H. Stuart MacGregor, Chief Alan B. Frost, Engineer-Precinct I David C. Clayton, Engineer-Precinct II A. Hazelton Perkins, Engineer-Precinct III


Cattle Inspector Fred S. Whitcomb


Forest Warden Alan B. Frost


Dog Officer Arthur Fraser


-6-


Sealer of Weights and Measures Clare Milbery Superintendent of Town Forest Charles A. Durkee Surveyors of Wood and Lumber




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