USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1931-1935 > Part 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Respectfully submitted,
R. N. WOODWORTH, Chairman.
COMPARISON OF COSTS FOR OPERATING ACTON SCHOOLS
Mass. School Fund:
Part I
1935 $4,031.00 none 525.58
1934 $4,012.00 none 697.60
1933 $3,885.00 none 651.16
$3,530.00
Part II
1,879.92
State Wards
801.77
$4,555.58
$4,709.60
$4,536.16
$6,211.69
Out-of-town tuition
*1,699.83
2,549.86
2,250.62
2,671.03
Total
$6,256.41
$7,259.46
$6,786.78
$8,882.72
Expended from Appropriation
43,498.72
41,499.77
39,999.63
42,999.13
Net cost to town
$37,242.31
$34,240.31
$33,212.85
$34,116.41
Appropriation
43,500.00
41,500.00
40,000.00
43,000.00
Special Appropriation
837.22
1,100.00
1932
* Approximately $1,000 due on out-of-town tuition from September to De- cember 1935. Any discrepancy between this amount and that in the Treasurer's report is due to the fact that only money received for tuition for the year 1935 is included here.
-131-
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FOR 1936
I. General Control
1. School Committee: Salaries :
2. Superintendent of Schools and En- forcement of Law:
Salary of Superintendent $2,000.00
Salary of Clerk
150.00
Office Expenses :
Phone
$60.00
Printing and Forms
75.00
Books
15.00
Miscellaneous · · 50.00
200.00
$2,350.00
II. Expenses of Instruction
3. Supervisors' Salaries, Music, Art, Physical Education $1,400.00
4. £ Principals' Salaries :
High
$1,000.00
Elementary 3,600.00
4,600.00
5. Teachers' Salaries :
High
$14,950.00
Elementary
6,950.00
21,900.00
6. Textbooks :
High
$450.00
Elementary
335.00
785.00
7. Stationery and Miscellaneous Supplies :
High
$600.00
Elementary 400.00
1,000.00
29,685.00
-132-
III. Expenses of Operating School Plant
8. Wages of Janitors:
High
$1,300.00
Elementary
2,046.00
3,346.00
9. Fuel :
High
$800.00
Elementary
1,000.00
1,800.00
10. Miscellaneous :
High :
Gas
$40.00
Electricity
195.00
Water
35.00
Miscellaneous
230.00
500.00
Elementary :
Electricity
$60.00
Water
55.00
Miscellaneous
305.00
420.00
$6,066.00
IV. Maintenance and Repairs
11. High
$700.00
Elementary
1,000.00
1,700.00
V. Auxiliary Agencies
12. Libraries
$50.00
13. Health
200.00
14. Transportation
5,500.00
5,750.00
VI. Miscellaneous Expenses
15. Sundries
$200.87
16. Vocational Education
100.00
300.87
17. Evening School
000.00
VII. Outlays
18 and 19. High, Elementary, unpaid bills of 1935 . 148.13
20. Total (both pages)
$46,000.00
-133-
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES FOR SUPPORT FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1935
General Control
Salary and Other Expenses of Superintendent $2,304.45
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries of Teachers, Supervisors and Principals :
Supervisors
$1,350.00
Expenses of Supervisors
70.33
Principal of High School
1,108.37
High School
10,300.00
Elementary
14,367.74
27,196.44
High School Textbooks
$435.75
Elementary Textbooks
322.80
High School Stationery and Supplies
471.70
Elementary Stationery and Supplies
753.90
1,984.15
Total Expenses of Instruction
$29,180.59
Expenses of Operation
High School:
Wages of Janitor
$1,300.00
Fuel
820.66
Miscellaneous
518.35
$2,639.01
Elementary :
South
West
Center
Total
Wages of Janitor
$722.00
$684.00
$640.00
$2,046.00
Fuel
513.27
403.90
232.80
1,149.97
Miscellaneous
135.25
120.65
111.39
367.29
$1,370.52 $1,208.55
$984.19
$3,563.26
Total Expenses of Operation
$6,202.27
Maintenance and Repairs
High School $229.59
-134-
South
West Center
Elementary ... $807.84 $70.57
$105.76 984.17
Total Maintenance and Repairs
$1,213.76
Auxiliary Agencies
Libraries
$15.31
Health
205.00
Transportation
4,000.00
Miscellaneous
58.60
New Grounds and Buildings
191.64
New Equipment
127.10
$4,597.65
Total Expended
$43,498.72
Unexpended Balance
1.28
$43,500.00
PAID FOR SUPPORT FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1935
General Control
Superintendent, Salary
$1,999.92
Secretary
150.00
Office Expenses :
Noyes Print, Requisition Blanks $2.54
Yawman & Erbe, File Folders .. 7.00
Murphy & Snyder, Letterheads . 21.50
Wright & Potter Printing Co. .. 4.17
So. Acton Post Office, Envelopes 48.72 N. E. Telephone & Telegraph Co. 53.23 The Macmillan Co., Professional Books 3.24
Picken Printing Co.
3.00
Henry S. Wolkins, Labels 1.08
Robert S. Osterhout, Graduation
Programs 8.00
World Book Co., Primary Tests .35
Remington Rand Inc., Office
Cards 1.70
154.53
Total General Control
$2,304.45
-135-
Expenses of Instruction
Supervisor's Salary, Music $382.50
Supervisor's Salary, Manual Training 705.00
Supervisor's Salary, Penmanship
262.50
Music Supervisor's Expenses
70.33
1,420.33
Principal's Salary, High School
1,108.37
High School Teachers' Salaries :
Edith Ames, Part
$700.00
Elsie Bixby
1,695.00
Margaret Boornazian
1,500.00
Robert Dolan
1,400.00
Barbara Douglass
1,185.00
Walter Holt
1,777.50
Henry Hopkinson
2,000.00
Howard Jones, Substitute
22.50
Louise Price, Substitute
5.00
Thomas Yetman, Substitute
15.00
Elementary Teachers' Salaries :
Edith Ames, Part
$700.00
Ruth Berglind
397.50
Grace Callanan
360.00
Elise Dickerman
1,200.00
Richard Greenman
240.00
Marjorie Jones, Part
954.62
Jessie Kinnevan
1,100.00
Julia McCarthy
1,400.00
Florence Merriam
1,247.50
Ella Miller
675.00
Louise Price
635.00
Gertrude Puhakka
1,020.00
Mary Stolte
1,080.00
Harriet Suchovsky
760.00
Ruth Sutcliffe
1,025.00
Marion Towne
1,370.00
Forrest Wing
98.12
Flora Reed, Substitute
105.00
10,300.00
14,367.74
-136-
High School Textbooks
John C. Winston Company $1.19
C. C. Birchard & Company 30.59
J. P. Lippincott Company 27.87
The Macmillan Company
130.47
Allyn & Bacon
16.53
Ginn & Company
44.29
Tracy Music Library
31.96
Noble & Noble
12.50
New York Times
6.38
Benj. H. Sanborn Company
2.82
Edward E. Babb & Co., Inc.
38.04
Charles W. Homeyer & Company
18.00
Henry Holt & Company
41.85
D. C. Heath Company
5.86
World Book Company
1.15
Dura Binding Company
26.25
435.75
Elementary Textbooks
The Macmillan Company
$ .85
Scott Foresman & Company
122.34
G. & C. Merriam Company
8.28
Noble & Noble
24.71
Ginn & Company
40.77
American Book Company
12.62
Welles Publishing Company
10.14
Edward E. Babb & Co., Inc.
43.47
D. C. Heath Company .
2.26
Silver Burdett Company
8.00
Houghton Mifflin Company
6.30
Charles Scribner's Sons
14.78
Charles E. Merrill Company
2.03
Dura Binding Company
26.25
High School Stationery and Supplies O. H. Toothacker, maps
$1.50
Edward E. Babb & Co., Inc., paper, rec- ord books, supplies 126.00
322.80
-137-
J. L. Hammett Company, paper, pencils, crayons, supplies
109.44
Murphy & Snyder, lab. paper 4.00
Typewriter Maintenance Co., stencils
11.44
John C. Cheever Company, paper 26.85
The Papercrafters Inc., paper
55.60
John C. Winston Co., business forms . .
31.44
U. S. Typewriter Ribbon Co., carbon paper, ribbons 10.30
Gledhill Bros., pencils, flag
46.63
Old Corner Book Store Inc.
1.15
A. J. Torsleff, printing
1.75
Hayden Costume Company, operetta
3.00
M. E. Taylor Co., graduation decorations
.50
V. M. Baxter Co., graduation decorations
1.10
Vannah Lithograph Company, diplomas . 37.80
The Bon Marche, ribbon
3.20
471.70
Elementary Stationery and Supplies
Edward E. Babb & Co., Inc., paper, rec- ord books, supplies $139.55
J. L. Hammett Company, paints, pencils, erasers 103.99
Wm. P. Proctor Co., manual training sup- plies
24.72
Ditto Inc., elementary pads
6.38
The Papercrafters Inc.
54.50
Brodhead-Garrett Company
342.87
A. W. Davis Company, manual training supplies
9.46
Charles E. Homeyer Co., pitch pipes
5.00
Gledhill Bros. Inc. 42.27
Mass. Reformatory for Women, flags
12.72
Milton Bradley Company, map
7.34
W. H. Brine Company, football
5.10
753.90
-138-
High School Operating Expense
Daniel MacDougall, Janitor
$1,300.00
Fuel
820.66
Miscellaneous :
M. E. Taylor & Co., screws, shellac $1.44
A. W. Davis Co., glass, wax, etc. 42.99
The Dallman Co., killdust, mops, brushes 26.25
Boston Consolidated Gas Co. ... 29.90
Edison Electric Illuminating Co. 165.55
C. L. McCarthy, washers 2.88
Perkins & Butler Inc., toilet
paper 14.10
Hi-Gien Lab'tory, soap, brushes 10.90
C. B. Dolge Co., ban, alta-co 12.25
Eastern Oil Company 4.50
MacPherson's Hardware, sash, wired glass 5.60
William H. Horner, soap, pipe
solvent
5.25
West & South Water Supply 37.23
Gledhill Bros., hinges 54.05
Masury-Young Co., oil 20.31
Maydale Beverage Co., distilled water .75
The Holmerden Co., tacola
5.00
West Disinfecting Co., soap,
paper towels 74.40
Commissioner of Public Safety,
boiler inspection 5.00
518.35
Total High School Operating Expense 2,639.01
Elementary Operating Expense
South
West
Center
Janitors
$722.00
$684.00
$640.00 $2,046.00
Fuel ·
513.27
403.90
232.80 1,149.97
$1,235.27 $1,087.90 $872.80 $3,195.97
-139-
Miscellaneous
South
Edison Electric Ill. Co. ..
$49.93
West $45.38
Center $29.01
C. B. Dolge Co., ban
4.09
4.08
4.08
Eastern Oil Co.
4.00
4.00
4.00
MacPherson's Hardware, sash
1.60
3.13
1.60
South Acton Dept. Store,
dry cells
2.52
The Dallman Co., cloths, mops
5.92
5.92
5.91
Arthur Jalonen, gravel . .
8.95
Ralph Jones, gravel
6.00
Masury-Young Co. . . .
8.67
9.30
The Holmerden Co., tacola
1.67
1.67
1.66
L. C. Hastings
8.38
J. L. Hammett Co., bas-
kets
1.25
1.23
1.23
West Disinfecting Co.,
towels, soap
24.80
24.80
24.80
West & South Water Sup- ply
6.08
8.71
10.12
J. S. Moore
.75
Teksag Sales Co., fuses .
.64
.62
.62
A. W. Davis Co.
10.46
Baker's Filling Station
1.35
M. E. Taylor Co.
3.16
William Livermore
12.00
E. S. Fobes
11.50
Wm. Proctor Co.
1.70
$135.25 $120.65 $111.39
367.29
Total Elementary Operating Expense 3,563.26
High School Maintenance and Repairs
George Braman, repairs
$10.50
Acton Pipe Co., material and repairs . 14.34
William B. Holt, bubbler and plumbing .. 35.78
-140-
Wilmot B. Cleaves, tune piano
10.00
Porter Cable Machine Co., sand belts
4.11
International Machines Corp., repair clock
10.35
Gledhill Bros. Inc., hinges
120.75
L. C. Smith & Corona Typewriter Inc.
.
4.94
B. A. Kind
3.50
Albert E. Sims, plumbing
11.36
MacPherson's Hardware, batteries & belt
3.96
Total High School Maintenance and Repairs 229.59
Elementary Maintenance and Repairs
South
West
Center
William B. Holt
$1.15
$3.30
Wilmot B. Cleaves
6.00
$3.00
Albert E. Sims
655.01
9.73
21.40
L. T. Fullonton, stock
22.40
A. W. Davis Co.
3.95
3.95
M. E. Taylor Co.
64.36
64.36
George L. Janarin
1.50
W. J. Costello, signs
10.00
Holland Furnace Co.
30.00
B. A. King
11.47
Hayward & Fullonton
2.00
E. R. Sanborn
3.50
West Disinfecting Co. .
31.35
South Acton Coal & Lum- ber Co.
.47
James N. Berry
15.40
Wm. Proctor Co.
2.87
Robert Willett
3.00
Arthur Jalonen
9.00
W. F. Blaisdell
2.00
Christian Jensen
3.00
$807.84 $70.57 $105.76
Total Elementary Maintenance and Repairs . . 984.17
-141-
Auxiliary Agencies
Health :
Dr. Ernest Mayell, examinations in
high and elementary grades $200.00
Dr. O. L. Clark, special examination 5.00
205.00
Transportation :
A. W. Davis
4,000.00
Library :
Charles Scribner's Sons, books $3.13
Dura Binding Company, rebound books 12.18
15.31
Outlays :
High School Grounds and Driveway :
Ralph Jones, trucking $48.00
Hosea Gould, trucking
32.00
John Pederson, trucking 2.50
Arthur Jalonen, trucking & grading 44.00
Everett Montague, surveying
12.50
Jesse Briggs, grading
25.13
Wm. P. Proctor Co.
.51
Standard Oil Co. of New York
27.00
191.64
New Equipment :
Massachusetts Reformatory, benches
for Manual Training $25.00
Edward E. Babb & Co., elementary
chairs 32.10
Woodstock Typewriter Co., four ma- chines 70.00
127.10
Miscellaneous Expenses :
Laffin's Express $.35
C. C. Cullinane, express 3.25
Charles F. Young, decorating high and elementary buildings 25.00
E. Faulkner Conant, school census
30.00
58.60
Total Expended $43,498.72
Total Unexpended Balance $1.28
-142-
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
To the School Committee and Voters of Acton:
It is a privilege to submit my first annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools and Principal of the Acton High School, covering the period from July 15, 1935 to January 1, 1936. The newness of many factors and the manifold duties of the com- bined office require that this report be rather general in character.
School Costs
Possibly a few simple statistics and tables can bring out cer- tain important facts.
1. The average annual appropriation for schools in Acton over a five-year period, 1930-1934, was $43,287.44; that for 1935, $43,500.00.
2. The annual average cost to the taxpayers of Acton, over the same period, after deduction of state and other refunds, was $35,551.54; that for 1935, approximately $36,242.31.
3. The per capita cost (actual cost in 2 divided by average annual membership) was $74.01; that for 1935, $75.82. The average membership for 1934-1935 was 478; on October 1, 1935, it was 510.
4. Operation and Maintenance for 1935:
Grades
Cost
Average Membership (1934-35)
Grades. 1-6
$3,551.03
215
Grades 7-12
2,865.00
272
Actual School Cost
From the above figures and other factors certain assumptions seem warranted. The annual appropriation is at least $7,000 more than the town actually spends for schools. The per capita cost of $75.82, while less than the average for the previous five years, is probably $5.00 less than the average for Class III of the state, and not adequate for the larger enrollment, needed equip- ment, legally required bus transportation since January 1, 1936, and requisite supervision.
-143-
Transportation
The bus arrangement is not sufficient, for students should be transported directly to the schools, as they are elsewhere, and not left one mile away, regardless of weather conditions. This would help cut down the present poor attendance in bad weather, the excessive tardiness, and the dangerous travel on highways, where there are no sidewalks. Forty high school students are now left daily at South Acton Square and Acton Center. After school they must walk back to these points. The School Committee and Superintendent, therefore, feel strongly that $1,000 more is needed to take proper care of the whole problem.
Cost of Elementary Schools
Another significant and vital factor is the increasing cost of the operation and maintenance of the elementary schools as com- pared with the high school, especially after much needed repairs are made. Added to this factor is the more important question of instructional difficulty. The following two tables of enroll- ments and age distribution for Grades 1-6 will help to make this clear :
a. Enrollment as of October 1, 1935
Grade
Center
West
South
Total
1
16
18
17
51
2
15
15
16
46
3
11
20
14
45
4
15
12
17
44
5
13
17
16
46
6
9
11
14
34
b. Distribution of Ages by Grades
Age 5
6
7
8
9
10
11 12 13 14 Ttl.
Grade
Range
1
12
36
2
1
51
5 yrs.
1
2
13
22
10
1
46
Range
3
8 26
7
4
45
5 yrs.
4
9
17
15
3
44
Range
[ 5
14
19
11
2
46
6 yrs.
6
8
25
8 2
1
34
-144-
It should be very evident that the three teachers in each one of the three elementry schools, in handling two grades in one room, with such a variation in age and mentality (as recent Haggerty Intelligence Tests disclosed), have a difficult job. Under the present circumstances, therefore, the elementary school teachers are doing a fine piece of work. But how much more could be done in a combined school of one grade to a room, with special classes for the many retarded children who are now retarding several other children! In brief, the elementary school pupils in Grades 1 to 6 are not getting a "square deal". In these days, when better and better education is in demand to train boys and girls for the increasingly complex problems of modern life, every child, within his capacity, has a right to the best training we can possibly give him. Moreover, a town becomes an attractive residental place for desirable families, not alone by a low tax rate and natural beauty, but equally as much by good, progressive schools, one of the finest investments a town can make.
Certain Changes Attempted
Many excellent features were in practice in the school system in Acton when the present Superintendent began his work last summer. Certain changes, however, seemed advisable, some of which have not progressed far. Perhaps a brief enumeration may be of some interest.
1. An inventory of all texbooks and supplies, followed by a policy of more consistent discarding of old and worn-out mater- ial, to prevent confusion and provide needed space.
2. A more careful regular check-up of school property in the high school, in an effort to cut down needless damage.
3. A change in high school report card and marking system.
4. The beginning of a revision of the program of studies in the high school.
5. The beginning of a reorganization of the high school plan on a 6-6, rather than 6-2-4, basis. The school needs to be de- partmentalized. For example, there are six English teachers and six Mathematics teachers. There should not be more than three teachers in each subject available in all six grades, in order to promote continuity, better instruction through special- ization, and less confusion in texbook use. Some of the chief advantages of a six-year high school have not been developed.
-145-
6. Reduction from an eight-period to a seven-period day, in order to increase the length of periods and eliminate unecessary and unprofitable study periods. This change should be carried further, if, possible, to produce at least 3 six-period days and 2 seven-period days, within the present six-hour day.
7. Regular monthly faculty meetings for both elementary and high school teachers, where professional, as well as routine, questions are discussed.
8. A daily detention period at the high school for regular make-up, attendance, and conduct cases.
9. The beginning of an educational guidance plan in the high school through intelligence tests (not given for many years), individual statements of interests and desires in questionnaire form, and regular conferences. Mr. Hopkinson is doing good work in this direction. In April or May, elective blanks of choice of studies for the following year will be prepared, to be filled out by the students, after due consideration is given to each case. Something of this sort is absolutely necessary to reduce the present number of misfits in the different courses. The pre- sent Senior Class started with about 55 members and now has only 26, thus retaining only 47% of the original membership, as against 60% commonly found in the majority of towns and cities in Massachusetts. The families of many of these students moved away during these four years, but, doubtless, some stu- dents might have been saved by more attention to individual needs, aptitudes, and interests. In this connection, of the twenty- eight students who graduated in June 1935 six entered college (2 Northeastern, 3 Fitchburg State College, 1 Boston Univers- ity), two entered other higher institutions, nine are engaged in gainful occupations, ten are "at home", and one has become married.
10. The beginning of the organization of an English course for Grades 7-12, by a committee of four teachers, to be followed by similar work in Mathematics and Science.
11. The beginning of the reclassification of the high school library books, according to the Dewey System, through the ef- forts of Miss Bixby. The high school library should have more reference books for collateral reading.
12. The increase of school publicity through regular weekly use of the columns of the "Acton News" and a school publication managed by Miss Boornazian.
-146-
13. The formation of Agricultural Clubs for boys of grades 10-12 and Crafts Clubs for boys of grades 7-9, under the auspices of the United States Department of Agricultural Extension Ser- vice. Mr George Erickson and Mr. Frank Braman, assisted by several students, have done very conscientious work in this direction. The several visiting lecturers on poultry, conservation, forestry, dairying, etc., often using slides to illustrate their talks, have created considerable interest among at least 30 senior high school boys. As Mr. Braman says, "Acton High School is the pioneer in this field. Since our club has been organized, four other clubs have been formed in nearby towns."
Similar to these Agricultural and Crafts Clubs for boys are the 4-H Clubs, particularly for girls in grades 1-6. Miss Berg- lind, Miss Dickerman, and Miss Kinnevan at the three elemen- tary schools, in conjunction with several interested ladies in Acton, have enrolled many girls and some boys in worth-while projects having to do with gardening, canning, poultry, live- stock, sewing, designing, and other forms of craft work.
-147-
REPORTS for DOMESTIC and MANUAL ARTS, ART and DRAWING, and ATHLETICS
The reports submitted by the teachers in these subjects and activities have been incorporated in the Superintendent's report.
1. Domestic Arts - Outline of Work
7th grade-One period of sewing daily - use and care of the sewing machine, knowledge of fundamental stitches, and selec- tion of material in the making of aprons, underwear, pajamas, and simple dresses. Forty-eight garments have already been made this school year.
8th grade-double period of cooking daily - preparation of foods for training in practical, clean home-cooking, preparation of foods for use at lunch counter - 7th and 8 grades compulsory.
9th grade-first-half year, one period, three days a week,- discussion on character, manners, and personal subjects appli- cable to girls ; second-half year, one period, three days a week, on food study and cooking; one period, two days throughout the year, on practical arithmetic.
10th and 11th grade-first-half year, - home management, with emphasis upon family relationships, family budgets, home planning and furnishing, and care of the home and the sick; second-half year, - advanced sewing.
12th grade-one period daily, when students have entire charge of serving noon lunches; also, lessons in advanced cook- ery.
The Cafeteria account for 1935 is as follows :
Cash on hand, January 1, 1935 $18.94
Total Sales for year 1,443.14
Cost of Supplies for Cooking, Sewing and Replacement of Dishes
$1,234.76
Milk Supply
122.05
Candy (Starting in Sept. 1935)
62.50
Special Lunches for teachers and pupils.
18.40
Cash on hand, December 31, 1935
24.37
$1,462.08 $1,462.08
-148-
Miss Ames, both in her instruction and management of the Domestic Arts department and in her capacity as Dean of Girls, is doing very creditable work.
2. Manual Arts
7th and 8th grades (compulsory)-construction of bird houses, windmills, necktie racks, broom holders, book-ends, etc., involv- ing accuracy, skill in the use of tools, care of tools, making com- mon joints, sawing, planing, measuring, boring, gluing, and finishing. Along with hand training, the boys are given regular instruction in Shop Mathematics and Management. On the whole, Manual Arts work in these grades is valuable not only for practical training, the developement of the idea of learning by doing, but also for trying out or exploring the talents and interests of boys along mechanical lines. If a boy discovers a natural bent, he may continue the work in grades 9-12.
Grades 9-12 (elective)-General shop training, including fun- damentals of woodworking, electrical bench work, and mecha- nical drawing .- At present, group project work, later individual project work, when more material is secured. The interest in all this hand work is very encouraging. Boys who do not take to books, find this form of activity their chief interest in school. "We are not all", writes Mr. Braman, "born to be lawyers or doctors. Some of us are to make our mark in the world by being craftsmen and engineers; therefore, these students need to be educated along mechanical lines."
In spite of the serious lack of materials, curtailed for the purchase of necessary machinery, Mr. Braman has been very successful. His fine spirit of co-operation in making repairs in the various schools is much appreciated.
3. Athletics and Physical Education
7th and 8th grades-At least two periods a week of compul- sory physical training for every boy and girl, efficiently super- vised by Miss Towne and Miss Stolte, assisted by a Sargent School Senior one day a week.
9th to 12th grades-A large majority of the boys and girls have engaged in baseball, football, field hockey, and basketball. Several girls and parents regretted the elimination of girls' in- terschool basketball played at night, but the change has resulted in practically doubling the number of boys and girls participat-
-149-
ing through the addition of a second team for boys and inter- class games for girls. Moreover, the evening basketball contest of the boys ends at least one-half hour earlier than before. Girls' field hockey has not had opportunity to develop far yet, but it promises well for the future. In general, the increase of participants is encouraging, but every boy and girl in grades 9 through 12 should have some form of compulsory athletics or physical training. So far as the girls are concerned, this can be brought about by hiring a graduate of either Sargent or Posse- Nissen for three full days a week, part of which time should be given to the children in grades 1-6. They are in urgent need of regular supervision in physical education by a specially trained teacher.
In baseball, Acton won the Sudbury Valley League Champ- ionship Cup last spring. In football, Acton won two games, tied one, and lost three, but the spirit was good and the outlook for next fall is very encouraging. Basketball is creating the usual interest.
Financing athletics by the High School Athletic Association, practically unaided, is a big job, because equipment, transporta- tion, officials, medical supplies, and miscellaneous items must be paid for. During the last four months, much new equipment has been secured and the expenses of a Senior from Sargent have been met. At present, there is a deficit, which basketball and football will reduce but baseball increase. The students are striving earnestly to do their part.
The value of well-regulated athletics is great for boys and girls. Acton has joined the Massachusetts State Athletic As- sociation and faithfully abides by all the rules as to eligibility. As Mr. Dolan says: "Our boys and girls are happier and health- ier because of athletics. We stress the idea of mental, physical, and moral training, rather than the idea of winning games at all costs."
Art and Freehand Drawing
Grades 3-6-Elementary drawing, using poster projects for the S. P. C. A., as a basis. This sort of drawing has been definitely motivated, so that pupils gain skill through direct interest in the object. Incidentally, the underlying principle involved in these posters of "being kind to animals" is more strongly impressed, we believe, upon the youthful mind.
-150-
Grades 7-12-Progressive work in sketching, color charts, fur- niture study, and interior decorating. Scenery for Senior and Latin plays, covers, posters, Christmas cards, and other projects of a practical nature have been designed.
The interest in Mr. Braman's work in all grades of the Acton Schools is evidence of art progress and innate desire to express ideas. Mr. Braman has devoted five mornings a week to the schools, without remuneration.
There is no particular report for music as Mr. Gorman re- signed in September and music had to be temporarily omitted on account of budget requirements. But Music, Art, and Physical Training should be available for as many boys and girls as possi- ble. Ninety percent of Grade 8 now continue in grade 9 and 10, compared with not more than twenty-five percent. a generation ago. This means that many who are not book-minded or who do not find their interests in academic study now attend school be- yond the age of 14 years, and these boys and girls must learn to develop and express themselves through hand training, whether it be Manual or Domestic Arts, Drawing, Music, or even Physical Education.
In closing, I wish to express my gratitude to the School Com- mittee, parents, and teachers for their kindness and help. In ad- dition, I must express my pleasure in working with so many wholesome boys and girls in a fine New England community.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. HALL, Superintendent.
-151-
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Walter Hall, Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as school physician. The usual physical examinations were completed October 24, 1935, and details will be found in the nurse's report.
During the past year we have had some German Measles and Whooping Cough in the lower grades; but the cases were mild and did not reach the epidemic stage.
On examination it sometimes becomes necessary to limit some students in their activities in football, hockey, etc., on account of some irregularity of the heart action. This precaution is taken to safe-guard the student, and the family physician should be consulted.
Immunization for diphtheria was omitted this past year on ac- count of the prevalence of other diseases.
Again I wish to thank the Superintendent, teachers, nurse, and the townspeople for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
E. A. MAYELL, M. D.
-152-
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Walter Hall,
Superintendent of Schools,
Acton, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :
The physical examinations for the year were completed by the School Physician during October.
Total number of Examinations by Doctor 508
Defects Found :
Tonsils and Adenoids 46
Gland 132
Poor Posture 195
Teeth (in need of attention)
242
Heart (irregularities) 31
Report of examinations by Nurse. during school year :
Special Examinations 1606
Home Visits 485
Simple Dressings 285
Individual Instruction 210
Pupils Excluded Because of Commmunicable Disease . .
294
Sanitary Inspection of all Buildings 194
Pupils Taken Home Ill (by Nurse) 56
Pupils Taken to Eye Specialist 10
Pupils Taken to Dentist 18
May 8-9-10, pre-school conferences were held in the grade schools. This means examination of children to enter school in September. By these examinations parents, are acquainted with the defects of their children and then have an opportunity to have these defects corrected before school starts. By so doing their child is given a fairer start in school and many do not have to repeat grades because of poor health which could have been avoided.
-153-
In August, one girl was sent to Camp Virginia. This child showed some improvement. She was given this opportunity through our seal sale fund.
In September, the children of the 7th, 9th, and 11th grades were given the privilege of the Tuberculin test with X-ray and physical examinations. Very few, however, took advantage of this clinic. Of the twenty-five that were tested only seven re- acted to the test and all of these were negative in the X-ray. This must have been a great satisfaction to the parents of those chil- dren. There is nothing so satisfying as to be sure you have given your child the best available to you. I trust another year more parents will realize this chance and take it when it is offered to them.
The school children, as a whole, are quite healthy, but much can still be done in the line of physical education. Their pos- tures are still generally poor.
Many have suffered from lack of dental work during these last few years of depression.
In closing, may I thank the Superintendent and the teachers for their hearty support and cooperation, without which a school nurse can not function to any degree of satisfaction.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN E. F. TAYLOR, R. N.
-154-
GRADUATES OF 1935
*Ralph W. Anderson Wesley D. Charter Alfred A. Curtis, Jr.
*James J. Economides *John Henry Farrar Edwin J. F. Flerra
*Mary Gertrude Gallagher Esther Elizabeth Gates Edward J. Grala
* Annie M. Granberg
*Richard Parlin Howe Lucy Mae Jones William L. Kelley
Helen Irene Knowlton
John Wyman Maguire Edward Lawrence McGuire Mary Frances McGuire Arthur Wesley Nelson
*Edwin H. Parker *Ella Elizabeth Perkins George J. Raymond Paul G. Robbins, Jr.
*Elizabeth Eileen Sheehan Ansel R. Smart
*Earle R. Spinney
*Marguerite H. Taylor Mary Frances Ward Louisa Josephine Wood
*Honor Pupils
Student Essays :
First Honors: James Economides-"Education-A Prepara- tion for Life".
Second Honors: Eileen Sheehan - "Character - The Most Important".
Awards During Year :
Marguerite H. Taylor : Carlos B. Clark Acton History Award. Elizabeth Eileen Sheehan: Balfour Award, chosen for best rank in Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achievement.
INDEX
Page
Accountant
83
Anniversary Committee, Report of
66
Auditor
124
Appointments by Selectmen
4
Assessors
55
Board of Health
62
Balance Sheet
113
Cemetery Commissioners
37
Elizabeth White Fund, Trustees' Report
124
ERA-WPA Sewing Project 16
Finance Committee
12
Fire Department
60
Forest Warden
Goodnow Fund
61 63 53 73
Librarian's Report
Middlesex County Extension Service
64
Old Age Assistance
Police Department
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Selectmen's Report
Superintendent of Streets
56 62
Town Clerk
24
Births
25
Deaths
29
Dog Licenses
33
Marriages
27
Non-Resident Burials
31
Town Meetings :
Annual Meeting 17
Special Town Meeting, Oct. 7, 1935
23
Inspector of Animals
16 50 71 14 54
Tax Collector
Town Nurse
Page
Town Officers
3
Town Warrant 7
Treasurer
114
Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
122
Cemetery Funds
118
Elizabeth White Fund
117
Firemen's Relief Fund
123
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund 119
Nineteenth of April Fund 122
Susan Noyes Hosmer Cemetery Fund 120
Wilde Memorial Library Fund 122
Welfare Department 15
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Standing Rules 127
Comparison of Cost
130
Domestic, Manual Arts and Athletics
147
Estimates for 1935
131
Graduates, 1935
154
Legal Holidays
126
Organization
126
Paid for Support, 1935
134
Physical Director
148
School Calendar
126
School Committee 129
School Nurse 152
School Physician 151
Summary of Expenses 133
Superintendent 142
Teachers 128
r 13
1.
REFERENCE BOOK ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
WELLS BINDERY, INC.
OCT
1976
WALTHAM, MASS. 02154.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.