USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1936-1940 > Part 18
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The committee has very carefully prepared its budget for 1938 and believes that $47,000 will carry us through, provid- ing the town sees fit to appropriate a sufficient separate amount to take care of the extensive and necessary repairs on all buildings.
Respectfully submitted,
RANDALL N. WOODWORTH, Chairman
COMPARISON OF COSTS FOR OPERATING ACTON SCHOOLS
Mass. School Fund
Part
1937 $3,990.00 866.03
1936 $3,886.00 531.72
1935 $4,031.00 525.58
1934 $4,012.00 697.50
State Wards
$4,856.03
$4.417.72
$4,556.58
$4,709.60
Out-of-Town Tuition
*2,436.15
2,188.66
2,615.37
2,549.86
Total
$7,292.18
$6,606.38
$7,171.95
$7,259.46
Expended from Appropriation
45,994.58
45,998.26
43,498.72
41,499.77
Net Cost to Town
$38,702.40 $39,391.88 $36,326.77 $34 240.31
Appropriation
46,000.00
46,000.00
43,500.00
41,500.00 837.22
Special Appropriation
1,425.22
* Approximate amount. 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 1937 is included here.
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ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FOR 1938
I. General Control
1. School Committee : Salaries :
2. Superintendent of Schools and Enforcement of Law:
Salary of Superintendent $2,000.00
Salary of Clerk
150.00
Salary of Attendance Officer 40.00
Office Expenses
160.00
$2,350.00
II. Expenses of Instruction
3. Supervisors' Salaries, Music, Art, Physical Education
$1,600.00
4. Principals' Salaries :
High
$1,000.00
Elementary
3,600.00
4,600.00
5. Teachers' Salaries :
High
$15,600.00
Elementary
8,000.00
23,600.00
6. Textbooks :
High
$400.00
Elementary
300.00
700.00
7. Stationery and Supplies :
High
$800.00
Elementary
400.00
1,200.00
31,700.00
III. Expenses of Operation
8. Wages of Janitors :
High
$1,350.00
Elementary
2,084.00
9. Fuel:
High
$800.00
Elementary
1,100.00
3,434.00
1,900.00
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10. Miscellaneous :
High :
Gas
$50.00
Electricity
225.00
Water
50.00
Misc.
225.00
550.00
Elementary :
Electricity
$80.00
Water
50.00
Misc.
170.00
300.00
6,184.00
IV. Maintenance and Repairs
11. High and Elementary $700.00
V. Auxiliary Agencies
12. Libraries
$50.00
13. Health
250.00
14. Transportation
5,500.00
5,800.00
VI. Miscellaneous Expenses
15. Sundries
62.00
16. Vocational Education
204.00
17. Evening School
000.00
266.00
VII. Outlays
18. and 19. ยท 000.00
000.00
Total
$47,000.00
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SUMMARY OF EXPENSES FOR SUPPORT FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1937
General Control
Salary and Expenses of Superintendent $2,395.06
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries of Teachers, Supervisors, and Principals :
Supervisors
$1,656.27
Principal of High School
1,000.00
Principals of Elementary Schools
3,440.00
High School Teachers
15,613.86
Elementary Teachers
7,140.00
$28,850.13
High School Textbooks
$385.71
Elementary Textbooks
319.90
High School Stationery and Supplies
736.41
Elementary Stationery and Supplies ... 335.51
$1,777.53
Expenses of Operation
High School :
Wages of Janitor
$1,300.00
Fuel
714.75
Miscellaneous
537.49
$2,552.24
Elementary :
South
West
Center
Total
Wages of Janitor
$722.00
$684.00
$640.00 $2,046.00
Fuel
383.13
272.24
208.71
864.08
Miscellaneous
108.37
98.89
105.14
312.40
$1,213.50 $1,055.13
$953.85 $3,222.48
Total Expenses of Operation
$5,774.72
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Maintenance and Repairs
High School
$915.20
South West
Center Total
Elementary
$157.04
$70.01
$175.07 $402.12
Total Maintenance and Repairs
$1,317.32
Auxiliary Agencies
Health
$216.42
Libraries,
7.25
Transportation
5,500.00
Vocational Education
86.86
Miscellaneous
69.29
$5,879.82
Total Expended
$45,994.58
Unexpended Balance
5.42
$46,000.00
PAID SUPPORT FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1937
General Control
Superintendent, Salary $2,000.00
Secretary
109.10
Office Expenses :
N. E. Tel. and Tel. Co. $82.21
Wright & Potter Printing Co. 5.09
Remington Rand Inc., Cards 1.30
J. L. Hammett Co. Envelopes 7.63
Yawman & Erbe Mfg. Co., File Folders 3.26
Burroughs Adding Machine Co., Ribbon .75
U. S. Post Office, Stamps and En- velopes 37.04
George Richardson, Attendance Officer 35.00
Bostitch-Boston Inc., Staples 1.63
Murphy & Snyder, Letterheads, Cards, Tickets 51.95
Ernest H. Washburn, Pictures 10.50
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National Education Association,
Charts .70
William P. Proctor Co., Bulletin
Board Material 1.66
John Wiley & Sons Inc., Book 4.32
Thos. Groom & Co. Inc., School Committee Book 5.92
E. Faulkner Conant, Census 35.00
Fred L. Ward, Study Courses 2.00
$285.96
Total General Control $2,395.06
Expenses of Instruction
Supervisor's Salary, Drawing
$543.77
Supervisor's Salary, Music
562.50
Supervisor's Salary, Physical Education
550.00
$1,656.27
Principal's Salary, High School
$1,000.00
High School Teachers' Salaries :
Edith Ames
$1,284.70
Elsie Bixby, 6 months
920.00
Kathryn Billman, 4 months
440.00
Margaret Boornazian
1,500.00
George Braman
1,010.00
Robert Dolan
1,420.00
Richard Greenman
1,440.00
Walter Holt
1,800.00
Henry Hopkinson
1,880.00
Marjorie Jones
1,109.16
Christine Leavitt
100.00
Mary Stolte
1,190.00
Marion Towne
1,400.00
Rose Farese, substitute
90.00
Louise Price, substitute
20.00
Walter Tierney, substitute
10.00
$15,613.86
Principals' Salaries, Elementary:
Julia McCarthy
$1,400.00
Raymond Nickerson
1,020.00
Charles Whitcomb
1,020.00
$3,440.00
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Elementary Teachers' Salaries :
Helen Appleby
$740.00
Ruth Berglind
900.00
Grace Callanan
900.00
Elise Dickerman
1,185.00
Jessie Kinnevan
1,100.00
Florence Merriam
1,250.00
Gertrude Puhakka
1,050.00
Evelyn Reed, substitute
15.00
$7,140.00
High School Textbooks
Allyn & Bacon
$14.20
American Book Co.
71.12
Edward E. Babb & Co. Inc.
19.48
Dura Binding Co.
45.50
Ginn & Company
25.43
Harcourt & Brace
64.46
D. C. Heath & Co.
63.37
The Macmillan Co.
43.03
Charles E. Merrill Co.
8.60
Benj. H. Sanborn Co.
30.52
$385.71
Elementary Textbooks
American Book Co.
$10.69
Arlo Publishing Co.
12.36
Edward E. Babb & Co. Inc.
84.60
Gin & Co.
48.82
D. C. Heath & Co.
27.74
The Macmillan Co.
5.14
Charles E. Merrill Co.
8.60
Scott, Foresman Co.
91.74
Silver Burdett & Co.
30.21
High School Stationery & Supplies A. B. Dick Co., Mimeograph Supplies .. $12.55
Edward E. Babb & Co. Inc., Staples, Paper, Supplies 48.67
Brodhead-Garrett Co., Manual Training Supplies 163.22
$319.90
---
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W. H. Brine Co., Ball
.90
Boston Edison Co., Cord
.50
Roy I. Gottschald, Music
2.88
Central Scientific Co., Lab. Supplies
81.51
J. L. Hammett Co. 44.94
Frank Johnson, Record Cards
1.06
Iver Johnson, Basketball
6.16
Gledhill Bros. Inc., Paper Supplies
64.58
James W. Brine Co., Whistles, Hockey Balls 4.51
John S. Cheever Co., Paper
12.99
Milton Bradley Co
80.48
Murphy & Snyder, Paper, Cardboard
6.40
National Education Association, Physical Training Pamphlet .40
Horace Partridge Co., Scorebook, Basket- ball Material 44.08
Wm. P. Proctor Co., Goal Posts, Manual Training Material
18.55
Royal Typewriter Co., Typewriters
112.50
O. H. Toothaker, Globes
5.00
West Disinfecting Co., Footbath
12.00
World Book Co., Tests
12.53
$736.41
Elementary Stationery and Supplies Edward E. Babb & Co. Inc., Globes, Dit-
to Machines 84.98
James W. Brine Co., Soccer and Foot-
balls
18.61
John S. Cheever Co., Paper
12.99
A. W. Davis Co., Manual Training Sup- plies
8.15
Gledhill Bros. Inc., Paper, Supplies
61.37
Frank Johnson, Record Cards
1.06
J. L. Hammett Co., Paper, Supplies
42.89
Milton Bradley Co., Supplies, Paper
79.75
Benj. H. Sanborn Co., Workbooks 8.89
Vanderhoof Hardware Co., Dry Cells 2.40
World Book Co., Tests
14.42
$335.51
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High School Operating Expense
Daniel MacDougall, Janitor
$1,300.00
Fuel
714.75
Miscellaneous :
Acton Motor Co., Gas, Oil $5.10
American Brush Co., Brushes 7.82
Boston Edison Co. 278.56
Edward E. Babb & Co. Inc., Mop Pails, etc. 11.17
Beacon Wiper Supply Com-
pany, Clothes 6.15
Henry N. Clark Co., Flue
Brushes 7.45
Dallman Company, Cleaning
Cloths
6.20
A. W. Davis, Shellac, Glass, Oil, Rope, Turp. 32.38
Fuller Brush Company 3.50
J. L. Hammett Co. 4.17
C. B. Dolge Co., Ban, Tilebrite 9.60
Holmerden Co., Solvent, Brush-
es 8.58
William Horner, Wax
7.50
Masury-Young Co., Oil
19.28
Strong's Market, Bon ami .55
McPherson's Hardware, Wire, Cement .45
West & South Water Supply .. 32.43
West Disinfecting Co., Soap,
Paper Towels 96.60
$537.49
Total High School Operating Expense $2,552.24
Elementary Operating Expense
Center Total
Janitors
$722.00
South West $684.00 $640.00 $2,046.00
Fuel
383.13
272.24
208.71 864.08
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Miscellaneous
Boston Edison Co.
South $34.32
West Center $30.33 $18.98
Masury-Young Co., oil
6.43
6.41
6.41
West Disinfecting Co., towels, soap
20.50
22.98
20.47
West and South Water Sup-
ply
14.81
12.57
29.03
Beacon Wiper Supply Co., cloths
2.06
2.04
2.04
Wm. M. Horner, wax
2.50
2.50
2.50
C. B. Dolge Co., ban, tilebrite
3.20
3.20
3.20
Holmerdon Co., solvent
.50
.50
.50
Clarence Robbins, carrying rubbish
1.00
1.00
1.00
American Brush Co., brushes .
2.62
2.60
2.60
Dallman Co., cloths
2.08
2.06
2.06
J. S. Moore, bon ami, oil.
2.45
.25
Parker Hardware, lags .
.75
Wm. P. Proctor Co., cement, cord
2.25
Acton Motor Co., greasing
.50
A. W. Davis Co., seed glass .
6.20
.15
M. W. Barteaux, lawns
5.00
L. C. Hastings, lawns
5.00
Strong's Market, rinso
.95
R. W. Piper, lawns
7.00
John Evans
6.00
Spencer Taylor, lawns
8.00
Geo. H. Reed, rake
.90
Norman Livermore, lawns
2.00
$108.37 $98.89 $105.14 $312.40
Total Elementary Operating Expenses
$3,222.48
High School Maintenance and Repairs
American Radiator Co., valves $3.58
Barnes & Jones, heating system 36.16
Edward E. Babb & Co., Inc., shades 65.00
Cooper Coolers, Inc., lathe and motor 75.00
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Division of Blind, piano tuning
3.00
Wilmot B. Cleaves, piano tuning 3.50
Arthur Freese 35.56
L. T. Fullonton, painting
82.50
Gledhill Bros., Inc., supports
9.19
Wm. B. Holt
43.30
M. D. Jones Co., audit, grill work
79.75
Christian Jensen, boiler room ceiling 4.00
B. A. King, electrical 59.99
E. P. Gates .75
MacPherson's Hardware, bolts
2.40
Mass. Reformatory, repair audit. chairs
11.05
Maynard Machine Shop, sharpen lawn mower 3.50
Parker Hardware Co., door knob, screens
11.20
John Pederson, driveway
160.00
Reformatory for Women, flag
5.05
Royal Typewriter Co., repairs 10.00
H. J. Schnair, painting flagpole, corridors 55.00
Albert E. Sims 18.68
G. D. Smith, flagpole 22.45
Typewriter Maintenance Co.
4.00
Frank L. Weaver & Son, roof
27.89
West Disinfecting Co., filpor
31.40
Wm. P. Proctor Co., manual training shelves
26.00
O. D. Wood
25.30
$915.20
South
West Center
Reformatory for Women,
flags
$3.21
$3.20
$3.25
L. T. Fullonton, painting
27.50
27.50
27.50
O. D. Wood
8.44
8.43
27.43
Hosea Gould, gravel
14.25
E. P. Gates, corner irons
2.00
A. W. Davis, paint
.70
L. A. Godfrey
13.05
Albert E. Sims
11.10
1.25
Hayward & Fullonton, sharp-
4
en lawn mower
1.00
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W. F. Blaisdell, clock 8.00
George Janvrin, clock 2.00
Mass. Reformatory, kinder- garten chairs 19.95
John Pederson, driveway and grading
45.00
50.00
Arthur L. Freese
13.21
25.43
Wm. B. Holt
6.65
Daniel Sheehan
3.00
Wm. P. Proctor & Co.
4.38
4.93
8.01
Geo. D. Smith, lock
2.00
Emile Noterman, Jr.
2.00
Gledhill Bros. Inc., black- board
22.75
Walter Jones
5.00
$157.04 $70.01 $175.07
Total Elementary Maintenance and Repairs . . $402.12
Auxiliary Agencies
Libraries :
Dura Binding Co., dictionary $2.25
National Education Assoc., Life of Horace Mann
1.00
The Literary Digest
4.00
$7.25
Health :
Boston Guild of Hard of Hearing, aud-
iometer tests 6.42
Dr. Ernest Mayell, examinations in and elementary schools
200.00
Emerson Hospital, x-ray
10.00
$216.42
Transportation :
A. W. Davis
$5,500.00
Tuition :
Middlesex County Training School, tuition of C.
Quimby 86.86
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Miscellaneous :
Bon Marche, diploma ribbons
$4.00
Wm. B. Case & Sons, decorations for auditorium 6.54
C. C. Cullinane, express
4.55
Com. of Massachusetts, film license
2.00
Laffin's Express
.35
Murphy & Snyder, graduation pro- grams, tickets 8.00
Pierce's Express .50
Shreve, Crump & Low, engrave shield
1.50
Vannah Lithograph Co., diplomas 41.85
$69.29
Total Expended
$45,994.58
Total Unexpended Balance 5.42
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Report of the School Superintendent
To the School Committee and Voters of Acton:
I hereby submit my third annual report as superintendent of schools and principal of the high school (grades 7-12), cover- ing the fiscal year, January 1, 1937 to January 1, 1938, and the school year, September 1936 to June 1937. The separate reports of the special teachers of music, drawing, physical ex- ercise, and manual and domestic arts will be incorporated; the reports of the school physician and school nurse follow. Since there are no separate reports from the principals of the elemen- tary schools (grades 1-6), the superintendent must act as a so-called supervising principal for those grades. The aim of this report is not to deal with present day educational theories or trends, but rather to present certain facts and draw obvious conclusions, where possible.
I. School Costs
1. The real per capita cost of the 497 pupils enrolled on Octo- ber 1, 1937 based upon $40,127.62, the estimated actual cost of schools in 1937, was $80.74. If the insurance charge of $1,425.22, paid to cover the high school for the next five years, is subtracted, the per capita cost was $77.88, which is exactly the same as that for the adjusted rate of 1936.
2. Maintenance and Repairs Completed in 1937.
a. Elementary schools: extensive work on driveways at South and Center; painting of front porches and steps in all three schools; relocation of flag pole at Center; minor inside repairs on stairs, floors, windows, and plumbing.
b. High school: extensive work on driveway and parking space ; painting of window frames, sills, and doors; painting and repair of flag pole; replacement of seven window shades; pur- chase of machine lathe; rewiring to adjust manual arts ma- chines to F rate; repair of fan room humidifier; repair of boiler room roof to cover insurance requirements; installation of iron grill railings in auditorium; painting of lower corridor and base- ment floors and stairs.
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3. Maintenance and Repairs Proposed for 1938.
a. Elementary : outside painting of South and West schools; inside painting in all three schools; completion of work on South School driveway; adequate repairs of all gutters and spouts ; replacement of a considerable number of window frames; weatherstripping of outside doors; installation of at least three new radiators; waterproofing of basement walls in Center and West; renovating of blackboards throughout; many new seats; installation of hot water service and base plugs throughout; improvement of class room lighting; minor carpentry repairs.
b. High school: waterproofing of north wall outside of audi- torium, replastering and painting inside; proper ventilation of science laboratory ; one additional radiator in Room 10.
The regular budget, in order to meet ordinary expenses and the salary of an additional teacher for West Acton, should be $47,000. For making urgent repairs in all three elementary schools, an article has been presented for the town warrant.
II. School Membership and Attendance.
1. Membership: Grades 1-6, on October 1, 1937, 253; on January 2, 1938, 259. The average of Grades 1-6, from 1926 through 1936, was 258; Grades 7-12, on October 1, 1937, 244; on January 2, 1938, 241. The average for Grades 7-12, 1926 through 1936, was 244. Thus, over a period of twelve years, membership has remained about the same. Probably this holds true of the population of Acton. Each year, as many pupils move into town as move out.
2. Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1937.
Age
Grade
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Total
1
15 17
17
2
51
2
7 21 13
23
6
42
4
6 21 10
11 25
6
3
1
45
6
9
18
12
3
42
6
34
3
1
39
5
253
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3. Teacher Loads in Grades 1-6, as of January 1, 1938.
Grade
Center
South
West
1 & 2
20
38
31
3 & 4
20
32
31
5 & 6
19
31
37
From the above, it is evident that the teacher load is very unevenly distributed. There is no evidence that the situation will change in the coming year. Two alternatives are open, either to shift one teacher from the Center School or add another teacher for the West School, as we have already done for the South. The second alternative is preferable, because the first would leave the Center School with three grades per teacher.
4. Attendance.
a. Absence and Tardiness.
The attendance for 1936-1937 has been very satisfactory. This appears to be due in part to constant pressure for good atten- dance and to improved transportation. The Center School, where almost 70% are transported, has the fewest cases of absence and tardiness; the West School, where a less number propor- tionately are transported, has the largest percentage of absence and tardiness, So many pupils are transported, that, ordinarily, when the busses can safely run, there is no real reason to close schools, with the result that only one day was lost because of weather conditions. Busses take children home at noon from the elementary schools, when afternoon sessions are called off be- cause of weather.
Mr. George Richardson, attendance officer, and Mrs. Creeley, school nurse, have been very helpful in checking absence by visiting homes. Mr. Richardson made 23 home visits and at- tended court four times.
One elementary school principal has wisely suggested that parents be urged to send the required written excuses with the children for absence or tardiness, thereby relieving the child of embarrassment caused when the teacher asks for the excuse and the child has to confess that his parent neglected to furnish one.
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1. Per Cent of Attendance.
1935-1936
1936-1937 Sept .- Dec. 1937
Grades 1-6
91.11
93.34
95.72
Grades 7-12 92.29
94.50
96.83
2. Tardy Cases (Sept .- Dec.)
Grades 1-6
130
130
122
Grades 7-12
197
60
50
A consolidated elementary school would still further improve elementary school attendance.
All three elementary school principals feel that a one-session day would help conditions. The chief reasons for this belief are: distance non-bus students must walk back and forth at noon in slightly inclement weather, the large number of the same pupils who already bring lunches, the present problem of dressing and undressing in outer clothing at two different recesses, and the earlier dismissal permitting "freedom of longer play at their own homes". Whether the change from two sessions to one is advisable under present conditions is still open to argument, but the suggestion is worth thinking about.
b. Holding Power of High School.
The class graduating in 1935 (28) retained 47% of the num- ber which entered in grade 9; 1936 (30) 59% ; 1937 (31) 59% ; 1938 (37 at present) probably 55% ; 1939 (27 at present) possi- bly 59%. In short, the per cent which remains in high school to graduate is fairly constant. But the State average is prob- ably higher than that for Acton, and our aim should be to raise our own percentage.
III. Health and Physical Education.
1. General.
The above attendance records show that the general health of the pupils has been good. There have been no epidemics. A careful check-up is made by general physical examinations at the beginning of each school year and by periodic examinations of the athletes (boys and girls) before each seasonal sport. In ad- dition, eyes, ears, teeth, lungs, and posture are checked. Ir particular, the new dental clinic, the diphtheria immunization clinic, and tuberculin test clinic, described by the reports of the school physician and school nurse, were extensively used. 28%
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of the pupils took the tuberculin test in 1935, 56% in 1936, 62% in 1937, showing that misunderstanding in regard to the value of this test is disappearing.
4731/2 quarts of free milk were distributed to pupils in 1937, an increase of 66 quarts over 1936. Both the milk and dental clinic funds were made possible by faculty plays and annual contributions from the West Acton and Acton Center Women's Clubs, the Neighborhood Club, the American Legion, and indi- viduals. This help has been most acceptable and will be needed again after June of this year.
2. Physical Exercise.
Every boy and girl in the Acton schools must participate in the regular physical training classes or organized athletics, un- less excused by a doctor's certificate. The exercise is usually not formal but takes the form of group games, which have social as well as health value. Unfortunately, the high school schedule does not permit more than one period per week for boys and two for girls, but there has been a noticeable improvement in weight. Groups comprising Grades 8-12 have been conducted by Mr. Dolan, Mr. Holt, and Mr. Greenman.
In organized teams for boys, Mr. Dolan, during 1937, coached 20 boys for 8 football games, 18 for 21 basketball games, and 18 for 10 baseball games. While victories have been few, the boys have shown consistent, good sportsmanship and morale, due to Mr. Dolan's enthusiasm and interest. Possibly, certain star athletes have been kept from playing by the weekly check-up of scholarship and attitude, and by necessary outside work, but, ordinarily, a boy can find time to participate in sports and main- tain a satisfactory record in studies.
Miss Eleanor Jones has done very creditable work in super- vising the girls in all the grades and the boys in Grades 1-7. Aside from games in soccer, basketball, baseball, and field hockey, she has conducted groups in dancing, marching, and gymnastics. In organized athletics, 50 girls participated in interschool bas- ketball, winning five out of eight games, and 37 in hockey, se- curing very good results. In addition, there have been numerous interclass games in baseball, soccer, hockey, and basketball. Over 60 letters and numerals were awarded for participation in or- ganized sports, thus definitely reaching 25% of the students in Grades 7-12.
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Seventy students took part in the annual evening demonstra- tion at the high school in May, which included marching tactics, pyramids, dances, and calisthenics.
In brief, to quote Miss Jones, the physical education program tries to teach care of body and mind, many qualities of good character, actual desire to participate in outdoor games in leisure time, and the proper spirit toward victory and defeat.
3. Financing Athletics.
The athletic association has attempted to conduct athletics in a business-like manner and to furnish good equipment, trans- portation, and officials. In following out these aims, the receipts on the field or at the doors will probably continue to be far from adequate. They must be subsidized through various forms of student activities. Football caused the heaviest deficit; base- ball, strangely, the least.
Receipts
Expenditures
Gato
$ 187.70
Officials
$ 141.50
Dues
187.91
Equipment
224.64
Magazine Drive
64.59
Transport
94.00
Dance
21.47
Janitor, Police .
31.50
Gifts (Class et al)
34.10
Miscellaneous
32.50
Movies
52.80
$ 548.57 $ 524.14
Favorable Balance
$24.43
It should be admitted that the school committee paid an equip- ment bill of slightly over $30.00, but the students carried the bulk of the burden. Perhaps this steady support, during a year of few victories, is a definite indication of real school spirit and co-operation.
4. Other Activities.
In the elementary schools, Miss Berglind, Miss Kinnevan, and Mrs. Stearns have continued faithfully to carry on 4-H clubs for the girls. These 4-H clubs gave a good account of themselves in the county competition at Groton. However, there are no or- ganizations as yet for boys. Here is a real need. A consolidation of the three schools would give more opportunity for various clubs and activities.
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In the high school, there were ten clubs or organizations. Moreover, the students conducted 13 of the 30 assemblies, ran four socials, and gave two public plays. In assemblies not con- ducted by students, there were seven outside speakers, a W. P. A. orchestra of 20 pieces, and a string trio from the New Eng- land Conservatory of Music. Special assemblies were also held in commemoration of Horace Mann, Washington and Lincoln, Me- morial Day, and the Constitution. Field trips were conducted for the science, domestic arts, and agricultural club groups. The agricultural club (22 boys) began its third year under the direc- tion of Mr. George Erickson. and Mr. Frank Braman. The course, planned on a three-year basis, comprises dairying, ag- ronomy, and the study of insects and pests. Again, many visiting lecturers from the State College at Amherst and the County Ex- tension Service are giving the boys, without charge, excellent practical demonstrations and talks.
The Carlos B. Clark Acton history essays, written and pre- sented by seniors in the third annual competition, demonstrated much original research and literary skill. Each year the task of preparing new material and original interpretations becomes more difficult.
Mention should be made of the work done for various organi- zations in the community by Miss Boornazian and students in her commercial classes. They have typed, mimeographed, and directed thousands of letters and notices.
On the whole, these many student activities are developing initiative, responsibility, and self-reliance.
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