USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1936-1940 > Part 28
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In compliance with a wish expressed last year, there has been improvement in creative and original expression. More effort, also, has been expended on design and color. Several students have participated in large group projects in the lower grades as a matter of correlation, and a few in the upper grades have
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made interesting sketches for murals. Art should be constantly fostered for its aesthetic and utilitarian value.
VIII. Music
Music is the hand maid of art. Americans are naturally musical but need considerable training and direction. One year ago, after some discouragement, it was thought that beginning in real progress had been made but results did not bear out this belief. After Mr. Law's resignation in January, five can- didates were tested before the selection of Mr. Moran, a gradu- ate of the New England Conservatory, a student at Boston Uni- versity, and a teacher of public school experience. Since Mr. Moran's coming in April, the outlook in music is much brighter. He began his work by concentrating on vocal music and trained well large choruses for graduation in June. Since September, much time has been devoted to instrumental music in Grades 7-12. To help matters, the school committee granted an extra day at the high school for special training in individual and group instrumental work. A survey showed that few students continue private lessons more than one year, that several of these no longer owned instruments in suitable condition, and that many others wanted to begin lessons but were financially unable to do so. By special instruction, noted above, and by re- sourcefulness in gathering instruments, we already have pro- mise of a good orchestra.
In outlining his vocal instruction, Mr. Moran indicated briefly his procedure as follows :
"The first two years of school is devoted largely to rote sing. ing and physical activity leading to the development of the rhythmic sense. Syllables are introduced by rote toward the end of the second year. This technique is continued in the third grade for the first month and a half. Then the approach is gradually changed so that the songs are attacked directly through the syllables. A large number of songs are covered in these grades and two-part music is usually introduced in the second semester. The fifth and sixth grades should be com- paratively free from requiring help in attacking new songs. Two-part songs give way to three-part after the middle of the year."
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Unfortunately, as is true in other towns, curriculum re- quirements restrict vocal music practice to one period per week above the sixth grade. We hope to improve this situation.
IX. Changes in School Personnel
1. Teachers
There have been seven changes in teachers, two in connection with the special teachers already mentioned, and five in the elementary class room schools. Mr. Theodore Ehrhardt, who has received SB and Ed.M. degrees from Bridgewater State College, followed Mr. Whitcomb at West Acton; Mr. Kal Kan- sanniva, a graduate of Fitchburg State College, followed Mr. Nickerson at the Center; Miss Charlotte Laird, a graduate of Fitchburg State College, succeeded Miss Puhakka at the Center, when she resigned to be married; Miss Cecelia Callanan, a grad- uate of Fitchburg State College, was transferred to the South School after the resignation of Miss Kinnevan; and Alice Fee- han, also a graduate from Fitchburg, became special teacher at the West School to fill the vacancy created by Miss Callanan's transfer. Special commendation should be made of the work of Miss Puhakka (Mrs. George Braman) who served well and efficiently at the Center School for seven years. Incidentally, our present force of twenty-two regular teachers contains 15 college graduates with AB, BS, or higher degrees, six of whom are in the elementary schools.
2. Janitors
Mr. Benjamin Sawyer was elected janitor at the South School upon the resignation of Mr. Hastings. Mr. Hastings served long and faithfully, gaining the affection and respect of all the child- ren who knew him during his service at the school. At present, all the janitors are comparatively young and active men, loyal, and helpful.
Conclusion :
The enrollment in the Acton Schools, to be sure, is under 500, yet there are many interesting problems. In attempting to solve these and in conducting the regular routine work, the superin- tendent feels grateful for the continued kindness and co-opera- tion of the school committee, teachers, and townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. HALL
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Walter F. Hall, Superintendent of Schools,
South Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.
The yearly physical examinations were completed in Novem- ber 1938.
Diphtheria immunization and pre-school clinics were held in May at the South, West, and Center schools.
On November 30, 1938, at the instigation of Doctor Moore of the State Department of Health, a conference was held in Con- cord with superintendents and school physicians of Acton and neighboring towns, taking part in discussing school health pro- blems, and procedure for school physicians. It was voted to hold these conferences at various times throughout the districts.
We have been fortunate in not having any epidemics and our school population as a whole has been healthy.
I wish to thank the superintendent, teachers, nurse, and townspeople for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
E. A. MAYELL, M. D.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Walter F. Hall, Superintendent of Schools, Acton, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as school nurse for the past year. The usual programs for the promotion of health and the prevention of illness were continued in the schools. The results were encouraging. Absences from school, when due to illness, were for the most part caused by colds and related conditions, and, with the exception of a few cases of pneumonia, not gener- ally serious. Several pupils were operated upon for appendicitis during the year. This is a condition which occurs not infre- quently in the high school age group. Both parents and young people must be taught the essential facts concerning pneumonia and appendicitis for their own protection, as in the past they have been informed of the dangers of diphtheria and tubercu- losis.
Early in the school year physical examinations were made by the school physician including all pupils from Grades 1-12. The examination of the entire school population is not carried out in all communities. Particular attention was paid to heart irregularities, enlarged tonsils, tooth decay, post cervical glands, and cases of malnutrition and postural defects. The latter cases were placed more properly in the hands of the physical educa- tion teacher for helpful training. In addition to this examination all pupils are weighed and measured. The statistics on the ex- aminations follow :
Number of cases of heart irregularities 50
Number of cases of enlarged tonsils 41
Number of cases of dental decay 194
Number of cases of post cervical glands 37
Number of cases of evidence malnutrition 36
Number of cases of poor posture 12
Number of cases of skin infection 14
A notice was sent to parents of pupils with remediable de- fects. The response indicates interest on the part of many par- ents with regards to the health of their children.
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Much has been done and a great deal more can still be done for dental health through our school dental clinic. The clinic was held at the Center, South, and West Schools, over a three- month period. To stimulate interest, toothbrushes were avail- able to the elementary school pupils at a very small charge. This was possible through the Red Cross. The dental work completed was as follows:
72 Finished cases (all fillings and extractions necessary)
14 All work requested.
9 All work possible.
354 Amalgam fillings.
13 Porcelain fillings.
4 Cement fillings.
86 Extractions of temporary teeth.
14 Extractions of permanent teeth.
88 Cleanings.
The State Department of Health has offered to make a survey of our dental needs, taking special grades for study. Recommen- dations made by this survey will help us to develop the best type clinic. A much needed sterilizer for boiling dental in- struments was added to the equipment last year. This has done much for the efficiency of the clinic. Although much still re- mains to be done, we feel that an extremely necessary service has been well begun.
An eye examination was given to all pupils by the teachers last September. Pupils whose tests results were poor were re- tested and rechecked and notices were sent to the parents of pupils whose vision was found to be faulty, and special examina- tion was indicated. In the high school, fifty-two were retested and notices sent to the parents of twelve. Seven of this group wore glasses not available at the time. In the elementary schools, eleven pupils were recommended for special examina- tions. The teacher can make adjustments for the child with poor vision or a hearing difficult when he has knowledge of the handicap.
The 4A audiometer, used for the tests of hearing, was pro- vided by the State Department of Health. The tests were directed by a technician sent by the department. If the first scores were not high, the pupils were retested. Failure to make a good score might possibly be caused by enlarged tonsils or
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adenoids, infection of the middle ear, foreign bodies in the ear, congestion due to a head cold, fatigue, or nervousness. Many of these cases will be treated and hearing may again become normal.
The Middlesex County Hospital offers to pupils of high school age, as a part of their anti-tuberculosis program, the opportun- ity to have a tuberculin test and X-ray. This test will show any contact with tuberculosis, and further examinations are pro- vided for when necessary. This program has been carried on since 1924, when the state department initiated the Chadwick Clinics. Pupils have been acquainted with the causes and pre- vention of tuberculosis through pamphlets which have been dis- tributed and movies shown in the school.
Apart from clinics and examinations, time has been spent in the schools for inspections, first aid, and simple dressings. The illness of any child which was not satisfactorily explained has been investigated, to aid in detection of a contagious disease. We are fortunate to have had very little contagious disease during the past year. I would ask parents to be aware of the possibility of a communicable disease when children are ill, thus avoiding exposure of others. The work of the school nurse for the year is as follows :
Pupil Inspections 1721
Simple dressings 509
First Aid 12
Pupils taken home ill
16
Pupils taken to clinics 35
Home Visits 196
The nurse was present at all examinations by the school physician and gave as much time as was possible in assisting the school dentist.
The teachers have at all times been most co-operative in help- ing to carry out a successful school health program. I am in- debted to you and to the faculty of the elementary schools and the high school for your support.
Respectfully submitted,
GENEVIEVE J. CREELEY, R. N.
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Graduates of 1938
Pauline Gertrude Aldred Mabel Beatrice Charter
Alfred Whitney Cobleigh, Jr. Elizabeth Davis
Anna Clifton Downey
Edna Frances Downey Amelia Exenea Gagnon
Leonard Albert Godfrey, Jr. Audrey Gertrude Grala *Irene Viola Granberg LeForest Edwin Gray
*Florence Elizabeth Harriman Russell Davis Hayward Maddelon Phyllis Heckman Virginia Cairns Hodgen ** Harry Merle Hollowell
*Dexter Eugene Kelley Harold James Knight Edith Larsen Eleanor Joan Leveroni
* Honor Students.
Milton Roger Locke Edward Glenn MacDougall Kathryn Louise MacDougall Roderick Daniel MacDougall ** Marion deSales McGuire *James Asaph Merriam ** Robert Jones Montague Roger Warren Moore Marjorie Eleanor Nelson Joseph George Perry Cynthia Louise Price George Adam Rifford, Jr.
** Vincent Joseph Sheehan
*John Irving Smith
* Ralph Edward Spinney Frances Stuart
Eleanor Lula Tate
Robert Buchanan Taylor Viola Gertrude Thatcher
Honor Students and members of National Honor Society. Student Essays :
First honors : Cynthia Price-"The Cause and Prevention of Pneumonia."
Second honors : Vincent Sheehan-"Is the Constitution Prac- tical ?"
Ralph Spinney-"The America I Want."
Leonard Godfrey-"Does Propaganda Control Public Opin- ion ?"
Robert Montague-"Bleeding Democracies."
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Awards During Year :
Marjorie Nelson, Carlos B. Clark Acton History Award, First prize. George Rifford: Carlos B. Clark Acton History Award, Second prize. Cynthia Price and James Merriam: American Legion Awards for best rank in Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achievement (Edwards-Quimby Post.)
Vincent Sheehan : Washington-Franklin Medal for best record in American History (Mass. Society, Sons of the American Revolution) and medal on Massachusetts Constitution Ses- quicentennial Essay.
INDEX
Town Officers 3
Warrant, Monday, March 6, 1939
9
Report of Finance Committee
14
Selectmen's Report 17 20
Welfare
Old Age Assistance
21
Aid to Dependent Children
22
Public Welfare 22 23
Town Meeting, (Abstract), March 14, 1938
State Election, Nov. 8, 1938
34
Special Town Meeting, (Abstract),
Vov. 21, 1938
37
Town Clerk's Report
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Non-resident Burials
Dog Licenses
Jury List (Revised) 1938
Cemetery Commissioners
Police
Inspector of Animals
Dog Officer
W.P.A. and Hurricane
Moth Control
Superintendent of Streets
Assessors
Tax Collector
Fire Department
Forest Warden
Tree Warden
Superintendent of Town Forests
Sponsor, W.P.A. Projects
Chapter 90, Foreman's Report
Work Relief Project, Foreman's Report
69
Town Foreman's Report
Board of Health 69
Town Nurse 71 72
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
39 40 42
45 47 49 53 54 55 56 56 57 58
58 59 60 64 64 65 66 66 67 68
Index (Continued)
Middlesex County Extension
Sealer's Report
Librarian's Report
Books Added to Public Library
Town Accountant Balance Sheet, 1938 123
Treasurer's Rpeort
126
Elizabeth White Fund
138
Dedication of Memorial Chapel
139
Schools :
Organization 142
Teachers
144
School Committee
145
Comparison of Costs
148
Budget for 1939
149
Summary of Expenses, 1938
150
Support of School, (Detailed)
151
Superintendent
163
School Physician
177
School Nurse
178
Graduates, 1938
181
74 75 75 86
73
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Several Official Boards
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON MASSACHUSETTS
RA
TE,
.1735.
ACTON
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1939
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Several Official Boards
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON MASSACHUSETTS
ATED
-1735.
^ACTON
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 1939
STOUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY Stoughton, Mass.
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TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex ss
1735.
1
ACTON.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County, Greetings :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the transaction of town affairs, to meet in their respective precincts, to wit:
Precinct 1-Town Hall, Acton Center
Precinct 2-Universalist Church, South Acton -
Precinct 3-Woman's Club House, West Acton
at 12 o'clock noon, Monday, the fourth day of March, 1940, by posting a copy of this warrant, by you attested, at each of the places as directed by vote of the town, seven days at least before the fourth day of March.
To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town officers: Moderator, town clerk, town treasurer, col- lector of taxes, one selectman for three years; one assessor for three years; one member of the board of public welfare for three years; four constables for one year; one cemetery commissioner for three years; two members of the school
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committee for three years ; one member of the board of health for three years ; one trustee Memorial Library for three years, and a tree warden.
The polls will be open at 12 o'clock, noon, and close at 8 o'clock p. m.
You are further requested in the name of the Common- wealth to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, as aforesaid, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Acton, on Monday, the eleventh day of March, at 7:30 o'clock p. m., then and there to act on the following articles :
Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and com- mittees and fix salaries of all town officers.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any com- mittees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.
Article 4. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several departments of the town and deter- mine how the same shall be raised.
Article 5. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 6. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the maintenance of the fire department, or vote anything thereon.
Article 7. To see if the town will pay for fighting brush fires and fix a price thereon.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to insure the employees of the town or act anything thereon.
Article 9. To see what amount of money the town will
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vote to raise and appropriate for the payment of premiums on all town officers' bonds, or act anything thereon.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1940, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to employ a public health nurse, and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of same.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for the Work Relief Fund, or act anything thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to accept from James Edward Kinsley, of Acton, Mass., conveyance to the town of the plot of land (known as the Hotel Property) in the village of Acton Center, as described in a conveyance by Ralph G. Crevier to James Edward Kinsley, by deed dated December 2, 1939, duly recorded with Middlesex South Dis- trict Deeds, the same forever to be used as an addition to the Town Common, and subject to the express conditions set forth in his offer to said town, dated January 10, 1940, or in any way act thereon. To wit: That the frontage on Main Street and Concord Road be forever maintained as part of the Town Common, and that no structure be erected on this part of the plot, other than a suitable marker with the following inscrip- tion : "This plot of land presented to the Town of Acton by James Edward Kinsley, 1940." The remaining part of the plot may be sold by the Town by so voting at any Annual Town Meeting.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the County of Middlesex, as required by law, the town's share of the net cost of the care, maintenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital,
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as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws and Acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto and including Chapter 400, Section 25 G (6) (a) of the Acts of 1936, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for the maintenance of Jones Community Field, South Acton, or act anything thereon.
Article 16. To see if the town will raise and appropriate five hundred (500) dollars or any other sum to be used for clearing and grading a part of the ground in Mount Hope Cemetery damaged by the hurricane or act anything thereon.
Article 17. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to repair and put in condition the South Acton fire alarm system or act anything thereon.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred (100) dollars to install and maintain telephone service in the three grade schools for one year, or act anything thereon.
Article 19. To see what action the town will take in regard to changing the names of certain streets as follows :
Maple Avenue to Tuttle Street.
School Street, West Acton, to Gates Road.
Concord Street (from its present intersection with Parker Street to the Maynard line) to Parker Street. Concord Street (from Parker Street to the Concord line) to Pratt Road.
Davis Terrace to Dudley Terrace.
Article 20. To see what action the town shall take under the provisions of Chapter 403 of the Acts of 1936 to extend the terms workmen, laborers and mechanics to include other employees.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to close out the appropriation of $1,200 made for a truck for the highway department at the annual meeting March 14, 1938, to the
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Excess and Deficiency Account (surplus revenue) or do or act anything thereon.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to pay the following unpaid bills for 1939, or do or act anything thereon.
General Government $ 10.00
Highway Department 11.02
Public Welfare
243.22
$264.24
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500 for the building of two addi- tional rooms at the rear of the high school to provide dressing and shower rooms for use in the physical education program, such sum to be expended under the direction of the school committee; or take any action thereon.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,200.00 or any other sum for the suppression of brown-tail and gypsy moths or act anything thereon.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the care of shade trees or act anything thereon.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) for the redemption of tax titles held by the town.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $230.00 for the use of the treasurer, to pay the expenses of the local dog officer. The town will be reimbursed for the amount spent by the County of Middlesex, or act anything thereon.
Article 28. To see if the town will vote to transfer $600.00 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, or act anything thereon.
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And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof seven days at least before the time of said meeting as directed by vote of the town.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the town clerk at or before the time of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Acton this thirty-first day of January, 1940.
A true copy. Attest :
JAMES E. KINSLEY RALPH W. PIPER RAYMOND F. DURKEE Selectmen of Acton
Attest :
MICHAEL FOLEY
Constable of Acton
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Town Officers, 1939
Moderator Albert P. Durkee
Selectmen
Raymond F. Durkee Ralph W. Piper
Term expires 1940
Term expires 1941
James E. Kinsley
Term expires 1942
Town Clerk Horace F. Tuttle
Town Treasurer William Henry Soar
Assessors
Carl C. Flint
Term expires 1940
Albert P. Durkee
Term expires 1941
Henry L. Haynes
Term expires 1942
Collector of Taxes Carrie M. Durkee
Tree Warden James J. Knight
Board of Public Welfare
Mary M. Laffin Term expires 1940
Raymond L. Hatch Term expires 1941
Cari E. Backman Term expires 1942
Constables
George A. Braman Michael Foley
Robert G. Willett Norman L. Perkins
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Cemetery Commissioners
Horace F. Tuttle
Term expires 1940
Harry E. Holt
Term expires 1941
Wendell F. Davis
Term expires 1942
School Committee
Louisa N. Wood
Term expires 1940
Everett N. Montague
Term expires 1940
Evelyn K. Reed
Term expires 1941
Samuel E. Knowlton
Term expires 1941
Avis Howe
Term expires 1942
Richard A. Lowden
Term expires 1942
Trustees of Memorial Library
Horace F. Tuttle
Term expires 1940
J. Sidney White
Term expires 1941
Frank A. Merriam
Term expires 1942
Board of Health
O. Lawrence Clark
Term expires 1940
Lillian E. Taylor
Term expires 1941
Lowell H. Cram
Term expires 1942
Agent of Board of Health Ernest E. Allsopp
Trustees of Elizabeth White Fund
Charlotte Conant
Term expires 1940
Clara L. Sawyer Term expires 1941
Waldo E. Whitcomb Term expires 1942
Trustees of West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
A. N. Hederstedt
Term expires 1940
Arnold H. Perkins Term expires 1941
H. Stuart MacGregor Term expires 1942
Trustees of Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
Herbert Merriam Term expires 1940
Frederick T. Kennedy Term expires 1941
Clarence Frost Term expires 1942
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Trustees of Goodnow Fund
Horace F. Tuttle
Charles E. Smith
Charlotte Conant
Term expires 1942
Appointments Made by Selectmen-1939
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