USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1936-1940 > Part 46
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6.10
Richardson & Boynton Co., furnace bars 22.54
Blanchard Weaver, painting
81.00
Harry Prescott, painting
62.50
L. T. Fullonton, painting, rent of rigging 110.96
Ralph Rogers, grounds
6.00
Henry N. Clark Co., furnace
grates
6.71
Albert E. Sims
4.00
Maynard Supply
2.78
$182.38 $166.58 $415.30
Total Elementary Maintenance and Repairs $764.26
Auxiliary Agencies
Health:
Dr. Ernest Mayell, examinations in high
and elementary schools
$250.00
Libraries:
American Book Co.
$4.00
Civic Education Service
4.20
D. Appleton-Century Co.
1.53
Harper & Bros.
1.70
Herman Goldberger Agency
26.55
J. B. Lippincott 2.69
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Little, Brown & Co.
1.63
Grade Teacher
7.50
John C. Winston Co.
1.56
Macmillan Co.
10.66
McGraw Hill Publishing Co.
2.15
G. P. Putnam's Sons
2.48
Young America
1.50
$68.15
Transportation:
Ormal Laffin
$5,000.00
Derwick & Flanders, Inc., bond
75.00
$5,075.00
Vocational Education:
City of Boston, tuition of F. Rahberg. .
$150.81
Middlesex County, tuition of T. Mitchell
52.00
$202.81
Miscellaneous:
C. C. Cullinane, express
$4.85
Com. of Public Safety, boiler inspection
5.00
A. W. Davis Co., transporting chairs 2.50
6.80
Denholm & Mckay Co., diploma ribbons H. V. Church, National Honor Society pins
12.00
Middlesex Laundry
11.80
Murphy & Snyder, programs
8.25
Universal Badge Co., newsboy badges.
6.35
Vannah Lithograph Co., diplomas
54.35
Charles Way, blueprints
150.00
Total Expended
$261.90 $46,883.36
Unexpended Balance
116.64
Appropriation
$47,000.00
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
To the School Committee and Voters of Acton:
I hereby submit my sixth annual report for the year 1940 as Superintendent of Schools and Principal of the High School.
I. Repair Work for 1941
In addition to the suggestions made in the report of the School Committee, it seems that the following matters merit attention: painting of corridors in the West School, installation of bulletin boards in the South and West Schools; installation of drain pipes on high school roof, sound-proofing of audi- torium; improvement of lighting in all schools by use of 150- watt bulbs, lowering of fixtures, replacement of globes, and change of circuit wiring (High School). Emergency outlays must also be expected in the elementary schools for defective furnaces, water pipes, and floors.
II. School Membership and Attendance
1. Membership of schools on October 1, 1940 was 501, 256 in elementary schools and 245 in the high school. The age and grade distribution chart, along with the corrected membership for October 1, 1926, through October 1, 1940, is given at the end of this report. (Tables 1 and 2). The superintendent, suspecting inaccuracies in membership reports, checked back personally through all the registers and believes the figures now presented, covering the period since the high school was built, correct.
2. Percentage of Attendance
The percentage of attendance from September 1939 through June 1940 was 95.5 for both elementary and high school grades. This compares well with other towns and other years. Our tardiness record during the same period was not poor, but, for the first four months of this school year, has increased by 19 in the elementary school and 30 in the high school. At
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least one half of the pupils report verbally or by note from parent that they "missed the bus", "overslept", or "did not get up in time", although the starting time in the schools has not been changed for several years. School authorities have a right to expect better co-operation. The habit of prompt- ness is one that cannot be neglected. In this regard no blame can be attached to the bus service, which is as efficient and satisfactory, as it has ever been.
3. School Population Trend
Acton does not appear to follow the general trend in Massachusetts. In a careful and lengthy report published in August 1940, by the Massachusetts Federation of Taxpayers' Association there is shown a decline of almost 17% in total Massachusetts public elementary school enrollment (Grades 1-6) from 1930 to 1939, due largely to decline in birth rate. The enrollment in Grades 7-12 has continued to increase, but at a gradually decreasing rate, so that by 1945 this increase by estimate will change to a marked decrease (Table 3). Acton shows no definite tendency up or down from 1930 to 1940, for either elementary or high school grades. The best that one can say is that the trend is spotty. As far back as 1926, the elementary school enrollment was 257 against 256 for 1940, and, while the high school enrollment in 1926 was 219 and in 1940- 245, it rose to 269 in 1932. Families come and go, leaving the total school population about the same. Incidentally, twenty children from institutions were "cottaged" among private families in Acton. This group is constantly changing each year. During the past school year, 26 pupils moved in and 44 (many of the same) moved out. Twenty-four of the present senior class remain from the original 42 who entered Grade 9 four years ago. Of the 18 who dropped out 10 remained in town, 7 moved out, and one left to be married. The percentage of withdrawals was the same as for the Class of 1939. On the basis of this brief analysis, there is no clear indication that the school enrollment of Acton will definitely increase or decrease for many years to come.
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III. Health and Physical Education
1. Health
Generally speaking, the health condition in Acton Schools has been good. No small part of this is due to the excellent work of Mrs. Creeley, who works faithfully between home and school, and of Doctor Mayell, who has a personal and unselfish interest in the health of our school children. De- tailed reports of all their examinations and visits follow this report. The amount of free milk distributed in the schools has declined from 4731/2 quarts in 1937 to 3701/2 in 1940, while the amount purchased by pupils has increased. It would appear that the economic status of several families had im- proved. However, we still need and are grateful for financial support from local organizations, particularly from the Christmas Seals Fund under the energetic leadership of Mrs. Prentice Blood.
The dental clinic completed the work indicated in the report of last year. Doctor McNally will start his work again in February 1941. The financial report of this clinic for 1940 is as follows:
Receipts
Expenditures
Cash on hand,
Doctor McNally $216.63
Jan. 1, 1940 $91.64
Received from parents 130.00
Raised by P.T.A. play 102.00
Bal. on hand, Jan. 1, 1941 107.01
$323.64
$323.64
There is need of money for eye examinations and glasses in the case of some children. A promise of such aid has been forthcoming from the Junior Red Cross.
2. Physical Education and Athletics
The usual plan of physical exercise for all boys and girls in accordance with state law has continued in operation. Com- pulsory exercise is usually welcomed by students as a whole- some outlet for excess energy. Miss Hanson has stressed pos- ture work for girls in all the grades, films have been used to
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illustrate good and bad posture, and several health talks have been given by her and teachers on health habits. Recently, sixteen Red Cross First Aid textbooks were purchased for in- structional purposes in all grades. Textbooks on safety educa- tion were also purchased for pupils in Grades 5 and 6, later to be supplemented by easier texts in lower grades. We feel that we are making progress in health and safety.
In athletics, group games continue in Grades 1-8 and inter- group and interschool games for Grades 9-12. The girls con- tinue to show more consistent interest than the boys, but the boys have done better since September, beginning with the definite organization of six-man football. We expect in the spring to resume regular varsity baseball, suspended last year because of lack of interest. As usual, basketball remains the chief sport for boys and girls. Mr. Harris, the new high school coach for boys, has started with energy and ample support.
Acton High School Athletic Fund 1940
Receipts
Expenditures
Cash on hand,
Equipment $104.77
Jan. 1, 1940
$50.82
Transportation
72,25
Gate Receipts
63.64
Officials
82.45
Dues
64.30
Janitor and Police 28.00
Magazine Drive
114.82
Miscellaneous
9.23
A. A. Dance
16.05
Cash on hand,
Movies
19.00
Jan. 1, 1941
36.48
Miscellaneous
4.55
$333.18
$333.18
The school committee helped in paying for over $50.00 worth of equipment.
Last summer, various individuals and local organizations contributed financially and otherwise in enabling over 100 Acton boys and girls to be transported to swimming classes under the Red Cross in Concord. The School Committee would like to see these classes conducted this summer at a convenient
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place in Acton, as a school project, but budget limitations ap- pear to prevent financial support by the school department.
IV. Building Addition to High School
At this point, it seems logical to mention briefly the need of the high school building project unanimously recommended for town consideration by the school committee and special building committee. At present, the girls have practically no accommodations for showers and an insufficient number of lockers. The boys sadly need more suitable lockers and showers. The nurse's room ought to have outside light and air. Moreover, industrial arts should receive fully as much space as domestic arts, a factor that was entirely neglected when the present high school was built. Then, there should be a decent typewriting room (now crowded into a room intended for sewing) and a suitable drawing room (now crowded into a poorly-lighted annex of the library). In brief, more considera- tion should be given to the important present-day school fac- tors of physical education, typewriting, industrial arts, and free-hand and mechanical drawing, and less to a set-up for instruction in academic subjects. The plan of two wings pro- posed by the two committees, a detailed report of which will be given in the Town Report, warrants real consideration and adoption.
VI. Scholastic Achievement and Student Adjustment
The Stanford-Binet Achievement tests given to Grades 2-8 in May 1940, showed very uneven results between grades. For example, Grades 1, 2, 3, and 7 were above the standard in reading, language, history, geography, hygiene and arithmetic; Grades 4 and 8 were equal to the standard; while Grades 5 and 6 were below standard. Grade 6, now Grade 7, was seven in- struction months behind the standard median for that grade, although two months older than the standard age. This par- ticular grade has been slow in progress throughout its history and merits special attention. On the whole, the pupils were younger than their grade level in every grade tested except
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Grade 6. For all grades, the strong subjects were reading, language, and arithmetic; average subjects, literature, history, and geography; weak subjects, spelling, physiology, and hygiene. More attention is therefore needed for these other weak subjects, without taking undue time from the other subjects.
As aids in instruction we have purchased several supple- mentary readers of simpler and more stimulating content for the elementary and junior high grades; new history, hygiene, and arithmetic books for Grade 6, and have begun the purchase of more effective grammar workbooks. In general, practically all texts in the elementary schools have been standardized along progressive lines during the past five years. In the high school, the grouping of slow and fast pupils in A and B sections, as in the elementary grades, is continued in arithmetic through Grade 9, and in English (using Iowa Reading tests and teachers' estimates) from Grades 7 to 12, regardless of college prepara- tory requirement. This grouping has produced quite satis- factory results. Several magazine and current-event news- papers are regularly subscribed to and ample discussion en- couraged on timely issues. In addition, educational films from the State Department of Visual Education arrive each week to be used in many classes, so that there may be correlation between subjects. In fact, all the teachers attempt to connect their own subjects with subjects taught by other teachers. Our school library, known as the Conant Library, contains now over 1,000 general reading books, outside of 8 sets of encyclopedias and reference works, and is in fairly constant use at school and at home. Of this number about half of the 300 literature books are worth-while fiction. There are also 90 biographies and several books on occupations. Our only real drawback is the necessity of using student librarians, since no teacher is available because of full teaching programs. Books have been numbered and catalogued according to the Dewey system, and library instruction is planned this year for every English class in high school.
The exhibition of work in elementary and high schools
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last May created much interest. The three elementary schools entertained many parents with samples of the regular daily work and with various forms of entertainment. At the high school, instead of day school, three regular periods of class- room instruction were held at night. About 150 parents and friends attended classes and examined the work on display. In particular, the industrial arts exhibition, which was of un- usual variety, drew many visitors.
Student Adjustment
Efforts are continuing, with more or less success, to adjust student failures in school and to help students plan in high school for work after leaving school. The same machinery as heretofore is being utilized and developed. Students enroll in the college preparatory course often against the advice of teachers. There is no particular value in selecting the college preparatory course unless the student in question is willing to study from books, nor of his remaining longer than one year in this course unless the average grade obtained is at least a B (80%). Moreover, not over ten per cent who select this course ever enter college. Part of the drawback is lack of funds, for which some financial assistance should be provided by a school scholarship. At present, the so-called Acton High School Scholarship Fund amounts to $449.02, $400.00 of which was raised by students themselves over a period of years. But the far bigger problem is the lack of planning by the college preparatory students. In spite of frequent interviews with members of the faculty, they fail to think the problem through, lack sufficient ambition and perseverance to main- tain the proper scholastic standard, and neglect starting a sav- ings account as early as the freshman year. Students often seem to feel that it is the duty of school officials to discover scholarships granted by colleges, whether they deserve them or not.
The non-college preparatory group, far larger in number than the college group, deserves more attention. We try to discover interests and aptitudes, select courses that will fit, and offer advice as to possibilities after graduation. We wel-
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come the chance to help graduates who request records, testi- monials, and counsel. Last year, over 30 local men and women engaged in various occupations, agreed to grant interviews and assist young men and women in choosing work after grad- uation. A few students have taken advantage of this excellent opportunity. Indications are that unemployment for young people is decreasing during the current preparations for na- tional defense. The class which graduated in June 1940, our largest graduating class up to date, is now occupied as follows: two in college (Bates and Pembroke), seven in business and trade schools, two in other preparatory schools, one a post graduate, four as clerks, eight in mills and factories, three in domestic work in private families, five in general work, one in the army, and seven at home. In other words, twelve are continuing formal education, twenty-one are gainfully em- ployed, and seven (less than 1/5) are unemployed.
As to N. Y. A. work, Acton has had seven (4 girls, 3 boys) on the list this year, as against six last year. This means that each of these students, for work about the school, receives $6.00 from the federal government for each school month, if he or she works at least 20 hours per month.
VI. Drawing, Manual Arts, and Music
From the reports of the teachers in these subjects there appeared the following salient points:
In free-hand drawing, attention has been directed in the elementary grades to poster work connected with objects in nature, to miniature furniture designing, and to scrap books of pictures and articles on everyday American art; in the high school, to lettering, general design, perspective, color, and sketching from objects in life. In all grades, there has been special effort to correlate art and other school subjects. Under both Mr. Braman and Mr. Mitchell, a real start has been made in mechanical drawing, for which considerable material was purchased. The importance today of industrial education seemed to justify this emphasis. The revised program includes fundamentals of wood, machine, electrical, and metal draw-
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ing; and later, more advanced machine and architectural draw- ing. Making working drawings and blueprints will help a boy to read drawings or blueprints in adult life. This may apply in planning one's own house or in actual construction work.
Aside from drawing, Mr. Mitchell has been active in work- ing out the course of study for industrial arts organized last year. Boys are sufficiently interested to wish to spend extra time in the shop after school. There has been serious attempt to develop "consumer" knowledge, so that a boy may know good workmanship when he sees it later in life. Correlation with other school subjects has not been neglected, and several objects of furniture for use about the school have been con- structed. For the needed extension of this manual work the building project mentioned above will add several hundred square feet, with entire ceiling space properly insulated to prevent interference with the regular class room work above.
Corresponding to industrial arts for boys is domestic arts for girls. The regular course for Grades 7-12 has been carried out in as practical a manner as possible. Outside of class work, girls in the seventh grade have made skirts, and those in the ninth grade, babies' clothes for the Junior Red Cross. The additional electric sewing machine has greatly assisted this work. As special service in cooking, the girls prepared a fine Thanksgiving luncheon for 125 students and teachers and furnished an excellent evening meal for teachers just before Christmas.
Financial Report of Cafeteria
Cash on hand, Jan. 1, 1940
$6.45
Total sales for 1940
2,003.70
Total expenses for 1940
$1,990.63
Cash on hand, Jan. 1, 1941
19.52
$2,010.15
$2,010.15
By way of comparison, total sales have been $1,144.95 in 1938, $2,026.77 in 1939, and $2,003.70 in 1940.
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In music, notable progress has been made in vocal music and music appreciation. At the spring concert in the high school, 62 girls and 21 boys performed in group and solo work before a capacity audience. In the spring of 1941, an operetta, similar to that of 1939, will be given. Instrumental music in the elementary schools and the development of the high school orchestra have made slow progress. However, the members of the orchestra, while inexperienced, are willing and show the proper spirit. To assist them in musical education 20 boys and girls attended six concerts given by the Boston Symphony.
VII. Extra-curricular Activities
Many of the extra-curricular activities are just as im- portant in the educative process as the regular class room work. School assemblies, plays, the school paper, the 4-H clubs in all the schools,-these and other activities help to develop initiative, creative talent, self-expression, responsi- bility, and other qualities valuable after graduation. The senior play, "Going Places", performed in December, was one of the high school's best productions. The school paper of the past year contained much fine material. The 4-H club groups under Miss Berglind, Miss Cecelia Callanan, Miss Grace Calla- nan, Miss Bartlett, Mr. Kansanniva, Mr. Braman, and William Feeley have been busy in handicraft, dressmaking and agri- culture. Ten speakers will appear this year before the high school agricultural club, which covers the same course as similar clubs in Lexington High, Dracut High, and the Way- side Inn School, all in the same circuit. Recently, the School Committee voted to grant one night per week in the high school to the Boy Scouts from all three parts of the town.
VIII. P. T. A.
Our high school is being used more extensively by the community. In addition to school activities and the scouts, the Acton Parent-Teacher Association holds one evening meeting each month in the auditorium. Thanks to the energy of Mrs. Schmitz, the President, and her assistants, this organization,
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begun in November 1939, has been very active and helpful for the entire school system. Their advocacy of elementary school telephones, the summer swimming classes, and the school dental clinic have proven very effective. Programs have included visiting officers from the P. T. A. of Lexington and Arlington, Prof. Kirtley Mathers and Doctor Don Leet of Harvard University, Mr. Henry B. Kane of M. I. T., student activities, and interesting discussions on school lunches, the influence of moving pictures, and school health problems. A finer spirit of sociability between parents and teachers has also been developed.
IX. Teaching Staff
There were three changes in teaching personnel in Sep- tember. Mr. Dolan resigned to take a more lucrative position in his home town of Marlboro. During his ten years as teacher and coach in the Acton High School, he made many friends by his pleasing personality and many hours spent with athletic teams outside the regular school time. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert S. Harris of Melrose. Mr. Harris graduated from Springfield High School and Harvard, and, since graduation, has had much experience in teaching and directing activities. In the Center School, Miss Charlotte Laird resigned, after two years of useful service, to accept a position in Watertown. Her place was filled by the transfer of Miss Helen Appleby from the South School, whose position there was filled by the appointment of Miss Carolyn Tuttle, an Acton girl. After graduation from Acton High School and Fitchburg State Col- lege, Miss Tuttle taught successfully in Vermont. On the whole, the teachers are conscientiously performing their duties and doing creditable work. During the coming year, the salaries of several elementary teachers should be raised and certain annual increments granted in high school. If we desire to re- tain good teachers, we must pay enough to retain them. Our minimum salary schedule should be at least $900 for women and $1,000 for men in the elementary schools, and $1,000 for women and $1,100 or $1,200 for men in the high school, with
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regular annual increments up to certain maximums. Acton is not ready to grant the same pay for men and women for equal service, desirable as this may appear.
Conclusion
The past year has been pleasant and productive, in spite of the universal feeling of unrest. During the coming months there must doubtless be a closer tie-up with national and state defense plans. The superintendent is grateful for the excellent spirit of loyalty on the part of teachers and janitors, for the intelligent support of the school committee, and for the assist- ance of many parents and local organizations.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. HALL,
Superintendent of Schools
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Table 1 .- Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1940
Boys
Age
Grade 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Total
1
6 7 1
14
24 2
3
5 10 2
17
4
5 12 4
21
5
7 15 3
1
26
6
5 12
7 2
26
7
3 8
5 4
2
22
8
4 10
17
9
1 2 7 11
5
25
11
5 10
1
16
12
2
7
2 1
12
239
Girls Grade 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Total
1
7 10
2
19
2
9 18
27
3
6 13 2
21
4
8 11
2
21
5
7 12 0 1
20
6
4 12 3
1
20
7
7 11
5 0
2
1
18
9
24
10
1 10 11
5
2
29
11
7
7
5
1
20
12
1 3 11
3
18
13
2
2
262
501
3 9 7 2
19
10
Age
23
8
7 8 1 6 10
7
9 12 3
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Table 2 .- Acton Public Schools Enrollment on October 1st of Each Year 1926-1940 Incl.
Year
Elementary
High
Total
1926
257
219
476
1927
258
218
476
1928
241
221
463
1929
236
214
450
1930
252
222
474
1931
273
223
496
1932
252
269
521
1933
261
249
510
1934
232
254
486
1935
260
244
504
1936
263
235
499
1937
253
244
497
1938
253
234
487
1939
266
242
508
1940
265
245
501
Average for 15 Years
254
235
489
Table 3 .- Decline in Public School Membership in Massachusetts
Prepared by the Mass. Federation of Taxpayers Association August 1940
Elementary High Total (Grades 1-6) (Grades 7-12) (Grades 1-12)
Membership
1930
487,833
215,481
703,314
Actual
1935
462,934
269,561
732,495
Estimated
Membership
1940
396,712
279,132
675,844
1945
359,452
240,826
600,278
1950
344,026
124,527
558,553
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Walter F. Hall Superintendnet of Schools Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Physician.
Once again I am pleased to report a healthy school year with the attendance up to average.
We have had a few cases of chicken pox in the South School and two cases in the high school; one case of measles in the West School-but in all cases we have been able to avoid an epidemic.
Our recent epidemic of grip colds has affected our attend- ance, but not in comparison with our neighboring towns.
The immunization diphtheria clinic was conducted in May and the pre-school clinic was held in September prior to the opening of schools.
The parents have been very co-operative in our work and I wish to thank them; also, I am very grateful for the help of the superintendent, teachers, and the nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
E. A. MAYELL, M. D.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Walter F. Hall Superintendent of Schools Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as school nurse. Daily visits were made to all schools, including the high school. The schedule which is normally carried out, is high school-9 A.M. Elementary schools-1-2 P.M. Any change in this schedule is caused by unusual conditions, such as prevalence of illness in the town. The school physician is asked to examine pupils in any classroom where there has been a case of communicable disease. Parents are expected to co-operate by reporting any ill- nesses of children which may be contagious. During the past year we have had sporadic cases of chicken pox and measles, and last summer there were numerous cases of whooping cough. It was difficult to check upon all the cases as schools were closed for the summer. No cases developed after schools opened in the fall. The prevalence of grippe at the present time has caused a drop in the school attendance. The situation tends to improve.
Dr. Mayell made his annual physical examination of all school children in October and November. In many towns only certain grades are examined annually. In Acton it is possible to see every child. Notices were sent to parents when remedial defects were found, asking their help in having these defects corrected. High School pupils who register for competitive sports are given a special examination with particular atten- tion given to the condition of the heart. Defects in posture were properly referred to Miss Hanson for correction. The physical defects noted at examination were as follows:
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Number of pupils examined
501
Heart irregularities
43
Teeth (dental decay) 196
Enlarged tonsils
40
Malnutrition
31
Skin eruptions
16
Faulty posture 13
The audiometer, or hearing test, was given to all pupils from grades 3-12. By comparison of tests it is possible to pick out progressive deafness and advise parents concerning treat- ment. Failure of the pupil to make a good score may be caused by congestion, due to a cold, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, in- fection of the middle ear, foreign bodies in the ear, fatigue, or nervousness. The eye test is given by the class room teacher. Pupils who do not pass this test are given a re-test by the nurse. Failing in this test, a notice is sent to the parent to take his child to an eye specialist. The correction of these physical handicaps will help in scholarship as well as in improved health.
The Acton School Dental Clinic has not been held yet, but it is still very much needed and we hope that it may be here by February. The number of children who need dental care is still our major problem. This condition has shown im- provement since our Clinic started four years ago. Toothache which used to contribute largely as a cause of absence from school, has been almost eliminated.
A Diphtheria prevention program is offered every year by the Board of Health with school physician assisting. This pro- tection is for pre-school pupils and school pupils under ten, who have not previously been treated. The response last year was very encouraging. The following treatments were given:
Schick test 98
Positive test 40
Negative test 48
Toxoid-3 doses (for children having positive
Schick test) 120
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At the pre-school clinic it is planned to announce the dates for Diphtheria prevention program. Every child coming to school for the first time needs this protection. The pre-school clinic examined 20 pupils and advised that every child should start his school life with the best health possible. Apart from examinations and clinics time has been spent in first aid treat- ments, simple dressings, and pupil inspections. All illnesses not known are investigated. A simple cold may be the fore- runner of a contagious disease. I would ask parents to be aware of this possibility, when children are ill, thus avoiding the exposure of others. The work of the school nurse for the year is as follows:
Pupil inspections 1650
First aid
34
Simple dressings 659
Home visits 234
Pupils taken home ill
23
Pupils taken to Clinic
19
I wish to thank all who have contributed to the success of our school health program.
Respectfully submitted,
GENEVIEVE J. CREELEY, R. N.
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Acton High School GRADUATION PROGRAM Friday, June 14, 1940 High School Auditorium, 8 P. M.
Entrance March of Seniors
Schubert Marche Militaire
High School Orchestra
Invocation The Reverend Arthur H. Wilde
Salutatory
Helen B. Laird
Essay. The Problem of Juvenile Delinquency Lillian R. Briggs
Senior Class Chorus
On Venice Waters Fair Cuba
Roeder
de Frentes
Essay . Plastics James B. Callanan
Reading. Unmanifested Destiny Richard Hovey
Ruth O. Wood
Essay. The Finnish Co-operative Store of Maynard
Viola D. Pinolehto
Senior Class Chorus
Dear Land of Home Sibelius
Presentation of Class Gift James B. Callanan President of Senior Class
Essay. History of Acton Police System
Edmund J. T. McNiff
Valedictory
Ruth Wilde
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Class Song Tune: Auld Lang Syne Words: Charlotte Tolman and Mary Leveroni Presentation of Awards Supt. Walter F. Hall
Presentation of Diplomas
Mrs. Oliver D. Wood
Finale March
High School Orchestra
Graduates of 1940
Priscilla Harriet Bean Lillian Rebecca Briggs Gladys Louise Buffum *James Bartholomew Callanan
*Francis John Conroy Muriel Eleanor Connor Elizabeth Coulter
"Mary Kathleen Louise Curley Madeline Frances Curley Kenneth George Downie Carl William Flint Elmer Furbush Gowen, Jr.
* Avis Freda Hagen Mildred Frances Hodgen William Russell Horton Albert Jensen
*Helen Bernice Laird Mary Louise Leveroni Carl Olle Lundberg
*Barbara Anne McGuire
*Honor Students
Edmund John McNiff
*Richard Russell Newsham Harold Eugene Nickerson Fritz Frederick Oelschlegel
Alma Ruth Parkhurst Donn Winthrop Parsons Ingvald Pederson
*Viola Dagmar Pinolehto Howard Earl Rich
*Barbara Jean Richardson Ruth Evelyn Smart Dorothy Young Spencer
* Walter Addison Stevens Daniel Jerome Sweeney Charlotte Elizabeth Tolman Charles Frederick Waite
* Peter Reed Whitcomb Phyllis Katheryne White
*Ruth Vivian Wilde Ruth Olivia Wood
Awards During Year:
Helen Laird and James Callanan, American Legion Awards for best rank in Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achieve- ment (Edwards-Quimby Post) .
James Callanan: Washington-Franklin Medal for best records in American History (Mass. Society, Sons of the American Revolution) .
INDEX
Assessors
58
Board of Health
83
Cemetery Commissioners
50
Dog Officer
81 81
Elizabeth White Fund
Finance Committee
Fire Department
Forest Warden
Middlesex County Extension Service
60
Moth Control
56
Sealer's Report
62
Selectmen's Report
18
Schools:
Budget for 1941 206
Graduation Program 237
Organization 197
School Committee
201
School Nurse
234
School Physician
233
Special Building Committee
204
Summary of Expenses, 1940
207
Superintendent
219
Membership Tables
231
Teachers 200
Special Town Meeting (Abstract), May 27, 1940
30
Sponsor, W.P.A. Projects
62
State Auditor
144
Superintendent of Streets
53
Librarian's Report
68
Books Added to Public Library
69
Tax Collector 85
Town Accountant
108
Balance Sheet, Dec. 31, 1940 141
Town Clerk's Report 36
10 90 90 80
Inspector of Animals
Index-Continued
Town Meeting (Abstract), March 11, 1940
Town Officers
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Non-Resident Burials
Dog Licenses
Jury List (Revised) 1940
Town Forest Committee
Town Nurse
Treasurer's Report
Presidential Election, Nov. 5, 1940
Tree Warden
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
Police
Public Welfare
Warrant, Monday, March 3, 1941
W.P.A. Work Relief
Workmen's Compensation Agent
68
Walter Frothingham Hall, Memorial 195
21 13 37 39 42 44 45 49 57 82 95 31 52 59 63 91 3 52
REFERENCE BOOK ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
WELLS BINDERY, INC.
OCT
1976
WALTHAM, MASS. 02154.
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