Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1941-1945, Part 27

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1941
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 840


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1941-1945 > Part 27


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I would like at this time to extend the sincere thanks of the teachers in the West School to the parents of the children who attend our school. We have at all times received their wholehearted co-operation, which insures success in our endeavors.


Alice M. Feehan,


Acting Principal.


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Academic Standing of the High School


The scholastic standing of the high school is good and it is improving. Eligibility rules for participation in athletics and other school activities require more than the rules of the Massachusetts High School Principals' Association, which were followed by most schools. In Acton the eligibil- ity requirements for athletics follow :


1. C or higher in 4 prepared subjects in the week and 8-week period before that of the game, and no warning card marks below 60 in those subjects.


2. Effort mark of 1 and conduct mark of S in all sub- jects and general school conduct.


3. Students may not practice or play any day they are absent.


The point system has been revised upward slightly by vote of the school committee so that 20 points are required for promotion to each grade, starting with 1944-1945. Diploma requirements also were revised so that, starting with 1944-1945, all diplomas will be marked with the course completed : College Preparatory, Business, Practical Arts, or General. Students must take the required subjects to remain in a course. Students who do not have all the required subjects in a course will have a diploma marked "General."


Requirements for the honor roll are higher than they are in many schools: all A's for high honors; two or more A's in prepared subjects and the rest B's for honors.


In Massachusetts 10% is the average portion of each senior class entering college, and in Acton 25% of the Class of 1944 are in college including Boston University, Whea- ton College in Illinois, and Colby Junior College. One mem- ber will enter Colby College.


The Iowa Tests of Educational Development given in 1943-1944 to all students in Grades 9-12 showed that many


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f our students stand in the top 10% among 50,000 students who have taken the tests.


Acton High School has the teachers capable of pre- paring students to enter any college or technical school, and it provides the program of studies and tools of learn- ing needed for this purpose. There is a growing interest in further education among our students and the records in- dicate that more of them are entering colleges and schools of nursing.


Scholarships


Phyllis Carolyn Cook was awarded a $100 scholarship by the trustees of the Acton High School Scholarship Fund. She entered Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. Contri- butors to this fund in 1944 were the West Acton Woman's Club, the Acton Parent-Teacher Association, and the Class of 1944. The fund balance is $556.94.


Scholarships were also awarded by the Acton Center · Woman's Club to Shirley Anne Rimbach and Zillah Eliza- beth Gates.


Sale of War Stamps and Bonds


During the school year 1943-44 the sale of war stamps and bonds amounted to $8,213.11, and for October, Novem- ber, and December, 1944, the total was $3,272.25. A group of junior and senior girls under the direction of Miss Boor- nazian takes orders in each home-room one day a week.


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Students of Acton Who Gave Their Lives in 1944


Robert Webber McAllaster, who attended the West School.


Robert Everett Henry Thatcher, who graduated from Acton High School in 1934.


David Lester Jenks, who graduated from Acton High School in 1939, was president of his class in the senior year. He was active in dramatics and athletics, taking part in two plays and winning letters in football, basket- ball, and baseball.


Parent-Teacher Association


Under the leadership of Mr. Philip W. Goldthwaite for 1943-44 and Mrs. Wilson W. Chatfield and Mrs. Richard B. Greenman for 1944-45, the Acton Parent-Teacher As- sociation has grown in its spirit of friendliness and united interest in the school department. Among the worthy pro- jects it has sponsored are the scholarship fund, gift of a 16 mm. sound motion picture projector, dancing classes for all students, two paper drives (one shared equally with the Boy Scouts), a semi-formal dance, a trip to the Billerica House of Correction, and the annual declamation contest.


Music and refreshments at each meeting emphasize the informal nature of the organization.


Many interesting speakers addressed the association. Mrs. Victor Peppard of South Acton spoke on "Exchange Students" and Mrs. Walter Early, Past President of the


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Mass. American Legion Auxiliary spoke on "The Home." In May, Mr. Loring Kew, Master of the Billerica House of Correction, spoke on youth problems and invited members to visit his institution.


In the fall, Miss Grace Pierce, Director of Music at the Lowell State Teachers' College, presented an excellent program with the Senior Girls' Choir, and Dr. Wendell J. Yeo, Associate Professor at the Boston University School of Education, spoke on "Parents as Vocational Advisers." An unusual meeting was held in December when the sound film "Pop Rings the Bell" was shown, indicating the value to a town of the investment in its schools. Mimeographed copies of the tentative 1945 School Department Budget were circulated for discussion following the film. A definite spirit of support was noticed as those present asked for in- formation.


The schools of Acton have a promising future which the Parent-Teacher Association can and will influence to a great degree.


4-H Club


The Acton 4-H Clubs have done especially well in food production and canning. In Middlesex County the Acton High School Agriculture Club has the longest continuous existence of any such club, and the local 4-H Town Com- mittee leads in fund raising. The Agriculture Club held 19 meetings, half of which were illustrated with films, slides, and film strips. Acton is among the top communi- ties for the percentage of pupils participating in 4-H Clubs, and the Town Committee chairmen in 1944 are to be recog- nized for this record: Mrs. Warren E. Hartwell and Mr. Edward Estabrook.


Recommendations


In 1943 the school committee made the position of teacher of physical education for the elementary pupils and


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the high school girls a full time position. The results may be seen among the girls in their enthusiasm for physical edu- cation and their athletic successes.


I strongly recommend a position of full time teacher of physical education and health among the high school boys combined with the coaching of all sports. Other duties will be assigned. The results will be an increased interest and skill in athletics, which has a great influence in the life of a school, and adequate physical training for all high school boys. At present the seventh grade has very little physical education, and the eighth grade has only one period a week. All other classes have one double period a week.


A further gain will be an end of the present practice of taking one man teacher from his classroom one full day a week to teach physical education. Thus students in United States History, which is required in Grade 11 by state law, World History, Civics, Grade 7 Geography, and Grade 8 United States History have only four-fifths of the instruction to which they are entitled.


It is certain that the parents of all high school students, particularly the boys, will welcome such a plan.


A second recommendation concerns the administra- tive organization of the school department. The position of Superintendent of Schools and High School Principal, while varied and interesting, involves too many responsi- bilities to be carried adequately by one man. At present the school system is, perhaps, not large enough for a full time superintendent and a full time high school principal, but an adjustment can be made.


If a Central Elementary School is built after the war, . the adjustment will come with a full time elementary school principal in charge of the building, including super- vision, requisitions, and other details now carried chiefly by the superintendent. If a Central Elementary School is not built, a plan must be worked out so that much of the high


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school administration will be carried by a principal teach- ing not more than two classes.


Acton is in a position to develop an excellent school organization for small communities, and the interest of many townspeople in our schools points in this direction. For their loyal support and that of all parents and school department personnel I want to express sincere apprecia- tion.


In a year of considerable progress I want to thank all members of the school committee for their diligence and . spirit of co-operation.


Respectfully submitted, RICHARD B. GREENMAN, Superintendent of Schools.


Reports of Special Departments


Typewriting


We attain a much higher standard in speed and ac- curacy than most schools of our size and larger. The rate of speed averages 30 to 65 words per minute. A special pro- gram planned for seniors in the college course has proved invaluable to them later on. Office Practice is included in the senior course of study. In addition to this, the use of the senior class in the school office on a co-operative basis has been more highly developed than in some schools. For this reason many of our students are able to take office positions without further training in typewriting or short- hand. One of our graduates, after completing our course, passed the civil service examination and received a rating of senior typist. It is further gratifying to us that so many of our boys in service have found their training in type- writing of practical value. When conditions permit, a dicta- phone would be most useful.


Margaret Boornazian.


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Home Economics Department


We have been able to accomplish considerably more work in the 7th grade clothing classes this year by having double periods for the work instead of two single periods. The benefit is apparent in the quality of the work.


The foods classes in Grade 8 carry out their require- ments in cooking by one double period in the laboratory with a single period for textbook and notebook work. The foods classes are not connected in any way with the cafeteria.


The prices of food in the cafeteria have not been raised this year. A good substantial hot dish, along with two kinds of sandwiches, ice cream, cookies, dessert, and milk are served each day.


An able assistant, aided by several high school girls, prepares this lunch.


The cafeteria is self-sustaining. We also have a reserve in the bank which we hope to use in purchasing a much needed refrigerator and cooking utensils when these come on the market again.


Mary Emerson.


Industrial Arts


The shop program of 1943 has been continued in 1944 with certain adaptations to use the 4 new machines : grinder, metal lathe, milling machine, and shaper.


In looking to the future we should give more attention to these topics:


1. Auto Mechanics-Development of a shop course to provide training in the fundamentals of car oper- ation.


2. Electricity-Expansion of present course to include the principles of electronics.


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3. Plastics-As metal has replaced wood to a great extent, so will plastic compositions displace both wood and metal in an ever-increasing number of products.


4. Guidance-Development of a course to be re- quired of all students because the occupational fields are becoming more specialized. An early start in a vocation is highly desirable, almost a necessity, today.


Frank A. Saulenas.


Conant Library


A high school library is often the intellectual center of the school, and our small but efficient Conant Library can be called just that.


The senior high students find the library not only a great aid in research and study, but also a center for pleasure reading.


The library is used constantly by the junior high students in supervised reading classes. Special sections of the library shelves are devoted to books for this group of students.


We have added 55 books since September 1944, from lists of books suggested by the teachers in the various de- partments of the school. Among these are background and reference books and some of the latest worthwhile fiction.


We are planning to add to the books already purchased so that we can keep our library a modern, well-equipped tool for our students.


Under the will of Miss Charlotte Conant, $1,500 was left to the Conant Library of Acton High School, the income of which is to be spent under the supervision of the prin- cipal and history teacher.


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Dramatics


There seems to be a growing interest in dramatics among the older pupils.


Last April a group of juniors went to the Massachu- setts High School Drama Festival at Belmont. Our play was "Grandma Pulls the String," and while we did not win any prize, there was a great satisfaction in competing with schools far larger than ours, such as Belmont, Arlington, and Marblehead. I have already had inquiries from pupils about our competing again.


The Senior Play in November was a great success. "Brother Goose" is a very popular royalty play. On Decem- ber 8, we put on the play at Lovell General Hospital North and we recently had a letter of commendation from the Red Cross officials.


We are preparing now for the Declamation Contest in February and we are hoping to have a few boys take part this year along with the girls.


Lydia Abbott.


Art


The art department has been accomplishing a great variety in the type of work done, and as time progresses, the achievements are of higher standard. We feel we could compete with any other school, as may be seen by the work on display monthly in the town library and store windows.


The work consists of color, design, illustration, letter- ing, perspective, cartooning, costume design, fine arts, and a great deal of cut-out work. Many posters have been made in correlation with all school activities. Red Cross work is also being done again this year.


We hope to develop further in the fine arts for we have some students with unusual talent. Plans are under way to develop a course in Art Appreciation.


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Our equipment is gradually improving so that before long we shall have a well stocked studio.


Finger painting is a very adaptable and particularly interesting art and one that could be introduced even in the primary grades.


Jeanne Toohey.


Music


My fourth annual report as supervisor of music in the Acton schools is herewith submitted.


I am happy to present the following recommendations and report of progress made by our Music Department.


I. Recommendations


During the last four years I have been successful in establishing a maximum music program under the present system of combined elementary school classes. Since the progress made in the elementary grades is vital to the pro- gress of the junior and senior high school classes, I wish to emphasize the importance of teaching elementary music to one grade at a time.


A. Under the present set-up, each elementary class receives only a half-year instruction, for I must divide my time between two classes in a room.


B. Students in the elementary schools are deprived of an assembly room, a very necessary factor in building school and citizenship spirit through music.


C. There are enough students in the elementary schools to organize an orchestra, but because there is no assembly room I am unable to provide this important phase of instruction.


D. Music Appreciation classes will progress much more rapidly under a single class set-up.


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E. A single elementary class plan would re-vitalize our whole music department and increase its pro- gress two-fold.


II. Instruments


We are in need of music instruments for the band and the orchestra. I recommend that $5.00 a year rental be charged for the use of all school owned instruments loaned to students. The proceeds will be used for necessary repairs of the instruments and to create a music fund with which to purchase musical instruments.


III. Phonograph Records


We are in great need of suitable records for the elementary schools. I recommend that provision be made for the purchase of about 25 phonograph records.


IV. Progress


A. Two organs were purchased, one for the West School, the other for the South School. I have placed an order for the Center School. These organs were purchased from the proceeds of ele- mentary school activities and the annual music festival.


B. Thirty-six pupils are now receiving instrumental instructions, five more than last year. I expect an increase of about ten pupils each year for our band and orchestra.


C. An operetta was given by the West School stu- dents.


D. Annual music festival.


E. Annual instrumental class concert.


F. High school band performed for the senior play.


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G. High school orchestra performed for the Parent- Teacher Association.


H. Girls' glee club and the orchestra performed for the graduation exercises.


I. Music was provided for all high school assemblies, including a · Christmas music assembly for both parents and students.


The morale of all groups is excellent.


I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the superintendent and school committee for the splendid co- operation extended to me.


The co-operation of the townspeople and the Acton School Department, which has contributed to the success of this program, is greatly appreciated.


Charles K. Yeremian.


Athletic Association


I hereby submit my annual report as faculty manager of athletics for Acton High School.


The local press and publicity agents have kept you fully informed as to the success of our athletic teams in the past year. This winter the boys' and girls' basketball teams have entered the Eastern Division of the Wachusett Basket- ball League with a great deal of pleasure and success.


Our purpose is to keep the teams functioning properly, i. e., to raise money for equipment and transportation, and, above all, to keep the balance on the right side of the ledger. This latter has been possible through the co-operation of all the students of the school in selling magazines. They sold $913.50 worth of periodicals which netted the athletic treasury a little over $300. Added to this, receipts from basketball games and sale of tonic have brought our balance sheet to $531.89 on January 1, 1945.


Walter W. Holt.


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Health and Physical Education in the Elementary Schools and for the High School Girls


The health and physical education program has at- tempted to develop strength, endurance, agility and co- ordination in the students, following the same trends as in 1943.


More emphasis is being placed on the individual sports, teaching activities which will have a carry-over value from high school. Badminton and deck tennis equipment has been added.


The elementary school program emphasizes good health, good posture, and good sportsmanship.


Equipment needed at the present time : Two new tumbling mats. Badminton and volley ball standards.


Additional badminton rackets.


Ping pong table.


Dorothy Beers.


Physical Education for High School Boys


In 1944 we have tried to reorganize the sports program so that we may compare favorably with other towns in Massachusetts. We have played 6 football games, 10 baseball games and 21 basketball games. A particularly fine spirit now exists between Acton boys and boys from surrounding towns. The Physical Education Demonstration was received favorably by all present on May 11. This year Acton has joined the 12-team Wachusett League for competition in basketball and baseball. We have held to our strict athletic eligibility code covering marks in studies, attitude and conduct.


Recommendations :


1. Full time man as director of physical education, coach of all sports, assistant to the superintendent.


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2. Each physical education class to be a mixed group with some boys from each grade (9-12).


3. Three single periods a week rather than one double.


4 .. New rigging for basketball court in Blanchard Hall.


Richard E. Bradford.


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School Membership and Attendance Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1944


Age


Boys


Gr. 5 6


7


8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ttl


1 2 23 1 1


27


2


9 12 2


23


3


26


4


17


5


11


6


6 10


2 1


19


7


5


2 3


16


8


6 12 6 2 7 1


26


9


5 16


29


10


2 8


6


16


11


2


2


4


12


2 6


8


222


Age


Girls


Gr. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ttl


1 4 16


20


2 7 13 3


23


3 5 20 2 1 5 15 1


21


5


5 16 4 1


26


6


1 6 17


24


7


9 13 5


27


8


6 10 6


22


9


5 10 3


18


10


6 15 3


24


11


5 13


..


18


12


8 9


17


5 16 4 1 7 8 2 2 6 2 1 6


28


4


268


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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN


Mr. Richard B. Greenman


Superintendent of Schools


Acton, Massachusetts


Dear Sir :


I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.


The yearly physical examinations were completed in November.


The diphtheria and pre-school clinics were held in May and June.


Students taking part in outdoor sports were examined prior to our general physical examinations.


We have had some cases of measles in March, and some of whooping cough in the Center School previous to the Christmas vacation, but have been fortunate in not having the disease spread to the other schools.


I thank the superintendent, nurse, teachers, and towns- people for their co-operation.


Respectfully submitted,


E. A. MAYELL, M. D.


.


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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE


Mr. Richard Greenman Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit my report for the year ending De- cember 31, 1944. The physical examination of all pupils was made by Doctor Mayell early in the fall. Special exam- ination of all pupils in competitive sports was made before sports were started, and a re-examination wherever Doctor Mayell deemed it necessary.


The usual diphtheria clinic was carried on under the Board of Health with the school physician in May.


Pre-school conferences were held in May. Examina- tions of children to enter in September were made and recommendations for correction of defects.


There was the usual run of communicable disease. If children with colds could be kept home we would be able to control some of the communicable disease and many of the cold epidemics.


May I, at this time, express my appreciation for the support of the teachers and the superintendent.


Respectfully submitted,


LILLIAN F. TAYLOR, R. N.


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ACTON HIGH SCHOOL


Graduation Program Friday, June 16, 1944


Entrance March of Seniors "Pomp and Circumstance" Elgar


Invocation


The Reverend Harry B. Roberts


Salutatory


Arlene Alice McAvenia


Girls' Glee Club "Come to the Fair" "Goin' Home"'


E. Martin Anton Dvorak


Essay-"Athletics in Acton


Shirley Anne Rimbach


Vocal Solo


"Such a Li'l Fellow" William Dichmont Zillah Elizabeth Gates Ruth Janet Durkin, Accompanist


Presentation of Class Gift


Donald Kenneth Willett


President of Senior Class


Essay and Valedictory-"Post-War Missions"


Phyllis Carolyn Cook


Class Song


Words :


Jane Reed


Music : Arlene McAvenia


Presentation of Awards


Mr. Walter W. Holt Vice-Principal Mr. Richard B. Greenman Superintendent of Schools


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National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance


Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Richard A. Lowden Chairman of School Committee


Final March-"True to Our Flag" Ellwood


Reception to Graduates-Lawn or Science Room


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GRADUATES, 1944


*Barbara Ann Backman Marion Frances Beach


*Evelyn Avis Collins


*Phyllis Carolyn Cook


*Henry Stewart Dickson Leona Pearl Diggs Ruth Janet Durkin


** Robert Fletcher Zillah Elizabeth Gates


*Barbara Aline Howell


* Arlene Alice McAvenia David Thomas McGuire *Honor Students


*In the Service


Clara Newton Laura Jane Peterson


* Anna Miriam Pinolehto Jane Reed


Shirley Anne Rimbach Jean Mary Roe


Thomas Robert Smith


Audrey Terrell Francis Walther


Alice Jeanette Wetherbee George Edward White


* Donald Kenneth Willett


Awards at Graduation :


American Legion Medal, awarded by Edwards-Quimby Post to the senior boy and girl outstanding in scholar- ship, loyalty, and achievement: Barbara Ann Back- man, Donald Kenneth Willett.


Washington-Franklin Medal, awarded by the Mass- achusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolu- tion for the best record in American History: Arlene Alice McAvenia.


$25 War Bonds, awarded by Mrs. Robert Reid, Jr., to a senior boy and girl showing the greatest scholastic im- provement in the past four years and a co-operative at- titude through service to the school: Jean Mary Roe and Henry Stewart Dickson.


INDEX


Assessors


67


Board of Health 72


Cemetery Commissioners 78


Dog Officer


84


Elizabeth White Fund 79


Finance Committee


93


Fire Department


76


Forest Warden


77


Inspector of Animals 69


Librarian's Report 55


Middlesex County Extension Service 53


Moth Superintendent 52


Post-War Public Works Committee 67


Sealer's Report


52


Selectmen's Report


14


Schools :


Budgets for 1944 152


Graduation Program 180


Organization


143


School Committee 148


School Nurse 179


School Physician


178


Superintendent


156


Teachers


147


Special Town Meeting (Abstract) Sept. 11, 1944 25


State Auditor's Report 132


Superintendent of Streets 104 Tax Collector 80


Town Accountant 107


Town Clerk's Report


29


Births


30


Marriages


33


Deaths


35


Non-Resident Burials


37


Dog Licenses 39


Jury List (Revised) 1944


40


Presidential Election (Nov. 7, 1944)




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