Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1941-1945, Part 34

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 34


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34


Paid for Support for Year Ending December 31, 1945


Superintendent, Salary


$1,999.92


Office and Traveling Expenses


643.00


Total General Control


$2,642.92


Expenses of Instruction


Supervisors' Salaries, Art, Music, Physical Education


$4,604.00


High School Principal's Salary ยท


1,400.00


High School Teachers' Salaries


21,369.49


Elementary Principals' Salaries


5,292.50


Elementary Teachers' Salaries


9,064.07


$41,730.06


High School Textbooks


763.24


Elementary Textbooks


1,688.35


High School Stationery and Supplies


922.59


Elementary Stationery and Supplies


469.08


$3,843.26


High School Operating Expenses


Janitor


$2,673.28


Fuel


1,104.65


Miscellaneous


1,148.61


$4,926.54


Elementary Operating Expenses


Janitors


$2,760.00


Fuel


1,148.99


Miscellaneous


779.68


$4,688.67


Total Operating Expenses


$9,615.21


High School Maintenance and Repairs


$1,543.61


Elementary Maintenance and Repairs


702.48


Waterproofing North Wall, High School


1,558.00


135


Total Maintenance and Repairs


$3,804.09


Auxiliary Agencies


Health, High


$ 125.00


Health, Elementary


125.00


Libraries


297.53


Transportation


4,993.50


Vocational Education


72.40


Miscellaneous


95.26


$5,708.69


Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement Board


$ 217.50


Fluorescent Lighting


1,418.00


Total Expended


$68,979.73


Unexpended Balance


1,180.77


$70,160.50


Appropriation Balance, Fluorescent Lighting


1,550.00


$71,710.50


Appropriation Balance, 1944


$1,340.20


Appropriation 1945


77.80


Appropriation 1945, Fluorescent Lighting


1,550.00


Appropriation 1945


67,567.50


Transfer


1,175.00


$71,710.50


IN MEMORIAM


Acton Students Who Gave Their Lives in 1945


Francis J. Conroy


Graduated in 1940


Ansel R. Smart


Graduated in 1935


Robert B. Taylor


Graduated in 1938


136


REPORT OF THE


SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee of Acton, Massachusetts .


Ladies and Gentlemen:


This is my fifth annual report, which covers the year ending December 31, 1945.


Teachers


The following new teachers were appointed in 1945: Mrs. Edith Hatch


Miss Mildred A. Roberts


Miss Dorothy A. Hughes


Miss Mary G. Hogan


Mr. William L. O'Connell


Mr. Alfred W. Pullano


Improvement of Instruction


Public education is undergoing considerable change, with the emphasis on general education for all children in all grades, and teachers thus face an increased responsibility. As they become informed of recent improvements in meth .. ods, materials and curriculum, so the whole school depart- ment keeps pace with the needs of the students and of the community.


In 1945 a number of teachers took steps to improve instruction through in-service training :


Miss Merriam and Miss McCarthy


3-day conference at Massachusetts State College


1-day Air Institute at Logan Airport


Miss Hogan and Mr. O'Connell


Boston University School of Education (fall term) Mr. Greenman


Harvard Graduate School of Education (fall term)


School Plant


Improvements in 1945 include waterproofing the high school north wall, which has proved to be successful, new Center School fence, fan ventilator in high school boys' toilet, repairs to heating systems in the Center and West Schools, and additional radiation in the high school.


Still waiting for attention are a number of problems in


137


the high school: automatic heat, leaks caused by roof flash- ings, redecoration of Blanchard Hall, insulation under the roof, improved lighting, and painting inside and out.


SPECIAL ARTICLE IN 1946


Again the School Committee bring to the attention of the town the need for study of the school housing problem : "To see if the town will vote to elect a School Building Committee consisting of the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and School Committee, with the Superintendent of Schools as Clerk of the School Building Committee without a vote, to survey the elementary school needs of the town, secure pre- liminary plans, and report on the advisability of re- modeling the present elementary schools, the estimated cost of a central 8-grade elementary school, including sub-primary department, and of three new 8-grade ele- mentary schools, including sub-primary department, one in each precinct; and to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 or any other sum for the use of the said School Building Committee, and instruct it to report to the town at the next annual or special town meeting, or act anything thereon."


Textbooks


A co-operative survey of textbooks was made with the help of the teachers, and new titles were selected after an examination of samples. The textbooks in general are up to date in all schools. New books this year include arith- metic, spelling, basic readers, supplementary readers, dic- tionaries, science, junior business training, algebra, health, junior high school literature and English, and French grammar.


Scholarships


Barbara Anne Barry, who entered Massachusetts State College, was awarded the $100 Acton High School Scholar- ship. Contributors to the fund in 1945 were the West Acton Woman's Club, the Acton Parent-Teacher Association, and the Class of 1945. The fund balance on December 31, 1945 was $635.38.


Nancy Anne Christofferson, who entered Simmons Col- lege, received the Acton Center Woman's Club Scholarship.


138


A new award, offered for the first time at the 1946 graduation, is the Bausch and Lomb Science Medal. Seniors are invited to compete for five national Bausch and Lomb science scholarships of $1,500 each at the University of Rochester.


Two seniors are competing for the national Pepsi-Cola Scholarships, which cover full tuition and most other ex- penses for four college years.


Seniors are also encouraged to compete for the ten national George Westinghouse Scholarships of $1,850 each at Carnegie Institute of Technology. Examinations are given in all parts of the country and winners are selected for general ability, engineering aptitude, and leadership qualities.


Health


Classes in standard Red Cross First Aid and Home Nurs- ing were taught to junior and senior girls by Mrs. Charlotte Keyes and Mrs. Thelma Blood. Health classes with a modern text were taught by Miss Beers to all girls in Grades 7-12 once a week starting in September. The boys also should have health instruction. It may be possible to have dental work carried on again in the schools if a dentist can be found. Seventy-nine high school students had chest X-rays in the fall under the direction of the Middlesex Health Association and the Acton Christmas Seal Committee.


Correspondence Courses


We have been commended by the State Department of Education and the U. S. Maritime Service Institute for ef- forts made to plan correspondence courses so that students in service can earn credit for their regular high school diploma. Plans for several former students are now in operation.


Recommendations


1. Long range study of the school department with relation to the growth of town.


2. Separation of Grades 1 and 2 in the South and West Schools with a teacher for each grade because of large numbers.


3. Modern maps and globes in all buildings in 1946.


4. Greater efforts to meet the needs of all students in high school.


139


I wish to express my appreciation to School Committee members, taxpayers, teachers and all other school employees whose co-operative efforts have contributed to the well being of all the children in our public schools.


Respectfully submitted


RICHARD B. GREENMAN Superintendent of Schools


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS


Center School:


The Center School opened this year with the following staff of teachers: Miss Roberts in Grades 1 and 2, Mrs. Johnson in Grades 3 and 4, and Mrs. Berry in Grades 5 and 6. The total enrollment was 80. Because the upstairs rooms are small, crowded conditions prevail. The average number of children bringing lunches is 69. Again, due to the lack of space each teacher must have her own pupils in her room every day for lunch. The average number of children buying milk is only 22. The importance of good teeth, health and good work habits are being stressed.


A small Estey organ has been purchased. It has proved very useful and is being enjoyed by the entire building. Fire drills are held monthly and Mr. Harvey has been most helpful in conducting them.


A new chain link fence has been erected along the front of the building. This has helped to keep the children out of the street.


A parents' night was held in November. The school was open for inspection at this time and the teachers were in their rooms to talk over problems with parents.


I respectfully submit for consideration the following recommendations :


1. A better heating system.


2. More adequate playground equipment.


3. Several new desks and chairs.


4. More up-to-date toilet facilities.


5. Fire escape from the rear of the building.


We appreciate the fine co-operation given us by the


140


parents. We are very grateful to Miss Lothrop, our Li- brarian at the Center Library for helping the boys and girls to become interested in reading fine books.


In closing I want to say that it is with a feeling of regret that I leave the Center School. My teaching years in Acton have been most happy ones and I wish at this time to thank every one for the many kindnesses shown me.


Ruth Johnson, Acting Principal


South School:


I herewith submit my annual report for the South Acton School. The present enrollment is 101. Miss Mer- riam has 37 pupils in Grades 1 and 2. Miss McCarthy has 45 pupils in Grades 3 and 4, and Miss Hughes has 29 pupils in Grades 5 and 6. Our average milk sale is 60 bottles per day and 58 pupils bring lunches regularly. Fire drills are held monthly.


Miss Merriam and Miss McCarthy attended the three- day Teachers' Conference at Massachusetts State College at Amherst in June and also an interesting one day Air In- stitute held at Logan Airport under the direction of the Civil Aeronautics Administration.


To date we have sold $801.65 worth of War Savings Stamps in the year of 1945. I wish that more parents would consider the possibility of teaching children systematic sav- ing through the purchase of War Savings Stamps. The amount each week need not be large but could be steady, thereby establishing a habit of thrift early in life.


Mr. Kenneth Harvey, the custodian, has changed the swing of doors on all toilets to permit safer entrance, and has made a second exit at the end of the girls' toilets. Both changes are a great improvement. He has also built a bicycle rack at the rear of the building. He has mounted the desks in the lunch room on strapping, making possible greater flexibility in the use of the room.


Our chief undertaking this year has been the building of a platform or stage in the lunch room. Mr. Harvey has done all the work using material found in the building We must now find material for curtains and ways of earning money for folding chairs for the room.


141


We have added to our playground equipment by pur- chasing 3 baseball gloves, 2 bats, 2 baseballs, 2 soft balls, 1 volley ball, and 2 soccer balls. We subscribe to two maga- zines, The National Geographic and Story Parade.


I respectfully submit for consideration the following recommendations-that, in the future, playground equip- ment be supplied by the school department, and that some means of obtaining hot water be installed in the building.


In closing, I wish to thank my co-workers, Miss Mer- riam, Miss Hughes, and Mr. Harvey for their co-operation in all projects and assistance in supervision, and Mr. Green- man and the School Committee for understanding and sup- port.


Julia L. McCarthy,


Principal


West School:


The West Acton School opened Sept. 10, 1945, with an enrollment of 95 pupils. The present enrollment is 92. There are three teachers in the building, Mrs. Wells in Grades. 1 and 2 has 30 pupils, Mrs. Archer in Grades 3 and 4 has 33 pupils, and Mrs. Douglas in Grades 5 and 6 has 32 pupils. The average number of children bringing lunches at noon is 25. Fire drills are held monthly. An average of 35 bottles of chocolate milk has been sold daily since October 29. Teachers try to emphasize the importance of good health, clean talk, and good work habits. War stamps are being sold each Thursday and our aim is to increase the percentage each month. Junior Red Cross enrollment was 100%. With the money gained from the selling of seeds, a subscription for the National Geographic Magazine was given Grades 5 and 6. Playground equipment such as bats, balls, jump ropes and marbles were given Grades, 1, 2, 3, and 4.


The book situation has been greatly improved by bring- ing up to date all basic readers, and by adding new sup- plementary readers, spelling, science, health, and arithmetic books. We appreciate the efforts of our superintendent and the school committee in making this possible.


The mud situation on our playground was a serious one and has been greatly helped by the spreading of three loads of gravel.


142


A much needed radiator has been installed in the girls' basement.


I respectfully submit for consideration the following recommendations :


1. That a large closet be made to take care of books in Grades 5 and 6.


2. That six new chairs and desks be added to Grades 5 and 6.


3. That we have more playground equipment.


4. That two large chairs be purchased and placed in each classroom.


The spirit of the teachers and pupils in the West School is excellent, and we wish at this time to express our sincere thanks to the parents for their splendid co-operation.


Carrie F. Wells,


Acting Principal


REPORTS OF SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS


Conant Library


Thirty-six new books and thirty-two magazine sub- scriptions have been secured for the Conant Library, and a number of donations have been received.


Among these is a copy of Prose and Poetry of England donated by Mrs. Albert R. Jenks from the collection of her son, David. David was president of the Class of 1939 in Acton High School and was killed in action in World War II, October 1944. The Acton Memorial Library donated ten volumes of Abraham Lincoln, A History. Since the last report we have added a set of Compton's Pictured Encyclo- pedia to the library.


The library is open almost every period each day for the use of the pupils who need to do reference work.


We have received a number of recommendations from members of the faculty for books to be used in correlation with their classes. These books will be purchased after January 1.


The library needs novels especially suited for the junior high pupils. We have supervised reading classes for the' seventh and eighth grades. A large percentage of the seventh grade pupils have finished the books in the junior high section before the end of the year.


More biographical and autobiographical books are need-


143


ed for the high school pupils.


The Acton High School Library Fund of $1500, left under the will of Miss Charlotte Conant has about $31 available for history books.


Ann Horrigan, Librarian


Dramatics


Since the last annual report, Acton High School has held its Declamation Contest and its Senior Play, "A Little Honey", in addition to doing intensive work on a one-act play, "Gray Bread", which was presented at the Massachu- setts Drama Festival.


Plans are now being made for one-act plays to be pre- sented in the spring.


Acton High School has no organized club for those in- terested in dramatics, though an active club could be a suc- cess if, in addition to other duties, one teacher had the time to work with the members during the fall months.


It is difficult to act on such a small stage as ours, and the work would be far more interesting for the pupils if new lighting equipment and stage properties were added to what the school now has.


Lydia Abbott


The Acton Junior High School pupils presented a one- act play, "Homework" to the student body in February. The play was given again at the Congregational Church party in March. We are planning to present another short play again this year.


Anne Horrigan


Music


My fifth annual report as Supervisor of Music in Acton Public Schools is herewith submitted.


I wish to recommend again, as in my last year's report, the necessity of a combined elementary system. I do not think it is necessary to list the reasons, as they appeared in detail in my 1944 annual report.


In order that my department may progress satisfactor- ily, it is of the utmost importance that any new elementary classroom teacher engaged should be capable of teaching music.


The proceeds of our annual Spring Festival Concert


144


were used to purchase the following items: trumpet, phono- graph records for the elementary schools, and repairing of school owned instruments, and six music stands.


A whist-bridge party was held in November of this year when $125 was raised for the purpose of buying uni- forms for the band. Plans are in progress for another ac- tivity for this purpose.


A class of drum Majors was organized in November, but because it was held after school, it created the problem of transportation. For this reason the drum major class had to be dissolved, as pupils found it difficult to walk home on cold wintry days.


Band membership totals 24 students.


Orchestra membership totals 33 students.


Our instrumental organization is a great morale builder in our schools.


Public Performances


a. Annual Music Festival


b. Annual instrumental class concert


c. High school orchestra performed for the graduation exercises.


d. High school band performed at the bridge-whist party.


e. High school chorus, band, and orchestra performed at several school assemblies.


The morale of all groups is excellent. I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the superintendent and school committee, to the townspeople, and school organi- zation for the splendid co-operation extended to me. They have all contributed to the success of the music program.


Charles K. Yeremian


Art


The art course started again this year in all grades with color and line studies. There have been several cut-out lessons which involve creative ability and design. The res- ponse in some of the representation lessons was most satis- factory as to originality and technique in the high school and grades.


Poster awards were won and sent to us by the Mass. Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.


Students have a great fondness for the pastel work,


145


so we will do more with them soon. A finger paint set has been ordered recently and we should have some stu- dents who will acquire skill with them.


Two of the very large water color murals made by grade 5 and 6 in Acton Center are being saved with the hope that they might be made permanent with the use of shellac.


Jeanne Toohey


Commercial Department


For the school year 1944-45 this department was under the direction of Miss Margaret Boornazian. During this time the average rate of speed for one-minute timed tests was fifty words a minute without error and the maximum rate attained by one pupil was ninety-four words a minute. The shorthand classes were taught exclusively as a skilled course including much theory work. The students satis- factorily completing the first-year course were advanced to second year where they were taught more theory and com- pletely skilled work.


The pupils showing ability in typing were taught the use of the mimeograph so that this phase of commercial work could be put to use in doing the duplicating work of the school, including production of the school newspaper.


The many other courses were taught in a practical way so that the pupils can apply what they learn when they enter the business world. They were also used as back- ground material with which to fill out the required skilled subjects.


This department would be improved by the addition of a dictophone and a gelatin duplicator so that more office practice work could be taught.


Mary Hogan


Home Economics


Despite wartime conditions the Home Economics De- partment has carried on.


In the sewing classes the difficulty has been the lack of yard goods in the stores. Grain bags have helped is to meet this emergency.


The eighth grade cooking classes have been too large for the limited equipment in the kitchen which serves both cooking classes and cafeteria at the same time.


Financially the cafeteria is still self-sustaining. Due


146


to the increase in the amount of orders, which has tripled during the year, we have managed to maintain the same scale of prices in face of the rising cost of food.


It is to be recommended, however, that when appliances are again available, adequate equipment be installed in the kitchen to meet the present needs of both cooking class and cafeteria.


Mary L. Emerson


Industrial Arts


The work in the Industrial Arts Department will under- go a few changes this year. The shortages of materials and equipment which necessitated the curtailing of work in metals as well as woods, during the "war years", will be overcome, and such courses as patternmaking, founding, sheetmetal work, and plastics will return on a greater scale.


The department is fast expanding to meet the needs of boys and girls in understanding the industrial world and some of its functions. However, there is a clamor on the part of many students for a course in automobile mainten- ance. Unless it be on a theoretical basis, present shop fa- cilities are inadequate for teaching such a course. The in- stallation of a motor, chassis, or other equipment would overcrowd areas now being used to their full capacity. Should more space be made available, it is recommended that such a course be undertaken on a high school level.


The machine shop course would be greatly enhanced were castings available for finishing. The patternmaking and founding course was designed to make such castings, but due to the lack of a furnace for melting metals such as brass, copper, or aluminum, its objectives have been only partially answered. The purchase of such a furnace which can be used for heat treatment of metals, too, is highly recommended.


The function of welding in a machine shop course can- not be over-stressed. Equipment for welding should be requisitioned, a portable type, either oxy-acetylene or elec- tric is recommended.


Any contribution that local industry can make to fur- ther the development of the industrial arts program would be greatly appreciated. Donations of equipment, materials, or supplies, and short talks or discussions by local men of


147


industry would not only create a better understanding of local occupational opportunities, but would also enrich our occupational guidance program.


During the past few years, the department has taken long strides in the field of industrial arts education. The foresight and co-operation of the superintendent, the school committee, and the townspeople in granting the needs of this important phase of general education is commendable.


John Mitchell


Health and Physical Education, High School Girls and Elementary Schools


The physical education program for high school girls has followed the same aims and obpectives as last year. With two periods each week, emphasis was placed on activi- ties which met the needs of all students and had a carry- over value in their future life.


The extra-curricular sports, field hockey, and basket- ball, offered an opportunity for keen competition for the more athleticly inclined students, while badminton, deck tennis, horseshoes and darts provided recreational oppor- tunities for all.


A more extensive health program was added this year in the high school. Each girl had one theory class a week. Most grades had a new health text book from which to study and a complete series has been ordered.


At present the most important need is better equipment.


1. Tumbling mats


2. Net standards


3. Ping pong table


4. Girls' shower room needs raised platform or matting from dressing room to showers.


The elementary schools program emphasized good pos- ture and good sportsmanship indirectly through games and exercises and directly through the use of health charts and regular inspections.


Physical Education Program for High School Boys


The physical education program for boys at Acton High School has stressed physical fitness for each and every in- dividual in the school. This year we have been fortunate


148


in having excellent weather until early December, which made it possible to hold classes outdoors. Since the sta- tistics have been released on the tremendous amount of men rejected for military service, we have attempted to improve the posture and carriage of the individual. The exercises approved by the armed forces have been included in the class programs. Relay races and hardening exercises, to improve the wind and physical defects of the students, have been stressed. Basketball and baseball fundamentals have been taught to all grades from seven through twelve.


In the athletic department Acton High School was not represented by a football team this year. The basketball team was called out and a squad of twenty-three men re- ported. This year only two veterans returned, so a new team had to be organized. The interest and spirit of both the team and students was excellent and we all look for- ward to a very successful season. Since we were not in a league, independent teams have been scheduled from sur- rounding towns. The foundation is being laid for a winning team for the next four years, since only four boys will grad- uate in June 1946.


We all look forward to the spring when the baseball team will be called out, as a better than average team is expected, since there are a number of holdovers from last year's club.


I wish to thank the superintendent and the faculty manager, and my fellow teachers for their excellent support and co-operation.


My recommendations are as follows :


1. A full time physical education instructor to super- vise the health and physical education in both the Junior and Senior High Schools.


2. Arrange the physical training program so each stu- dent will have three or four periods a week, instead of a double period once a week.


3. A regulation to have each boy own or obtain a gym suit and a pair of sneakers, just as soon as they are avail- able to the public.


4. The teaching of fundamentals of all sports in the Junior High School, including an intra-mural program.


5. The return of a football team to represent the high


149


school, and setting up the gymnasium with the equipment needed to carry on physical training indoors.


William L. O'Connell


Acton High Athletic Association


It is with pleasure that I submit my report of the acti- vities of athletics at the Acton High School.


As you have observed in the local papers, from time to time, the publicity agents have kept you fully informed as. to the success of our athletic teams. Last winter the boys; and girls played in the Eastern Division of the Wachusett: Basketball League with a great deal of pride and pleasure .. Later on in the season the boys played baseball.


Football was omitted this fall on account of the small! number of boys eligible to play. The girls, as usual, played hockey with other schools.


This winter the boys' and girls' basketball teams have a well rounded schedule to play with schools of their own. size.


Again this fall, through the co-operation of students, .. we were able to increase our treasury account a little over $200.00 by selling $683.00 worth of periodicals. The money raised by the association in selling magazines, receipts of games, and sale of tonic are the sole financial support of the equipment, transportation, referees, and other expenses of all Acton High School athletic teams. Our balance sheet. on December 17, 1945 was $278.46.


Recommendation: That a general reconditioning of the" auditorium be undertaken so that it may be adapted for athletics, plays, a hall, etc. with least delay possible.


Walter W. Holt.


150


School Membership and Attendance


Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1945


Age


Boys


Gr.


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


1


25 2 1


28


2


1 22 1 1


25


3


7 14 4


25


4


3 13 5 1 7 11 4


1


1


24 -


6


1


5


1


1


8


Ungraded


1


3 1


1


6


7


6 11


2


3 3 4 4


4 4


24


11


2 8


14


12


2


4 2


4


246


-0-


Age


Girls


Gr.


5


6


7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ttl


1


18


6


24


2


5 12 1


-18


3


9 10 2


21


4


7 19 3


29


5


5 16 1


22


6


6 15


4 1


26


7


1 9 15


1 1


27


8


6 16


2 2 5


22


10


5 13


2


1


21


11


5 11


3


19


12


5


9 1 15


270


8


5 7


19


9


6 11


25


10


5 15


26


9


9 8


22


5


22


151


REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN


Mr. Richard B. Greenman Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.


Special examinations were held at the high school for stu -- dents taking part in hockey and sports.


Diphtheria clinics were held in May and early June.


The yearly physical examinations were completed in No- vember.


We have been most fortunate in not having any epidemics this past year.


The general physical condition of the school population is good in my opinion.


The cooperation of the superintendent, nurse, teachers, and townspeople is very much appreciated.


Respectfully submitted,,


E. A. Mayell, M.D.


152


REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE


Mr. Richard Greenman Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts Dear Sir:


Report for the school year ending December 1945 follows:


The annual school physical examinations were made in the fall by Doctor Mayell. All pupils taking part in competitive sports were examined before the start of games.


The Diphtheria Clinic was held in May; Schick tests given to 50 pupils and 93 inoculations against diphtheria were given.


Pre-school conferences were held in May when children en- tering school in September were examined and recommendations for defects to be corrected before the start of the school year were made.


There has been the usual run of communicable diseases. Chil- dren with colds should be kept at home during the acute stages of a cold. A cold is often the forerunner of something more ser- ious and if the child is kept at home others are not exposed and the child himself given a better chance for less time out of school.


In October the Middlesex County T.B. League together with our town association's co-operation took X-rays of 223 towns- people, 79 of whom were high school students. The report has not yet been received from these X-rays. It is, however, a big step in the way of progress.


In closing, may I thank the teachers and the superintendent for their ever tolerant cooperation and help?


Respectfully submitted,


Lillian F. Taylor, R.N.


153


ACTON HIGH SCHOOL


Graduation Program


June 15, 1945


Entrance March


Pomp and Circumstance Elgar


Invocation


The Reverend Bernard M. Kane


Salutatory


Barbara Ann Clemence


Senior Quartet Laudamus Protheroe Nancy Anne Christofferson


Lorraine Lillian Kennie John Cleveland Howard Alexander Dominic Marini


Barbara Anne Barry, Accompanist


Address


Thomas L. Lusk


Chaplain (Capt.) U.S.A.


Piano Solo Waltz, Op. 64, No. 2 Chopin.


Barbara Anne Barry .


Presentation of Class Gift


John Lawrence Tucker President of Senior Class


Trumpet Solo Lily Polka


Vander Cook:


Evelyn Ruth Danielson


Valedictory Nancy Anne Christofferson


Presentation of Awards


Mr. Walter W. Holt, Vice-Principal


Mr. Richard B. Greenman, Superintendent of Schools Presentation of Diplomas


Mrs. G. Howard Reed, Chairman of School Committee- Class Song


Words: Beverly June Dagenais


Music: Lorraine Lillian Kennie


154


National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance Benediction


The Reverend Henning E. Danielson


Recessional March Spirit of America .....


Reception to Graduates


....... Underwood


0


GRADUATES, 1945


Roger Alan Backman


* Milton Osborne Baker


*Anne Lorraine Ballard


*Barbara Anne Barry Warren Fredrick Birch 'Sandra Lee Burroughs Sylvia Lee Burroughs


Helen Elizabeth Christofferson


*Nancy Anne Christofferson


*Barbara Ann Clemence Catherine Elizabeth Cullinane


'Theresa Marie Curley


** Beverly June Dagenais


*Evelyn Ruth Danielson Nancy Eleanor Durkin Richard Avery Gallant *Doris Eleanor Hartwell Alice Pearl Higgins John Cleveland Howard Lorraine Lillian Kennie Alexander Dominic Marini Doris Marie Penney


*Barbara Lillian Reed Joseph Michael Sweeney John Lawrence Tucker


** Honor Students


*** In the Service


155


AWARDS


Acton Center Woman's Club Scholarship Nancy Anne Christofferson


Acton High School Scholarship of $100


To a deserving and meritorious student for the first year in a university, college, or technical school Barbara Anne Barry


Improvement Prizes


Two $25 war bonds awarded by Mrs. Robert A. Reid to a boy and girl in the senior class who have shown the greatest scholastic improvement in the last four years, and who have shown a co-operative attitude through their service to the school.


Lorraine Lillian Kennie


Richard Avery Gallant


Rensselaer Medal


To a young man in the graduating class who has done the- best work in mathematics and science throughout his pre- paratory course.


Roger Alan Backman


National Honor Society Pins The top 15 per cent of the graduating class


Nancy Anne Christofferson Barbara Ann Clemence


Evelyn Ruth Danielson


Doris Eleanor Hartwell


American Legion Medals


To the best all around boy and girl in the senior class as: judged for scholarship, loyalty, and achievement Doris Eleanor Hartwell John Cleveland Howard


Reader's Digest Award


A year's subscription to the Reader's Digest in recognition of past accomplishment and in anticipation of unusual. achievement to come.


Nancy Anne Christofferson


156


Good Citizenship Certificate and Pin


Awarded by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to a Good Citizen of Acton High School for the current year, who has demonstrated through her entire course qualities of dependability, leadership, ser- vice, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. Barbara Anne Barry


Washington and Franklin Medal


Awarded by the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for excellence in the study of United States History. Barbara Ann Clemence


INDEX


Assessors


58


Board of Health 60


Cemetery Commissioners 67


Dog Officer 41


Elizabeth White Fund 59


Finance Committee


81


Fire Department 65


Forest Warden 41


Inspector of Animals 72


Librarian's Report 44


Middlesex County Extension Service 126


Moth Superintendent 43


Police Department 64


Post-War Public Works Committee


56


Sealer of Weights and Measures


42


Selectmen's Report


39


Schools :


Budgets for 1946 132


Graduation Program 153


Organization 127


School Committee 131


School Nurse 152


School Physician 151


Superintendent 136


Teachers 130


State Auditor's Report 118


Superintendent of Streets 40


Tax Collector 68


Town Accountant 93


Town Clerk's Report


28


Births


29


Marriages


31


Deaths


35


Non-Resident Burials


36


Dog Licenses 39


Jury List (Revised) 1945 38


Town Forest Committee 92


Town Meeting (Abstract), March 12, 1945 15


Town Nurse 72


Town. Officers 10


Treasurer's Report 73


Tree Warden 42


Trustees of Goodnow Fund 59


Welfare Department 62


Warrant, Monday, March 11, 1946 3


Workmen's Compensation Agent 40


0


WELLS BINDERY, INC.


REFERENCE BOOK ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720


OCT


1976


WALTHAM, MASS. 02154


3


S


I




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.