USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Carver > Town annual reports of Carver 1946 > Part 5
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Two refinements of the forms used to record pupil achievement on have been put into use this year. The teachers of Carver, in cooperation with the teachers of the other two towns in this Union, offered suggestions for the revised permanent record envelope which was reprinted this fall. It would seem now that an ade- quate form was available to teachers whereby a com- plete and useful record of the child's early educa- tional life would be available to those teachers who receive the pupil in his later years. A new report card for the first three primary grades, after being pre- sented to the Union Committee for its approval, was printed and made available for use in these grades. The new card is the result of the cooperation of the primary teachers with those in similar positions in the other towns in the Union; the suggestions which each teacher was able to offer were duly weighed and in-
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corporated into the finished product. Several meetings were held for the purpose of discussing controversial points. The card which is now in use is more effective in permitting the teacher to give a clearer evaluation of the pupil's achievement. The card also does away with the use of the traditional A, B, C, D method of marking which ought to be reserved for the secondary school or beyond. A device is also used whereby the teacher may limit the marks or ranks issued by enter- ing a notation as to the grade level of the pupil's work. It is expected that the new cards will enable the teacher to give a much clearer picture of the child's work to his parent as well as enable the teacher to give a much more true picture of the achievement level.
In the matter of a general health program we have made progress in certain respects, though we have not come to the point where we had hoped to progress. The Committee is to be commended in its willingness, along with the other two committees of this Union, to buy the Massachusetts Vision Test equipment. This will be a valuable aid in discovering problems relating to sight which, as measured by other ways of testing sight as formerly used, heretofore escaped notice. It will be especially helpful in diagnosing problems relating to failure in learning to read in the primary years ; it can- not be said to be a means of eliminating all the prob- lems, but when one considers that faulty vision has a great deal to do with the difficulty which some children find in learning to read, we can be certain that proper vision is present or else more adequate correction is necessary. There are still a number of features which are desirable for a school health program not yet found in the Carver schools. The greatest source of trouble is found in the limited amount of time which the School Nurse can spend in any one town of the
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Union. We are anticipating this problem will be some- what eliminated in view of the Union committee's gen- erous vote to engage the School Nurse four days each week in the towns of the Union. While I anticipate the work will continue to increase so that eventually it will be a full-time position, the improvement is of material help and can be used to good advantage.
The year just closed has seen a marked increase in school costs, both in services and in other operating costs. Lest the citizens of Carver become apprehensive about the future, a word here about the financing of education in general may not be amiss. Here in Carver we see only that which is being seen and felt in every community, far and wide. At long last, the teaching profession is, in general, demanding and receiving wages comparable to the worth of its calling; histori- cally speaking, teaching has been one of the most un- derpaid of the professions. The advances made during the present times will more than likely not be lost, or at least salaries will never return to the prewar levels. Because of this factor, we cannot expect to see a sharp reduction in the costs for tuition of pupils who are sent to schools outside the town. We can look for a reduc- tion in the costs of the usual books and supplies within two or three years but this reduction, in relation to the whole budget, will be only a nominal item.
It will become apparent, in scanning school costs and the resultant increases to the tax-payer that some basis other than that of the present must be found for the support of public schools. The answer to the prob- lem lies in a program of State Aid to local education. Traditionally, the tax imposed upon real estate and personal property has been the base upon which the educational structure of a given community has been erected, with a minimum of state aid. The current ses-
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sion of the state legislature will be dealing with pro- posals for increased state aid to education, founded upon the equalization factor and financed by revised income tax laws, or such other proposals as the legis- lature may deem best. In any event, some sort of program of this type will have to be established, for it follows fairly that small towns cannot continue in- definitely to compete with the larger towns and small cities in an unlimited support of education. We have already seen this too clearly in the matter of hiring teachers. We can bear with present costs if relief can be seen in the near future. The action of the state legislature in respect to state aid to education should be followed with the utmost concern and the citizens of Carver and all other small towns should lose no opportunity to seek out their representatives and im- press this need upon them as forcibly as possible.
In concluding this report may I use this opportunity to express appreciation to you of the School Committee for your splendid work and patient study of the prob- lems connected with the operation and policies of the public schools. Your continued interest and the loyalty of school staffs add much to the pleasure of being associated with the Town of Carver.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE R. AUSTIN,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE CENTER SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This report on the work of the Center School will be largely concerned with an evaluation of the work accomplished and with a consideration of the school program.
Certain features of our school program as the sub- ject-matter fields of arithmetic and reading can be measured accurately. This is done by the use of na- tionally circulated achievement tests. The wide use of these tests has enabled the authors and publishers to establish standards for the tests with which all pupils and schools can be compared. Such tests are being used in the Center School. An achievement test is given yearly measuring pupil accomplishement in Reading, Language, Arithmetic, Literature, History, Geography, Science, and Spelling. As a result of these tests we have the grade standing of each pupil enrolled and present on the days the tests were administered. The results are tabulated below :
Grade
Number Tested Carver Average
Standard
V
29
43
46
VI
20
51
55
VII
30
60
61
VIII
16
67
66
The test results of individual students should prove of interest to their parents. The teachers and I would be very glad to go over the results with any parent who wishes to study them.
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A further check on the accomplishment of the school is the work done by our graduates in the Plymouth High School. For the current marking period, Carver furnishes 6.5% of the school enrollment and 7.5% of the names on its honor roll.
Effort is being made to improve the standard of the work accomplished. Further work on the tentative course of study should prove of value. After-school remedial work is denied us because of the fact that ninety-seven of our one hundred and six pupils are transported by bus. Teachers will gladly give extra help after school to any child whose parents will as- sume responsibility for transportation. Parents can be of further help in this effort to raise the quality of the work by requiring that home work assignments are completed. Assignment sheets for the week are given to each child in grades VII and VIII. In this way, the weekly home work requirements are made known to each pupil.
Other features of our school program cannot be measured with such accuracy and impersonal judg- ment. Standardized tests have not yet been developed for all phases of school activities. A film program for the year was scheduled during the summer vacation. Films are booked on the basis of their educational value, and for a time when their showing would prove most effective. Transportation difficulties have devel- oped and some of the scheduled showings have not materialized. For this reason, I am far from satisfied with this year's film program. A more detailed course of study than is now in use would enable us to book films well in advance insuring that the films be in Car- ver when the teaching situation demands. Teachers are passing in weekly summaries of the work covered
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in all courses. This should prove of value in planning the course of study now being compiled, and also in the future booking of films.
Pupils planning to enroll in the college courses in Plymouth Junior and Senior High Schools must com- pete in the ninth grade with classmates who have pre- viously been offered a course in General Language, a course not given in Carver. To compensate for this lack, we offer a course in elementary Latin, given three times a week during the last half of the school year. This course has proved to be very successful. Carver pupils have earned very creditable marks in Junior and Senior High School Latin. The work is being car- ried on this year with Mr. Murphy as the instructor.
Girls of Grades VII and VIII are offered three con- secutive periods of cooking and two consecutive periods of sewing a week. Of this work, we, at the Center School, are justly proud. Working under conditions far from ideal, much has been accomplished. The cooking course was completely replanned by Mrs. Hat- tie Griffith as her project in a Work-Shop course of- fered in Bridgewater this past summer. The work covered is most practical, and was planned with a limited budget in mind. Enthusiasm on the part of the pupils is most evident.
While the girls are in cooking classes, the boys, un- der the capable direction of Mrs. Stella Morrison, are doing shop work in the Town Hall. This last year the woodworking course was supplemented by individual projects in metal work. Mrs. Morrison is to give you a complete report on her art work in the school.
I will leave a discussion of the health work done in the school to our school nurse, Mrs. Madeline Baker.
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I should add that sixty per cent of the pupils regularly purchased milk at a cost of 31/4 cents per half pint bottle, as provided by the state milk program.
Graduation exercises were held in the Town Hall on Thursday, June 6, 1946, centering about the theme, "Keeping America Great." A list of graduates fol- lows: (an "a" following the name indicated that the pupil is enrolled in the Plymouth Junior High School; a "b," that the pupil is out of school).
George A. Andrade-b
J. George Morris-a Mabel Owens-a
Harold K. Beal-a
Roland A. Bolduc-a
Waldo N. Roby-a
Eleanor Fava-a Innocense J. Silva-a
Rudolf A. Jokinen-a Theresa M. Silva-a
Seth A. Kallio-a Wayne G. Terry -- a
Nancy F. Merritt-a Marcia A. Williams-a
There are five teachers regularly engaged at the Center School. Their length of service averages over ten years. This high figure is made possible because local married teachers are engaged. Without this teacher supply any such average would be difficult and costly to duplicate, and Carver would serve only as a training ground and as a stepping stone to more lucra- tive positions in larger towns and cities.
I will close with an expression of gratitude for the cooperative efforts of the teachers, supervisors, the school custodian, and the school committee whose sup- port has contributed much to the work of the school.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY M. SHAW,
Principal.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART AND MANUAL TRAINING
Mr. George R. Austin Superintendent of Schools, Union No. 44 Middleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Austin :
In compliance with your request, I herewith submit the annual report of the Art and Manual Training De- partments for the year 1946.
"To exercise and develop the imagination - to stimulate and properly direct it, is the chief aim and end in the education of all men at all times." -Ross.
All children can draw, but not all equally well. In every class, one or more pupils will possess outstand- ing ability. Unusual talent should be encouraged, and gifted pupils should participate in an enriched curricu- lum commensurate with his endowment.
Our country's need for artists in the field of industry is unprecedented. An increasing Art-consciousness de- mands beauty, as well as utility in industrial products. Therefore, every spark of unusual talent should be fanned into flame.
The course of study in Art remains about the same as stated in my former report, developing Pictorial Drawing and Representation, Nature Drawing and
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Painting. Color and Design, Posters and Lettering, Pic- ture Appreciation, and Construction work for Sand Table projects.
Many of the Manual Training models of last year were duplicated this term in the entering classes. Metals were introduced; aluminum and pewter discs were hammered into plates, using wooden moulds for patterns. This project was necessarily noisy, but thor- oughly enjoyed by the pupils, and many articles of utility and beauty were evolved.
Numerous Sand Table projects were developed. The aim was to create through drawing and construction, an intimate appreciation of the life and customs of people of other lands through correlation with History and Geography.
Studies were made of the Eskimos and Dutch; Co- lumbus, Pilgrims and Farm Life. The latter idea orig- inated in Grade One in the North Carver School, from a morning song entitled, "Old McDonald Had a Farm." All pupils displayed great enthusiasm in representing the barn, silo, carts, animals and farmer.
At the North Carver School, grades three and four prepared "Progress of Flight." Representative planes were drawn and constructed, depicting models from the earliest flying machines to modern aircraft.
A sky was erected, on which was placed progressive drawings of these planes. The floor of the sand table became an airport, with green, grassy levels, brown runways, yellow marker lights, and terminal buildings. At one side the ocean carried a ramp with sea planes and ships. This was a colorful and interesting project,
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and although the construction consumed much time, the pupils were quoting from the poet Milton, "Up- borne with indefatigable wings."
When completed, the photographer from New Bed- ford Standard-Times took a picture of the project in- cluding pupils with their hand-made planes, which appeared in a local edition.
Murals have been developed in many of the grades.
The seventh and eighth contributed "The Old World Discovers the New World." Three ships occupied the central part of the picture, with the two worlds above. Maps of France and Spain were placed on either side, supported by England and Portugal.
The eighth grade supplied figures of these daring explorers in color, placed on the map from whence they came. The remainder of the picture was rendered in light blue depicting the sea.
The seventh grade made posters of ships, men, and scenes, pertaining to the explorers. When the grades completed this work, the mural, posters, and pupils who participated in the project were photographed by Mr. Packard of the Standard-Times.
Other murals completed were as follows: "Going to Church," suggested by the celebrated Pilgrim picture by Boughton; "Eskimo Life," "Indian Life," "Trans- portation," "Visiting Other Lands Through Books," and "Winter Scenes."
This type of lesson involves a vast amount of re-
119
search, both by the teacher and pupils, but the educa- tional values derived are almost infinite.
Each year the pupils in the upper grades compete in the "Be Kind to Animals" poster contest, sponsored by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Massachusetts ..
Nine posters were chosen from sixteen submitted to the Humane Society and the artists were proud recipi- ents of blue and red ribbons with medals.
This contest is a worthwhile project, and its aim is to foster the spirit of kindness to animals.
During the month of April the accepted posters were displayed in the windows of Jordan Marsh & Com- pany, William Filene Sons Company, and in the audi- torium of the Humane Society.
A variety of posters were made during the year, correlated with Social Sciences. Types of layouts, areas for illustration, and spaces for printing were discussed, as well as harmonious color schemes appropriate to the spirit of the poster.
Grade Six made posters pertaining to the Age of Chivalry, Industries and Seafaring Life of Norway. Tempera colors completed a colorful and illuminated poster.
Lettering is very important. A good illustrated poster can be ruined by poor or careless lettering. The aim is to train the pupil in drawing single line letters of good form and proportion, and in the building of these let- ter forms into words. The drawlet pen has proved to
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be a satisfactory medium in lettering through grades seven and eight. The pupils enjoyed using the pens. A varied width of line was produced by the use of sev- eral grades of pens from one sixteenth of an inch to one half-inch line, thus many thicknesses of letters were obtained. These pens were also used for free- hand repeated designs and borders.
There seemed to be little time for Picture Apprecia- tion, in the regular classes. Pupils were encouraged to observe and study paintings of great artists from fa- mous and seasonal prints displayed on the bulletin board at the Center School.
This seemed to be the best way to acquaint the pupils with good pictures. These pictures were discussed in the classes, and after a period of two weeks, a new set was exhibited.
Holidays were observed with appropriate themes.
Easter lilies on silver crosses against a background of blue were made by grade eight, for every classroom.
The Christmas story was depicted in large Nativity Scenes in black silhouette with yellow halos. The Christ Child in His Crib, Adoring Angels, Joseph and Mary, the Wise Men by the Manger were grouped as a border.
Both of these Holiday ideas were displayed in the neighborhood churches, and were appreciated by con- gregation and clergy.
This has been another busy year. I wish to express my appreciation for the privilege of working under
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121
your leadership and guidance. The fine cooperation and enthusiastic support of all the departments has made it possible to keep art vital, significant and usable to each new class.
Respectfully submitted, STELLA F. N. MORRISON,
Supervisor of Art and Manual Training.
122
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Herewith I submit my second annual report as School Nurse for the Town of Carver for the year end- ing December 31, 1946.
The annual physical examination of all school chil- dren was conducted by our newly-appointed School Physician, Dr. W. F. Mayo, with a total of 200 pupils examined. All defects were noted and notices sent to parents. In connection with these individual examina- tions, follow-up visits were made to as many homes as possible, and the interest and co-operation has been most gratifying.
All pupils were weighed and measured twice during the year, the January weighing having been omitted due to our inability to obtain new scales. However, by the lifting of the priority, and through the kindness of Mrs. James McKay, Chairman of the Christmas Seal Sale, one pair each of precision scales was presented to E. Tillson Pratt, Benjamin Ellis, and Center Schools.
In connection with our Nutrition Program, Miss Mar- garet Bauer, Nutritionist, State Department of Health, presented through the courtesy of the National Dairy Council two sound films, namely, "Good Eating" and "Two Little Rats and How They Grew"; and "Some- thing You Didn't Eat," loaned by the Department of Agriculture. All were most enthusiastically received and I feel sure made a deeper impression than any printed matter could have done. We are also indebted to Miss Bauer for many of the attractive posters and health material which were distributed in the various class-rooms.
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Miss Esther Worthington, Educational Director of H. P. Hood & Son, also visited us in November and gave an interesting illustrated talk on "Care of the Teeth" stressing the relation of food, especially milk, to better dental health.
Milk was again available to all pupils at a slightly higher cost than last year, and a large percentage availed themselves of the splendid opportunity to make the noon lunch-box more appetizing and healthful.
Audiometer tests were conducted and all passed satisfactorily.
In January the Massachusetts Vision Test was con- ducted in Town Hall by Miss Christine Higgins, R. N., Nursing Supervisor, State Department of Health, as- sisted by your School Nurse, and in the following De- cember, when we used our new Massachusetts vision testing machine, 65 pupils were tested, 19 failures being noted. These were referred to their family phy- sicians for further examination. As a result 10 correc- tions have been made. All other pupils were examined by the Snellen Test.
In April a most satisfactory "Routine Tuberculosis Clinic" was conducted by Dr. Richard Sherman, as- sisted by Mrs. Mabel Hanson, R. N., both of Plymouth County Hospital. 72 pupils from Center School were skin-tested. Of these, 65 were reported negative, and 7 were re-actors. These 7 were later x-rayed and found to be negative.
In May our Tuberculosis Follow-up Clinic was held in the Town Hall when five pupils were x-rayed and given physical examinations. None was discharged, all
124
to be re-examined in one year. One of these was sent to Bailey Health Camp for the eight-week period. We were indeed happy to have the camp operating after its war-time closing.
In May we also held our pre-school clinic. It was conducted by Dr. Medora Eastwood, School Physician at that time. Sixteen children were given physical ex- aminations and referred to their own physicians for vaccination.
December was especially busy because of the out- break of Scarlet Fever, necessitating frequent inspec- tion of all pupils in the three schools. These were most thoroughly conducted by Dr. Mayo, assisted by your School Nurse. Consequently only seven pupils were reported to be suffering from the disease. The closing of our schools December 20th for the Christmas holi- day undoubtedly was also a contributing factor in keeping with the contagion under control.
During the year I have made 109 home visits, 138 school visits and 271 class-room visits. These consisted of routine health inspection, class-room talks, and con- ferences with parents and teachers.
It has been a pleasure once more to serve the Town as your School Nurse. I am very grateful to you, Mr. Austin, and to the School Committee, teachers, par- ents, and friends who have been so helpful and co- operative.
Respectfully submitted,
MADELINE A. BAKER, R. N. Public Health Nurse.
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SCHOOL CENSUS Age - Grade Distribution, October 1, 1946 5-7 7-14 14-16 16-21 Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls
Elementary:
Ben. Ellis School
Grade I
7
5
2
0
14
Grade II
3
2
6
8
19
Grade III
1
0
5
9
15
Grade IV
7
9
16
64
E. Tillson Pratt
School
Grade I
7
11 2
0
20
Grade
II
4
0
6
3
13
Grade
III
9
8
17
Grade
IV
10
5
15
Center School
Grade
V
18
17
35
Grade
VI
12
9
1
1
23
Grade
VII
16
12
4
1
33
Grade
VIII
6
6
3
2
1 0
18
109
Middleboro High School
Grade XII
1
0
1
Plymouth Junior High School
Grade IX
2
1
4 3
1
0
11
Plymouth Senior High School
Grade
X
5
4
2
2
13
Grade
XI
1
1
3
4
9
Grade
XII
6
3
9
Pre-School
Pupils
14 13
27
In Other Schools
0
1
2
6
9
Military Service
7
0
7
Out of School
3
2
35
20
60
* Elementary
+High School
65
*238
1
11
31
+43
Totals
7
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SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENCY UNION NO. 44
There have been two meetings of School Superintend- ency Union No. 44 this year.
The annual meeting was held at the Waterman School in Rochester at 8 P.M. on April 12, 1946. The semi-annual meeting was held at 8 P.M. in the Benja- min Ellis School in South Carver on November 22, 1946.
Preceding the first business meeting Miss Christine B. Higgins of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health demonstrated the Massachusetts Vision Test. Mrs. Baker, the school nurse, informed us of its value if it could be owned and used to advantage. During the business meeting the Committee voted to buy this equipment, the expense to be shared equally by the three towns.
Ralph W. Baker and Alice E. Norris respectively were elected chairman and secretary of the Union Committee.
The members were unanimously in favor of raising the salaries of the superintendent, his secretary and the school nurse. Due to the increased number of pu- pils in Lakeville, it was voted to place the salaries on a new percentage basis. The Committee also voted to hire the school nurse four days a week.
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