USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1930-1939 > Part 20
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1
The financial cost of the schools is so much a topic of public discussion that it should be considered here. During the year 1931 Medfield spent for support of schools $32,617.63; reim- bursement (mainly from the State) was $5,445.97 or almost exactly 1/6. While this proportion will be somewhat de- creased henceforth, since we now number over 500 families and are not entitled to High school aid, we may still expect a return of about 1/8 unless existing laws are changed. For
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the school year ending last June the total cost for running our schools (neglecting this reimbursement) was $86.42 per pupil or 47 cents per day for each pupil. Towns of our own group averaged $93.23 and the State average was $99.19. The only towns noted among our neighbors which pay less are two of low valuation which are taxing themselves for education dis- tinctly more than we are. Comparison of salaries shows the same relative standing.
School costs today are of course greater everywhere than a few years ago; Medfield has increased less than the average. Careful studies show that throughout the United States the cost of support in 1930 was 4.18 times that in 1914. 49% of this increase was due to the decreased buying power of the dollar-it took so much more to buy the same goods or services; 27% was due to increased attendance at schools and longer continuance in school-there were more pupils, classes, teachers, buildings; the remaining 24% was for all other fac- tors-increased relative salaries, enlarged courses, improve- ments in educational service, greater proportion of specialized High school work.
Judged by these figures Medfield has been decidedly eco- nomical. Our School Report of 1912, studied in comparison with the present, shows a disproportionate increase in the number of High school pupils-they have increased 2 1/8 times, the elementary 11/2. We now have two large buildings in place of one large and one rural. Yet our total cost is but 3.82 times in place of 4.18; our average High school salary has increased 1.89; elementary salary 2.37; janitor's salary, 2.57; book cost per pupil, 1.42.
Furthermore a frequently-forgotten element enters in when salaries are considered: at that time one who taught school for 32 or 34 weeks did not earn enough to support himself during the entire year. Our High school assistant then re- ceived but $10.34 per week if one considers she lived 52 weeks a year; our average elementary teacher in Medfield
155
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received $9.63. We now think of teaching as a self-supporting occupation; and certainly the requirement now becoming gen- eral (four years of professional preparation after High school graduation) together with demands of growth in service make it essential to pay it as such.
"Fads and frills" are often mentioned as reasons for in- creased costs of schools. These presumably refer to newer subjects of instruction; with them, however, Medfield is practically not concerned. We have actually less of the newer subjects now than in 1912-not because we do not approve those then taught but because with present enrolment and accommodations we lack opportunity for them. We then had Music and Drawing supervisors, with basketry, raffia, weaving, sewing, agriculture in 4-H clubs and (shortly after) wood working.
Under these conditions it is evident that our schools have been conservatively and economically administered. Conse- quently we are less able to cut down present costs. If no unessentials have been introduced we cannot save by cutting out any. If we have paid teachers less than most (we aver- aged $53.53 per pupil, our group of towns $56.30, and the State $69.89) we cannot cut them without risk of being unable to maintain permanently a teaching force to compare fa- vorably with our neighbors or in any way satisfactory to ourselves.
The whole problem becomes simply a question of what Medfield really wants and can afford for its children. Med- field's ability to pay can not be judged by the condition of any other town. It should be clearly understood that any serious curtailment of financial support will surely curtail the efficiency of the work and the quality of teachers obtainable in the long run. Speaking for the teachers now in service, I feel sure they will render the best service in their power and will do all possible to guide their pupils aright. Medfield pupils are worth the best help we can give them now and whatever we do not give now we can not give later. I know the spirit in which you, the members of the School Committee, work and I do not believe Medfield will fail to support you to the limit of its ability.
156
May I personally offer you and all my co-workers sincere thanks for your generous support and confidence?
Respectfully submitted, LYMAN R. ALLEN, Superintendent of Schools.
157
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit a brief report for the year 1932.
During this year school membership has remained fairly constant, there being but about half a dozen more pupils enrolled this fall than there were last spring. No appreciable change in membership is anticipated for next year.
The spirit of the school, both in the classroom and outside, has been excellent. Most of the pupils are ap- parently trying to make the most of their educational facilities. We still have the problem of the pupil who is not interested in, nor adapted to, the type of work which our school can give and who ought to have the facilities of vocational education of some sort.
Much of the constant improvement in school spirit can be traced directly to the advance in athletics under the able direction of Mr. Cosgrove, Mr. Kenefick, and Miss Chisholm. While athletics should always be subordinated to academic activities, it is nevertheless true that pupils will feel more pride in a school whose athletic teams can meet their opponents with at least an even chance of winning. Reputations won on the athletic field must be upheld in the classroom. A proper attitude towards classwork and a passing grade in marks must be main- tained in order that a pupil be eligible to represent the school in athletics.
In football, the past two seasons have been particularly gratifying. Out of a total of nineteen games played only three have been lost. Three have been tied and thirteen won. In only four of the nineteen games have our opponents been able to score against us. Thanks to the generosity of the town in allowing the use of the Town Hall, we got a fair start in basketball last year which
158
ought to result in a better season this winter. In base- ball last spring we broke about even, and in a track meet at Medway took second place in a four-sided contest. The greatest handicap in athletics at present is lack of finances.
The adoption of a new report card this fall will, we hope, lead to a better understanding between the home and the school. This card is arranged to include with the subject mark the teacher's estimate of the pupil's indus- try and attitude towards the subject. It is hoped that this will explain some of the apparently poor marks which pupils receive. For instance a Latin mark of D/1 or F/1 would indicate that the subject was so hard for the pupil that he should not be taking it. A mark of C/1 would indicate that the pupil could with his best effort do only average work in the subject. On the other hand a mark of F/4 or C/4 would indicate that the pupil was not putting enough effort into the subject and could with greater application get a higher mark. This new card also carries on the back information regarding promotion, graduation, home study, etc., which formerly had to be mimeographed on a separate sheet of paper.
No report of the year's activities would be complete without an account of the graduation exercises in June. The school was asked by the Medfield Committee for the Washington Bi-centennial Celebration to accept the task of giving the official town celebration. It was thought best for several reasons to combine this with the gradua- tion exercises as a climax for the year's activities. Although the task was really thrust upon them, the pupils responded most commendably, and a wholly origi- nal pageant was written and produced for the occasion. Taking for our main theme the activities of Washington as they were connected with New England, we developed nine episodes, each introduced by a pupil representing some New England town. The writing of the episodes was undertaken by various pupils and the result was
159
exceptionally successful and interesting. The action of the School Committee in voting from their funds enough money to cover costuming expenses made possible the services of a professional costumer and added materially to the success of the affair. The entire presentation was a credit to the school and to the town. Copies of the program sent to the George Washington Bi-centennial Committee in Washington, D. C., received very favorable comment.
Of the eighteen members of this graduating class, four are now attending higher schools. This makes a total of twelve Medfield High graduates at present continuing their education in schools above high school grade.
In closing I wish to thank you and the School Commit- tee for the assistance you have given the school and the teachers during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALTON H. HARTFORD, Principal.
160
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
It gives me pleasure to have the privilege of submitting the customary report as Drawing Supervisor in the Med- field schools.
Though scarcely twenty years ago ART was considered as the least of school subjects, its cultural value in the life of the nation is rarely questioned today. Children with a growing art knowledge throughout their school training will have their eyes and hands and minds recep- tive to all sorts of natural beauties which would otherwise be hidden from them, giving them pleasure that riches cannot buy and an insight that poverty cannot shut out. This alone seems a sufficient reason for ART as a neces- sary part to a well balanced education, if no other existed.
During the early period of industrial growth in this country, little attention was given to the design and color of manufactured products but in the last few years, in spite of the general decline in business, a remarkable art sensitiveness has developed throughout all the national industries. Printed products have set up a higher standard of art values; automobile companies engage artists at enormous salaries to direct the lines and colors of their cars; even kitchen utensils have shed their drab attire and taken on a glory of color. Everywhere the manufacturers are demanding experts to add ART to their wares, recognizing that buyers today require beauty plus utility in all their purchased articles.
For this utilitarian reason as well as the cultural, school art today has a double need for its encouragement even in times of business depression.
After working here eight years, I am finding it im- portant that each child have a correct start in ART, as it is difficult to undo the habits of early years. Dictation
161
is wrong, but the new method of avoiding all direction is equally bad. In our outlines we suggest methods, yet allow freedom of expression wherever possible. Under this plan, there seems to be improvement each year in creative ability, imagination, and in the fearlessness with which they attack new problems.
In the High School classes, very little improvement is noted during the past year, probably because working conditions have been unsuitable. However, the Mechani- cal Drawing class has kept up its enthusiasm and is still doing very worth while work.
Aside from our usual outlined work, we have spent time on several outside projects this year. The children won five bronze medals, four silver medals, and seven subscriptions to the magazine, "Our Dumb Animals," in the S. P. C. A. poster contest. One child won a cash prize in the Norfolk County Health Association poster contest. Mr. Allen's four towns together won a bust of George Washington in the Game Plan contest at Dedham. This project was carried out by the co-operation of the English, Civics and Drawing classes. There should always be a place for such worth while extras in any school program. It gives us a chance to compare our work with that of other towns.
I am grateful to all the teachers who are making the drawing work a vital influence in our children's lives and to our Superintendent for his help to us all. I am espe- cially grateful for the wisdom of our School Committee who are trying to be fair to all in these trying times.
Very sincerely yours,
EVELYN H. JUDD.
162
,
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Association with good music lends more to high ideals than any other thought or activity. Love for music is best maintained by an understanding of it. The study of music reading gives training in fundamentals that are essential to any appreciation of the art.
In school the practice of music reading is carried into part singing. Beginning in the first grade, we have two- part music in the fourth grade, three-part in the seventh and four-part when there are changed voices to sing a bass; this is sometimes in the eighth grade but there are many more in the ninth or Freshman class.
The importance of quick and accurate reading cannot be too highly stressed. It would be impossible to get pupils to make music who know nothing about it. It would be impossible to secure good music in the High School if the students could not read music.
In some schools there is one period a week allowed for music in the High School. I am most happy to say that in Medfield the pupils of the Junior High and of two classes of the Senior High school have two music periods a week.
The performance of a cantata by the students is more educational than listening lessons or talks about music. The playing of a symphony by the school orchestra is of more value to the players than listening to the same on the radio.
In June the fifth and sixth grades of the Ralph Wheelock School sang the Washington Cantata. The High school orchestra played. The Senior and Junior
163
High schools gave an historical pageant for graduation. Three classes made the scenes and gave the speaking parts. The other three classes sang appropriate songs, one for each episode.
Respectfully submitted, NETTIE F. HAMANT, Supervisor of Music.
164
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the winter and spring terms of 1932, we had an outbreak of scarlet fever among our pupils-the first cases being high school pupils. The schools were kept open and daily inspection made of the throat of every pupil. Any child showing the slightest sign of illness was immediately sent home and kept there until known to be free of contagious disease. The total number of cases was not large and they involved only eight families.
With the opening of school in September, the routine physical examinations were begun and duly completed. Defects noted and reported were as follows:
Enlarged or diseased tonsils
32
Enlarged glands
5
Hardened wax in ears
6
Chronic ear disease 1
Valvular heart disease
2
Nervous disorders
3
Impetigo
1
Scabies (itch)
2
These defects do not include any of long standing, chronic nature which are known to be under proper care. The single case of impetigo listed was badly infected and had to be kept from school for a week. We have had two or three other cases of impetigo with only a very slight amount of infection which were rapidly cleared up. There have been no cases of pediculosis (lice).
The continued functioning of the Dental Clinic- sponsored by the Red Cross and District Nurse Associa- tion-is keeping the mouths and teeth of the children in splendid condition with a minimum number of dental defects and most of these of a minor nature.
There are at the present time cases of chicken pox among pupils of the grade school.
165
At some time before March 1, Schick tests will be given those who received toxin-anti-toxin last May at the pre- school clinic; and opportunity will be given again in May to have toxin-anti-toxin immunization to diphtheria. I would estimate that we probably have 50% of the children in the grades immunized to diphtheria.
Respectfully submitted,
H. L. PARK, M. D.
166
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my annual report for the town of Medfield :
The major objective of the school health nursing program is to develop and maintain a health service which includes the child in relation to his adjustment in his home, school, and community. To attain this objective my yearly program has been as follows:
A. Conferences with children referred by the class- room teachers for the following reasons:
1. Suspected symptoms of disease.
2. Need for minor treatment.
3. Need for health advice.
B. Conferences with teachers and parents. Home visiting is very important, for the nurse through her con- tact gets a better understanding of the homes and the general factors which influence the health of the children and their adjustment in school.
C. Assisting the school physician during his yearly physical examinations. A health record of each child is available. This information is compiled by grades and is useful in studying the health status of the pupil.
D. Special or other health projects carried on in the school in which the school nurse is interested:
1. Immunization against diphtheria. Twenty-six children were given toxin-anti-toxin at the pre-school clinic in May. Parents are realizing that communica- ble disease control is in the interest of their own children as well as all others.
167
2. Pre-school clinic, which is held in May for the physical examination and immunization of the children who are to enter school the following September. The following are the findings:
Attended 27
Enlarged Tonsils 3
Defective Teeth 5
Defective Heart 3
Underweight
1
Enlarged Glands
1
As a result of this clinic the children entering school are in better physical condition because their defects have been detected and corrected.
3. Vision and Hearing testing-This year through the generosity of the Visiting Nurse Association the Audio- meter has been available. This gives the children a more accurate testing of their hearing.
4. Dental Clinic-This worth while project continues with Dr. Tobin in charge. During this past year four- teen clinics were held.
145 patients attended
170 fillings
53 extractions
44 cleansings
In conclusion, I wish to thank the teachers and the parents for their co-operation this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTHA E. BLOOD, R. N.
168
SCHOOL CENSUS OCTOBER 1, 1932
Registration
5-6 yrs. 7-13 yrs. 14-15 yrs. Total
Boys
31
128
41
200
Girls
36
135
23
194
67
263
64
394
Distribution
In Public Schools
50
253
57
360
In Private Schools
8
3
11
In Vocational Schools
1
1
2
In No School
17
1
3
21
Illiterate Minors
1
-
169
TEACHERS' DIRECTORY DECEMBER 31, 1932 Name Position Diplomas and Degrees
(Graduate study in parentheses)
Lyman R. Allen Sup't of Schools Bridgewater Normal (4) ; Harvard, S. B .; Colum- bia, A. M .; (Harvard) HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF (High) SCHOOL
Alton H. Hartford Principal; History; Boston University, A. B. Science (Boston University)
D. Vincent Kenefick Math .; Social
Science
Harvard, A. B .; (Har- vard) (Boston Univer- sity)
George W. Cosgrove Math .; Commercial Salem Normal, B. S. in Ed. (Boston University) Elaine Benedict Latin Wheaton, A. B. Isabel G. Chisholm Commercial Salem Normal, B. S. in Ed. Loretta M. Clark French; English Radcliffe College, A. B. University of Toulouse Esther J. Forbes English; Biology R. Estelle Harlow Wheaton, A. B. Framingham Normal
Grades 7 and 6 RALPH WHEELOCK SCHOOL
Dorothy J. Brown Principal, Grade 6 Bridgewater Normal
G. Evelyn Oliver Grade 5
Elizabeth S. Buck Grade 4
Elizabeth L. Crombie Grade 3
Anna M. Daddario Grade 2
Grace E. Sullivan Grade 1
Framingham Normal Collegiate Institute, North Adams Normal Keene Normal Hyannis Normal
Katherine Drogue Special Help Class
Nettie F. Hamant Music Supervisor
Perry Normal (Boston University) Bridgewater Normal Boston Conservatory of Music; N. E. Conserva- tory of Music; North- ampton Institute; Bos- ton University ; Ginn and Company
Evelyn H. Judd Drawing Supervisor Mass. Normal Art (4);
Martha E. Blood
School Nurse
(Normal Art; Holyoke, Quincy) Framingham Hospital (3) ; Floating Hospital)
170
Attendance Record 1931-32 (Compared with 1930-31)
Grade Teacher
Total Memb.
Ave. Memb.
Ave. Att.
% Att.
Ave. Mem. % Att. '30-'31 '30-'31
XII
18
17.80
17.04
95.73
22.90
96.24
D. Vincent Kenefick
XI
19
18.59
17.23
92.68
21.34
96.11
X
Marion C. Strode
23
22.78
21.90
96.14
22.36
93.87
IX
Theresa E. McMurray
23
20.73
19.54
94.28
22.58
95.66
VIII
George W. Cosgrove
40
38.82
37.19
95.82
28.30
95.05
VII
Elaine Benedict
29
27.95
26.88
96.19
41.24
95.58
VI
Dorothy J. Brown
44
40.58
38.66
95.26
31.94
96.58
V IV
Grace E. Oliver
42
40.58
38.18
94.08
32.39
94.04
Elizabeth S. Buck
41
39.00
36.65
94.00
41.46
94.09
III
Lillian F. Bearse
36
33.50
30.76
91.83
36.25
94.45
II
Anna M. Daddario
39
37.53
35.38
94.27
35.08
92.55
I
Grace E. Whelan
54
48.12
44.78
93.06
38.50
93.78
Totals
408
385.98
364.19
94.35
374.34
94.73
.
171
Mrs. Katherine H. Conroy
GRADUATING EXERCISES
of the
Class of Nineteen Hundred Thirty-Two
MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
The Washington Bicentennial Celebration for the
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
PROGRAM
Music-"Columbia the Gem of the Ocean"
Invocation
Junior High Chorus Rev. Jason G. Miller
NEW ENGLAND LEARNS OF WASHINGTON
A Bicentennial Pageant arranged and written by the pupils of M. H. S.
Prologue
AMERICA
NEW ENGLAND
BOSTON
CAMBRIDGE MARBLEHEAD
PORTSMOUTH MEDFIELD WETHERSFIELD MASSACHUSETTS QUINCY
Ruth Davis Doris Howlett Ruth Leave Dorothea Bryant Dorothy Miller Marie Kreger Helen Kerr Antonette Vasuturo Jeanette Poor Priscilla Kingsbury
172
Episode One-"Washington's First Visit to Boston" Written by Louise Kingsbury and Priscilla Kingsbury
CHARACTERS
Col. George Washington
James Jenks
Governor-General Shirley
Lawton Kingsbury
John-Servant to Washington
Snowball-a Negro Slave
Clinton Gray Alan Stevens
British Officers
Roger Petrie, Gordon Hardie, Hollis Hobbs, Ercola Iafolla
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Revolutionary War" Junior High Chorus
Episode Two-"Washington Takes Command"
Written by Ruth Davis and Virginia Kiniry
CHARACTERS
General Washington
James Jenks
General Ward
Thomas Hinshon
General Lee
Robert Stevens
General Putnam
Alfred Vasaturo Arthur Rogers
General Montgomery
Continental Soldiers, Women and Children
173
Episode Three-"Trenton"
Written by Alan Stevens and Rose Mortimer
Part One-"At the Delaware"
CHARACTERS
General Washington
James Jenks
General Ewing
General Cadwalader
Alfred Vasaturo Arthur Rogers
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Chester," a favorite song
of the Continental Soldiers Junior High Chorus
Part Two-"After the Battle"
CHARACTERS
General Washington
James Jenks
Officer
First Sentry
Robert Stevens Elmer Keirstead
Second Sentry
Fred Smith
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Washington."
Selected Group of Junior High Pupils
Episode Four-"Making the Flag" .
Written by Mary Hibbert and Emily Ballou
CHARACTERS
Betsy Ross
Polly Ross
Dorothy Browning Gwendolyn Kingsbury James Jenks
General Washington
Robert Morris
Benedict Devine
Friends of Mrs. Ross Marian Kingsbury and Aurora Palumbo
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Salute the Flag"
Junior High Chorus
1
174
Episode Five-"Valley Forge" Written by Robert Stevens and James Jenks
CHARACTERS
Col. Wheelock
Gen. Washington
Gen. Lafayette
Mrs. Washington
Everett Kingsbury Mary Stuart Elmer Keirstead
Private Tisdale
Private Onion
Private Allen
Soldiers
Fred Smith Ocran Knehr
Episode Six-"Yorktown" Written by Mary Stuart and Ruth Leave
Part One-"Planning the Campaign"
CHARACTERS
General Washington
James Jenks
Count de Rochambeau
Curtis Keigwin
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Yankee Dooodle"
Junior High Chorus
Part Two-"A Soldier Tells His Story"
CHARACTERS
Soldier
Son
Wife
Robert Meaney John Lantz Virginia Kiniry Sophie Navarro
Daughter
MUSICAL INTERLUDE-"Hail Columbia"
Junior High Chorus
Merton Plimpton James Jenks
175
Episode Seven-"Massachusetts Ratifies the Constitution"
Adapted from original speeches of the delegates by Ruth Williamson
CHARACTERS
Gov. John Hancock
Nathaniel Burrill
Isaac Snow
Elbridge Gerry
Charles Turner
John Taylor
James Neal
Gen. Wm. Thompson
Gen. Wm. Heath
Gen. John Brooks
Rev. Mr. Stillman
Fisher Ames
Claude Rogers Thomas Hinshon
Roger Petrie Merton Plimpton Benedict Devine Gordon Hardie Ocran Knehr Curtis Keigwin Fred Smith Ercolla Iafolla Lawton Kingsbury Alan Stevens
Episode Eight-"The First Inauguration"
Written by Dorothy Browning and Jeanette Poor
MUSIC-"Long Live the President" Junior High Chorus
CHARACTERS
President Washington James Jenks
Curtis Keigwin Gordon Hardie
Robert Livingston John Adams Public Officials, Members of Congress, Flower Girls, and Spectators
176
Episode Nine-"Washington Visits Boston Again"
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