USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949 > Part 53
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 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
In the high school, there has been carried on an extensive program of Visual education. It is felt that pupils receive added instruction through the showing of educational films as a part of the classroom teaching. We have planned a series of films that especially portray events of history and literature. These are shown to the whole school as a broadening influence in the individual's knowledge of many background facts.
It has been my brief observation that there is a feeling among many pupils that they should work only to the extent of getting by in their subjects, rather than the realization that
92
school presents the opportunity for growth, which calls for work at full capacity. By group discussion, and individual con- ferences with pupils, their problems are considered with the constant thought in mind of helping with their problems as well as improving the over-all picture of the school. Many students are interested in either going to college or schools of advance training, which is one of the functions of our school-to see that pupils are prepared to go forward in their formal training. On the other hand, we have a vast majority who will not con- tinue in formal training, but must receive through the school, the tools with which they may lead a rich full life.
May I make the following recommendations:
1. The purchase of playground equipment for the element- ary building.
2. The purchase of a Film Strip Projector for use in both buildings with funds for the purchase or rental of films.
3. The purchase of records for literature.
4. An expanded music program.
5. The employing of an Art Supervisor.
I wish to express to you, the School Committee, teachers, and all persons who have made this past year a pleasant and profitable experience, my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND S. LOCKE, Headmaster.
REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my second annual report as home eco- nomics teacher.
Household arts classes consist of work done in the junior high school grades. Grade seven has three single periods per week. The girls have completed their machine problem, a cotton broomstick skirt. The unit which they are working on at the present time consists of clothing upkeep and repair and personal grooming. We are making a class scrapbook contain- ing material and illustrations pertaining to the project.
Grade eight girls have been doing foods work thus far. Laboratory classes during a forty minute period were begun as an experiment but have proved very successful. As would be expected, the scope and amount of subject matter which can be included is limited. Emphasis has been on breakfast plan- ning and preparation. Outside reading and workbooks supple- ment the practical work.
As a final problem for this group I plan to have the girls make dickies. The purpose of this being two fold, first, pro- vide experience in using a pattern, and second, to produce a useful article from odd scraps of fabric.
93
There are but two high school girls enrolled in the depart- ment. Classes for them have not been regular because they are needed in the kitchen. I have used field trips as a teaching method in this instance. I am very much aware of the need for some adjustments in the general course. If it is to exist at all it should function as a vital part of the school. This is impos- sible unless there is more interest on the part of the students. My suggestions are, full credit for the course and emphasis upon the vocational significance of home economics.
This year we are continuing to operate the school cafeteria under the government program. In spite of increased food prices, the cost of student lunches has remained the same. It has been necessary to increase slightly, the cost of lunches for adults. The total number of meals served daily averages two hundred eighty. This represents approximately a twenty-five percent increase over last year.
As previously, we are employing three adult workers but there is a decided decrease in the number of students available for kitchen work.
The orders for dishes came through in the fall and the year was begun with a more than adequate supply of china, glassware, and plastic ware. Constant replacement is neces- sary, however, the rate of breakage being particularly high. Other small articles of kitchen equipment were also purchased. Attempts are now being made to improve our facilities by the addition of a larger refrigerator, a hand operated slicer, and an electric mixer.
I felt especially fortunate to have a supply of beef and lamb to carry us through the period when it was most short. The last of this was taken from the locker the last school week in December. Supplies of canned goods and vegetables from government surplus commodities were also received periodically.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all of the school officials for their continued assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
PHYLLIS B. LORING.
GENERAL SHOP REPORT
To the Superintenlent of Schools:
The General Shop program has been entirely renovated this year in an attempt to broaden its scope and give the stu- dents more knowledge of all the trades. We are not a Trade School and do not attempt to fit a boy for a trade. Our pri- mary aim is the same as last year: to create in the student an interest in shop work of all sorts, and to give him the basic knowledge of shop work which will enable him, with further training, to follow a trade as a career, or without more train- ing, to make a hobby of some kind of shop work.
94
In the Freshman year, we have two groups; (1.) The Col- lege Tech. and (2.) The General. The College Technical stu- dents cover in their one year of required shop, practically all of the same material covered by the General group in fresh- man and sophomore years, with the exception of electricity. The Freshman General Course students take up woodworking principles, and proper use and care of all the common hand woodworking tools. They have assignments in a book and lectures and demonstrations. They use the Shop as a labora- tory in which to apply the knowledge learned from books and lectures, and to develop individual skill with tools.
The Sophomore General course takes up the study of the woodworking machines. They learn to operate, adjust and care for all these machines. They study in books and apply it in practice in the Shop. The last six weeks of the year will be spent on a study of Electricity in which the boys will learn simple wiring, circuits, wiring diagrams and symbols, and proper methods of installing electric systems safely. It is an introductory course.
In the Junior year, the boys will take up the theory of the internal combustion engine, and study automobile, marine, aircraft and diesel engines. Following this is a study of putting power to work through gearing, propellors, wheels, etc., on land, sea and in the air. Then they take up Blueprint Reading in preparation for sheet-metal anl machine shop work, which completes the year. Here again, these are all intro- ductory courses to a large field of industry and trade.
In the Senior year, a student is privileged to work in any field he wishes, furthering his knowledge in that particular field which is of most interest to him. At present, most of the boys have chosen woodworking, since the current seniors have done most in this field.
In the Seventh grade the boys are starting with hand- crafts and ropework, and learning knots, splices and whipping. They also learn leathercraft, braiding and construction assem- bly of pre-marked model kits will complete the year, giving them basic construction knowledge. This program is to get them acquainted with their skill in coordinating mind and hands to achieve a good finished product. Each boy has Shop one period per week.
The Eighth grade boys meet three times a week. The first six weeks were spent in lecture and discussion of current technical developments to acquaint them with the vast tech- nical progress occurring every day, some of it resulting in new industries, and all of it affecting our lives in some degree. Then they begin with woodworking tools, learning the most basic procedures and proper measuring techniques. They will complete individual products by the end of the year.
On an average of once every two weeks we hope to show technical movies on many subjects, from Shop Safety to Jet Propulsion and other modern technical discoveries.
Respectfully submitted,
MALCOLM S. SMITH.
95
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
In Economic Geography this year, we are studying the various commodities in relation to their economic and geo- graphic importance and their effect upon our civilization. We are studying from a book in short daily assignments. These are reviewed by the teacher and pertinent facts added and supplementary lectures given on the particular economic or geographic factors which affect the commodities then being studied.
We are instituting a visual education program in connec- tion with the course in an effort to increase the students' understanding of places and industries in this and foreign countries. Movies on special basic industries are to be shown, along with movies of a geographic nature, illustrating the different types of topography, physical assets, etc. of this great country.
Upon completion of the reading and assigned material just prior to the end of the school year, it is my hope to spend approximately six weeks on a visual tour of our country, state by state, so that the students who may not have the oppor- tunity to travel and see the land first-hand, will at least have a clear idea of our own country geographically, and will be aware of the economic assets which it affords its people.
Respectfully submittel,
MALCOLM S. SMITH.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the period of September 9 to December 1, 1946, the following factors have been in operation in the Physical Ed. Dept.
I. Calisthenics:
Corrective exercises are given approximately 15 minutes per period twice a week. In giving these exercises it has been my aim to instruct proper body balance and proper distribu- tion of weight. The exercises have been given in the prone, sitting and standing position. Special attention is given to those students whose postural defects are in evidence.
II. Athletics:
The fundamentals of football and basketball have been given in hopes to stimulate interest in athletics and permit the students to come in contact with the elements of competi- tion and fair play. Inter-grade basketball league is formed and now in operation, in which keen interest is shown.
96
III. Military Drills:
The following fundamentals of Military drill have been attempted :
a. Position of attention
b. Facing movements
c. Simple changes of direction
In these drills, I'm endeavoring to develop proper coordina- tion and for the students to be able to obey and carry out commands.
Proper discipline and cooperation are important and essen- tial factors in military drills. Approximately 15 minutes per week is given to drills of this nature.
IV. Apparatus Work:
From time to time, I have stressed apparatus work in the horizontal bar and gymnastic horse. The primary pur- poses of this work are to develop body co-ordination, to strengthen body muscles and to obtain good timing.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS T. CRAWLEY, Physical Education Director.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Since coming to Medfield as Supervisor of Music in January 1946, I feel that progress has been made in the development of an intergrated program of music for all of the grades. Starting as I did in the middle of the year there was not a great deal I could do in the way of changing or augmenting the progrm that had been in effect. This year, however, I have endeavored to give the boys and girls of all grades a balanced program of music, consisting of singing, theory and listening.
In singing I have stressed the ability to read music well, as well as the main objective of all music education, that is to interest and bring music to the broadest possible group of students. The increase in the enrollment in the High School chorus, which is elective, proves to me that more and more students are having a good time singing good music. The Music Department furnished entertainment for several P. T. A. meetings during the calendar year, and presented a Christmas musical for the school and towns people, all this in addition to graduation music.
In theory I have endeavored to bring to the children of grades III-VIII an understanding of the fundamentals of music in order that they may be better equipped to read music and so to enjoy both singing and listening.
97
This year through the P. T. A. we have made a start in the building of a library of music appreciation records which in' time should furnish material for intelligent listening for all grades.
This program will be continued and enlarged during the coming year.
WALTER M. SMITH Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF SCHOOL DOCTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The annual physical examination of all pupils in the public schools was completed early in the school year. 382 children were examined. It is of interest to note that 217, or about three-fifths of the children are without defect. The other two fifths (165 children) had noticeable defects. This number includes sixty-four who were noted as having dental decay.
I have continued to note these dental defects on the childrens' records because it seems that such defects as are seen on routine physical examination deserve additional emphasizing. It is recognized that good dental examination as made by the school dentist will discover many more minor defects.
Mumps is the only contagious disease to affilict the children in appreciable number during the present school term.
Additional protection against diphtheria was given 196 children by the administration of a single dose of diphtheria toxoid.
Respectfully yours,
HARRY L. PARK, M. D.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report of the School Health activities of the year ending December 31st, 1946.
All pupils, from the kindergarten through the high school, were weighed and measured, and all health examinations were completed by Dr. Park, assisted by the School Nurse. All pupils from the kindergarten through the sixth grade were examined by Dr. Brown, our school dentist. Routine inspec- tions were made of the class rooms, lunch rooms, as well as the pupils; visits were made whenever it was found necessary. Notices were sent home to the parents notifying them of their child's defect.
98
Tuberculosis Report
This year, we were able to have a Tuberculosis Clinic, held in our school. This Clinic was sponsored by your School De- partment and the Medfield Tuberculosis Seal Sale.
Number of students X-rayed 127
Number of teachers X-rayed 6
Number of kitchen employees X-rayed 3
Number of janitors X-rayed 1
Number of nurses X-rayed
1
Total
138
Number reported negative
137
Number reported ? positive
1
Number X-rayed for further examination 1
Booster Clinic
We were advised by the State Department of Public Health, of the rise in Diphtheria in Massachusetts. One of the im- portant phases of forestalling the appearance of diphtheria in a community is to bolster the immunity of children who have been immunized in the past. This is done by giving a booster dose to any child whose primary immunization was given longer ago than two years. Only one does is needed for this purpose. A clinic was held in the Grammar School for the students who desired to receive the treatment.
Number of notices sent home 236
Number of children received treatment 196
Number of children refused treatment 12
Number of children having treatment by own doctor 17
Number of pupils absent
11
Handicapped Children
Each year your school nurse is requested by the State Board of Education to report to the Superintendent of Schools, all pupils that are physically handicapped. Number of phy- sically handicapped 15
Report of the Hearing Test
Number pupils examined 282
Number pupils retested 14
Number pupils reported
6
Number pupils absent
11
Shadow-Graphs
Number of children Shadow-Graphed 196
Shadow-graphing was done under the direction of Dr. Goldthwait's Posture Clinic. All pupils from kindergarten through the sixth grade were shadow-graphed, and corrective work is being done.
99
1
Dental Clinic Report
This Dental Clinic was held under the direction of the Med- field Red Cross Chapter, and your School Department.
Dental examinations were made on all pupils from kinder- garten through the sixth grade. Notices were sent home of defects to the parents.
Number of pupils examined
197
Number with perfect teeth
13
Number with Orthodontia
4
Number of pupils having own dentist
18
Number of cleanings .
160
Number of temporary fillings
141
Number of permanent fillings
275
Temporary extractions
109
Permanent extractions
35
Number of pupils with work completed
77
This clinic was started late in the spring, and were unable to finish all of the work needed; however, we are hoping to have an earlier clinic this next year so that we might complete the work on each pupil.
May I take this opportunity to thank the Superintendent of Schools, teachers, and the parents, for the fine cooperation they have given me in promoting and maintaining the Health of the children of the Medfield Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MADELEINE HARDING, R.N.
MEDFIELD SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1946
5 Yrs. and Under 7 Yrs.
7 Yrs. and
Under 16 Yrs.
Total
Boys
48
144
192
Girls
29
152
181
Total
77
296
373
Public School Membership
73
264
337
Vocational School Membership
0
1
1
Private School Membership
0
20
20
Other Public School
0
6
6
Not Enrolled in any Day School
4
5
9
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES
Kindergarten
25
Grade 7
31
Grade 1
38
Grade
8
26
Grade
2
38
Grade
9
25
Grade
3
40
Grade 10
27
Grade 4
36
Grade 11
11
Grade
5
30
Grade 12
25
Grade
6
31
Jr .- Sr. High School
145
Elementary School
238
100
ATTENDANCE RECORDS, 1945-46 (Compared with preceding years) June 30, 1946
Grade
Tot. Mem.
Att.
Avg. Mem.
1944-45
1943-44
1940-41
1935-36
1930-31
K Edith M. Morse
26
84.82
24.18
29.0
1
Anne F. Young .
43
88.88
39.52
46.41
36.02
36.2
48.7
38.5
2 Myrtle V. Holder
43
93.11
39.95
38.80
32.38
31.2
38.2
35.1
3 Evelyn Calabrese
40
91.72
33.01
28.24
31.60
35.1
48.2
36.3
4 Anna V. Mezzanotte
33
94.93
32.50
34.42
31.82
32.0
36.9
41.5
5
Emmeline Gage
33
90.15
32.29
32.55
33.02
23.9
40.3
32.4
6 Dorothy J. Brown
31
93.11
30.03
29.83
33.01
44.3
37.5
31.9
Total Elmntary
249
90.96
231.48
239.25
197.85
202.7
249.8
215.7
7
Madelyn L. Grant
36
93.67
30.88
28.04
27,21
34.7
35.8
41.2
8
Maude S. Washburn
29
92.82
25.91
32.12
26.15
39.0
30.2
28.3
9 M. Isabella Nelson
28
90.84
26.33
20.68
33.38
33.5
38.2
22.6
10
Elizabeth Walker
17
88.80
16.17
32.50
26.83
36.5
71.2
22.4
11
Elaine Pederzini
29
92.47
27.39
23.41
31.59
22.2
21.3
12
Frances T. Crawley
17
89.88
16.58
26.57
23.35
27.7
22.9
Total High School
156
91.41
143.26
163.32
168.51
189.6
165.4
158.7
Total Both Schools
405
91.19
374.74
402.57
366.36
392.3
415.2
374.4
%
101
GRADUATING EXERCISES
of the CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FORTY-SIX MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL High School Auditorium Thursday, June Thirteen Eight-fifteen o'clock
PROGRAM
Processional, "Send Out Thy Light. Gounod
Invocation Rev. Eric Alton Ayer
Music, "The Lord's Prayer"
Malotte
"Salutation"
Gaines
School Chorus
Welcome by Class President
Walter Ehnes
Essay "Planning Our Future" Audrey Werner
Piano Solo "Minuet in G." Paderewski Rhoda Thiel
Essay "Courage is a Quiet Thing"
Ruth Zizza
Vocal Solo, "Ave Maria" Rosewig
Janet Larkin
Graduation Address Dr. Edwin P. Booth
Music, "Stoutharted Men" Romberg
School Chorus
Presentation of Awards.
. Superintendent E. Perley Eaton
Principal Alton H. Hartford
Harvard Club Book Award to Philip Burr
Lions Club Trophy for All Around Athletic Ability to Philip Burr
D. A. R. Good Citizen to Audrey Werner
G. A. R. History Medal to Lois Nourse
Bosch and Lumb Science Award to Walter Ehnes
Presentation of Scholarships Mrs. John A. Holmquist, Chairman Scholarship Committee, Hannah Adams Club Mrs. Malcolm Haskell, Chairman Scholarship Committee, Parent-Teacher Association
102
Music, "One World" O'Hara
School Chorus
.
Presentation of Diplomas
Dana B. Jefferson, Jr., Chairman Medfield School Committee
Class Song Words by Rhoda Thiel Tune-Harbor Lights
We have fulfilled our task to prepare for one much greater, To build a peaceful world from one scourged by war.
We must learn peacefully to live among our friends and nations,
To make our lives worth while, and help our fellowmen.
May God our efforts bless, and never let us fall,
And make the name renowned, of dear old Medfield High.
Farewell to Medfield High! To you we leave our humble blessing
For years of happiness and battles well won through.
Recessional, "God of Our Fathers" Warren
Class Motto, "Per Aspera Ad Astra" (To the stars through difficulties) Class Colors, Orchid and White
HONOR PUPILS
Walter Ehnes, Audrey Koch, Rhoda Thiel, Audrey Werner, Ruth Zizza.
Helen Aylward, Cecelia Bombelli, Sally Bramman, Olga Dalo, Laverne Dewar, Elizabeth Flagg, John Hogan Dina Ippoliti, Patricia Kennedy, Janet Larkin, Virginia McCarthy, Willard Newell, Clara. Poli, Barbara Smith
103
AUDITOR'S REPORT
November 15, 1946.
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Frank G. Haley, Chairman. Medfield, Massachusetts:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Medfield for the period from June 30, 1944 to June 20, 1946, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a re- port made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very trutly yours,
FRANCIS X. LANG, Director of Accounts.
Mr. Francis X. Lang, Director of Accounts, Department of Corporations and Taxation, State House, Boston:
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Medfield for the period from June 30, 1944, the date of the previous examination, to Jun 20. 1946, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and reconciled with the reports and records of the town accountant and the town treasurer.
The town accountant's ledger was analyzed, the recorded receipts being checked with the treasurer's books, and the pay- ments being compared with the warrants authorizing them and with the treasurer's records of payments. The appropriations and transfers were checked with the town clerk's records of town meeting proceedings and with the records of the finance committee. The necessary correcting and adjusting entries re- sulting from the audit were made, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on June 20, 1946.
Overlay deficits. totaling $2,494.77, as shown on the balance sheet, should be provided for by the Board of Assessors in accordance with the provisions of Section 23, Chapter 59, Gen- eral Laws, as amended.
104
As may be noted from the balance sheet, there are three overdrawn accounts which are contrary to the provisions of Section 31, Chapter 44, General Laws.
It is again recommended that the salaries of all elected officials be fixed annually by vote of the town, in accordance with the provisions of Section 108, Chapter 41, General Laws.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were ex- amined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were checked with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town, while the payments were checked with the select- men's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book additions were verified and the cash balance on June 20, 1946 was proved by actual count of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit.
In connection with treasury warrants attention is called to Section 56, Chapter 41, General Laws, which provides that the treasurer shall pay no money from the treasury except upon warrants duly approved by the town accountant and a majority of the board of selectmen.
The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were examined and compared with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the several trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer and the selectmen were examined and listed. The income was proved, the transfers to the town were com- pared with the treasurer's cash book, and the disbursements were verified.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined. The tax titles disclaimed were verified, the reported redemp- tions were compared with the treasurer's cash receipts, and the tax titles on hand were listed, reconciled with the accountant's ledger, and further verified by checking with the records in the Registry of Deeds.
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.