USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 20
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Our effort to raise the scholastic standard of the schools, though disconcerting to some, is proving wise and effective. This is the fixing of a definite minimum standard of daily and special test ranks for promotion to High School. This will continue to prove more effective if the policy is adhered to.
A class of ten was graduated from the Eighth grade, and held a very pleasing graduation at the close of school in June. Each graduate had attained the required rank and the few who failed and are in school this year are doing well and find the year review very profitable.
The good preparation of the pupils entering Senior High School is having a beneficial effect upon the school.
The spirit of the High School is pleasing. The attitude toward study and good work is much improved, hence the scho- lastic attainment is higher and the general character and tone of the school are better. This condition should surely be pleasing to the town, and is especially so to those directly connected with the school.
A graduation of a good-sized class was held last June. Under that inspiring influence in the attractive old colonial church building the occasion was indeed beautiful.
The class of 1924 took the educational and delightful trip to the Capitol City of our nation last spring.
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Not much has been expended in repairs made on the school buildings this past year. A few minor necessary repairs were made on the Albeeville and East Mendon buildings. A storm protection was put near the steps of the North entrance of the Center Building.
Storm windows which have long been needed, have been put on the windows of the northwest rooms of the Center Building. These will help greatly in making the rooms comfortable in windy weather, and be a great saving of fuel. It is now possible to heat the lower north room in all weather. It will never be possible to properly heat the High School main room until far- ther repairs are made on the building. On severe, cold and windy days, much cold air comes in around the window casings and es- pecially around the blackboards.
There is one question of repairs of the buildings which must have attention this coming season. All buildings need outside painting, especially the Center Building. This need can be easily seen by all who look at the buildings.
We advise and urge that a special appropriation be made for painting the Center School Building, two or three coats as may be necessary, this coming summer vacation.
Also, the seats and desks in the East Building are in a very bad condition. They should be smoothed down and varnished this next summer. An appropriation should be made for this.
This proposed plan for appropriation for these repairs has the full approval of the School Committee as well as the Super- intendent of Schools. We feel certain that the tax payers will appreciate this need and make the necessary appropriation.
There have been some complaints about minor disturbances by pupils about the school halls and grounds. A great effort is being made to see that the children are looked after during the recess and noon periods. A teacher is on the grounds all the recess periods. The noon hour is a problem in the country schools. There has been opposition to shortening the noon hour with the argument that pupils wish to go home for dinner. We all know that warm dinners are beneficial. We urge that as
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many pupils as possible go home for dinners. This will tend to relieve the congestion in the building at noon.
A little training has been given in music appreciation and art picture appreciation. There are a few pictures on the walls of the school rooms, but more are needed. We have advocated a school entertainment by which funds may be raised for this purpose. Pictures in a school room are most impressive and have a large influence on character.
At the last meeting of the joint committee of this Union School Disrtict, Mendon's proportion of the Superintendent's salary was decreased. The committee felt this change would be just as the number of pupils and teachers in the other towns has considerably increased during the past few years. Mendon now pays one fifth of the Superintendent's salary instead of three tenths as before.
Several teacher's meetings have been held; and the teachers have also united with the teachers in Hopedale at other meetings. At these meetings lectures are given or discussions of educational problems and methods are held.
The attitude of the school children is commendable. There seems to be a good spirit of comradeship among teachers and pupils. The larger part of the pupils are showing a desire for good school work, and are making an effort to help make our schools a success.
It is a fact that schools cannot meet all the obligations placed upon them in this present age. The most important duty and opportunity of schools is teaching the essentials in character building. This is indeed a heavy task, because of the counteract- ing influences of education outside of school. The present senti- ment of allowing the young so much freedom of action is detri- mental to highest morals and best character building. This sentiment that one should do as his wishes dictate make the sterner regulations of those who are guiding toward the best in life seem very irksome and unpleasant to the untrained and in- experienced child and youth. On account of the present day con- ditions of our strenuous life, the home, in many cases, is failing
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to do what it should do and can do better than any other in character building.
We are striving in our schools to encourage best thought, to train right habits and inspire highest ideals. Our teachers are devoted to their work and concerned for the highest welfare of their pupils. This making citizens is a great, important, and se- rious work, and the co-operation of parents and all other educa- tional agencies is essential.
As has been reported before, the Mendon School Committee has exerted its best efforts in judicious expenditure of the school appropriation in order that the greatest possible results may be obtained from every dollar expended. In order that the present work of the schools may be carried on next year the same amount of appropriation as last year is necessary.
We are appreciative of and grateful to our School Commit- tee, parents and all for their loyal support and willing co-opera- tive assistance. We solicit your continued interest and help.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my third annual report as Principal of Mendon High School.
The school opened the second of September which was one week earlier than the date of openig last year. I believe that it is advisable to begin the school year early which will mean an earlier closing date in June. If the school year continues until the latter part of June we find that the interest in school work on the part of the pupils, considerably lessens. Since our high school year lasts for forty weeks the hot weather at the first of the year is not so detrimental to school work as it is at the end of the year following a long period of close application to school requirements.
New grammars have been added in the three French courses, also new texts in second year Latin, chemistry, and advanced mathematics. In addition we have procured new laboratory equipment for both physics and chemistry all of which was very much needed since our laboratory facilities are rather inadequate.
I stated in my report of last year that I thought that the attitude toward school work was improving and I feel that a much greater improvement has been made during the past year. This is particularly noticeable in the two upper classes. The in- creased interest in academic work has stimulated in several of the pupils a desire to continue in their education after their gradua- tion from high school.
The trip to Washington, in which the graduating class of last year participated, was very profitable from the point of view of education, as well as of enjoyment. I firmly believe that the trip,
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although it necessitates a great amount of hard work, and the expenditure of no little energy on the part of the class, more than makes up in the education gained thereby for any other losses it may incur.
The school board has made a very decided improvement by the addition of storm windows to the northwest side of the build- ing, and this has been a great help during the cold weather in the problem of heating.
The Principal solicits co-operation on the part of the parents and is glad to receive at any time any visitors who desire to attend the school session. He wishes to thank the superintendent, teach- ers, school board, parents and pupils for their support.
Respectfully submitted,
OSCAR L. GARLAND, Principal.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :---
I herewith submit the Annual Report of School Nursing for the year ending December 31, 1924.
Dr. Campbell found the following numbers of defects in pupils at the Center, East Mendon and Albeeville Schools.
Dental 38
Enlarged or diseased tonsils 16
Adenoids 4
Anemia 3
Glands, enlarged 4
Lordorsis
1
Inflamed Eyelids 1
Post-nasal Catarrh 2
The defects corrected are :-
Dental 27
Tonsils
3
Glasses obtained 4
The Center School has been visited once a week, East Mendon and Albeeville on alternate weeks, when schools were in session.
The number of corrections is small considering the number of home calls made to urge this matter. Many parents consult their family physician after receiving a notice and some treatment or care is given even though the defect is not wholly eliminated. Considerable dental work needs to be done. This, of course, is expensive of time and money as all has to be done out of town.
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At the Center school the children are weighed twice a year. Those 7 per cent. or more under normal are reweighed once a month. When taken in small groups as a class the children show considerable interest in their gain, and various means are used to stimulate hygiene habits of living to help this condition.
All the children are inspected occasionally as to the con- dition of the hair, teeth, hands and skin. Home calls are made when necessary. The teachers have been very co-operative in hav- ing daily health inspections in their rooms. It does little or no good to talk to the children about personal cleanliness if we do not help them to form the habits necessary to attain this condi- tion. For instance, the grammar school pupils keep a daily record of the number who have brushed their teeth and each week com- pute the per cent. of their respective grades. The pupils of the eighth grade have so far excelled.
I would like to thank the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools and teachers for their continued interest.
Respectfully.
MARY L. WILSON, R. N.
School Nurse.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
MY DEAR MR. DROWN :---
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Music in the Mendon Public Schols.
The work of the school year 1924-1925 started smoothly and is continuing with good success for the most part. This is due largely to the continuation of the same methods and teach- ing force. The children have been taught rote songs, unison songs, and the singing of simple songs at sight. In the seventh and eighth grades the boys are taught to read from the bass clef, thus preparing them for four part work in High School.
We have a new book of Choruses in the High School, for which we are very grateful. They create more enthusiasm and thus the singing is made better.
This year we are trying to do more in the way of music ap- preciation so that in this day of "Jazz" the young people may come to realize something finer and more lasting in music. We are handicapped in the work, however, by lack of suitable records and by purchasing a few each year there would soon be an ample supply.
I wish at this time to thank the teachers for their hearty co- operation, and the Superintendent for his splendid support.
Respectfully submitted,
BEULAH THOMPSON.
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Commencement Exercises of the MENDON HIGH SCHOOL At the Unitarian Church Thursday Evening, June 26, 1924.
PROGRAMME.
Processional
Miss Beulah Thompson.
Invocation
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
Song, Fiddle and I
Salutatory and Essay-Daniel Webtser, the Orator Donald B. Lowell.
Essay-The History of the Automobile
Charles H. Jewett.
Song-When the Foeman Bares His Steel
Essay-Our Trip to the Nation's Capitol Edward T. Whiting.
Song-Comrades of the Road
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Valedictory and Essay-Massachusetts and Its Position in the Growth of Our Nation
Charlotte E. Marlow.
Song, Sons of the Living Morning
Address
Rev. John N. Mark.
Presentation of Diplomas
George H. Pickard, Chairman of the School Committee.
Recessional
Miss Beulah Thompson.
Class Motto-Not Evening But Dawn. Class Colors-Green and Gold. Class Flowers-White Rose.
CLASS ROLL.
Charlotte Etta Marlow
Donald Bennett Lowell
Edward Taft Whiting Charles Henry Jewett
O. L. Garland, Principal.
Madeleine Brown, Assistant.
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EIGHTH GRADE
GRADUATION EXERCISES
Town Hall, Mendon
Thursday, June 12, 1924, 2 O'Clock P. M.
PROGRAM
Music-Processional
Invocation
Rev. Wintersteen.
Welcome
Anna Hoberg.
Essay-Electricity
Clayton Brown.
Essay-Education
Olive Rodgers.
Song-Merry June
School.
Essay-President Coolidge
Robert Taft.
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Essay-The Moving Picture Industry
Clara Grant.
Piano Solo
Marjory Brown.
Essay-Transportation
Silas Dudley.
Essay-Education
Russell Perron.
Song-Water Lillies
School.
Essay-Health
Anna Hoberg.
Essay-Rocky Mountain Wonderland
Arthur Johnson.
Duett-Song, Springtime Bells
East School.
Essay-Washington Irving
Catherine Jewett:
Essay and Valedictory
Edith Davenport.
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Barrows, School Committee.
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Song-Our Festal Day
Class.
Benediction
Rev. Wintersteen.
GRADUATES.
Anna Hoberg Olive Rodgers Clara Grant Russell Perron
Catherine Jewett
Clayton Brown Robert Taft
Silas Dudley Arthur Johnson
Edith Davenport
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MEMORIAL DAY EXERCISES
Mendon Schools, May 29, 1924. -
Salute to the Flag
All Schools.
Star Spangled Banner
All Schools.
Prayer
Rev. Mr. Deming.
Song-Stars and Stripes Forever
High School.
Recitation
Roger Sparhawk.
Song-Memorial Day
Members of the Grammar School.
Gettysburg Address
Donald Lowell.
Song-America's Marching Song
Intermediate School.
Recitation
Marion Bouchard.
Song-Tenting Tonight
High School.
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Song-Memorial Day
Four Boys-Primary School.
Recitation
Francis DeWolfe.
Song-Columbia the Gem of the Ocean
All Schools.
Recitation-Decoration Day
Four Girls-Intermediate School.
Recitation
Louise Davenport.
Song-Soldier Boys
Primary School.
Song-Memorial Day
Third Grade.
Recitation
Joseph Taylor.
Recitation
Two Boys-Intermediate School.
Song-Marching Proudly
Second Grade.
Recitation-Sleep Soldiers Sleep
Intermediate School.
Song-Strew With Fairest Flowers
Fifth Grade Girls.
Song-America the Beautiful
All Schools.
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Remarks
Mr. Gaskill.
Address
Rev. Mr. Deming, Pastor of the Union Church Hopedale.
America
All.
Benediction
Rev. Mr. Deming.
WHERE THE DOLLAR OF THE MENDON SCHOOL APPROPRIATION WENT IN 1924.
'Teachers' Salaries .621
Miscellaneous and others .011
Health .017
Text Books .017
Supplies
.028
Repairs
.029
Care of Buildings
.055
Fuel .067
Administration .074
Transportation .081
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS.
DECEMBER, 1924.
Number of pupils examined 184
Number found defective in eyesight 15
Number found defective in hearing 0
Number parents notified 15
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ENROLLMENT BY GRADES JANUARY 1, 1925 AND BY AGES APRIL 1, 1925.
Ages
6
8
9
10
11
12
13| 14| 15[ 16
17| 18| 19| Tot.
BOYS
Grades
14
II
6
4|
1|
1
12
III
2
4
1
1|
1
9
IV
8
V
1
10
VI
1
1
9
VII
4
1
10
VIII
1
8
Elementary Totals
7
13
12
9
13|
8
9
7
I
1
80
High
3
1
X
2
2
4
XI
3
3
XII
1
1
1
1|
2
Totals for High
3
3
5
2
1
14
Total Boys
7
13
12
9
13|
8
9| 10| 4| 6| 2|
1
Ages
6
7
8
9
10
11|
12
13
14| 15
16!
17| 18| 19| Tot.
GIRLS
Grades
I
2
2
3
1
8
II
5
III
1
I
2
1
6
12
V
8
4
2
2
16
VI
1
3
3
1
8
VIII
3
I
3
11
Elementary Totals
2
3
7
9
17|
9
11
7
4
5
74
High
3
1 12
1
5
X
1
XI
3
XII
Totals for High
4
3
4| 1
12
Total Girls
2|
3
7
9|
17|
9|
11
7
9
7
4
1
86
Grand Totals
2|
10|
20|
21|
26
22
19
16
19|
11|
10
3
1 1|
180
I
6
5
2
1
2|
3|
31
3
4
2 22-4 4
4 2
1
1|
94
IV
6
5
1
8
VII
1|
2
4
0
1
IX
4
13
-
Numbers appearing in heavy type are ranked as normal.
3
2
IX
4
1
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1923-1924.
Total Enrollment
Schools
Non-Resident
Aggregate Attendance
Daily Attendance Average
Average
Membership
Boys
Girls
5 to 7 Years of Age
7 to 14 Years of Age
14 to 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Over 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
Per Cent of Attendance
75
High
28
17
11
0
4669
24.70
26.22
28
17
11
0
1
15
12
1
94.20
Centre
Grades 6, 7, 8
47
24
23
2
7285.5
42.48
45.35
45
23
22
0
32
13
0
2
93.64
Grades 3, 4, 5
47
14
33
9
6597
38.06
41.07
44
12
32
0
44
0
0
0
92.67
Grades 1, 2
34
23
11
3
4744.5
27.82
30.43
32
21
11
11
21
0
0
2
91.42
East Mendon
32
20
12
4
3711.5
21.70
24.00
27
19
8
3
23
1
0
0
90.40
Grades 1 to 8
27
12
15
0
3801
22.22
24.49
26
12
14
0
22
3
1
0
90.66
Total
215
110
105
18
30808.5 176.98
191.56
202
104
98
14
143
32
13
5
92.38
Having Perfect Attendance
Boys
Girls
Total No. of Pupils Not Enrolled in Any Other Town in State
No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
Grades 1 to 8 Albeeville
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TOWN WARRANT
Worcester, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Mendon in the County of Worcester,
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Mendon, qualified to vote in Elections and in Town Affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Mendon, on the second day of March, 1925, punctually, at 9 o'clock, A. M., to act on the following articles, viz. :
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meet- ing.
Article 2. To bring in their ballots for the following officers : A Town Clerk for 1 year ; three Selectmen for 1 year ; one Assessor for 3 years; three Overseers of the Poor for 1 year ; Town Treasurer for 1 year; Collector of Taxes for 1 year ; Auditor for 1 year ; one Constable for 1 year ; Tree Warden for 1 year ; one Trustee of Taft Public Library for 2 years ; one School Committee for 3 years ; one Park Commissioner for 3 years ; also to bring in their votes "Yes" or "No" in answer to the question : "Shall license be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicating beverages in this town?" All on one ballot designating the office intended for each person voted for.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the several town officers and committees, and act thereon.
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Article 4. To choose all necssary town officers for the en- suing year.
Article 5. To raise such sums as are necessary to pay town charges and make appropriations for same.
Article 6. To determine when all taxes for the year 1925 shall become due and payable, the time from which interest on unpaid taxes of said year shall be charged, and the compensation of the Collector of Taxes for the year ensuing.
Article 7. To see if the Town will authorize its Treasurer to hire money, and to what amount, to pay current expenses for the financial year commencing January 1, 1925, in anticipation of revenue.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money for Memorial Day services, and ap- point a committee to expend the same.
Article 9. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for care and improvement in the Old Cemetery or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money for the improvement and repair of highways to be expended under direction of Massachusetts High- way Commission as provided by Chapter 81 of the General Acts of 1921 or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money to be expended on the Highways provided the State and County will contribute for the same.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $200 to pay for the services of a School Nurse or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $50 to pay for the services of the School Physician, or take any action in relation thereto.
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Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $525 for the purpose of painting the Center School building, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to establish the salary of any Town Officers.
Artcile 16. To see if the Town will vote to buy any fire apparatus, remodel or dispose of any already on hand, make any alterations of the fire house, raise and appropriate any money therefor, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to accept Sections 7 and 8 of Chapter 136 of the General Laws of the Common- wealth, relative to the granting of licenses to individuals to keep open their places of business on the Lord's day for the sale of ice cream, confectionery, soda water or fruit.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate money for repairing Bates Street Highway and cutting brush, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 19. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate money for the purpose of installing four more street lights on George street.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to install two street lights on Washington street from opposite the house of George Hamant to a point opposite the residence of Ernest Wig- gin, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to install three street lights on Uxbridge street between Lakeside and Nolan's Corner, appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to install four (4) street lights on Thornton street Northerly from Uxbridge street, appropriate any sum of money therefor, or act in any way in relation to the same.
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Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to install a street light on Park street near the residence of P. F. Quirk, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or act in any way in relation to the same.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to install two street lights on Pleasant street near the residence of W. C. Robinson & Sons, raise and appropriate any sum of money there- for, or act in any way in relation to the same.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to accept the bequest to it for the Taft Public Library under clause "Fourth" of the will of Austin B. Fletcher, deceased, and agree to all the conditions of said bequest, or take any other action or pass any other votes relative to said bequest and the acceptance thereof.
Article 26. To see what action the Town will take relating to actions that may be brought by or against the Town.
The Polls may be closed at 4 P. M.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up an attested copy therof at the Post Office in said Mendon, and caus- ing a copy of the same to be published one time in one of the daily papers, published in Milford, Mass., both said posting and publication to be at least seven days before the time of the meet- ing hereby ordered to be held.
Hereof, fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Selectmen and Town Clerk, before the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Mendon, this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and twenty- five.
FRANKLIN E. GOODNOW, CARL M. TAFT, P. JOHN HOBERG,
Selectmen of Mendon.
A true copy, attest :
ARTHUR E. BROWN,
Constable of Mendon.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE VARIOUS
BOARDS OF TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON
INCLUDING THE REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE
Municipal Year Ending December 31, 1925
259TH' ANNUAL REPORT.
MILFORD, MASS. THE CHARLESCRAFT PRESS, PRINTERS. 1926.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned Treasurer of the Town of Mendon for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 1925, submits an account of his doings.
The Treasurer debits himself with receiving the following sums, viz :-
To cash received, unexpended balance Jan. 1, 1925 $894 88 To cash received, Milford Savings Bank $18,000 00 To cash received, Home National Bank, Interest 45 32
To cash received, State Treasurer, Income, Mass. School Fund, Part II 2,564 41
To cash received, State Treasurer, Account of Vocational Education 75 00
To cash received, Albert W. Sears, rent of Town Hall 214 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Corp- oration Tax, Public Service 160 00
To cash received, Ladies' Alliance for Rent 18 00
To cash received, Cora Green, Sunday License 2 00
To cash received, Kassab & Raad, Sun- day License 2 00
To cash received, Russell E. Bates, Pool License 2 00
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