USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 27
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Our schools have a great work to do in training for a larger appreciation of the necessity for regulations governing the con-
82
duct of society, for greater reverence for the government and obedience to law.
Thoughtfulness and sympathy for the wishes and welfare of others, courtesy, carefulness, reliability, faith and a conscience seen for right doing, are essential characteristics of a prosperous and happy people. Training for such elements as these should be the goal in all school instruction. Instruction in health, safety, conservation of human energy and our country's great natural resources are important.
Character and heart training is more valuable to society than training of the intellect and conventionalisms. True character can be taught to a large extent through the means of the regular subjects of the school curricula.
Someone has said that the purpose of democracy is so to organize society that each member may develope his personality primarily through activities designed for the well-being of so- ciety as a whole. Consequently education in our republic both within and without the school should develop in each individual the knowledge, interests, ideals, habits and powers whereby he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward nobler ends.
If education does not make better citizens of all instead of better criminals of some, it is faulty and lacks the one great essential element. Right personality of teachers is more effective in proper training than are attractive text books and elaborate equipment.
The Mendon schools have accomplished much this past year toward reaching these desired goals.
The American public schools should mean more to the nation today than ever before.
The blessings of liberty for which our nation's founders so bravely fought, the greatness of our beloved country, the true significance of our glorious flag and the real meaning of democ- racy should be better appreciated today even than eight years ago at the close of the great war.
We must depend upon the schools as the greatest means for the training of these high ideals.
83
Although it has been written in previous reports, the Super- intendent wishes to express his real appreciation of the co-opera- tion and help given by all connected with the Mendon Schools.
The work and relations of the Superintendent, School Com- mittee, Teachers and all concerned have been most harmonious. The spirit of the school children has been helpful. Such condi- tions are certain to make successful schools.
As has been stated before, the efforts of the school commit- tee have been to make every dollar of the school appropriation bring the greatest possible results. If a larger appropriation is asked, it is because it is much needed for the welfare of the schools.
On account of the increase of the town's valuation, Mendon now receives much less than previously from the State on the Massachusetts Fund.
Although schools and education do cost much (far less is paid for education in this country than for needless luxuries), they are the best investment we have. The greatest incentive we, of this generation, have for our work in life is that which we may do for the generation to follow us.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN.
84
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, 1926.
The Center School was visited once a week when school was in session. Albeeville and East Mendon every other week.
Assisted Dr. Campbell in examining 198 children. The defects found were :
Large Tonsils 50
Large Adenoids 12
Defective Teeth 60
Defective Hearts
3
Poor Nutrition 5
Poor Posture 10
Swollen Glands 2
Skin Diseases 4
Deformed Foot 1
Notices of defects found were sent to all parents. About eight corrections have been made.
It is hard for a nurse to have a regular program, but she tries, each week, to introduce some health habit or thought. The means she uses are stories, talks, songs, the scales, games, inspec- tions and advice.
The Massachusetts Tuberculosis League furnishes the school nurses with material to carry on what is known as "The Modern Health Crusade." This is a game the children play by keeping certain health rules and recording them on a chart daily. They
85
win titles and honors by obtaining certain scores. This has been carried on quite successfully in the third, fourth and fifth grades.
Eighteen special classes for underweight children were held. These are to stimulate the gain in weight project.
Number of pupils inspected for cleanliness 573
Number of classroom health talks 58
Number of home visits 46
Number of pupils recommended for exclusion 10
In closing I would like to suggest printed Quarantine Re- quirements, recommended by the School Committee, placed in all classrooms for the teachers' reference. A small First Aid box placed in both district schools would be a help in an emergency.
The drinking fountain at the Center School should receive some serious consideration.
Allow me at this time to thank all who have helped the nurse to carry on.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN C. GRADY, R. N.
86
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
January 13, 1927.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
Mendon Centre :
Last September I found that many of the children in the lower grades were unable to sing. Most of these so-called mo- notonists, had tonsils or adenoids, which prevented good singing. To others it was a new experience and we had to help these children to discover their own ability in this respect, then there were a few who could sing one or two tones with assistance, but could not "carry a tune."
I asked Mrs. Blackwood to do individual work daily with these children, and it is due to her faithful efforts that we have cut down appreciably the number of children who were in that group of "non singers."
Very creditable work has been done by the children in the singing of syllables and they also have learned many rote songs. These songs are especially adapted to children's voices and are related to the experiences of childhood. They also form a defi- nite basis of instruction for the music work which is to come in the upper grades.
We have dramatized several of the songs and the children have made, and brought from home, different articles to aid in our interpretations, such as paper soldier caps, baskets, drums and so forth.
Simple folk dances have been done to music, the children have marched to their tunes they sing. Both of these activities help to develop the child's sense of rythm and free him from self-consciousness and awkwardness.
87
In Miss Pearson's younger class there is a great need for syllable work, for they are quite backward in this respect. Her older group is doing good work, and should do good two part work now to prepare for next year's requirements.
Mrs. Park's classes have covered a considerable amount of technical work, they are doing two part songs and in one case three part work. They have bought the "Gold Book" which is good for opening exercises and recreation. In addition to these, I should suggest the purchase of "Progressive Book Four."
For the first year the High School might use the same books for the one period a week when the supervisor is there, the rest of the time the eighth grade would have them. Last year we availed ourselves of that plan and it proved to be practicable.
The High School students have been working on several selections. I think they will be able to put on a good musical program in connection with their graduation exercises.
Mr. Garland has cooperated in every possible way to make the music period sucessful.
EAST MENDON AND ALBEEVILLE.
Rural schools always are very interesting to work in, and these are especially near to my heart. The children are so will- ing and eager to learn, they work hard to accomplish whatever is set before them. We were most grateful for the new singing books, they were needed. The children in the upper grades are doing creditable two part work under Miss Riley's capable di- rection. The little folks are learning rote songs and all except first grade pupils, are doing syllable work. I hope they may have a Victrola, it would mean so very much to them, and the Music Supervisor could teach them concerning the compositions. They could learn to march and keep time to music, it could be used in various ways which would be helpful, instructive and would open a new world to them.
Miss Barlow's pupils too, are doing syllable work above the first grade and have sight singing and dictation in the upper
88
grades. Their music for their Christmas programme included two part songs which they worked faithfully to learn.
In both of these schools too, we have dramatized our songs in the lower classes, and have tried to teach them to march.
All of the schools should have good Victrola records. There is not need for a great many of these-a few well chosen would be ample for a year's work in appreciation. A circulating library of records for the three schools would be practical and not ex- pensive.
We try to have our girls and boys acquainted with the world's best literature; they should know its best music, too. If they are taught to understand and appreciate it, they will love it.
I wish to thank the Superintendent and School Committtee for their cooperation.
I deeply regret that I have had to give up my school work, for I enjoyed it immensely, but I am needed here.
Will you please convey to the teachers my gratitude for their help and faithfulness in carrying out the music work as I outlined it for them.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCES B. SETTLE,
Supervisor of Music.
89
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Principal of Mendon High School.
The school opened the seventh of September with an en- rollment of thirty-seven. Since that date seven pupils have left school and two have entered making our present enrollment thirty-two.
The attendance for the first four months averaged 96.62 percent. The attendance has recently been less on account of considerable sickness.
New texts have been added in the French and English courses as well as additional texts in other courses to replace worn out books.
Equipment for work in the recitation room has been bettered by the purchase of student chairs which enable the pupils to write with much greater facility.
The revision of the course of study went into effect this year. This eliminates the former combination of second and third year French which never resulted in great satisfaction because of the fact that one section of the class had studied one more year of that language than the other.
The trip to Washington by last year's graduating class was greatly enjoyed and much benefit, from the point of view of edu- cation, was derived thereby. This year's senior class is looking forward to the same visit to our National Capital.
As I formerly stated, our equipment for physics and chemis- try is inadequate due to insufficient laboratory facilities. The use of the basement for that purpose is hardly satisfactory due to
90
dampness, insufficient light and lack of bench equipment. There- fore, I again recommend that a part of the attic be fitted up to improve those conditions.
I think I express the feeling of all the teachers in the build- ing in saying that we regret the resignation of the music teacher, Mrs. Settle, whom we believe was doing exceptionally good work.
I wish to thank the superintendent, school board, teachers, parents and scholars for the feeling of true cooperation which I believe to exist among all.
Respectfully submitted, OSCAR L. GARLAND,
Principal.
91
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation Exercises Unitarian Church, Mendon, at 8.00 O'Clock P. M. Friday, June 25, 1926.
Invocation
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
Salutatory and Essay-Response of American Women in Time of Stress Helen Trask.
Essay-The United States Air Mail
George Johnson.
Song-Moonlit Meadows Czibulka
High School.
Essay-The Royal Northwest Mounted Police Stanley Brown.
Essay-Superstition
Robert Goodnow.
Song-Silent Now
High School. Offenbach
92
Class History, Prophecy and Will
Jesse Taft.
Essay and Valedictory
Dorothy Brown.
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Pickard, Chairman of School Committee.
Benediction
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
GRADUATES.
Dorothy Strand Brown
Stanley Caswell Brown
Robert Gibson Goodnow
George Augustus Johnson Jesse Alderman Taft Helen Louise Trask
CLASS OFFICERS.
Robert Goodnow, President
Jesse Taft, Secretary
Dorothy Brown, Vice-President
Helen Trask, Treasurer
CLASS MOTTO-Scientia est Potentia.
CLASS COLORS-Purple and Gold.
93
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION EXERCISES Town Hall, at 2.00 O'Clock P. M. Thursday, June 10, 1926.
Music
Miss Thompson.
Invocation Welcome
Mildred Miller.
Song-Butterflies
Center School.
Essay-Our Political Inheritance
Walter Johnson.
Essay-History of Our Flag
Alice Lamothe.
Essay-The Stamp and Its Relatives
Harry Sheldon.
Duett-Stars Brightly Shining
Mildred Miller Alice Lamothe
94
Essay-Gold That Grows
Harold Smith
Essay-Travel in Space
James D. York.
Essay-Our Feathered Friends
Dorothy Goodnow
Piano Solo-Butterflies
Marjorie Smith
Essay-The History of Our Town
Mildred Miller.
Essay-The Lincoln Highway
George Goodwin
Essay-Florence Nightingale-Woman Benefactor Karleen Barrows.
Piano and Violin Duett-Valce Barcarolle
Elise Gaskill Thelma Gaskill
Essay-Tree to Cup-Coffee
Sylvia Hartshorn.
Essay-Glass
Willard Mathewson.
Duett-Vacation Song
Ardella Anesta Mary Leone.
95
Essay and Valedictory-Our Relations With South America Dorothea Thomas.
Presentation of Diplomas
Song
Class.
Benediction
Reception to Class
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATES.
1926.
Karleen Barrows
Dorothy Goodnow
George Goodwin
Silvia Hartshorn
Elsie Gaskill
Walter Johnson
Thelma Gaskill Alice Lamothe
Mildred Miller Willard Mathewson
Harold Smith Marjorie Smith
Harry Sheldon Dorothea Thomas
James D. York
96
MEMORIAL DAY EXERCISES Mendon Schools, May 28, 1926. -
Flag Salute
All Schools.
Prayer
Rev. Mr. Deming.
Song-Star Spangled Banner
All 1 and 3.
Recitation-The Young Patriot
Vernon Barrows.
Song-To America
High School.
Gettysburg Address
Jesse Taft.
Song-The Drummer Boy
Primary School.
Recitation-Memories
Joseph Taylor.
Song-Soldier Boy
John Andrews.
97
Recitation-His Memorial Wreaths
Erle Gaskill.
Song-Stars and Stripes Forever
High School.
Recitation-What We Can Do
Three Girls-Grammar School.
Song-America The Beautiful
1, 2 and 3-All Schools.
Exercise-Emblems of Decoration Day
Marjorie Park Ella Bates Miriam Thomas.
Song-Bring the Fife and Bring the Drum
Channing Smith and Primary School.
Recitation-Decorations
Four Girls of Intermediate School.
Song-God Bless America
Grammar School.
Exercise-Our Tribute
Five Second Grade Boys.
Recitation-To Honor Our Heroes
Douglas Taylor.
Song-Memorial Day
Intermediate School.
98
Essay-Memorial Day
Marion Flooks.
Song-Old Glory
Intermediate School.
Recitation-The New Memorial Day
Five Fifth Grade Girls.
Address
Mr. Dennett.
Song-America-All verses
All.
Benediction
Rev. Mr. Deming.
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS. DECEMBER, 1926.
Number of pupils examined 194
Number found defective in eyesight 11
Number found defective in hearing 2
Number parents notified 12
99
ENROLLMENT BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1927 AND BY AGES, OCTOBER 1, 1926.
Ages
6] 7
8
9| 10
11
12
13!
14|15 |16| 17 |18 |19 20|
Total
BOYS
Grades
12
Grade II
2|
3
1
9
Grade III
4
8
1
1
1
15
Grade IV
5
6
1
1
13
Grade V
2
2
2
1
10
Grade VI
I
3 2 1
I
1
4
Grade VIII
1
2
3
1
8
Totals of Elemen- tary Grades
11|
31
6
16
12
7
8| 11
6
2
82
High School
IX
4
X
4
XI
3
1
5
XII
2
Total High School
1
2
4
3
3
11
15
Total Boys
11
3
6
16
12
7 8|12
8
6|
3|
3
1
1
97
Ages
6
7| 8
9 |10|11 |12| 13
14 15 |16 17 18 |19|20|
Total
GIRLS
Grades
10
Grade II
1
10
16
Grade III
1
4231
2 221 1
3
3
9
Grade VI
6 1
4 5 1
1 1142 1
1 2
1
6
Totals of Elemen- tary Grades
9 13|
210
5
12
15
8
31
3
1
81
High School
IX
1
2
5
2
1 1
3
XI
2
3
XII
2
Total High School
1
4
5
4
4
I
19
Total Girls
9
13
21
10
5
12
15
9
7
8
5
4
1
100
Grand Totals
20
16
8|
261
17
19
23
21
15|
14
8
7
21
1
197
Grade I
8
6
Grade IV
8
Grade V
13
Grade VII
12
13
Grade VIII
1
I 1
2
2
1
1
11
Grade VII
3 1
1
1
Grade I
9 2
5
Numbers appearing in heavy type are ranked as normal.
11
X
2
2
1
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1925-1926.
Total Enrollment
Schools
Boys
Girls
Non-Resident
Aggregate Attendance
Average
Average
Membership
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
5 to 7 Years of Age
7 to 14 Years of Age No. of Pupils
14 to 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Over 16 Years of Age
Having Perfect Attendance
Per Cent of Attendance
High School Center
36
17
19
0 0
5937.
31.41
32.8
32
16
16
35
17
18
0
4
14
17
5
95.76
Grades 6, 7, 8
43
16
27
6
6028.
35.66
38.91
40
15
25
42
15
27
0
27
13
2
91.69
Grades 3, 4, 5
40
22
18
2
5559.
32.89
34.93
33
17
16
38
22
16
0
37
1
0
0
94.16
Grades 1, 2
41
23
18
6
5408.
32.19
35.55
39
22
17
39
22
17
7
32
0
0
1
90.54
East Mendon Grades 1-8
36
20
16
7
3738.
22.11
23.51
22
12
10
29
18
11
0
26
3
0
0
97.87
Albeeville Grades 1-8
25
12
13
0
3462.
20.61
22.65
23
11
12
24
12
12
2
17
4
1
2
90.45
Totals
221
110
111
21
30132.
174.87 188.35
189
93
96
207
106
101
9
143
35
20
9
93.41
Daily Attendance
Enrollment April 1, 1926
Total No. of Pupils Not Enrolled in Any Other Town in State
No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
100
103
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,200 for the purpose of building a room on the third floor of the Center school building, provide proper exits, install heat and equip the same as a classroom and labora- tory or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate any sum of money to fix the back stairs in the Town Hall so they will be safe for the public.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred and fifteen dollars and forty cents to pay for repairs on Northbridge road, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,300 for the purpose of buying a new chasis for the fire truck, take any action thereon, or act in any way in relation thereto.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to appoint a committee to investigate the advisability of establishing a Town forest, or take any action thereon.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500 to build a bridge over Mill River on Bellingham Street, or take any action in relation thereto.
Aricle 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,000 to build a bridge over Muddy Brook on Bellingham Street, or take any action in relation there- to.
Article 22. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to repairs necessary on the Town Hall.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to buy any road machinery, appoint a committee to investigate the matter, or act in any way in relation to the same.
104
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to install six street lights on Bates street, appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to install three street lights on Emerson street, from opposite Frank Taft's to Raymond Daley's, raise and appropriate any sum of money there- for, or act in any way in relation thereto.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to install three street lights on Blackstone street, from opposite the house of Edward E. Chapman, to a point at or near the house of Louis Tetrault, raise and appropriate any money therefor, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to install four street lights on State road, beginning at the residence of Mrs. Mary Taft and extending to the residence of Charles D. Bagg, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to install street lights on Thornton street and Hartford Avenue, west from the State road at Harry Roger's Corner, to the residence of Samuel W. Wood and to raise and appropriate money therefor.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to install street lighs on North Avenue, from the home of Raymond Barrows, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 30. To see what action the Town will take relative to actions that may be brought by or against the Town.
The polls may be closed at 4.00 o'clock P. M.
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, 1927
261ST ANNUAL REPORT.
MILFORD, MASS. THE CHARLESCRAFT PRESS, PRINTERS. 1928.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned, Treasurer of the Town of Mendon for the financial year ending December 31, 1927, submits an account of his doings.
The Treasurer debits himself with receiving the following sums, viz :-
To cash received, unexpended balance Jan. 1, 1927 $2,614 63
To cash received, Milford Savings Bank Notes 19,000 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Corporation Tax, Public Service ... 37
To cash received, State Treasurer, Cor- poration Tax, Business 23 11
To cash received, State Treasurer, Divi- sion of Highways 110 94
To cash received, State Treasurer, Massa- chusetts School Fund, Part II 956 18
To cash received, State Treasurer, In- come Tax, 1926 170 00
To cash received, Joseph Summers, Licenses 4 00
To cash received, Ladies' Alliance, Rent 18 00
To cash received, Johnson Bus Line, Inc. 13 00
To cash received, County Treasurer, Division of Tuberculosis 2 50
To cash received, Russell E. Bates, Licenses 4 00
To cash received, Georgianna Rogers, Licenses 4 00
To cash received, Salem Kassab, Licenses 4 00
3
To cash received, Nipmuck Park Co., Licenses 100 00
To cash received, Erle F. Gaskill, License 2 00
To cash received, Ernest Draper, License 2 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, In- spection of Animals 30 63 To cash received, Joseph White, License 2 00
To cash received, Thomas Levesque, Licenses 4 00
To cash received, State Treasurer,
Account Vocational Education .. . To cash received, State Treasurer, Cor- poration Tax, Business 145 05
53 56
To cash received, Freeman C. Lowell, License 10 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Tuition of Children 607 40
To cash received, Milford District Court, Fines 1 45
To cash received, City Treasurer, Boston School Department 39 05
To cash received, State Treasurer, Temporary Aid 1,086 73
To cash received, State Treasurer, for School Superintendent 386 66
To cash received, Berger Mfg. Co., for Culverts 412 38
To cash received, Estate of Elvira Lowell 150 00 To cash received, State Treasurer, High School Tuition in Special Cases .. 512 50
To cash received, State Treasurer, Corporation Tax, Public Service . . 256 17
To cash received, State Treasurer,
Corporation Tax, Business 340 80
To cash received, State Treasurer,
Income Tax, 1927 3,879 93
4
To cash received, State Treasurer, National Bank Tax 255 74
To cash received, State Treasurer,
Street Railway Tax 1 99
To cash received, State Treasurer,
State Aid 96 00
To cash received, State Treasurer,
Veterans' Exemption 45 52
To cash received, Sealer of Weights and Measures 14 83
To cash received, Director of Standards 6 00
To cash received, W. A. Barry, 1-2 Fees from Hay Scales 7 20
To cash received, County Treasurer, Dog Fund
396 60
To cash received, Carl M. Taft, Refund on Chapter 90 32 40
To cash received, C. H. Drown, Sale of Books 2 70
To cash received, Treasurer, Corporation Tax, Business 20 37
To cash received, State Treasurer,
National Bank Tax, 1925 12
To cash received, Verena R. Daley, Library Fines 26 13
To cash received, Home National Bank, Interest 100 77
To cash received, Home National
Bank, Deposit
01
To cash received, Albert W. Sears, Town Hall, Rent
197 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Divis- ion of Highways, Chapter 81 . ...
3,600 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Division of Highways, Chapter 90 6,361 80
To cash received, County Treasurer, Division of Highways, Chapter 90 6,361 81
.
5
To cash received, Milford Savings Bank, Emergency Note 3,000 00
To cash received, G. C. Coffin, Collector of Taxes, 1925 511 30
To cash received, E. E. Chapman, Collector of Taxes, 1926 2,351 59
To cash received, E. E. Chapman,
Collector of Taxes, 1927 32,299 17
Total Receipts $86,636 09
The Treasurer credits himself with paying the following amounts, viz :-
By cash, Director of Accounts $12 00
By cash, County Treasurer, Special
Appropriation 3,000 00
By cash, County Treasurer, Tubercu- losis Fund 113 07
By cash, County Treasurer, County
Tax 1,618 00
By cash, Milford Savings Bank, Notes 19,000 00
By cash, Milford Savings Bank, Interest 504 17
By cash, State Treasurer, State Tax .... 2,040 00
By cash, State Treasurer, Repairs of State Highway
457 60
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