USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1928-1932 > Part 7
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Expenditures
241 20
$469 65
JANUARY 1 TO AUGUST 31, 1929.
RECEIPTS.
Withdrawn from savings bank
$18 26
Income 113 96
$132 22
73
PAYMENTS.
Added to savings deposits
$113 96
Expenditures 18 26
$132 22
EDWIN M. WHEELOCK GIFT.
Savings Deposits
Total
On hand at beginning of year 1928
$301 13
$301 13
On hand at end of year 1928
314 81
314 81
On hand August 31, 1929
7 54
7 54
RECEIPTS.
1928
Income
$13 68
PAYMENTS.
Added to savings deposits
$13 68
JANUARY 1 TO AUGUST 31, 1929.
RECEIPTS.
Withdrawn from savings bank $313 71
Income 6 44
$320 15
PAYMENTS.
Added to savings deposits
$6 44
Expenditures for improvement on town record room 313 71
$320 15
74
TOWN OF MENDON BALANCE SHEET, AUGUST 31, 1929. GENERAL ACCOUNTS.
ASSETS.
Cash
$4,901 33
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Levy of 1927
$1 77
Levy of 1928
79 84
Levy of 1929
28,926 58
$29,008 19
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax :
Levy of 1929
1,343 01
Tax Titles
165 63
Departmental :
Health
$100 00
State Aid
294 00
$394 00
State Aid to Highways :
Chapter 81
$157 89
Chapter 90
500 00
$657 89
Fletcher Fund, to be withdrawn from
savings deposits 98 91
Estimated Receipts
6,714 01
$43,282 97
75
LIABILITIES.
Temporary Loans :
Anticipation of Revenue
$12,000 00
Unpaid orders 9 25
State and County Taxes :
State Tax
$1,615 00
State Highway Tax
457 60
State Snow Removal
44 06
County Tax
1,890 00
$4,006 66
Appropriations for General Purposes :
Officers' Salaries
$1,667 57
Officers' Bonds
5 00
Incidentals
1,779 65
Repairs to Town Hall
5,775 00
Shingling and Heating Record Room
59 70
Police Special
221 65
Fire Department
472 31
Forest Fires
144 55
Tree Warden
258 00
Health
205 90
Highways, General Repairs
196 90
Highway Special
940 09
Providence Street Repairs
300 00
Snow
469 03
Street Lights
2,138 08
Public Welfare
174 69
Soldiers' Relief
50 00
Schools
6,809 95
Libraries
336 44
Memorial Day
51 19
Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
20 00
Old Cemetery
54 00
Interest
500 00
Emergency Fund
1,000 00
$23,629 70
76
Overlay Reserved for Abatements :
Levy of 1927
$545 57
Levy of 1928
149 40
Levy of 1929
463 07
$1,158 04
Revenue Reserved Until Collected :
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
$1,343 01
Tax Titles
165 63
Health
100 00
$1,608 64
Surplus Revenue
870 68
$43,282 97
TRUST ACCOUNTS.
Trust and Investment Funds :
Cash and Securities
$7,572 92
$7,572 92
Austin Wood Relief Fund
$1,475 45
Mendon School District No. 1 Investment Fund
917 42
Austin B. Fletcher Library Fund
5,172 51
Edwin M. Wheelock Gift
7 54
$7,572 92
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1929
SCHOOL DIRECTORY.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
George H. Pickard, Chairman
Term Expires 1931
Frank J. Leonard
Term Expires 1932
Mrs. Annie Coffin, Secretary
Term Expires 1930
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Carroll H. Drown .
Telephone, Office, Milford 1630 Office, High School, Hopedale 78
Frances I. Coffin, Clerk
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
K. A. Campbell, M. D. Hopedale Telephone, Milford 102
SCHOOL NURSES.
Helen C. Grady, R. N. Milford Milma Trudell, R. N. . Telephone 862 Telephone 862
TEACHERS. CENTER BUILDING. HIGH SCHOOL.
Subjects or Grades
Name
Preparation
Math. and Science
Henry P. Clough, Principal
Dartmouth College and N. H. University
Second
French and Latin
Helen M. Honors
Wheaton College
Second
Beatrice Taft **
Third
English and History
Helen Reed
Framingham Normal and Boston University Boston University
First
79
GRADES.
Grades V*, VI, VII & VIII* Grades III, IV & V*
Orrilla F. Park
Castleton, Vt. Normal
Fifth
Martha E. Ryder
Hyannis and
North Adams Normals
Second
Grades I & II
Caroline W. Blackwood
Woonsocket High School
Fifth
ALBEEVILLE BUILDING.
Grades I-VIII
Marion Enos Framingham Normal Second
**- Resigned in November. *- Part of Eighth Grade subjects are taught in High School and part of the Fifth Grade is taught in the Grammar Room.
Years of Service in Town
-
Grades I-VIII
EAST MENDON BUILDING. Helen Redgrave Framingham Normal Second
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER.
Mrs. Raymond Daley Mendon TRUANT OFFICERS.
Jacob R. Brown Harold C. Barrows
JANITORS.
Center Building Albeeville East Mendon
Jacob R. Brown
Mendon
Tel. Milford 103-W 80
Mrs. Augusta Peterson Mendon
Mrs. Minnie Thayer South Milford
BARGE DRIVER.
Harold C. Barrows
Mendon
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES GRANTED AT Office of the Superintendent of School, Hopedale, on School Days-8.00 A. M. to 5.30 P. M. Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in the School Building on the first Monday of each month at 7.00 P. M.
81
SCHOOL CALENDAR. 1930.
ELEMENTARY GRADES.
WINTER TERM. Opens January 6, Closes March 14 (Ten Weeks) (Vacation Two Weeks)
SPRING TERM. Opens March 31, Closes June 6 (Ten Weeks) (Summer Vacation )
FALL TERM.
Opens September 2, Closes December 19 (Sixteen Weeks) (Vacation Two Weeks)
WINTER TERM. Opens January 5, 1931.
HIGH SCHOOL.
1930.
WINTER TERM.
Opens December 30, 1929, Closes March 21 (Twelve Weeks) (Vacation One Week)
SPRING TERM. Opens March 31, Closes June 20 (Twelve Weeks) (Summer Vacation)
82
FALL TERM.
Opens September 2, Closes December 19 (Sixteen Weeks) (Vacation One Week)
WINTER TERM.
Opens December 29.
LEGAL HOLIDAYS.
Labor Day, Columbus Day, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving Day, January 1, February 22, April 19, and May 30. When a holiday comes on Sunday the following Monday becomes a holi- day. There will be no session of schools on the Friday follow- ing Thanksgiving Day.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL.
Siren blast 2-2 sounded at 7.15 closes all schools for the day.
It is important for parents to note the time and manner of this signal.
The closing of all schools always involves considerable mis- understanding and difficulty because it is impossible for a no- school signal to be heard over the entire territory of the town.
Schools are maintained and teachers paid for the benefit of all children of the town. It seems wise that school should be in session at all times except in most extreme weather, thus giving an opportunity to those children and parents who want the ad- vantages of school. Keeping schools open even in somewhat stormy weather works no hardship upon any; for, when any parents feel that on account of weather conditions it is unwise for their children to go to school they are at liberty to keep them at home.
83
IMPORTANT REGULATIONS.
A regulation of the School department is that no child can enter school for the first time unless such a child shall become six years of age on or before January 1, of the year following the fall term when he wishes to enter school. (For entrance to school this coming fall term a child must be six years of age on or before January 1, 1931). A child entering school for the first time must present a birth certificate.
ATTENDANCE LAWS.
The state laws governing school attendance require that :
Every child from seven to fourteen years of age unless he is physically or mentally unfit, and until he is sixteen years of age, unless he has completed the sixth grade, shall attend school all the time it is in session. Every child from fourteen to sixteen years of age shall attend school unless such child has received an employment certificate and is regularly employed according to law for at least six hours per day. All minors under sixteen working in towns or cities which maintain Coutinuation Schools, must attend the Continuation Schools as prescribed by law.
If a child fails to attend school according to law for seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions, the child shall be con- sidered an habitual truant and may be sent to a truant school.
If a parent or guardian fails to cause the child under his charge to attend school according to law, he shall be fined not over twenty dollars for each offense.
84
FINANCIAL REPORT. .
Total Resources $16,487 82
General Appropriation $15,700 00
Special Appropriation (for fence) 75 00
From County Treasurer, Dog Tax 372 82
Appropriation for School Nurse
250 00
Appropriation for School Physician
50 00
Amount Transferred from Emergency
Fund
40 00
Total Expenditure
$16,482 24
Balance on Hand
$5 58
REIMBURSEMENTS.
From General School Fund, Part I .. $1,312 80
From General School Fund, Part II 1,363 09
For Superintendent's Salary 386 67
For Tuition from State 279 23
For Tuition from City of Boston 84 91
For High School Grant
750 00
Total Reimbursements $4,176 70
SUMMARY.
Resources
$16,487 82
Reimbursements
$4,176 70
Balance 5 58
$4,182 28
Net Cost of Schools to the Town
$12,305 54
85
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS.
Teachers $10,261 22
Superintendent
901 64
Clerk
117 24
School Committee
48 24
Text Books
407 47
Supplies
226 76
Repairs
478 12
Transportation
1,274 50
Tuition
152 60
Fuel
1,110 90
Care of Buildings
1,109 70
Miscellaneous
59 01
Incidentals
32 84
Health
302 00
$16,482 24
ACCOUNTS ITEMIZED.
Text Books $407 47
D. C. Heath & Company $87 17
Rand McNally & Company 60 29
Silver, Burdett & Company 42 05
Ginn & Company
40 42
Houghton Mifflin Company 24 06
Edward E. Babb & Company 22 83
American Book Company
22 00
The Arlo Publishing Company
28 04
World Book Company 13 98
Dowling School Supply Company
18 00
The Macmillan Company
13 51
Iroquois Publishing Company 11 45
Dura Binding Company 7 00
Benj. H. Sanborn Company
3 67
The J. C. Winston Company 3 37
Allyn & Bacon 2 19
86
J. B. Lippincott Company 4 78
F. M. Ambrose Company 2 66
Supplies
$226 76
J. L. Hammett Company $90 84
W. D. Gilpatrick 22 24
H. C. Forbes 8 27
Dowling School Supply Company 6 26
Oliver Ditson Company
21 38
Fuller & Wilson Express Company ..
5 00
Carroll H. Drown
5 90
H. W. Carter Paper Company
5 25
Morgan Tissue Paper Company
7 25
Rand McNally & Company
11 29
Ryan and Buker
1 04
Reformatory for Women
9 03
Dennoyer-Geppert Company 6 02
Herbert J. Mann
2 63
Chas. E. Cooney
66
Massachusetts Reformatory
23 70
Repairs
$478 12
F. A. Aldrich
$134 04
M. M. Goodnow 76 18
H. S. Chadbourne Company 25 03
Lewis Holbrook 21 75
Commissioner of Public Safety
5 00
C. C. Shattuck
1 10
Millard Taft
3 00
A. V. Pond
6 16
F. A. Gould
17 77
Kenney Brothers & Wolkins
42 95
Avery & Woodbury
15 30
Geo. B. Sanderson 78 00
Harold Barrows
3 00
87
Frank I. Ward
12 00
E. T. Powers
14 80
W. B. Chase
17 04
Transportation
$1,274 50
Harold Barrows
$800 00
Lester Hodgkins
12 00
M., F. & U. Coach Company
337 50
Johnson Bus Lines, Inc.
125 00
Tuition
$152 60
Town of Northbridge
$8 68
Town of Milford
17 92
Town of Uxbridge
126 00
Fuel
$1,110 90
H. M. Curtiss Coal Company
$954 90
Francis Morrison
96 00
Carl Taft 36 00
George R. Hoggarth
21 00
Mr. Hentschel, for sawing wood
3 00
Care of Buildings
$1,109 70
Jacob R. Brown
$825 00
Augusta Peterson
115 60
Minnie Thayer
129 50
Herbert Pickard
17 60
Hugh Ray
20 00
Joseph Dudley
2 00
Miscellaneous $59 01
Henry Patrick Company $5 02
Worcester Suburban Electric Company 9 75
Geo. E. Thayer 6 00
88
J. J. Gibbs 75
Curran's Express
60
L. M. Glover Company 13 15
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 7 24
Masury-Young Company
16 50
Incidentals
$32 84
Carroll H. Drown, postage, telephone,
etc.
27 20
H. C. Forbes
5 64
Health
$302 00
District Nursing Association
$250 00
K. A. Campbell, M. D.
50 00
A. H. Sweet, supplies 2 00
Teachers
$10,261 22
Superintendent
901 64
Clerk
117 24
School Committee
48 24
Total Expenditures
$16,482 24
Total Resources
16,487 82
Balance on Hand $5 58
89
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITIZENS OF MENDON :-
I hereby submit my eleventh school report, it being the thirty-sixth in the series of Superintendents' reports.
There have been great changes in the social and industrial life since the settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Great improvements for conveniences and comforts of living have been made.
All these changes have brought problems for the schools as well as for other phases of community life. As the complica- tions of social progress increase, the demands upon schools be- come greater.
A serious question before educators and supporters of schools is, "Are our schools giving the growing generation such training as will benefit them in the future years, or are they merely following in the scholastic trails blazed by the early set- tlers, teaching only such matters as our forefathers needed?" There is a grave danger of our following the traditions of the past and forgetting the future needs of the children of today. We still teach mechanical processes our fathers used and are un- mindful of what the present generation will need to know in the future.
In the long established subjects the Mendon schools are giving thorough instruction. Our earnest teachers are struggling to instill the facts and principles of knowledge, accepted as intellectual essentials. We find it a difficult task to imbue the present day indifferent children with subject matter too scho- lastic for their ability and too far removed from their present
90
interests and future probabilities. Without the expense and commotion of marked changes, our instructors are trying to cull out the needless and emphasize that which will function in social living.
The crowded condition of the Center schools is a large prob- lem. Children placed in town by the State and outside cities make this problem acute. The arrangement made with the Fram- ingham Normal for a Training teacher gives assistance in the crowded intermediate room. Mendon schools have a high type of teachers.
The little rural schools of the country are likely to have less advantages than the city or village schools. Our two rural schools are most fortunate in having exceptionally helpful and inspiring teachers.
Music is the most inspiring school subject and has a strong appeal to everyone. Few country schools have the advantage of such a highly talented and trained instructor, giving such un- selfish devotion to the small as well as the large schools, as our present music supervisor.
The enrollment and attendance of the High School holds well, but the lack of scholastic interest is rather discouraging. The Principal's report appears on another page.
The splendid health work done by the school nurse is de- serving of special mention. The most important instruction given in the schools is on "How to Keep Well." The work the school nurses do in the schools and the homes is valuable. The nurse's report is included in this school report.
The old proverb that the teacher, pupil and a log make a school has much truth, but in these days of progress school build- ings are an important factor of a school system.
The Mendon school buildings are pleasantly located, receiv- ing much sun and air. They are not magnificent but they should be comfortable. They are poorly built and thus diffi-
91
cult to heat. A new heating system in the Center building is still essential, as the old worn-out furnaces are still in the build- ing. Some repairs on the hallways of this building are needed, also the seats in the High School building should be smoothed and refinished. New seats and desks should be put in the Albee- ville building if this is to continue in use. The present seats are in a bad condition. The East building should be painted out side. Requirements by the building inspector for changes in the Center building will need attention. Only a few minor repairs have been made on the building this past year.
While Mendon is not a wealthy town, by virtue of birth the children in the town have a right to educational opportunities equal to that of children in other towns and cities. While Mendon cannot give the same opportunities as other communities, it is pleasing to note that the taxpayers always grant the school ap- propriation requested. We appreciate this helpful spirit. The school budget for appropriation should be sufficient so that there will not be left-over bills or an overdraft each year. Also there should be sufficient funds so that necessary salaries and supplies can be provided and repairs made in order that curtailment of essentials will not have to be made.
Comparative figures given in the report last year showed very conclusively that Mendon is not extravagant, for the Men- don's per pupil cost of schools is among the smallest in the state. We are confident that the townspeople are very ready to provide the support for good schools.
The writer is glad to express again appreciation of the courtesy and good spirit of the school children, the faithfulness of all school workers, and the support and help given the schools by the people and School Committee.
In view of the increasing complexity of life and the increas- ing social problems, such as indifference to organized govern- ment and disregard for law, labor troubles, unemployment and leisure time with all their attendant dangers, it is important that
92
all towns and cities give the best educational training to all children and youth in the interests of citizenship and human welfare.
Respectfully submitted, CARROLL H. DROWN,
Superintendent of Schools.
93
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith offer my second annual report of the Mendon High School, covering the year from February fourth, 1929 to the present date.
Registration remains nearly the same as that of last year. There are at present three Seniors, five Juniors, nine Sophomores and eleven Freshmen. A larger eighth grade has made neces- sary the addition of extra seats in the High School room, and the combined eighth grade and the High School number forty-five.
There has been no change in the adopted program of studies. Another eighth grade subject has been taken over by the High School staff.
The attendance to date averages 95.51 per cent which is slightly below last year's record at this time.
Seven pupils were graduated on June 19, 1929: Gordon R. Barrows, C. Clifford Entwistle, Arthur F. Johnson, Dorothy M. Nelson, Helen L. Pickard, Herbert H. Pickard, Janina K. Zylinska.
The usual Memorial Day Program was offered at the Town Hall on May 29, and Prize Speaking took place June 5. First Prize was awarded to Dorothea L. Thomas, second prize to Gordon R. Barrows, and third prize to Hilda M. Jones.
The present Senior Class is planning the customary Wash- ington Trip during the coming March vacation. On January eighteen, the class presented, at the Town Hall, a three act play, "A Study in Tangles," the proceeds of which were applied to the class fund.
Early in October a piano was purchased from the Miessner Piano Company and placed in the High School. The acquisition
94
of a new piano fulfills a long standing need and contributes great- ly to the work in music. The piano is an excellent instrument and is highly valued by the school. The rapid growth of the piano fund which was mentioned in the report of last year has been very gratifying, and I take this opportunity to express ap- preciation to the community that have so well supported it. The school entertainment in April was well attended and added a ยท considerable sum to the fund. Local organizations have been generous indeed with their contributions, and I hereby acknowl- edge their aid. Donations were made by the local chapter of the Grange, The Ladies' Alliance, The Ace of Clubs, and the Men- don High School Alumni Association.
Some minor repairs on the school building are desirable. The refinishing of desks in the High School and door stops in the lower hall are among the most immediate needs. The heating problem remains the same. The present plant continues to give satisfaction in ordinary weather but fails to keep the building properly heated during the more severe winter days.
The High School teachers welcome the visits of parents and friends and are on duty in the building one afternoon during the week for the purpose of consultation. An active interest on the part of the community is a stimulus to both teacher and pupil. One of the most helpful things a parent can do is to visit school sessions and talk over with the teacher any special school prob- lem of the child. When this is done in the right spirit only good can result. Many times the meaning and significance of school matters is not fully understood by those in the home. The im- portance of choosing the proper high school course, the meaning of report cards, the reasons for failure in studies, the necessity for regular home study, early consideration of college for the pupil who intends to go to college, and other topics of similar nature are points which can be discussed by teacher and parent with mutual benefit.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH,
Principal.
95
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR.
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I hereby submit the following report of Music in the Men- don Schools for the year ending December, 1929.
I think that the new piano in the Mendon High School de- serves first place in this report. It is a great help not only to the High School, but also to Mrs. Park's class who would find it difficult to do work suitable for that grade, without the aid of a musical instrument.
We have a fine Victrola in the Center building, too. It would be most helpful to have a few, well selected records which might be used in each of the schools. The records give the children a very wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with the world's finest music. This in turn will make them more keenly appreciative of the better music programmes given on the radio, and will add immensely to their enjoyment, not only now, but as they become older.
At East Mendon we need either a small piano or portable organ. There is no Victrola there, nor any instrument to help the teacher in her music work. She has accomplished a great deal, but could do more with the aid of a musical instrument.
Everyone in the school seems very much interested in the work and the teacher always covers the music assignments given most satisfactorily.
The Albeeville children are working faithfully under the capable direction of their teacher who is always ready to co-
96
operate in any music project. The rhythm band was quite a feature of the Christmas programme.
We have an organ and Victrola there which have been most useful in the music work.
I feel most fortunate to have a Superintendent whose musical knowledge gives him the ability to listen critically to the work and appraise its faults and its merits. The children feel a very real sense of pride in preparing their songs so that they may sing them well for Mr. Drown, when he visits them.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCES B. SETTLE,
Supervisor of Music.
97
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSING.
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith present the Annual Report of School Nursing done in the Mendon Schools for the year ending Dec. 31, 1929. Center school visited once a week, on Tuesday mornings when school was in session.
Albeeville, with very few exceptions, and East Mendon visited once a week, usually Tuesday afternoons. At this time each room is visited and the teachers consulted and as a rule some form of health teaching carried on. We have contests and health clubs in all the schools and throughout the year the teachers have correlated health with drawing, English composi- tions, spelling, etc.
The two district schools celebrated May Day in a delight- ful manner, both teachers devoting quite a bit of time and thought to our celebration. Both outdoor and indoor programs were planned.
During the year nine children were taken to hospitals to have physical defects corrected, two to a dentist, four to Doctors' offices for treatment, two to a T. B. Clinic for X-rays and ex- amination and two to the Sterling Health Camp for a vacation.
The summary of the defects found by Dr. Campbell are as follows :
No. of children examined 194
Enlarged Tonsils
43
Symptoms of Adenoids 37
Defective teeth 53
98
Enlarged glands 8 Skin disease 4
Heart condition 2
Curvature of spine
1
Anaemia 2
Notices of defects found sent to parents or guardians. Quite a few corrections have already been made.
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurses in the schools :
Health talks given 117
Advice to pupils 130
Treated
17
Excluded pupils 4
Home visits 127
Inspections for pediculosis 190
Cleanliness inspections
462
Skin disease inspections
28
The diseases reported and investigated during the year were mumps and measles.
I wish to thank Mr. Drown, the teachers and the School Committee for their support and help.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN C. GRADY,
School Nurse.
99
REPORT OF THE CENTER GIRLS' FOUR H CLUB.
Mendon's Four H Sewing Club now has a membership of twenty-three with Mrs. Park the Local Club Leader and Miss Dorothy Crandall of Worcester as Assistant County Club Leader.
The girls have home tasks to do. They learn the different stitches, to darn, to patch, to recognize various materials, and they make garments that may be exhibited and worn.
Each year the class has been larger. There are fourteen girls doing their first year's work. First they are required to make an apron by hand, then they make an undergarment and may use the sewing machine. During the second and third year they must make dresses and demonstrate various phases of the work. The fourth year they must renovate a garment in addition to the other requirements.
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