USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 21
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In our School Medical Department, we consider the total health program on a long-time basis and in relation to the acquirement of desirable attitudes, knowledge, and practices.
One of the most important responsibilities of the school physician and the school nurse is to make the health examina- tion a constructive learning experience for each child. Our examination could easily constitute a wholesome emotional ex- perience or quite the reverse. We try to make ours the kind which will be of the greatest educational value and contribute most to the child's emotional health-the kind in which we are able to help the child understand his own growth and develop- ment-one in which we show respect for and understanding of the child.
Health of the body must be accompanied by health of the mind and spirit. True health is not merely absence of detect- able disease. It is less a state than a goal. It consists of the full enjoyment of all the potentialities with which a child was endowed at birth. Not only must those responsible see that no such powers are impaired by disease, but they must see to it that the child has the chance of exercising those powers to bring them to full fruition. Health is really a technique of living.
It is not enough for the parent merely to keep clean, to feed, and to clothe. The real art of the parent is in more dif- ficult and subtler things. The child, when he is entrusted to his parents, is a new individual who possesses, so far as we can tell, neither habits nor ideas of his own. It is the parents' task to see that he learns how to look after himself and how to live with other people and, a fact which is often forgotten, it is part of their duty to launch him into the world and see him established.
The contribution of the nurse in the school involves an un- derstanding of the school's unique functions in safeguarding
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and promoting the health of the boys and girls in the com- munity and in her appreciation of her relationship to the plan- ning and fulfillment of the total health program.
She serves as the interpreter between school, home, and community. She understands the health needs of children and serves on the team which includes herself, the school superin- tendent, the physicians, the school personnel, and a wide va- riety of community agencies and groups in getting these needs met.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM
Twelve hundred nine children were examined. Two hun- dred twenty-eight defects found and notices were mailed to par- ents. As usual, the health cards of some children were marked as Observation Cases-those defects are not referred for medical supervision at the time but are reviewed later. One hundred seventy-seven cards were so marked this year-in comparison to the three hundred twenty of last year. Progress may seem somewhat "slow" but it is "sure." Again defective feet and poor posture heads the list with poor oral hygiene running a close third.
HOME VISIT PROGRAM
Ninety-seven homes were visited by the nurse. Home visits are made for follow-up of physical examination and for visiting homes of special cases referred by members of the school personnel to the Superintendent of Schools.
One hundred twenty conferences were held with students at the Mary E. Wells High School. Twenty-six parents came to the nurse's office for conferences. Two hundred forty-five students were seen by the nurse in her office. First-aid was rendered to eighteen children of different schools. Only one child had to be referred to the hospital for further care.
CLASSROOM INSPECTION PROGRAM
Classroom inspections by the nurse are made three times a year-at the beginning of the year, after the Christmas and Easter vacations-also at specific request of the principals or teachers for any special reason or when communicable disease
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
occurs in a room or school. If any child is found to need more detailed inspection, the nurse has individual conferences until the problem is under control or solved. This may be for habits and attitudes and in many cases it means a series of home visits, individual conferences with each parent, as well as with the child. The nurse also has individual conference with a child when pediculosis and skin conditions exist. Children are not allowed to remain in school with pediculosis, nits, im- petego, or scabies.
The teacher plays a very important role in our health pro- gram. Her daily inspection is a most important factor in school health work. This examination is not made only for evidence of communicable disease, but the observation includes general well-being, cleanliness, and beginning tendency to undesirable habits.
DENTAL PROGRAM
Our dental program is primarily educational. It is some- what insufficient as it is only available to the first through the fourth grade children. Two hundred fifty public school chil- dren received dental care at the Town Hall during the year, attending thirty-five clinics.
THE CLASSROOM RECORD
A new record of the results of the physical examination has been introduced this year. This record provides an opportunity for a teacher-nurse conference on the entire classroom-once after the physical examination to go over the health status of each child-once toward the end of the year to evaluate im- provements and corrections. As the teacher is supposed to be aware of the health condition of the children and is supposed to have a responsibility for improving it, this form will prove helpful. It also provides a basis for health teaching based upon actual needs.
The remainder of the health program remains about the same. During the year, the nurse helped with four clinics for Diptheria Toxoid injections, three pre-school registration clinics, two pre-school physical and dental examinations and twelve chest consultation clinics.
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TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Conferences were held with members of the school per- sonnel, school physicians, private physicians, clergymen, Board of Health nurse, social worker, the State and County Health Commissioners, and many agencies and clubs-as the need arose during the year.
Eight girls spent eight weeks at the Sterling Health Camp during the summer due to your most generous response to the sale of Tuberculosis Christmas seals. This is the first time Southbridge has ever been permitted to send this many. Two high school girls acted as counselors at the camp and enjoyed it very much.
Again the Lions Club scored. One hundred forty children, in both parochial and public schools, are receiving free milk daily. My sincerest "thank you" to all members and friends for their generosity.
I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation to the many other people who have given of their time and their serv- ices to help our school medical department progress.
I wish to state here that "Health Education" is the sum total of activities directed toward desirable changes in the way of living. Its success depends upon the coordinated effort of every one concerned with the child. The School Medical De- partment has considered an outline for instruction which is to be used with our new classroom record form.
We find that emphasis is needed in :
1. Proper nutrition.
2. Sufficient rest and relaxation.
3. Improvement in personal hygiene, especially cleanliness, washing hands, keeping hands out of mouth, brushing teeth, proper posture, and instruction in the use and care of toilets.
A bulletin on suggestions for teaching relative to the phy- sical examination is being worked on and should be ready next Fall. This will present the teacher with scientific facts which she will be able to adapt to her grade level.
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
In closing, my New Year wish for all is Peace of Mind. Rabbi Joshua Leibman wrote "This is the gift that God re- serves for His special proteges. Talent and beauty He gives to many. Wealth is commonplace, fame is rare. But peace of mind- that is His final guerdon of approval, the fondest sign of His love. He bestows it charily. Most men are never blessed with it; others wait all their lives-yea, far into advanced age -for this gift to descend upon them."
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA C. PINSONNEAULT, School Nurse
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The duties of Attendance Officer were assigned to me on October, 1948. In fulfilling these duties, my intention has not been merely to enforce the State and Federal laws pertaining to school attendance, but even more to interpret these laws to misguided parents and pupils, and attempt to explain their true purpose. It has been my practice to employ the guidance point of view in dealing with these problems and to look for the underlying causes for delinquency. Whether it be a condi- tion of the physical environment, a wrong attitude, or some other such cause, frequently it can be discovered and cor- rected. In fact, so great is the need for this type of social work that a person might easily devote full time to it.
More specifically, the duties of the Attendance Officer may be outlined as follows :
1. Investigating cases referred to him by the school prin- cipals.
2. Making a written report to the Superintendent on each home visit, and a report by telephone to the principal.
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3. Making follow-up investigations on cases needing fur- ther adjustment.
4. Administering the Cole Fund.
5. Maintaining the working-card files, and keeping office hours on Monday and Wednesday evenings for the purpose of issuing working cards.
6. Bringing to court the cases of confirmed truants.
The following statistics are pertinent to the work of the Attendance Officers :
Persons 5 years of age or over and under 7 542
Persons 7 years of age or over and under 14 1,475
Persons 14 years of age or over and under 16 360
Number of employment certificates 16-21 literate 414
Number of employment certificates 16-21 illiterate 8 Number of employment certificates 14-16 limited 38
Home permits 7
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. PHIPPS, Attendance Officer
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF VISUAL AIDS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
This report covers the period since October 1948, when I was placed in charge of the Visual Aids Department.
The duties of the director of visual aids may be briefly outlined as follows :
1. Maintaining an inventory of all materials on hand.
2. Keeping, equipment in repair.
3. Ordering, delivering, showing, and returning films.
4. Keeping a file of free and rental films.
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
5. Assisting teachers to secure films most appropriate for classroom use.
Recently, a group of teachers who are new to the South- bridge School System were shown through the visual aids room. In the future, every effort will be made to keep teachers well- informed regarding the opportunities for wider use of all forms of visual aids, in order to offer the greatest possible advantages to pupils in every grade according to nation-wide trends.
A new inventory of material on hand needs to be taken; and, as soon as this is completed, copies will be distributed to all schools.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. PHIPPS, Director Visual Aids Department
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In response to your request, I am submitting this report of the musical activities of the year 1948 in the Southbridge Public Schools.
The average weekly attendance is 81 in the music appre- ciation class and glee clubs of the high school. In the appre- ciation class, the students are seeking the enjoyments that come through listening to and studying great music and musi- cians. In this atomic age, when science is so fast finding labor- saving devices, man is likely to find more and more time for leisure. Music can provide, for leisure hours, rewards that are richly recreating. It was gratifying to find that, out of the ten top-rating freshmen, six students belong to one or another of the musical groups. So, even though few academic credits may be granted to musical activities, possibly the mental and
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recreational stimuli of music are rewards enough for these top-ranking students.
The High School Glee Clubs gave a concert May 7 at which time the music appreciation class performed Haydn's Toy Sym- phony. During the year, groups from the glee clubs sang for various organizations among which were the Rotary Club, the Grange, the Woman's Association of the Congregational Church, and at the Clinton Music Festival held under the auspices of the Massachusetts Music Educator's Association Central Division. The glee clubs sang at several high school assemblies where the average attendance would be about 450; and, at these assem- blies, the united singing of all the high school students would convince any casual listener of a whole-hearted enjoyment in singing .
The rapid progress of our one-year-old high school band has surprised the Town, and we look forward to their being led by Mr. Sweet to even finer performance. Hearty thanks go to the Rotary Club for making the band possible. There are few bands that, in so short a time, can look and play so well. At com- mencement and at Christmas time, the band and the glee clubs provided most of the music. At the commencement exercises this June, the seniors, belonging to the glee club, will be allowed to sing with their club and on this last, important function, help uphold the standards of singing along with the under- graduate members.
Music in the elementary schools is, on the whole, meeting with increased enthusiasm from the boys and girls, and a grati- fying support from the public. Where the new song books have been introduced, the children are gaining some slight skill in reading music. It is to be hoped that individual sight sing- ing may be an actuality in the not too distant future. The classroom teachers of the third and fourth grades, where these new books have been introduced, are cooperating nicely in the achievement of this somewhat distant goal. The director visits about half the grades in the elementary schools each week. She visits River Street School nearly every week, thus reaching ap- proximately 420 pupils each week.
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
It is gratifying to return from these visits, usually well- pleased with what the boys, girls, classroom teachers, and principals, from Grades I up, are doing to encourage skills as well as enjoyment in music. The success of the various Christ- mas programs and the four performances by Eastford Road's glee club of an abbreviated "Pinafore," under the direction of Mr. Ellwood S. Jenness, speak louder than words can of a genuine school and community interest in things musical.
An exchange of programs from school to school was also given a start in 1948; a fourth grade from West Street School giving a program of American music before Eastford Road School, and the fifth grade from the latter school giving their Patriots' Day program for the High School.
Individual tastes and individual enthusiasms are difficult to measure, but some evidence of improvement may be found in the increasing number of students of all ages who attend the Community Concerts here in Southbridge. They attend on their own tickets as well as on tickets supplied by the Rotarians and other public spirited citizens. Three full bus loads in- stead of two (as of last year) attended the Young People's Con- cert of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra during Worces- ter's festival week in October. These increases are reported as indications of youthful enthusiasms along cultural lines.
Respectfully submitted,
ELEANOR S. VAN ETTEN, Director of Music
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TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In accordance with your request, I herewith submit my report covering the playgrounds for the year 1948.
The season ran from July 12 through August 20, a period of six weeks. The activities were conducted at the following schools : Charlton Street, Eastford Road, River Street, and West Street. Special events were held at the Town swimming pool and at Dresser Street field.
PERSONNEL
General
Director : Harry J. McMahon
Supervisor, in Charge of Physical Education : Lewis Kyrios Payroll : Miss Elsie Hofstra
Charlton Street Playgrounds
Supervisor : Mrs. Charlotte Henderson Senior Assistant : Mrs. Helen Golden Junior Assistants : Helen Boucher, George Perikli, Ray- mond Marino
Eastford Road Playgrounds
Supervisor : Mrs. Cathryn Maxwell Senior Assistant : Mr. Armand Deblois Junior Assistants : Nancy Deignan, Harold Peterson
River Street Playgrounds
Supervisor : Mrs. Clara Reed Senior Assistant : Miss Josette Maynard Junior Assistants : Mary Moriarty, Edward Voloka
West Street Playgrounds
Supervisor : Mrs. Celestine Sweet Junior Assistants : Claire LaForce, Betty Lou Hart, Philias Caron, Jr.
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE
This year's enrollment decreased slightly from 1,399 in 1947 to 1,361 in 1948. However, this was offset by a larger average daily attendance, with the percentage of attendance showing an increase and the attendance for a single day showing an in- crease.
Total enrollment 1361
Average daily attendance 624
Average percentage of attendance
45.8
Largest daily attendance 810
PUBLIC INTEREST
The interest of the townspeople was maintained by the complete coverage given to all activities by the local and county newspapers. The results of contests were published at once with standings in all sports published once each week. Pic- tures of special activities were printed at frequent intervals.
The crafts exhibit exceeded anything of its kind previously shown in town. It filled two large windows of a mid-town merchant's store where it was on display for the better part of the final week of the playground season.
MEETINGS
Each week the supervisors met with the director to plan the work of the week, to discuss any problem or difficulty that may have arisen the previous week. These meetings proved helpful to all.
ACTIVITIES
The activities were many and varied. For the purpose of this report, they were classified as regular and special.
The regular activities consisted of the usual intra-play- ground sports and games, such as zell-ball, basketball, softball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, horseshoes, croquet, etc. To augment this program, there was the inter-playground sched- ules in most of the above activities to accommodate boys and girls of two age levels, the senior group and the midget group. The senior group consisted of those between 12 years and 16
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years. The midget group consisted of those under 9 years of age.
The special activities consisted of a swimming meet held at Town swimming pool, a track meet held at Dresser Street field. In order to avoid the possibility of accidents, the very young were not allowed to participate in these meets, and all playgrounds remained open to accommodate these. The other . special activities such as the Amateur Show and Crafts Ex- hibit were open to all regardless of age or size. Actually, in these projects, the emphasis was on the younger group. Also, there was considerable time spent teaching these children to sing simple songs, folk dancing, and story telling.
Whenever possible, the activities were carried on out of doors in the fresh air and sun. On the few rainy days en- countered, we took over the "gyms" at the respective schools and the tenor of the activities was in keeping with the environ- ment, the special treat on such days being a varied "movie" pro- gram.
PLAYGROUND CHAMPIONS
The championship banner is to remain at Charlton Street another year; however, it took a real effort before their su- periority was established. Charlton Street was particularly strong in track while West Street showed to its best advantage at swimming. In the other activities, all playgrounds were fairly matched.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
The culmination of the Arts and Crafts program was the exhibit held in one of our local stores. Many complimentary reports were received concerning this work, especially the feature article that appeared in our local paper.
The following is a list of the finished projects :
ARTICLES MADE OF
ARTICLES MADE OF
WOOD
PERCALE MATERIAL
Bead bracelets
22
Aprons 14
Mexican belts
14
Potholders 43
Bead necklaces 21
Stuffed animals 17
ARTICLES MADE FROM RAG LOOPS
COLORED PICTURES
Animals, Scenic, Flowers,
Potholders
147
Costumes 640
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
ARTICLES MADE OF FELT
CORDE ARTICLES
Scotties
12
Crocheted beanies 3
Beanies
15
Envelope purses 2
Pocketbooks
7 Pouches 6
Pouches
19
Pocketbooks
11
Moccasins (Prs. of)
9
ARTICLES MADE OF WOOL YARN
Pencil cases
8
Doll hats 21
Belts
10
Beanies 14
Coasters
6
Pouches 9
Stuffed animals
21
Dolls
5
Pin cushions
13
ARTICLES MODE OF PLAS- TIC AND CELLOPHANE
ARTICLES
Bracelets 16
Sewing baskets
6
Place mats 14
Pouch baskets
8 Coasters
12
Trays
18 SEWING CARDS
Lemonade sets
WAFFLE MATS
Silkateen (small)
73
Punched cards 726
Yarn (large)
14
ARTICLES MADE WITH SHOE BUTTONS
Bracelets 65
Necklaces 48
Wallets
8 EMBROIDERY
Belts (large)
96
Chair-back sets 16
Belts (small)
105
Child's bibs 2
Suspenders
8 Scarves
14
ARTICLES MADE WITH
Pillow Covers 7
INDIAN BEADS
Centerpieces
12
Head bands
5 Luncheon sets
9
Necklaces
7 Towels
26
Bracelets
6 Vanity sets 7
Total Number of Articles 2,525
I wish to extend my appreciation to all those who worked so enthusiastically and loyally to make the playgrounds a success.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. McMAHON
Director of Summer Playgrounds
Yarn (small)
33
ARTICLES MADE OF LEATHER
7 Animal sewing cards (with shoe laces)
38
BASKETS AND REED
Mittens (Prs. of)
11
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TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
REPORT OF THE ADULT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The Adult Education Division of the Southbridge School Department, following through with the ideal of the Massa- chusetts Department of Education, continues in its endeavor to provide the courses that satisfy the needs and demands of the community.
In answer to a written request, a course in Oral English, Reading, and Spelling was started in the late afternoon for a number of adults who, because of night work, could not at- tend evening classes. The School Department realizes that, when people ask for a course, there is bound to be interest and continued attendance.
This year, like the last, the Evening English Classes in- clude a great number of Repatriates who have returned to this country after spending several years abroad. Many of their children, now adults, have come with them, knowing nothing of the language but whose citizenship has been derived from their parents. It is interesting to note that some of these children have been recently inducted into the United States Military Services and are very thankful for the ability gained in un- derstanding, as well as the fluency acquired in reading and writing the English language.
The Advanced English Class includes those whose educa- tion was spotty when young and wish improvement, or who have advanced from one class to another in the Evening School.
The Citizenship Class prepares many for American Citi- zenship and includes the study of American History and Gov- ernment.
Some, unable to attend school, take the Home Study Course and the Director corrects, plans, and instructs these people by personal contact such as home or office visits.
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ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
The many details entailed in filing an application for citi- zenship are also handled by the Adult Education Department. These often include search of Probate Court Records, corres- pondence with clerks of County Courts, lawyers anywhere in the United States, Clergymen of different denominations, school records the country over, the Alien Registration Records, the United States Department of Immigration and Naturaliza- tion, steamship lines, and even police departments everywhere.
Because of help and cooperation given at all times by other local Town Departments, the School Department was pleased at the opportunity to again hold a class in Civil Service for those preparing to take the Police Exams.
At all times, the Adult Education Division of the School Department will strive to meet adequately the demands of the Town of Southbridge.
Respectfully submitted,
CONSTANCE M. L'ECUYER, Director Adult Education Department
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TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND EVENING VOCATIONAL CLASSES
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Classes in evening vocational subjects were offered again this year and proved to be very well attended. The following vocational classes were started this past September :
Dressmaking-two classes Advanced Dressmaking-two classes Elementary Sewing-one class Cooking-one class
University Extension classes were offered in the commer- cial field. Classes in Business English, Elementary Stenog- raphy, and Elementary Typewriting proved to have the greatest demand. Mathematics, for veterans only, was offered during the early months of 1948.
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