USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 32
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Our usual run of clinics were sponsored in connection with the Board of Health and were well attended. There were three diphtheria toxoid clinics, one Booster-shot clinic, five pre- school registration clinics, and four pre-school physical and dental examination clinics, and twelve chest consultation clinics.
I would like to stress the fact that our pre-school registra- tion clinics are of the utmost importance. At present, for a child to enter either a parochial or a public school in the first grade or kindergarten, it is a "MUST" that that child be regis- tered at one of our clinics and have a physical examination- either by our school physicians or by the child's own physician. The reason for this registration is to help the school authorities plan for the first grades in each school before school actually opens; thus, if two first grades are needed in one school, we are ready with two teachers-a definite help to the child who al- ready has enough adjustments to make when he enters school without placing an unnecessary one on him-that of re-adjust- ing to a new teacher two or three weeks after admission to school. This year, more than 300 children were registered as compared to about 125 the previous year-rather a staggering increase particularly if we had not been ready to receive them on the first day of school.
In line with registrations and planning for adequate space in our schools, I would like to mention a startling bit of news- Do You Know That-There were 106,690 babies born to Massa- chusetts families during 1947, the peak year of all time, and 72% more than the yearly average pre-war period of 1935-1939. The Division of Vital Statistics also reported that births exceeded deaths in 1947 by 55,707. Southbridge's share to this number of births was 626 as compared to 549 in 1946 and 579 in 1948-and
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2. To contribute those factors fundamental to the progress of each child toward full maturity.
The implication of our program points to the fact that the influence of our school health program has to be widespread in order to include not only our schools but the home and the community as well. Our school health program is but one or- ganized plan for the development and improvement of the pub- lic health in our community.
It would seem quite appropriate at this point, since our schools are, at present, undergoing a survey of existing needs, to refer the School Committee to Dr. Langevin's suggestion, in his report for the year 1948, relative to "their consideration in any plans entertained for the future expansion of our school buildings, pointing out the need for special quarters for the use of our School Health Department." Physical examinations and health work should be done in a cheerful and positive at- mosphere and in a room that ensures quiet, privacy, and the proper light. We are presently expected to carry out our pro- gram and do a good job of teaching health under the most pe- culiar circumstances. It is a universally accepted fact that the "health" of the child is the prime factor in our schools today and yet, as we report for work in our different schools to carry out our planned program, we are either made to feel a wee bit like "excess baggage" or we are assigned to a spot which is al- ready serving too many purposes.
The future success of our present program will depend largely on whether or not we are furnished with proper quar- ters in each school building-large enough to do the vision test- ing, which is required by law to be done once a year, and yet how are we to comply with the Massachusetts laws if no work- able space is available in some of our schools?
Statistically, my report will be very short. Children were examined as per our planned program and where defects were found notices were mailed to parents, and I am pleased to report that most defects were either corrected or were taken under ob- servation by family physicians for future correction or follow- up. Approved vision and hearing tests were given and re- ceived careful follow-up as well as correction. Thirty-four den- tal clinics were held at the Town Hall at which 302 public school children were screened and treated.
As the need arose during the year, repeated conferences were held with many and varied heads of departments of the school personnel, private physicians, clergymen, and various agencies-both in and out-of-town-who cater to our children with or without problems.
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these children will be ready for school in 1952 and 1953. Now, is it any wonder that we urge and recommend a careful study with a "long-term" viewpoint in planning for adequate and much needed school space? Twelve years is the usual span of a child's life in our schools and, with birth rates still at "top- high" level, our needs which, at present, are "Great" will short- ly be "Acute."
In concluding my report, I would like to say a sincere "thank you" to everyone who has directly or indirectly contrib- uted to the success of our program. Various organizations as well as individuals responded to our appeal for clothes, glasses, and much needed medical care such as tonsillectomies, etc. Again, as in previous years, the Lions Club-their members and friends-are making "free milk" for needy children a reality in our schools.
Respectfully submitted, EDNA C. PINSONNEAULT, School Nurse.
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In accordance with your request, I herewith submit my first annual report, based on the period from the opening of school in September to December 31, 1949.
Delinquent school attendance and frequent tardiness seem to have been due to a combination of factors, most important of which are the following:
1. Poor home environment.
2. Dislike of school.
3. Improper attitudes.
4. Lack of home discipline.
5. Indifferent home supervision.
These factors, which seem to have a direct bearing in the majority of cases reported, point to an obvious conclusion, namely, that the home conditions of a pupil have a direct bear- ing on school attendance and tardiness.
In dealing with these problems, I have tried to use the guid- ance point of view, trying to enlighten parents regarding their responsibilities, and offering constructive suggestions and reme- dies whenever possible. The chief function of the Attendance
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Officer, is, therefore, to enforce the State laws regarding school attendance, but to explain the true meaning of the laws to the parents and children.
The duties of the Attendance Officer may be outlined as follows:
1. Investigate absence and tardiness cases referred to him by the school principals.
2. Report by phone to the principal and discuss the re- sults of the visit.
3. Offer suggestions and recommendations as a result of the visit.
4. Submit a written report to the Superintendent showing the results of the visit.
5. Make a follow-up investigation whenever the facts war- rant such action.
6. Administer the Cole Fund.
7. Keep office hours on Monday and Wednesday evenings for the purpose of issuing working cards.
8. Make a periodic check for illegal employment of children.
9. Report cases of children under sixteen who are suffer- ing privation or want due to the neglect of parents.
It is also the duty of the Attendance Officer, under the im- mediate supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, to issue Employment Certificates or Working Cards. In looking over the records for the year 1949, the issuance of certificates was as follows:
1. Profitable Home Employment 5
2. Regular Full Time in Town of Residence 147
3. Regular Full Time in Town Other Than That of Residence 28
4. Regular Employment in Out-of-School Hours (6th Grade Completed) 11
5. Regular Employment in Out-of-School Hours (6th Grade Not Completed) 8
6. Full-Time Farm Employment in Town of Residence 1
7. Full-Time Domestic Employment in Town of Residence 3
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. DUHART, Attendance Officer.
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REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
At your request, I am submitting my first annual report of the activities of the Audio-Visual Aids Department. This report covers the period from September 7 to December 31, 1949.
REORGANIZATION
The main goal of the Audio-Visual Aids Department is to bring about more effective learning through the skillful and in- telligent use of audio-visual materials and methods. In order to bring this goal within the realm of realization, the entire physi- cal set-up of the department was reorganized. New files were started; catalogues of films, filmstrips, lantern slides, and other teaching aids-charts, flat pictures, graphs, maps, globes, mod- els, objects, and specimens were added to the department to provide teachers with the necessary information that is needed in order to insure closer integration and correlation of teaching aids with subject matter in the classroom; a reference library consisting of professional books and magazines in audio-visual education was created with the aim of helping the teachers be- come cognizant of newly-introduced techniques and methods of using audio-visual materials in the classroom to effect maxi- mum educational growth; and, finally, after discarding materials which had lost their values as teaching aids, racks, tables, and cabinets were rearranged according to a plan which provides. a definite area for teachers to preview such projected pictures as films, filmstrips, and lantern slides. This facility to preview materials when used scientifically is one of the main factors contributing to an effective and sound audio-visual program.
EQUIPMENT SURVEY
In order to ascertain the extent to which an audio-visual program could develop under present conditions, an extensive survey of all audio-visual equipment and facilities was con- ducted throughout the high and elementary schools. It was found that the system is sufficiently equipped to meet the mini- mum requirements of an audio-visual program. It was also found, however, that classrooms do not possess adequate dark- ening facilities to permit effective use of films and opaque pro- jections. As a consequence, pupils have to be moved from the classroom (the ideal learning situation) to the auditorium (the symbol of entertainment to many pupils) to view an educa- tional film. Since scientifically controlled experiments have es- tablished the value of using audio-visual aids right in the class- room, it becomes apparent that the effectiveness of our pro- gram will be largely dependent upon the efficacy with which we solve this problem.
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PROJECTIONIST SQUAD
In order to relieve the teachers of projection details and to give them more time for the important task of instruction, plans are now being completed to initiate a training program for stu- dent operators. The Audio-Visual Department will assume the responsibility of training these students until they meet certain criteria of proficiency in the operation and care of audio-visual aids and equipment.
Upon satisfying established requirements, each projec- tionist will be presented with a certificate of proficiency. Once certified in this manner, each projectionist will become for teachers a potential service which will be made available through the department.
With the use of audio-visual aids greatly facilitated, it is hoped that teachers will be encouraged to make greater use of these effective teaching tools and the desired outcomes will in- evitably insure more effective learning taking place with econ- omy of time.
EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Another project undertaken and still in the formulative stage is the Evaluation Committee of the Visual Aids Depart- ment. This committee, composed of teachers, will review and advise on audio-visual materials before purchases are made. Since teachers are chiefly responsible for the use of these ma- terials and because teachers know perhaps better than anyone else what the educational needs of the pupils are, the Depart- ment feels that teachers should, therefore, play a major role in the selection of audio-visual materials. When teachers are ac- corded this opportunity and responsibility, it has been found that not only is it likely that the most educationally valuable materials will be selected, but also that these materials will be used most efficiently and effectively.
FILM AND EQUIPMENT USES
A temporary film program was in operation while the De- partment was in the process of reorganizing. During the first four months, the Department showed 23 films to a total atten- dance of 7,357 pupils. All films were ordered by teachers to achieve certain educational objectives and, consequently, con- tributed to better and more effective learning.
The services of the Department were extended also to edu- cational, guidance, civic, industrial, and athletic groups during the last four months. These organizations were loaned equip- ment and operators on several occasions. Wherever the de- mands did not interfere with regular school schedules, the De-
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partment was glad to cooperate with these groups in fulfilling their demands.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Principals of our school system for their splendid cooperation and keep interest in our program. I would also like to thank all the teachers of the system who have been sincere in accepting our program and who have, by their many sugges- tions, made us gain insight into many new problems. It is in- deed encouraging and stimulating to work with men and women who are so interested and cooperative in introducing effective educational techniques and methods.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD DESROCHES, Director, Audio-Visual Aids.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In accordance with your request, I am submitting this, my second annual report on Music in the Southbridge Public Schools.
MARY E. WELLS HIGH SCHOOL
The past year held two points of special musical interest for the high school. The first was the Spring Concert by the three glee clubs (70 voices) on April 30th; the second was the operetta in November. At the concert, audience participation was featured although more than half of the program was de- voted to the glee clubs' singing their prepared three- and four- part choral music. A double quartet of boys entertained, and the popularity of their numbers has encouraged regular weekly rehearsals of boys who sing four-part music. There were sev- eral vocal solos and instrumental numbers, and then the group of songs in which the audience sang with the glee clubs. The glee clubs added descants and other forms of harmony to the melodies the audience sang.
The glee club's performance at the graduation exercises in June was unusually inspiring, many people declared, and I be- lieve this was due to the presence of the experienced, more ma- ture voices of the seniors who, for the first time at such exer- cises, came down from their carefully arranged platform seats to help balance the singing of their club. As I directed the songs, I felt, as I am sure the club did, what this last singing together meant to us all.
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Since September, the music appreciation class has centered its study primarily on opera and the composers of opera. The glee club's operetta, Iolanthe, by Gilbert and Sullivan, provided a practical demonstration in miniature of the presentation of opera. Many youngsters learned that choruses can act and dance as well as sing. Records and song-collections help ac- quaint the students of music appreciation with other features of music drama. The four performances of Iolanthe, November 2, 4, 7, and 8 brought audiences totaling approximately 1,500 persons. The cast numbered 36, but the number of students and adults assisting, amounted to many more, for it was a proj- ect in which many departments inside and outside of school participated efficiently and artistically.
The average weekly attendance at high school music classes is 88 students. This does not include attendance at as- semblies where occasionally the entire school (450) sing to- gether. One such assembly was the Christmas assembly, De- cember 22, in which, after the dramatic club's play, the three glee clubs sang a group of less familiar Christmas songs and the entire school, singing together, sent us all off on our vaca- tions with the proper spirit and enthusiasm
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Since the introduction of the new music books, grades III through VI have shown some improvement in sight singing, al- though not so much as is desired. Singing has been taught by rote so long that the youngsters are afraid to trust their own abilities. Also, the easy way of merely repeating a teacher's rendition, seems to them the only way. It is hoped that the teachers will discover ways to make reading music fun and to make it seem as important as reading story and history books.
The elementary schools sent children, as in the past, to the Worcester Music Festival Concert, October 29. The growing number of student-members of the Community Concert Asso- ciation was mentioned, particularly at a meeting of the Asso- ciation's directors. This increase is encouraging to all con- cerned with community recreation and leisure occupations, hobbies, etc. It is hoped that young people, with contagious en- thusiasms for their new interests, may foster the arts, and later on provide improved recreations and greater cultural oppor- tunities for the community.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR S. VAN ETTEN, Director of Music.
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REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
May I submit herewith my report for the year ending December, 1949.
With the financial backing of the Southbridge Rotary Club, a high school band was started two years ago in March with an initial enrollment of twenty-eight boys and girls. Of this group, there was but one boy who had previously played a musical in- strument, all others starting from "scratch."
Rehearsals were held outside of school time twice weekly, including summer vacation period, and the band was able to play an engagement at Sturbridge Fair the following September.
Maintaining about the same membership, their second year was one of increased public appearances. In the fall, they played for all the home football games and two out-of-town games. A total of twenty-two engagements were played during the 1948-49 season. Many of these were school assemblies- Christmas carol program, parent-teacher meeting, talent show participation, etc.
The following important outside engagements were kept: a concert for the student body of Putnam, Connecticut public schools and the same for Woodstock, Connecticut; Veterans Hospital, Rutland; Central Massachusetts Music Educators School; music festival at Clinton, Massachusetts; Memorial Day parade at Sturbridge; our own spring music frolic at Wells auditorium; parades on July 4th and on November 11th at Putnam, Connecticut; junior music festival at Eastern States Exposition, Springfield, Massachusetts.
In the fall of 1949, we again played all home football games and two out-of-town games, and we wound up the season by be- ing invited to appear at the Boston University-St. Bonaventure football game at Fenway Park, Boston.
At the present time the band owns twenty musical instru- ments, sixteen of which were presented to the school by the Southbridge Rotary Club. In addition, it owns thirty-two com- plete band uniforms plus four majorette and one head drum major costume. The estimated value of instruments, uniforms, and music is $2,000.00.
Cash on Hand
$170.00
Bills Payable 100.00
Balance
$ 70.00
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.
In addition to the foregoing report on the high school band situation, I would like also to give you a report on my activities in the formation of a second elementary school band.
This latter project was started on March 1, 1949, and there are thirty-five members in it, including both grammar and high school pupils. This group will make its first public appear- ance some time in April, 1950.
Coming right along behind the latter group is still another ensemble of younger players who started while in the fourth and fifth grades which number about fifteen.
At this writing, I am organizing still another beginners' group in the grades, as a constant flow of starting pupils must be maintained in order to keep the program running smoothly.
A well-rounded musical instrument program would not be complete without a high school dance band and concert orchestra.
Both of the latter I have in mind and hope to put the plan in operation in the very near future.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL J. SWEET, Director, Instrumental Music.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING MAINTENANCE OFFICER
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This is my first annual report on the activities and the work of the Maintenance Department.
Our aim to bring about the standardization of all materials used for maintenance in the School Department is slowly tak- ing form as the following items will show:
1. All janitor supplies have been standardized and pur- chased as the need presented itself.
2. A booklet giving a good description of stock articles and their proper use is now being developed.
3. Considerable time and expense can be saved by all school janitors using like materials for corresponding jobs.
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4. A small stockroom is being equipped with staple articles to supply the principals' immediate needs.
5. As per your recommendations and mine, all janitors must return old or worn-out equipment before new articles are allotted-this also applies to burned-out electric light bulbs.
6. All oil and coal used in our schools is let out by con- tract, yearly, by this Department.
7. All requisitions for repairs, alterations, and purchases, are issued from this Department to the Superintendent of Schools for approval.
One of the major improvements in our schools this year was the installation of three (3) new oil burners in the following schools: West Street School, Eastford Road School, and Charl- ton Street School. These burners have proven very successful after the usual "bugs" were ironed out. This relieves the work load of our janitors, eliminating ash removal, etc.
The River Street School has been redecorated inside and will be completed soon. With the sanding and finishing of floors that I am planning on doing at Easter vacation, this will finish a much-needed job. The play yard has been levelled and covered with pea stone. If the recommendation for a new fence is granted, the remaining area can then be covered with additional pea stone. This work at River Street was done by Cole Trade students and will stand for at least five years with- out major repairs. Boys' toilets were recently installed; also a new 2-inch copper water feed line to street. The girls' toilets should be remodelled this coming year.
The gym floor at Charlton Street and Eastford Road Schools were sanded and refinished. This will insure good basketball courts for two to three years, with proper maintenance.
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In closing, I wish to state that this coming year, if neces- sary funds are available, this Department would propose to clean and paint all shower rooms, dressing rooms, and base- ments of all our new buildings.
Respectfully submitted, EMERY A. LAVALLEE, Maintenance Officer.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND EVENING VOCATIONAL COURSES
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:
Elementary Sewing
One class
Children's Clothing
One class
Dressmaking
One class
Advanced Dressmaking
One class
One class
Tailoring Cooking
One class
University Extension classes were offered in the com- mercial and academic fields. Classes in Business English, Ele- mentary Stenography, and Elementary Typewriting proved to have a large demand and were well attended. A course in Public Speaking and Human Relations, given by Mr. J. Frank Ward of Worcester, Massachusetts, was an extremely popular and profitable academic course.
These classes were conducted under the supervision of the State Department of Education and were instructed by accred- ited teachers.
Other classes in the vocational, commercial, and academic fields will be offered when the demand for them is sufficient to form such classes.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES M. ROBERTSON, Director, University Extension and Evening Vocational Courses.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ADULT EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Massachusetts Department of Education wishes to en- courage everyone to continue his education or to review what has been learned because of a deeper appreciation of its value and meaning in later life. This year, the Adult Education Divi- sion of the Southbridge School Department has the great sat- isfaction of having the latter reason given in several instances.
Of course, we need education to earn a living, but it is also in demand for more worthy use of leisure time. In this, the Adult Education Department feels that it has been able to ful- fill its mission.
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