USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1928 > Part 2
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8 35
Paid Oliver Ditson Co.
4 95
Paid Pearl Printing Co.
2 00
Paid Irving L. White
6 85
Paid William A. Nye
1 90
Paid Earle C. Parker
46
Paid Public School Publishing Co.
5 55
Paid G. E. Stimpson Co.
15 00
Paid George S. Butler
2 65
$111 39
BOOKS
Paid Edward E. Babb & Co.
$31 45
Paid Arlo Publishing Co.
9 14
Paid Macmillan Co.
4 38
Paid Silver Burdette & Co.
6 70
45
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Longmans, Green & Co.
6 26
$57 93
CARE AND CLEANING
Paid for Coldbrook School $ 47 00
Paid William A. Nye 253 70
$300 70
FUEL
Paid Pauaccione Bros. for kindling wood $ 7 00
Paid F. H. Boyd, 19 cds. wood @ $8.50 161 50
Paid John P. Day, for sawing wood 12 00
Paid E. Harley Tolman, for sawing wood 6 75
Paid for packing wood at Coldbrook School 8 00
$195 25
REPAIRS
Paid Chas. B. Daniels, painting and Inside finishing $116 65
Paid Chas. H. Trowbridge, plastering 6 23
$122 88
PROMOTION OF HEALTH
Paid Mrs. Naomi Cunningham, school nurse $105 60
Paid Miss Mildred Givan, school nurse 76 00
Paid A. M. Kimberly, M.D., school physician 70 00
Paid Holden Pharmacy, supplies 2 50
$254 10
GRADE TRANSPORTATION
Paid Robert Dwelly $ 504 00
46
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid John O'Donnell
636 00
Paid David LaBonte
1,080 00
Paid Celia Yablonski
13 00
Paid John Dogul
80 00
$2,313 00
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
Paid William Zukas
$ 65 20
Paid Edwin Bullard
74 80
Paid Bert S. Reed
74 80
Paid Henry W. Crawford
76 80
Paid Alfred Virr
81 60
Paid Philip Wareing
72 00
Paid John Day
103 20
Paid Joseph Potter
46 00
Paid E. J. Crawford
66 00
Paid C. R. Knight
52 00
Paid John L. Briggs
72 60
Paid Oliver Wilkins
96 80
Paid J. C. Rutherford
246 40
Paid Evander Green
78 00
Paid Morton Lincoln
148 00
Paid Donald Agar
64 00
Paid Robert Dwelly
105 80
Paid Eldredge La Count
155 20
Paid Katherine Mullen
200 80
Paid Herbert Wilbur
23 60
Paid Albert Hapgood
70 60
Paid Percy Wilbur
45 60
Paid Inez Moss
22 40
Paid William Parkman
47 20
Paid Hazel Beckwith
23 20
Paid Oscar Loring
23 20
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Paid Frankie Rush 23 60
$2,204 40
HIGH SCHOOL TUITION
Paid Town of Hardwick
$1,345 00
Paid Town of Rutland
200 00
Paid Town of Barre
200 00
Paid Town of Northbridge
110 00
Paid Town of Spencer
54 00
Paid Town of North Brookfield
153 00
Paid Town of Warren
100 00
Paid Town of Spencer
36 00
Paid Town of North Brookfield
36 00
$2,234 00
MISCELLANEOUS
Paid Donald W. Holton, engraving diplomas
$1 50
Paid Earle C. Parker
2 00
Paid Robert W. Barr
6 00
$9 50
Total Expenditures
$11,911 02
Total Appropriation
$12,150 00
Total Expenditures
11,911 02
Unexpended Balance
$238 98
Respectfully submitted, EARLE C. PARKER, MINNIE M. DAY, LEONE B. DANIELS, School Committee.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Holden, Mass., Jan. 1, 1929.
To the School Committee of Oakham :
I have the honor of presenting my eleventh report and the twenty-ninth in the series since the formation of the present union.
There have been no changes in our regular school organization and another year comes to a close under the guidance and in- spiration of the same teachers who have served Oakham so loyally in the past.
The special teachers resigned in June and we were fortunate in securing Miss Mary R. Spofford of Haverhill for Music and Miss Doris L. Potter of Wilton, N. H., for Drawing. The work in these subjects has been of high standard under their su- pervision and I hope you will give careful consideration to their reports.
It was with regret that we accepted the resignation of Mrs. Cunningham, who had been our School Nurse for two years. Miss Mildred Givan of West Somerville, another Registered Nurse with special training for the work in the schools, was ap- pointed during the summer and has carried on the health pro- gram in the schools with excellent success. A great deal of credit is due the special teachers and the School Nurse for planning and carrying out a program that covers all the schools of the four towns that comprise this Union. It involves a great deal of travel and very careful study of schedules.
Our average membership increased slightly at the Center dur- ing the year ending in June and remained the same at Coldbrook.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
There was a marked increase, however, at Coldbrook this fall, due largely to the entrance of children of employees of the Metro- politan Water System. The enrollment jumped from 25 to 34, and then to 40. This has created a very real problem, for the school room is too small to accommodate this number of children and the difficulties of carrying out a program for 40 children in eight grades are obvious. There are eight children in Grade I and they need a good deal of time and attention during their first school year. Then there are five in Grade VIII to be prepared for high school. Probably no one can tell how long this situation will continue, for the future of the village itself is uncertain. To operate on double-sessions, so-called, that is to have four grades in the morning and four in the afternoon, seems to be the only solution, but it is of course unsatisfactory. Each grade needs more rather than less time and attention.
The Center school rooms and the hallway and coat room were painted during the summer. This coming year we shall need very few repairs. The school property is in very good condition and great credit for this is due to the care exercised by teachers and pupils.
The State Department of Education was unable to find a suit- able date for a Teachers' Institute in the fall so our teachers at- tended the Worcester County Convention. If possible we hope to arrange for an Institute during the coming winter.
There was a district spelling bee in Rutland in April and three of our pupils, Rose Dufresne, Albert Parkman and Evelyn Wil- bur, were chosen to represent Oakham. They did very creditable work, Rose standing fourth in a closely contested match, and Evelyn seventh.
Our record in high schools attended by our graduates continues to be excellent. Shirley Rutherford graduated with highest hon- ors at North Brookfield and was Valedictorian of the class. Kath- ryn Mullen had a similar record and was Valedictorian at Hard- wick. Lillian Potter won class honors at Northbridge High School. This year we have had thirty of our graduates in high
-
50
ANNUAL REPORT
school, a splendid record when we consider our average member- ship of about 90.
A valuable health program is being worked out under the direction of the School Nurse and with the fine support of teach- ers and parents. The observance of Child Health Day was com- bined with our graduation exercises in June.
Under the direction of the Drawing Supervisor posters were made for the Poster Contest of the Massachusetts S. P. C. A. and Freddie Baldwin, Anthony Lupa and Evelyn Wilbur won medals. Florence Smith and Eldredge LaCounte received Honorable Men- tion and a year's subscription to Our Dumb Animals. It was the second time that Anthony Lupa has received a medal for this interesting and instructive study.
A glance at the Age and Grading Chart that follows this report shows that we have 7.1% of our pupils in average membership who are over-age as compared with a state record of 10.3%, and we have about 16% under-age as compared with a state record of 27.7% ; or in other words we have about 7% retarded and 16% accelerated pupils.
Someone has said "education is of little value if it does not produce character." The gaining of facts is of questionable value unless we learn how to evaluate and use them. I believe that in our schools we are training boys and girls to realize this and to make intelligent use of the facts presented. Character is the one important thing. I believe our teachers are constantly striving to impress this thought on their pupils. For such de- voted service we owe a deep obligation.
I am indebted to all those who have so loyally given of their support in the conduct of our schools.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES R. CHILDS, ยท
Superintendent of Schools.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
This report covers the period from September, 1928, to Jan- uary, 1929.
Medical Inspection-Our yearly medical examination required by law took place in October. Notices previously sent to parents resulted in the correction of a number of defects, such as diseased or enlarged tonsils and defective teeth.
Number of children examined 93
Number with diseased tonsils and adenoids 14
Number with defective teeth 6
Weighing and Measuring-The pupils were weighed and meas- ured once during the autumn. The steady gain in most of the children was encouraging. A child in good physical condition will gain from month to month. This gain will be continuous but not necessarily uniform.
Clinics-The "Ten Year Program" was conducted in October by the State Department of Public Health to further observe and advise pupils who had been previously examined and found to be suspicious cases, contact cases, or those with Hilum Tubercu- losis.
Number of children examined 2
Number improved 1
Number unimproved 1
Suspect cases 2
Dr. Kimberly conducted an immunizing program in October and eleven received Toxin-antitoxin. From time to time health talks have been given in the schools and I would like to say how much I appreciate the cooperation received. I have also enjoyed visiting in the homes where I have met mothers interested and willing to cooperate in every way. The good cooperation of par- ents, teachers and pupils has made my work very pleasant among them.
MILDRED GIVAN, R.N.,
School Nurse.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Medical work is a good deal like the management of a progres- sive business. Each year sees improvement or expansion in some department. Each year as we go through the physical examina- tion of the children we find a considerable group of defects that have been corrected. It may be tonsils that have required notices for the past three or four years that have at last been removed, or it may be dental work that has been given attention. There has been a noticeable improvement in posture among the school children, doubtless due to the instruction and training they have received.
The response to Toxin-antitoxin in Oakham was poor and in Coldbrook it was good. In several sections no interest was evidenced in the treatment even though it has been responded to well in other years. To our knowledge there has not been a serious reaction to this treatment. This year in the whole union there were 149 children to whom Toxin-antitoxin inoculations were given.
We regretted Mrs. Cunningham's inability to return. Miss Givan has proven herself more than an excellent aid in the health work. She has been a real General in planning and executing original health work programs.
ARTHUR M. KIMBERLY, M. D.,
School Physician.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Music is progressing favorably in the schools of Oakham. Not only do the children sing well, but they also enjoy singing. The time has come, however, when new material should be obtained for supplementary purposes. The boys and girls of the upper grades are familiar with all the songs in the Progressive Series
53
ANNUAL REPORT
and cannot make much more advancement until new songs are obtained.
A violin class of eight children has been formed in Oakham Center. These boys and girls are most enthusiastic and are making good progress. This class has three aims: first, to teach the boys and girls to play the violin so that they may enjoy it as a recreation; second, to lay the foundations for an orchestra ; and third, to discover one child, perhaps, with special talent in music, and help him to develop his talent. After Christmas, we shall have another violin class in Coldbrook.
The splendid cooperation of the teachers and the delightful attitude of the children make my weekly visits most enjoyable.
MARY R. SPOFFORD,
Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
All children love to make pictures of things with which they are familiar. Therefore, we began our fall work with a study of the fall flowers, grasses, fruits, and vegetables, using a variety of mediums; pencil, crayons, water color and ink, according to the experience and development of the class with which we are working.
Lettering alphabets have been studied to be kept and used as a basis for all projects requiring lettering throughout the year. Holiday projects have been worked out at appropriate times. Posters cut and drawn freehand have been made, involving pro- portion, spacing, and composition. Subjects for posters have been taken from reading, history, and hygiene.
We have been giving extra training and work to those who show special interest and ability, through our black-board decora- tive work. The results of this work have been especially interest-
54
ANNUAL REPORT
ing, and we feel that progress made in this manner will be most beneficial.
The work for the next terms will include: color study, design, proportion, perspective, object drawing, and illustrative drawing, to be developed by cutting and crayoning of mass in lower grades ; pencil crayon, and water color in upper grades. Picture study and recognition of well-known masterpieces will be included.
Occasional memory tests of objects studied will be given, and near the end of the school year a review of principles taught. Projects developing originality will also be stressed.
It is hoped to have an exhibition of typical work done in the schools sometime during the school year.
DORIS L. POTTER,
Supervisor of Drawing.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT FALL TERM 1928
Grade
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Total
Boys
8
4
8
5
9
3
4
5
46
Girls
7
4
6
9
7
6
5
7
51
Totals
15
8
14
14
16
9
9
12
97
REGISTRATION OF MINORS
October, 1928
Children in Oakham
Boys
Girls
Total
Between 5 and 7 years of age
12
6
18
Between 7 and 14 years of age
42
43
85
Between 14 and 16 years of age
8
7
15
Totals
62
56
118
AGE AND GRADING CHART
October, 1928
Age
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15 Total
Grade
I
9
1
10
II
3
8
3
14
III
2
8
3
1
14
IV
1
11
3
1
16
V
1
7
1
9
VI
4
5
1
10
VII
2
7
3
1
13
VIII
2
1
2
1
6
Totals
12
10
13
15
11
7
14
6
3
1
92
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
School
Teacher
Training
Began here
Center Grammar
Florence E. Bothwell
Center Primary
Ethel M. Braman
Coldbrook
Ruth E. Butterfield
Worcester N. S. 1904
Music
Annie P. Stevenson
Drawing
Odessa M. Long
No. Brookfield H. S. 1897 Northfield Sem. 1907
Am. Inst. Nor. Meth. 1926 Mass. Sch. Art 1927
-
-
56
ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICS FOR 1927-1928
School
Total
Mem.
Ave. Mem.
Ave. Atten.
% of Atten.
Center Grammar
29
28
26
94
Center Primary
42
35
32
91
Coldbrook
32
26
25
98
Totals
103
89
83
94.3
HONOR ROLL
Perfect Attendance for FOUR YEARS
Marion Wilkins
Perfect Attendance for THREE YEARS
Rose Bruno (1 T) Louis Kitchen (1 T)
Perfect Attendance for TWO YEARS
Emma Bruno (1)
Charles Potter
Lillian Hall
Marion Potter
Perfect Attendance for ONE YEAR
Florence Baldwin
Vivian Loring (1)
Helen Beckwith
Edward McCullock
Ethel Bruno (1)
Bertha Potter (1)
Robert Dwelly (1) Frankie Rush (1 T)
Paul Kitchen (1/2T)
Eugene Wilbur
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Fall Term-Sept. 4, 1928, to Dec. 21, 1928. 16 weeks Winter Term-Jan. 7, 1929, to Mar. 15, 1929. 10 weeks Spring Term-Apr. 1, 1929, to June 7, 1929 10 weeks Fall Term-Sept. 3, 1929, to Dec. 20, 1929. 16 weeks Winter Term-Jan. 6, 1930, to Mar. 14, 1930 10 weeks Spring Term-Mar. 31, 1930, to June 6, 1930 10 weeks
57
ANNUAL REPORT
HOLIDAYS
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, Labor Day, October 12, November 11, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
Graduates, June, 1928
Hazel May Beckwith
Albert Leroy Parkman
Frances Victoria Karp
Frankie Louise Rush
Vivian Emily Loring Evelyn Alice Wilbur
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
WORCESTER SS.
To either of the constables of the town of Oakham, in the county of Worcester.
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Oak- ham qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, known as "Memorial Hall," on Monday, the fourth day of February next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
Art. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at all town meet- ings except for the election of State Officers, during the coming year.
Art. 2. To hear the annual report of the several town officers, and act thereon.
Art. 3. To choose one Selectman, one Assessor, one Overseer of Poor, one School Committee, one Library Trustee, one Ceme- tery Committee for three years, one Selectman for three years, one Assessor for one year, one Cemetery Committee for one year, one School Committee for one year, Collector of Taxes, Treasurer, Auditor, Tree' Warden, six Constables; shall licenses be granted for the sale of non-intoxicating beverages in this town, all on one ballot. The polls will be opened at ten o'clock in the forenoon and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Art. 4. To choose all necessary town officers and committees for the ensuing year, not required to be elected by ballot.
Art. 5. To see what compensation the town will allow the Selectmen, Treasurer, Collector, Auditor and Constables for the ensuing year.
59
ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 6. To see what compensation the town will allow for men and teams in repairing highways and opening roads for the ensuing year.
Art. 7. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to bond their Treasurer and Collector and Town Clerk.
Art. 8. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town charges for the ensuing year, and make appropria- tions for the 'same.
Art. 9. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the relief of poor and needy soldiers, as required under Chapter 79, Section 18, of the Revised Laws.
Art. 10. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the current finan- cial year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, giving the note or notes of the town therefor, these notes to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Art. 11. To see if the town will appoint some person as agent, to prosecute and defend all suits that may be brought for or against the town in the ensuing year.
Art. 12. To see if the town will employ some person or per- sons to care for the Town Hall, Town Clock, and Library Build- ing for the ensuing year.
Art. 13. To see what sum the town will raise and appropriate for the suppression of the browntail moth.
Art. 14. To see if the town will vote to insure its employees and make an appropriation for the same, or pass any vote rela- tive thereto.
Art. 15. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a cer- tain sum of money as a reserve fund, to be used as an emergency or overdraft.
Art. 16. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a
60
ANNUAL REPORT
certain sum of money under Chap. 90, to repair the No. Brook- field road, providing the county and state appropriate an equal sum.
Art. 17. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum for new bridges, or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 18. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum toward a dental clinic or pass any vote relative thereto,
Art. 19. To see if the town will vote to pay for the electric light poles that were furnished for the electric light line.
Art. 20. To see if the town will vote to purchase back its notes issued to build its electric light line, providing the holders will sell them or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 21. To see if the town will vote to discharge its electric light committee.
. And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up three attested copies in public places in said town seven days at least before time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hand this nineteenth day of January, in the year one thousand nine hundred and twenty-nine.
JOHN P. DAY, EARL C. PARKER, WALTER A. WOODIS
Selectmen of Oakham.
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