USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1936 > Part 2
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The Good Earth
The Return of the Hero
Dodsworth
The Master of the Day of Judgment .
The House on the Roof Slim
All in the Racket
The Jasmine Farm
By the Waters of Manhattan
Come and Get It
The Golden Wind
Little America
Prosperity, Fact, or Myth
Thunder Mountain
Prize Poems, 1913-1929
The Sea Scorpion
Wandering Women
King of the Range
By the Light of the Soul Grand Hotel
Silver Hat
Cabin in the Pines
The Heart of Rome
The Cappy Ricks Special
My Four Years in Germany
Beauty's Daughter
The Last Adam
Wife vs Secretary
Democratic Despotism
More Port, More Happy Places
America Strikes Back
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. ANDREW TRACY, Librarian.
Report of MOTH SUPERVISOR Superintendent to January 1, 1937
Expenditures for Moth supervision, labor, cost and truck- ing, $280.28.
Besides this work done by the town, the State gave $300.00 for work to be done along the Highway. The State also furnished 2 barrels of Creosote, 6 poles, 6 pails and 12 brushes.
The work done at the expense of the town was in orchards and around buildings.
Respectfully submitted CLARENCE L. GRIMES, Moth Supt.
Report of TOWN AUDITOR
This is to certify that I have Audited all bills approved by the Selectmen. I have also inspected the books of the Tax Collector, Town Treasurer, Town Clerk and Library and find them to be correct.
Respectfully submitted
RALPH DANIELS
Report of SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1936
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
W. Edgar Swindell, Chairman Term expires 1937
Amalia C. Place, Secretary Term expires 1938
George W. Dean Term expires 1939
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
James R. Childs Holden 12 or 209
SCHOOL NURSE
Evelyn E. Crossley, R. N. Holden 265
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
William T. Knowlton, M. D. Holden 246
ATTENDANCE OFFICER AND JANITOR
W. Edgar Swindell Oakham 14-21
SCHOOL CALENDAR
From September 8, 1936 to December 23, 1936 16 weeks
From January 4, 1937 to February 26, 1937 8 weeks
From March 8, 1937 to April 30, 1937 8 weeks
From May 10, 1937 to June 18, 1937 6 weeks
From September 7, 1937 to December 24, 1937 HOLIDAYS
16 weeks
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, Labor Day, Octo- ber 12, November 11, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
Report of SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Appropriation for Dental Clinic $ 50 00
Paid to Bessie Bonker Scott, D. M. D. 15 50
Unexpended Balance $34 50
Appropriation for Schools
$9,900 00
Expenditures for year
9,825 60
Unexpended Balance
$74 40
Expenditures for year
$9,825 60
State and other credits
6,714 12
Actual cost to Town $3,111 48
Receipts
State Returns
General School Fund Part 1 $ 650 0
General School Fund Part 2 2,131 29
School Superintendent 193 33
Transportation (High School)
1,768 80
Tuition (High School)
1,808 10
$6,551 52
Other Credits
From New Braintree
$150 00
State Ward
12 00
$162 60
$6,714 12
Expenditures
Superintendent
J. R. Childs, Salary $335 78
J. R. Childs, Travel Clerk
47 52
14 31
38
ANNUAL REPORT
Expense
4 34
Census, Augusta Dean
5 00
$406 95
Fuel
20 cords wood @ $6.50.
$130 00
Sawing
16 00
Handling
7 12
$153 12
Tuition
Town of Barre
$1,808 10
Expense account
Supplies
$ 97 10
Books
105 27
Electricity .
48 00
Repairs
17 75
Miscellaneous
26 32
Expense School Committee
2 08
Cleaning Septic Tank
12 03
$308 55
Janitor
W. E. Swindell
$294 00
Supplies
13 96
Extra Cleaning
16 05
$324 01
Health
Dr. Knowlton
$40 00
Irene Parker, Nurse
89 76
Evelyn Crossley, Nurse
57 12
First Aid Supplies
8 40
$195 28
Grade Transportation
John O'Donnell
$ 976 01
Frank Lupa
1,337 98
$2,313 99
Teachers
Florence E. Bothwell
$1,145 10
1
39
ANNUAL REPORT
Ethel M. Braman
1,095 10
Daisy Erickson
75 00
$2,315 20
School Committee
W. E. Swindell, Chairman
$10 00
Amalia C. Place, Secretary
25 00
George Dean
10 00
$45 00
High School Transportation
Mrs. Troy
$214 20
E. J. Crawford
234 60
E. C. Howkins
86 40
Ralph Daniels
69 60
Martin Winsky
25 80
Walter Hall
60 60
Robert Dwelly
105 60
Agnes Woodis
104 40
Henry Stone
160 80
Peter White
109 20
John Dogul
45 00
Joseph Bechan
42 60
George Lackey
208 20
Joseph Rossi
41 40
Bertrand Smith
42 00
Laura Snay
100 80
Henry Grimes
87 60
Donald Agar
108 60
John Bechan
108 00
$1,955 40
Total Expenditures $9.825 60
Respectfully submitted, W. EDGAR SWINDELL, Chairman AMALIA C. PLACE, Secretary GEORGE W. DEAN, School Committee.
Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Holden, Mass., December 31, 1936 To the School Committee of Oakham :
This report is the thirty-seventh in the series since the formation of the present school union and the nineteenth by the writer.
We have finished another year of school work with the same teachers who have served the Town of Oakham so suc- cessfully in the past. In the final analysis the success of any school lies in the hands of the teachers rather than in plant or equipment. Sympathetic understanding combined with a keen sense of justice mark the real teacher. She will teach children and not subjects, she will be well informed, devoted to her work and an inspiration to her pupils.
There is one change to record. Miss Parker who served as School Nurse last year, resigned to be married. Miss Evelyn E. Crossley, a Registered Nurse with valuable experience, was chosen to carry on the health program and her report will indicate that this part of our work is in good hands. A con- ference was held by the State Department of Public Health in the fall, attended by School Nurses and Physicians as well as School Committee members, and plans discussed for an expansion of the health work in the schools. We take pride in our record. The town makes annual provision for the Dental Clinic which is carried on so successfully by Dr. Bessie Scott, and townspeople, teachers and Nurse cooperate in the Pre-School, Diphtheria, and other Clinics. The Audiometer or Hearing Tests will now be given with the assistance of the State Department of Health.
We are well supplied with text-books and supplementary teaching material and the building is in excellent condition.
41
ANNUAL REPORT
Both class-rooms are crowded and we have some difficulty in controlling ventilation. I think that more window ventilators might help, and we shall soon need new window shades. With so many grades in each room, we have found that work-books have been especially helpful. Even with Grade V in the Pri- mary room both teachers are carrying an overload, but the lower grades are smaller and this situation will probably not last indefinitely unless the population of the town increases .. The action of the Committee in shortening the school day and lengthening the school year has worked out well in practice.
In the annual poster contest Millicent Crawford and Ru- berta Rossi won first prizes, Arlette Agar and Grace Grimes won second prizes, and Russell Dean received honorable men- tion. We thank those who have carried on the 4-H Club work. Mr. Studdiford has given generously of his time in directing a wood-working class for the boys and we regret his moving away. Our whole program would be enriched by regular classes in manual training, physical education, home-making, art and music. Much can be done through the 4-H Clubs but the leadership should come from friends in the community. We hope for a Music Supervisor for the Union this coming year. We have twenty pupils attending High School, four in Trade School and one tuition pupil.
In 1937 we observe the Horace Mann Centennial. Throughout the year there will be special recognition of his great service for education and it is planned to have appro- priate exercises in the schools on May 4th in honor of his birthday.
I want to thank the Committee, the teachers and all others who have helped to make the school year one of progress.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. CHILDS.
42
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE January-June
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The schools were scheduled to be visited each Thursday afternoon. I found the general health of the children good. The Town is to be congratulated on the sanitary conditions here. Soap and towels were never lacking and there are ex- cellent provisions for washing hands before eating. Hot water is a luxury found in no other schools of the Union. The chil- dren were examined each month as to cleanliness of body and scalp and for symptoms of communicable or skin disease. We had two cases of impetigo which were soon cleared up. The usual dental clinic was conducted by Dr. Bessie Scott. Two children were examined and vaccinated at the pre-school clinic and correction of dental defects indicated. One pupil was taken to the County Sanatorium for a check-up but was found to be free of physical defects.
It has been a pleasure to work with parents, teachers and pupils, and I wish to thank them and the School Committee for their cooperation. Summary :
Pre-School Clinic
Examined 2
Vaccinated 2 Exclusions
Impetigo 2
Com. Disease 2
Home Visits 3
To T. B. Clinic 1
Dental Clinic
Operating hours 40
Children treated 41
Cleanings
36
Fillings
52
Extractions : Temp .. 27 ; Perm. 1 Respectfully submitted,
IRENE PARKER, R. N.
43
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE September-December
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The compilation of school health facts reveals many in- teresting phases. Facts after all are our best guide, and our achievements through local organizations, the State Board of Health, the Southern Worcester County Health Association- and others, have made school health protection a sound eco- nomic policy. The discovery of defects in their early stages will prevent epidemics and save the tax-payers considerable money.
The Von Pirquet test was given to 17 pupils by the Glidden Clinic. Six had positive readings and they were ex- amined and X-rayed at the Clinic set-up in Holden. These children will be observed carefully during the coming year. Only three children were excluded because of suspected com- municable disease. Class-room inspections are made monthly and more frequently if the occasion requires. A general sanitary inspection was made with the School Physician and a report sent to the Committee. Pupils were weighed and measured four times during the year and only a very small percentage failed to make a normal gain. Home visits were made when necessary. These home visits are a connecting link between school and home and are intended to give a better understanding of the problems or defects of the child. I found the parents appreciative, willing and cooperative in correcting existing conditions.
In the fall 85 children were examined and the following defects noted : carious teeth 14, enlarged tonsils 7, glands 4, posture 5, poor nutrition 10. There were no major defects apparent.
I wish to thank all who have cooperated with me in any way in promoting the health program in our schools.
Respectfully sumbitted, EVELYN E. CROSSLEY, R. N.
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools :
A detailed report of the examination of Oakham pupils will be found in the report of the School Nurse. Of 85 pupils examined in the fall, about 15% were found to be under- nourished. A notice of all defects was sent to the parents, with a request that the conditions be remedied. Two children were examined and vaccinated at the pre-school Clinic. A sanitary inspection of the building was made in October and a report sent to the Committee. I wish to thank the Super- intendent, teachers and School Nurse for their hearty cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM T. KNOWLTON, M. D.
45
ANNUAL REPORT
ORGANIZATION, 1935-1936
School Teacher Training Appointed
Grammar-Florence E. Bothwell No. Brookfield H. S. 1897
Primary-Ethel M. Braman Northfield Seminary 1907
SUMMARY OF REGISTERS, 1935-1936
Total
Ave.
School
Mem.
Mem.
Ave. Atten.
% of Atten.
Gramar
47
44
41
92
Primary
35
31
28
90
Totals
82
75
69
91
-
REGISTRATION OF MINORS
October 1, 1936
Children in Oakham
Boys
Girls
Totals
Between 5 and 7 years of age
5
8
13
Between 7 and 14 years of age
30
31
61
Between 14 and 16 years of age
10
13
23
Totals
45
52
97
AGE AND GRADE CHART, October 1, 1935
Age
6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 Totals
Grade
I
8 3 1 4 3
8
111
4
2
2
S
IV
1
3
2
6
V
1
5
2
2
10
VI
3
6
1
1
1
12
VII
1
4
5
3
1
14
VIII
5
5
Totals
9 7 8 6 12
9
7
6
9
1
74
-
-
11
II
46
ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT, Fall Term 1936
Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Boys
2
2
4
6
4
5
9
6
38
Girls
2
6
5
5
4
2
10
7 41
4
8
9
11
8
7
19
13
79
ROLL OF HONOR
Perfect Attendance for Two Years Steadman Humphrey Perfect Attendance for One Year
Ruberta Rossi
Rose Rossi
GRADUATES, June 1936
Clara B. Bechan Helen Dogul John J. Bechan
Ruberta Rossi
Anthony Winski
W. Bradford Wilbur
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester ss :
To either of the constables of the town of Oakhamn, 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 Oakham qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs. to meet at the Town Hall, known as "Memorial Hall," on Monday, the first 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 meetings 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 member of Welfare Board for three years, one member of School Committee, one Library Trustee, one Cemetery Com- mittee for three years, Collector of Taxes, Treasurer, Auditor, Tree Warden, six Constables, for one year, all on one ballot.
The polls will be open 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 com- mittees 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.
48
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 neces- sary to defray the following town charges: Schools, Town Officers, Public Welfare, Old Age Assistance, Town Officers' Supplies, Street Lights, Inspection of Barns, Inspection of Meats and Provisions, Police, Printing, Memorial Day, Dog Officer, Sealer of Weights and Measures, Miscellaneous, Library, Cemeteries, Fire Department, Industrial School, Soldiers' Relief, Moth Suppression, Employees' Insurance, Reserve Fund, Supplies and Material for W. P. A. Work, Fire Insurance, Opening Roads, Roads Chapter 81.
Art. 9. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer. with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the current financial year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the cur- rent expenses of the town giving the note or notes of the town therefor, these notes to be paid from the revenues of said financial year.
Art. 10. To see if the town will appoint some person as agent, to prosecute and defend all suits that my be brought for or against the town in the ensuing year.
Art. 11. To see if the town will employ some person or persons to care for the Town Hall, Town Clock, and Library Building for the ensuing year.
Art. 12. To see if the town will accept $100.00 for the per- petual care of the Avery Bullard Cemetery lot. Also $100.00 for the perpetual care of the John Stone Cemetery lot.
Art. 13. To see if the town will accept $9.00 from Mrs. Wright for sale of books.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
Art. 14. To see if the town will vote to transfer a cer- tain sum of money from the machinery account to the Ma- chinery Fund.
Art. 15. To see if the town will raise and appropriate $100.00 for new sidewalks.
Art. 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a certain sum of money for the improvement of the Turnpike Road, said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County or both for this purpose, or pass any vote relative thereto.
Art. 17. To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum of money for Chapter 90 maintenance.
Art. 18. To see what action the town will take in regard to appropriating a certain amount of the free cash towards the previous charges that have been raised and appropriated.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up 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 fifteenth day of January in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven.
JOHN P. DAY, SYLVESTER R. DEAN, ALBERT PLACE, Selectmen of Oakham.
1
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