USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 2
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Fall Term-16 weeks Sept. 6, 1939 to Dec. 22, 1939
Winter Term-8 weeks Jan. 2, 1940 to Feb. 23, 1940 Spring Term-8 weeks March 4, 1940 to April 26, 1940 Summer Term-6 weeks May 6, 1940 to June 14, 1940 Fall Term-16 weeks Sept. 4, 1940 to Dec. 20, 1940
HOLIDAYS
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, Labor Day, October 12, November 11, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
Report of SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Appropriation for the year
$10,350 00
Expenditures for the year 11,166 80
Deficit
$ 816 80
Expenditures for the year
$11,166 80
State and other credits
8,281 49
Actual cost to town $ 2,885 31
Receipts
General School Fund, Part I $ 600 00
General School Fund, Part II
1,906 05
School Superintendent
145 00
High School Transportation
2,712 05
High School Tuition
2,613 55
State Wards
302 84
Oakham Grange
2 00
$ 8,281 49
Expenditures
Teachers :
Miss Florence E. Bothwell $ 1,100 10
Miss Ethel M. Braman 1,100 10
$ 2,200 20
Superintendent : J. R. Childs, salary $ 255 00
J. R. Childs, travel 55 00
Miss Marjorie Hodges (clerk) 3 75
Mrs. Augusta Dean (census) 5 00
39
ANNUAL REPORT
J. R. Childs, supplies, postage, tel.
4 40
$ 323 15
Health :
Miss Evelyn Crossley, nurse $ 123 50
Dr. Leroy E. Mayo, School Physician 30 00
William Ostberg, trucking chair 1 50
$ 155 00
Grade Transportation :
John O'Donnell
$ 900 03
Leonard Hardy
1,315 40
$ 2,215 43
Janitor :
W. E. Swindell
$ 154 00
Carl M. Wheeler
21 00
Philip Wareing
112 00
Janitor's supplies
20 65
$ 307 65
Miscellaneous Expense :
Supplies
$ 7 02
Books
41 95
Electricity
48 00
Repairs and Materials
149 32
Postage and Cartage
2 23
Engraving Diplomas
80
Fuel :
33 cords of wood
$ 207 00
Sawing wood
30 00
Hauling and packing wood
31 60
$ 249 32
$ 268 60
40
ANNUAL REPORT
School Committee :
George W. Dean, Chairman
$ 10 00
Leone B. Daniels, Secretary
25 00
W. Edgar Swindell
10 00
$ 45 00
High School Tuition :
Town of Barre
$ 2,553 95
Town of Rutland
59 60
$ 2,613 55
High School Transportation :
Donald Agar
$ 171 60
Anthony Bechan
206 40
Fred Bechan
106 80
Joseph Bechan
55 20
John Bechan
64 80
Edwin H. Bullard
102 60
Edward Crawford
108 00
Sylvester R. Dean
192 60
John Dogul
105 60
Clarence Grimes
99 60
Evelyn Grimes
164 40
Leonard A. Hardy
260 40
John O'Donnell
108 00
George Lackey
106 80
Daniel Leno
45 00
Elexina Rossi
205 20
Ira Stone
105 60
Mrs. Marguerite Troy
165 60
Percy F. Wilbur
109 80
Oliver Wilkins
15 00
Robert Dwelly
41 40
Stanley Sieczkarski
43 80
Raymond Wrin
106 20
41
ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Laura Snay
56 40
Evariste Dufresne
42 00
$ 2,788 80
Respectfully submitted, GEO. W. DEAN, Chairman, LEONE B. DANIELS, Secretary, W. EDGAR SWINDELL, School Committee
Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Holden, Mass., Dec. 31, 1939 To the School Committee of Oakham :
It is my privilege to present for your consideration my twenty-second annual report on the condition of our schools, this being the fortieth in the series since the formation of the present Union. The usual statistics are given for! record and comparison.
This has been a year of steady progress under the leader- ship of the same teachers who have served Oakham long and faithfully. Very few places can boast of a record like ours and we are most fortunate not to have the frequent changes that always mean re-adjustment and a break in the contin- uity of the school program. My only recommendation would be that we try to have supervision of music, for with four grades in a room, the teachers are carrying a heavy schedule of regular class work. The enrollment is less this year and seems to be growing smaller from year to year. There is no grade in school now as large as the one that finished a year ago, though the registration is the same as last year. I want to mention the excellent work being done in the class- rooms from day to day, the' habits of application and study, of self-control and courtesy and good citizenship, lessons that go beyond the textbook and that will be remembered after school days are over. The graduation exercises are evidence of this sort of training and our pupils going to other schools seem more mature than the average eighth grade pupils, better able to think for themselves and to attack new problems. Mrs. Florence Gay, Supervisor of Elementary Education from the State Department of Education, was our graduation speaker, and she noted this fact and commented on it.
I think it would be well to make a little larger appropria- tion next year for books, so that we may purchase more
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ANNUAL REPORT
modern texts in Arithmetic as well as a Health text book for the upper grades. We need additions to the Elson reading material in the lower grades, and more work books, for with so many grades the workbook' is indispensable.
Instead of repairing the present playground apparatus, I would suggest the purchase of a little more permanent equipment each year, especially for the younger children. A frame for swings can be made up locally with 21/2 inch pipe and set in cement. If painted from time to time it will last indefinitely, and then only the swings need be, added.
The reports of the Nurse and Physician indicate the progress that has been made with our health program. We have been free from serious illness or epidemic and the va- rious clinics have been well supported by parents.
Amendments to the laws regulating employment of minors went into effect last August. The school age has been raised to sixteen, the exceptions being for children who may need to work on farms or in private domestic service. No other employment is allowed for those under sixteen, ex- cept in the so-called street trades, and the law covering such work is here quoted: "No boy under twelve and no girl under eighteen shall sell, expose or offer for sale any newspapers, magazines, periodicals or any other article of merchandise of any description, or exercise the trade of bootblack or scavenger, or any other trade, in any street or public place." Permits must be obtained for work on farms or in private domestic service and boys selling papers or magazines must have a badge,
May I thank the members of the Committee and the teachers for their fine support, and all in the community who have taken an interest in and worked for the welfare of the children.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. CHILDS,
Superintendent of Schools
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following report of the school health program for the year 1939 shows definite progress in health education.
Very few cases of communicable disease existed. Con -. stant observation and prompt isolation have been helpful in preventing spread of disease.
Sixteen pupils requested the "Mantou Test" by the "Glidden Clinic" in April and one pupil re-acted to the test. This child was found negative for tuberculosis upon X-ray and further examination. This clinic is made possible by the local sale of Christmas seals.
Tonsil clinic held in June was attended by three pupils.
Annual fall physical examinations given by our school physician showed general health improvement and correction of many defects previously recommended.
Dental clinic, conducted by Dr. Bessie Scott was very successful and it is hoped the habit of dental examination at least once yearly has been firmly established.
Children have been weighed four times during the year. Diet, nutrition, posture and cleanliness are discussed at this time.
Ear and eye testing by the teachers and rechecked by mechanical methods, found very few children; handicapped by auditory or visual defects.
Sanitary inspections once monthly, found the building in excellent sanitary condition.
Parents have been extremely co-operative on all home visits.
Credit must be given to the teachers for their excellent co-operation in making the school clinics a success, and rais- ing the health status to a high level.
I wish to thank the local Red Crross for 'their financial assistance.
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ANNUAL REPORT
I sincerely wish to thank everyone who has helped throughout the year to make my work pleasant and effective.
Respectfully submitted, EVELYN E. CROSSLEY, R. N.,
School Nurse
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following is a brief report of my work as School Physician in the schools of the Union the past year.
In May and June the pre-school clinics were conducted. An opportunity was thus afforded parents to have children who were to enter school this fall, examined and vaccinated. These clinics were held at Jefferson, Rice and Chaffins Schools in Holden, and also at Paxton and Rutland.
This Fall during September and October examinations were held at the High School, Rice, Chaffins and Jefferson Schools in Holden, and at both schools in Rutland, at Pax- ton and at Oakham. Each pupil was given a physical examin- ation.
Miss Crossley and I made a sanitary inspection of the school building of the district in October. We found that the Holden High School and Chaffins School, the Paxton and Oakham Schools were very clean and well equipped. The Rice and Jefferson Schools in Holden are in need of better lighting facilities and new equipment in the toilets. In the Rutland High School the toilet rooms are dark and some of the new equipment has unfortunately rusted.
Respectfully submitted, LEROY E. MAYO, M. D., School Physician
46
ANNUAL REPORT
ORGANIZATION, 1938-1939
School
Teacher
Grammar - Florence E. Bothwell
Appointed 1897
Primary - Ethel M. Braman
1907
SUMMARY OF REGISTERS, 1938-1939
Grades
Total
Ave.
Ave.
% of
Mem.
Mem.
Atten.
Atten.
1-4
30
27
25
94
5-8
32
29
28
95
Totals
62
56
51
94.5
REGISTRATION OF MINORS October 1, 1939
Children in Oakham
Boys
Girls
Totals
5 to 7 years of age
7
5
12
7 to 14 years of age
23
21
44
14 to 16 years of age
7
12
19
Totals
37
38
75
AGE AND GRADING CHART October 1, 1939
Age
6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 Totals
Grade
I
1
2
3
II
4
5
9
III
6
1
7
IV
2
1
3
V
1
1
3 1 1
7
VI
1
5
2
8
VII
6
1
7
VIII
2
3
2
1
8
Special
1
1
5 7 8 3 2 9
7 6
3
2
1
53
-
-
-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT, Fall Term, 1939
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Totals
Boys
1
7
5
2
2
3
5
2
27
Girls
2
2
2
2
4
5
4
5
26
Totals
3
9
7
4
6
8
9
7
53
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATES
June 1939
Charles Paul Dufresne
Grace Errol Grimes
Philip ,Ernest Dwelly John Stephen Sieczkarski
ANIMAL POSTER AWARDS First Prize, Grace Grimes Second Prizes, Ralph Wilbur, Renee Agar Honorable Mention, Louise Hardy, Irene Dogul
HONOR ROLL
Gerald Agar Dorothy Bullard
Grace Grimes Renee Agar
Willa Morse
-
-
-
48
ANNUAL REPORT
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 Oakham qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, known as "Memorial Hall," on Monday, the fifth day of February next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
Article 1-To hear the annual report of the several town officers, and act thereon.
Article 2-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, and Moderator 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.
Article 3-To choose all necessary town officers and com- mittees for the ensuing year, not required to be elected by ballot.
Article 4-To see what compensation the town will allow the Selectmen, Treasurer, Collector, Auditor and Constables for the ensuing year.
Article 5-To see what compensation the town will allow for men and teams in repairing highways and opening roads for the ensuing year.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
Article 6-To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to bond their Treasurer and Collector and Town Clerk.
Article 7-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, Mother's Aid, Care of Hall, Tree Warden.
Article 8-To see if the town will authorize the Treas- urer, 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 current 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.
Article 9-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.
Article 10-To see if the town will employ some person or persons to care for the Town Hall, Town Clock, and Li- brary Building for the ensuing year.
Article 11-To see if the town will raise and appropriate one quarter of insurance on old Town Hall.
'Article 12-To see if the town will vote to transfer a cer- tain sum of money from the Machinery Account to the Ma- chinery Fund.
Article 13-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap-
50
ANNUAL REPORT
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.
Article 14-To see if the town will raise and appropriate a certain sum of money for Chapter 90 Maintenance.
Article 15-To see if the town will vote to accept any Trust Funds that may be left to the town for the care of cemeteries or other purposes.
Article 16-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to improve the Wright Memorial Park or take a vote relative thereto.
Article 17-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to improve the Hunt Road, Spen- cer Road, Stone Road, by applying tar to gravel.
Article 18-To see if the town will vote to appoint a com- mittee to investigate Fire Apparatus for the town or pass any vote relative thereto, and hear report of committee.
Article 19-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to paint Town Tool House, or take any vote relative thereto.
Article 20-To see if the town will vote to let the As- sessors use what free cash the Commissioner will allow to reduce the tax rate.
Article 21-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to shingle the Memorial Hall or take any vote relative thereto.
Article 22-To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to purchase a Town Clock or repair old one or take any vote relative thereto.
Article 23-To see if the town will raise and appropriate
51
ANNUAL REPORT
$1,000 to improve the Spencer Road or take any vote relative thereto.
Article 24-To see if the town will vote to extend the terms of Chapter 807 of the Acts of 1913, from Laborers, Workmen and Mechanics, to All Employees to be employed on contracts except Police or Firemen, or take any vote relative thereto.
Article 25-To see if the town will assume liability in the manner provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the Gen- eral Laws and Chapter 513 of the Acts of 1939, for all dam- ages that may be incurred by work to be performed by the Department of Public Works of Massachusetts in rivers and streams of the town in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter 513, and authorize the. Selectmen to Execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefor to the Common- wealth.
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 sixteenth day of January, in the year one thousand nine hundred and forty.
SYLVESTER R. DEAN, JOHN M. MORAN, DONALD A. RUTHERFORD,
Selectmen of Oakham
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