USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1941 > Part 2
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term-8 weeks Dec. 29, 1941 to Feb. 20, 1942
Spring Term-8 weeks Mar. 2, 1942 to Apr 24, 1942
Summer Term-6 weeks May 4, 1942 to June 12, 1942
Fall Term-16 weeks Sept. 2, 1942 to Dec. 18, 1942
Winter Term-8 weeks Jan. 4, 1942 to Feb. 28, 1942
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
$11,500 00
Expenditures for the Year 11,318 05
Unexpended Balance $ 181 95
Expenditures for the Year
$11,318 05
Credit from State Returns 8,140 76
Actual Cash to Town $ 3,177 29
Receipts
General School Fund, Part 1 $ 622 50
General School Fund, Part 2
2,105 24
School Superintendent
145 00
High School Transportation
2,809 70
High School Tuition
2,267 40
State Wards
190 92
$ 8,140 76
Expenditures
Teachers :
Miss Florence E. Bothwell
$ 1,100 10 .
Miss Ethel M. Braman 1,100 10
Miss Elizabeth S. Hagar
94 75
Miss Winifred M. Bond
42 64
$ 2,337 59
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ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent :
James R. Childs, salary
$ 261 30
James R. Childs, travel 55 00
Miss Marjorie Hodges, clerk
7 50
Mrs. Augusta M. Dean, school census 5 00
James R. Childs, telephone
3 20
Health :
Miss Evelyn E. Crossley
$ 127 42
Leroy E. Mayo, M. D.
30 00
Holden Pharmacy
2 40
$ 159 82
Grade Transportation :
John O'Donnell
$ 815 94
Leonard A. Hardy
1,444 60
$ 2,260 54
Janitor :
Winthrop H. Boyd
$ 290 50
Janitor Supplies
44 79
$
335 29
Miscellaneous :
Books
$ 60 56
Supplies
67 33
Finan's Express
75
Gardner Electric Light Co.
45 90
M. Steinert Co.
3 36
J. L. Hammett Co.
19 57
Dura Binding Co.
4 80
P. & F. Corbin
1 22
A. L. Purinton
1 50
Herbert G. Calkins
60 00
Elizabeth S. Hagar
2 20
$ 332 00
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ANNUAL REPORT
Lyman E. Ballou
14 50
Edwin Carlson Co.
25 00
Ralph I. Daniels
218 03
$ 524 72
Fuel :
Prescott Adams, 20 cords of wood
@ $7.50 $ 150 00
Winthrop H. Boyd, packing wood 8 00
$
158 00
School Committee :
George W. Dean, chairman
$ 10 00
Mary P. Crawford, services 10 00
Leone B. Daniel, secretary
25 00
Postage and Telephone
89
$
45 89
High School Tuition : Town of Barre
$ 2,267 40
High School Transportation :
Donald Agar
$ 109 20
Anthony Bechan
279 60
Fred Bechan
106 80
George Briggs
96 60
Edwin H. Bullard
198 60
E. J. Crawford
67 20
Mrs. Henry Carlson
41 40
S. R. Dean
180 00
George W. Dean
43 80
John Dogul
112 20
E. Dufresne
48 60
Robert Dwelly
103 80
Clarence Grimes
62 40
Mrs. Evelyn Grimes
175 80
Leonard A. Hardy
147 60
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ANNUAL REPORT
George Lackey
55 80
John O'Donnell
148 20
Worth Parsons
40 20
Arthur Porter
27 60
Elexina Rossi
108 00
Mrs. Laura Snay
30 60
Ira Stone
55 20
Mrs. Margaret Troy
99 60
Percy F. Wilbur
96 60
Oliver Wilkins
109 80
Raymond Wrin
103 20
Walter Zelnia
97 80
$ 2,896 80
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. DEAN, LEONE B. DANIELS, MARY P. CRAWFORD,
School Committee
Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Holden, Mass., Dec. 31, 1941 To the School Committee of Oakham :
This report is the forty-second in the series since the formation of the present School Union, and the twenty-fourth by the writer.
The regular work of the school has been carried on ef- ficiently and without interruption. I am glad to report no changes in teachers, and, following the action of the Joint Committee at the last annual meeting, the appointment of a Drawing Supervisor for the Union. Miss Winifred M. Bond of Wollaston was named for the position and she be- gan work in September. Miss Braman will complete 35 years of service in Oakham next June and Miss Bothwell 45 years. These are outstanding records of which we are proud. Knowing them and their devotion to the cause of education, we may well say with Horace Mann that our schools are forming the character of the rising generation upon the lasting principles of industry, integrity and loyalty to home and country.
It is of greatest importance that we maintain and en- large the service of the schools as we enter upon this war to defend democracy and the American way of life. The Na- tional Commission for the Defense of Democracy through Education has this to say regarding the crisis that faces not only America but the world: "Effective and universal edu- cation is the bulwark of self-government. The long-time battle for democracy will be won in the schools. Whether it survives will depend upon how earnestly citizens desire to maintain it, and how well prepared they are to make its principles work."
The reports presented by the Supervisors, the School
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ANNUAL REPORT
Nurse and the School Physician summarize their work dur- ing the year and help us to understand the varied activities that have been undertaken. An electric record-player pur- chased for the Union has been of great value in the interpre- tation and appreciation of music.
Anticipating increasing difficulty in securing supplies, we have been stocking up on essentials and should continue to do so when possible. A few new books will be needed but for the most part we are well supplied with modern texts in good condition. All the suggestions made to the Committee for improving sanitary and general conditions in and about the building have been acted upon, and very little will need to be done this coming year. The new swings are used with evident enjoyment. The yard around the entrance has been re-surfaced and this has made it easier to keep the floors in good condition. There are new doors for the classrooms and the basement walls have been painted.
Awards for animal posters were given as follows: First Prize Medal to Irene Sieczkarski, Second Prize Medals to Renee Agar and to Arthur Porter, and Honorable Mention to Frances Dogul and to Ralph Wilbur. A sound film on Safety was shown in all the schools under the auspices of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Our thanks are extended to those who have carried on the 4-H Club work. Irene Sieczkarski and Grace Grimes won special awards at the State Contest and exhibited their work at the Worcester County 4-H Day. At the request of the Governor and the Commissioner of Education, all school children in the state were given the opportunity to contribute one cent each, to purchase the silver service for the new battleship Massachu- setts. $12.94 was sent in by the children of our Union.
The cost of our schools does not vary greatly from year to year. Our average cost last year was $101.76 as compared with a state average of $104.34. The enrollment was 59 last fall and 57 a year ago, but only 4 in the first grade compared with 10 a year ago. During the 10-year period 1930-1940,
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ANNUAL REPORT
the enrollment in all public day elementary schools dropped over 20 percent. A study of statistics seems to indicate that we shall reach a new high in enrollment about 1947.
The fine cooperation among all who have any connec- tion with the management and conduct of our schools ac- counts for their high standard and success. I am grateful for the privilege of working with you.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. CHILDS, Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Interest and progress in Music in the Oakham Schools the past year has been very gratifying.
The work, in so far as possible, has followed the pre- scribed outline for Music Education in the Public Schools. That is :
1. Singing songs by rote.
2. Music reading, or singing from staff notation.
3. Theory work involved in the above process.
4. Appreciation or listening lessons.
5. Correlation of music with other subjects.
6.
Rhythm Bands for low grades.
The purchase of new music books and the use of a vic- trola and records supplied by the School Union have added to the enjoyment of the music lessons.
Three programs which the Music Department sponsored or participated in should be mentioned :
1. The observance of National Music Week. This was a program primarily for the pupils.
2. The graduation exercises. It seems fitting to in- clude in this report that several of those who graduated last June have become members of high school glee clubs.
3. The Christmas exercises and operetta. To those
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ANNUAL REPORT
who assisted by furnishing costumes and to the appreciative audience I would like to express my gratitude.
The success of the school music is in no small part due to the fine cooperation and diligent work of the teachers.
I wish to acknowledge my appreciation to you, the teachers and pupils for the interest and support in Music Education.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH S. HAGAR, Supervisor of Music
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Modern education recognizes the importance of Art in everyday life. It is the aim of the Supervisor not only to outline and direct the teaching of Art in the schools, but to correlate it with all the other school subjects.
Art plays an important part in the education and exper- ience of the children who will be our citizens of tomorrow, through training in observation and skill. It offers op- portunity for the creative expression of original ideas. It should cultivate a taste for the beautiful and appreciation of the finer things in life. It should train children how to use various kinds of material.
It has been my purpose this first term to teach the use and care of drawing materials, to introduce design, color, representation and to create free expression through the material at hand. This year I wish to bring Art Education to a level where a graded outline can be established. It is iny desire to establish a general picture library for the Union. This will take time to assemble but will be of great value not only to the Art classes but to all grades in their school work.
The pupils with their enthusiastic interest and the teachers with their splendid cooperation have made my week-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ly visits to the classes most enjoyable. I wish to acknowledge my appreciation for the fine interest and cooperation shown by all in making the program possible, and hope our Art Exhibit may show our efforts and improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
WINIFRED M. BOND, Supervisor of Art
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following report covers the health program for the year 1941. Faced with the realization that the most im- portant thing in America today is the health of the child, our program continues to expand to meet every need.
No case of communicable disease has been reported for two years.
Three children attended the pre-school vaccination and examination clinic held in April. Two were recommended to have tonsil operations, one attended the annual clinic held in June, and the other operation was postponed because of illness of the child.
No visual or auditory defects were found upon comple- tion of tests.
Dr. Mayo completed physical examinations in Septem- ber, and the health status of all children was found to be excellent.
Twenty-six children received dental care during the year. This figure shows there is still need of better dental health, and stress is again placed on the value of yearly den- tal care.
Excellent sanitary conditions were found at all times, as monthly reports submitted indicate. The real interest of the janitor in his work cannot be overlooked.
The children have been weighed and measured three
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ANNUAL REPORT
times during the year. Nutrition, posture, and cleanliness are discussed at this time.
Much credit must be given the teachers for the excellent health standards reached.
To the teachers, parents, and all others who have helped to make the program effective, I wish to extend my sincerest thanks.
Respectfully submitted, EVELYN E. CROSSLEY, R. N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following is my annual report as school physician of this district in 1941.
In the spring of 1941 the usual pre-school clinics were held at the grammar schools in each town of the district. These clinics afforded the people of the district an opportun- ity to have the children, who were to enter school this fall, examined and vaccinated. At the same time all the children, who had at previous examination showed diseased tonsils were re-examined and recommendations made. Through Miss Crossleys' efforts and the kindness of Dr. Rice the tonsil clinic was held in June at the Holden District Hospital.
This fall all of the pupils in the district were examined and a record of any defects was as usual sent to the parents. The buildings of the district were inspected as to sanitation. In general the condition of the schools was found to satis- factory in this respect. There had been a marked improve- ment in the condition of the school in Oakham.
We have been fortunate in the past year to have been relatively free of a wide spread of contagious diseases. We wish to urge the parents as before, to report any suspected case of contagious disease to their physician or to the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted,
LEROY E. MAYO, M. D. School Physician
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ANNUAL REPORT
ORGANIZATION, 1940-1941
School
Teacher
Appointed
Grammar, V-VIII - Florence E. Bothwell
1897
Primary, I-IV - Ethel M. Braman
1907
Music - Elizabeth S. Hagar
1940
Drawing - Winifred M. Bond
1941
SUMMARY OF REGISTERS, 1940-1941
Grades
Total
Ave. Mem.
Ave. Atten.
% of Atten.
Mem.
I-IV
33
30
28
94
V-VIII
30
27
26
94
Totals
63
57
54
94
ENROLLMENT, Fall Term, 1940
Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Sp.
Total
Boys
2
8
1
7
5
3
2
3
1
32
Girls
2
5
2
4
2
3
3
6
27
Totals
4
13
3
11
7
6
5
9
1
59
REGISTRATION OF MINORS
October 1, 1941
Children in Oakham
Boys
Girls
Totals
5 to 7 years of age
5
6
11
7 to 14 years of age
25
22
47
14 to 16 years of age
9
7
16
Totals
39
35
74
-
-
.
-
--
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATES June, 1941
Renee Marie Agar
Ralph Clayton Bullard
Robert Henry Carlson
Betty-May Dean
Louise Leonarda Hardy John Francis O'Donnel James Burton Parsons Arthur Herbert Porter, Jr. Irene Jennie Sieczkarski
HONOR ROLL Perfect Attendance For One Year Gerald Agar
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 second 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, Audi- tor, Tree Warden, six Constables, 3 fence viewers, and Mod- erator 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. Business meeting at two P. M.
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.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Article 5-To see what compensation the town will allow for men and trucks in repairing highways and opening roads for the ensuing year.
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 AS- SISTANCE, TOWN OFFICERS' SUPPLIES, STREET LIGHTS, INSPECTION OF CATTLE, INSPECTION OF MEATS AND PROVISIONS, POLICE, PRINTING, ME- MORIAL DAY, DOG OFFICER, SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, MISCELLANEOUS, LIBRARY, CEME- TERIES, FIRE DEPARTMENT, INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, SOLDIERS' RELIEF, MOTH SUPPRESSION, EMPLOY- EES' INSURANCE, RESERVE FUND, FIRE INSURANCE, OPENING ROADS, ROADS CHAPTER 81, MOTHERS' 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, and Library Building for the ensuing year.
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ANNUAL REPORT
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 Fund to the Ma- chinery Account.
Article 13-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.
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 for the improvement of the Spen- cer 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 18-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 19-To see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to purchase a Town Clock or take any vote relative thereto.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Article 21-To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money for Oakham Civilian Defense Com- mittee or pass any vote relative thereto.
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-two.
SYLVESTER R. DEAN, JOHN M. MORAN, DONALD A. RUTHERFORD, Selectmen of Oakham
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