USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1943 > Part 4
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Article 30. To see if the town will vote to expend the refunded dog tax for 1943, for the support of Brooks Free Library.
Article 31. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen hundred ($1500.00) dollars to clean and paint the elevated tank on Kildee Hill, and act fully thereon.
Article 32. To see if the town will install or build a floor or foundation to the cement flume, as built by the W.P.A. at the outlet of Long Pond. The present work is lacking any provision for a gate or other control.
Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifty ($50.00) dollars for the feed- ing and propagation of game within the Town limits and that a Committee of three be appointed. by the chair to have charge of the work.
Article 34. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the Herring Fisheries for the year 1944.
Article 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.) for the purpose of keeping the beaches clean and for the care and repairs of the floats at Wychmere Harbor, Harwichport and at Round Cove, East Harwich and act fully thereon.
Article 36. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not to exceed One Thousand ($1000.00) dollars to be paid to the Cape Cod Hospital for the estab- lishment and maintenance of a free bed in the Hospital for care and treatment of persons certified by the Select- men to be residents of the Town and unable to pay for such care and treatment, in accordance with Section 74 of
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Chapter 111 of the General Laws, or take any action in relation thereto, and act fully thereon.
Hereof, fail not and make returns of this Warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands the 17th day of January, 1944.
CHARLES D. HOLMES, CHARLES T. CHASE, HOWARD C. CAHOON, Selectmen of Harwich.
A true copy : ATTEST :
Constable.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND THE 1
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TOWN OF HARWICH
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 1943
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ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1943
School Committee
Norman E. Holmes, Chairman
Wilbur H. Crowell J. Howard Doane
Term expires 1944
Term expires 1945
Term expires 1946
Superintendent of Schools
Charles H. Pratt, A. M.
School Physician
John P. Nickerson, M. D.
School Nurse
Adelyn J. Peabody, R. N.
Supervisor of Attendance
Victor S. Ryder
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Expended in 1943
Need in 1944
General Control
School Committee
Salaries and Expenses
$ 482.90
Superintendent of Schools
Erforcement of Law
2,510.60
Salaries Office Expenses
292.84
$ 3,286.34 $ 3,269.00
Instruction :
Supervisors
1,602.56
Principals and Teachers
27,632.92
Textbooks
611.73
Supplies
1,138.14
30,985.35
34,367.00
Operation:
Janitors
4,764.90
Fuel
4,199.27
Electricity, Water, Gas
and Janitor's Supplies .
1,477.48
10,441.65
9,732.00
Maintenance:
Repairs, Replacement
and Upkeep
1,345.95
1,345.95
1,500.00
Auxiliary Agencies:
Libraries
272.51
Health
655.32
Transportation
4,800.00
Graduation, Athletics, Lunch
Supplies, Cook's Salary, Senior
Class Service, H. S. Phone, Films, etc.
3,831.40
9,559.23 14,935.00
Outlay :
New Grounds and Buildings
69.82
New Equipment
823.93
893.75
-
Total
$56,512.27
$63,803.00
Appropriated for 1943
$57,147.00
Refunds
16.69
21.10
4.16
4.90
$57,193.85
Expended in 1943
$56,512.27
Balance
$681.58
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NET COST OF SCHOOLS
$56,572.27
Expenditures during 1943 Received and Receivable: Due on account of
Expenditures in 1943 :
Mass. General School
Fund Part I
$3,954.50
State Children: Transportation
$ 33.92
Tuition
313.50
347.42
Mass. Adult Education,
City of Boston :
Transportation
33.36
Tuition
508.77
542.13
Town of Dennis Tuition
and Transportation
77.48
Town of Chatham: Telephone
32.21
Office Expenses
8.64
40.85*
Town of Eastham:
Telephone
10.55
Office Expenses
3.36
13.91*
Town of Orleans:
Telephone
60.88
Office Expenses
9.20
70.08*
Receipts from High School
Lunch (sales)
3,352.85
Receipts from Elementary
Lunch (sales)
581.36
Receipts for FDA Reimburse-
ment Elementary Food
for Month of November, 1943
86.80*
Rental High School Auditorium
10.00
Received for High School
Telephone Calls .55
9,351.93
Net Cost
$47,160.34
1
274.00*
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SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Appropriation for Elementary Lunch Equipment Expended from this fund
$800.00 770.30
Balance $29.70
Appropriation for Operation of Elementary Lunch $3,000.00
Expended (November and December)
823.25
Balance $2,176.75
* These amounts were received by the Town Treasurer in Jan- uary 1944, after the 1943 books closed.
** Deposited in bank January 10, 1944, with other lunch receipts.
There is also $78.68 due as FDA Reimbursement for Elementary Food for the month of December, 1943.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS HARWICH
To the School Committee of Harwich :
I submit, herewith, the Annual School Report for 1943. The history of a year of war has been recorded since our last report was written. Schools have not escaped their problems. We have lost six teachers during the year and our October 1st school membership was 46 less than one year ago.
The six teachers who have gone are Mr. Anders Nel- son, who was called to military service September 17, 1943, and is on leave of absence for that purpose. Miss Martha Farnsworth and Mr. John Fairman moved out of the state. Miss Mildred Thomas and Miss Esther Flinkman accepted another kind of employment and Mr. Leonard Beeman is teaching elsewhere. We regret the loss of good teachers. I feel that we have been fortunate in this period of critical shortage in securing those who now carry on this work.
Because of the above-mentioned conditions, it was con- sidered wise to reduce the size of the High School Faculty which now numbers ten instead of eleven.
War has shown a greater need for emphasis on health and physical education. Rejections from military service because of physical defects which could and should have been prevented, serve as a stern reminder that something more must be done. The schools must help boys and girls to attain strong bodies and healthy minds. People must be better informed, of course, in science, mathematics, his- tory, geography, and the use of English and foreign lan- guages. The public must take a more enlightened interest in problems of economics, sociology and government if we hope to retain the freedom of a democratic society. We must learn to read more rapidly and with greater under- standing to comprehend the problems which require sound judgment and social responsibility. Government of the people, by the people, for the people implies that each cit- izen has his own share of obligations which he cannot dele- gate to anyone else. These are responsibilities that such great privileges impose.
The school is continually reminded of these duties and
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problems, but they do not rest with the school alone. The real burden does and must rest upon the home. For a good home there is no substitute. Parents are primarily re- sponsible for their home and for the health, morals, habits, attitudes and conduct of each of its members. The school as an agent for the home and for the state is organized to assist with these problems. The success of any school depends upon the support which it can merit and receive from the homes which it is supposed to serve. Increasing obligations placed upon schools must be backed by corres- ponding moral as well as financial support in the discharge of those obligations.
I direct attention to total expenditures for schools in 1943. (See Financial Statement on another page.) You doubtless will hear someone say : That is a lot of money." My purpose here is not to question that fact. Rather, I would ask you to consider it as an investment.
No investment in this country has yielded greater re- turns than its schools. Who seems to be winning this war and why ? How will peace be won and how can it be main- tained ? Educated citizens quickly learn to transfer from peace activities and coordinated mass production could not be accomplished by millions of people had it not been for the education gained in our schools. Greater tasks and . more abundant rewards of peace demand a correspondingly better citizenry. We must invest in schools. Invest money bnt follow it with a vital concern that the best in education may be secured.
TEACHERS
Next to good homes we must have good teachers. I do not mean people who can "keep school." As a stream can rise no higher than its source, so instruction can equal only the ability of the instructor. We can afford no less than the ablest talent and soundest minds for the profession of teaching.
Our present good teachers should be amply rewarded and encouraged to become better. As new ones are added from time to time we should do all in our power to secure the best. Dollars do not measure the value of a good teacher, nor do they compensate for the loss when any other kind is employed. Cape towns are among those economi- cally best able to secure what they most value and desire.
1
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Would that the urge were stronger for investment com- mensurate with the greatest returns.
LUNCH
The noon lunch program for the children of the Cen- ter Elementary Schools began operating November 1, 1943. The beginning and the success of this program is due to the interest and active assistance for many people.
The town appropriated $800 for equipment at the last Anual Meeting. This has been supplemented by gifts from a friend who wishes to remain anonymous. These gifts include a gas stove, steam table, kitchen ware and dishes from a lunchroom in Falmouth, along with money for the purchase of a new Hobart Mixer. Appreciation more elo- quent than words is expressed on the faces of approxi- mately 125 children each day who are enjoying the new lunch service.
Stock was obtained and lunch tables and benches were made in the School Shop under the guidance of Mr. Scott Ellis who never has failed to render greatest assistance with advice and workmanship.
Under the direction of Mr. Ellis the old coat-rooms have been remodeled to make the present well-appointed kitchen with serving counter, storage cabinets, and shelves. We have received encouragement and material help all along the way from the Visiting Nurse's Association through Mrs. Thompson, who is president of that organi- zation.
We invite public inspection of the installation and operation of the new equipment.
Some $140 from our General Repairs account has been used to repair walls, floor, etc., and install storm doors and electric current outlets. Total cost to the town of the en- tire setup to date is approximately $950.
The sum of $823.25 was spent for operation during the months of November and December. Receipts and reim- bursements for this period will the approximately equal to that figure. Government subsidy for December and some contributions have not come in as this report is being written.
Credit for this excellent financial showing and the continued hearty appetites of 125 children is acknow- ledged here as due to the excellent management and hard
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work of Miss Caroline Gordon and Miss Mary Bryne who have, with the help of Mrs. E. B. Nickerson, Principal of the School, assumed responsibility for the project.
Grave doubts were expressed concerning the need for an Elementary School Lunchroom. Fear that people could not afford to purchase lunches for their children also was expressed. We now are able to let the record answer. Through assistance from the Federal Food Distribution Agency we have received reimbursement for the month of November as follows:
Cost to children : For meals - 13c each For milk - 2c per 1/2 pt. bottle
15c total per meal
For an expenditure of 15c we serve a meal that costs 21c 'noluding the Federal reimbursement.
The children of North Harwich School received the milk only, accounting for which item is included in the foregoino statement. I hope that a way may be found dur- ing 1944 for those children also to receive the benefit of the complete meal.
The High School Lunch continues to operate "as usual". Federal Aid has not been introduced there. Such a change would involve a different type of meal and probably the preparation of food in larger quantities, which, doubtless. would be somewhat of a tax on the present equipment and would be likely to require employment of more lunchroom help. This department has been self-supporting during the year, as will be noted elsewhere.
A financial statement of accounts with the special ap- propriation for equipment of the lunchroom and its opera- tion will be found on another page with the General School Account.
HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Morris reports for this school as follows :
"Two years of war have made a deep imprint on our pattern of procedure, and have brought about many new conditions. These already have and will continue to create situations which can be attributed only to schools at war.
The last school year was one of marked expansion. My yearly report told of new courses being added, old courses changed, and a general reorganization to become an effective force in the war effort. We hoped that we, as a
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productive unit, could continue to serve more and more as a means of training our youth to be of service to the nation.
The long arm of the government has reached out and definitely changed some of our plans. A few years ago our teaching staff was made up of six men and five women. Of these six men Mr. LeClaire and I are left. Thus, it is only natural that this school year has been one of considerable retrenchment.
We had planned for Pre-Induction courses in Funda- mentals of Machines, Fundamentals of Radio, Fundamen- tals of Electricity, and Automotive Repair, to be taught by the Shop Instructor. With Mr. Kanis being drafted into the service, this plan has gone. Mr. Nelson took special instruction and introduced a course in Pre-Flight Aeronautics, which was of considerable help to the war effort. But Mr. Nelson has been drafted, and the course is gone. We had developed a strong course in the Physi- cal Fitness Program, as requested by the government. Special work and new training along remedial lines was well under way by Mr. Beeman. But Mr. Beeman is gone, and Physical Education for both girls and boys is now under the direction of Miss Peckham. Our Defense Courses for the older girls functioned well and accom- plished much, but are not being given this year.
The school is, however, taking a definite stand in the war effort. We are determined to work to the limit. of our ability to be of what assistance it is possible for us to be. Every student in the school is a member of the Junior Red Cross. This is a service organization, pledged to carry on projects which will benefit our na- tion today and in the future. The school is organized for constructive action.
We have carried on to completion a very successful salvage drive. Tons of paper, magazines, books, and metals have been collected and disposed of to further the nation's drive for these essential materials. Many and varied articles ranging all the way from cookies to hundreds of coat hangers have been sent to Camp Edwards. War stamps have been purchased in large numbers by the stu- dent body. Each week a sale is held. Over ninety percent of the pupils are buying regularly. We are proudly flying the Minute Man Flag of the Schools-at-War under author- ity of the War Finance Board for this record.
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The boys in the shop are constructing scale model air- planes for training purposes for the Navy. Over thirty models have either been completed or are still under con- struction. A substantial number of girls have shown a definite interest in joining the U. S. Cadet Nurses Corps to be of further service to the war effort. Mental tests for the Army Air Force have been given in the school by an Army representative for the seventeen-year-old boys in order to secure those properly qualified for this branch of the service.
Scholastically we are carrying on to the best of our ability. The enrollment is just a little smaller than last year. More families have moved from town; some boys have vounteered for the various branches of the service, and a very few have been drafted. Our enrollment at the present time is 145. We are maintaining our school stand- ards at the usual high levels. Our College Preparatory course is still approved by the College Board. Our Com- mercial Course does its usual good grade of work. Our Household Arts Course is growing, and we expect it to continue to grow.
For the boys, however, we can hold out little more than intensive training in mathematics and the sciences, as so strongly urged by the government. Few boys have been taken from the school, for the average graduation age is barely eighteen. I expect that a few will be taken before graduation because, in some cases, deferment is possible until that time.
In my opinion, the school is accepting the challenge of the times. It is doing its job and doing it well."
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The Center Elementary School is enjoying a very suc- cessful year under the direction of Mrs. Ethalene B. Nick- erson as Principal. Mrs. Nickerson has given much care- ful thought to many new problems of organization. The new lunchroom requires considerable care on her part to assure coordinated participation and orderly operation. She also has the responsibility in accounting for and de- positing receipts from food and milk and ice cream, each of these accounts being handled separately.
I have asked Mrs. Nickerson to take charge of the coordination of work in the several grades and perform much work which it is impossible for the Superintendent
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to perform owing to limitations of his time and increas- ing responsibilities connected with many Federal and State Reports and administration details in four separate towns. Enrollment in the Center Grades as of October 1 was 166. This number, somewhat above that of the High School, should receive much attention from the Principal.
Mr. Brayton reports his work with the Art Depart- ment, giving particular attention to finances. I should be glad to see a larger group of High School students taking advantage of this work.
Mr. Brayton says :
"In looking over the statistics of the Art Department for the school years 1941-2 and 1942-3 we find a drop in our enrollment from 314 pupils to 291 due to war-time con- ditions. An average total expenditure for this department for those two years comes to $925.92. This figure includes salary, transportation, and materials purchased. An aver- age of 302 pupils would mean a cost of $3.07 per pupil pec year, or $36.84 per pupil for the 12 years of school in which they have an opportunity to follow our program.
"Our High School now has a room set aside for the Art Program. This is a great help in carrying out our work. The High School Class has completed nearly a year of preparation and research for a mural and Honor Roll to be placed in the School Cafeteria. We are in hopes that this large project may be finished by the month of May. A later report will be made near its completion."
Miss Eleanor Anifantis, Supervisor of Vocal Music says :
"Our vocal music program has been altered so that we, too, may make definite contribution to the war effort. Perhaps we could adopt the slogan 'Business as Usual-Plus'. We are still stressing proper use of voice, skill in music reading, part singing, music appreciation, and a knowledge of master composers. This, however, is not enough.
"We have added the singing of many service songs so that the children will have a better understanding of the fine work that is being done by the members of the armed forces.
"To increase the collecting of serap and the buying of war stamps, in some classes the children have made up appropriate words which are set to familiar tunes.
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"We are singing more of our own American tunes to remind us of what we are fighting for. We are also learn- ing the National Anthems of the United Nations, and the correct singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
"Vocal music contributes to the new physical fitness program by stressing correct breathing and good posture. It also creates a cheery atmosphere which is conducive to good mental hygiene.
"In these days of conflict and strife every child needs emotional release. We, therefore, are putting emphasis not on the specialized training of a select few, but rather on group singing in which everyone may participate. This creates good fellowship and tolerance which is sorely needed in post war planning.
"In the singing of folk songs of other countries, we want the pupils to realize that we will have to learn to live at peace with everybody - regardless of cultural, social, or racial differences. It is our hope that the singing of patriotic songs will emphasize love of country and its ideals rather than hate of our enemies.
"Music, the international language, is one of the chan- nels through which we hope to facilitate and hasten post war education. So we will not only continue to 'sing our way to victory,' but we will also sing our way to peace."
REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
By Mr. Thomas Nassi
Present conditions more than ever make it imperative that the young people in our schools be given healthy emo- tional outlets to offset their unnatural state of mind owing to stress of war. Young people, although they do not show it, do experience the tremendous stress they are going through. It is our duty not to curtail but, if possible to increase the school social activities. Music is one of the greatest elements that furnish us with a healthy emotional outlet.
Fortunately, our Cape schools have not undergone as much change as the schools in the larger industrial com- munities. As a result, we have no problem of juvenile delinquency.
We have had to eliminate inter-state and most of inter- town musical activities on account of transportation. To
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offset this, we encourage more small ensemble groups ; trios, quartets, etc. We urge children to listen to the better radio programs, especially the N.B.C., the New York Philhar- monic and the Boston Symphony broadcasts. We urge par- ents to listen to these beautiful programs also. As children learn to play and sing themes of great music in their own school orchestras and choruses, they also learn to listen intelligently to those same works performed by great or- chestras and choruses.
During the war period there is always a swing from the arts to the machine; from the great works of music to the commonplace and primitive tinklings of Tin Pan Alley. Freedom of thought and action is impaired. It is our duty to take care that even in the midst of a war our children should not lose the opportunity to have a musical train- ing. We must strive to hold on to the progress attained. We must continue to create beauty.
The Harwich Orchestra has participated in several school and community activities. Mr. Morris has arranged a period that interferes the least with the other school sub- jects and which is proving quite satisfactory. Mrs. Nassi is giving private instruction to all beginners. The Fourth Grade Symphonette Class is receiving weekly instruction in elementary and advanced rhythm work. The instru- mental classes are divided as follows :
Orchestra - 24 Beginners - 9 Symphonette - 22
ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION
We have an account of a very profitable year by Miss Rose Roderick who reports as follows :
"On September 14, 1942, our first class in Adult Civic · Education was held in Harwich. Forty six people enrolled. At the end of the school year on June 10, 1943, forty-six members in Harwich received Certificates of Accomplish- ment issued by the State Department of Education. Sev- eral received Perfect Attendance Certificates issued by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a Boston Chapter.
"The classes were large during the winter months and the attendance very good. Classes were held four evenings a week by Miss Roderick and two evenings by Miss Nicker- soll.
"After the summer vacation classes began once more, on September 13, 1943. Thirty-eight members enrolled. We
·
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found we had lost very few, some, however, had to discon- tinue because of illness; one good member passed away and several are out of town on defense work. Classes are still large, nevertheless, and continue to be held four nights a week.
"Many accomplishments have been attained during 1943. Six people have received their full citizenship and sixteen have received their Declarations of Intention (First Papers). This is a very good percentage of the group. The class members have the opportunity to file their papers in their classroom with their instructor, which saves a great deal of trouble and the expense of an attorney or going to the Court Clerk of Barnstable as it has been in the past.
"We receive all the latest bulletins from the O.P.A. and other emergency organizations as well as a daily issue from the United States Department of Justice, giving us the latest legislation on the status of the alien.
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