USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1945 > Part 7
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mrs. Ethalene B. Nickerson, Principal
The academic work in the grades is being carried on as faithfully as possible by a corps of conscientious experienced teachers. In the past we have been handicapped by having no course of study, as the State of Massachusetts has none. We are overcoming the difficulty in the following way.
Last year we installed the Alice and Jerry reading sy- stem through the 6th grade. This being one of the latest methods printed it is broad in developing phonies and com- prehension, etc. In the same way we have adopted a set of Spelling Books throughout the grades; also the manuscript writing system. Now we are studying courses from Now- ton, Brookline, New Bedford and other cities for the right material in English and Arithmetic. Later when the world
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is more settled we will obtain new textbooks in History and Geography.
We have over two hundred boys and girls in the elemen- tary school. They are splendid children. This year we have obtained great results in good citizenship, which I know is due to endless effort on the part of the teachers to have each child regard his behavior as his own responsibility and to the very pleasant cooperation from the parents. I hope that a few more months will find our playground better equipped with material for clean, fair play. I also hope that the time may soon come when we may have the assis- tance of a Physical Director.
VOCAL MUSIC
This work has been carried by the teachers without help of a supervisor since the resignation of Miss Anifantis after the close of school last June. She had completed three years of outstanding work in our schools and while her successor had not been found at the close of the year, we hope that this important position may be filled at an early date.
REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC By Thomas Nassi, Supervisor
Peace finds the majority of the country's schools trying to pick up the threads where they were left in 1941 and to continue from then. This is especially true in the music field. We on this part of the Cape have been fortunate in not having had this department interrupted. We have been able to advance in the face of difficulties, for example the lack of wind instruments. We have been able to dig up old instruments, repair them and thus put them in use. We have hunted for instruments everywhere we could think of. On the other hand, we encouraged the study of stringed instru- ments which could be obtained with less difficulty. The result has been gratifying.
One rarely will find in towns of this country with the same or even larger school population, instrumental organ- izations such as our own. Our school musicians are sought by the New England Festival Association and other music groups. Over 10 per cent. of the New England Orchestra will be our own musicians. Many New England communities are not represented in this orchestra because of a lack of good players. Our school orchestras, bands and small en-
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sembles are participating in great many civic affairs in their home towns and elsewhere.
The Lower Cape School Symphony Orchestra, composed of selected musicians from my district has rehearsed all sum- mer. This Fall it gave five concerts and a broadcast. The response by the listeners was spontaneous and the contribu- tions were very generous. This orchestra will go to a Bos- ton Symphony concert next March.
The aim of Mrs. Nassi and myself has been twofold. First, to give an opportunity of playing an instrument to all who desire and have an aptitude for music- secondly, to give special opportunities to those who have above average aptitude, ability and desire. The elementary and advanced orchestras and bands in each school takes care of the first group. The Junior Community Band, Lower Cape School Symphony, the Cape Cod Philharmonic Society and the New England Festival Orchestra takes care of the more advanced of our musicians.
The aptitude tests for each child begin in the first two grades with blackboard work of simple and advanced rhythm patterns. Later they apply this to their rhythm band groups. In the fourth grade we introduce the sympho- net and with this they combine rhythm and tone. From the 5th grade on the pupil chooses a regular orchestral or band instrument. As the pupils advance they become members of the aforesaid organizations.
Of all the towns in the district, Harwich which in the past had one of the most progressive and largest orchestras seems to have suffered the most through the war years. Fortunately this year things have begun to turn for the bet- ter. There are more pupils taking instruments and more parents are interested in our work. If it keeps on improv- ing as it has this year, I have great hopes for the future.
Harwich has an orchestra of 16 members with new ma- terial being added constantly. The Beginner's Class has 8 members. The Elementary group is as follows :
Rhythm Band 28
Third Grade Symphonet Class 18
Fourth Grade Symphonet Class 28
It is hoped that a great many of the elementary group who show aptitude will take up an instrument later. Miss Crosby is doing good work in the fourth grade symphonet class. Mrs. Chase is as eager to learn the instrument as her unusual third grade Symphonet Class and is doing a good job teaching it. Miss Myshrall is one of those unusual
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teachers who is able to impart her enthusiasm to her pupils. As a result her class of Rhythm Band is one of the two most unusual classes in such work in the Cape. I would like to take her class for a demonstration at the Supervisor's Con- vention in Boston- they are so good.
ART REPORT By Margery C. Grier, Supervisor
After a year in the Harwich Union Schools I am pleased to report that we in the art classes do not feel that Art is so much on the outside, just an extra thing. When really understood we know Art is the concern of every human be- ing and it is simply the question of doing things, anything well. The painter, Robert Henri, said, "When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring self-expressing crea- ture. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens and he opens ways for a better understanding. When those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows there are more pages possible."
That is exactly what I am striving to bring out in the children in the first six grades, within the limits of their weekly art periods, "inventive, searching, daring, creative work". When such results are obtained in the lower grades the art work of the future junior and senior high school will reach high levels of endeavor. The more varied the interests in the upper classes the wider the understanding and consequent need of continued self-expression. Abuu- dant material : pencils, pastels, paints, crayons, inks and varieties of paper at the disposal of each pupil enables him to experience the joy of self-expression and ultimate achieve- ment.
Since we are too far away from cities to make regular visits to art museums possible we are introducing periods of discussion in our high school classes where the student is encouraged to express his own opinion about art and what it means in the community. More often than not the pupils suddenly realize, during these talks, the untold beauties surrounding them which they had always heretofore taken for granted. To be grateful for the privilege of living in a beautiful part of this country, to appreciate it fully, to in- terpret its moods and seasons on paper- these are a few of the things we in the art classes are beginning to do, and, in so doing, such terms as form, composition, color, value and line work become full of real meaning.
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SCHOOL PHYSICIANS' REPORTS High School by A. J. D'Elia, M. D.
All the children in grades seven through twelve were examined and they were found to be in good health. Pre- vious defects were remedied or much improved. The epi- demic of whooping cough during the winter of 1945 was without too much trouble brought under control. The school year was noted by the fact that students in general were strong and well.
Elementary Schools by John P. Nickerson, M. D.
The past year was unusual in that we were called upon to fight the greatest number and variety of contagious diseases that has occurred in the schools for many years. There never has been so many children taken ill during school hours and provision made for their transportation home. Most of us do not appreciate the splendid work of the teachers and school nurse in the part they play in pro- tecting the health of the pupils. I think we should also con- gratulate the teachers and bus drivers for their vigilance in preventing accidents. Of course school attendance has suf- fered much as a consequence of the high incidence of conta- gious diseases.
The routine examination shows better general physical health, less under-nourished children, fewer dental defects although dental defects far outnumber all others.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE By Adelyn J. Peabody, R. N.
The general appearance of the school children this year seems much improved according to weights and physical examinations by Dr. John P. Nickerson and Dr. Arthur J. D'Elia. There has been an average gain from five to ten pounds during the year and part of this could be attributed to the fine hot lunches served in the Elementary School.
The children are constantly watched by the nurse and teachers for signs of illnesses.
Last June the Toxoid Clinic for Diphtheria was held by Dr. A. P. Goff of Hyannis- eighteen children were given three doses, three weeks apart, seven grade school children and eleven pre-school children- two vaccinations which were retakes.
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It is urged that parents of all children six months and over who have not had the Toxoid watch the paper for the next clinic in the spring. There were forty-four children done in 1944.
Five school children were privileged to go to Camp Farley for two weeks through the generosity of the Kiwanis Club. Ten other children went to Pocassett Camp for six weeks.
Six tonsillectomies were done this summer.
Nine children were taken to the TB Clinic in Hyannis for check-up and follow-up. One girl had to be readmitted to North Reading's Institution for further treatment because she had whooping cough before school closed.
Two children have been discharged from the Crippled Children's Clinic in Hyannis and after Physical Examina- tion this year two were recommended for the clinic- one for posture and one for slight curvature of the spine.
During the summer several families were visited for follow-up work and new families were contacted and given information about the school health program.
There were four cases of "itch" in the school. Each child was examined for further cases. Home visits were made to suggest treatment and a doctor's certificate was required before their return to school.
Dr. Arthur McIntosh, the School Dentist, makes his re- port on another page. He stresses Education and Import- ance of children's Dental Work. We are handicapped many times because parents won't give us permission to do the work because the child is afraid of being hurt.
This clinic is held every other week- sponsored by the Harwich Visiting Nurse Association who pays the dentist twenty dollars a day to do the work. A small charge of 25c a filling or extraction is charged but very hard to collect. This would be used toward supplies. Sometimes eight or ten children are seen a day- and there is so much to be done a child has to return many times to complete the work. This clinic is for the children who can't afford a family dentist. This year we hope to do some work in the High School.
Miss Juliet Whittaker, R. N. gave the children in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 the audiometer test for ears- assisted by the nurse. Four children out of the one hundred and sixty examined had slight hearing defects and in most in- stances could be corrected by removal of tonsils and ade- noids.
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It has been necessary to take children home who have become ill in school. Will the parents make some arrange- ment with neighbors or relatives to care for these children if they have to work or are away from home. Some children have had to stay in the nurse's office all day because no one was at home to receive the child, after making several rounds to find someone.
Sincere thanks to all teachers and organizations for their helpfulness and cooperation in the school work.
DENTAL CLINIC REPORT By Dr. Arthur H. McIntosh
The Dental Clinic was begun for the year with examina- tion of 220 children. 143 had dental defects and we are now working on a number of children seeing them every other week.
We feel that the work is filling a great need. The ex- amining and repairing of children's teeth is accompanied by instructions and suggestions for the pupil's dental health. Children benefit by this service and help to spread informa- tion about the need for children's dentistry.
We believe there should be more publicity regarding the clinic that the Visiting Nurse Association has so gener- ously and wisely provided.
CONCLUSION
We have attempted to report on various school acti- vities of the past year and have made several proposals for your consideration. The aim and hope is that it may be possible to provide better opportunity for education, health, character and social understanding for the young people of Harwich. Our reports and proposals are concerned with public expenditure for schools and public interest in better citizens for years ahead.
While the public is concerned with the individual pupils, their progress and their welfare; it is hard to suppose that these problems are concern of the public alone. There is no known way for such opportunities to become effective with- out active cooperation and interest of the home. No matter how good the school may be or how well clothed and nourished the children, there is no teaching done unless some one learns- and no one can learn without effort. There is no substitute for work. Recreation programs and extra-cur- ricular activities of all kinds are good and useful but if edu-
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cational returns are to be secured it is of prime importance that the home take an interest in securing results. To that end there should be an opportunity for some home-work for pupils above the sixth grade. School is the main occupation of most children from twelve to eighteen years of age. Dur- ing these years they are capable of making maximum growth. This result can not be attained without purposeful planning.
1 regret that all too often interest seems to be mostly centered on the securing of marks regardless of what those marks may mean. Sometimes greater concern should be felt because of effort made "too little and too late" with consequent meager returns. A good school can and will stimulate, aid and direct growth. If returns are to be in any way commensurate to time and money spent, they will be achieved by a generous amount of old-fashioned, proper motivated work. Children may be taught- they must do the learning.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. PRATT, Superintendent of Schools.
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HARWICH SCHOOL CENSUS .
October 1, 1945
Girls
Five years or over and under seven
Boys 26
37
Seven years or over and under fourteen
157
156
183
193
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ABOVE MINORS
In public day school membership :
Five years or over and under seven
39
Seven years or over and under sixteen
299
In private school membership : Seven years or over and under sixteen
4
Not enrolled in any day school :
Five years or over and under seven
24
Seven years or over and under sixteen
10
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
22
26
48
2
16
22
38
3
18
18
36
4
18
16
34
5
14
12
26
6
21
17
38
220
7
18
16
34
8
18
22
40
9
12
17
29
10
8
5
13
11
9
10
19
12
6
6
12
147
367
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TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES AS OF OCTOBER, 1935-1945
Grade
1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945
1
46
41
47
50
47
40
36
37
32
45
48
2
33
38
46
47
41
50
35
26
32
31
38
3
50
34
38
42
48
41
47
29
31
32
36
4
57
46
33
37
41
49
41
43
27
26
34
5
52
59
41
34
36
39
45
35
36
27
26
6
55
58
58
45
30
35
34
42
32
31
38
7
62
46
35
60
53
35
34
28
36
34
34
8
36
47
51
37
47
50
28
28
23
33
40
9
43
33
43
39
40
39
45
25
25
19
29
10
30
32
26
41
35
28
27
32
18
24
13
11
28
23
27
29
37
34
23
26
122
14
19
12
13
21
20
26
23
34
32
17
18
20
12
P. G.
2
3
2
2
1
Special
9
6
10
7
11
9
4
13
507 478 477 495 488 483 438 378 336 349 367
7-12
214 202 205 234 235 222 189 157 142 144 147
1-6
293 276 272 261 253 261 249 221 194 205 220
BROOKS MEDAL WINNERS
1945
High School :
Meredith M. Arzt, Grade 11
Junior High School :
Jane B. Tobey, Grade 8
Center Elementary :
Marjorie Leonard, Grade 6
Center Primary :
John E. Warren, Grade 3
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HARWICH SCHOOL CALENDAR 1945 - 1946
The annual meeting of the faculty of the schools of this union was held in the Eastham School at 9:30 A. M., Saturday, September 8, 1945. During the afternoon a meet- ing of the faculty of all schools was held in the respective buildings of each town. Plans were made for opening school at the usual hour on Monday, September 10, 1945.
Harwich Schools
Open September 10, 1945 January 2, 1946
Close December 21, 1945 February 15, 1946 Grades 1-8 February 20, 1946 Grades 9-12
February 25, 1946
April 22, 1946
April 12, 1946 June 21, 1946
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Friday, October 12, 1945-Columbus Day.
Friday, October 26, 1945-Barnstable County Teachers In- stitute.
Monday, November 12, 1945-Armistice Day.
November 22 and 23, 1945-Thursday and Friday-Thanks- giving Recess.
December 31, 1945 and January 1, 1946-Monday and Tues- day-New Years.
Friday, February 22, 1946-Washington's Birthday (Vaca- tion Period)
Friday, April 19, 1946-Patriots Day (Vacation Period) Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 1946-Memorial Day Recess.
Harwich High School Graduation, Friday, June 21, 1946 at 8:00 P. M.
Fall term will open Monday, September 9, 1946 at the usual hour.
Faculty meeting of this union will be held on Saturday, September 7, 1946 at 9:30 A. M. at the Harwich High School.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES Class of 1945 Friday Evening, June Fifteenth Exchange Hall
CLASS ROLL
James Frederick Baldwin, U.S.N.R.
Virginia Stevenson Buck
Milton Lee Cahoon
Kenneth Frank Coulson
Ralph Robert Crowell, U.S.A.
Gordon Rich Eldredge
Mildred Louise Eldredge
Ruth Helen Eldredge
George Gomes, Jr.
Mabel Stella Gomes
Virginia Franklin Mackenzie
Mary Louise McCormick
Mary Elizabeth Monterio
Herbert Dana Moran
Muriel Frances .Nickerson
Gilbert Alton Perry
Frank Raneo, Jr.
Jennie Elizabeth Santos
Rita Eudora Stalker
Arlene Douglas Swift
Mary Esther Taylor
CORPS OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 1945
Name
Grade
Preparation
Date
Service
Begun
Experience
Prior to
Sept. 1945
Salary
Address
Paul A. Morris
High, Principal
University of Maine
1928
23
$2850.
Harwichport
Sybil R. Smith
High, Assistant
University of Maine
1944
3
1800.
Harwichport
Scott A. Ellis
High, Assistant
10-1-42
3
1400.
Harwich
Edna C. Holmes
High, Assistant
B. U .- Baypath Institute
1929
22
1750.
Harwichport
Charles T. Noonan
High, Assistant
Harvard
9-10-45
0
2000.
Harwichport
Patricia V. Eldridge
High, Assistant
Framingham
9-10-45
0
1500.
Brockton
Hillary M. LeClaire
High, Assistant
Monson Academy
1-2-1919
30
2000.
Harwichport
Ada M. Lovering
High, Assistant
Framingham
1927
27
1700.
Harwichport Harwich
Eric N. Lindblade
High, Assistant
Tufts
9-6-44
3
1600.
South Dennis
Ethalene B. Nickerson
El. Principal
Johnson Vt. Normal
1922
37
1700.
South Dennis
Ruth T. Nickerson
El. Grade 1
Hyannis
9-10-45
14
1500.
So. Harwich
Alberta T. Wicks
El. Grade
Union Hill, N. J.
1-26-45
1500.
Harwichport
Ethel M. Myshrall
El. Grade 2
Portland Training
1925
42
1500.
Harwichport
Cora D. Chase
El. Grade 3
Hyannis
1923
22
1500.
Harwichport
Gladys R. Crosby
El. Grade 4
Oberlin Normal
9-5-44
14
1500.
Harwich
Mary E. Hall
El. Grade 5
Bridgewater
9-10-45
1500.
Harwich
Helen R. Drake
El. Grade 6
Bridgewater-Columbia
1945
16
1500.
Harwich
Margery C. Grier
Art
Washington Univ. St. Louis
1944
12
760.
Harwichport
Thomas Nassi
Inst. Music
New England Conservatory
1929
17
550.
Orleans
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Dorothy Phelps
High, Assistant
University of N. H.
9-5-39
6
1600.
TEACHERS WHO HAVE LEFT DURING 1945
-
Dates of Service
Sybil R. Smith
9-5-44 to 12-21-45
Ruth S. Johnson
9-8-43 to
6-30-45
Rosemary Salmon
9-6-44 to
6-30-45
Eric N. Lindblade
9-6-44 to 12-13-45
Ada A. Bassett
9-8-42 to 6-30-45
Mary G. Taylor
9-8-43 to 6-30-45
Althea M. Chase
9-8-39 to
6-30-45
6 years
Gladys E. Nickerson
9-6-38 to
6-30-45
Length of Service in Harwich
1 year
4 months
2 years
1 year
1 year
4 months
3 years
2 years
7 years
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.
INDEX OF TOWN REPORT
Accountant's Report 11-26
Assessors' Report 8-10
Auditor's Report 83-85
Caleb Chase Fund 39
Cemetery Commission 44
Forest Warden and Fire Department
45
Herring Committee 47
Highway Surveyor
50
Honor Roll Insert
Inspector of Plumbing 43
Inspector of Wires 38
List of Jurors
46
Police Department
40-41
Propagation of Game
49
Rationing Board 35
School Committee and Superintendent 99-125
Sealer of Weights and Measures 36-37
Selectmen's Report 6-7
Tax Collector
27-28
Town Clerk's Report 56
Annual Town Meeting 1945
57-73
Births 74-76
Deaths S0-82
Marriages
77-79
Town Meeting Warrant for 1946
86-97
Town Officers
3-5
Treasurer's Report 51-55
Tree Committee 48
Trustees of Brooks Free Library 42
Water Commissioner's Report 29-34
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