USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1946 > Part 7
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All elementary and high school buildings were given a thorough cleaning during the summer and are maintained in excellent condition. Credit is due the efficient janitorial staff. It is a matter of pride to have the buildings kept in the present condition of cleanliness and good repair.
A new floor machine was purchased for the elementary buildings. Now one is available at the high and one at the elementary buildings. When school is not in session this work has to be done during short intervals and each is able to work independently of the other.
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A new power lawn mower has been purchased for main- tenance of the high school grounds.
Emergency lighting units have been installed in the auditorium and corridor of the high school to conform with modern safety regulations. When these units are activa- ted any interruption of the current on the main house cir- cuit serves to switch on these battery units which afford light in the direct avenues of exit. The two units cost thirty- nine dollars each.
New outside lock sets have been ordered for the elemen- tary school doors as a safety measure. Though they have been ordered for several months, delivery has not been made at the time this report is written.
The buildings have recently been examined by the building inspector and have certificates of approval posted in each.
The new set of swings which were purchased for pri- mary grades and the horizontal ladder set for middle grades have proven popular and beneficial. Another set of swings, a merry-go-round and giant stride have been purchased and parts of this equipment have arrived. This type of elemen- tary playground fills a long felt need. The purchase price of the above equipment totaled $594.87.
A new mimeograph has been purchased for the high school. The cost of the machine with accessories was $119.32.
A safe for the use of the elementary school was pur- chased for the sum of $75.00.
Careful study was given to the matter of re-location of toilets and a central heating system in the elementary building. Due to the fact that necessary material was not available this work was not undertaken. It is questionable if so large expenditure on the old building would be wise. I believe that plans for a new elementary building which were sponsored by vote of the last annual town meeting will prove much more practical, certainly more adequate and ultimately more economical.
Due to the fact that first quality exterior paint Las not been available it was thought wise to defer outside painting for another year. The High School and Old High School buildings should receive early attention with ex- terior paint.
TRANSPORTATION
Bids were advertised and contracts awarded to secure another school bus to serve the North and West sections of
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the town. Though this was done in early spring it has not been possible to secure delivery of the equipment.
Increased numbers of pupils to be transported over the above route considerably overtaxed the capacity of the bus so that it was found necessary to make two trips instead of one to cover the route. The extra trip was arranged to transport the first three grades. They now arrive at school nearly one-half hour later in the morning and leave a half hour earlier at night than do the older pupils. This shortens the day for the younger children much to their advantage. I hope similar provision may be made to serve other sec- tions of the town in the future.
A dangerous traffic hazard at the intersection of Paral- lel Street and Sisson Road has long been recognized. Dan- ger is increased by reason of the fact that buses must load and discharge passengers at buildings located at these in- tersections. Teachers have guarded children as carefully as possible at this point but control of motor traffic is out- side our province. We appreciate the added safety precau- tion recenty afforded by the police department during the critical period morning and afternoon when the children must come and go. Too much care can not be exercised for safety of children here.
SCHOOL LUNCH
School lunches have continued service as in previous years. Certain items have been very difficult to obtain during most of the year and prices have continued to mount. The supply and variety is now more adequate but the prices are at an all time high. These factors have made it more difficult to make receipts meet expenditures. Lunch service has shown more loss during the past year but the pupils and the homes have been able to profit thereby. All chil- dren have been able to secure a nourishing, attractive meal at a cost of at least equal and often below that for which the same items could be furnished at home.
Both high and elementary school lunch services are be- 'ng operated efficiently and in a very neat and orderly manner. We welcome inspection and constructive sugges- tions.
Business obligations forced Mr. J. Howard Doane to tender his resignation as a member of the School Committee. The position has been filled by the Selectmen and the re- maining members of the School Committee in the appoint- ment of Mrs. Carleton S. Francis, Jr. as provided by law to
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serve till the next annual town election in February.
The reports of the principals, supervisors and several departments deserve careful thought.
The pages devoted to financial accounting for the year and the budget for the coming year reflect an increase in school expenditures in accordance with general trends but in no sense in excess of the importance of the work or the magnitude of the job.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Paul A. Morris
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The purpose of this report is to acquaint you, the com- mittee, and the parents with more exact details of four of the problems with which we deal. The fact that these prob- lems exist as outstandingly as they do, keeps me and my staff from doing as good a job as we would like to do; and keeps you, the committee, and the parents from having as efficient a school as you and they would like to have.
The first of these problems is the matter of ab- sence from school. The intent of the law is that every child shall be in school when school is in session, and there are penalties for evasions. Yet the records for the opening ten weeks for this fall term show some interesting details. About 200 pupil-days of instruction have been lost because pupils did not enter school at the beginning of the term. The first reason for this was that they had to have a vacation. My impression has been that the period from the close of school in June to its opening in September was the vacation time ; but there are those who wait until school opens and then go on their vacations. The second reason is that they stay out to work, come to school four or five weeks late, and ex- pect to have the program made over to suit their conveni- ence, and upset the pupils who have been at their studies all this time.
According to our school physicians we haven't had any run of illness, and the health of our pupils is good. Yet in this ten week period we have had 262 pupil-days lost because of sickness, according to written statements from parents. This is a lot of sickness.
Other causes of absence that occur less frequently, but hurt us just as much are : 31 pupil-days lost by parents go- ing out of town and who take the children along for the ride ; 18 pupil-days lost because some odd job was needed at
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home, which apparently couldn't be done after school or on Saturday; 13 stayed out for no reason at all ; 11 pupil- days were lost because pupils got a job ; 5 days lost for duck hunting; 4 days to go shopping; 4 had appointments with doctors which took all day ; 3 days to do errands ; 2 went to weddings, 2 went to court, 2 overslept, and 2 skipped school.
Unnecessary tardiness hurts our school, too. The num- ber of alarm clocks that didn't go off, the clocks that won't keep time, and the cars that won't start in town is surpris- ing.
Requests for dismissals of pupils hurt our school. Peo- ple get angry when pupils are required to remain until dis- missal time. Usually the reason for the request is trivial, and a matter of temporary convenience, such as a car being in the neighborhood at that time, and not wanting to wait another ten minutes.
This matter of absence, tardiness, and dismissal, all add up however, to an important problem which we would like to solve.
Our second problem has to do with the Physical Edu- cation program, the athletic program, and the shower room situation, for the girls in the school. The pupils know, I know, and a great many parents know, what conditions exist, and that these conditions are not right. Last spring when I asked for a woman teacher to handle these things, and the comittee voted to have one hired, I thought that this would be corrected. But we didn't get the teacher, and the situation stands uncorrected. I hope that we may have a woman instructor of physical education to do for the girls what the male instructor does for the boys.
The third problem has to do with the Household Arts department. In my opinion, this section of the school has never really gotten going to the extent that it should, to serve the best interests of the majority of girls in this town. I believe that the reason for this problem is one of teacher personnel. If we could have a teacher, properly trained and qualified, of sufficient judgment, who would study and an- alyze the town and the girls from the standpoint of Home Economics, and then formulate a course of study to satisfy the conditions found, and teach it; I think we would be do- ing a lot more than we are doing now. Of course, this would call for a superior person, but there is no reason why Har- wich should not have a superior person.
The fourth problem has to do with the Art Department. Our program of studies includes instruction in the funda-
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mentals of drawing. Our time schedule has made provision for art work to be carried on. We have the equipment, we have the space, but we do not have any teacher. We would like to have a teacher, properly trained and qualified, to teach our pupils the principles of drawing, and an appre- ciation of the world Art.
In conclusion, I am restating a portion of my final para- graph of a year ago .-- "I believe that it is not for the best interest of the school to change teachers too frequently; it would be a desirable investment for the town to secure a well-trained, competent, enthusiastic corps of teachers who really like to teach, and pay them enough to stay here."
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Ethalene B. Nickerson
The Elementary School opened in September with the same corps of teachers and a slight increase in attendance.
The work has been carried on as usual with the excep- tion of drawing. We have greatly missed the aid of the Art Supervisor. I sincerely hope that before the opening of another school year that we may have the assistance of an Art teacher and also, as in years past some help from the high school athletic coach. Faithful as our teachers may be, we cannot all excel in the special work of Music, Drawing, and Physical Education.
Due to the efforts of the Parent-Teachers' Association we now have the assistance of the Police at the very dan- gerous junction of Sisson Road and Parallel Street. Traf- fic is now efficiently handled during the time when children are entering the buses.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Thomas Nassi
It is gratifying to note these last two years that inter- est toward instrumental music seems to have been growing again. There was a time in the past years when Harwich had the finest school orchestra in the District. Then things for a number of years seemed to let down and a lack of interest on the part of the parents and pupils brought instrumental music to a low ebb. We are o nthe up-grade again and hope soon to be at a par with other towns.
The success of a fine orchestra depends entirely on the material that the parents send us and on their interest in
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music. Unless we are given pupils who are willing to take up an instrument, we are helpless. Many times through the past years I have asked Mr. Pratt to release me from the Harwich Schools. We simply could not see any results. It is better now and it can improve even more if the parents take an interest.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
4 W. Webster Tileston
Popularity and continued growth of interest in vocal music has proceeded by leaps and bounds judging from the response' and enrollment at the forming of the Harwich High School Chorus. Practically every boy and girl in the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades is a member of this chorus and enters into the singing rehearsals with vim and vigor that bespeaks great satisfaction to all in results achieved. Mr. Morris and members of the faculty are unanimous in their praise that it is the finest chorus there in many, many years. The spirit is fine, the enthusiasm high and the reac- tion and results are "tops". I only wish more time could be allotted in the preparation for concerts, operettas, etc. but under the present set-up, that is impossible.
Vocal music in the grades too, has proved unusually satisfying. Music should be and is one of the most enjoyable parts of the child's school day and I have tried to convey to all the boys and girls an added love for it by givig them songs that will appeal and bring out the many qualities of the individual.
Through music the child enters a world of beauty, ex- presses his inmost self, tastes the joy of creating, widens his sympathies, develops his mind and refines his spirit, and adds grace to his body.
"Sing, America, Sing" could easily be my criterion, for even more than ever now, we all realize how greatly music today has an influence on industry, religion, economics, government and particularly in our everyday life in our own community.
Children go home inspired with the love of music, and in most cases that enthusiasm is caught up and augmented in the home. It spreads as I have noted by the response to community singing in the various towns of our union, and what could be more gratifying to a leader of music than to see old and young alike giving voice to make the adage true of "a singing world is a happy world". Community
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singing and group singing has become securely established as one of our essential social activities. As Carlyle says : "There is something deep and good in concerted music for body and soul go strangely together".
The real value of such music lies in its power to lift all of the individuals into a spirit of unified interest in a worthy cause. Such singing together - be it in the class- room - or large community hall - creates an atmosphere of good cheer and good will and stimulates courage through the sheer joy of self expression.
As Thackeray says: "Music is irrestible, its charities are countless, it stirs the feeling of love, peace and friend- ship as scarce any mortal agent can."
Music like many other things worth living for, begins in the heart and washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
REPORTS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
A. J. D'Elia, M. D.
During the past school year all the children in grades seven through twelve were examined and found to be in exceptionally good health.
Notable improvements in the condition of teeth and posture are evident.
The fine cooperation of the students, parents, teachers and the school nurse has been most gratifying.
John P. Nickerson, M. D.
There have been less epidemic diseases in the lower grades the past twelve months than for many years. The general health and physical condition continues to be good. A few much needed tonsillectomies have had to be post- poned on account of hospital conditions.
Dental defects which far out number all others have been reduced to a point never seen before in the first six grades. We still have cases where parents fail to give per- mission to do the dental work.
We must continue to teach each individual the value of physical fitness. The future of America rests in the good health of its people. This will bear repeating over and over again. All of the energy, resources, skill and genius in our country must combine to give each and every one of our people an equal chance for health.
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REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC Dr. Arthur H. McIntosh
The Dental Clinic has helped at least one hundred pu- pils of the Harwich schools and we have examined at least three hundred and fifty, including the High School students. There is still need for more dental work among the pupils.
Instruction to parents as well as pupils is always need- ed.
Further publicity is indicated. Improvement of dental equipment is necessary for further advancement in this needed work.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Adelyn J. Peabody, R. N.
The physical examinations of the school children have been completed. The doctors feel that our children are in very good condition with the exception of flat feet, teeth and tonsils. The type of shoes that the nation is wearing may be responsible for the feet - overtaxed conditions at the hospital may be responsible for tonsils. There is no excuse for poor teeth because the Dental Clinic has been extended to the High School.
The Dental Clinic is held every other Wednesday, by Dr. Arthur McIntosh of Harwichport. At the beginning of school all teeth were examined by him and notes were sent home for permission to make the necessary corrections. There was a very poor response from the High School. The children's teeth from grades one through six are well cared for and in former years we haven't done the high school age. We would like to emphasize the fact that the clinic is not charity but money appropriated by the town is for all and a result of men going into service with such poor teeth that help in dental work has become national.
The Harwich Visiting Nurse Association supplies the nurse for the clinic and is the Purchasing Agent for dental supplies and instruments. We have all our own instru- ments - a sterilizer given by the Woman's Club some years ago and next year we will have to have a new drill to re- place the one which is gradually giving out.
Last spring the Diphtheria Clinic was held by Dr. Goff of Hyannis in the Chapel. Six school children were innocu- lated out of forty-four pre-school children. It has been sug- gested that another clinic be held soon. Plans are now
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underway and they are to be announced in the paper.
The school department has purchased the new expen- sive eye testing equipment-a most accurate way of testing the eyes. This year three corrections were needed.
The audiometer tests (ear) were done by Miss Juliet Whitteker, R. N. Only one child needed correction.
The Chadwick Clinic was held in October and Novem- ber by the Pocassett Traveling Clinic. Serum was injected in the arms of children whose parents gave us permission to do so. All arms that showed red were X-rayed in Novem- ber. Thirty-one children; 5 teachers and 3 workers in the lunchroom were also X-rayed.
HARWICH SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1946
Boys
Girls
Five years or over and under seven
33
27
Seven years or over and under fourteen
150
175
183
202
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ABOVE MINORS
In public day school membership :
40
Five years or over and under seven
312
In private school membership :
Seven years or over and under fourteen
7
Not enrolled in any day school :
Five years or over and under seven
20
Seven years or over and under fourteen
6
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
25
22
47
2
18
20
38
3
18
25
43
4
17
19
36
5
18
20
38
6
1
14
16
30
- 7
20
19
39
8
17
15
32
9
17
2i.
38
10
7
14
21
11
7
5
12
12
4
7
11
153
182
203
232
385
Seven years or over and under fourteen
125
TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP By Grades as of October, 1936-1946
Grade
1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946
1
41
47
50
.47
40
36
37
32
45
48
47
2
38
46
47
41
50
35
26
32
31
38
38
3
34
38
42
48
41
47
29
31
32
36
34
36
4
46
33
37
41
49
41
43
27
26
27
26
38
5
59
41
34
36
39
45
35
36
32
31
38
30
6
58
58
45
30
35
34
42
28
36
34
34
39
7
46
35
60
37
39
40
39
45
25
25
19
29
38
9
10
32
26
41
35
28
27
32
18
24
13
21
11
23
27
29
37
34
23
26
22
14
19
12
12
21
20
26
23
34
32
17
18
20
12
11
3
2
?
1.
P. G.
9
6
10
7
11
9
4
13
Special
478 477 495 488 483 438 378 336 349 367 385
7-12
276 272 261 253 261 249 221 194 205 220 232
1-6
BROOKS MEDAL WINNERS 1946
High School :
R. Gorham Nickerson, Grade 12
Junior High School :
Elizabeth S. Kinsley, Grade 8
Center Elementary :
Betsey Nickerson, Grade 6
Center Primary :
Pauline Bates, Grade 3
HARWICH SCHOOL CALENDAR 1946 - 1947
The annual meeting of the faculty of the schools of this union was held in the Harwich High School at 9:30 A. M., Saturday, September 7, 1946. Plans were made for opening school at the usual hour on Monday, September 9, 1946.
Harwich Schools Open
September 9. 1946
December 30, 1946 March 3, 1947 April 27, 1947
53
35
34
28
28
23
33
40
32
8
47
51
33
43
47
50
202 205 234 235 222 189 157 142 144 147 153
43
Close December 21, 1946 February 21, 1947 April 18, 1947 June 20, 1947
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Saturday, October 12, 1946-Columbus Day.
Friday, October 25, 1946-Barnstable County Teachers In- stitute.
Monday, November 11, 1946-Armistice Day.
Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29, 1946-Thanksgiv- ing Recess.
Wednesday, December 25, 1946-Christmas Day (Vacation Period).
Wednesday, January 1, 1947-New Years Day.
Saturday, February 22, 1947-Washington's Birthday (Va- cation Period).
Saturday, April 19, 1947-Patriots Day (Vacation Period).
Friday, May 30, 1947-Memorial Day.
Harwich High School Graduation, Friday, June 20, 1947 at & P. M.
Fall term will open Monday, September 8, 1947 at the usual hour.
Faculty meeting of this union will be held on Saturday, Sep- tember 6, 1947 at 9:30 A. M. at the Orleans High School.
GRADUATION EXERCISES Class of 1946 Friday Evening, June Twenty-one Exchange Hall
CLASS ROLL
Meredith Mayo .Arzt
Frederick Albert Bauer
Beverly Flora Broughton
Doris Mae Dumont
Paul Adelard Fleury
Ruth Loretta Fontaine
Annie Rosamond King
Elliott Downs Nickerson
Richard Gorham Nickerson
Vaner James Nikula
Maxine Beatrice Orton
Jack Alves Pena
Douglas Allan Witherell
TEACHERS WHO HAVE LEFT DURING 1946 Dates of Service Length of Service in Harwich
Charles T. Noonan
9-10-45 to 6-21-46
1 year
Patricia V. Eldridge
9-10-45 to 6-21-46
1 year
Dorothy Phelps
9- 5-39 to 4-19-46
6 years 8 months
Margery C. Grier
9- 6-44 to 6-21-46
2 years
CORPS OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 1946
Name
Grade
Preparation
Date
Service
Begun
Experience
Prior to
Salary
Address
Paul A. Morris
High, Principal
Univ. of Maine
1928
24
$3,150.
Hillary M. LeClaire
High, Assistant
Monson Academy
1-2-1919
31
2,300.
Harwichport Hanwichport Centerville
Anders R. Nelson
High, Assistant
Fitchburg
9-1935
*11
*2,500.
Virgil Valicenti
High, Assistant
Bates
4-22-1946
21/4
2,200.
· Weymouth
Thomas A. Maki
High, Assistant
Hyannis
1-14-46
1/2
2,300.
Hyannis
Edna C. Holmes
High, Assistant
B. U .- Baypath
1929
23
2,150.
Harwichport
Ada M. Lovering
High, Assistant
Framingham
1927
28
2,100.
Harwichport
Scott A. Ellis
High,
Assistant
10-1-1942
4
1,800.
Harwich
Barbara M. Jeffers
High, Assistant
Boston Univ.
9-9-46
0
1,800.
Attleboro
Eleanor J. Mahoney
High,
Assistant
Bridgewater-B. U.
9-9-46
14
2,000.
Harwich
Bonnie B. Sherman
High,
Assistant
Colo. Womans College
9-9-46
0
Harwich
Ethalene B. Nickerson
Elem. Principal
Johnson, Vt.
1922
38
2,100.
South Dennis
Ruth M. Nickerson
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis
9-10-45
15
1,900.
So. Harwich
Alberta T. Wicks
Elem.
Assistant
Union Hill, N. J.
10-1-45
1,900.
Harwichport
Ethel M. Myshrall
Elem, Assistant
Portland Training
1925
43
1,900.
Harwichport
Cora D. Chase
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis
1923
23
1,900.
Harwichport
Gladys R. Crosby
Elem. Assistant
Oberlin - Normal
9-5-44
15
1,900.
Harwich
Natalie C. Sibley
Elem. Assistant
Perry Ktg'n.
1-2-46
71/2
1,900.
W. Chatham
Helen R. Drake
Elem. Assistant
Bridgewater-Columbia
9-10-45
17
1,900.
Harwich
Thomas Nassi
Inst. Music
N. E. Conservatory
1929
18
** 600.
Orleans
Webster W. Tileston
Vocal Music
N. E. Conservatory
1-2-46
14
** 1,000.
Harwich
*Includes three years and three months in Military Service.
** Part Time.
127
Sept. 1946
128
INDEX OF TOWN REPORT
Accountant's Report 9-25
Assessors' Report 6-8
Auditor's Report 95-97
Caleb Chase Fund
38
Cemetery Commission
44
Forest Warden and Fire Department
45
Forestry Department
49
Herring Committee
47
Highway Surveyor
52
Inspector of Plumbing
43
Inspector of Wires 37
List of Jurors
46
Police Department 39-40
Propagation of Game 51
School Committee and Superintendent 109-127
Sealer of Weights and Measures 36
Tax Collector
26-27
Town Clerk's Report 58
Annual Town Meeting 1946 59-83
Births 84-87
Deaths 92-94
Marriages
88-91
Town Meeting Warrant for 1947 98-108
Town Officers
3-5
Treasurer's Report 53-57
Tree Committee 48
Trustees of Brooks Free Library 41-42
Water Commissioner's Report 28-35
Zoning Committee
50
00 25 07克
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