USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1948 > Part 8
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With the exception of a few piano students, there were no other instrumental players in the schools and the pupils had never heard the names of most instru- ments. Looking back through these 21 years, we have seen the tiny instrumental groups develop into fine bands and orchestras that have served their communi- ties and gained reputations not only at home but throughout the state and New England. They have participated with talented children all over New Eng- land in many great bands and orchestras. They have gone to contests with the finest organizations and have come home with never less than an excellent, and many times with a superior or highest rating. Last year the Junior Community Band was rated the finest among 80 bands in New England. This shows that there is great talent on Cape Cod.
The greatest reward for us has been the devotion of the children and their willingness to meet the chal- lenge that was before them, and in spite of many many handicaps to be able to do their utmost and win. We are also grateful to the parents who have made great sacrifices and met the handicaps of transportation and other difficulties. We are especially grateful to those first families who have championed our cause.
Mrs. Nassi and I want to thank Superintendent Hoyt for the genuine interest and support that he has shown in our work.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC Webster Whitney Tileston
It is with genuine pleasure that I submit my report for the school year ending December 31, 1948 :
Interest and enthusiasm continue to rank "tops" in the field of musical endeavor and practically every boy and girl has shown his or her desire for participa- tion in music activity during the course of this year.
Progress in vocal music in the grades here in Har- wich, as well as in the other towns of our Union, is ex- ceptionally gratifying and too much praise cannot be given the respective grade teachers as they conscien- tiously drill on the weekly problems relating to tone, time and theory embodied in the assigned songs. As I make my weekly visits to each class I marvel and in- wardly thrill at the spontaneous response and earnest endeavor of each young student to give me his best in musical results. Such early, whole-hearted participa- tion in music cannot help but cement the finer qualities in a child that all tend toward concerted peace and happiness in the years to come.
In High School, certain phases of the vocal music has been outstanding and splendid results obtained. I refer particularly to the Girls' Glee Club, a newly- formed aggregation a year ago that carried its fine work to an even greater degree of perfection in the Cape and Islands Music Festival held last Spring. Heard in Harwich and Hyannis, music judges rated the organization exceptionally high, and audiences who heard the girls then or at graduation time at Exchange Hall, agreed 100% with the judges.
There is room for improvement in the mixed choral group which can only be brought about when High School music is put entirely on an elective basis and not a "must" with a choice of art as an alternative. This present set-up naturally entails groups of boys taking chorus who have no particular desire to continue music but take it in preference to art, and bring with them the
29
old problem of discipline which could be avoided were they allowed to take study or shop, and let the actual music lovers be able to devote a full period in the crea- tion and rendition of beautiful choral music.
A larger music library that is, an expenditure for a more varied repertoire of individual choral numbers would tend towards more worthwhile endeavor and I sincerely hope funds can be allotted to this for future good work.
Altogether though, music work and results have been most gratifying in your town, and the coopera- tion of you parents and friends with the students and myself has aided and helped tremendously in the pleasurable performance of my duties as musical direc- tor of your Union.
REPORTS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Arthur J. D'Elia, M. D.
Examinations of all children in grades seven through twelve have been completed for the year 1948, and the general good health of our children is noted. There have been no major epidemics of contagious dis- eases during the past year.
John P. Nickerson, M. D.
There has been an exceptionally low incidence of contagious disease in our first six grades during the past year, and loss of time from this cause has been almost negligible.
The routine examination showed better general physical health than did last year's examination. I noticed less undernourished children this year. We have known that Harwich is particularly unfortunate in having such a high index of dental defects among the school children. More progress has been made in cor- recting these defects than in any similar period.
As a result of having an unusual opportunity of observing our school children over a long period of years, I am convinced that good educational results can be obtained only in case the individual is in good phy-
30
sical condition. This individual fitness can be made the possession of every child only when the school physi- cians, nurse, lunch service teachers of health and hy- giene as well as the home are cooperating.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE Adelyn J. Peabody
The Health program of the Harwich school chil- dren is as follows:
The Toxoid Clinic for protection against Diphth- eria was held by Dr. Fred Moore, County Health Agent. Twenty-eight children had "Booster" shots. We would . like them all to have it another year.
The Dental Clinic is progressing. Examinations were made by Dr. Arthur MacIntosh in all schools. Teeth are still an outstanding corrective. The Clinic is held every other week. Notes are sent home to have the work done but the response from the high school is slow. A point would be gained if children could be educated to the idea that a dentist is helpful and not to be feared.
The Audiometer (Ear) tests were given in both schools by Miss Juliet Whitecker, R. N. Two correc- tions were necessary. The tests began in the third grade.
Four children were sent to Pocasset Camp for the summer. Three other children were sent to Camp Far- ley for two weeks through the generosity of the Ki- wanis Club.
Clinics and follow-up of the children have been done at proper times.
Head and skin diseases have been watched and reported by the teachers.
The Harwich Visiting Nurse Association provided free lunches again this year.
Many children have been taken home for minor disabilities and injuries after first aid.
The school physicians, Dr. John P. Nickerson and Dr. Arthur D'Elia seemed well pleased with the chil-
31
dren's physical condition. An extra physical examina- tion was given to the players on the basket ball team. None were excluded from playing.
SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1948
Five years or over and under seven
Boys 40
Girls 49
Seven years or over and under sixteen
180
180
220
229
Distribution of the Above Minors
In public day school membership :
Five years or over and under seven
56
Seven years or over and under sixteen
352
In private school membership:
Five years or over and under seven
9
Seven years or over and under sixteen
1
In State and County Institutions and Special Schools for Defectives and Delinquents : Seven years or over and under sixteen
3
Not enrolled in any day school :
Five years or over and under seven
24
Seven years or over and under sixteen
4
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES October 1, 1948
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
30
31
61
2
17
18
35
3
20
18
38
4
18
24
42
5
20
23
43
6
20
19
39
Ungraded group
7
9
16
274
32
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
7
27
21
48
8
14
13
27
9
15
18
33
10
14
15
29
11
11
16
27
12
11
13
24
224
238
188
462
TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP By Grades as of October, 1938-1948
Gr. 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948
1
50
47
40
36
37
32
45
48
47
50
61
2
47
41
50
35
26
32
31
38
38
43
35
3
42
48
41
47
29
31
32
36
43
41
38
4
37
41
49
41
43
27
26
34
36
42
42
5
34
36
39
45
35
36
27
26
38
32
43
6
45
30
35
34
42
32
31
38
30
39
39
Ungraded 6
10
7
11
9
4
13
16
7
60
53
35
34
28
36
34
34
39
38
48
8
37
47
50
28
28
23
33
40
32
40
27
9
39
40
39
45
25
25
19
29
38
31
33
10
41
35
28
37
32
18
24
13
21
20
29
11
29
37.
34
23
26
22
14
19
12
22
27
12
26
23
34
32
17
18
20
12
11
11
24
P. G.
2
2
1
495
488
483
438
378
336
349
367
385
409
462
Grades
7-12
234
235
222
189
157
142
144
147
153
162
188
1- 6
261
253
261
249
221
194
205
220
232
247
274
33
BROOKS MEDAL RECIPIENTS 1948
High School: Jane B. Tobey - Grade 11
Jr. High School : Faith E. Holt - Grade 8
Elementary School :
Kristin Hammond - Grade 6
Primary School :
Suzanne B. Sims - Grade 3
HARWICH SCHOOL CALENDAR 1948-49
September 8, 1948 to December 24, 1948
January 3, 1949 to Febraury 18, 1949
Febraury 28, 1949 to April 15, 1949 April 25, 1949 to June 17, 1949
School Holidays
October 12, 1948 - Tuesday, Columbus Day October 22, 1948 - Friday, Barnstable County Teachers' Meeting
November 11, 1948 - Thursday, Armistice Day November 25 and 26, 1948 - Thursday and Friday, Thanksgiving Recess (School closes at noon November 24th.)
December 24, 1948 - Friday, To allow for travel for the Christmas Holidays
December 24, 1948 to January 3, 1949 - Christmas and New Years Holidays
*February 18, 1949 to Febraury 28, 1949 - Winter vacation
* April 15, 1949 to April 25, 1949 - Spring vacation May 30, 1949 - Monday, Memorial Day
*Febraury 22 and April 19 fall during vacation periods Harwich High School Graduation - Friday, June 10, 1949
34
Schools open for the year 1949-50 on Wednesday, Sep- tember 7, 1949
A meeting of all teachers and supervisors will be held at the Chatham School at 9:30 A. M. on Tues- day, September 6, 1949
TEACHERS WHO HAVE LEFT DURING 1948
Length of Service
Dates of Service
in Harwich
Arnold D. Burch-High
9-8-47 to 6-30-48
1 year
Orville H. Gray-High
1-1-47 to 6-30-48
1 year 6 months
Margaret A. Jarden-Art
9-8-47 to 6-30-48
1 year
Virgil Valicenti-High
4-22-46 to 6-30-48
2 years 2 months
35
GRADUATION Class of 1948
Friday Evening, June 18, 1948
CLASS ROLL
College Curriculum :
Lionne Coulson
Priscilla Ann Gray Laura Anne Betina Laidlaw
Commercial Curriculum :
Domingo Mary Gordini
General Curriculum :
Frederick Peter Dumont
Richard Henry Hathaway
Marilyn Frances Higgins Ronald Weston Holmes Chester Baker Kelley, Jr.
Norman Wheaton Mazzur
Herman Joseph Santos
CORPS OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 1948
Name
Position
Prepar-
ation
Service
Began
Experience
prior to
Home
Address
Paul A. Morris
High Principal
University of Maine
9-1928
26
Harwichport
Scott A. Ellis
High Assistant
10-1-1942
6
Harwich
William W. Fish, Jr.
High Assistant
Hyannis Tchrs' College 9-8-1947
1
Sandwich
Mary C. Kelley **
High Assistant
Regis College
9-8-1948
0
Beverly
Estelle Kimball
High Assistant
Radcliffe
9-8-1948
Hillary M. LeClaire
High Assistant
Monson Academy
1-2-1919
33
Harwichport
Ada M. Lovering
High Assistant
Framingham
1927
30
Harwichport
David H. Meddaugh
High Assistant
Univ. of Michigan
9-8-1948
0
Wareham
Janice H. Moore
High Assistant
Syracuse University
9-8-1948
0
E. Providence, R. I.
Frank F. Murtha
High Assistant
Boston University
9-8-1948
0
Melrose
Anders R. Nelson
High Assistant
Fitchburgh
9-1935
*13
Centerville
98
Patricia M. Rood
High Assistant
Boston University
9-8-1947
1
Hyannis
Ethalene B. Nickerson
Elem. Principal
Johnson, Vt.
1922
40
So. Dennis
Marion A. Burnham
Elem. Assistant
Westfield Normal
9-8-1948
38
Harwichport
Cora D. Chase
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis Normal
1923
25
Harwichport
Gladys R. Crosby
Elem. Assistant
Oberlin Normal
9-4-1944
17
Harwich
Helen R. Drake
Elem. Assistant
Bridgewater-Columbia
9-10-1946
19
Harwich
Elizabeth F. Miller
Elem. Assistant
Buffalo Tchrs. College
4-1-1948
61/2
Harwich
Ethel M. Myshrall
Elem. Assistant
Portland Training
1925
45
Harwich
Ruth M. Nickerson
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis Normal
9-10-1945
17
So. Harwich
Alberta T. Wicks
Elem. Assistant
Union Hill, N. J.
10-1-1945
41/4
Harwichport
David O. Lynch
Guidance Dir.
Boston University
9-8-1947
7 Orleans
Thomas Nassi
Inst. Music Art
N. E. Conservatory
1929
20
Orleans
C. Aileen O'Toole
Pratt Institute
9-8-1948
1
Orleans
Webster W. Tileston
Vocal Music
N. E. Conservatory
1-2-1946
16
Chatham
*Includes three years and three months in Military Service.
** Edna C. Holmes
High Assistant
B. U .- Baypath Inst.
1929
24
Harwichport
0 0109 0078984 2
BROOKS FREE LIBRARY
Granted 1 year leave of absence beginning September 1, 1948.
9-1-'48
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