USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1949 > Part 9
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Our faculty of teachers is an able one. They are do- ing good work. The spirit of friendliness and coopera- tion which is shown both to the pupils and to the school itself is a healthy one and tends to make a better school.
REPORT OF THE HARWICH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Ethalene B. Nickerson, Principal.
The opening of the new Elementary School on Sep- tember 7th began one of the most interesting years of my experience as a principal.
I find myself unable to express the appreciation the children and teachers feel toward the town's people of Harwich in providing such an ideal school in which to work
140
The large, restful, sound-proof rooms, with their wash bowls, drinking fountains, coat closets and storage spaces. The warm comfortable toilet facilities and the large convenient health rooms; the roomy Cafeteria in which the children have the opportunity of a sociable period while eating their lunches, and the beautiful teachers' room. All these and many other features of our new building must, as the weeks go on, show an improvement in the physical health and the scholastic standards of our children.
I would like at this time to thank the teachers, the lunchroom manager and her assistants and the custo- dians for their co-operation and efforts in organizing the general routine in opening and running a building of this size.
At the close of the last school year, we realized that, owing to the large number of children in the different grades, we must have the following set-up for the year of 1949-50 : two first grades, two seconds, one third, one fourth, one fifth, one sixth and a combination third and fourth - also fifth and sixth. Then the question arose as to the best way to pick the children for the combination grades. Feeling ourselves unable to make a just decision for each individual child, Mr. Hoyt and I consulted Miss Alice Beal, Supervisor of Elementary Education in Massachusetts; also Miss Ruth Davis, Principal of the Training School at the Bridgewater State Teachers' College. They advised us to take the children having the highest ranks from each grade. We acted on this suggestion and with the assistance of the teachers' opinions and the results found in the achievement tests and other tests, we formed our new groups. This division created considerable misunder- standing among some of the children and their par- ents. There seems even yet to be a feeling that the ones left in the straight grades are, as the children express it, "dumb". This is not true. Unfortunately we could only use twelve from a grade to make the new group. Many left in the regular grades are equal- ly able mentally to do excellent work throughout their school life. If they will put aside this feeling of anxiety and apply themselves to their work, the fundamentals of which are the same in both groups, I am sure they will have a very profitable year.
141
Looking ahead to next year, I cannot at this time tell what our grouping will be as much depends on the size of our entering class. This we do know, that if the school population continues to increase, our classrooms will be over-crowded again in the near future. At the present time we are using all our available space.
In closing this annual report, I wish to stress the im- portance of parents visiting our school. Please come at any hour of any day. Talk with the teachers and look over the records of your children's work. Visit us often and you will see that we have no "dumb rooms," and no segregation as to race or creed.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHALENE B. NICKERSON
REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR David O. Lynch
Last year the seven areas of the guidance service were explained and the work in each area was de- scribed. Therefore, it is not necessary to go into a de- tailed area description of the continuous guidance ac- tivities.
The individual records are being continued from grade one through grade twelve. This year, for the first time, national authorities in the field of guidance warned that the guidance service must start with the individual as he enters school and that problems should be solved when they occur, not after maladjustments have been in existence for a number of years.
Standardized testing is being administered on all grade levels to furnish information for administrative and guidance purposes.
Counseling for all high school pupils is a continuous process. All pupils are given at least one interview each year and as many more as are necessary for them to understand and use the furnished information to solve their individual problems. The individual must
142
assume the responsibility for solving his problems on the basis of an accumulation of sound information.
Occupational information is being collected and given to the pupils. One of the most important sources of vocational information is found in Career Day when successful men and women come to our schools to tell pupils about their work. On November 10, 1949 all of the high school pupils of Union 20 met at Harwich High School to hear twenty specialists from business, the trades, and various schools. The key speaker was Dr. J. Wendell Yeo of Boston University who spoke on "Using Your Talents." A check was made of the im- mediate audience reaction and evidence has been gathered which points conclusively to the value of such an activity. Many pupils have been moved to take the first steps toward a successful vocational life.
Placements of pupils in work and further training has shown a decided improvement over last year. One of the factors responsible is the practice of taking trips to training institutions. These include trips to nurse's training schools, colleges, business schools, and tech- nical training institutions. Employment is once more reaching a highly competitive stage and training be- yond high school is almost essential for the person who desires a successful vocational life. 100% more stu- dents entered advanced training schools in 1949 in comparison with 1948. This increase occurred in all of the high schools of Union 20. If this had happened in only one school, the increase might be attributed to an' unusual class of graduates. In consideration of the evidence, it must be concluded that the emphasis placed on this important guidance area is responsible for the change. We are now becoming more concerned with the large number of graduates who go directly to work. It is hoped that in the future we can offer more definite training and preparation for a sucess- ful vocational life.
`A follow-up study was made of the graduates of the classes of 1943-1944-1945-1946-1947. The graduates were sent an inquiry form covering a history of em- ployment, the choice of an occupation, and education. We asked questions about when work was secured after graduation, how many jobs were held, how jobs were obtained, why graduates left jobs, when and
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where ìob training was obtained, the relation of high school training to their work, how well satisfied they were with their jobs, what was the high school occu- pational choice, why did they select their high school occupational choice, where did the graduate secure help in planning for his occupation, what high school studies were of value, what courses are now needed in the high school, what kinds of schools were attended beyond high school, and we ended with a request for any comment the graduate might feel free to make. The answers have been tabulated and we now have on hand many facts which can be used to improve our educational program. A follow-up survey is scheduled for one, three, and five year intervals starting with the class of 1949 in order to have a continuous flow of in- formation from our graduates.
Community co-operation reached a high level dur- ing Career Day when people from several nearby. com- munities participated in furnishing occupational in- formation to our pupils. Again this year, several speakers have offered to co-operate even further in opening their places of business to visiting groups of pupils. Community work has begun in the form of co- operative work programs and the setting up of scholar- ships.
Groups have been organized for the presentation of information needed as a basis for the Guidance Pro- gram. Other information, similarly a base for Guid- ance Service and in the interest of individual personal growth, is taking its rightful place in the total edu- cational program. This work requires a serious con- sideration by the high school teachers and the princi- pal. Our progress in this area is a direct reflection of the work of the faculty and the administration.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR C. Aileen O'Toole
It is necessary when teaching children in any phase of the curriculum to lay a foundation for future work in the particular area in question. This means not only necessary methods and experience with media in
144
the art field, but also in any subject matter. The first year spent as Art Supervisor in Union No. 20 was a most informative one for me-and provided valuable experience and knowledge as to the needs and interests of all children.
In the necessarily short periods during which I visit each class in Harwich it is essential to provide ade- quate stimulation for the work the children do with crayon, paint and paper, or other media we might use. The motivation is based primarily on the interests which I have discovered in the school group as a whole. The essence of the work we do stems from the individual, beginning with the unit of the child-then on to the family. When an awareness of these two areas is reached, we move on to the social aspects of the child's life-his contacts at school, church, and in the town.
At times a verbal motivation is sufficient, but ob- viously it is not at all times the most interesting. Other means of stimulation are needed - the visual being one of the most important and effective. I have supple- mented our lessons with Kodachrome slides of scenes of Harwich and the surrounding towns. When the pupils see the places they know - in the color they remember - they gain a valuable source of ideas. Too printed photographs and illustrative material are good when used as source reference and not as copy matter.
One of the hardest problems with which I have been faced in the time I have been teaching here has been the development of creativity and originality in each individual - in both the elementary and the high school. This then has been the foundation for all the work we do in all classes. Relatively, what the chil- dren do with their materials is not so important as how it is done.
Progress, nevertheless, has definitely characterized the art work of pupils in this town. A sincere interest in art forms and a willingness to explore creative areas shown by the children in this field have made the teaching of this subject a satisfying and gainful ex- perience.
145
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Ralph I. Saunders
The study of music in Harwich begins in the first grade with all possible rhythmical combinations writ- ten on the blackboard. The pupils first clap these rhythms with their hands and later play them on the various instruments. This study is continued through the second grade with advanced rhythmical training.
Grade three begins the study of the symphonet and the pupils further develop their study of scales, tones and rhythms. They acquire co-ordination which is very necessary for the proper playing of any musical instrument. Grade four continues the study of the symphonet with concentration on part music. In ad- dition pupils in the fourth grade are allowed to choose an instrument to study and thus far the results have been very gratifying.
The beginners classes, which include grades four, five and six are as follows:
(8) Violins
(6) Trumpets
(1) Trombone
(7) Clarinets
(2) Flutes
(1) Drum
The Junior Orchestra, which at present is made up of sixth grade pupils has eleven members:
(2) Violins
(1) Flute
(6) Clarinets
(2) Trumpets
The High School Orchestra at present is very small, having eleven members. Graduation has undoubtedly had something to do with the dwindling numbers, but I have appealed to the parents to encourage this very worthwhile endeavor, and have urged the children not to discontinue studying their respective instru- ments upon entering High School. Three players from the orchestra have been selected to play with the New
146
England Orchestra which will play on April 15 at Springfield.
I would like to thank Mr. Morris, Mrs. Nickerson and all the teachers, pupils and parents for the splendid co-operation that has been extended to me this year.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH I. SAUNDERS, Supervisor of Instrumental Music
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC Webster Whitney Tileston
Town of Harwich :
Vocal music in the schools of Harwich continues to be a subject and study affording the boys and girls of all ages one of the greatest sources of pleasure and re- laxation through the medium of group participation.
Enthusiasm and quality of work in the grades rank particularly high, due in large part to the splendid work of the grade teachers as they drill during the week on the songs and problems that I have assigned.
In the Junior and Senior High music, results are not as spectacular due mainly to the fact that each group has music but the once-a-week that I visit the particular class. However, a continuing love for music is ap- parent in the high school groups and is being nurtured and developed by contact with some of the finer music and by use of records and music appreciation.
A vocal concert this coming spring by all grades - 1 through 12, will show in great part the high type of work and achievement of the past.
147
REPORTS OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS Arthur J. D'Elia, M. D.
All children in grades seven through twelve were examined and found to be, with few exceptions, in good physical condition. The only defects seemed to be minor ones which could be easily corrected - carious teeth, enlarged tonsils and defective posture.
Both girls and boys basketball squads were given extra examinations and both were found to be in good physical condition as a group.
Consultation with the Harwich Board of Health and the High School Principal revealed that there were no known cases of that dreaded disease, "Polio" in the Town of Harwich. Consequently there were no chil- dren in our schools found to be suffering from the after effects of this disease, such as muscular paralysis, etc. This past summer has witnessed one of the worst epi- demics of polio New England has ever known and we must be thankful that it did not touch our children in Harwich.
John P. Nickerson, M. D.
Scattered cases of mumps and an epidemic of chicken pox and measles during the past year had a marked effect on our school attendance. The wisdom of keep- ing the schools open during such periods was again proven to our satisfaction.
The routine examination showed better physical health than did last year's examination.
For the first time in the history of our schools, the first six grades are under one roof in a modern build- ing with as safe, sanitary and up-to-date conditions as can be found anywhere in the Commonwealth.
As has been said before, the purpose of the health program is to detect physical disability and disease and then to do all in our power to correct this condition; always remembering that prevention is better than cure. Good educational results can be obtained only in case the individual is in good physical condition. We must all strive to make the condition of good health a possession of every child.
148
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE Adelyn J. Peabody, R. N.
High School and Elementary Schools physical Ex- aminations by Drs. Nickerson and D'Elia, with nurse present. No serious corrections needed. Exercises in posture recommended.
Dental Examinations in High School and Elementary Schools, with nurse present.
Teeth our neediest correction.
Dental Clinics-20:
Children, Elementary Schools-81
High School-8
Children to Eye Clinic-3
Chest Clinic-3
Tonsil Clinic-1
Toxoid Clinic-39 school children; 9 pre-school; . 8 vaccinations
Children seen during the year - minor accidents and illnesses-225
Children taken home-50; check on vaccinations.
Epidemic of Chicken Pox - children checked as they returned to school.
Inspection of heads. Re-checks as needed.
Audiometer Tests in High School by Miss Whittaker
Children sent to Summer Camps:
Pocasset-3
Kiwanis (Camp Farley) -4
Standard Times Neediest Family Fund - at Christ- mas :
Toys distributed
5 families supplied with clothes, shoes and rubbers Salvation Army
2 families supplied with shoes and rubbers
Free lunches given by Harwich Visiting Nurse As- sociation
Salvation Army Harwichport Men's Club Harwich Grange Town of Harwich
149
Classes at High School in Home Nursing Bed Making Bathing the Baby
Dental Clinics are held every other week, with nurse present - averaging nine or ten children.
Home visits made as necessary.
SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1949
Five years or over and under seven
48
50
Seven years or over and under sisteen
177
180
225
230
Distribution of the Above Minors
In public day school membership :
Five years or over and under seven
64
Seven years or over and under sixteen
348
In private school membership:
Five years or over and under seven
Seven years or over and under sixteen
2
In State and County Institutions and Special Schools for Defectives and Delinquents : Five years or over and under seven
Seven years or over and under sixteen 4
Not enrolled in any day school : Five years or over and under seven 34
Seven years or over and under sixteen
3
150
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES October 1, 1949
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
28
31
59
2
31
27
58
3
19
21
40
4
20
21
41
5
19
26
45
6
19
22
41
284
7
26
21
47
8
16
13
29
9
19
13
32
10
16
17
33
11
12
13
25
12
13
17
*30
196
238
242
480
480
* 1 Postgraduate
TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP By Grades as of October, 1939-1949
Grade
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1
47
40
36
37
32
45
48
47
50
61
59
2
41
50
35
26
32
31
38
38
43
35
58
3
48
41
47
29
31
32
36
43
41
38
40
4
41
49
41
43
27
26
34
36
42
42
41
5
36
39
45
35
36
27
26
38
32
43
45
6
30
35
34
42
32
31
38
30
39
39
41
Ungraded 10
7
11
9
4
13
7
53
35
34
28
36
34
34
39
38
48
47
8
47
50
28
28
23
33
40
32
40
27
29
9
40
39
45
25
25
19
29
38
31
33
32
10
35
28
27
32
18
24
13
21
20
29
33
11
37
34
23
26
22
14
19
12
22
27
25
12
23
34
32
17
18
20
12
11
11
24
29
1
P.G.
2
1
7-12
235
222
189
157
142
144
147
153
162
188
196
1- 6
253
261
249
221
194
205
220
232
247
274
284
488
483
438
378
336
349
367
385
409
462
480
16
151
152
BROOKS MEDAL RECIPIENTS 1949
High School : Arthur I. Keefe, Jr .- Grade 12
Jr. High School :
Edna Baker-Grade 8
Elementary School :
Albertine Hardacker-Grade 6
Primary School :
Mary Mitchell-Grade 3
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1949-50
September 7, 1949 to December 23, 1949 January 3, 1950 to February 17, 1950 February 27, 1950 to April 14, 1950 April 24, 1950 to June 16, 1950
School Holidays
October 12, 1949-Wednesday, Columbus Day
October 26, 1949-Wednesday, Barnstable County Teacher's Meeting
November 11, 1949-Friday, Armistice Day
November 24 and 25, 1949-Thursday and Friday Thanksgiving Recess
December 24, 1949 to January 3, 1950, Christmas and New Year Holidays
*February 17, 1950 to Febrlary 27, 1950, Winter vacation
* April 14, 1950 to April 24, 1950-Spring vacation May 30, 1950-Tuesday, Memorial Day
*February 22 and April 19 are in vacation periods Harwich High School Graduation-Friday, June 9, 1950 Schools open for the year 1950-51 Wednesday, September 6, 1950.
A meeting of all teachers and supervisors will be held at the Harwich High School at 9:30 A.M. on Tues- day, September 5, 1950.
153
TEACHERS WHO HAVE LEFT HARWICH SCHOOL SERVICE DURING 1949
Length of Service
Dates of Service
in Harwich
David H. Meddaugh
9-8-1948 - 6-30-1949
1 year
Janice H. Moore
9-8-1948 - 6-30-1949
1 year
Frank F. Murtha
9-8-1948 - 6-30-1949
1 year
Thomas Nassi
1929 - 6-30-1949
20 years
!
CORPS OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 1949
Name
Position
·Prepar- ation
Service in
Harwich Began
Experience
prior to
9-1-'49
Home
Address
Paul A. Morris
High Principal High Assistant High Assistant
Springfield College Boston University
9-7-1949 10-1-1942
0
Milton
Scott A. Ellis
High Assistant
Hyannis Tchrs'
College 9-8-47
2
Sandwich
Mary C. Kelley
High Assistant
Regis College
9-8-1948
1
Beverly
Estelle Kimball
High Assistant
Radcliffe
9-8-1948
30
Harwich
Hillary M. LeClaire
High Assistant
Monson Academy
1-2-1919
34
Harwichport
Ada M. Lovering
High Assistant
Framingham
1927
31
Harwichport
Millicent C. Jarvis
High Assistant
Framingham
9-7-1949
0
Bourne
Anders R. Nelson
High Assistant
Fitchburg
9-1935
Centerville
Boston University
9-8-1947
2
Hyannis So. Dennis
Hilda P. Adams
Elem.
Assistant
Hyannis Normal
9-7-1949
10
Harwichport
Marion A. Burnham
Elem.
Assistant
Westfield Normal
9-8-1948
39
Harwichport
Cora D. Chase
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis Normal 1923
26
Harwichport
Gladys R. Crosby
Elem. Assistant
Oberlin College 9-4-1944
18
Harwich
Helen R. Drake
Elem. Assistant
20
Ellen K. Gott
Elem. Assistant
Bridgewater-Columbia 9-10-46 Hyannis Tchrs, College 9-7-49
18
Harriett C. Hall
Elem. Assistant
Fitchburg Tchrs, Col. 9-7-49
3
Elizabeth F. Miller
Elem. Assistant
Buffalo Tchrs, College 4-1-48
7 1/2
Harwich
Ethel M. Myshrall
Elem. Assistant
Portland Training 1925
46
Harwich
Ruth M. Nickerson
Elem. Assistant
Hyannis Normal
9-10-45
18
So. Harwich
Alberta T. Wicks
Elem. Assistant
Union Hill, N.J.
10-1-194
5 1/4
Harwichport
David O. Lynch
Guidance Dir.
Boston University
9-8-1947
8 Orleans
C. Aileen O'Toole
Art
Pratt Institute
9-8-1948
2 Orleans
Ralph I. Saunders
Inst. Music
N.E. Conserv. of Music 9-7-49
1 Eastham
Webster W. Tileston
Vocal Music
N.E. Conserv. of Music 1-2-4
17 Chatham
*Includes three years and three months in Military Service.
154
Patricia M. Rood
High Assistant Elem. Principal
Johnson, Vt.
1922
41
Harwich
William W. Fish, Jr.
High Assistant
University of Maine
Tufts College
9-1928 9-7-1949
27 0
Harwichport Lebanon, N. H.
Elizabeth L. Adamson
David W. Bailey
7
*14
Ethalene B. Nickerson
Harwich
2 mo. West Harwich yrs. Harwich
1
BROOKS FREE LIBRARY
0
0109 0078983 4
156
INDEX OF TOWN REPORT
Accountant's Report 11-24
Assessors' Report
8-10
Auditor's Report (State)
52-54
Caleb Chase Fund
76
Elementary School Building Comm.
78
Forest Warden and Fire Department
83-89
Forestry Department
66-67
Herring Committee
79
Highway Surveyor
77-78
Inspector of Plumbing
79
Inspector of Wires
81
List of Jurors
65
Police Department
62-63
School Comm. and Superintendent
124-154
Sealer of Weights and Measures
63-64
Tax Collector
49-51
Town Clerk's Report
82
Annual Town Meeting 1949
94-110
Births
111-115
Deaths
120-122
Marriages
116-119
Town Meeting Warrant for 1950
25-48
Town Officers
3-6
Treasurer's Report
80
Trustees of Brooks Free Library
69-71
Veteran's Services
67-68
Water Commissioner's Report
55-61
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