USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1930-1934 > Part 32
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which strike relentlessly at the very heart of education it- self. Neither the 121/2 percent reduction in teachers' sal- aries nor the practice of the strictest economy in the use of text books and supplies has lowered the high standard of teaching in the high school. In fact, the splendid spirit of the teachers manifests itself in their willingness to accept more work and greater responsibilities in order to render more effective service.
Within the last few years the number of boys of high school age attending state supported vocational schools has steadily increased. Our records since 1926 show that of the twenty-three boys who have entered such schools six- teen had attended and left Howard High School before graduation, twelve of these sixteen boys had failed in their high school work, and of these twelve boys six left the voca- tional school before the completion of their course. These facts, while important in themselves, are but a part of the larger problem of pupils leaving high school. Since 1921, 234 boys and girls have withdrawn from school. It is un- questionably true that through its lack of the proper facil- ities the school has failed in meeting the needs of the ma- jority of this group. To compete with the vocational schools by the installation of much costly equipment is not to be considered, but with the increasing responsibilities thrust upon the school by changes in our social, economic, and in- dustrial life, the vitalization of our present curriculum by the addition of new subject matter is not only desirable but is becoming more and more imperative. Similar recom- mendations have been made in almost every principal's report since 1922. The cirriculum need not be enriched at the present time, but as soon as the financial crisis in educa- tion is definitely passed, this problem of meeting the needs of a larger number of our boys and girls should be given serious consideration.
The plan of purchasing, out of funds raised by the
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school, instruments to be loaned to worthy students was given unusual encouragement by the generous and co- operative interest of the Trustees of the Howard Funds who made it financially possible to purchase a good sousaphone. The use of this instrument has aided greatly in the building up of a well balanced orchestra.
In as much as matters of high school policy and ad- ministration have been discussed at some length in my previous reports, I wish to direct attention to but one change. For the first time this year the orchestra practice and instruction period of one hour a week has been placed upon the same basis as all other regular classes. Hitherto, a pupil musically inclined, attended the class in orchestra only when other school activities did not interfere. This new arrangement eliminates all conflicts and creates splen- did conditions under which this important work may be carried on more effectively.
In conclusion, I thank you, the School Committee, the Howard Trustees, the teachers, and friends for the loyal support given me.
NILS G. LINDELL, Principal.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Supt. Ernest W. Robinson,
West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I take pleasure in submitting my annual report as music supervisor in the schools of West Bridgewater.
The usual routine of class instruction has been carried on throughout the schools. With one or two exceptions,
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where conditions have been crowded and special adjust- ments were necessary, the classes have moved along very regularly.
In the lower grades there have been lessons for the de- velopment and stressing of phrase sense also for quicker sight reading. Children are inclined to see and read note by note rather than groups of notes. The same method is advocated in music reading as in story reading.
In September many inquiries were made regarding the continuance of the glee clubs at the high school. These inquiries came not only from those students who were mem- bers last year but from others who wished to join this year.
Last spring all the schools participated in a pageant in observance of music week. All phases of music as taught in school were presented: rhythm, melody, harmony, sing- ing games, folk dancing, toy symphony, and high school orchestra. After all expenses were met a profit of $34.80 was realized. This money is being spent to further an ap- preciation of music. A book of music stories has been placed in each school and records have been purchased to carry on an introductory course in music appreciation. Already those pupils who are labelled "teacher's problem" are showing a marked interest.
Children's minds are plastic and if they are taught to listen to good music during their early school years they will develop a love for the best and become more selective in the choice of their radio entertainments, more critical of second rate performances. What the music of the future in our country is to be lies in the hands of our boys and girls. Dr. Walter Damrosch, Dean of American Music, realizes this when he makes his weekly broadcasts reaching six million school children every Friday morning. We must never for- get that we are developing the child into a being who will love, understand and greatly desire beauty as expressed in music.
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The utilization of leisure time is a problem of the future and music is destined to play a great part in the solution of this problem. No one would dream of putting into the hands of children a reader containing cheap dialect, poor English, coarse jokes or foolish love stories. Yet these are unthink- ingly admitted in song form where their influence is more pernicious than in reading. In this day of radio I am not so concerned with what the child will do with music as with what music will do to him.
Through the efforts of Miss MacDonald the pupils of the seventh and eighth grades at the Center School have the opportunity of listening to Dr. Damrosch on Friday morning. I wish this could be made more general through- out the schools in town. Dr. Damrosch is an outstanding figure in the country today. Through him, the present gen- eration, for the past five years, has had a wonderful oppor- tunity for becoming acquainted with most of the great com- posers ; for listening to and learning about the best music of all times. Hearing Walter Damrosch speak over the radio one feels his genial personality, his sincerity and earnest- ness, and his deep desire to make the youth of American music lovers.
In closing may I say the supervisor is always conscious of the future of the boys and girls in her classes. A turn in the wrong direction may mean wrecked ideals, weak char- acter, undesirable citizenship. Sometimes in the classroom discussions arise and we digress from the work in hand, but I feel primarily I am a teacher and that no strictly adhered to course of study can supply that teaching personality that sympathizes with, inspires and draws out in a child the latent possibilities to grow into more highly developed being.
Yours respectfully,
LOIS J. SNOW,
Music Supervisor.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee:
During the year 1933 Dr. Ellis LeLacheur examined all the school children including the high school. There is a marked decrease in physical defects in high school pupils. Four notices were sent for tonsil and adenoid defects. Per- mits were granted to play basketball, physical condition permitting. Doubtful cases were referred to the family physician.
Twenty-three children had tonsil and adenoid opera- tions at the Goddard Hospital clinic.
Conferred with representative from Division of Tu- berculosis to plan time for re-x-raying. Assisted with this work November 22nd. Fifteen are followed up in this clinic.
Conferred with Seal Sale Committee relative to sending children to camp. Two children were sent to Plymouth County Camp for eight weeks, each contributing a share of expenses. One tonsil and adenoid case was paid for by this Committee.
Eight retarded children were examined at the psychi- atric clinic to ascertain their ability. Conferred with parents and took histories on these cases.
Red Cross Relief furnished milk to undernourished and needy children. Every case was carefully investigated. Forty-four school children benefitted for a period of four months at a cost of over $250. Clothing, new and second- hand, was distributed. Forty pairs of shoes were bought.
Children were excluded from school with impetigo, pink eye, sore throats, infected sores, and any contagious or contacts of disease. No child returned to school after three days' absence without a certificate from the School Doctor.
Unfortunately schools were closed for a period of one week in May because of scarlet fever; there were fifteen
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cases, mostly in the Matfield district. There was an epi- demic of chicken pox in this same school. Careful watch is always kept by teachers, and suspicious cases of contagion are investigated by the nurse.
Home visits were made upon request and advice was given to secure relief. Referred several cases to other social agencies or to the local welfare board for attention. Two hundred eighty-seven visits were made. There are three . children with defective hearing. All having defective vision have been corrected.
Attended the Annual Hygiene Conference at the State Teachers' College, also the South Shore Nurses' Club.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, School Nurse.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1933 Howard Hall, June twenty-first
PROGRAM
1. March-"Pomp and Chivalry" Charles J. Roberts Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Rev. Gerald Fitzpatrick
3. Music-"I Love a Little Cottage" O'Hara
Howard High School Girls' Glee Club
4. Address-"What Next? A Challenge to Youth" Professor Clarence R. Skinner Tufts College
5. Music-"Kiss of Spring" Rolfe
Howard High School Chorus
6. Presentation of Class Gift Anna Anderson President of Class of 1933
7. Acceptance for School Leon Beldon President of Class of 1934
8. Scholarship and Honor Awards Parent-Teacher Scholarship Washington and Franklin Medal Principal Nils G. Lindell
9. Music-"Victory Overture" Emil Ascher
Howard High School Orchestra
10. Presentation of Diplomas Harold S. Lyon Chairman of School Committee
11. Class Ode Words by Hulda Hackenson
Senior Class
12. Benediction Reverend Gerald Fitzpatrick
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CLASS ODE
Words by Hulda Hackenson Tune: Sweet Genevieve Kind friends, who here with us convene, We soon must leave this happy scene ; To Howard High we bid adieu, To all our friends and teachers, too. We're off-our journey's sail to set ; Thy teachings we shall ne'er forget. Now we must turn in 'Thirty-three To look to someone else but thee.
Chorus
Oh Howard High, in memory's shrine Our fondest thoughts shall e'er be thine. To thee, our school, our praises ring- To thee our farewell song we sing.
Four years we've had to struggle through With aid of all our teachers true; 'Til never more thy halls shall be Trod by the class of 'Thirty-three. Dear Alma Mater, as we partt, We pledge from loyal hearts. The schoolhouse on the hill we'll view, And in our dreams return to you.
MOTTO-Hit; don't fan
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GRADUATES
Commercial Course
Paul G. Asack Dorothy Baker Robert Bisemore Warren K. Broman
Alice Virginia Chadwick Hulda Marie Hackenson Mary L. Hayes Mary Margaret Mello
Amy E. Reid
College Course
Anna Anderson
William Clyde Hurley
Lena May Canavan
Sarah D. Ensher
Elisabeth Jean Raymond Richard A. Raymond
Kendall W. Reynolds
General Course
Doris Evelyn Chadwick
Ethel M. Johnson
Irene E. Johnson
Vera R. Katwick
Lorine E. Wilbur
Technical Course
Loring B. Anderson John P. Burque
CLASS OFFICERS
President, Anna Anderson
Vice-President, Richard Raymond Secretary, Virginia Chadwick Treasurer, Amy Reid
Class Colors, Green and White
Class Flower, American Beauty Rose
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1934
SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
P.G. Totals
Howard High
52
36
30
21
2
141
Center VIII
41
41
Center VII
52
52
Center V-VI
10
38
Center IV-V
25
39
Center III
22
22
Center I-II
13
18
31
Sunset Ave. VI-VII
23
17
40
Sunset Ave. IV-V
21
24 !
45
Sunset Ave. II-III
26
21
47
Sunset Ave. I
35
35
Matfield IV-V-VI
14
8
10
32
Matfield I-II-III
12
11
11
34
Cochesett IV-V-VI
14
11
11
36
Cochesett I-II-III
8
5
8
21
5
6
3
3
7
24
73
66
65
77
74
72
69
41
52
36
30
21
2
678
170
Jerusalem I-V
28
14
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TEACHING FORCE, 1933-1934 Howard High School
Nils G. Lindell
Arthur L. Frellick
Margaret Hayes
Naomi White
Edna L. Currier
Miriam G. May
Clarice J. Weeden
Principal Science Commercial Commercial Languages English History
Center School
Rose L. MacDonald-Principal
Grade 8
Margarette Riley
Elinore Spencer
Elizabeth Eastman
Grades 4 and 5
Miriam T. Hall
Grade 3
Gertrude A. Pillsbury
Grades 1 and 2
Sunset Avenue School
Theresa Miller-Principal
Grades 6 and 7
Grace Dashoff
Grades 4 and 5 Grades 2 and 3
Elizabeth Worthing
Grade 1
Matfield School
Ellen Kett-Principal
Grades 4, 5, 6
Gertrude Ward
Grades 1, 2, 3
Cochesett School
Margaret Toomey-Principal
Priscilla Smith
Grades 4, 5, 6 Grades 1, 2, 3
Jerusalem School
Winifred Darling Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Supervisor
Lois J. Snow
Music
Grade 7 Grades 5 and 6
Mildred MacDonald
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
1933-1934
First term-16 weeks, opens September 6, closes De- cember 22, 1933.
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 2, closes Feb- ruary 23, 1934.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 5, closes April 27, 1934.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 7, closes June 22, 1934.
1934-1935
First term-16 weeks, opens September 5, closes De- cember 21, 1934.
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 2, closes Feb- ruary 21, 1935.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 4, closes April 26, 1935.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 6, closes June 21, 1935.
HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day, October 12, 1934.
Armistice Day, November 11, 1934.
Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1935.
Patriots' Day, April 19, 1935.
Memorial Day, May 30, 1935.
VACATIONS
Thanksgiving recess begins November 21 at noon, closes November 26, 1934.
Christmas recess begins December 21, at noon, closes January 2, 1935.
February recess begins February 21, closes March 4, 1935.
Spring recess begins April 26, closes May 6, 1935.
Finance Committee Report
In accordance with the vote of the last annual Town meeting a new committee was named, consisting of seven appointive members serving as the executive board, and the selectmen as advisory members. Upon organization of the committee, it was voted to hold monthly meetings through- out the year and this plan we believe has been beneficial to all members of the committee. Usually one or more de- partment heads have met with the committee and dis- cussed their work. A monthly report of expenditures and receipts is expected from the town accountant and in this way the members become familiar with the expenses and financial standing of the town through the year.
1933 will long be remembered as a year when economy in local government was mandatory in order to meet the needs of those who could not obtain employment in usual lines of work. The call for help was answered partly by the local welfare department and partly through the C. W. A. projects. Even with this Federal aid the expense of our welfare department was considerably more than ever before. The need for economy still exists although all are hoping for better conditions during the coming year.
With the aid of the assessors the committee has at- tempted to determine as accurately as possible the antici- pated income of the Town and the probable levies by State and County on the Town. According to the information ob- tainable at this time, the net result of these figures will
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probably be about the same as in 1933. In other words, the total appropriations of 1934 as compared with those of 1933 will change the tax rate accordingly.
The total appropriations for 1933 were $115,158.66. We recommend for departmental expenses (as shown in "Table of Comparison" which follows) a total of $106,540.30, and for articles in the warrant a total of $2,766.75. The entire amount recommended for 1934 is $109,307.05, a reduction of $5,851.61 compared with the total appropriation of 1933. If the voters choose to follow our recommendations, it appears possible to expect a slightly reduced tax rate for the year 1934.
The C. W. A. projects have greatly helped in furnishing employment, and at the same time have raised some prob- lems for town officials to solve, especially as regards high- ways. Several roads have been gravelled largely by C. W. A. funds; some of these should be topped with a permanent surface as soon as possible. The road committee report calls attention to other roads that should be black topped. There are some of the roads that have a permanent top that should be receiving another coating to preserve them. However, the town can afford to appropriate a certain sum for all road work and this must be distributed partly to topping and partly to other work; else if topping alone is done, labor will receive a comparatively small part of the appropriation and we are still faced with the unemployment problem for a number of our citizens. Other than the South Elm St. con- struction called for in the warrant, we believe all road work should be done under the general highway appropriation.
At the suggestion of the selectmen and street superin- tendent, the appropriation for highways, sidewalks and street signs and bridges are combined into one sum. The feeling was that the necessary allotment to each purpose could be best handled in this way.
The committee does not recommend the construction of
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additional permanent sidewalks on West Centre St. until the question of rebuilding this street is definitely settled, as the grade and width of the street are subject to change. The extension of the "hot mix" type of surface on sidewalks is an open question. It is a costly surfacing and it is our hope that some other type of satisfactory surfacing can be developed by our superintendent at a less cost.
In the case of East St. the conditions prevailing are much like some of our other streets. The street should be properly drained before being surfaced or else the money will be thrown away. We are, therefore, not recommending a black top for this road until the drainage problem is taken care of.
The largest single appropriation of the Town is for our School department. The School committee's budget contem- plates a larger outlay than last year for repair work on the school buildings. We have recommended an increase of $1,600 over the appropriation of last year to take care of these repairs. It is the understanding of the finance com- mittee, that it may be possible to improve the heating and sanitary conditions of some of the School buildings through further C. W. A. projects. If this is true, we believe it wise for the Town to appropriate an amount sufficient to pay for the materials required for these much needed improve- ments, if C. W. A. funds will pay for the labor. A check-up of the present conditions in some of our schools should con- vince anyone of the desirability of such an outlay.
Another department requiring a large appropriation is Public Welfare. This is probably the most difficult to ad- minister to the satisfaction of the citizens at large. Appli- cants for aid should be given courteous and kindly treat- ment, even though a firm stand must be taken in unjust calls for help. With improving conditions, calls on this de- partment should gradually reduce. A careful check-up is necessary to determine the merits of each case, and we sug-
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gest to the Welfare Board serious consideration of the ad- visability of employing a part time investigator in our Town. Other towns around us are finding this a helpful and profit- able solution of some of their welfare problems.
The Library appropriation is not large, partly because of help received from Trust funds, and we are recommend- ing a slight increase this year, in view of the phenomenal increase in the use of our Library.
For years the Fire department has been handicapped by lack of hose. Last year an additional appropriation for hose was asked for in the warrant, and was voted. We are recommending a similar sum as an addition to the Fire de- partment appropriation.
For the Police department we recommend a substantial increase over the past year's expenses. One reason for this is, that in the past the telephone expense of the police work has been charged into the Fire department and we believe this should be corrected. The main reason, however, is that the police are faced with increasing difficulties in crime and traffic control and we feel this increase is justifiable.
For Treasurer and Collector, we recommend an increase over last year's appropriation. The expenses of this de- partment have been larger than past years because of tax sales and the probability of further sales this year justify the increase.
An analysis of the Collector's report will show the total of uncollected taxes on real and personal property slightly higher than a year ago. Although enforced collection has reduced materially the taxes owing to the previous 1933 Jevy, the outstanding amount of this levy is higher than the amount of the 1932 levey outstanding in last year's figures, leaving the total higher than a year ago.
In addition, Poll taxes extending over at least four years' levies, amounting to over $1,400; Old Age Assistance taxes back to 1931, amounting to over $500; and Motor
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Vehicle Excise taxes extending back to 1929, amounting to $6,740.97 are carried on the balance sheet as Assets of the Town. This situation we believe is inexcusable. These three classes of taxation are supposed to be paid within a comparatively short time from commitment. In the case of the Excise tax, if the party can afford to put a motor vehicle onto the highway and operate it, he can pay the Excise tax, and in most cases would do so if the collection of the tax was followed up promptly. As a result of allowing the col- lection to drift along, quite a substantial amount of the Excise taxes may have to eventually be abated, if permis- sion can be obtained from the State commissioner of taxa- tion. Abatements, however, do not pay town bills.
As taxpayers, all of us should have in mind that our taxes are assessed to pay our proportionate share of the Town expenses. Town bills for 1933 have been paid partly by borrowed money, and these loans must be repaid from the taxes of the year against which the loans were made. The large amount of outstanding taxes in our Town has in- fluenced the attitude of some of the usual sources of bor- rowed money during the past year. Steps must be taken by the responsible Town officials to make sure that the default of Town loans such as happened this last year is not repeated.
The total of Water Rates outstanding is over 50% greater than a year ago, being $10,517.43 at the end of 1933. One of the contributing causes is that no real effort has been made to collect past due amounts. One of the Town by-laws requires the Collector to make a report every three months to the Water Board of all overdue rates. Then, it is up to the Water Board to enforce collection. No such re- port has been made during the entire year. Such a situation should not be allowed to continue.
We understand a new system of keeping the record of water bills has been set up by the Collector during the last
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few months. Under this system the balance due from each water taker can easily be found, if entries are kept up-to- date. This should make it possible to keep the Water Board informed as to collections, especially at the end of each quarter.
Owing to the failure of the Water Board to function as a united body, we believe the Town is not receiving the full benefit it should from this department. The budget for the year should have been prepared by the entire board, and the expenditures of this department should be passed upon in the same way. More care should be exercised in making up the commitments to see that they are correct. The method of preparing water bills should be revised so that the total amount owed would be shown on each consumer's bill when sent out. We are sure this would be helpful in collecting past due amounts.
One of the articles in the warrant requests the appro- priation of a sum of money from Surplus Water Revenue to lay pipe on Turnpike St. We do not recommend taking this amount of money from Surplus Revenue of the Water de- partment. The need of the residents on this street for an adequate water supply prompts the committee to suggest, however, that if this work could be done as a C. W. A. pro- ject with the labor expense paid by Federal funds, the Town might purchase the necessary amount of pipe to do this work. If the Water Board considers 4-inch pipe large enough for this comparatively short extension, the money for pipe is now available in the "Less than 6-inch main" balance in the Town treasury.
During the last year the committee (including the Selectmen) have found it impossible to obtain from the Town Accountant an up-to-date report of Town receipts. Meeting as we have on the second Thursday of each month, we have felt it reasonable to ask for a report of expenses and receipts of the previous month. The expense report on
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