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 7
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$840.93
Refunds
7.07
Audit Adjustments
14.02
$862.02
Payments to Treasurer
$650.69
Abatements
158.38
Audit Adjustment
5.25
Outstanding December 31, 1930
47.50
$862.02
151
WATER RATES-1929
Outstanding January 1, 1930
$4,472.24 21.52
Audit Adjustments
$4,493.76
Payments to Treasurer
$4,187.39
Abatements
56.63
Abatement 1929 entered as 1928
12.27
Cash on hand December 31, 1930
12.50
Outstanding December 31, 1930
224.97
$4,493.76
WATER RATES-1930
Commitments per Warrants
$20,787.30
Refunds
8.45
$20,795.75
Payments to Treasurer
$17,336.91
Abatements
133.45
Warrant in excess of list
119.15
Outstanding December 31, 1930
3,206.24
$20,795.75
CATHERINE M. HOWARD, Collector.
Report of Highway Department
I herewith submit the annual report of the Superin- tendent of Streets. The work of the Highway Department the past year has been along the same lines as the pre- vious year. Our scraping and dragging being started in the spring and carried on during the summer and fall.
As in the past years the greater part of our work has been the re-gravelling of the streets that we considered were in a poor condition.
We have gravelled Streets the past year as follows:
Progressive Avenue, 350 ft .; Pleasant Street, 800ft .; Scotland Street, 2,600 ft .; Ash Street, 850 ft .; East Street, 1000 ft .; Manley Street, 1,200 ft .; Spring Street, 900 ft .; River Street, 750 ft.
We have replaced some of the old stone culverts with concrete and iron pipe. During the year every street in the Town has received some attention as to gravel, Tarvia, or other surface treatment. The appropriation for a "Tarvia Top" on South Street was expended and almost 4,000 feet was re-surfaced. Union Street was made a Tarvia Top street also.
We distributed 30 tons of Calcium Chloride on the dirt and gravel roads. A black top side-walk was build on West Centre Street, from Howard Street to Elm Square. There was a similar walk built on No. Elm Street, from Sunset Avenue to Brooks Place.
The walks on River Street were repaired with gravel
153
Much work was done on the walks in Cochesett on West Centre Street.
A great amount of work was put in repairing and painting railings and sign posts. Also putting up new ones. A seal coat of asphalt and sand was given East Street, from East Centre Street to the end.
Would recommend that an appropriation be made to seal the rest of East Street, as built. Also Walnut and Man- ley Streets.
The working equipment of this department is the same as in the previous year.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL A. PENPRAESE, Superintendent of Streets.
Report of the West Bridgewater Street and Highway Safety Committee, Branch of the Governor's Street and Highway Safety Committee.
This local branch, subservient to the present organization held its first meeting on November 8th, 1929, in the Town Hall. James A. Hemenway was elected Chairman with Dr. E. S. LeLacheur as Secretary, the latter resigning December 12th, when Robert A. Roberts was elected as his successor.
Since November 8th, 1929, monthly meetings have been held, where all phases of danger on the streets and highways were discussed and methods devised to eliminate any exist- ing conditions as far as possible, within the jurisdiction of the town. Dangerous corners, bad curves, crossings, ob- structions of view at dangerous corners and the like were all discussed and properly taken care of; School buses were let- tered as such, when conveying pupils to and from School, education in safety to scholars in the Schools through per- sonal contact addresses, in co-operation with the Superinten- dent, principals and teachers and in circularizing with printed matter from time to time.
This work started and still continues with the sincere purpose to avert accident and save the lives of drivers of automobiles and pedestrians, not only for those in our com-
155
munity whom we know and love, but for the stranger who might use our streets and highways, and by the records in the town has proved as a safeguard, a most worthy effort and full of promise.
Very sincerely,
JAMES A. HEMENWAY, Chairman, ROBERT A. ROBERTS, Secretary, WARREN P. LAUGHTON, ERVIN W. LOTHROP, ADOLPHUS ELDRIDGE, CRISTOPHER READ, JOHN SEGAR,
Committee.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1930
AH.WILLIS PRINTER HØIDOLWATER MASS
MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Edwin H. Thayer, Chairman
Mrs. Corelli Alger, Secretary
Term expires 1933 Term expires 1931
Harold S. Lyon
Term expires 1932
Mrs. Edith M. Alger
Term expires 1932
Dr. W. C. Whiting
Frank G. Chadwick
Term expires 1931 Term expires 1933
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in Room 4, Town Offices, on the second Monday of each month, July and August excepted, at 7.45 P. M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Ernest W. Robinson
Office, Howard High School Tel. Brockton 5094.
Residence, 45 Howard Street, West Bridgewater Tel. Brockton 4708-R
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Ellis S. Lelacheur
Dr. Walter C. Whiting
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER Irving W. Lothrop
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater :
We submit our annual report, in accordance with cus- tom, in which are presented the activities of the various departments of the educational system of the town. The re- ports of the Superintendent of Schools and different sup- ervisors discuss in detail the problems met with in the course of the year, and present information of definite value to every interested citizen. The itemized financial state- ment will be found in the report of the Town Accountant, and a budget recommendation appended to this report.
We have suffered fewer losses in the teaching staff than in 1929-30, and have been fortunate in replacing such losses by teachers who are proving their fitness for their work in their several positions. We feel that working condi- tions have been improved very much at Sunset Avenue where leadership is an important factor in its direction and control. The installation of a telephone in this building has been of benefit to parents and school officials.
REPAIRS
New curtains have been placed in several buildings, and minor repairs done at Jerusalem and Matfield. The major repairs for the year however, had to be done at Cochesett, where additional lighting space was supplied by adding several windows on the south side on both floors.
4
The building was painted inside and out, the fire escape substantially reenforced, and two shade trees that inter- fered with the light in the school removed. This was our most expensive repair bill for the year but the improved appearance, and increased efficiency have warranted the outlay.
The Howard High School has benefited by the action of the Trustees who have spent money freely in several class- rooms, offices and gymnasium, particularly in the last nam- ed, where a remodelled, workable floor space now offers an attractive room for the various recreational and sport ac- tivities of the High School pupils. We herewith express our appreciation of the generous action of the Trustees, in help- ing to increase the efficiency of the School.
The schools have been well administered during the past year under the capable supervision of our Superintend- ent whose wide experience in educational organization has been effectively brought to bear on all our local problems. We feel that we have passed a successful year.
The following appropriations for the current year are recommended :
General Control
$4,400.00
Teachers' Salaries
31,800.00
Books and Supplies
2,400.00
Janitors' Service
2,400.00
Fuel and Light
2,300.00
Maintenance and Repairs
1,000.00
Transportation
3,800.00
Tuition
825.00
School Nurse
950.00
Miscellaneous
100.00
Total
$49,975.00
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee:
I take pleasure in submitting herewith my second an- nual report in which a brief statement is made of the needs, and conditions of the various departments of school activity.
The teacher loss for the 1930-31 school year numbered five as against nine of the preceding period. Four of these losses were in the grades and one in the Commercial Depart- ment of the High School. The Sunset Avenue School was most affected, three teachers, including the principal having to be replaced. The wisdom of the Board's judgment in transferring Mrs. Miller, a teacher of long and successful experience in upper grade work at the Center School to the Sunset Avenue principalship has been amply proven by her capable leadership, and skilful handling of the many admin- istrative problems that such a position demands.
In the Cochesett School, Miss Margaret Toomey was transferred to the principalship, and Miss Grace Dashoff appointed to the lower grades. At Matfield, Miss Miriam Hall who was transferred to the Center, was succeeded as principal by Miss Ellen Kett, an experienced and successful teacher. The results of these various transfers and replace- ments have been very satisfactory. The spirit of coopera- tive effort is marked, with a corresponding productivity of classroom results, and maintenance of harmonious and
6
effective working conditions throughout the entire school system.
Diagnostic and achievement tests given in the upper grades have furnished interesting and informative data which can be of service in the adjustment of teaching em- phasis, wherever the necessity is revealed by the test rec- ords. In the future it is planned to use these tests to an increasing degree, in the effort not to standardize results, but to equalize the emphasis, for better balance of teaching method.
The textbook situation is very much improved over the preceding year, which in turn was an improvement over the year before. New material at periodic intervals is essential to the progress of pupils. This material is being published each year in the form of increasingly attractive textbooks which are based on sound principles of pedagogy, and make for more effective work on the part of teachers, and greater interest on the part of pupils, by bringing the subject mat- ter of teaching up to date.
In the matter of improved accomodations, the Coches- ett School stands first. Here were two rooms with insuffic- ient lighting, caused in part by inadequate window space, and in part by the close proximity of large shade trees in the school yard. By removing two of these trees nearest the building, and adding extra window space, on both floors, the former dark, gloomy rooms have been transformed into places of light and cheerfulness, and the monthly electric light bills, perceptibly reduced.
At the Howard High School the Trustees of the How- ard Fund have improved working conditions very noticeably, by having durable lineoleum floor covering laid in several rooms, painting the walls of the classrooms and principal's office, and thoroughly remodelling the gymnasium to make it an attractive and up to date place for recreation and in- door sports and athletic exercises. Its increased use already
7
has proved the value of this generous action of the Trustees.
The year as a whole has been one of material improve- ment and educational progress in bettered working condi- tions and the maintenance of an excellent spirit of service throughout the school system. The progressive attitude of the School Board toward educational problems presented to them has been an unfailing help in all administrative activities, for which appreciation is here expressed.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST W. ROBINSON, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Ernest W. Robinson, Superintendent of Schools, West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In submitting my fourth report as Principal of Howard High School, I wish to direct attention to improvements which have been made in the High School plant under the direction of the Trustees of the Howard Funds. During the summer vacation of offices were modernized by a complete renovation. Unnecessary, cumbersome shelves were remov- ed from the inner office walls, delapidated paper blackboards were taken down from the outer office walls, unsightly,use- less gas fixtures were eliminated, all wood surfaces were re- newed, all walls were refinished with a cream colored paint, and the rough splintered floors covered with battleship lino- leum. The transformation was so pleasing and effective
8
that it has prompted many favorable and enthusiastic com- ments by pupils, teachers, and visitors alike. The offices, which are now more in keeping with the fine old traditions of our stately school building than ever before, are truly the administrative and inspirational centers not of only the High School staff itself, but of the entire school system.
A second improvement vital to School life and morale is manifested in the changing over of the old gymnasium for interscholastic basketball use. Here, the tearing out of the two locker rooms and the connecting stage, the laying of flooring over the space thus uncovered, the removal of ob- structing uprights which were once parts of now obsolete gymnasium equipment, the introduction of sturdy, rigid backboards, the alteration of protruding steampipes, the installation of modern illumination with the electrical fix- tures set out of the way in the ceiling, the construction of permanent and unusually comfortable bleachers accomo- dating 150 spectators, the screening of all windows, the placing of two drinking fountains in the basement hall, and the partitioning off of a portion of the lunch room for a girls' dressing room gives some notion as to the magnitude and the completeness of the task achieved. But few teams we play can boast of a better basketball floor. This improve- ment, from an educational and administrative point of view, is one of the most outstanding constructive pieces of work accomplished in years. Because of the richness of opportun- ities for development of leadership, initiative, cooperation, reliability, honesty, and kindred traits in the wide field of extra-curriculum activities, the school has supported, strongly, an extensive program of extra-classroom work. A natural and obvious corollary to such a policy normally dictates that all school activities should be held within the school building under the school's supervision, in so far as it is practical and possible to do so. The remodeled gymnas- ium makes possible a step in the right direction-the con-
9.
ducting of our basketball games and practices on a good floor in our school plant. Furthermore, the necessity for annually petitioning for the use of the Town Hall, which rightly should not be utilized for basketball play anyway, is eliminated together with the usual attendant delays, ex- cesses of expenditures in arranging games, imperfect sched- ules, and inconvenient practice periods. I can assure you that the pupils and teachers alike appreciate what has been done for them.
The total enrollment on the first day of school, Septem- ber 8, 1930, was 136. On January 2, 1931 our registers gave the following figures:
Boys
Girls
Total
Seniors
8
10
18
Juniors
23
15
38
Sophomores
17
21
38
Freshman
19
26
45
Post-Graduates
0
0
0
Total
67
72
139
This slight increase in total membership over last year is due primarily to a decrease in the number of pupils fail- ing to return after the termination of the summer vacation.
From time to time our schedule of extra-curricula ac- tivities has been extended to a degree which last year, showed marked indications of over-emphasizing this phase at the expense of other school work. A review of the whole situation revealed the following generally unfavorable tend- encies: (1) the lowering of subject achievement grades, (2) the business of most activities being carried on by a com- paratively small group, (3) the overloading of pupils out- side of class time, (4) the confusion arising from unavoid- able conflict, and (5) the failure of deriving values war- ranting the time expended. With these objections in mind,
10
this year the two magazine drives were combined into one, and the Athletic Association play and the school operetta are to be discontinued. Consistent with the size of our school, this change of policy leaves a fairly well-rounded program consisting of the orchestra, the school magazine, "The Climber," the Girls' League, the Senior Class play, basketball and baseball.
The problem of properly displaying the American flag outside of the building without danger to life or damage to the flag was disposed of when the Class of 1930 presented the school a 50-foot steel pole. Later several High School boys volunteered to act as flag custodians. It is extremely gratifying to observe the unusually fine service these boys are rendering.
In concluding, I wish to thank you, the teachers, and the Trustees for the loyal support accorded me.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL,
January 23, 1931.
Principal.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Superintendent of Schools,
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Music in the Public Schools of West Bridgewater.
In September we had in the High School chorus, an elective membership of one hundred and twenty-four. This is a marked indication of the interest in music. In May, we presented the operetta "Sailor Maids." While the stu-
11
dents were desirous of having an operetta it was presented under great difficulties. There are so many varied interests and activities in a High School of this size it is almost im- possible to find a convenient time for rehearsing. It was de- cided to have no operetta this coming year.
In addition to the regular book for chorus work we have acquired a set of "101 Best Songs." These contaîn very valuable and inspirational material for general assem- bly singing. There are many selections suitable for special occasions which are not contained in the regular chorus book.
A definite aim for quick sight-reading has been made in all the grades and a marked improvement has resulted.
Beginning with the little children in the first grade, great care and attention are required to cultivate the light, smooth, flute-like head tones. Many children find it diffi- cult to distinguish this singing voice from the speaking voice. During the first year the chief aim is an intelligently directed effort to eliminate the monotones, to increase the rhythmic sense, to cultivate careful aural attention, to stim- ulate a love for beautiful music through emotional expres- sion. Tonal differences and relations are presented through the rote song and therein lies the basis for future techni- cal work.
This is the foundation which must be thoroughly and accurately laid and this is of the most vital importance in the future training of the child. Where it can be easily arranged I would recommend that the departmental method in music be followed. This would be giving to the child the best talent available. The outline of work for each grade could thus be more closely connected and followed.
There is always a little difficulty in the introduction of part-singing. The sopranos and altos unconsciously vie with one another in volume of sound. There is no thought of tone blending for harmony. The singing is harsh, discord-
12
ant and blatant. This, of course, is corrected whenever it occurs. A frequent testing when the singing is flat de- velops an alertness and a concentration for recognition and accuracy of absolute pitch.
The problem of placing the changing boy voice is al- ways with us in the upper elementary grades. Some author- ities do not approve of boys singing during this period of transition. Others favor a continued use of the changing voice in its very limited range but under careful supervis- ion. There is just as much harm done by forcing for low notes as in striving to reach high. Carefully directed guid- ance allows of no strain. Ease in singing is a good indica- tion of proper placement.
Throughout the system an effort has been made to en- courage more independent work on the part of the individ- ual. I feel very strongly that the regular music period should be devoted to the training and educating of the boys and girls and not to entertaining them. I feel this the more keenly when I realize the effortless ease with which the present generation takes in its music. We, as teachers of music, wonder what will be the outcome. The persons whose entire recreation time is spent in "taking in" rather than in participating or creating will soon become bored and will go in search of new thrills. The greatest joy and under- standing and appreciation come in the doing. It is our duty, first, to enrich the child's present life ; and second, to enrich his later life. Music must be a permanent joy to him in adulthood.
In closing, I wish to thank you, and the School Com- mittee and the teachers for the courteous help and en- couragement I have received.
Respectfully yours,
LOIS J. SNOW,
Supervisor of Music.
13
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit my annual report.
Every child was examined by the School Physician, also inspections were made at intervals to discover skin diseases, pediculosis and eruptions. 61 notices were sent out for defective tonsils and adenoids. Eight notices sent for other physical defects.
Five cases of scarlet fever were reported. Over 50 cases of Whooping cough. Six cases of diphtheria were re- ported.
In October, 1923 nearly 300 children received the Schick Test through the Board of Health and State Depart- ment of Health. Many parents are taking this remedial pre- caution now done at their own expense recognizing that they thus avoid unnecessary economic loss and also benefit- ing their children. Because of direct contact with diphther- ia November 20, 1930, 112 throat cultures were taken at the Center School, all proved negative. School rooms were fumi- gated and other necessary precautions taken. One case of diphtheria was reported three weeks later. It is desirable at this time to bring to your attention the need of more Schick treatments.
At the present time there are 25 children 10% or more underweight. A total of nine more were examined at South Hanson Hospital. These cases all needed immediate atten- tion. Some went eight weeks to health camps. A good boarding home was found for two contacts, two were ad- mitted to the County Hospital and other changes were made with reports of improvement. Four children moving from other towns where the Chadwick Clinic had been held were
14
re-examined by State Doctors, also X-rayed and reported improved.
Four were reported with defective vision and six with defective hearing. Two children obtained glasses. Miss Anna J. Foley again did the hearing test with the audio- meter.
Eight whole days were spent in the Dental Clinic. 134 sittings, 86 treated, 58 cleanings, 137 fillings, 39 extractions. There is need of a fund for those unable to pay. The clinic tries to be self supporting.
At High School there were eight with defective tonsils and adenoids. Four with defective hearts, five with mis- cellaneous diseases.
The Parent-Teachers' Association sponsored the Pre- School Clinic. Dr. Dorothy Green prediatrtion of Boston was examining physician assisted by Mrs. Phillips, the Visiting Nurse and myself. A goodly number of healthy children appeared, 45 were examined, 13 were found with defective tonsils and adenoids, one needed orthopedic treat- ment. Seventeen had defective teeth, 11 had defects cor- rected.
One hundred forty-eight home calls were made. Visit- ed cases of whooping cough, swollen glands, tubercular con- tacts, impetigo, scabies, heart disease, chicken pox and other defects.
Twenty-nine defective cases were remedied by opera- tion or hospitalization.
Called Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children for extreme cases and obtained results.
I gratefully acknowledge everyone's kind assistance in carrying on the work.
Respectfully submitted
LILLIAN M. HEWITT,
School Nurse.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1930
HOWARD HALL
June eighteenth at eight o'clock
H. H. S. 1930 Nil sine numine
CLASS OFFICERS
President, Donald Hayward. Vice-President, Elizabeth Davock Secretary, Thelma Johnson Treasurer, Mary Asack
Class Colors-Old Rose and Silver Class Flower-American Beauty Rose
PROGRAM
1. March-"Graduation" Ascher
High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Rev. Carl G. Horst Nevin
3. Music-"Venetian Love Song" High School Chorus
4. Address Rev. Nathan W. Gist
5. Presentation of Class Gift Donald Hayward President of the Class of 1930
6. Acceptance for School John Eldridge President of the Class of 1931
16
:
7. Scholarship and Honor Awards Mary Janes Scholarship Wednesday Night Club Scholarship Parent-Teachers Scholarship Howard High School Alumni Scholarship Washington and Franklin Medal
Principal Nils G. Lindell
8. Music-"Lustspiel Overture" Keler-Bela
High School Orchestra
9. Presentation of Diplomas Superintendent Ernest W. Robinson
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