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 1935-1939 > Part 19
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In closing this report I wish to express my appreciation of the help given me at all times by the Committee, and the understanding cooperation tendered me by a splendid work- ing force of teachers.
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:
I have the honor to submit my annual report as Princi- pal of the Howard High School.
Preparation for college is no longer the primary ob- jective of the secondary school, and preparation for citizen- ship has come to be of first importance. One of the fore- most factors contributing to this aim is the school's curricu- lum. To be alive and sensitive to changing social and econ- omic conditions this collection of subjects should be sub-
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mitted to careful and frequent revisions. With this funda- mental and universally accepted principle in view, two years ago an intensive revision of the schools' curriculum was initiated. Since that time some alterations and expan- sions have been made.
The new two year course in agriculture providing in- struction covering poultry, cattle, sheep, and hog raising, dairy production, gardening, and small fruits has developed to include much practical experience obtained by numerous visits to farms in the community where fine and valuable cooperation is given, and by work on individual projects. A typical project involves the purchase of day old chicks, raising them to maturity, marketing the eggs and the keep- ing of complete production and financial records. In addi- tion to visiting and judging stock at the Brockton Fair, a group of boys selected from the class made a trip to Am- herst where they gave a good account of themselves in the exhibition and high school judging competition of live stock, fruits, and vegetables, sponsored annually by the State College.
For many years our chemistry classes, which were en- tirely college preparatory in nature, have been composed of many pupils who have had no intention of going on to col- lege. This diversity of interest created a situation wholly incompatible with effective teaching. The introduction of another new course, called general chemistry, now renders possible concentration upon college preparation in the reg- ular course, and in the new course emphasis upon those as- pects of the subject which make for the development and broadening of an appreciation and understanding of the im- portance and value of chemistry in the world about us.
Beginning next September, United States History will be taught in the eleventh grade. This shift not only locates this required subject in what is generally considered the most appropriate place but it also permits the more difficult
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course of economics to be taught to more mature students in the twelfth grade.
With the return of prosperity serious thought should be given to the possibility of adding to our course of study manual arts, household arts, and physical education. The merits of these courses have been presented in many pre- vious reports. As a matter of fact, the addition to our curri- ulum of manual and household arts has been strongly urged in practically every principal's report since 1922 and in other similar reports as far back as 1913. The drawback to adoption is largely a financial one. Nevertheless, I am con- fident by cooperative effort these worthy courses could be established at a nominal cost. The results of a recent ques- tionnaire clearly indicated an intensive interest in these kinds of activities. Eighty-nine percent of the girls in the school expressed their desire for a course in household arts, and 79 percent of the boys would like to have a course in manual arts.
I further recommend the re-employment of an art su- pervisor to carry on the art work of the teacher dropped four years ago because of the depression. It can not be ex- pected that Miss Mary Nelson can continue to offer free of any charge, her excellent services in the teaching of free- hand drawing which represents only a part of our usual art program.
The school is again fortunate in having Mr. Donald Hayward direct the orchestra without remuneration. In addition, Mr. Hayward is conducting a small class in in- strumental playing with very fine results. An attempt was made to form a band but the plan was not sufficiently pop- ular among the students to warrant organization.
Our dramatic club is being conducted by use of an adaptation of the laboratory method. Members of the club work out practically every detail of production including the coaching, so that the final staging of a play is entirely the product of their own creative ability. A one act play en-
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titled, "Mimi Lights a Candle," was given at the Christmas assembly, showed the results of much excellent preparation.
"Books To Grow On" was the slogan for book-week this year. An exhibition of books and a prize essay contest sup- plemented an excellent assembly program sponsored by the student librarians. This convocation, consisting of the ren- dition of individual musical selections and a play, "Cross My Palm With Silver," effectively brought out salient facts about books.
The efforts made last spring to revive interest in base- ball proved unusually successful. New uniforms, a good team, and a schedule of fifteen games combined to stir up real enthusiasm far in excess of expectations. An even better season is predicted to get underway in March.
In conclusion, I sincerely thank you, the School Commit- tee, the Trustees of the Howard Funds, the teachers, and all other friends of the school, for your helpful guidance in, and your understanding appreciation of, our problems.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL, Principal.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee:
I herewith submit my annual report.
Beginning in September Dr. Berkowitz, our new school physician, made a very thorough physical examination of every pupil including the Howard High School students, with the nurse assisting in making arrangements for examina- tions and making individual records.
Following are the number of defects found :
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356 defective tonsils
289 defective teeth
18 defective glands
8 defective hearts
17 athlete's foot
49 underweights
Although we mention underweight children there is no longer a standard table to compare with. As a result of careful study by the Massachusetts Public Health Depart- ment, a child, according to its tendency, be it short or tall, should gain so many pounds and inches per year. But we still have undernourished children.
The skin test for tuberculosis was given by doctors from the Plymouth County Hospital. Pupils in grades 6-9-11 were included in this program by permission of their parents.
118 tests were made
13 showed positive reaction
26 were x-rayed
11 were follow-up cases
8 new ones were added to our follow-up, mak- ing a total of 21 cases.
One child attended Summer Health Camp, financed by the sale of Christmas Seals.
A preventive diphtheria clinic was held at the Town Hall on May 29, June 5, and June 12. Dr. Berkowitz innocu- lated 192 children with three doses of toxin-antitoxin each. Ten others were not completed.
A clinic for retarded pupils was held at which eight were examined.
Fifteen pupils had tonsils and adenoids removed dur- ing the year.
Following are the number of infections reported this year:
18
2 cases Scabies
60 cases Chicken Pox
6 cases Defective Vision
2 cases Defective Ears
10 cases Mumps
1 case Epileptic Convulsions
Numerous home calls were made throughout the year to check on absentees ; also for follow-up, and to make arrange- ments to hospitalize certain cases. A number of children were reported to the Department of Public Welfare for medical care.
The Red Cross gave substantial financial assistance to a very worthy case, providing hospital care and treatment.
The Alliance Club of the Unitarian Church gave $20 which provided shoes and glasses; they also made a dona- tion to the tubercular fund.
I attended meetings of the "South Shore Nurses' Club," and also two day "Institute for Nurses" at Bridgewater Normal School-subject : "Communicable Diseases."
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation for the courtesy with which I am received into the homes and seek continued co-operation from parents, teachers, and friends.
Respectfully submitted,
L. M. HEWITT.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee:
At the termination of the past school year the task of immunizing the school children against Diphtheria was be- gun. We were able to obtain signed permissions from parents allowing 190 children to take the 3 injections of
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toxin-antitoxin. There were no reactions obtained in the students nor any but minor complaints received from parents. Recently these same children were subjected to the Schick Test, and all were found to be immune to Diphtheria but two, an unusually good result. It is only by means of such Public Health measures that a disease, which in the recent past has been a dreaded scourge, becomes a "rara avis."
Consistent with the wishes of many parents and in an effort to obtain their support and co-operation a ruling was made this year enabling family physicians to sign certificates for readmission to school. This is an unprecedented priv- ilege, and it will continue in effect as long as due care and judgment is employed in its exercise.
The examinations in the schools completed with the competent assistance of Mrs. Hewitt, School Nurse, were as thorough as possible under prevailing conditions. Many de- fects were discovered, notably tonsil, teeth and nutritional. Of the 669 children examined 356 or 51% had enlarged, cryptic, moth-eaten, or otherwise diseased tonsils-more than half the entire school body ; 226 or 34% had decayed teeth; and 42 or 6% were definitely underweight and mal- nourished as determined by any standards. This is a deplor- able situation which requires the help of all agencies at the earliest moment to forestall any irreparable damage. Short articles on the Common Cold and on Tooth Decay were sent home with each child explaining the seriousness of these con- ditions with special stress upon their complications. It is our hope that in the future more of these will be written on topics suggested by the parents.
Inasmuch as children necessarily divide their time be- tween the home and the school, nothing could do more for their better health than a sincere co-operation between these two influences. The home should provide a pleasant sur- rounding, a proper amount of the right food, and a genuine
20
interest in the activities and the progress of the child. The school should discover physical and mental defects and follow them up for correction, inculcate hygienic personal habits, and stimulate the formation of health ideals. It is our hope that by fostering this co-operation our school children will obtain the greatest benefit.
There are certain recommendations that I would sug- gest for the near future :
1. Warm lunches at the Center School for those children who cannot go home for lunch. I think this can best be accomplished by means of the Parent-Teachers' Association.
2. Drive for funds to be used as follows :
a. Milk for undernourished children.
b. Treatment of dental cases.
c. Removal of tonsils and adenoids.
d. Glasses for several needy cases.
3. Improvement of toilet facilities at the Center and Sunset Ave. Schools.
I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Robinson for his assistance to me so often, to the School Committee for the confidence they have placed in me, and to Mrs. Hewitt who has been a very willing and able colleague.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH BERKOWITZ, M.D.,
School Physician.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1936
Howard Hall, June seventeenth at eight o'clock.
Motto-"He Conquers Who Endures !"
CLASS OFFICERS
President C. Warren Gardner Vice-President Priscilla Lovering
Secretary Thomas J. Hayes
Treasurer Barbara E. Bruce
Class Colors-Green and White
Class Flower-Gardenia
PROGRAM
1. March-"Festival March" Mendelssohn Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Reverend Horace Westwood
3. Music-"Dear Land of Home" Jean Sibelius
Howard High School Chorus
4. Address-"Youth and Tomorrow" Joe Mitchell Chapple
5. Presentation of Class Gift Warren Gardner President of Class of 1936
6. Acceptance of School Sumner Ohlson
President of Class of 1937
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7. Scholarship and Honor Awards Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship Washington and Franklin Medal Principal Nils G. Lindell
8. Music-"Echoes from Grand Opera" arr. by C. Paul Herfurth Howard High School Orchestra
9. Presentation of Diplomas Mrs. Corelli C. Alger Secretary of School Committee 10. Benediction Reverend Horace Westwood
CLASS ODE
DEAR OLD SCHOOL OF MINE (Tune : "Dear Old Pal of Mine")
All our hearts are heavy For now we must part From your ivy covered walls We shall all remember
With our grateful hearts The teachers, chums and fun we've ever had.
Oh, how I love you, Dear old school of mine For days and days we've sat inside your shrine Old school, we will remember, and cherish memories When we have parted, Dear old Howard High.
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All our life's before us And we're on our way Along the path tho' far or near May our wandering footsteps Be guarded as we stray May "Courage" be our watchword, never "Fear."
Oh, how I love you, Dear old school of mine I love each one of your tall stately pines As on life's path we travel, we sigh with heavy hearts To think of leaving you, Old. Howard High. Virginia Baxter.
GRADUATES
George Elliot Andrews Bernice D. Aronson
Virginia Baxter
Barbara Elizabeth Bruce Alberta G. Bump
Ruth Elizabeth Chadwick
Claire S. Morse Arthur G. Nelson, Jr.
Bruce D. Edson
Harry E. Fuller Charles Warren Gardner
Quentin Theodore Robertson
Eleanor Alice Spellacy
Glyndon Turner Golder
George Everett Townsend
Agnes Constance Hackenson Irma I. Crossman Thomas Joseph Hayes
Louise C. Johnson Edward Kushner Priscilla Lovering Anna Elizabeth Mello Dorothy Christine Mercer
Cornelius Francis Crowley Cleopha Louise Dillenschneider
Gladys E. Parker
Esther V. Peterson Arlene Lorraine Phillips
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TEACHING FORCE-1936-1937 HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Nils G. Lindell
Arthur L. Frellick
Myrtle Otto
Naomi White
Edna L. Currier
Elizabeth Walker
Clarice J. Weeden
Principal Science Commercial Commercial Languages English History
CENTER SCHOOL
Rose L. MacDonald, Principal
Grade 8
Ellen Kett
Grade 7
Elinore Spencer
Grade 6
Elizabeth Eastman
Grade 5
Miriam T. Hall
Gertrude A. Pillsbury
Grades 3 and 4 Grades 1 and 2
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL
Theresa Miller, Principal
Grades 7 and 8
Grace Dashoff
Grades 5 and 6
Mildred MacDonald
Grades 3 and 4
Elizabeth Worthing
Grades 1 and 2
Myrtle Davison, Assistant
MATFIELD SCHOOL
Gertrude Ward, Grades 1, 2, 3
COCHESETT SCHOOL
Wilmar Harlow, Principal
Grades 4, 5, 6
Marian Turski
Grades 1, 2, 3
JERUSALEM SCHOOL
Marian Cushman Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
SUPERVISOR
Lois J. Snow Music
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
1936-1937
First term-16 weeks, opens September 8, closes Decem- ber 23, 1936.
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 4, closes Febru- ary 26, 1937.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 8, closes April 30, 1937.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 10, closes June 25, 1937.
1937-1938
First term-16 weeks, opens September 8, closes Decem- ber 23, 1937.
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 3, closes Febru- ary 25, 1938.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 7, closes April 29, 1938.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 9, closes June 24, 1938.
HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day, October 12, 1937.
Armistice Day, November 11, 1937.
Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1938.
Patriot's Day, April 19, 1938.
Memorial Day, May 30, 1938.
VACATIONS
Thanksgiving recess begins November 24 at noon, closes November 29, 1937.
Christmas recess begins December 24, closes January 3, 1938.
February recess begins February 25, closes March 7, 1938.
Spring recess begins April 29, closes May 9, 1938.
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1937
SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
P.G. Totals
Howard High
56
36
30
23
1
146
Center VIII
43
43
Center VII
51
51
Center VI
35
35
Center IV-V
20 32
52
Center II-III
9
27
36
Center I-II
25
8
33
Sunset Ave. VII-VIII
16
34
Sunset Ave. V-VI
22
18
40
Sunset Ave. III-IV
15
33
48
Sunset Ave. I-II
22
20
42
Cochesett IV-V-VI
7
5
10
22
Cochesett I-II-III
10
10
11
31
Matfield I-II-III
9
14
9
32
4
7
4
3
8
26
70
68
66
63
67
63
67
61
56
36
30
23
1
671
26
18
.
Jerusalem I-V
Finance Committee Report
In common with most cities and town we have been fac- ing trying conditions, which have added materially to the cost of some of our Town Departments, especially Public Welfare and Old Age Assistance. We feel that our Town has done well to keep the tax rate as low as $31.00, the rate for 1936.
Considering estimates for the year 1937, we have felt it desirable to recommend a larger sum than was appro- priated at the March meeting of a year ago. In addition to the appropriations at the Annual Meeting, the special Town meetings for 1936 added $5,839.00 to the appropriations for the year. We have tried in our 1937 estimates to cover as fully as possible the needs of each department for the entire year, in the hopes that special appropriations will not be necessary later in the year.
The total appropriations recommended by the Commit- tee in the departmental budget are $115,287.11, and the recommendations of the Committee on the articles in the Warrant amount to $9,744.55, making the total recom- mended $125,031.66. With the aid of the Assessors we have attempted to estimate as accurately as we could, the antici- pated expenditures and receipts for the year 1937. The total of the appropriations which we have recommended, with the addition of State and County taxes and other fixed expenses, we estimate to be approximately $160,000.00. Estimated
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receipts from all sources, including the amount already appropriated from available funds in special meetings dur- ing the year 1936, is approximately $57,700. This means that approximately $102,300.00 will have to be raised by taxation if the recommendation of our Committee is adopted.
Based upon the the total valuation of our Town ($3,126,- 000.00) this should give a tax rate of about $32.70. This would mean an increase of $1.70 over the rate for 1936. After consulting with the Assessors it is our opinion that a sum of $5,000.00 could safely be appropriated from Surplus Revenue to help in reducing the tax rate. If such a sum is appropriated for this purpose, we should be able to have a rate approximately the same as in 1936, providing the estimates of our Committee on anticipated expenditures and receipts are correct.
We hope that the voters will see fit to keep the appro- priations within the figures that our Committee recommends, so that our Town may have the benefit of what we consider an advantageous tax rate, compared with other neighboring towns. Any material additions to the appropriations recom- mended, will mean an increase in the tax rate of approxi- mately $1.00 in the rate for every $3,000.00 appropriated.
During the past year there has been a marked improve- ment in our Town highways. A considerable amount of black topping has been applied to roads previously gravelled, and the rebuilding of portions of West Street and West Center Street has added materially in the completion of our Center Street has aided materially in the completion of our road program. We hope that during the coming year these streets will be completed. Through the aid of the Federal allotment for Farm to Market roads, we have been able to gravel several streets that can be black-topped, under the program adopted by the Selectmen of setting aside a sizeable portion of the highway funds for tarvia topping. We hope that this policy of a generous allotment for black topping
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will be followed again this year.
In pursuance with the policy which we have been follow- ing for several years, we are recommending the construc- tion of no Town roads or sidewalks, except as the Selectmen may see fit to build such roads under the regular highway program. We have recommended the appropriation asked for in the Warrant, to widen a portion of North Elm Street this year, with the understanding that the balance of the street will be completed next year. As to the rebuilding of Crescent Street, asked for in the Warrant, it is our under- standing that there will have to be a new lay-out to eliminate the bad curve in the road, and we feel no construction should be attempted on this street until the lay-out is made. For the same reason we are not recommending the installation of street lights at present.
It is the hope of our Committee that the sums recom- mended for Public Welfare, Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance, will be sufficient to take care of these depart- ments for the entire year. In addition, we have recom- mended the appropriation of $1,000.00 for the continuation of the Municipal Unemployment Department. We feel that this experiment, started last year, worked out reasonably well and should be continued for another year at least. For the same reason that we set up this Unemployment Fund, namely that those receiving it might feel that they are actually doing constructive work for the money they are receiving, we recommend and urge that all of those physic- ally able who apply for Welfare, be required to work for whatever time and on whatever jobs may be assigned to them by the Welfare Board, in return for the aid given them.
There has been a substantial reduction in the number of individuals employed under W. P. A. and Federal Projects, especially in the last six months. In recommending the sum of $450.00 for Federal Project expense, under Article 31 of the Warrant, we have endeavored to cover the salary of the
.
---
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Administrator, the commissary expense, and small inci- dentals up to the first of July, which is the end of the Fed- eral fiscal year.
In the absence of any new projects, calling for mate- rial expense, the Committee has made no recommendation for further appropriations for this Department. We believe that a definite program should be planned before the voters are asked to appropriate money for materials to be used on such projects.
One project that we believe should be considered, is the employment of W. P. A. labor in the replacement of water pipe, as contemplated under Article 24 in the Town Warrant. Such employment of W. P. A. labor would mean that a con- siderably larger amount of pipe could be laid for the same outlay from the Water Department. Another W. P. A. project mentioned in the Warrant is the extension of water pipe on South Street, covered by Article 16 in the Warrant. After consulting the Water Board, we do not recommend the laying of 4-inch pipe, but do recommend the appropriation of $550.00, which it is estimated would cover the cost of 2-inch pipe with fittings, and which would give an ample supply to the prospective taker who, we understand, has made a special arrangement with the Water Board to pay extra service charge. We believe, as a matter of policy, that all extensions of water pipe should be paid for from the Water Department funds, and therefore recommend that the amount necessary under this article be taken from the Water Surplus Revenue.
Article 22 in the Town Warrant calls for the appropria- tion of $3,500.00 for the purchase of a new fire truck, triple combination. It is the belief of the Committee that the time has come when this new equipment must be purchased. The old truck has outlived its usefulness and we recommend the appropriation of this amount this year to give the Fire De- partment up-to-date equipment.
The budget request of the School Department calls for
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the appropriation of $49,500.00. Included in this estimate is $1,700.00 for certain changes in the curriculum of the schools, concerning the introduction of courses in Manual and Household Arts. It is the feeling of the Finance Com- mittee that the program of these courses was not far enough developed and the ultimate expense was not sufficiently de- termined, to warrant a recommendation by this Committee at this time. Therefore, we have recommended the sum of $47,800.00 for the School Department.
This Committee appreciates the co-operation which has been extended them by various Town Departments, especial- ly the Selectmen who have faithfully attended our meetings and worked with us during the year. This Committee meets monthly and is always glad to welcome any citizen inter- ested in Town affairs and finances to their meetings.
A table of estimates by Departments, amounts recom- mended by this Committee, and a report of recommendations on Articles in the Town Warrant appear on the following pages.
ARTHUR E. RYDER, Chairman, ALFRED T. WELLS, Secretary, A. PHILIP ERBECK, ERNEST M. EVRARD, RALPH S. FRELLICK,
WILLIAM E. NORRIS, JOHN M. RICHARDS,
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