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 28
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Much that has been said about household arts is true also of manual arts. Modern educational thought recog- nizes individual differences of students. Some are capable of doing excellent academic work while others are more successful in doing things with their hands. To the latter group of boys manual training affords a splendid oppor- tunity for the training in the coordination of the mind and hand. It offers an ideal opportunity for creative work and for the expression of the individual's interest. It offers an opportunity for renewed self-confidence after unsat- isfactory academic work. In addition to teaching the use of tools and their application in and about the home and in selecting a vocation, this course of manual training en- genders the spirit of confidence and success that is only expressed when the pupil follows through to completion a project which is the product of his own mind and hands. Because of the lack of appropriate space in the present high school building a part of the basement of the rear Center school structure was made over to conveniently accommodate 12 individual work benches, one long work bench for 4 pupils, a motor operated circular saw, and a supply of bench tools for a class of 16 pupils. With the organization of this course of manual training and the one in household arts, I believe the school has made a def- inite advance in meeting the educational needs of its students.
One of the universally approved cardinal objectives of secondary education is training in health. Unfortunately with the possible exclusion of incidental teaching, in
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science, civics, and assemblies, the school contributes very little toward meeting the requirements of this vital phase of education. This situation is due primarily to the lack of health facilities and a physical education department with a specially trained teacher in charge. It is true that our various subjects teach a small part of this material and we conduct baseball, basketball, and tennis teams with health as an aim, but these activities hardly scratch the surface of the field of instruction and training which should be covered. I earnestly hope that some time in the near future shower facilities will be made available, and the part time services of a physical education instructor engaged.
If we accept the responsibility of educating pupils for effective citizenship in a democracy, the school should provide an opportunity within its limits for exercising those ideals and activities expected of them in life. Par- ticipation in a Student Council offers excellent oppor- tunities for this training. In such an organization pupils delegate their interest to members of the Council by vot- ing their choice much as we, as citizens, turn over our rights and interests to the protection of our senators and representatives. Such a Council would administer to practically all extra-curricular activities. It is anticipated in the near future that the pupils of the school will recog- nize the merits of a student Council, and request its organ- ization.
It is interesting to note that the school enrollment has increased to the largest number, 164, in the history of the school. Inasmuch as the next largest enrollment of 156 occurred in 1925, it is difficult to determine accurately the reason for this increase, and the irregularity of the total membership during the last twelve years.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you, the school committee, the Trustees of the Howard Funds, teachers, and friends of the school, for the helpful suggestions and loyal support given me in carrying out the educational objectives of the school.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and the West Bridge- water school committee :
I herewith submit my annual report.
A physical examination of each pupil was made by Dr. Berkowitz, all pupils being previously weighed and meas- ured, and feet inspected, by the nurse.
Numerous defects were found, chiefly tonsils, a large percentage of which need immediate remedial care. In the summer when living conditions are at their best, we are prone to forget the inclement weather conditions bringing respiratory and opthalmic disturbances. Re- moval of diseased tonsils is a sure preventive treatment. A total of 229 notices were sent to parents for such de- fects. Twenty-nine children had their tonsils removed during the summer.
Dr. Paul W. Tuttle of the "Traveling Dental Clinic" ex- amined 525 pupils. A record of his findings was made and contact was then made with the parents, first through notes sent home, and then personal contact with needy cases. This work was done from April 6th to May 1st. Also one week in June was given for the above work. All children were transferred to the Center School where the clinic was set up.
Accomplishments :
737 operations 182 treated 60 completed cases 39 have family dentists 172 uncared for
Contributions received were as follows: Community Health Association, $55.00; Matfield P.T.A., $5.00; K. A.
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Club, $5.00; Sunset Ave. Ladies, $5.00. Thirty-three chil- dren were treated with this fund, also over 125 opera- tions, with the dentist contributing his share to worth- while cases. This was a worth-while relief which was greatly appreciated. Our work will not be well done until parents have baby teeth filled beginning at the age of three years.
The eyes were examined by the teachers and notices sent home for defects. Follow-up was done by the nurse. Five received glasses, several others are on the waiting list. The Girl Scouts and the Red Cross have been gen- erous but we still need more funds.
Tuberculosis :
82 skin tests were made in grades 6, 9, & 11 16 reacted 66 were negative 34 were x-rayed
19 had physical examinations
Some pupils were absent or had left town and others were discharged. The remaining number to be followed up is 18. Five were x-rayed by request of School Physi- cian and all were negative. This clinic was conducted by the Plymouth County Hospital Physicians and was ar- ranged for by the school nurse.
Four children and a mother were made happy by a 10 day vacation, free, at the Salvation Army Camp. No chil- dren attended Hanson Camp this summer. These cases must be classified as contacts, or having reacted to tuber- culin tests and under 12 years.
Problem children whether they need habit training or are mentally retarded, express their individuality in the class room. There is a Habit clinic nearby where parents may receive remedial instructions for their needs. There is also a Clinic for Retarded pupils. This examination proves beneficial as it frequently places the blame where it belongs, on the teacher, the home, or the individual. A
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total of 17 were examined last year and their number is increasing.
Four children hitherto not successfully vaccinated were duly cared for.
Considering the enrollment, the Matfield children drink the most milk for lunches than any other school.
Numerous diseases were found : scabies, impetigo, pedi- culosis, ring-worm, convulsions, enlarged glands, heart trouble, mumps, whooping cough, measles, asthma-sus- pect tuberculosis, enlarged thyroid glands. ,
In closing I thank everyone for their interest in the in- dividual needs of the children and ask for your continued cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT,
School Nurse
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Superintendent Ernest W. Robinson West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Robinson :
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Music in the West Bridgewater public schools.
The work this past year has consisted in carrying out the regular course of study : syllable reading, aural train- ing, part singing, elimination of monotones, choir leader- ship, tone quality, and general technical problems. This was augmented with listening lessons, rhythm band play- ing, motion songs, singing games and dances.
The Music Hour Series continues to be a great delight to the pupils. Many of the songs are attractively illus- trated, and not a few of the pictures are from the works of great masters and correlate with the music.
The first requisite in the fall, when school opens, is a memorization of America, America the Beautiful, and The Star Spangled Banner. It has been suggested to the teachers who use these songs at opening exercises that a different stanza be sung each day, thus making the child thoroughly familiar with the entire song. During the year other songs are memorized and so really become the treasured possession of the individual. Carols are learned at Christmas time and different ones suggested for the different grades, thus enlarging the repertory of the child.
The graduation program for the Center School was en- tirely musical. This is a large choral unit and furnishes an opportunity for elaborate work or an artistic devel- opment of a central theme. In 1936 we had for the unit of thought Old English Country Garden. This year it was America's Heritage of Song, and the music learned was typical of the different periods in the history of America.
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Beginning with Indian music, and continuing down through the South, it included spirituals, negro work songs and play songs and then took up cowboy and hill- billy songs, Pilgrim religious hymns, music with the in- fluence of the European countries-English, Irish, Dutch -melodies of Washington's time, early 19th century times, and heart songs of Stephen Collins Foster. To mem- orize these songs was indeed a task, but those pupils learned much about the legacy of music which came to them down through the years.
The second grade pupils at the Center School are par- ticularly promising in their work. There are many good leaders, the interest is keen, and they have acquired the habit of intelligent study. It is a delight to watch them learn a new song.
The Cochesset School is progressing better than it has for several years. The tone quality is good, there is more poise and self-confidence and a willingness to perform on the part of the children.
At Sunset Ave. the music has not reached the required standard for the year. The change in the teaching per- sonnel, the large classes in two rooms, and the lack of a good piano have been partly responsible. It takes some little time for new teachers and their classes to become adjusted to each other; if the groups are large, much time is spent in keeping school rather than in teaching school, and in upper grades where pupils are learning four-part music a good piano is a necessity.
At the High School, in addition to the regular choral work another attempt was made at the beginning of school in September to have glee clubs. The request came from the students themselves, and at the time of writing the interest and attendance are good. A change in the supervisor's visits to some of the grades was necessary in order to take care of this extra project. I would suggest that some way be found to give this valuable work en- couragement and support. Each year the chorus grows and occupies a large part of the seating capacity of the hall at commencement. The glee clubs would be a more
20
selective group and would take care of this seating prob- lem.
It would be necessary, however, to give the glee club work the proper support in order to get the best results. At present they meet after school, and the attendance is interrupted by athletic practice, make-up work for other teachers, extra requirements on school paper, etc. The supervisor feels that since the students are willing and interested enough to put in this extra class work after school, they should be guaranteed the same support as is given the orchestra practice.
Dr. Edward Howard Griggs says with point and clear- ness, "Art is not for adornment's or for amusement's sake; it is for life's sake. .. Of all the fine arts music is most intimately personal, searching into the heart and calling out to expression feelings that lie far too deep for words ever to embody them. At the same time, music is the most social of the arts, uniting us in common states of emotion . .. music sweeps, fuses, and unites."
Yours respectfully,
LOIS J. SNOW,
Supervisor of Music
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1937 Howard Hall, June twenty-third at eight o'clock
Motto : He Conquers Who Conquers Himself
CLASS OFFICERS
President Sumner Ohlson
Vice-President Norma Hurley
Secretary Olga Cheyunski
Treasurer Mary Chambers
Class Colors-Orchid and White
Class Flower- Sweet Pea
PROGRAM
1. March-March Magnificent A. H. McConnell
Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Reverend John Gould
3. Music-Venetian Love Song Ethelbert Nevin
Dancing on the Green Old English Morris Dance
Howard High School Chorus
4. Address-The Challenge of the New Day David D. Vaughan
5. Presentation of Class Gift Sumner Ohlson
President of Class of 1937
6. Acceptance for School William Mahoney President of Class of 1938
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7. Presentation of Washington and Franklin Medal Principal Nils G. Lindell
8. Music-Ferns and Flowers-Serenade ... G. E. Holmes Howard High School Orchestra
9. Presentation of Diplomas Ernest W. Robinson Superintendent of Schools
10. Class Ode Words by Maybelle Nelson Class of 1937
11. Benediction Reverend John Gould
CLASS ODE
(Tune: Follow the Gleam)
Farewell, dear old Howard High
Ev'ry heart throbs with pain tonight;
For we're ending our care-free days, But we'll all follow your advice
To be loyal, honest and true, Where e'er we roam-
Far-off-at home.
,We are grateful, more than you know As we pause, misty-eyed in flight.
So farewell, ivy-covered walls, We will ever remember you.
From your historic gates we'll fly,
To a world that is old, yet new.
But we'll come home, though years may pass, Here to our nest- Once more to rest,
Safe in your arms, close to your heart,
When we've reached our true aim in life.
Maybelle Nelson
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GRADUATES
Robert Emory Anderson Winifred Ballsdon Lucille Maybel Berry Henry John Cassiani Mary Ann Chambers Mary L. Chaves Olga Cheyunski Marie Ann DiGiano Phyllis Virginia Dunham Howard Lyle Farnum Ellen Louise Fish George David George
K. Langdon Hardenbrook John Layton Hayward Norma Catherine Hurley Rose Agnes Lupien Charles Lorenzo Madan Sherman William Mosher Maybelle Victoria Nelson Sumner H. Ohlson Laura Esther Payson Virginia Mae Perkins Marie Alyce Porter Robert Alfred Woodward
TEACHING FORCE-1937-1938
Teacher
Subject
Nils G. Lindell
Arthur Frellick
Myrtle Otto
Naomi White
Evelyn Anthol
Languages
Elizabeth Walker
English
Clarice J. Weeden
History
Center
VIII
Rose L. MacDonald
Principal
Bridgewater Normal
Hyannis Normal Bridgewater Normal
66
III-IV
Miriam Hall
Gertrude Pillsbury
Sunset Ave.
VII-VIII
Theresa Miller
Principal
Brockton Business Univ.
Castine Normal Hyannis Normal Castine Normal
Matfield
I-III
Gertrude Ward
Principal
Perry Kindergarten
Cochesett
IV-VI
Wilmar Harlow Marian Turski
Principal
Bridgewater Normal Castine Normal
Jerusalem
I-V
Marian Cushman
Principal
Bridgewater Normal
Music Supervisor
Lois J. Snow
Hyannis Normal
Superintendent
Ernest W. Robinson
Where educated
Tufts College Mass. Agr. College Salem Teachers' College
Boston University Bates College
Colby College Wellesley College
Ellen Kett
VII
VI
V
Elinor Spencer Alice Guinea
Bridgewater Normal Fitchburg Teachers' Warren High 24
V-VI
Thelma Johnson
III-IV
Mildred MacDonald Myrtle Davidson
I-II
Mathematics Science Commercial Commercial
66
66
School High
Grade Principal
I-II
I-III
Harvard College
25
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1937-1938
First term-16 weeks, opens Sept. 8, closes December 23, 1937
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 3, closes February 25,1938
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 7, closes April 29, 1938
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 9, closes June 24, 1938
1938-1939
First term- 16 weeks, opens September 7, closes Decem- ber 23, 1938 7
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 2, closes February 724, 1939 7 Febrb Apr14
Third term- -8 weeks, opens March 6, closes April 28, 1939 Apr 24
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 8, closes June 23, 1939
HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day, October 12, 1938
Armistice Day, November 11, 1938
Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1939
Patriot's Day, April 19, 1939
Memorial Day, May 30, 1939
VACATIONS
Thanksgiving recess begins November 23 at noon, closes November 28, 1938
Christmas recess begins December 23, closes January 2, 1939
February recess begins February 24, closes March 6, 1939 Spring recess begins April 28, closes May 8, 1939
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1938
Schools
1 2 3 4
5 6
7 8 00
9
10
11
12 Totals
Howard High
58
53
25
28
164
Center VIII
44
44
Center VII
47
47
Center VI
40
40
Center IV-V
17
24
41
Center III-IV
21
10
31
Center I-II
13 27
40
Sunset Ave. VII-VIII
19
15
34
Sunset Ave. V-VI
26
23
49
Sunset Ave. III-IV
18
18
36
Sunset Ave. I-II
14
20
34
Cochesett IV-VI
10
4
3
17
Cochesett I-III
9
5
10
24
Matfield I-III
16
9
9
34
Jerusalem I-V
4
4
8
3
5
24
56
65
66
58
59
66
66
59
58
53
25
28
659
26
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE & GRADE, OCT. 1, 1937
Age
5
6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Grades
1
35
41
5
2
18
37
8
2
1
3
21
33
10
3
1
4
11
36
9
2
1
5
2
25
29
10
5
1
6
1
11
38
8
4
3
1
7
1
13
34
8
8
1
8
12
31
12
4
2
9
1
23
26
4
6
1
10
17
23
9
4
2
1
6
16
2
2
11
2
9
15
1
1
12
27
28
Addenda to TEACHING FORCE 1937-1938
High School Ruth Ernst Household Arts Framingham Teach- ers' College
Robert Morton
Manual Training
New Bedford Voca-
tional
29
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
In submitting our recommendations for the year 1938, we have been obliged to face certain definite increases, especially in the Public Welfare, Old Age Assistance, and allied Departments. This is a condition general through- out all Towns, but we do feel that our local board is striv- ing hard to keep these costs in hand as far as possible. The same situation is true in appropriations estimated for Soldiers' Relief, and Military Aid, which have materially increased during the last year.
In our consideration of the estimates for all Depart- ments in the Town, we have kept in mind the desirability of recommending a total amount which would not in- crease our tax rate during the coming year, if it was pos- sible to do so. The total sum recommended for the year 1938 is in excess of the amount appropriated at the March meeting last year. We feel, however, that the 1938 esti- mates should be sufficient to cover the needs of each De- partment for the entire year, obviating the necessity of special meetings later on for appropriations of additional amounts.
The total of appropriations recommended by the Com- mittee in the Departmental Budget is $122,958.57, and the recommendations of the Committee on the Articles in the Warrant amount to $14,847.54, making the total recom- mended $137,806.11. In arriving at the total assessment for the present year, $1,000.00 appropriated at the special meeting held on Feb. 3, 1938, will have to be included, making a total of $138,806.11. The total appropriations as made at the March meeting in 1937 were $131,423.06, and to this the Assessors were obliged to add $5,839.00 carried over from special Town meetings in 1936 in arriving at the total assessment for the year 1937. This would give a total of $137,262.06. Last year the sum of $5,000.00 was appro- priated from Surplus Revenue to be used by the Assessors
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to reduce the tax rate, and it is our recommendation that the sum of $6,000.00 be appropriated from Surplus Rev- enue for that purpose this year. This would indicate that the probable tax rate would be close to the figure of last year provided the voters approve our recommendations. Any variation of $3,000.00 in the appropriations would re- sult in a like variation of approximately $1.00 on the tax rate.
Under the supervision of the Selectmen and Road Super- intendent there have been additional roads rebuilt and black topped, and the Federal allotment for Farm to Mar- ket Roads has been of considerable help in gravelling other streets in preparation for later black topping. We heartily approve of the present policy of black topping our Town roads as fast as funds are available. We recom- mend that all construction of Town roads or sidewalks be left in the hands of the Selectmen and financed under the regular Highway appropriation. We recommend that no special appropriations for highways or sidewalks be voted, as we feel the best results will be obtained by following the Highway program as laid out by the Selectmen.
Article 10 in the Town Warrant asks for an appropria- tion for curbing as well as black topping a sidewalk. We do not recommend the appropriation or use of Town money at the present time for curbing. We feel that curb- ing expense is not justified as we have more urgent de- mands for Town funds.
We have recommended the further construction of North Elm Street and the proposed construction for fin- ishing Spring Street, as these would be financed with the help of State and County funds.
Last year we established an item in the Budget to be known as the Road Machinery Account. This was to cover the cost and repair of road machinery. The recommended appropriation for 1938 of $1,250.00 is intended to cover the cost of repair and operating expense for our road machin- ery wherever used. This appropriation will permit reim- bursement to the Road Machinery Fund for the use of our
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road machinery in outside Departments.
There seems to be an urgent need for a new sprayer in the Moth Department, and we have recommended the purchase of this piece of machinery this year.
Article 14 in the Warrant asks for an appropriation to install modern sanitary equipment in the rear building of the Center School. After investigation we believe that this is not only desirable but necessary, and recommend that this work be done this year.
Article 15 in the Warrant asks for an appropriation to cover the cost of an addition at the Matfield School. We have recommended that the sum of $5,000.00 be appro- priated, provided this sum will cover the cost of the addi- tion and any equipment considered necessary by the School Committee.
It is the belief of this Committee that as far as possible the W.P.A. projects approved should be of the type that will give to the Town permanent improvements. Article 11 provides for such work, and we recommend the appro- propriation of $3,000.00 from the available Water Sur- plus to extend the present line of pipe on Crescent Street to West Center Street, thus providing another source of water supply to the Cochesett district.
It is the recommendation of the Selectmen and the Fi- nance Committee that the budget items known as Care of Monument Grounds, Flags, and Parks, be combined into one appropriation, and the Finance Committee have rec- ommended the estimate of $300.00 as submitted by the Selectmen. This will be the first year that the Town has made a direct appropriation for the maintenance of the War Memorial Park. Previously this has been covered largely by W.P.A. funds. Our Committee believes it ad- visable at this time for the Town to take definite action on the appointment of some group of citizens to admin- ister and supervise the care of the Park. We, therefore, call the attention of the voters to Article 30 which pro- vides for such a group.
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This Committee appreciates the cooperation which has been extended them by various Town Departments, espe- cially the Selectmen who have faithfully attended our meetings and worked with us during the year. This Com- mittee meets monthly and is always glad to welcome any citizens interested in Town affairs and finances to their meetings.
A table of estimates by Departments, amounts recom- mended by this Committee, and a report of recommenda- tions on Articles in the Town Warrant appear on the fol- lowing pages.
ARTHUR E. RYDER, Chairman ALFRED T. WELLS, Secretary WALTER D. CROWLEY, JOHN E. HOWARD, OLIVER A. LAWSON,
JOHN M. RICHARDS,
HORACE R. SNELL,
Finance Committee
33
REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE ON ARTICLES IN TOWN WARRANT
Article 1. To elect the following Town Officers by Offi- cial Ballot: One Town Clerk for one year, one Moderator for one year, one Assessor for three years, one Selectman for three years, one member of the Board of Public Wel- fare for three years, one Treasurer for one year, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Commit- tee for three years, two Trustees of Public Library for three years, one Tree Warden for one year, two Consta- bles for one year.
The polls will be open at 9 o'clock in the forenoon of March 7, 1938, and will be closed at 8 o'clock P.M.
Article 2. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing year not elected on the Official Ballot.
Article 3. To hear the reports of all Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1938, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
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