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 37
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The most significant factors producing these extensive changes are the constantly increasing size and hetero- geneity of the school's population. Since 1934 the school's enrollment has increased 40% to the present figure of 186. This membership, which is the highest in the history of the school, will probably be increased to over 200 next September. Improved conditions with- in the school on the one hand, and the increasing diffi- culty boys and girls of high school age experience in se- curing profitable employment outside of school on the other hand, have brought new problems to the school. Many questions are raised the answers for which, un- fortunately, are not yet apparent. Just how far can our
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small school go in providing for the educational need .; of all its youth? Should an extensive program of vo- cational training be attempted? If so, how much? Should students be transferred to other agencies when it is clear they can be better served there? How far should the school go in aiding students to secure a job ? What is the community's ability to pay for any new services ? What is the school's responsibility in con- nection with those boys and girls who will not or cannot profit by the school's program? These and other ques- tions must be answered in the not too distant future if the school is to fulfill its responsibilities to the community and society it serves.
An acute demand for an effective system of educa- tional and vocational guidance has developed as a result of the expanded curriculum, increased membership, and the inability of youth to secure jobs. Under the present conditions peculiar to small schools where heavy teaching loads, lack of appropriate materials, and the absence of trained counselors prevail, the problem of rendering ef- fective guidance service is exceedingly difficult. A re- organization of our present methods of guidance is now in progress, so that, in spite of inherent handicaps, im- proved conditions for this service is anticipated.
Education for health is an essential part of the second- ary school's program in the preparation of its students for productive citizenship. Contrary to this widely recognized aim, in our own school outside of fragmentary instruction in the science and civic courses little con- structive work is accomplished in this connection. The main obstacle is a financial one. Should the way be- come clear, the formation of a physical education depart- ment with the necessary equipment and personnel would prove invaluable in meeting the need of administering to the physical well being of all the boys and girls of the school.
It is a notable fact that despite expectations when the new departments of home economics and manual arts
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were organized and expanded the per capita cost of high school education materially declined. For 1935 before these courses were installed the per capita cost was $93.26 and for 1938 the per capita cost was $83.17.
Mrs. Donald Hayward, who volunteered her services, has ably conducted the orchestra and individual instru- ment instruction.
Detailed accounts of the various activities of the school are discussed in my previous reports, and the work in music, home economics, and manual arts is well covered by separate reports in each department.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you, the school com- mittee, the teachers, the parents, and friends of school for the generous support accorded me.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL, Principal.
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Report of the School Nurse
To the members of the West Bridgewater School committee and Superintendent Ernest W. Robinson :
I take pleasure herewith in presenting my annual re- port as School nurse.
Since there is a wealth of health education material published by various institutions and distributed free, there are definite rules which may be taught to parents and applied to the proper bringing up of children.
A Well-Child Conference was held at the Town Hall early in June and lasted four days. It was sponsored by the State Department of Health. This traveling unit consisted of a pediatrist, a nutritionist, a dentist or dental hygienist, a nurse who takes histories, and the county nurse, assisted by your school nurse. A local committee gave able assistance in making appointments so that no time was lost. We are unable to care for all who applied to this clinic. Sixty-six children attended, representing about one-third of the children between the ages of six months and six years.
All were given a complete physical examination and individual instructions were given to the parent regard- ing diet, teeth, habits, proper exercise and clothing. All defects were charted and advice given about thumb- sucking and other detrimental habits. Remedial defects were referred to the family physician. The idea back of this health service is to have children physically fit to enter school. Your nurse has had occasion to visit many homes where these children live and she finds gratifying results, especially in the younger ones' diet and health habits.
Thirteen entered school in September with fourteen defects corrected. Four had bad tonsils removed, eight received dental care. One had eyes examined and as a result wears glasses. Only three had no defects. One
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outstanding case had fifteen defects but there is no money available for his medical care including a much needed hernia operation. This seems to me a most im- portant project.
TUBERCULOSIS CLINIC REPORT
Appointments for the X-Rays and physical examina- tions at this clinic were made through the school nurse and the clinic was held at the Howard High School.
Number attending clinic 18
X-Rayed 18
Negative 9
Referred for examination 9
Discharged from clinic 10
To continue on follow up 8
Physical examinations 8
One child attended Summer Camp but returned home in four weeks because of whooping cough.
REPORT OF DENTAL CLINIC
Dr. E. F. Tobin of the traveling clinic conducted our Dental Clinic. Forty-one children were treated, three of pre-school age. One hundred forty operations were ac- complished. We were unable to secure more of Dr. Tobin's time but hope for a fuller program in 1939.
Authorities on the subject tell us that the teeth should be cared for before the removal of tonsils is advised. "The mouth and nose are gateways where disease may enter, so beware!"
The annual physical examinations were done by Dr. Berkowitz, school physician, assisted by the school nurse. Notices were sent to parents for defects found, nearly 300 being sent advising removal of tonsils and as many notices for defective teeth. Ten had some heart defects and were referred to family physicians. Nine had very defective posture. All children were weighed and meas- ured, feet and heads inspected also. Eyes were examined by the teachers, the nurse doing grades 7 and 8 at the
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Center and others referred to her by teachers. Seven had glasses furnished and there is a waiting list of nine who need glasses.
Three with defective hearing received care through the efforts of the nurse, one referred to Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary. Numerous cases of impetigo and other skin infections were given individual attention.
Para-typhoid cases reported about the time school opened were well under control in families where they occurred. Some apprehension that this disease might spread was felt, as occasionally intestinal disturbances were reported. Nothing of any significance developed.
Three cases were reported to the S.P.C.C. for investi- gation. Several calls were made with their social work- er with good results.
Have attended five local committee meetings in the interest of health.
Attended six lectures at Bridgewater State College by Mrs. T. Grafton Abbott in understanding Human Be- havior. Have had eight conferences with the County nurse.
In closing I want to express my gratitude to those who assisted in making the Summer Round Up a suc- cess, to Dr. Berkowitz, and to others, who helped in a financial way, to secure glasses and tonsil operations for the needy.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, School Nurse.
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Report of the Music Supervisor
Mr. Ernest W. Robinson Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Robinson :
I herewith submit my annual report as Music Super- visor in the public schools of West Bridgewater.
I have made my regular visits to the schools each week and the classes have followed very closely the prescribed course of study in music. Occasional checking up on the ground covered keeps both teacher and supervisor in- formed of any further drill work necessary.
The Jerusalem School has some very promising music students. It is gratifying to see such live, wide-awake interest. There is no strictly rote song group there this year since there is but one first grader. The only rote songs the lower division has, are the pattern songs in the book which are used to introduce a new problem.
At Cochesett and Matfield routine work has been fol- lowed supplemented with a few listening lessons of phon- ograph records.
Every effort has been made during the year to develop the singing voice of the so-called monotones or listeners. These pupils are seated in front of leading voices so they may get the help and benefit of correct singing and be- come more conscious, through the ear, of tonal relation- ship. They are allowed and encouraged to join in the choral work because the supervisor is of the opinion that they learn through trying. Vigilance must be ex- ercised, however, to see that these pupils are making in- telligent effort and not merely vocalizing thoughtlessly.
The first grade learns between fifty and sixty rote songs during the school year. These are classified as holiday songs, art songs, and observation songs.
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In the grammer grades four part music is taught and sung. This work is no altogether satisfactory from the point of aural enjoyment. The boy's changing voice is rough and uncertain and he does not feel altogether com- fortable in this new setting. In time, however, this four- part music group gradually becomes familiar with the notation of the bass clef and learns to enjoy the new harmony that is thus developed with the addition of the changed voice.
The spirit in the schools is very commendable. At the Sunset Avenue School I believe there is 100% partici- pation in the upper classes in the music lesson.
The high school chorus is the largest we have ever had. New books were purchased in the fall which furnish much new material for real study. In the collection are also songs for general assembly singing. The chorus is not as well balanced as it has been some other years. Each year the losing or gaining of leaders will of course affect the quality of the work. The pianist for our Wed- nesday morning class, is a faithful and competent accom- panist.
The supervisor teaches in five different towns and has eight graduations. While she would like to attend them all it is becoming a problem when so many come in the last week of school. It would seem advisable to set the dates for graduation exercises as early as possible in order to avoid conflict.
In closing I want to express my appreciation of the cooperation given me by the teachers, and my thanks to you for your helpful suggestions and advice.
Yours respectfully,
LOIS J. SNOW,
Supervisor of Music.
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Report of the School Physician
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee :
Routine examination of 659 school children through- out the various schools was done at the beginning of the school term. While many defects were still found, it would seem that the physical condition of the children is generally improved over the previous few years. The greatest problem is still the correction of diseased teeth and tonsils with a noticeable increase in malnutrition. The latter is of course consistent with the present period and is not of such a degree that any particular measures must be taken.
There were 301 notices sent home for diseased tonsils and 279 for carious teeth. This group represents almost 50% of the entire school group. About 35 children had tonsil operations and a great amount of good work was done by the visiting dentist. Defective hearts were noted in ten children, whose parents were notified and given proper instructions. The two cases of epilepsy are under medical observation. Consultants from the Plymouth County Hospital examined and x-rayed about a dozen suspicious cases of tuberculosis. Cases of eye strain were brought to the attention of the parents and glasses were procured for seven children. No appreciable amount of acute sickness or contagion was encountered throughout the school year, and there were less school days lost through sickness than in the previous few years.
I want to thank Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, School Nurse, for her willing assistance, Superintendent Ernest Robin- son for his wise counsel, and the school committee for its cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH BERKOWITZ, M.D., School Physician.
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Report of Manual Training Teacher
Mr. Ernest W. Robinson Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir :
As Manual Arts supervisor I take great pleasure in presenting a summary and analysis of the work so far accomplished in this new course.
As first year pupils enter this course they are first taught the names and proper uses of the various tools and equipment they are to use. Each pupil then selects some worthwhile project, either a simple article of fur- niture or some useful piece of household equipment such as an ironing board, jewel chest or perhaps a checker board, a cribbage board or some similar project which requires the use of a great number of tools but of which the cost is low. From this, his first project, he then progresses to some more difficult problem.
In selecting a project of his own liking the pupil has a chance to display his thoughtfulness in the selection ; his ingenuity by incorporating his own ideas with those of others; and his observance and comprehension of de- tail into a finished project in which he can take pride.
Each pupil pays for his own materials and the proj- ects are his property when completed.
The manual training room, located in the rear build- ing at the Center School, is adequately equipped as to hand tools and benches for twelve-pupil classes. Dur- ing the first year there was some annoyance in the classrooms above by the noise of sawing, hammering, etc., but that has been greatly relieved by installing a ceiling as nearly sound proof as possible.
There are two high school classes and three classes of eighth grade pupils; two from the Center School
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and one from the Sunset Avenue School who are trans- ported by bus. The pupils take a great deal of interest in the course, and many report for extra instruction af- ter school hours.
In closing this report I wish to thank the school committee, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Lindell, and all others who have helped to install this course in the schools of West Bridgewater.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT MORTON
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Report of the Household Arts Teacher
To the Superintendent of Schools and the West Bridgewater school committee :
I herewith submit my annual report.
Not so very many years ago only such subjects as Latin, mathematics, and history were taught in the schools. Today, however, in addition to these, all pro- gressive schools offer subjects which will help the stud- ent to do better the things he is doing and intends to do. That is why courses such as Home Economics have been added to the curriculum.
The courses offered in our high school, as far as I can see, compare favorably with similar courses given in other high schools I have visited or taught in under about the same conditions. The main essentials of each subject are thoroughly studied so that the stud- ent gets enough out of it to be of use to her at present as well as in the future. One thing about Home Econo- mics that makes it such a desirable course is the fact that the things the student has learned are not so easily or quickly forgotten, and that no matter what she may do in the future she will always be able to use these things.
At present there are four courses offered in this de- partment which are Foods, Clothing, Drawing and De- sign, and Home Management. The Foods and Cloth- ing courses are two-year courses, while Drawing and Design and Home Management are one-year courses.
In the course in Foods we take up the most important things, so that the student at least knows why we should include certain foods in our diet, and why we may exclude others without causing any harm to the family. First year Foods includes work on wholesome breakfasts and luncheons. Along with these units we also study table setting and service and menu planning.
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Our second year course includes work on dinner and buffet suppers, bridge luncheons and teas, and general entertaining. Also, table setting and service and menu planning is studied. Many girls feel that, as long as they get a good product each lesson that is all that counts. I, however, feel, that it is equally important that a girl be not only a good cook, but also a neat housekeeper. So to stress this point I have worked out certain housekeeping duties to be done each time we cook. These duties change for each girl every week so no one girl does the same duty twice in succession. With a few exceptions the girls carry out these duties very well. The importance of caring for the equipment has been stressed very often, and most of the girls try very hard to keep things in good condition.
Our Clothing courses, too, are as complete as possible. The first year class studies the sewing machine and how to run it, patterns and pattern markings, how to con- struct simple garments, and repair clothing. Skill in sewing comes with practice so one cannot expect mas- terpieces until the student has done a great deal of sew- ing both in and out of school. In addition to this the study of our great variety of fabrics is taken up. It is equally important that a girl be a good judge of cloth when she buys, otherwise she may be fooled into pay- ing for rayon instead of silk. To aid her we study a little about the five most common fibers,-silk, cotton, rayon, linen, and wool. Of course, we cannot go into any detail, but the student at least knows the difference between cotton and linen, silk and ravon. or at least knows how to find out by performing simple tests. The second year course of clothing is. of course, more ad- vanced. We start off with the making of skirts followed by blouses and dresses. Those who could used wool for their skirts, which was the type of material desired since it gives the student different problems to over- come. It is hoped that all of the girls will be able to make their blouses and dresses of either rayon or silk since these fibers require more care and skill as they are
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rather difficult to handle. Each month one period is set aside for notebook work, which includes work on chil- dren's clothing, care of clothing, stockings, shoes, furs, storage, etc. By studying these topics it is hoped that the girl will become a better buyer and will become more careful about caring for the clothing she has so it will last longer and look better.
The course in Drawing and Design is mainly one to give the student a greater appreciation of beauty and harmony. This year we are taking up the fundamental principles of design which include work on lettering, color, principles of composition, etc. If time permits a little will be taken up on costume designing. This, however, along with a study of architecture, should constitute a second year course in drawing. Of course, all of the students are not artists. This would be too much to expect. Nevertheless, everyone does the best she can and at least she gets a better understanding of color, proportion, line, etc., and is able to use these prin- ciples in her home or in any other place where they may become useful.
Home Management is a course which is comparatively new in most schools. It is, howveer, a very important one since it contains material which every girl will at some time or other use. The course is divided into three parts. The first part is on the "Business of the Home." This includes work on homemaking, budgets, thrift, classification of incomes, banking, taxes, water bills, and leases and deeds. This unit aids the girl in the running of a home. The second unit includes work on house plans, lighting the home, uses of electricity in the home, the kitchen and its equipment, floors, furniture, linens and bedding, etc. This unit helps the girl in the planning of a home. The last unit is devoted to the planning of a definite home. The girl selects her own plan and lot of land keeping in mind that she only has so much money to spend. Then she builds the house, furnishes it using her own ideas as to the type of furni-
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ture she will use, the kind of linen and bedding she will buy, the type of stove and refrigerator she will use, etc. This unit makes the girl think for herself and gives her a chance to show what she can do and how well she can do it.
As with most courses the Home Economics course has certain aims which it endeavors to carry out. These aims are as follows :
1. To become able to plan, prepare, and serve a well- balanced meal.
2. To be able to select, construct and care for cloth- ing.
3. To establish good habits of work.
4. To establish good standards of workmanship.
5. To develop an understanding of the principles of design and the ability to apply them to every day life.
6. To develop an interest in the home.
7. To become able to spend money wisely and to prac tice economy.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH ERNST
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Commencement Exercises
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1938 Howard Hall, June twenty-second at eight o'clock Motto: There's Always Room at the Top
CLASS OFFICERS
President William Mahoney
Vice-President Norma Crossman
Secretary Barbara Mansfield
Treasurer Priscilla Peterson
Class Colors-Green and White
Class Flower-Gardenia
PROGRAM
1. March-Commencement Grand March
Roberta Hudson Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Reverend Horace Westwood
3. Music-The House by the Side of the Road Foss-Gulesian
Howard High School Chorus
4. Address-Education for Living Herbert Arnold Clark
5. Music-Those Pals of Ours .. Brown-Greaton-Cole Boys' Glee Club
6. Presentation of Class Gift William Mahoney President of Class of 1938
7. Acceptance for School David Johnson President of Class of 1939
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8. Presentation of Awards
Washington and Franklin Medal D. A. R. Award Principal Nils G. Lindell
9. Music -- Victory Overture Otis Taylor Howard High School Orchestra
10. Presentation of Diplomas Ernest W. Robinson
Superintendent of Schools
11. Class Ode . Words by Cornelia J. Michalowski Class of 1938
12. Benediction Reverend Horace Westwood
CLASS ODE
(Tune: Auld Lang Syne) Tonight we leave these friendly halls
That echoed all our calls, And all our classmates, teachers, too
Who were our friends so true.
Oh Howard High, Oh Howard High, We say to you, Farewell. And now in years to come, 'tis true Our pride we ne'er can tell.
Our happy high school days are through- Four years of joy and strife. The time has come to say, Adieu ; We're starting our new life.
Oh Howard High, Oh Howard High, We say to you, Farewell. And now in years to come, 'tis true Our pride we ne'er can tell.
Cornelia J. Michalowski
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GRADUATES
Evelyn Louise Almquist
Albert Dominick Katarzis, Jr.
Kenneth O. Almquist
William M. Mahoney
Josephine Ann Asack
Barbara Adele Mansfield
Theresa Anne Brown
Cornelia J. Michalowski
Myrtle E. Burrill
Audrey E. Miles
Ralph Francis Cosgrove
James Clifton Moore
Norma Marjorie Crossman
Arthur Nelson
Doris Falzarano
Priscilla Peterson
Carmela Maria Ferrini
Evelyn M. Phillips
Claude Michael Ferrini
John Robert Pomeroy
Dorothy Snow Fongeallaz
Abrota B. Pratt
Edwin T. Gibson
Edith Elizabeth Purdy
Sarah Louise Gonsalves
Jennie Sapolis
Elmer Gladding Harlow, Jr.
Richard Louis Silva
TEACHING FORCE 1938 - 1939
School
Grade Principal
Teacher
Subject
Where Educated
High
Nils G. Lindell
Mathematics
Tufts College
High
Evelyn M. Anthol
Languages
Bates College
High
Arthur L. Frellick
Science
Mass. Agr. College
High
Elizabeth S. Merrill
English
Wheaton College
High
Myrtle A. Otto
Commercial
Salem Teachers' College
High
Clarice J. Weeden
History
Wellesley College
High
Naomi E. White
Commercial
Boston University
Center VIII
Rose L. MacDonald
Principal
Bridgewater Teachers' Hyannis Normal Bridgewater Teachers'
Center VI
Elinor F. Spencer
Center V
Alice M. Guinea
Bridgewater Teachers'
Center
III-IV
Miriam T. Hall
Fitchburg Teachers'
Center
I-II
Gertrude A. Pillsbury
Warren High
Sunset Ave. VII-VIII
Theresa M. Miller
Principal
Brockton Business University Castine Normal
Sunset Ave. V-VI
Thelma Johnson
Sunset Ave. III-IV Mildred A. MacDonald
Sunset Ave. I-II
Myrtle A. Davidson
Matfield I-III
Gertrude J. Ward
Principal
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