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 9
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tion from school. Such games contribute toward physical fitness and the worthy use of leisure time. With these facts in mind, tennis instruction followed by tournament play were arranged for in the spring. A similar plan for golf is in prospect if practical arrangements can be made.
I wish to thank you, the School Committee, the Trustees of the Howard Funds, the teachers, and other friends of the school for the helpful and loyal support given me.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL,
Principal.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Ernest W. Robinson,
Superintendent of Schools,
West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my annual report as music supervisor in the public schools of West Bridgewater. The regular routine work has followed the music course as outlined for each grade.
The changes in the re-arrangement of grades at the Center and Sunset Avenue schools made it necessary to buý new sets of books to meet the class requirements. We have gradually replaced the old books with the "Music Hour Series" and with but two exceptions this set is used in every class, thus standardizing the work on a uniform method basis.
New music material is needed in the high school. Some books for general assembly singing were purchased to take the place of the "One Hundred and One Best Songs". These
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new books, however, do not answer for the kind of teaching material that should be used in high school choral study.
The members of the chorus continue to maintain an active interest in, and a courteous response to, the weekly music period. A memory contest in the appreciation of music was held early in the year. This contest consisted in recog- nizing the selection played, naming the composer, and mak- ing any additional informative remarks. There were twenty selections presented e.g. "Peer Gynt Suite" by Grieg, Brahm's "Hungarian Dance, No. 5", Schubert's "Serenade", The first prize was awarded to Dorothy Mercer, and the second to Charles Rubin. We are following a similar plan for 1936 but not so thoroughly as we have not a sufficient number of records.
In the first and second grades some of the rote songs have been supplemented by the rhythm band, adding much enjoyment to the singing lesson. There have been a number of action songs which furnish an opportunity for muscular expression.
On June sixth, the seventh and eighth grades of the Center School united in the presentation of the cantata "The Courtship of Miles Standish" as the graduation program. This was well done and the character scenes in pantomime added to the performance. Much credit is due the teachers for their co-operation in making the cantata a success.
There can be no question as to the demand of the public for music. The various radio programs sponsored by busi- ness concerns, clubs, institutions and music lovers, as well the auditions held weekly for amateurs, all testify to this growing truth. There is every reason today to give our school children a musical training, a musical background. While writing I recall to mind several students from our schools who have continued their interest in music since graduating ; Kendall Reynolds received honors in a western university for
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his musical achievements; Ina Mosher is a student at the Conservatory of Music in Boston; Donald Hayward contin- ued his studies in music and is now the director of our high school orchestra; and Barbara Chadwick was the soloist when the girls' glee club of the Framingham State Teachers College broadcast a program of Christmas carols this winter. Such instances show that it is worth while to encourage and stimulate the interest and to develop the talent for music in any of our boys and girls.
Yours respectfully,
LOIS J. SNOW, Music Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Frequent routine inspections were made in each class room to discover certain infections. Recommendations for improvement were carried out by the teachers who are very observant and realize the dangers of contact infection. Our pupils as a group are clean and take pride in their personal appearance.
TUBERCULOSIS
The Plymouth County Hospital has taken over the work of the Chadwick Clinic and each year will examine children in grades six, nine and eleven on request of parents. Any parent who desires this examination for a child who is in neither of these grades may apply to the nurse who will make necessary arrangements for the same. The tubercular skin test was given. Those who reacted were X-rayed, six- teen had physical examinations and will be follow-up cases until they outgrow their susceptibility and are discharged.
t
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A total of 135 pupils were in grades six, nine, and eleven, 45% accepted this service. This is a test every child should have, those parents wise enough to take advantage, directly benefit their families' future. Following is a tabulated re- port :
Skin tests
61
Reacted
33
Negative
28
X-ray
54
State follow-up
8
Previous clinic
12
Negative
25
Clinic
34
Physical examination
29
Children to follow-up
16
State
8
New clinic
8
Dr. Whiting, school physician, made the usual examina- tions, a total of 646 children were present. Fifty-three notices were sent for defective tonsils, three had defective hearts, two notices for defective teeth, three had Vincent's Angina by laboratory tests and were treated immediately. Other diseases found were ringworm, scabies, pink eye, im- petigo, and minor ailments. Follow-up visits were made by the nurse and arrangements made for tonsillectomy when- ever possible.
The Red Cross and Comunity Health Association helped meet necessary expenses of four cases not on welfare. More funds are earnestly needed for this work.
Dr. John W. Whitehead furnished dental examinations in the schools and conducted a clinic at Jerusalem, Sunset Avenue and finished work at the Center School. Cochesett children were transferred to Center School for treatment. Plans are being made for another clinic at an early date. Following is a tabulated report of work done:
Dental Clinic Report
Sunset Avenue
Jerusalem Cochesett
Center
Totals
Number of days spent
8
21%
6
·
Number of examina- tions and notices
180
25
50
Clean
25
3
6
14
48
Permanent Fillings
76
28
14
59
177
Temporary Extractions
14
5
4
7
30
Permanent Extractions
3
1
1
8
13
Totals
118
37
25
88
268
Cash received $70.80 $22.20 $15.00 $52.80 $160.80
Five retarded children were examined. Family histories were taken by the nurse.
Made arrangements for X-ray and physical examina- tion at the County Hospital for six patients; accompanied boy with infected finger to the hospital for treatment; made arrangements at the hospital for fifteen tonsil operations ; made hospital appointments for three other cases; one case of otitus media was cared for and adenoids removed; two children furnished with glasses, all with defective sight and hearing cared for; took three children to Dr. Slade for den- tal treatment.
Attended two day Health Institute for nurses.
Closing 1935 we have an epidemic of measles at Sunset Avenue School. There are a few cases of chicken pox and many grippe colds in town.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT,
School Nurse.
.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1935
Howard Hall, June nineteenth at eight o'clock.
Motto-Courage Alone Is Unconquered
CLASS OFFICERS
President Charles Rubin
Vice-President
Natalie Gillespie
Secretary Helen Falzarano
Treasurer Angela Falzarano
Class Colors-Blue and White
Class Flower-Carnation
PROGRAM
1. March-Marche Militaire F. Schubert arr. by Seredy
Howard High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Reverend Albert G. Jenkins
Rasbach-Riegger
3. Music-Trees Howard High School Chorus
4. Address-Youth Faces a New World Dr. D. Brewer Eddy
5. Presentation of Class Gift Charles Rubin President of Class of 1935
6. Acceptance for School
Warren Gardner President of Class of 1936
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7. Scholarship and Honor Awards
Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship Washington and Franklin Medal Principal Nils G. Lindell
8. Music-Il Trovatore G. Verdi arr. by Seredy
Howard High School Orchestra
9. Presentation of Diplomas
Harvey A. Scranton Chairman of School Committee 10. Benediction Reverend Albert G. Jenkins
CLASS ODE
(Tune : Come Raise the Song : Wesleyan) Tonight we're leaving dear old Howard We bid adieu to classmates dear ! To parents fond and faithful teachers We're grateful for our presence here.
We have enjoyed our work together, Our study and our playtime, too; If time brings dark or sunny weather, Dear Howard, we'll be true to you!
Chorus
O ivied walls ! O storied halls ! O place of memories dear ! Thy children never will forget
The lessons taught us here
Edith Howard.
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GRADUATES
George Edward Bennett Adolph John Cheyunski
Claire Josephine Dillenschneider Angela Falzarano
Helen Marie Falzarano
Eugene Fongeallaz William E. Gibson, Jr.
Natalie Gillespie Mildred Dorothy Goodwin
Edith Frances Howard Merle S. Hurley Roger Howard Keith
Lillian Geraldine Kerr Walter Stanley Noumi Marian Olson Helen Elizabeth Pillsbury
Betty Josephine Pope
Erland Curtis Porter Charles Vernon Rubin
Marjorie Irene Shaw Pauline Lillian Stock
Ruth H. Tuck
Helen Dorothy Barbara Turski
Henry Francis Woodward
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TEACHING FORCE-1935-1936 Howard High School
Nils G. Lindell
Arthur L. Frellick
Margaret D. Hayes
Naomi White
Edna L. Currier
Louise Scott Clarice J. Weeden
Principal Science Commercial Commercial Languages English History
Center School
Rose L. MacDonald, Principal 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, Principal Yvonne Kelsey
Grades 1, 2, 3
Grades 4, 5, 6
Cochesett School
Priscilla Smith, Principal
Grades 4, 5, 6
Marian Turski
Grades 1, 2, 3
Jerusalem School
Winifred Darling
Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Supervisor
Lois J. Snow Music
Grade 8
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
1935-1936
First term-16 weeks, opens September 4, closes December 20, 1935.
Second term-8 weeks, opens December 30, closes February 21, 1936.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 2 closes April 24, 1936.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 4, closes June 19, 1936.
1936-1937
First term-16 weeks, opens September 8, closes December 23, 1936.
Second term-8 weeks, opens January 4, closes February 26, 1937.
Third term-8 weeks, opens March 8, closes April 30, 1937.
Fourth term-7 weeks, opens May 10, closes June 25, 1937.
HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day, October 12, 1936.
Armistice Day, November 11, 1936.
Washington's Birthday February 22, 1937
Patriot's Day, April 19, 1937.
Memorial Day, May 30, 1937.
VACATIONS
Thanksgiving recess begins November 25 at noon. closes November 30, 1936.
Christmas recess begins December 23, closes January 4, 1937.
February recess begins February 26, closes March 8, 1937.
Spring recess begins April 30, closes May 10, 1937.
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JANUARY 1, 1936
SCHOOLS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
P.G. Totals
Howard High
41
36
26
29
2
134
Center VIII
41
41
Center VII
46
46
Center VI
30
30
Center V
24
24
Center III-IV
12 21
33
Center I-II
22
23
45
Sunset Ave. VII-VIII
21
20
41
Sunset Ave. V-VI
20
14
34
Sunset Ave. III-IV
33
21
54
Sunset Ave. I-II
16
18
34
Matfield IV-V-VI
10
11
10
31
Matfield I-II-III
14
10
7
31
Cochesett IV-V-VI
5
13
10
28
Cochesett I-II-III
15
8
6
29
8
3
5
7
4
27
75
62
63
64
72
64
67
61
41
36
26
29
2
662
Jerusalem I-V
202
Finance Committee Report
The Committee feels that our Town was fortunate this last year to have as advantageous a tax rate as we did, $29.00. Under the trying conditions we believe this speaks well for the manner in which our general Town Depart- ments have been conducted.
In considering estimates for the year 1936 we have tried to keep in mind the desirability of holding as closely as possible to last year's rate. However, due to the fact that in the later months of last year the Town found it necessary to appropriate additional sums of money for Welfare and Old Age Assistance Departments especially, the Town is faced with the necessity of providing for appropriations amount- ing to $7,300.00, carried over from the old year.
With the aid of the Assessors we have attempted to estimate as accurately as we could, the anticipated expendi- tures and receipts for the year 1936. The total of the ap- propriations which we have recommended, with the addi- tion of State and County taxes and other fixed expenses, we estimate to be approximately $160,000. Our estimated re- ceipts from all sources, including the amount already ap- propriated from available funds during the latter part of 1935, is approximately $63,000. This means that approxi- mately $97,000 will have to be raised by taxation if the rec- ommendations of our Committee are adopted. Based upon the total valuation of our Town ($3,100,000), this should give a tax rate of about $31.30. While this is higher than last year, we feel that it is better for the Town to adopt a
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"pay as you go" policy as the future will have burdens enough to bear and any decrease in this year's taxation will have to be made up later on.
A reasonably low valuation coupled with the low tax rate means that the residents of West Bridgewater are given much less of a tax burden than any of our neighbor- ing towns.
In furthering this policy it seems advisable that cer- tain curtailments be made in the requests that have been sent in and made a part of the Warrant. At the present time we recommend that no additional street lights be installed and that some of the appropriations asking for special road and sidewalk construction should be set one side for the present and that a policy which has been suggested by the Selectmen with respect to a definite road program, to be carried out over a period of years, should be substituted for a varying number of special requests from time to time.
With the help of Federal and State funds our Town has gravelled several roads which under our own road appro- priations would have been impossible. It would seem wise to black top as many such roads as possible with our own Town appropriations and it is understood that the program of the Selectmen is to use every dollar possible of the Town's Highway appropriation this year for furthering black top. At the present time it seems probable that in addition to West Street, which will be continued under State and County aid, there will be a Federal project for so-called Farm to Market roads that may make available to the Town a sum as large as $22,000. It is understood that this amount will cover practically the entire expense of such construction other than the black topping. There is also a movement on foot to have the State rebuild West Center Street from Monument Square to the Easton line at an estimated cost of $32,000. If all of these funds are made available for road construction this year, the Town will have a road program much larger than ever before. This should materially assist
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in helping out our employment problem.
The only special item in the Warrant referring to roads and sidewalks, which the Committee recommends this year, is the rebuilding of the sidewalk on North Elm Street from Brooks Place to the property of Armando M. Gambao, and the cost of reconstructing this sidewalk should be taken from the regular Town Highway appropriation.
In common with all towns and cities we are faced with increased costs of Welfare, Old Age Assistance, and allied relief expenses. Our Board of Welfare must exercise un- usual care, judgment and courage to face these problems in a fair and impartial manner. More and more people are coming to the point of view that the Government, local and otherwise, owes them a living and the solution of the relief problem is one of the biggest issues of the day. We feel that most of our citizens would prefer to work for what they get, and for that reason we are recommending as a trial proposition for one year, the creation of a department termed in our Town Warrant as a Municipal Unemploy- ment Department. We understand the purpose of this ap- propriation would be to provide funds to furnish employ- ment to deserving citizens, who by force of circumstances are facing the possibility of becoming welfare recipients. Oftentimes the individual, if furnished employment for a short period of not more than two or three weeks, can be tided over until he can re-enter his usual employment. This Department appropriation should not be used to furnish em- ployment to any individual for any longer period. It is not designed as a permanent employment department. We be- lieve that by careful management and planning, productive employment can be provided by our Selectmen so that the individual and the Town can both be benefitted by this ap- propriation. At least it is worth a trial for one year.
While the W. P. A. and other Federal Relief agencies have been of material assistance in the past, there is the definite possibility that this source of relief will be material-
1
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ly lessened during the coming year. There seems to be a growing desire on the part of the thinking individual to have projects which will return to the Town value for money expended. We believe that a project to cover the labor cost of relaying larger pipe on Copeland Street would be desir- able and have recommended, with the advice of the Water Board, the appropriation of $2,000 from the Water Surplus Revenue for replacement of two inch pipe with six inch mains on this street. If the labor can be obtained through a W. P. A. project we believe the Town's appropriation should be spent entirely for materials. If the labor cannot be obtained through W. P. A. the Town's appropriation of $2,000 should be used for purchasing the material and re- laying the pipe as far as this sum will go.
In view of the reduction in water rates this last year, we do not recommend the appropriation of any larger sum from the Water Surplus Revenue this year, until it has been proved just what the result of the present water rates will be.
One of the bright spots in our Town's financial condi- tion is the absence of outstanding temporary loans at the end of 1935. Our Treasurer has estimated an extremely small sum for "interest" to cover the possibility of tempor- ary loans in 1936. We feel that both the Collector and Treasurer are to be congratulated on the manner in which they have conducted their offices, resulting in such a marked improvement in our Town's financial condition.
Last year when the budget for the Collector's Depart- ment was considered (which department had been separated from the Treasurer by the election of separate officers) this Committee recommended that the salary of the Collector be $1,200.00 for the year 1935 with the understanding that fees collected should be retained by him. This year, at the suggestion of the Collector that all fees be turned over to the town treasury, we have recommended the adoption of the by-law suggested in Article 36 in the Town Warrant. In
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considering the budget of the Collector's office for this year, we are recommending a salary of $1,300.00 in view of the fees being turned over to the town treasury and no longer retained by the Collector.
Article 25 in the Town Warrant refers to the appro- priation of $3,000 to build additional office room to the present Town Offices. This Committee, after conferring with the Selectmen, does not recommend such construction this year. There is no question as to the congestion which results by all officers trying to meet on the same afternoon. There is probably an advantage in such a procedure, but we believe that some of the Departments could arrange for their meeting date on some other day or evening of the week without any real inconvenience to the townspeople.
We disapprove of the use of the office of the Town Clerk and Water Board as a Commissary Department. We believe this Department should be placed outside of the town offices in some available central location.
Furthermore, as to the construction of additional office space, the town provided an extra office room on the second floor of the Town Hall with the idea that it would be avail- able for a work and conference room. At the present time it is occupied by a W. P. A. sewers project. Worthy as this project may be, the Town should not be penalized to the extent of having to build new office space when available office space is being used for a purpose which could be handled in some other location.
Article 27 in the Warrant calls for the appropriation of $700.00 for the pruning of dead wood from the elm trees bordering the highways in town. During the last year this work has been started under a W. P. A. project and after consultation with the Tree Warden we believe it is desirable to complete this work during the next two years. We there- fore have recommended the appropriation of $700.00 this year and we believe that a similar appropriation next year will complete the work.
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As requested in the budgets of the Police and Fire De- partments we have recommended slight increases this year. We feel that money appropriated for these Departments has been well spent and this year we believe the additional amount asked for is justified. In the case of the Fire De- partment it seems advisable to construct a hose tower for the purpose of drying hose. At the present time the firemen have no adequate means of drying hose and it has to be put back on the truck wet, thereby shortening the life of the hose. With this tower we feel that it is money well expended and the saving on the hose will soon pay for the construc- tion of the tower.
This Committee appreciates the co-operation which has been extended them by the various town departments, es- pecially the Town Accountant Department who furnished us our monthly reports and the Selectmen who have faith- fully attended our meetings and have worked with us har- moniously during the year. We feel that there can still be an improvement in some departments by more careful con- sideration of their budgets submitted to us and in the ex- penditure of their appropriations after being made.
No bills should be contracted by any department so that an over-draft will result, until the source of funds to meet the additional expense has been provided. No department should depend on the Reserve Fund which is under control of the Finance Committee. It is not a "kitty" to cover over- drafts. The law definitely states that the Reserve Fund is provided for emergency purposes and it is the desire of this Committee to live up to the standard set forth under the statute. This Committee meets monthly and is always glad to have anyone interested in town affairs and finances con- sult with them.
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A table of estimates by Departments and amounts recommended by this Committee, and a report of Recom- mendations on Articles in the Town Warrant appear on the following pages.
ARTHUR E. RYDER, Chairman, ALFRED T. WELLS, Secretary, A. PHILLIP ERBECK, ERNEST M. EVRARD, RALPH S. FRELLICK, WILLIAM E. NORRIS, JOHN M. RICHARDS,
Finance Committee.
Report of Finance Committee on Articles in Town Warrant
Article 1. To elect the following Town Officers by Official 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 Welfare for three years, one Treasurer for one year, one Tax Collector for three years, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Committee for three years, two Trustees of Public Library for three years, one Tree Warden for one year, two Constables for one year.
The polls will be open at 9 o'clock in the forenoon of March 2, 1936, 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 theron.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to bor- row money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1936, 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.
Article 4. The Finance Committee recommends such authorization.
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Article 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and make appropriation for the same.
Article 5. The recommendations of the Finance Committee for each department appear in the tables included in their report.
Article 6 .. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $450.00 (balance held on books in 1935 to West Street pro- ject) to the required amount to finish West Street.
Article 6. The Finance Committee recommends this appro- priation.
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