Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1940-1944, Part 24

Author: West Bridgewater (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher: Town Officers and Committees
Number of Pages: 968

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 1940-1944 > Part 24

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In my opinion the contributions to the war effort recount- ed in the foregoing paragraphs do not go far enough. In the first place we can do better some of the things we are already doing. And in the second place, if we are to do our part in meeting the critical manpower shortages in our armed forces we must carry into effect some of the Army's suggestions for training at one or more levels. On the foundation level, courses in funda- mentals of electricity, machines or shopwork are possible. On the level of beginning specialization, courses in fundamentals of radio and automotive mechanics are recommended. And on the level of specialization with considerable operational skill, courses in radio code, practice in touch typing, radio repair and man- tenance, and automobile mechanics are urged where facilities are available.

In view of the urgent needs of war, and the limitations im-

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posed by an already overloaded teaching staff, the school cannot go on doing business as usual. A re-evaluation of all courses should reveal those subjects not contributing toward the win- ning of the war. These courses could be curtailed or eliminated for the duration to make way for training for critical shortages. General Somervell has this to say about the problem: "This is your job in this total war. It is the job of the schools and colleges of America to provide the opportunity for every youth to equip himself for a place in winning the war. You must do this, re- gardless of cost, time, inconvenience, the temporary sidetracking of nonwar objectives, or even the temporary scrapping of peace- time courses."

Aside from the grim business of war, Howard High School steadily advances along the road coming from a purely college preparatory institution leading to one administering to the needs of all its pupils. In this connection courses in general office prac- tice, business arithmetic, general mathematics, and freshman orientation were added to the program of studies. These changes were made available by shortening the time allotments in type- writing, shorthand, and civics and the elimination of junior business training as a separate course. The use of the combina- tion ediphone acquired during the year should prove invaluable to students in meeting requirements for office employment.

The school's extra-curricula activities are carrying on as usual except for adaptations here and there to the war effort. For discussions of these activities I refer you to my previous reports.

In conclusion I wish to thank you, the teachers, the School Committee, the Howard Trustees, and the friends of the School for your guidance and help in these crucial times.

Respectfully submitted,

NILS G. LINDELL,

Principal.

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Report of Music Supervisor

Mr. Charles G. Taylor Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Dear Sir:

I take pleasure in submitting my annual report as Music Supervisor in the schools of West Bridgewater.

An informal test of the children's voices is given each year throughout all the grades and those pupils who have difficulty · in imitating a tone or in carrying a tune are seated where they will receive the greatest help. From time to time a checkup is made and in many cases a decided improvement is noticed in a very few weeks.

In grades one and two the rhythm band is used to accom- pany some of the note songs or played to recorded music. The Jerusalem School was fortunate in having a pupil who could play the piano and who also directed the little orchestra.

Phonograph selections have been played in all the grades and in some classes there were records of the songs already learned by the children. These the class sang with the recorded voice and it made a very pleasant change from routine work.

In the spring the high school chorus together with the or- chestra gave a concert assisted by Mr. William Mahoney, guest soloist and a graduate of the school. Later, in observance of Music Week, the Center School presented a Mother Goose Fan-

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tasia. This entertainment was a great success and much credit is due the teachers and pupils for their fine spirit of cooperating and untiring effort in drills and rehearsals. I should like to ex- press my thanks to those parents who spent many hours in making costumes.

Some of the money realized from the entertainment was used to purchase an electric phonograph, additional records, and a set of community song books.

In the fall, on Parents' Night, a selected group from the high school chorus sang a group of southern songs accompanied by Muriel Thomas.

When schools opened in September a new schedule was effected, with departmental work for the three upper grades. Less time is given to music in this new program. This, of course, will mean a lower standard of attainment. With the two upper grades united in one choral unit there is little opportunity to check up on individual needs, or to do any advanced written work. The sixth grade with half as much time as formerly will lose much of the required work outlined for this grade.

It is gratifying to see how happily the boys and girls in all the schools respond to the music lesson, and how hard they will try to master a particularly catchy phrase.

Pupils from grades three to six inclusive are required to keep their own time. This has been done in the past by tapping on the edge of the book or on the desk. After careful observation it was found that this method was not accomplishing the very best results so a variation of time tapping was presented. The children were asked to tap the number of beats directly under the notes and rests as they proceeded in their syllable reading or singing. This brings a closer connection between the music symbol and its value and a better concentration and under- standing on the part of the child.

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Beauty of tone is stressed at all times, speaking or singing, and it is the one thing so often abused. Young people and un- trained people lose the value of tonal coloring because of their unintelligent and frequent use of tone volume. No one, who gave any thought to the matter, would sing SILENT NIGHT with the same quantity of tone as in the singing of THE MAR- SEILLAISE.

In closing, I think of those peoples who have given us such a glorious heritage of music, yet, whose songs of joy and happi- ness are buried in their hearts and memories today. Lips that once moved to merry music now tremble with grief and fear. Let us keep Young America singing.

Respectfully submitted,

LOIS J. SNOW

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Report of the School Physician

To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee

Gentlemen:

In October the annual physical examination of pupils was made, and I examined 623 children. The various abnormalties were: infected tonsils, caries teeth, heart murmurs, spinal de- fects and asthma; it is gratifying to note that there were fewer defects this year, no doubt due to the splendid cooperation of the parents in having these defects attended to after being notified.

The Diphtheria Clinic was held at the Town Hall in May of this year, under the direction and cooperation of the Board of Health, and assisted by Mrs. Lillian Hewitt. I gave three in- oculations, two weeks apart, of Diphtheria Toxin-Antitoxin, to seventy-two children; there were no reactions-results obtained satisfactory.

I have made frequent inspections of the sanitary condition of all school buildings, and found them to be in accord with the requirements of the Board of Health.

There were one hundred and twenty-one cases of contag- ious diseases in the community, the majority were school chil- dren, these cases were followed up by Mrs. Lillian Hewitt and myself, and with the assistance of the Board of Health we were able to check the spread of these diseases to a considerable degree.

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In concluding my annual report I assure you it is with gratification, to find the health of the pupils in such good con- dition, both mentally and physically, and I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Charles G. Taylor and to the School Com- mittee, for their willing assistance, and to Mrs. Lillian Hewitt who has faithfully assisted me.

Respectfully submitted, A. O. BELMORE, M. D. School Physician.

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Report of the School Nurse

Mr. Charles G. Taylor Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts Dear Sir:

I herewith submit my Annual Report.

At the beginning of this term physical examinations were made on 623 pupils by Dr. A. O. Belmore. Abnormalties noted were: infected tonsils, carious teeth, heart murmurs, malnu- trition, eyes, ears, cervical glands, asthma, pediculosis and skin infections.

The school physician examined all pupils entering school after contagious illness. There was a large number following an epidemic of arathema last winter. Fortunately there were no complications. Many cases were not reported.

A total of 193 were examined at the high school, 10 being absent. 18 notices were sent for defective teeth, 8 for defective tonsils, 8 had heart defects, 1 asthma, 3 malnutrition, 8 for a hearing loss (2 were new cases). A number of home visits were made to secure remedial care.

The audiometer tests were given in grades 5 and 10, also to pupils reported by teachers. Eight new pupils were found to have some hearing loss. Nine old cases were discharged, leaving a total of 15 with some hearing loss.

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A total of 72 were immunized against diphtheria. A large percentage of pre-school children have not been immunized or vaccinated. The State Department of Health urges every one to be re-vaccinated and all children to be immunized for diph- theria, as a precaution against epidemics.

The shortage of doctors and hospital space will make it in- creasingly difficult to have defects corrected. Since May, only emergency tonsil operations have been accepted.

A total of 70 notices were sent to parents of children for removal of tonsils and adenoids.

15 had tonsils removed

140 were treated at the dental clinic

21 were examined by the Traveling Clinic

5 were accompanied by nurse to other clinics

65 received Junior Red Cross Certificates

12 received Standard Red Cross Certificates

15 have hearing loss

5 had chest X-rays Weighed and measured all children

75 cases of measles and german measles were reported

64 were immunized against diphtheria

A Well Child Conference was held July 21 to 24, sponsored jointly by Health and Social Service Committee of your local Defense Committee and the Tubercular Seal Sale Committee, assisted by Lillian M. Hewitt, R. N.

The Department of Public Health furnished the Examining Unit consisting of a Pediatrition, Public Health Nurse, Di- etitian, and Dental Hygienist, with local assistance.

65 children were examined. Findings as follows:

39 had toxoid

5 were vaccinated

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6 repeaters (examined in 1937)

27 poor eating habits

15 poor nutrition

26 needed Dental care

3 with heart defects

7 with throat defects

4 with no defects

Since then 85 follow-up calls have been made. As a result of this clinic and the follow-up visits

13 entered school in September with defects corrected

26 consulted their own family physician

19 received dental care

4 had tonsils removed

2 examined at Children's Hospital

15 were vaccinated

1 had psychometric examination

6 had toxoid, 1 tetanus, 6 whooping cough serum

Eating habits corrected, most common of which were lack of dark bread, cooked cereal, leafy vegetables and Cod Liver Oil. Many mothers expressed a wish that this clinic might be permanent.

In the High, Center and Sunset Avenue schools I conduct- ed three First Aid Classes.

It has been a pleasure to teach these First Aid Classes, if students have learned only what not to do in case of acci- dents.

I have attended nurses' conferences and completed a brush- up course in nursing.

Respectfully submitted, LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N. School Nurse.

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Commencement Exercises

HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1942 Howard Hall, June seventeen at eight o'clock

CLASS OFFICERS

President Julian Lucini

Vice President

Secretary

Frances Morse Shirley Snell

Treasurer Catherine Woodward

Motto-"Launched but not Anchored"

Class Colors-Maroon and White Class Flower-Carnation

PROGRAM

1. Processional-Pomp and Chivalry Roberts

Howard High School Orchestra

2. Invocation Rev. John Hershey

3. The Star Spangled Banner Audience Noble Cain

4. Music-Ode to the Homeland Howard High School Chorus

5. Address-Binoculars of Education Professor S. Ralph Harlow Smith College

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6. Presentation of Class Gift Julian Lucini President of Class of 1942

7. Acceptance for School Franklin Davio President of Class of 1943

8. Presentation of Awards Washington and Franklin Certificate Class of 1941 Scholarship Principal Nils G. Lindell

9. Music-Consecration Overture Keler Bela

Howard High School Orchestra

10. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Henry F. Woodward Member of School Committee

11. Class Ode Marilyn Thayer

Class of 1942

12. Benediction

Reverend John Hershey

13. Recessional-Festival March Mendelssohn

Howard High School Orchestra

CLASS ODE To the tune of "Oh Genevieve" Marilyn Thayer

Oh, spire-crested Howard High, The time has come to say good-bye. The days have fled, the hours too, Which we have spent, dear school, with you.

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We are but banners yet unfurled, As we step out to meet the world, And may you always be the light That brightens up the darkest night!

We say to you again, "Good-bye". Oh, spire-crested Howard High And to our teachers, staunch and true, We bid them all a fond adieu!

GRADUATES

Eleanor F. Allard

Eleanor Marie Ames

Ruth Anna Anderson

Frances Morse

Anne Lucille Noonan

Thomas Francis O'Shaughnessy

Jennie Stuart Payne Mary A. Pocius Thomas L. Reynolds

Florence Heath Davis

Ruth Corinne DeCoteau

Evangeline Dorothy Salvador

Veronica Mary G. Dillenshneider

Helen Louise Sanborn

Dorothy Agnes Finch

Shirley Marie Snell

Charles Andrew Freeman, Jr.

Lloyd Everett Staples, Jr.

June Marie Teixeira

Marilyn Arlene Thayer Dorothy Parker Verity John Arthur Verity

Audrey Louise Wilbur

Dorothy Louise Willis

Catherine A. Woodward

George Wilfred Goldie, Jr. Henry Hanson Elsa Caroline Hollertz Pauline Frances Howe Mildred Ruth Kugis Julian Ernest Lucini

Elizabeth Anne MacHardy Edmond Joseph Michalowski

Howard Gilbert Miles

Louise Helen Moore

Ruth Isabel Bemis Priscilla Burgess Julius M. Chambers Lloyd Drinkwater Copeland

DIRECTORY OF TEACHERS

Teacher

School

Subject or Grade

Nils G. Lindell, B.S., Ed.M.

High

Principal and Mathematics

Penelope DeCoulos, B.S.

High

Commercial

Arthur L. Frellick, B.Sc., M.S.

High

Science

Roger M. Jones, A.B.

High

English

Henry Pease, B.S.

High

Manual Arts and Phys. Ed.

Fitchburg Teachers

Janice M. Rylander, A.B.

High

Languages

Boston University

Mary E. Seitz, B.S.

High

Household Arts

Clarice J. Weeden, A.B., A.M., Ed.M.

High

Social Studies

Naomi E. White, B.S.

High

Commercial

Mrs. Marjorie Hayward, B.S.

High

Orchestra

Mass. Conservatory

George C. Roy, A.B., Ed.M.

Center

Principal and Social Studies

Ellen F. Kett

Center

Arithmetic

Marjorie Davis, B.S.

Center

Grade 4-5

Plymouth, N. H. Teachers

Miriam T. Hall

Center

Grade 3-4

Fitchburg Teachers

Mrs. Gertrude A. Pillsbury

Center

Grade 1-2

Hyannis Summer Sch.

Mrs. Theresa M. Miller

Sunset Ave.

Principal and Grades 7, 8

Brockton Bus. U.

Liette Morin, B.S.

Sunset Ave.

Grade 5-6

Katherine Rogers, B.S.

Sunset Ave.

Grade 3-4

Myrtle Ryan

Sunset Ave.

Grade 1-2

Wilmar C. Armer, B.S.

Cochesett

Principal and Grades 4, 5

Bridgewater

Marian B. Turski

Cochesett

Grades 1, 2, 3

Castine Normal

Gertrude J. Ward

Matfield

Grades 1, 2, 3

Perry Kindergarten

Mary Nelson, B.S.

Jerusalem

Grades 1-5

Bridgewater

Mrs. Lois J. Snow

All All

Supervisor of Music

Hyannis Teachers

Charles G. Taylor, A.B., Ed.M.

Superintendent

Tufts, Harvard

Salem Teachers

Mass. Agr. College

Bates College

Framingham Teachers

Wellesley, Clark, B. U.

Boston University

Prov. College, B. U. Hyannis Teachers

Helen Paul, B.S.

Center

English

Fitchburg Teachers

Bridgewater Bridgewater Castine Normal

U. of Me., Harvard

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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The financial condition of the Town at the close of the year 1942 should be gratifying to the citizens. This situation to- gether with the low tax rate which we have enjoyed, reflects the conservatism of the voters in their approval of the approp- riations at the town meetings and the good management of the officials and Department heads in the conduct of town affairs.

The committee recommends the sum of $20,000.00 be ap- propriated from available funds in the treasury for the purchase of United States Government Bonds. This action will aid our government in the war effort and provide the town with a fund for post war use.

We also recommend the appropriation of not over $15,000.00 from available funds in the treasury for the purpose of reduc- ing the tax rate. With this help we believe that it will be pos- sible to expect a tax rate comparable with last year.

In accordance with provisions of the State Laws the bud- gets covering the salaries of the elective town officers are setup separately from the expenses of their departments. The sums recommended for Moderator, Tax Collector, Treasurer and Town Clerk are yearly salaries. Tree Warden and Water Commission- ers are paid on an hourly basis, and the total compensation can- not exceed the amount appropriated for salaries. The Board of Selectmen, Board of Public Welfare and Board of Assessors are paid on the basis of $5.00 for a full day or $3.00 for one half day and the total compensation cannot exceed the amount ap- propriated for salaries.

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The Board of Selectmen feel that under the stress of War conditions the Chief of Police should be on call and in town at all times. The budget of the Police Department provides for this, the Chief to be paid on an hourly basis for the time actu- ally worked. This committee has recommended this action and appropriation.

A table of Estimates by Departments, amounts recom- mended by this Committee, and report of recommendations on articles in the Town Warrant appear on the following pages.

ARTHUR E. RYDER, Chairman ALFRED T. WELLS, Secretary WALTER D. CROWLEY JOHN C. ELDRIDGE JOHN E. HOWARD

WILLIAM W. NOYES

JOHN M. RICHARDS

Finance Committee

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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 Water Commissioner for three years, two School Committee for three years, one Tax Collector for three years, two Trustees of Public Library for three years, one for two years to fill vacancy, 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 1, 1942, and close 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, 1943, 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.

The Finance Committee recommends such authorization.

........

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Article 5. To raise such sums of money as may be neces- sary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and to make appropriations for the same.

The recommendations of the Finance Committee for each De- partment appear in the Tables included in their report.

Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate a sum of money to be used in connection with Chapter 90, Highway maintenance. Said appropriation to be used to- gether with any sum that may be allotted thereto by State and County.

The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of $1,000.00 to be used with any sum allotted thereto by State and County.

Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate, or transfer from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for the purchase of war bonds or other bonds that are legal investments for savings banks, in order to establish a post-war rehabilitation fund, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3, Acts of 1943.

The Finance Committee recommends the appropriation of the sum of $20,000.00 from available funds in the treasury, to be used in the purchase of United States Government Bonds.

Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of $75.00 for a clinic by the School Physician to immunize school children and pre-school children against diphtheria.