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 30
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It is my hope, that the things learned here, may carry over into community life. The responsibility will be different but the manner of handling, the same.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLEN F. KETT,
Principal.
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HOME AND SCHOOL
One of the most fundamentally important factors in the value of a school to the community is the cooperative relation- ship existing between teachers and parents. The primary in- terest of both the school and the home is the same thing, child development. The home sees the child in the small family group; the school sees him as a member of a relatively large group of children his own age. If the parent and the teacher can meet on an informal friendly basis each can help the other in performing successfully this greatest of all jobs.
Miss Blanchard, in her report of the Cochesett School, em- phasizes the importance she attaches to an understanding co- operation between the home and the school.
Dear Sir:
When the school year began on September 8th, there were fifty-four energetic girls and boys eager to commence their year's work.
New text books in spelling, reading, history, geography and music have been obtained.
ACTIVITES OF THE SCHOOL
1. The pupils are taking an active part in the collection of tin cans.
2. For some years the school has been teaching thrift. This is now greatly aided by the need for purchasing War Saving Stamps. From September 8th, to December 31, 1943 the school has purchased $112.40 worth of stamps. We are determined not to let the Minute Man Flag be lowered because of our inability
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to obtain the 90% each month necessary to keep it proudly flying.
3. 95% of the pupils brought in pennies for the Junior Red Cross.
4. The pupils in grades four and five are each enthusiastic to receive an honor certificate in reading.
5. 4-H Clubs Organized.
(a) Girls: Mrs. Marion Lukaweski in charge and Mrs .: Russell Willis, assistant. President, Faith Cummings.
(b) Boys: Miss Ruth Blanchard in charge and Mrs. Warren Turner, assistant. President, Anthony Zeuli.
I have become acquainted with some member of each family in grades three through five either by the parents calling at school or my visiting in the homes. I have found the parents very cooperative and most interested in each of their own par- ticular problems.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH BLANCHARD, Principal.
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
The West Bridgewater teachers recognize the need for in- dividualized instruction and guidance. Every effort is being made to analyze each pupil's needs and to provide him with the type of instruction needed.
The achievement tests given each spring are invaluable in analyzing group and individual needs. There is a chart for each
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pupil on which is plotted his achievement year by year. In this way a pupil's progress can be watched. Also his special weak- nesses are made obvious, so that special help can be given wher- ever the need is shown.
To illustrate the attention paid to this important activity in all the schools, Mrs. Miller, in her report that follows, dis- cusses the procedure at Sunset Avenue School.
Dear Sir:
During the past two years special attention has been paid to the needs of the individual child, especially his reading in the lower grades.
Pupils develop at different rates of speed, hence they are not all ready for a particular reader at the same time. Because of this fact, each teacher has several reading groups according to the particular needs of the pupils. In this way all pupils proceed at their best rate of speed, thereby laying a foundation for suc- cessful achievement.
Extra learning materials are provided for those pupils who work somewhat faster than other members of the class, and in this way there may be greater breadth to their achievement. Hence, all pupils are kept working to the greatest extent of their abilities.
Respectfully submitted,
THERESA MILLER,
Principal.
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TEACHERS
There have been eight teacher changes in the past year, the same as a year ago. Four of the changes were for professional improvement, two in order to teach near home, and two to maintain homes.
Arthur Frellick resigned to become principal of the high school at Princeton, Massachusetts. Miss Liette Morin is now teaching in Walpole. George Roy is now a principal in Bridge- water. Miss Clarice Weeden is teaching in Brookline. Roger Jones returned to Old Orchard, Maine to teach there. Miss Helen Paul is teaching in West Boylston and living at home. Mrs. Wilmar Armer and Mrs. Myrtle Ryan resigned to main- tain their homes.
WELL CHILD CONFERENCE
Health is an important factor in a child's success. Any child who is not up to par physically finds it difficult to give the at- tention and concentration necessary. A thorough physical check- up should be made before a child enters school and any defects remedied. The Well Child Conference, held each summer for pre- school children, provides a fine opportunity for such a checkup. At this time there is available a doctor, a dentist and a nutri- tionist provided by the State Department of Health. As this is a conference, no prescribing is done. However, the child is ex- amined, after which the findings are discussed with the parents, and, if necessary, recommendations made for consultation with the family physician.
The reports of the School Physician and School Nurse dis- cuss in detail the health conditions in the schools.
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Dear Sir:
The annual physical examinations were completed in Oc- tober. Notices were sent to 273 parents notifying them of defects.
The posture should be improved, also the feet showed that corns begin early, short shoes causing large joints. Three were found with athletes foot, three flatfooted, and three were re- ferred to the Orthopedic clinic. Whooping cough was prevalent among older children. We experienced an epidemic of a contag- ious rash as in 1942, without serious results. One in five had grippe occurring about Christmas.
A diphtheria Toxoid clinic was held under direction of the Board of Health. I immunized 47 children assisted by your school nurse.
A busy year closes without fatalities and in concluding may I assure you that your cooperation was appreciated as well as Mrs. Hewitt's faithful assistance.
Respectfully submitted, A. O. BELMORE, M. D., School Physician.
Dear Sir:
I herewith present my annual report.
The examinations given the pupils each year by the school physician bring to light various defects that we try to remedy by notifying parents and with follow up home visits, referring to family doctors, also clinics. Medical attention and transportation to clinics is difficult. Absorption from chronic diseased tonsils and
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defective teeth is called focal infection and is a contributing cause to rheumatic fever which affects the heart. Fatalities from heart disease out number all other causes of death. About one percent of New England school children have rheumatic heart disease.
Examinations conducted by Selective Service Boards re- vealed that many defects causing rejections were defects which could have been prevented if corrected earlier in life. The respons- ibility of the health of the child rests with the parent. There is a demand that more attention be given to training students in physical fitness as preparation for service and essential war work. Therefore it is fitting that we begin early training in health habits. With many parents working it is even more im- portant that teachers check on health and inquire about lunches, sleeping, and other body needs. Kitchen space in the schools should be provided for the preparation of some hot dish to sup- plement lunches brought from home.
Early in the Fall all teachers attended three workshop meet- ings on Health Teaching by Miss Jean Latimer, Co-ordinator of Health Teaching from the Division of Child Hygiene. Health text books were provided and each teacher has planned a teaching unit for her pupils' needs. Miss Latimer was most interesting.
A total of 47 children were immunized at the Toxoid Clinic conducted by Dr. Belmore for the Board of Health assisted by the Nurse.
Dr. Edmund Tobin, dentist, examined all children including the 8th grade. 90 pupils were treated at the Dental Clinic: 287 operations were completed; one third were treated by their fam- ily dentist; many are without treatment. At present most fam- ilies can afford private dental care if they make an effort.
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Through the pre-school clinic we were able to have more enter- ing pupils with dental caries treated.
The use of the Audiometer from the Plymouth County Health Association was not possible this year, therefore teachers have had to resort to the old method of testing hearing which is very unsatisfactory. It is hoped sometime we may secure our own Audiometer.
Report of School Physician's findings during annual exam- ination:
Howard High School:
Examined : 191
Defects:
Teeth 25
Heart 2
Tonsils 9
Acne 6
Feet 3
Asthma .3
Elementary Schools:
Examined : 431
Defects:
Teeth 32
Heart 1
Tonsils 70
Ears 6
Feet 8
Eyes 8
Referred to orthopedic clinic-3.
We are about to begin our clinic at the High School for chest X-Ray and tuberculin test. Our aim is to include every one. A great deal of importance is stressed on Tuberculosis in industry today.
The Well Child Conference was conducted by a medical unit headed by Dr. Coffin of the Division of Hygiene.
As a result:
77 children were examined June 25-28.
.
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65 families were contacted among which were 3 sets of twins.
Number to enter school, 23; number of infants, 19.
Number of pre-school, 34; number of mothers, 58. Repeaters, 12. No fathers were present.
Total needing attention:
Medical 17
Orthopedic 3
Dental
27
Eyes 6
Nutrition 11 Heart 5
Throat defects 10 Ears 0
Toxoid needed 10 X-Rays 2
Vaccination 54 Referred to
Clinic 3
Since the clinic:
95 home calls have been made by me, with the follow- ing results:
Received dental care 23
Immunized for diphtheria
5
Tonsils removed 4
Eyes examined
4
Treated at Orthopedic Clinic 1
Vaccinated 23
Immunized for Whooping Cough 6
Treated at Children's Hospital 1
Chest X-Rayed 2
Eating habits are improved and there is a better under- standing of nutrition.
Medical treatment was secured in every case where acci- dents occurred. Whenever possible children ill were taken home. Numerous home visits were made. Referred several cases to the S.P.C.C. for investigation. One case was prosecuted for neglect.
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Consultations were held with the school physician and teach- ers whenever complaints were made. Seven children entering school who were immature were examined for aptitude.
Public Health Nurses' conferences were attended.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N., School Nurse.
FINE ARTS
Drawing and music are traditional subjects in any school system. In West Bridgewater the elementary teachers are res- ponsible for their own instruction in drawing, as there is no art supervisor. At the Center School, Miss Postle is in charge of the drawing, for grades 6, 7, and 8. There is no art or drawing in high school.
The singing in the schools is under the general direction of Mrs. Snow. At the Center School there is a small class in instru- mental music that meets once a week under the instruction of Mr. Myron Thomas. It is unfortunate the class is not larger as the opportunity for instruction is excellent. Mrs. Smith, at the Center School, is organizing an orchestra to carry on the fine beginning last year under Mr. Roy. In the high school Mr. Gardner is directing the orchestra, replacing Mrs. Hayward, who is not available this year.
The report of the music supervisor follows:
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as Music Supervisor in the West Bridgewater public schools.
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Grades I and II learned many rote songs and later noted the number of phrases in many of these and recognized the repetition of similar motives and figures. The next step was the application of syllables by rote. It is extremely important that these early rote songs be taught correctly. These, learned first through EAR training, must be accurate in tonal relationship in preparation for the application of the syllables and later for EYE training from staff notation. These steps follow one an- other so closely great care should be exercised in correct pres- entation.
The child is taught to use light, head tones and never to allow himself to sing with a harsh, reedy quality. This applies not only during the music lesson but at all times when he sings. Teachers are requested to observe this and to insist upon it.
Simple board work in scale and in tonic chord drill are taught early in the second year and book study of songs is begun after the Christmas holidays. Individual attention is given to the "Listeners" and the number in this group is decreased as the child finds his singing voice.
Grades III and IV have much specific drill in theory. This includes time problems, the effect of sharp, flat, and cancel, the singing of chromatics and writing from dictation. The plan of work is to sing, recognize visually, and to write many of the problems in theory as progress is made by the class. These grades at the Sunset Avenue school have done a fine piece of work. They have adhered strictly to requirements, the conduct of class lesson is orderly and the pupils take pride in having done a task well.
The upper grades have learned songs in two and three parts and where the boys' voices have changed to bass a fourth is sometimes added. The song books used upstairs at Cochesett
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and in the fifth and sixth grades at Sunset Avenue have a great deal of music from the European countries, countries that have been brought very close to us since the war. Interesting discus- cusions have been had on how we came to know and have this material, the style and subject matter of the text. A better un- derstanding and appreciation of the habits and customs of these peoples may be thus gained and more meaning put into the songs.
The two upper grades at the Center, in one choral group, have done splendid work. There was and is good music ability in this class and a fine volunteer spirit. Three of the boys worked out a pleasing "skit" of "Short'nin' Bread" and presented it to the other pupils. Small groups have sung selections, individuals have played and sung solos. Several requests have come to the supervisor for presenting an operetta and this is very worth while work both from the stand point of the students and the public. But it has not seemed feasible with so short a noon time and with fewer music periods than formerly.
In the High School the chorus continues to maintain a good- ly membership. An operetta would be stimulating and would be received with enthusiasm. Such a project would have to be supported by others outside of the music department, since it would be necessary for some one to take charge of the speaking parts, the costuming, the scenery. This of course presents diffi- culties in finding the time since everyone is so busy these days. However, it is well to bear in mind and to do what seems best when the opportunity is at hand.
A selected group from the chorus sang two songs Parents' Night. At the present time the chorus is made up of students joining the music class because they are deeply interested, those that just like to sing, and those who have time to spare and need extra credit. With such mixed interests it is not possible to do the best type of work. Some consideration should be given those
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first mentioned and an opportunity for them to attain and ap- preciate a higher standard in this cultural and socializing art.
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS J. SNOW, Supervisor of Music.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT
Since September of a year ago six teachers and the super- intendent have taken professional courses. The School Commit- tee recognizes the importance of professional improvement and has included in its salary schedule incentives for such by the teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. TAYLOR, Superintendent of Schools.
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Commencement Exercises
CLASS OF 1943 HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Howard Hall, June sixteen at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
Franklin Davio Rena Rossi Natalie Hambly William Browne
Motto-"What you are to be you are now becoming" Class Colors-Blue and White Class Flower-Carnation
PROGRAM
1. Processional
Howard High School Orchestra
2. Invocation
Reverend Thomas F. Devlin
3. The Star Spangled Banner Audience
4. Address-Making the Best of the Worst Thomas S. Roy, D. D.
5. Music-La Czarine Louis Ganne
Howard High School Chorus
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6. Presentation of Class Gift Franklin Davio President of Class of 1943
7. Acceptance for School Aaron Kalaijian President of Class of 1944
8. Presentation of Awards
Good Citizen Certificate Washington and Franklin Certificate
Class of 1942 Scholarship William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship
Principal Nils G. Lindell
9. Music-Chaconne Augusta Durand Howard High School Orchestra
10. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Clare Parker Chairman of School Committee
11. Class Ode Ellen L. Brown
Class of 1943
12. Benediction
Reverend Thomas F. Devlin
13. Recessional Howard High School Orchestra
CLASS ODE Dear Howard High School, We bid you farewell now; Farewell to the four years We've spent with you.
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And to our teachers, Whose patience and courage Have guided us onward, We bid adieu.
Out in the wide world We now must travel; To start life's journey With hopes and fears.
These happy days here We ne-er shall forget them; These memories we'll treasure Through all the years.
Ellen L. Brown
GRADUATES
Marguerite Lucy Barros
George Lothrop
Gladys E. Bergstrom
Anne Theresa Lucini
Ellen Louise Brown
William A. MacWilliam
William John Browne, Jr.
Ralph J. Miles
Russell Bump
Doris A. Morse
Santina Marie Carbone
Carl Reinold Ohlson, Jr.
Barbara Jean Cook
Jeanette Evelyn Parker
Mildred Elsie Copeland
Jacqueline Marie Paszynska
Ernest D. Dansereau
Anna May Perry
Franklin Joseph Davio
Mary Ann Perry
Thelma May Donnelly
Joseph Leo Pomeroy
Jessie Mae Eaton
Rena Phyllis Rossi
Stanley Leonard Freeman, Jr.
Jean Gillespie Jean Laurel Goldie
June Lorraine Goldie
John Robert Gummow
Natalie Evelyn Hambly
Kenneth Frederick Harlow
Barbara Ann Simmons Alice Frances Simono Lillian Audrey Smith John Teixeira Marjorie Mae Thayer
Charlotte Elaine Turner
DIRECTORY OF TEACHERS
Teacher Nils G. Lindell, B.S., Ed.M.
Penelope DeCoulos, B.S. C. Warren Gardner, B.S.
High
Social Studies
W. Edward Kincaid, B.S.
High
Science Manual Arts, Phys. Ed.
Janice M. Rylander, A.B.
High
Languages
Mary E. Seitz, B.S.
High
Household Arts
Naomi E. White, B.S.
High
Commercial
John K. Young, A.B., A.M.
High
English
Boston University
Ellen F. Kett, B.S.
Center
Principal and Arithmetic
E. Faye Postle, B.S.
Center
Social Studies
Mrs. Doris G. Smith, B.S.
Center
English
Boston University
Marjorie Davis, B.S.
Center
Grades 4-5
Plymouth, N. H., Teachers
Miriam T. Hall
Center
Grades 3-4
Fitchburg Teachers
Mrs. Gertrude A. Pillsbury
Center Grades 1-2
Hyannis Teachers
Mrs. Theresa M. Miller
Sunset Ave. Principal and Grades 7-8
Brockton Bus. U.
June N. Canegaly, B.S.
Sunset Ave.
Grades 5-6
Bridgewater Teachers
Katherine Rogers, B.S.
Sunset Ave.
Grades 3-4
Bridgewater Teachers
Elizabeth Hughes
Sunset Ave.
Grades 1-2
Ruth L. Blanchard
Cochesett
Principal and Grades 4-5
Mrs. Marian B. Lukaweski
Cochesett
Grades 1-2-3
Gertrude J. Ward
Matfield Grades 1-2-3
Perry Normal
Mary Nelson, B.S.
Jerusalem
Grades 1-5
Bridgewater Teachers
Mrs. Lois J. Snow
All All
Supervisor of Music
Superintendent
Tufts, Harvard Salem Teachers Boston University Kent University Fitchburg Teachers Boston University Framingham Teachers
Boston University
Hyannis Teachers Bridgewater Teachers
148
Hyannis Teachers U. of Maine, Harvard
Charles G. Taylor, A.B., Ed.M.
School
High High
Subject or Grade Principal and Mathematics Commercial, Phys. Ed.
Perry Normal Keene Normal Castine Normal
Henry Pease, B.S.
High
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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
We believe the citizens should be pleased to note the satis- factory financial condition of the Town at the close of the year 1943. We have enjoyed a low tax rate and have at the same time kept our town departments functioning in good order.
The total appropriations which we have recommended are slightly higher than last year due chiefly to the increase in the School budget. This is caused by a larger salary item and ad- ditional cost of High School operation which is explained by the School Committee in their report.
We recommend the appropriation of not over $15,000.00 from available funds in the treasury for the purpose of reduc- ing the tax rate.
Figuring on some increase in receipts from outside sources and expecting a lower Surplus Revenue at the end of the year, we can again have a tax rate comparable to last year.
The committee recommends the sum of $20,000.00 be ap- ropriated from available funds in the treasury for the purchase of United States Government Bonds. This will provide an ad- ditional fund for post war use.
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 HENRY C. BRADFORD FRED G. CHISHOLM WALTER D. CROWLEY
JOHN C. ELDRIDGE JOHN M. RICHARDS
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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 6, 1944 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, 1944, 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 author- ization.
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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.
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 raise and ap- propriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 6. The Finance Committee recommends the appropri- ation 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 ap- propriate, 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.
Article 7. The Finance Committee recommends the appropri- ation 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.
Article 8. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
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Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $50.00 for a "Well Child Conference".
Article 9. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $100.00 for the use of Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Ex- tension Service) and choose a Town Director as provided in Sec- tion 41 and 42 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws and act thereon.
Article 10. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $2,162.06 for maintenance of Plymouth County Hospital, under provisions of Chapter 111, Section 85, of the General Laws.
Article 11. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 for maintenance of Visiting Nurse Service in West Bridgewater.
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