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 36
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Respectfully submitted,
ELLEN F. KETT,
Principal.
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Mrs. Miller's comments about the Boys and Girls Citizenship Clubs is especially significant. Any activity which will help boys and girls recognize their responsibilities is to be commended: Dear Sir:
The year 1944 has closed on another pleasant and profitable year at Sunset Avenue School.
First of all, your attention is directed to the fact that we have available many new and up to date basic text books. We are thankful for these books.
In grades one and two there are forty-one pupils, which of course is rather a large group when you consider the fact that these children are in the formative years of their education. How- ever, the work in this room is progressing exceptionally well.
We recognize, as all educators do today, that children pro- gress at different rates in learning and because of this fact the pupils in grades three and four are receiving the same individual attention as reported last year.
We have a well organized Junior Police at the school this year. This is one of the projects under the Boys' Citizenship Club and it is their duty to care for the younger children on the way to and from school. The Citizenship Club is an organization of boys in grades seven and eight. We are pleased with the cooperation of children in the other grades; very few have been reported for lack of cooperation.
During Education Week the Girls' Citizenship Club did com- menable work. They took charge of serving a tea for parents and friends. About seventy were served. The girls made most of the cake and sandwiches. The president and vice president poured.
Although it is not possible for us to have classes in Manual Training and Sewing at Sunset Avenue the eighth grade boys go to the Center School for one hour each Tuesday. The eighth grade
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girls attend classes in sewing at the High School for one hour each Monday.
Sunset Avenue pupils have bought stamps and bonds gener- ously. We had 100% pupil participation in September and October and over 90% in November. Grades three and four have been 100% for three months.
Respectfully submitted,
THERESA MILLER, Principal.
Citizenship is a broad term. It includes participation in the political and economic affairs of the community and nation. It also includes a recognition and understanding of those social arts that are so vital to the happiness and well being of the people of a nation. Music is one of the greatest of these. Music has been used through the ages to bolster flagging spirits, to provide an outlet for pent up emotions, to tell stories of the nation's prowess and accomplishments. The music of a nation acts as a safety valve in times of stress and strain. It is especially fitting that our boys and girls, in times like the present, have a chance to know music. They study it technically, they sing it for pleasure and for understand- ing, and they listen to it for appreciation.
It would seem proper that Mrs. Snow's report on the music in our schools should be included under this very broad and general heading of citizenship: Dear Sir:
It is a pleasure to submit the annual report on the work in music in the public schools of West Bridgewater.
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In general the plan has been the same as that of the previous year. The work in grades one and two is concerned with the learn- ning of five or six rote songs a month, the singing of the scale, down and up, and simple skips in the major mode, and the application of syllables, through the ear, to many of the basic songs. It is my aim always to encourage quality of tone and to avoid any strain in vocalizing. A regular testing of the so-called "listeners" is made periodically.
In grades three, four and five the music lesson is divided in- to the presentation and studying of new problems in time and tone and in the singing of songs. Additional information on the com- poser, the age in which he lived, his contemporaries, and the style of music written, helps in the appreciation of music and broadens the scope of the pupil's understanding.
The upper grades and the high school chorus have done work in three and four part harmony.
Since the supervisor has had an extra half day each week, beginning from the middle of September, more time has been al- lotted to Matfield and to Sunset Avenue and more time made available for the three upper grades at the Center, where valuable written work and ear training have been presented in the building of the major and minor keys. With the use of the phonograph the classes have enjoyed discussions and listening lessons in music appreciation. Charts of the different instruments of the symphony orchestra have been shown and a study of the symphonic choirs begun. A member of the eighth grade, who plays the harp, gave an excellent extemporaneous talk on this instrument, its etherial tone quality, the use of the seven pedals and the effects produced by the different styles in playing when special tone coloring is des- ired.
Twenty-five hundred years ago Confucious said "you can know what subjects the people have been taught. If they show themselves big-hearted and generous, bland and honest, they have
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learned from the book of music." It is interesting to note that the ability to play the flute was a required part of the education of the Greek youth. Every stimulus that sets up a reaction in the human organism has its influence in shaping his character. What study required in our educational system sets up a series of reac- tions comparable to those of music? The ability to enjoy music furnishes an outlet for emotional expression. The teaching of this cultural art in our schools adds much to the social life of the boys and girls both now and for the future.
I thank you for your helpful suggestions during the past year and wish to express my appreciation for the courteous cooperation given me by the teachers in the system.
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS J. SNOW, Music Supervisor.
VOCATIONAL PREPARATION
When we say that education should prepare a boy or girl for his life work we must think of that in the broad sense. Most of the work of our elementary schools is basic to preparing for a vocation. Especially English, arithmetic, spelling and science are basic to any line of work a pupil may later enter. We must recognize that the older, traditional college preparatory type of high school pro- gram has been replaced by a broader one that makes available for the pupil a wider range of preparation possibilities. We should recognize that every individual has certain interests and abilities, and that these interests and abilities should very largely determine the program to be followed.
Regardless of what course or program a pupil may follow in high school or after, his success is dependent almost entirely upon
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satisfactory reading ability. Proper achievement in reading goes back to the first day of school in the first grade, and remains im- portant throughout his school life. Success in the first grade de- pends very largely upon readiness to read. In other words every parent should ask "Is my child mature enough to do regular begin- ning reading?" It is difficult to answer this. After a few weeks the teacher can tell pretty well how the child is taking hold. To check the teacher's opinions, we have, for the past two years, obtained the services of the State Clinic to make an analysis of each child who seems to be having difficulty getting started. Frequently they recommend that the child wait until the following year to continue school. A pre-primary or kindergarten program would be helpful in such cases. However, lacking these, it is far better for the child to be home than to sit in school attempting to do something that he is not quite ready for.
All of our teachers are aware of the vast importance of reading. They all pay particular attention, insofar as possible in a regular classroom, to the special needs of the different pupils.
Mrs. Covell, in her report, emphasizes the importance of read- ing as basic to all other school work. Note the importance that Mrs. Covell attaches to interpretation and reflective thinking as a part of the reading process:
Dear Sir:
Reading may be considered a master key which unlocks the doorway to all other subjects. A child who has learned to read has not only developed the ability to recognize printed symbols and to understand them as words, phrases, or sentences but he also has learned to interpret and think reflectively about what he has read. We believe reading should be as carefully taught in the in- termediate grades as it has been in the primary grades.
We have made this year a concerted effort to increase each child's vocabulary as an aid to reading and thinking, realizing
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that self-expression and confidence generate from such knowledge.
We have found the modern textbooks with which our school has been equipped of inestimable value and have tried to utilize them to the fullest possible extent.
The children have eagerly co-operated in Red Cross, Tin Can and Paper Salvage Drives.
From September 6 to December 31, 1944 the pupils purchased War Savings Stamps in the amount of $175.15. More than ninety percent of the children purchased a War Stamp each month there- by keeping the Minute Man Flag flying over Cochesett School.
Respectfully submitted,
ANASTASIA M. COVELL, Principal.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The third major job of education is to produce a healthy, physically fit individual. The foundation of good health and phy- sical fitness is laid in the early years. Actual physical development of the whole body and corrective exercises for special disabilities are of primary and equal importance. A regular and well organ- ized program of physical education for every child is an essential in any school system, and especially important for the ten to fifteen year age group. This group in West Bridgewater has little or no opportunity for an adequate program. The older pupils at Center School are able to have one period a week at the high school gym. The Sunset Avenue pupils have no opportunity at all. There is no opportunity for individual corrective work.
The high school physical education program is fully explained by Mr. Lindell in his report. However, it should be noted that
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here, too, little can be done by way of discovering individual diffi- culties and providing for their correction. Neither the boys' or girls' physical education teacher has a room where tests may be conducted, records filed or equipment kept. This is an essential in any well organized physical education program.
The generally excellent programs for athletics, both boys and girls, is to be commended. Particularly is this true of basketball where both groups must take their turns in the gymnasium in ad- dition to sharing it with the seminary girls. A complete program, however, is one that provides for intra-mural competition. Such a program would ensure participation by practically every pupil instead of the relatively small number now provided for.
Mr. Lindell's report on the high school is inserted here be- cause of his noticeable emphasis on this phase of the school's program.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor of presenting my annual report as Principal of Howard High School.
As we enter the fourth year of war, a three-fold task con- fronts the school. We must continue to give every assistance to the national government in the gigantic undertaking of winning the war with undiminished vigor. We must endeavor to preserve and develop all those essentials of education which will assure for every boy and girl a strong basic training for life, whether it be in time of war or peace. We must plan for the days of peace to come.
The year has been again characterized by the necessity of joining the other secondary schools in the nation in an active pro- gram of "all out for victory". The sale of war stamps and bonds
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and the collection of tin cans continues successfully, although not as successful as the previous year. This condition seems to prevail in all schools. Physical education, pre-induction courses in machines, electricity, and aeronautics, and cooperation with the man power shortage all are making vital contributions to the war effort. Each of these activities is discussed more fully in previous reports.
The fall and spring issues of "The Climber" have been elimi- nated in order to cooperate fully with a town committee headed by the selectmen in the publication of a monthly news letter for servicemen of the town. The Climber staff, assisted by others, col- lects and edits news; the commercial department typewrites orig- inal copies and mimeographs the final letter. The importance of this project needs no comment.
The school now displays a beautiful honor roll dedicated to the graduates of the school who are now serving or have served in the armed forces of our country in the present war. This honor roll of more than 100 names was appropriately dedicated with impressive exercises early in the year, and now stands a fitting tribute to those graduates who serve their country in the armed services.
The second phase of the school's task is to maintain an even keel during the war emergency, retaining and developing within the limits of local conditions the basic educational subjects and processes essential to every pupil regardless of his future activities. To read, write, and calculate proficiently, to know and practice important principles of our American life, to possess salable skills, and to become mentally and physically fit are some of the con- siderations.
In forward looking schools the slogan for both boys and girls has become "Every boy (and girl) must be fit to fight and live". Military service physical rejections have focused attention upon the great need for an effective program of health and physical ed-
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ucation in our schools. Every boy and every senior girl in our high school gets two forty-five minute periods a week of physical education, while the other girls are less fortunate, because of in- sufficient teacher time, in getting only one forty-five minute period a week. In order to build an adequate program of health and phy- sical education to meet the present and future needs of our young people, the school must look forward not only to the assignment of more time for more classes in health instruction and gymnasium work to improve individual performance, but also to a substan- tial addition and improvement in physical equipment.
An important part of our physical education program, basket- ball, is creating a number of problems of grave concern. These problems have their origin in the inadequacy of our small low ceiling gymnasium with its utter lack of showers and dressing room facilities. Safety demands that the number of persons ad- mitted to games must be definitely limited. As a result, after pro- viding for pupils, only 20 seats are available to parents and others. The only way most parents can see their children play is to attend the games played away from home. Not only do opponents dis- like playing on our floor but some have refused to do so, and the number is increasing. What is more important, our boys and girls are being denied the right to practice and play under conditions anywhere near equal to those provided by other schools. It hardly seems fair that our boys and girls should compete with others en- joying more modern facilities for the development of basketball teams.
A notable development is the extension of the girls' intra- mural athletic program to include field hockey in the fall, and soft ball, tennis, and archery in the spring. With basketball and bowling during the winter an all year program is provided for all the girls in the school.
In order to meet the needs for an appropriate science for non- college preparatory pupils in grades 11 and 12 an advanced gen-
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eral science course has been added. This subject is a final course more advanced than general science and biology and deals prim- arily with the physical science in its practical applications to daily life.
Following the recommendations of an all Town committee of teachers on marking systems, the high school is now using a four step passing and one step failing marking system replacing the for- mer outmoded three step passing and two step failing system. In order to conform with the lower grades numbers 1 through 5 instead of letters are used to indicate the various levels of achieve- ment. This newer system conforms to the more common practices in recording pupil achievement.
Other activities covered in previous reports and still contri- buting much to the school's objectives are athletics, senior class play, one-act plays, Operator's Club, Press Club, Student Council, and the Girls' League.
The third task which confronts the school is planning for the days of peace to come. I again emphasize the urgency of planning for the development of a program of health and physical education that will really meet the needs of our boys and girls.
Yesterday we could afford to ignore geography. Today, how- ever, with the disappearance of physical barriers between nations caused by the airplane and the realization that many economic and political problems have their solutions rooted in a knowledge of geography, this subject is demanding and will continue to de- mand a more prominent place in our high school curriculum.
Through the years Howard High School has steadily pro- gressed, always adapting its program to meet the needs of the pupils and the community it serves. The greatest single obstacle obstructing the functioning of a modern and progressive program of education for our boys and girls is the lack of facilities and the limitations imposed by our present school structure. No
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matter what conditions exist in this connection the teachers of the school will continue to serve to the best of their talents, but if we are to give our boys and girls educational opportunities equal to that provided by most small communities, the erection of a modern school plant should be given serious consideration.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to all who have supported me so generously and so loyally in carrying out my duties and responsibilities as head of Howard High School.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL, Principal.
Proper attention to health is equally as important as the phy- sical education program. This includes the annual physical exami- nation by the school physician, sending of notices and following them up by the school nurse, planning and carrying out the vari- ous clinics, such as dental, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and Well Child Conference. The nurse and doctor are constantly on the alert dur- ing times when epidemics threaten. At such times opinion now leans toward keeping the schools open so that children may be checked daily for signs of whatever disease is prevalent. If the schools were closed it would not be possible to keep such a close check on the children.
It may be seen from this brief discussion that the work in health is generally preventive rather than corrective. A reading of the reports of the doctor and nurse which follow gives a com- plete picture of the scope of their work:
Dear Sir:
The annual physical examination of all the pupils of the schools was made in September. A thorough examination of the
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lungs, tonsils, throat, heart, ears and spine was made to 604 children and the various abnormalities noted were: infected ton- sils, caries teeth, heart murmurs, spinal defects, flat feet and asthma. I think it is gratifying to note that during my examination of the children I found fewer physical defects this year than last year, due no doubt to the splendid cooperation of the parents in having these defects attended to after being notified, and through the untiring efforts of Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, these cases were fol- lowed up.
One hundred and seventy students were examined in the high school. One hundred and sixty four were accepted for the gymnasium course. Six rejected, reasons for these rejections were two heart disease, four excused from games. Twenty-seven of those accepted had borderline defects that might be cause for rejection by army or navy examiners. As it was impossible to guess how these defects would be evaluated and they were not of a nature to prevent participation in the gymnasium program, they were given the benefit of the doubt.
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 your school nurse, I gave three inocul- ations, three weeks apart, of Diphtheria Toxin-Antitoxin to forty- four children: there were no reactions, results satisfactory.
I have made inspections of the sanitary conditions of all school buildings, school rooms, and toilets and found them to be in accord with the requirements of the Board of Health.
I still wish to urge the parents to make frequent inspection of their childrens' teeth, to see that they are kept clean, and if decayed have them taken care of as soon as possible. Bad teeth may be the predisposing cause of many serious diseases. Enlarged tonsils are still more serious to health, and I found that many of these which I have sent notices to for the past three years have not been attended to. I wish to emphasize that this is very serious in regard to the health of your child.
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I think it is gratifying to note that there were only 58 cases of contagious diseases in the community in 1944 as compared with 1943, when we had 290 cases. And, as in the previous year, the report shows that the majority were school children.
In concluding my annual report I wish to thank all the school teachers for reporting to the school nurse and myself all defects found among the children, which has been of great help to us. And I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Charles G. Taylor and to the School Committee for the confidence placed in me, and to Mrs. Lillian M. Hewitt who has been a kind and willing assistant.
Respectfully submitted, A. O. BELMORE, M. D., School Physician.
Dear Sir:
Dr. A. O. Belmore, School Physician, examined the 439 child- ren enrolled in the primary and grammar schools. 34 notices were sent to parents indicating throat and nose conditions should be further checked by the family physician for remedial care.
Other defects found were: 5 rheumatic heart conditions, 12 cases of carious teeth needing immediate attention, and 7 cases of wax in the ears.
When the feet were examined, 5 cases of flat feet needing rem- edial shoes and supports were found and 17 cases of poor posture; 2 cases of eczema were referred to the family doctor. There were 12 cases of impetigo and 4 of scabies, 10 pupils had swollen glands, 2 had inflamed eyes, and 3 asthma.
24 children were referred to the Guidance Clinic, held each year in our schools, for advice for proper grade adjustment. A
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future hope is that all entering children may be examined to avoid repeating the grades and to assure progress.
The children's eyes were examined in the usual manner, eight obtained glasses. We have been promised the use of the Massachu- setts Vision Test soon. It is said to be the most accurate way to test vision.
Audiometer tests were done on 320 pupils, 47 retested, 13 had defective hearing. Notices were sent and treatment assured in 12 instances.
4 cases of defective feet were referred to the orthopedic clinic and treated, 2 were treated at the Children's Hospital for posture.
4 with rheumatic heart conditions had a thorough physical examination, either by the family physican or at the Hospital.
12 had tonsils removed. 3 cases of mumps, 23 chicken pox, 8 german measles, 11 measles, 8 scarlet fever cases were reported.
Tuberculin skin test was done on 3 primary school children. Chest Xrays on 9 children were all reported satisfactory. One child attended Bailey Health Camp for eight weeks.
There are 9 physically handicapped children residing in town, resulting from poliomylitis, spastic paralysis and heart diseases. One is hospitalized at present.
18 entering school children attended the Well Child Con- ference, 12 of whom had dental care. Further report on W. C. C. will be found elsewhere.
Over 400 home visits made.
Dental Clinic:
400 pupils were examined by Dr. Edmund Tobin. 45 were not in need of treatment, 250 had own dental care, and 85 were treated, 10 unfinished. Many others would have been treated, but time was not available. The Red Cross contribution of $50.00 made possible the dental examination and cleaned up several cases.
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44 children were inoculated with diphtheria toxoid under the direction of the Board of Health, treated by Dr. Belmore, assisted by the school nurse.
Being constantly on the alert for pediculi helps keep our schools free from impetigo and other contagious skin diseases.
January 26, 1945 will be the first observance of Public Health Nursing Day.
An important feature to be stressed will be immunization against Small Pox, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Scarlet Fever, and Typhoid. Successful vaccination is important at all times, but more so now. Fatalities occur each year in states where vaccination is not compulsory. Contacts are constantly made at this time and danger of epidemics is increased.
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