USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1926 > Part 12
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Visits have been made by the attendance officer as in the past to find out why children were out of school. In some cases material help has been provided in the shape of clothing and other necessaries of life. The Town Visitor, Miss Brown, has co-operated with the School Department very cordially and acts as a sort of central information bureau concerning cases that come up. Many telephone calls have been made relative to attendance and often children have been sent to the office for the good that might come from a personal talk. On the whole there is little truancy. A few families have given most of this kind of trouble since the present officer took charge of the work. The example of older children in the family is hard to overcome and, as in most instances of truancy family conditions are largely responsible, it is hard to offset this early lack of training.
Working certificates have been issued, 143 in number, to those quali- fied who have applied for them. It is incumbent upon employers to see to it that minors in their employ have these certificates and it is plainly stated on the back of such certificates that an employer who fails to do so is liable to a fine.
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In October the Freshmen girls, under the direction of Miss Wright, took the census, doing a very creditable piece of work. This census shows a total of 1936 between 5 and 21, distributed as follows: Boys 5 to 7, 118; Girls, 5 to 7, 126; Boys, 7 to 14, 477; Girls, 7 to 14, 482; Boys, 14 to 16, 127; Girls, 14 to 16, 139; Boys, 16 to 21, 244; Girls, 16 to 21, 223. Of this total about 1330 are in school in grades below High School, with an en- rolment of about 565 in the Senior High School. The large number of pupils in school in Reading as compared with the number of school age found by the census shows in what a healthy condition we are educationally. We are repeatedly told by those who ought to know that Reading schools are doing progressive and farsighted work. If this is so, thanks are due to our public- spirited citizens who do not begrudge the schools money enough to do a good piece of work, to our splendid corps of teachers, to our self-sacrificing and intelligent committee, and to you, Mr. Safford, under whose sympa- thetic direction the enterprises we undertake are carried on. It is a great pleasure to help keep children in schools when you know they are getting something worth while there.
Respectfully submitted,
ABIGAIL H. MINGO, Attendance Officer.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. A. L. Safford, Supt.
Reading, Mass.
Dear Sir :- In submitting my report for the year ending December 31, 1926, permit me to thank you for your continued interest and support.
From the standpoint of education, health activities are fundamentally important. The Commission on Reorganization of Secondary Education, consisting of many of the foremost educators in the United States, names health as the first of seven main objectives of education.
The part which education plays in producing a healthy nation is larger than the public recognizes. The problem, then, is not in creating a health conscience in the school authorities, but rather one of arousing the public to recognize that the health needs of young people are of vital importance to society. It is difficult to change the habits and ideas of the adult popu- lation and one hope for the future lies in the present school popula- lation. "Young people who have had a life-long training in healthful living for themselves, and who have been thoroughly convinced of the im- portance of good health, will seek every possible means of safeguarding the
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health of their children. For each generation of mothers and fathers to rear their children scientifically and healthfully, is to enrich our social heritage.''
The past year has seemed a steady development in the general health and physical welfare of the school children of Reading. This was due to the combined efforts of the teachers, the parents and the children. The teachers have assisted in the health work in every way possible; the parents have continued to co-operate and to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the school nursing service; and the children have responded by the display of a wholesome and genuine interest in health matters.
The work has been carried on along the same general lines, divided roughly as follows: school visits, home visits, health supervision and teaching, and clinic work. Due to a large number of pupils there have been times of discouragement. The school population in Reading, nearing as it does the two thousand mark, together with an approximate three hundred in North Reading, presents a problem in view of numbers alone. In order to expand and extend the work to its full effectiveness, it would seem that some different arrangement will have to be made in the near future.
The health work in the school is gradually being tied up more closely with that of the pre-school clinic. This past summer a roll call was con- ducted by the clinic, and many children who were entering school in the fall were rounded up and examined. The advantage of this procedure is obvious, especially if defects noted at the time of examination are cor- rected before the children enter school. If this service could be extended to include all children entering school for the first time it would relieve the school physician of the necessity of giving physical examinations in the first grade and would permit him to cover other grades, possibly the fifth grade. Because the ratio of defects encountered in school examina- tions diminishes with the length of time in school it seems unnecessary and uneconomic to make routine physical examination of every child each school year.
The year has been free from serious epidemics. Measles and German measles were the cause of many of the absences due to illness. It is esti- mated that the average school child loses six days of school during the year due to illness. Two days of this sickness time are due to colds and other respiratory infections and the remaining four days to communicable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, etc., as well as headaches and stomach disturbances. It is commonly reported that 75% of school children suffer from some physical defects. These defects, directly or indirectly, are largely responsible for keeping children out of school as well as lessening their vitality and efficiency. Likewise in the case of communicable disease, it is considered that this class of diseases is at least 75% practically pre- ventable dependent upon an educated public. Through the correction of such infective foci as diseased gums, tooth sockets, tonsils, naval cavities, etc., and through the co-operation of the parents in the matter of com- municable disease control, a definite reduction in the illness rate could be
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effected. Considering the matter purely from an economic standpoint there is much to be gained by a reduction of the absence rate due to preventable illness.
Because of the number of unvaccinated children in the Reading schools an effort has been made to carry out the law to the full extent. It is now required that each unvaccinated pupil present annually a certificate of ex- emption from his family physician. Since the ruling went into effect many have been vaccinated and practically all have complied with the require- ment.
The examination service for underweight children maintained by the State Department was used again this past year. A clinic was held April 21, at which 81 were examined. The examination consisted of a complete physical, an X-Ray of chest and a Pirquet test. Defects were noted and recommendations as to diet and habits were made. A close check-up, in- cluding monthly weighing, has been kept of each child examined at the clinic. Follow-up visits have been made to urge the correction of physical defects and faulty health habits so that each child might be free to gain.
The summer health camp has come to play an important part in the care and treatment of the underweight child. Last year through the gen- erosity of the townspeople and the various organizations enough money was raised to send thirteen children to the Southern Middlesex Health Camp, Sharon Heights, for a period of eight weeks. The aggregate gain of the Reading children was 6814 pounds, with an average gain of 51/4 pounds. Again much credit is due to Mrs. C. C. White and the members of the Good Health Committee for their untiring efforts in raising the money. I would like to urge as a further program for the underweight child, the opening of an open air class at the earliest possible date. There are several children in Reading who have been at Westfield Sanitorium for varying lengths of time. These children, together with the children of the malnourished type, would undoubtedly benefit by a program such as is carried on in the open air schoolroom. This might, in part, help to solve the problem of the slump which so frequently occurs when the child returns to the home after a period of treatment at a sanitorium or camp.
This year saw a change at the Dental Clinic. Dr. Bates, who has been with us since the opening of the clinic in 1921, resigned, and Dr. S. Maxwell Beal, Harvard graduate, was appointed in his place. Dr. Beal's work has been of a very high order and we feel we are fortunate in having so able a successor to Dr. Bates. When the time of the clinic was increased to two days per week it was hoped that it would cover the needs of the clinic. It has been impossible even with the additional time, to take care of all the requests which we have for the clinic and there is always a long waiting list. Preference has always been given the younger children as the early years are the most important in any dental hygiene program. Possibly an age limit may have to be adopted in order to do the work in the most approved and scientific manner.
The annual diphtheria program was carried on in March and April. Reading is forunate in having a group of parents who are sufficiently well-
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informed to appreciate and take advantage of these preventive measures which are comparatively new in medical science.
The course of study in health instruction is under consideration at the present time. The modern school, throughout the entire course, places the emphasis where it belongs-on positive health. The type of instruction in the first six grades should be the development of health habits; later, this work is supplemented by definite hygiene instruction, and an effort should be made to impart ideals throughout the entire course. Ideals alone will furnish the motivation which will lead the child to healthful conduct in later life.
The school has been rightly called a super-health organization-more and more we are coming to feel that it is only right that every child shall have a fair start in life. It obviously is the school's task to fit the child to do his duty as a citizen, physically, as well as mentally, morally and socially.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL M. BROWN, R. N., School Nurse.
1
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Adelbert L. Safford,
Superintendent of Schools,
Reading, Mass.
Dear Sir :- I herewith submit my fifth annual report for your approval.
In the schools of Reading the drawing begins in the first grade and continues through all the grades and in the High School. It is compulsory in the grades and elective in the High School. The general aims are as follows :
1. To teach the pupils to draw well and draw everything possible : birds, animals, people, objects, buildings, boats, trains, automobiles, fire engines, furniture, etc. A knowledge of perspective, a few simple rules, and a trained sense of observation help the child to draw better.
2. These people and objects must have color, so our second aim is to acquaint the boys and girls with the fundamental means of securing harmonious color. We also discover that color changes under different lights,-a red apple may look purple if placed in deep shadow, or it may look golden if placed. in the strong sunlight. We learn to recognize good color harmonies in textiles, rugs, fine pictures, etc. The study of the color wheel helps. It gives us the grayed and brilliant colors, the complementary and split complementary harmonies, the analagous and triadic combina- tions, also the cold and warm colors. Yellow, we learn from historical and symbolic associations, expresses cheer and wisdom; orange is the flame color or knowledge color as it represents the lamp or the torch; red is
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symbolic of love, of fire. of war, or anarchy. We may say "'true blue" or "green with envy." Violet is our mystery color. Black and white are typical of light and darkness. Most nations consider black as a sign of sorrow or mourning. When two or more colors are used together, one color must dominate. The younger children have enjoyed finding such examples in nature; that is, in the coloring of fishes, butterflies, sea shells, birds, rocks, and insects.
3. To give opportunity for originality and inventiveness. Perhaps the design work has given the pupils the best opportunity, as they have applied their designs to objects. In the grades the pupils made Christmas cards, monograms, calendars, and many other things. In the High School they dil batik work, making and applying designs to cloth with dye colors and a wax resist. Scarfs, handkerchiefs, and wall hangings were made.
4. To teach the regard for good composition; that is, good spacing, balance, and fine arrangement.
5. To cultivate the appreciation of beauty through the study of the works of art. Art makes common things more valuable. A flower pot is worth a few cents, a bowl of the same clay a few dollars,-a vase ex- quisitely formed and finely glazed and decorated, sometimes hundreds of dollars. The difference between a kitchen chair and a Chippendale chair is a matter of art. The cities of Europe are visited because they are beautiful works of civic art. The artistic home is the one that every per- son would choose. The difference is a matter of choice or taste. If the pupils wish to know how, they must know art, and we must teach them that it is one of the things in the world that is permanent. The art of Greece is still the glory of that great nation, as is that of Italy or France. Art enriches life, both for the individual and for the nation. We have spent several months this past year in the High School studying the master pictures of the world. It took the form of a lecture course terminating with an examination. Drawing was not necessary. The pupils kept their note books in good order, listing the master painters of each country, the Italian, French, German, Flemish, Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Eng- lish. and American. The lectures included the life of each master painter, a short account of his best work and the effect that his life and the century in which he lived had upon his work.
6. To cultivate general good taste and power to use that taste in regard to the home and dress.
". To discover and direct talented boys and girls into appropriate occupations.
s. To co-operate with the school activities.
9. To help the children to live happily and to serve well. In all this work during the year just ended I have found the teachers ready to co- operate, the pupils interested and stimulating to work with, and you, Mr. Safford, always helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
M. ADELINE LAHAISE, Supervisor of Drawing.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Adelbert L. Safford, Superintendent of Schools,
Reading, Mass.
Dear Mr. Safford :- This, my first report as Supervisor of Music in the Reading schools, must of necessity be a statement not so much of re- sults achieved, as of plans for the future; ideals for attainment.
Music in the schools must mean much more than daily drilling in the theory of music notation and reading, necessary as these things are. If we cannot bring to the boys and girls a real joy in the study and per- formance of good music, then indeed do we toil in vain. But, properly presented, music of the highest order can be made of instant appeal and pleasure to even the first grade children, and to this end we are bending every energy. To still further assist in reaching our goal of ideal school music, we are now about to install a complete new music course throughout the schools. This course, chosen after careful thought and the examination of many others, will, I believe, be a mine of valuable music for training our youth in the right direction.
Modern Psychology has established the fact that there are three well defined stages in the physical and mental growth of children. First, the Sensory Period, commencing with infancy and extending perhaps through the third grade. A period marked by rapid physical growth, and a lack of finer mental and physical attainments. Imagination and imita- tion play a large part in the child's life. In music, the child must have an abundance of good rote songs; be taught to love good music and to enjoy performing it; to sing with light, mellow tones; to hear accurately, and to express accurately what it hears.
The second is the Associative Period, the time of great mental and physical activity; in music the period for independent work,-for here, if at all, individual power is to be realized. During this time, the use of beautiful songs with especial attention to tones must be continued. This period extends through the seventh grade.
The third, or Adolescent Period, marks the years in which molding of character and the forming of good taste are of great importance. At this time music seems to find its greatest problem, as does every subject. To interest these rapidly growing boys and girls, whose emotions dominate every action and thought, is a matter for careful study.
This is neither the time nor the place for further comment along these lines, except to state that it is our hope that, recognizing these difficulties, we may be instrumental in helping our young people in the development of high ideals in life and in music.
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The Grade School
Throughout the grade schools great interest is being manifested by children and teachers alike in the singing and teaching, and when our new course is well in operation we shall need fear comparison with no other community as regards our music. The children, judging from their attitude when I see them, enjoy the music study, and look forward to the music period with pleasurable anticipation. Plans are under way for classes in violin to be begun shortly. There seems to be considerable in- terest in such a venture, and certainly the school orchestras of the future will receive a large benefit.
Junior High School
The Junior High School music is progressing splendidly. Great in- terest is evident in both classes. The senior class is doing four-part music, although the number of basses is small. A concert by this group is planned for the near future.
The orchestra is making commendable progress and will be heard with the Senior class in the concert mentioned.
I could hardly mention the Junior High School without voicing my satisfaction in the Music Appreciation Club. This should be spoken of here, because the influence of such a club is bound to be felt in later years.
Senior High School
The music of the Senior High School is principally of a choral nature. I hope and believe that the music periods are enjoyed by the entire student body.
At the present time, a special group is rehearsing in preparation for a performance of the opera, "The Chimes of Normandy," a very beautiful work by the French composer Planquette. Another group is working on concert numbers.
The school orchestra is handicapped by lack of variety in instrumen- tation, and also by the fact that many of the best players will not join. It will be my constant endeavor to have this condition change for the better. The playing of the orchestral group at the senior drama was most favorably received.
One last word. For the splendid co-operation of all the pupils, teach- ers and principals, and for your kindly, sympathetic, and understanding assistance, I wish to express my very great appreciation.
Respectfully yours,
C. FRANCIS WOODS, Supervisor of Music.
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READING HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES CLASS OF 1926
High School Hall Friday Evening, June twenty-five at seven forty-five o'clock
PROGRAM
CONNECTICUT MARCH Nassann
High School Orchestra
PRAYER-Rev. Marion F. Ham
CHORUS-"Unfold Ye Portals"' High School Chorus Salutatory
Gounod
"WORK CONQUERS ALL" Nelcena Copeland *Charles E. Ellis
CHORUS-"Fall on Me Like Silent Dew" High School Chorus
Coleridge Taylor
TORCH ORATION Charles R. Jones, Class of 1926
ESSAY *Muriel Mussells, Faculty Honors
PIANO SOLO-"Country Gardens" Percy Granger
F. Albert Simpson
ESSAY-"Cecil Rhodes" Russell Barnes
CHORUS-"Cadets on Parade" Lowe-Page
High School Chorus Valedictory
REVALUATION
Frances Porch
CONFERRING DIPLOMAS Albert R. Shepardson, Chairman of School Board
BENEDICTION-Rev. Wesley G. Huber
MARCH MILITAIRE Shubert
High School Orchestra
*Excused from essay on account of illness
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CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS, 1926
Agricultural Course
Richard Cummings
College Course
Helen Moore Abbott
Margaret Adams
Cornelia Ella Cell
Harold Cohen
Lawrence Arthur Partelow Frances Porch
Charles Edward Ellis, Jr.
Helen Christina Reed
Frances Fowler
David Harry Riseman
Harlan Judson Hook
Esther Marian Southwick
Wendell Winslow Horton
Sherwood Alanson Upton
Shirley Upton
Commercial Course
Margaret Babine Helen Badger
Doris E. Kenney
Evelyn L. Lewis
Aldana Elizabeth Burrows
Henry Alvah Lyman
Phyllis Roberta Clark
Dorothy W. Mcclintock
Helen Margaret Conefy
Edith C. Mellen
Nelcena Hamilton Copeland
Dorothy Gertrude Cronin
Annie Crowell
Kathleen H. Merritt
Helen Zaida Dickinson
Mabel E. Merritt
Leone Grace Doucette
Alice Elizabeth Englund Margaret Fitzpatrick
Eleanor Fultz
Paul Wilson
Fine Arts Course
Frank Albert Simpson
Jeannette Underwood
General Course
Elizabeth Berry Henry James Carleton John Condon Winthrop Lawrence Cuteliffe
Walter Doucette Fletcher Nichols Eames
Virginia Gould Forbes Ernest Robert Gaw William James Gaw
Doris Gertrude Goddard
Elmer Alfred Goodwin
Frank Graupner
John E. Ingalls
Donald Lyons Allan R. Maxwell
Cora Frances McIntire
Melvin Russell Meikle Hazel I. Morrison Virginia Parsons Thomas Phillips
John Spear Katherine Lynwood Sweetser Ella G. Weale
Mildred Agnes Scanlon
Constance B. Hendon
Elizabeth S. Mercer
Virginia H. Merrill
Marion R. Meuse
Marion Gertrude Scanlon
John Brooks Howard, Jr.
Robert Moyer
Muriel Elizabeth Mussells
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Normal Course
Florence Emma Baker
.
Marcia Ham
Lois Elva Baker
Anna Louise Richardson
Scientific Course
Russell Arthur Barnes
Frank Woodworth Norton
Walton Temple Crocker
Garrit Oldenbrook
Edwin James Doherty
Boyd Hanson Stewart
Albert Cleaves Hodson
Otis Parker Symonds
Charles R. Jones
Walter Clarence White
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS 1926
Ainsworth, Bertha Muriel Allard, Almon
Desmond, Louise Aloysuis Doiron, Wilfred Henry
Dooley, Phyllis F.
Anderson, Eva May
Doucette, Byron Francis
Anderson, John Ashley, Myrtle Georgianna
Doucette, Joseph Harold
Austin, Earline Hussey
Doucette, Sylvester Joseph Doucette, Timothy William
Birnie, Sadie Mary Black, Althea Annie Brennon, John Duncan
Downs, Herbert Benjamin Dulong, Mildred Gertrude Driver, Anna Kathleen
Browne, Arlene Clayton
Buffum, William Safford
Burhoe, Richard Holmes
Burnham, Franklin William, Jr.
Felton, Arthur Pratt Fife, Charles Truesdell, Jr. Flaherty, Margaret Mary
Burns, George Richard
Fleming, Eileen Elizabeth
Fletcher, Warren Lewis, Jr.
Folsom, Ruth Frost, Marguerite
Frotten, Isaac Louis
Carter, Victor Raymond
Gallant, Joseph Arthur
Gascoigne, Albert Person Edward, Jr. Gascoigne, Edward Joseph
Gluflin, Mary Catherine Goodwin, Edith Louise Graupner, Frederick William
Greene, Margaret Elizabeth
Greenwich, Wanda Mary Griffin, Agnes Frances
Berry, Marjorie Ellis
Benjamin, Evelyn Myrtle
Ellis, Grace Elizabeth
Farpelha, George Joseph
Burpee, William Edward Burrage, Elizabeth Carney, Bartholomew Carter, Ralph Challenor
Chase, Warren Douglas Colley, Helen Ethel Connelly, Mary Agnes Conti, Elna Virginia Coolidge, Dorothy Bradford Cummings, Joseph Arthur Davis, Florence Mae Defarrari, Doris Rose Demain, Robert Hyatt
Doucette, Evelyn Rosalie
Allard, Elizabeth Wiswell
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Hach, Hazel Dorothy Harris, Charles Boardman, Jr.
Hatch, Caroline Elizabeth Heald, Elmer Lawson
Herrick, Esther Heselton, Charles Robert Hickey, Gertrude Cecila Hilts, Edith Marion
Hodges, Frank Edmund
Holter, Arnold Gunner
Hussey, Audrey Whitney
Ingalls, Walter Frederick
Iverson, Evelyn Solveig
Iverson, Roy Norman
Jeffrey, Elizabeth Hillman Johnson, Charles Walter
Kelly, George Carlton
Knight, John Lawrence
Larrabee, Kenneth George Levine, Dora
Long, Ellsworth Victor
Lovejoy, Kenneth George
Low, Stanley Herbert
Mathieson, Frances Louise
Tedeman, Charles Frank
Mackinnon, James Nigel
Melendy, Dorothy Evelyn
McLeod, William Harold Collins
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