USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1937 > Part 13
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Club. In the same manner, some of our girls have the opportunity to take part in some of the activities of the manual training department. The radio group has given five public broadcasts through Station WAAB."
Visual Education
The important part that seeing plays in learning is becoming more and more apparent as the result of scientific studies and of every-day observation. Visual education is, therefore, playing an ever more im- portant part in regular classroom instruction. The Junior High School, particularly in connection with the social studies, has long carried on much of this work, but it has received greater attention during the past year. Motion pictures, slides, and other visual materials are used in all subjects as planned parts of the instructional program, not merely as amusement. Through such media we find that certain ideas can be put across to the children better than in any other way.
I would not imply in the above that visual education has been limited to the Junior High School, though the program there is probably fur- ther developed than in the other schools. Much work along this line is being done in the grades and in the High School and an even more comprehensive program is being developed.
Per Pupil Cost
It should be noted that the cost for the support of our Junior High School has been materially cut, without, we hope, lessening efficiency. The average cost from 1930-37 was $121.59; from 1935-37 it was $107.89; in 1937 it was $105.83.
HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1937
It is of interest to note what our High School graduates do during their first year after graduation. The present activities of the mem- bers of the Class of 1937 are listed below :
At Home
12
C. C. C.
4
College
38
Navy
1
Nurse Training
1
Office Work 9
182
Post Graduate
26
Prep School
2
Radio Entertainer
1
21
Unaccounted for General Work
34
149
Sixty-seven, or about 45 per cent of the members, are continuing their education. Forty-nine, or about 33 per cent, are employed. Those unaccounted for have moved or for some reason cannot be contracted. It is apparent that not many of the group are idle.
Guidance
The following quotation is from MI. Sussmann's report :
"During the past year we have been improving our technique for assisting the pupil to meet his problems, especially the ones listed below :
1. Adjustment to a new school environment.
2. Analyzing his lack of success in school work, with reasons for failure and low marks.
3. Reasons for his lack of satisfactory adjustment to his fellow pupils and teachers.
4. Urging a tentative choice of a field of vocational interest.
5. Making an attempt to have the student analyze his strong points and his weaknesses.
6. Helping student develop the personal characteristics essential for success in life.
7. Helping student to plan his program in such a way as to yield maximum benefits for work and pleasure in after school life.
8. Assisting pupil in planning a well-balanced program of extra- curricular activities.
9. Helping student choose a school in which to continue his edu- cation beyond high school, and planning his high school course to meet the entrance requirements of his chosen school.
10. Obtaining employment after graduation.
We have made progress in some of the above mentioned guidance activities, especially in 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9. We hope to do more over the entire range of guidance problems as time goes on by a co- operative study of pupil needs. During the past year the principal's office and various teachers have assisted numerous pupils in finding and getting jobs."
183
Maintenance of Tool Subjects
Because of the diversified program at the high school level and the more advanced work that is carried on, there is a danger that there will be some loss in tool subjects. The High School is attempting to safeguard against this by carrying on a maintenance program, either in remedial classes or in connection with the regular work, in the three R's.
A standard reading test given to the tenth graders in December resulted in a median score equivalent to the standard for the seventh month of the eleventh grade. The students who were found to be be- low standard are to receive special attention.
School Magazine
The school magazine, "The Pioneer", is one of the outstanding examples of the High School activities. There are other notable ex- amples. Certainly those who have read the magazine will feel that credit is due those who have contributed, and due the English Depart- ment.
HEALTH
In last year's report, I stated that the State Department of Health had selected the Reading school system as one in which to set up a teaching center for field work in school nursing, and that an additional school nurse would be provided in Reading under Federal Funds. Mrs. Margaret B. Clewley of Woburn, an experienced school nurse, was appointed to that position. Mrs. Clewley has proved to be a valuable and helpful member of the health department.
Communicable Diseases
The year has been a relatively good one as far as contagion is concerned. Careful checking on the part of the teachers and the school health department to discover signs of communicable diseases con- tinues. All children who have been absent because of illness are care- fully checked before being readmitted to their rooms.
Eye Tests
In accordance with State law, each child's eyes are tested each year, and notices sent home when defective vision is found.
Our present tests show visual acuity only and give no indication as
184
to defects of fusion, co-ordination, or balance. Authorities now seem to agree that all first grade children should be examined by an opthalmolo- gist in order to find defects that would affect the child's future progress. After such a check, the tests for visual acuity are probably sufficient.
The ability to read is largely dependent on correct or corrected eyes. It would seem, therefore, that we should look carefully into the matter of more thorough eye examinations at the first-grade level.
Dental Work
Because of financial conditions over the past several years, with the attendant inability of many to afford proper dental care for children or to provide adequate diets, there has been a steady increase in the number of children that require care on a free or nominal-charge basis. Health education has also contributed to the realization of a need for dental care. The result is that in Reading and throughout the country, present dental clinics are inadequate. Attention is being given to this matter by lay and professional groups, and it is hoped that some solution can be reached.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Athletics
The basketball season was an outstanding success. The team had an undefeated season, winning the Middlesex League Championship.
The tennis team won all five of its matches, and the captain of the cross country team was the first to cross the tape in all meets.
In the Junior High School, all athletics are on an intra-mural basis. This means that many more pupils have an opportunity to compete than would be the case if attention had to be centered on a team for interscholastic competition.
The question of having football in the Junior High School has often been raised. Several factors must be considered in that connection. No boy should play football unless he is properly equipped; the equip- ment for one boy would cost at least $13.00; probably thirty or forty boys would play, making a total initial cost of $390.00 to $520.00; and there would then be the cost of cleaning, upkeep, and replacement. Furthermore, regular football in the place of the present touch football would necessarily mean the elimination or serious curtailment of the other intramural sports on the fall program. Approximately 200 boys now take part in that program . Furthermore, physical education auth- orities, the State course of study, and textbooks on physical education discourage competitive tackle football at the junior high level.
185
MUSIC
Our grade and secondary school glee clubs again achieved dis- tinction this year, all of them attaining superior ratings at the music fes- tivals.
Increased attention is being given to instrumental music through bands and orchestras in the hope that as much interest may be created in that field as is now evident in the vocal. The rhythm and saxette bands in the grades have already shown their value in the increased number who are taking up instrumental work and who are joining the junior band.
In addition to the regular music instruction, we now have the fol- lowing organizations :
Grades-Elementary orchestra, saxette classes, junior band, other instrumental classes, fifth grade glee club, sixth grade glee club, boys' choir, and girls' choir.
Junior High School-Girls' glee club, boys' glee club, orchestra.
High School-Girl's glee club, boys' glee club, senior chorus, or- chestra, band.
There are also the various piano and instrumental classes that are held in the school buildings outside of school hours. The pupils pay a nominal fee for such instruction, which is given by private individuals, but under the sponsorship of the music department.
Our music instruction program in the High School is not as com- prehensive as we should like it to be; it can care for too few of the pupils, especially in appreciation. Program difficulties and the already full time of the instructor, Mr. Peck, make expansion impossible at this time.
ART
Many of our children have, under the direction of the art teach- ers, competed quite successfully in a number of poster contests. Al- though the ideas and ideals for which these contests are set up are quite worthy and valuable, the time they consume from the planned program of art instruction interferes with the proper carrying out of that pro- gram. If we were to enter all of the contests brought to our attention, we would have to devote almost our entire time to instruction in making posters; we would cover but one small part of our program. We plan, therefore, to simply bring the contests to the attention of the pupils and let those compete who wish to and who are well qualified.
The High School art classes received considerable recognition be- cause of the excellent and important part they played in the decorations and costumes for the Skating Carnival held under the auspices of the
186
Skating Club of Boston. Mr. Kibbe, Supervisor of Art, directed the Carnival.
We are starting to build a circulating library of prints of great pictures. These will be used in the various schools in picture study as a part of the art appreciation work.
-
LIP READING
Miss Doris J. Thomas of Quincy was appointed last March as lip reading instructor. She is thoroughly trained for the work. At present she spends two afternoons a week in Reading. Seven hard of hearing pupils are now receiving instruction and have shown marked progress in learning to "hear through seeing". As soon as further ear exam- inations by doctors are completed, there will be more children cared for.
ATTENDANCE
Mrs. Josephine Fowler, Attendance Supervisor, reports relatively little truancy during the year. Those who stay out because of inade- quate clothing or food are cared for as soon as possible.
She again emphasizes the need for handwork for those pupils who have difficulty with, and little interest in, academic work. The en- larged practical arts program has helped.
Working certificates were issued to 126 minors: 91 boys and 35 girls.
PRACTICAL ARTS
In last year's report, I pointed out the pressing need for a more comprehensive and widespread program in the practical arts. Pro- vision for expansion was made in the budget, and in September an- other shop teacher, Mr. Roderick Macdonald, and another domestic science teacher, Miss Marjorie Brier, were added to the staff. There are now two teachers in each department, and all work is done in the Junior High School building. The new teachers have made worth while contributions to the enlarged program.
Work in practical arts is now available for pupils in grade six through twelve. Where it is elective, the numbers have increased and will probably continue to do so.
The shop work now includes instruction in woodworking, metal work, elementary electrical and machine work, and in printing.
The boys are doing many excellent pieces of practical work in addition to their own projects. The shop rooms have been remodelled; a finishing room has been built; mechanical drawing tables are now ready ; shelves, cabinets, and a fitting room are to be built for the dom- estic science room, etc. Such work not only gives the boys good prac-
187
tice, but adds to the value of the plant at little expense. Furthermore, the boys feel that they are really doing something of value.
In the household arts department, the girls are receiving instruction in foods, clothing and homemaking. In sewing, the work ranges, ac- cording to the skill of the pupil, from darning and making simple bags to making evening dresses, cloth suits, and coats. The question of proper style, color, etc., is part of the work.
In the foods work, the girls learn to cook simple things, to pre- pare a complete meal, something about diet and food values and rela- tive costs, the chemistry of cooking, canning and preserving, etc.
Of course, all of the above work is a part of homemaking, and, in addition, there is instructoin in budgeting, materials, home decoration, cleanliness and sanitation, child care, etc.
I hope that it will never again be necessary to curtail our pro- gram. It should be further enlarged.
SAFETY EDUCATION
Safety Education is being given an important place in the work of all grades. The national accident rate, both in and out of the home, indicates the need for more such education. We are, therefore, study- ing ways of embodying it in our other work, and also of stressing it, in and of itself, through regular lessons, motion pictures, etc. Minia- ture traffic lights have been purchased for instruction in the primary grades.
SPECIAL CELEBRATION
This year marks the sesquicentennial of the signing of the Consti- tution of the United States and the centenary of Horace Mann. Ap- propriate exercises have already been held in all of the schools to mark both of these events. On June 14, 1938, the schools will join in a State-wide Constitution celebration.
The Reading schools, and especially the High School, are indebted to Reading Post No. 62 of the American Legion for its presentation to the High School, on the occasion of the Constitution Assembly, a facsimile of the original Constitution mounted on a bronze stand.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Fifteen new teachers have been appointed during the year. That number includes the lip reading teacher and the new teacher in shop and in domestic science. In other words, it was necessary to fill the places of thirteen teachers who left. The changes in personnel are listed elsewhere in the report. Whereas we regretted the loss of the teachers who left, the new teachers are proving themselves to be all that we hoped for.
188
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT
I had intended to include as a part of my report the list of teachers taking professional improvement courses and the titles of those courses. I find, however, that it is too voluminous, and, besides, it has already been printed in the Chronicle.
It is enough to say, therefore, that Reading can be proud and pleased at the professional attitude that its teachers are taking toward their work. I wish at this time to offer them my congratulations and commendation, and also to give them my sincere thanks for their splendid help and co-operation during the year.
SCHOOL PLANT, EQUIPMENT, AND GROUNDS
The buildings are, on the whole, in good condition. Again we can thank the W. P. A. for valuable aid. One boiler at the High School will need retubing before long, and some of the floors at the High School and all of them at Center, Union, and Chestnut Hill are in bad shape. Something should be done to improve and enlarge the boys' shower facilities at the High School in the near future.
Our janitors should be commended for the generally clean condi- tion of the buildings. I am pleased to quote from the report of the Director of Health :
"The excellent sanitary conditions of the school buildings is a source of satisfaction. Conditions in our buildings would compare fav- orably with any school system of similar size and equipment. The new furniture in many of the rooms has improved the appearance and the health conditions of them."
The primary grades are now all equipped with movable units. This new furniture is not only more hygienic than the old, but, from an edu- cational point of view is more efficient.
In spite of the excellent care given by the janitors, much of the furniture in the High School has almost outlived its usefulness. A replacement program must be started soon.
The year has seen tremendous improvement, under W. P. A., of the grounds at the High School, the Lowell Street School, and the Chestnut Hill School. Work must soon be done on grading and adequate drain- age at the Highland School, and some work is needed at Prospect, Cen- ter, and Union.
In closing, I wish to express my sincere thanks to the townspeople, the school staff, and especially to you, the members of the School Com- mittee, for the sincere and kindly co-operation, help, and guidance that have been extended to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. PIERCE
189
Age-Grade Table-October 1, 1937
Age Ungraded
1
=
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII IX
X
XI
XII
P. G.
Total
5 Years
44
44
6
116
53
169
7
20
97
53
170
8
2
14
104
52
5
177
9
2
6
24
96
61
1
190
10
2
1
5
24
108
60
200
11
5
6
21
65
1
1
99
12
3
10
33
87
18
151
13
2
11
91
84
5
2
195
14
1
29
53
85
77
6
251
15
13
21
79
93
59
12
277
16
6
9
29
43
67
59
3
216
17
1
1
9
7
24
58
15
115
18
1
1
3
22
7
34
19
2
Total
14
180
171
186
178
207
171
228
187
208
223
159
159
27
2298
.
6
2
8
20
2
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES READING HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1937
MOTTO Be ashamed to die before you have won some victory for humanity-Horace Mann Shepardson Hall, Reading, Mass. WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE NINTH eight o'clock
PROGRAM
OVERTURE-Youth Triumphant Gibb
High School Orchestra
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL Bates
Audience and Senior Class
PRAYER-Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Brandley
CHORUS-Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones German Melody, 1623 Senior Class
Salutatory THE COMMUNITY CHALLENGES YOUTH Robert Edward White
TORCH ORATION John Russell Bird, Class President Response by John Coolidge Colley, Junior Class President
PIANO SOLO
Prelude in C Sharp Minor Rachmaninoff
Ruth Hill
ESSAY The Old Port of Boston John Russell Bird, Faculty Honors
ESSAY Horace Mann, Founder of Democracy in Education Theodore John Haselton, Class Honors
CONFERRING SCHOLASTIC HONORS Rudolf Sussmann, Head Master
CLARINET SOLO
Concertino Weber
Harvey A. Brigham
191
1
Valedictory
THE HERITAGE OF THE PURITAN SCHOOLMASTER Cecilie Bristol Berle
CONFERRING DIPLOMAS Frank D. Tanner, Chairman of School Board
STAR SPANGLED BANNER Key
Audience and Senior Class
BENEDICTION-Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Brandley
RECESSIONAL-Priests' March from "Athalia"
Mendelssohn High School Orchestra
Barbara Turkington, Class Announcer
GRADUATES
Accounting Course
Marjorie Atkinson
Irwin Campbell Brenton
Barbara Mae Campbell
John Edward O'Brien
Audrey Lois Cook George Martin Radulski
George Arthur Estabrook
Kenneth John Spellman
Robert Edward White
Civic Preparatory Course
Harold Joseph Amirault
George Leslie Gilman
Elizabeth Caroline Berglund
May Elizabeth Goodwin
Betty Blier
Thomas Palmer Hinds
Helen Virginia Brennan
Robert Douglas Hodson
Marjorie Ruth Bronson
Elizabeth Elva Jeanes Gladys Elaine Killam
John Patrick Carney
Herbert Madden Raymond Otis Mansfield
John Edward Connolly Harold Francis Davis, Jr.
Florence Margaret McSheehy
Earl Edward De Long
Clarence Meuse
Raymond O. Doane
Christina Holmes Millar
Roy Melville Dole
William Bond Mitchell
Rita Mildred Gillis
Myrtle Isabelle Morrow
192
Anita Louise Carder
Douglas Gill
Walter W. Graustein, Jr.
George Weston Newberry Merlys Janet Nicholson Margaret Elizabeth Nickerson Lawrence Matthew O'Brien Henry Albert Phillips, Jr. Ethel Margaret Piercy Roger William Pine, Jr. Barbara Claire Rosenburg
John James Ross Beverly Goodwin Staples Robert Clifford Staples Theodore F. Taylor Homer Alfred Thieme Marie Frances Walsh
Herbert Scott Watkins Anna Margaret Waugh
Classical Course
Cecilie Bristol Berle Ruth Hill Merilyn Elizabeth Knapp
Edythe Harriet Lee Elizabeth Gertrude Stratton Barbara Turkington
Clerical Course
Elizabeth Mavis Browne Marion Laura Durgin Phyllis Audrey Hall Anna Elizabeth Marini
Verna Irene Talbot Dorothy Ann Thornton Nancy Wentworth Louise Mildred Witham
College Course
Robert Vance Bowser Earline Boyce Brown Roger Hewes Brown Mary Nancy Cannuli Barbara Groat Gibson John Perkins Goodridge Theodore John Haselton Catherine Perley Howe James Rice Lawler
Albert Deyman Legg Gladys Giles Leman Marjorie Morand
Helen Barbara Nelson
Barbara J. Parker Hazel Eleanor Parry
Ralph Judson Parry Josephine Veazie Mildred Abbott Yates
Fine Arts Course
Priscilla Eaton Ethel Marguerite Jewell Louise Stockton Robinson
193
Normal Course
Virginia J. Aldrich Ernest Arsenault Margaret Bates
Harvey A. Brigham Shirley Elizabeth Brown Donald Ingram Burhoe
Barbara B. Carpenter
William Montgomery Davis Gordon Homer Hill
Inez MacPhail
Ralph Franklin Plouff, Jr. G. Lawrence Roberts, Jr.
Jean Scott Underhill
Practical Arts Course
Byron Walter Foster Philip Longfellow Jewett
Herman Lawrence Marshall
John Robert Mckinnon
Robert Francis Nichols
Frank Nelson Nickerson
Everett Philip Packer Eva Madeline Perry
Annie Dora Peters
Robert Philip Skane
Evelyn White
Scientific Course
John Russell Bird Donald Blaisdell Arthur William Coolidge, Jr.
John Edward Devaney Robert Wayne Lougee Marcus Emery Morton Richard H. Pierce
Secretarial Course
Mary Alice Barrett Mary Florence Burbine Pauline L. Carter
Antoinette Gertrude Dick
Miriam L. Hatfield
Effie Elizabeth Keene Beatrice May Meuse
Bertha Anne Meuse Olga Sophia Miller Olive Ordway
Rita Louise Riley
Grace Elizabeth Storti
Gladys Ethel Symonds Natalie Wallace
Eleanor Louise Yunghans
Irregular Course
Virginia Frances Clancy Margaret Richmond Corrigan Donald A. Dewhurst Ralph Edmund Evans Donald Ross Howard Marjorie Alice Hurd Priscilla Jones
James Dennis Lewis Daniel Edward O'Keeffe Henry Edson Perkins
Helen Teresa Riley Ella Gertrude Watts Carl Leslie Wood Harold Francis Xavier
1944
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
of the
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1937
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
To the Citizens of Reading :
The Board of Public Works organized on March 5, 1937, the first meeting date after Town election, with Clinton L. Bancroft as Chair- man, and Harold W. Putnam as Secretary. Philip Welch was re-ap- pointed as Superintendent.
The several departments under the direct control of the Board of Public Works have functioned in a manner which we believe has been to the best interest of the Town and of the taxpayers, the policies de- termined upon by the Board having been carried out under the super- vision of our Superintendent.
Board of Public Works
Regular weekly meetings, with the exception of the summer months, have been held during the year. At these meetings, functioning as the Board of Public Works, twenty-two hearings have been held on a var- iety of subjects, and eight Private Ways were laid out as Public Ways, all under the Betterment Act, and presented to the Town for accept- ance. One relocation of street lines were made, also one change of grade of a street. Permits for opening streets have been issued to the several; public utilities operating in Reading, and permits for overhang- ing signs issued as occasion warranted.
Board of Survey
Functioning as the Board of Survey, hearings were held on the layout of lines and grades of six proposed streets, which were all ap- proved.
Garage
The Municipal Garage, funds for the construction of which were appropriated at the March Town Meeting, has been completed and is now occupied by the Highway, Water and Sewer Departments. The D'Amore Construction Company was awarded the general construction contract, T. C. Fife the plumbing contract, The Florence Co. the heat- ing contract, and Clapp & Leach the electrical contract. George Side- bottom was the architect. The garage is of brick and cement block construction and provides ample storage facilities for all the Depart- ment's rolling equipment and appurtenances. A public opening, to which the citizens were invited, took place on December 4 and 5, 1937, with many townspeople in attendance. The better housing coupled with the facilities for upkeep of equipment and the improved working
196
conditions for the employees, is reflected in more and better workman- ship, which spells economy.
Filtration Plant
The Board wishes to call to the attention of the citizens the effi- cient manner in which the Filtration Plant is functioning. The opera- tion cost is small, and the quality of water produced is of an excellent character. Reading may well be proud of its water supply system.
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