USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1939-1944 > Part 43
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To balance these losses Mr. David Lynch, the sole remaining male member of the faculty was made acting principal. Miss Dutton was succeeded by Miss Marie B. L'Esperance, a young lady of experi- ence in both the teaching and commercial ends of her department. Miss Groesbeck's classes were taken over by Miss Joan Holt of Portland, Maine, a recent university graduate. The position teaching Latin was assumed by Miss Lillian Schwartz also recently graduated from college. Miss Mary P. Keefe of Dover, N. H. succeeded Miss Mulrey and Miss Rita Sullivan of Lowell was employed to round out the staff. We feel that we have an excellent team in spite of the many changes. We were very fortunate to retain some of the strongest members of last year's organization. The committee has done its best to reward their faithfulness. The position as instructor in ยท Science presented the gravest difficulty. Miss Papaconstantineau was not available for duty in the fall and by the greatest of good fortune we were able to secure the services of Mrs. Vera C. Allen of White- field, N. H. Mrs. Allen has had some very valuable experience both in Nasson Institute, a type of Junior College in Maine, and at Rogers Hall School in Lowell.
Shawsheen School suffered its previous misfortune as to changes in staff. It has been more or less upset all through the year and changes seem likely in the near future. In September, four of the teachers from the June preceding were on hand. Mrs. Margaret Oliver resigned in the summer, Miss Eileen Flynn served temporarily as first grade teacher in Mrs. Oliver's stead and temporary substitutes took care of Miss Mathew's class. Later Miss Louise F. Wood, a teacher of some experience was secured for the first grade and Miss Flynn was put in charge of grade three. It was soon evident that Mrs. Hedstrom's room was hopelessly overcrowded and we were obliged to place the fourth grade in the small extra room under the control of Mrs. Dorothy Barry formerly Dorothy Ogston whose hus- band had entered the service. A complete roster of the present staff will be found on a later page.
Miss Harriet Donehue, Supervisor of Music for the High School resigned to accept a better salary in a Rhode Island town. We finally secured Miss Evelyn Mekelatos, a prominent member of last year's class of music supervisors at Lowell Teachers College.
RATIONING AND WEATHER
These two again took their toll of our precious school days and added to the difficulties of both teachers and pupils in their endeavor to do a full year's work. Even without interruption there is none
137
too much time for the completion of a full program. A few days lost here and there do not seem important at the moment but such losses mean a crowding and hurrying of processes which can be neither crowded or hurried. Learning takes time, persistence and continued application and teaching must precede the learning. We have all too little time as it is. Through the years the school day and the school year have been shortened to a dangerously brief period in considera- tion of the many elements which have been added to the curriculum. There are those who say that we are creating a false concept of life in our no school days because of bad weather and the frequent vaca- tions. It is claimed that it is difficult for young people to get used to getting to work on time every time and all of the time, regardless of weather conditions.
The rationings are of course creatures of the times and matters of necessity under our present setup of war economy. Teachers should take their election to do these intricate jobs as one of the few recogni- tions of their training and abilites. There was probably no other group of people available with the organization and personnel capable of handling such intricate matters on such short notice. It is a dis- tinct complement to our profession that we were elected to do the job. I want to take occasion to thank all again for the fine spirt shown and the efficient manner in which the work was done.
ENROLLMENT
There is again a slight drop in the school enrollment from last year's level. In the elementary schools the figures are almost exactly the same. Naturally the high school numbers are smaller. The draft of the eighteen year olds and the enlistment of those nearing that age accounts for part of the decrease. The balance is doubtless due to the demand for young people at various kinds of work projects. While it does seem a pity for these young people to accept the lure of easy money which is only temporary it is nevertheless wholly understandable. One of our worst national characteristics is the everlasting quest of easy money.
THE HEALTH PROGRAM
I find that I have to repeat myself every year on this element of our school activities. Our team of Dr. Larrabee and Nurse Haines do such a good job every year that each year is much like the last except if some entirely new proceedure appears. If this happens we find our team 'on the ball.'
138
One element of what might be considered a part of the health work has of necessity been curtailed this year. Our lunch projects have been temporarily curtailed because of food shortages resulting from the necessity that we feed a large part of the freed peoples and our allies.
CONCLUSION
I extend to all of my associates sincere thanks for their cooperation in these trying times.
May I call your attention to the various reports which will be found in connection with the foregoing.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN.
Wilmington, Mass. January 10, 1944
139
,
REPORT OF THE HEADMASTER Tewksbury High School January 1944
To the School Committee of the Town of Tewksbury:
This report is a factual history of Tewksbury High School for the year 1943, the ninth year of the school, and the third year under the influence of World War II. The following table compares the enrollment of students on October 1 of the past three years.
1941
1942
1943
BOYS
GIRLS
TTL.
BOYS
GIRLS
TTL.
BOYS
GIRLS
TTL.
Post Graduates
1
1
2
2
1
1
Seniors
21
17
38
14
17
31
12
24
36
Juniors
25
26
51
23
30
53
16
23
39
Sophomores
26
32
58
23
25
48
17
21
38
Freshmen
30
34
64
29
35
64
28
36
64
Totals ... ....
102
110
212
89
109
198
73
105
178
The National drop in high school enrollment is 6.2% and our drop is about 10%. The chief cause for the loss in student enrollment is found in the local labor situation. The lure of abnormally high wages for unskilled help has induced many boys to leave school. Since national reports indicate that the United States is definitely past the manpower crisis, parents are cautioned against sacrificing their chil- dren's education on the altar of manpower shortage. Some of our boys have been unable to resist the call to service in our armed forces, in spite of the fact that the War Department has urged boys to finish their high school courses.
STUDENT COURSE DISTRIBUTION
Commercial
57
College
54
General
39
Manual Training
13
Nurses Training
11
Home Economics
4
178
140
In June, 1943, Tewksbury High School was awarded, for the eighth time, a Class A Certificate by the State Department of Educa- tion.
The Eighth Annual Commencement of Tewksbury High School was held at the high school, June 25, 1943. Mr. Ralph Battles presented the diplomas to the graduating class.
Salutatory GERARD COTE
Honor Awards HEADMASTER HERBERT HOYT
The Larrabee Scholarship Medals ETHEL HARMAN
The Balfour Award MARGARET RUTH BRADLEY
The P. T. A. Citizenship Medal ESTELLE M. IVES
The Washington and Franklin History Medal Massachusetts Society Sons of American Revolution MR. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools IRENE BAZMAN
Presentation of the Class Gift
WILLIAM CHANDLER President Class of 1943 JOHN READY President Class of 1944
Valedictory ETHEL HARMAN 1
SENIOR CLASS
Katherine A. Bischoff Phyllis R. Blair
Margaret Ruth Bradley
Nancy E. Cameron Paulette M. Doucette
Hazel G. Farrell Angela L. Gillissen Ethel M. Harman
Albert L. Bonugli Leon S. Bonugli Raymond J. Brooks Charles R. Cartey James R. Carter William A. Chandler Philip J. Cogan Gerard W. Cote
141
Gloria F. Holmes Mildred A. Hughes Madelaine E. Isbister Estelle M. Ives Helen F. Nelson Marcia Pike Eleanor E. Sullivan Roberta Treadwell
Marguerite T. Tremblay
Henry D. Dillon Antonio C. DiPalma Roger L. Ives Robert E. Macaulay John J. McNulty Charles E. Sargent Joseph M. Stanton Richard Trull
Class Marshall RICHARD TRULL
JUNIOR USHERS
Beverly Bennett, Isabel Blue, Joseph Canovan, John Ready
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
MUSIC-The high school Glee Club executed, with almost profes- sional finesse, a Minstrel Show which called on practically all of the talent of the school. Miss H. Donehue was the capable directress.
DRAMA-The student of Drama played a series of three one-act plays at the high school and later gave the same performance in a competition at Lynn, Massachusetts, where they won Honorable Mention. The plays were directed by Miss D. L. Groesbeck.
SPORTS-The Athletic Association Report for 1942-1943
RECEIPTS
Football
$ 215.58
Basketball
163.30
Baseball
8.23
Field Hockey
8.24
Total
$ 395.35
Balance on Hand, Sept. 1, 1942
8.28
$ 403.63
EXPENSES
Football
$ 131.48
Basketball
133.35
Miscellaneous
128.20
Total
$ 393.03
Balance on Hand, Sept. 1, 1943
10.60
$ 403.63
142
Public attendance at high school games is reflected in the above report. The total receipts are about half of those in past years. A reversal in public interest will help keep sports in the high school in the future. Friends of the high school and parents of the children are asked to give wholehearted support to our public sports events for the duration of the war because of the social advantages of an athletic program for our young people.
Miss Kathryn Chandler and Mr. Charles Hazel are in charge of the new physical education program which is given during regular class periods. The students have all had a physical examination before being permitted to participate in the classes. Care has been taken to reach a top physical condition and keep down the risk of injury.
Particular evidence of the physical condition of our boys is shown in our athletic competition where our boys have consistently surpassed other teams in physical stamina. The town owes a vote of thanks to Mr. Hazel who has stepped in when our need was most acute and assumed the complicated duties of athletic director and physical educa- tion. Never has the mental or physical condition of our boys been better, in spite of the fact that we play much larger schools and do not win all games.
In December, 1943, our football team and cheer squad were feted, at a banquet in the Town Hall, by a committee of public spirited townspeople. This gesture by the people of Tewksbury is one that will be long remembered by the boys and girls and has furnished inspiration for our sports program.
THE STUDENT COUNCIL-In the fall of 1943, the students of the high school formed a Student Council with Miss Mary Keefe as the faculty advisor. The general duties of the Council are to super- vise all of school activities such as school music, class parties, sports events, the school library, the "Suggestion Box," and the school song contest.
THE YEAR BOOK-This year, for the first time, Tewksbury High School will have a year book which is being compiled by members of the senior class under the direction of Miss Catherine Maguire.
THE BUSINESS LAW CORPORATION-This organization sells milk, orangeade, ice cream, and cookies during the lunch period. The profits from this activity will be applied to the sound movie projector .. Miss Rita Sullivan is in charge of this public spirited group of students.
143
THE WAR SAVINGS DRIVE-The students of the high school have bought enough bonds and stamps to finance the construction of at least two jeeps and furnish them with plenty of gasoline and ammunition.
THE SALVAGE DRIVE-The students collected several tons of newspaper and magazines which has been turned over to a paper company and converted into much needed war supplies.
THE JUNIOR RED CROSS-Miss Joan Holt has organized a large group of girls who have contributed much to the work of the Red Cross. At the present time, the group is studying a course in home nursing which gives them practical instruction in all of the funda- mental nursing routines.
THE SCIENCE CLUB-New to the school this year in this group of young scientists under the inspiration of Mrs. Vera Allen. Field trips have been made to the State Hospital and the Lowell Gas Company in order to obtain, at first hand, information of a scientific nature.
CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES
NEW RECITATION PERIODS-We are operating on a sevell period day of forty five minutes each period. This change permits the introduction of the physical education classes for boys and girls during the regular school day.
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY-To help students maintain touch with a fast changing world and work on problems of international relation- ship, we have introduced a new course of business geography which is taught by Miss Mary Keefe.
REMEDIAL READING-A special class in reading has been in- augurated in order to help the student acquire a more precise mean- ing of the words he reads. Miss Rita Sullivan, a specialist in the field, is in charge of this new undertaking.
SPANISH-Miss Lillian Swartz has volunteered to teach Spanish in addition to her regular courses. We have had a favorable student response to this course, new to the Tewksbury curriculum.
VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE-All freshmen are required to partici- pate, one hour each week, in a class in orientation and vocational
144
guidance. The purpose of the course is to aid the student in self- analysis, job analysis, and interest finding. A strong interest will keep students in school and make them see the value of a high school education. The entire student body will be tested by a series of proven guidance tests and interviewed before the end of the school year. The test results will be confidential and used only in student guidance. Guidance has been designated by foremost educators as the most import- ant of all high school courses at the present time. This is our first year with a real guidance program in the high school and it may be some time before we reap the full benefits of such work but it should be a comforting thought for all concerned to know that we are moving in the right direction.
TEACHING STAFF CHANGES
RESIGNED
APPOINTED
SUBJECT
Miss D. L. Groesbeck
Miss Joan Holt
English
Miss Evelyn Dutton
Miss B. L'Esperance
Home Economics
Miss Elizabeth Mulry
Miss Mary Keefe
History Science
Miss F. Pappaconstantineau
Mrs. Vera Allen
Miss Lillian Swartz
Mrs. Herbert Hoyt Mr. Herbert Hoyt
Miss Rita Sullivan
Mathematics English
Mr. Herbert Hoyt resigned as headmaster and Mr. David O. Lynch was appointed in his place in August, 1943.
Mr. Harry Wiley became ill and was forced to leave the school in the spring of 1943. We were indeed sorry to see the passing on of this staunch friend of the high school. Mr. Arthur Norris filled the position of custodian until November 1943 when Mr. Homer Darby was appointed.
The new teachers have quickly become adjusted to the school system and have fully cooperated in the administration of high school affairs. The School Committee, Superintendent S. Bean, and the P.T.A. have left nothing undone to better conditions at the high school. Their cordial aid and sincere interest insures the Town of Tewksbury of a high quality of high school program.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID O. LYNCH,
Acting Headmaster.
145
Age-Grade Distribution October 1, 1943
Gr/Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
13
14
15
16
17
18
21+
-
24
, 37
10
1
71
27|
32
9
2 | . 1
71
18
41 |17
3
-
80
IV
2 22 |
28
7
5|
1
1
66
V
22
40 |
12 | 3
51
2
2
86
VI
19 |26 15
64
VII
- 2 18 |31
7
9
71
VIII
19
27
17
5.
1
69
T
24
64
62
72
69
72
62
69
43
28
12
1
578
IX
1
15
30
10
4
3
63
X
14
20
4
38
XI
7
28
5
40
XII
14
18
3
1
36
T
1
15
44
37
50
26
3
1
177
G. T.
24
64
62
72
69
72
62
70
58
72
49
51
26
3
1 755
4
.
-
-
-
-
.
146
Teacher-Grade Distribution
October 1, 1943
FOSTER SCHOOL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |9 10
11
: 12
38
Howard
38
38
Lyons
36
36
Flynn
36
1
36
Piper
43
43
Blake
39
39
Colbath
36
36
Cunningham
34
34
Meloy
! 34 |
34
Total
34 34 36 39 43 36 36 38
296
SHAWSHEEN SCHOOL
Washburne
-
14
24
38
Hobart
|26 | 13
39
Hedstrom
40
40
Barry
22
22
Flynn
39
39
Katherina
36
36
Wood
29
29
Totai
29 |36 39 22 40 |26 27 24 |
243
ELLA FLEMINGS SCHOOL
Hersey
3 | 2 | 8 | 7|
20
Generales
8 |1 | 5| 5|
19
Total
8 1 5|5|3 |2 8 7
39
HIGH SCHOOL
Lunch
63
38
40
36.1 -
Total
63
38
40
36
177
Grand Total . 71 71 80 | 66 86 64 71 | 69
63
38
40
36 | 755
Teachers' names as of Dec. 31, 1943
147
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS -
To Mr. Stephen G. Bean and
Members of the School Committee.
Dear Sirs and Madam:
Herein is my annual report as Music Supervisor in the Elementary Schools.
The trend in all Education today is materialistic. The arts and cultures are giving way to the utilities. Nothing seems to be done in the classical tradition. There is, also, the upsurge in materialism in music. The radio is our most formidable foe as teachers of music. We have learned that music has form. Its structure is in- tellectual, emotional and sensuous. To have beauty there must be balance in these. No one who listens to the radio but realizes that we are living in an age of much ugly architecture in music. We have the broken rhythm of the jungle, and the noise and din of constant and careless dissonance, with the intellectual in complete abeyance to the emotional and sensuous-and our boys and girls spend a great deal of time with the radio. Over against this condition, and made difficult by it, our aim and task is to develop skill in beautiful, free singing; and our chief concern to awaken a love for, and appreciation of, beautiful music that will stimulate the desire for fine music every day.
Our music course was worked out with this in mind. We do make room for the use of popular music but we classify and designate and discuss before we use it. The attitude of the teachers and supervisors is a good deterrent. We felt rewarded, when the boys and girls in the eighth grade were given a choice of music to be used at graduation, to find that the girls had chosen a song very beautiful in its daintiness and simplicity while the boys chose songs that were sturdy; and that without hesitation, the choice was immediate.
The regular routine work of our music course is our main effort. We drill and practice. We do not simply expose the child to music in the hope that he will contract musical knowledge and skill. We teach him all the rudiments and fundamentals he will absorb. This
148
routine work could become dull and humdrum to the teachers, due to its sameness year after year, but the supervisor endeavors to make it interesting for them, as well as the child, by arranging and assign- ing
1. Simple projects related to studies, holidays, seasons of the year, and character training.
2. Variety in materials.
3. Contests and tests with simple awards.
4. Objectives and Goals.
5. Devices of various kinds.
Through these we motivate and hold the interest.
In January a new device was tried in the fifth, sixth and seventh grades by the use of the Providence Inventory Test. This is a standard achievement test. It proved of value to the boys and girls in two ways, i. e.
1. Gave them insight as to what other boys and girls are doing in music.
2. Showed them how much or how little they had studied and acquired.
It revealed to the teachers and the supervisor wherein we had succeeded and what things had been neglected. We shall use this device again.
"Music for a world at war" could well have been the slogan or theme for our musical year. The request for patriotic songs came from the children themselves. The navy, army, aircorps and marine songs were, and are, in constant demand. Because music is a vital factor in building a state of mind and heart we satisfied this request. The supervisor also endeavored to intensify and encourage the singing of songs which best embody the spirit and ideals of our country by a simple project in "American National Song" in February. This was assigned to each grade, the theme being "Our Country." In November another similar project had for its theme "Loyalty and Service to our Country." which made use of various types of patriotic songs.
There is little opportunity and facility for program work. How- ever, each class has its own "Songfest" once in two months and at holiday seasons, where there is free choice of songs by the boys and
149
girls. "Musicale Matinees," where grades entertain each other in solos, duets and chorus, are given at the close of the year in May. "Christmas in Story and Song" was used at Shawsheen and the Ella E. Fleming School in December. The Ella E. Fleming School gave a public performance of the operetta, "Spring Fantasy" in May. The eighth grade was prepared and presented in a program of music at graduation in June.
Rhythm orchestras are attempted in all schools. The third grade at Foster School had a very excellent one.
Our schools average rather well according to standard. Due to various conditions over which the supervisor had no control some classes have lost good grading. It is expected that these will regain their lost standing before the end of the present school year.
The attitude and interest of the boys and girls is good. The faithfulness and cooperation of the teachers is excellent and gratifying. They make possible everything that is attempted and achieved.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the teachers and the boys and girls for their cooperation. I am very grateful to Mr. Bean for his cooperation and interest.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE L. STURTEVANT,
Music Supervisor
150
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART
During the year just passed, the usual seasonal work has been accomplished. Throughout these last months, emphasis has been placed on drawing as it relates to National and Civilian Defense, War Bond and Stamp sales, conservation and nutrition. The children made many charts, posters and drawings illustrating various phases of life on the 'home front.'
The grade schools have accomplished much more for the Red Cross.
The High School boys and girls planned and constructed some three hundred Christmas menu covers which were distributed to men on our Navy's fighting ships by the Lowell chapter of the Red Cross. These were more than appreciated, judging from a letter we received from Miss Robinson, director of Junior Red Cross Activity in Lowell. To quote Miss Robinson: "We are very proud and pleased to know that Tewksbury is entering into our Junior Red Cross program so wholeheartedly. The menus were so cleverly designed and neatly worked; it was a temptation not to keep many of them here in Lowell for exhibition purposes.'
I feel that the work accomplished during this busy year has been successful-the outside, 'service,' work particularly stimulating, and very much appreciated.
My gratitude to a very fine and interested teaching staff, whose co-operation has been invaluable!
Respectfully submitted,
MARY SHEA,
Supervisor.
151
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the School Committee of the Town of Tewksbury:
The following is a brief summary of the health status in the School Department. There were fewer than the usual number of contagious diseases the past year, but the transportation problem has been a critical and troublesome one. The Government Bureau con- trolling this problem has clamped down upon the distance and gaso- line that can be used by the buses. Their decision that children must walk if they live within a two mile limit of the school imposes uufair and hazardous conditions particularly for the small children. Your physician as well as the school committee have put this problem to the government officials in this district, but with no relief. The answer being that all cities and towns are following the same restrictions.
The usual examination of all school children has been carried out with the cooperation of the School Nurse and the results have been satisfactory. On account of the physician shortage, Miss Haines has found it more difficult to get hospital facilities for our tonsil cases, but has obtained unusually good results. One of our great difficulties is in stamping out Pediculosis. When notice is sent that these heads need attention, too many times the instructions are ignored or only partially carried out. We sincerely ask more cooperation in this matter.
HERBERT M. LARRABEE, M. D.
School Physician.
152
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Stephen G. Bean Superintendent of Schools Tewksbury, Massachusetts.
Sir:
Like all other communities, Tewksbury has had its share of sick- ness and contagion this past year. Due to conditions over which there seems to be no control, the year has been a very hard and trying one; however, we have tried to keep astride of the times and meet the new problems as they have appeared.
We have carried on our regular physical examinations, vaccination and diphtheria clinics, home and school visitations, hospital clinics for examinations and correction of defects. We had an Audiometer test in June showing 8 children in the Foster and High schools with marked defective hearing. Owing to an epidemic of measles this test was not given at the Shawsheen School.
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