USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1920-1926 > Part 50
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Note : All essays must be submitted in May, pref- erably typewritten, and signed with fictitious name.
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STENOGRAPHY AND TYPEWRITING
A prize of five dollars to that member of the two upper classes who, in the judgment of the Commercial teacher, shows the most improvement in stenography and typewriting for the remainder of the year from Jan- uary 1927.
The prize in public speaking was not awarded in 1926 in default of a sufficient number of candidates to warrant a contest. There should be at least ten or a dozen speakers, both boys and girls, to provide proper interest and enthusiasm.
The essay prizes were duly awarded, the general prize of ten dollars going to Evelyn Robinson of the class of 1927, the subject of whose essay was, "A History of the Spanish American War." Dorothy McEnaney of the class of 1928 won second prize, her essay being en- titled, "The Vanishing American." The Freshman prize of five dollars was awarded to Bertha Mardas who wrote on "Heroes of the Civil War." The prize in stenography and typewriting was equally divided be- tween Regina McLenna of the class of 1926, and Lillian Dane, 1927.
The above scheme for prizes will be followed in 1927, with the hope that a public speaking contest may this year be possible.
TEACHERS' CONVENTIONS
Schools closed October 29, 1926 to permit attend ance of all teachers upon the seventy-second annual meeting of the Middlesex County Teachers' Association held in Boston. The thirty-second annual convention of the Northwest Middlesex Teachers' Association met in Ayer November 5, 1926, and the Westford schools closed at noon to allow teachers to attend the afternoon session. Principal Roudenbush had a part on the morn-
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ing program at Ayer, being one of three speakers in a Round Table discussion of certain Extra-Curricula Activ- ities. The topic assigned to the principal was "Club Work as related to the High School."
Besides attending the above mentionedd conven- tions, the Principal regularly attends the annual meet- ing of the High School Principals' Association of Mass- achusetts which meets in Boston on a Saturday in Jan- uary. This association is very active through its spec- ially chosen committees which study and report in much detail upon important phases of education. The re- ports are followed by practical discussion in which any member may participate. The said reports occupy the two hour morning session. After a season of good fellowship spent around the dinner table at the Boston City Club,two or three speakers of wide reputation are heard who have the ability to present topics of an in- spirational nature in most effective language.
No meetings of educators in the state exceed these of the High School Principals in interest and value.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Trustees of the Academy greatly improved the appearance of the building during the summer by giv- ing it a whole new coat of paint outside, and by redec- orating the walls and ceilings of several rooms. The basements, halls and laboratory are in need of the same ยท treatment, and we hope may soon be done.
By removing a partition in the laboratory, together with the large cupboards formerly used in the Domestic Science classes, and furnishing the new space with arm chairs, we now have the equivalent of an extra class- room.
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A laboratory demonstration table has been added to the equipment which completes the requirements for instruction by lectures.
An assembly of the school was held November 12 in recognition of "Educational Week," and the Princi- pal gave a talk on the subject, "Why and How to Study."
The Senior class held a Columbus Day dance in the Town Hall, October 8, and another dance December 17, making about $50.00 on the two events.
The two lower classes have elected the following officers: Sophomores: President, Allan Bell; Secretary Mildred Healey ; Treasurer, Bertha Mardas. Freshman: President, Varnum Swanson; Vice-President, Merle Foster; Secretary, Elizabeth Nesmith; Treasurer, Her- bert Ingalls.
On December 14, Mr. George Boreukiewic of Po- land, who has spent some years since the war travelling in different parts of the world, and especially in the United States, gave a lecture before the school on his country and travels. Much interest was manifest es- pecially since some pupils were able to converse with the lecturer in his own language.
During his fifteen years of service in Westford the Principal has very rarely been absent from school on account of illness. A touch of influenza, however, kept him from his duties for three days, March 24-26, 1926. during which time Hirma S. Taylor, Jr., acted as prin- cipal.
In May the school canvassed subscriptions for the Ladies' Home Journal, Saturday Evening Post and Country Gentlemen and made about $40.00 which was handed over to the Athletic Association.
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Our thanks are due to Mr. Charles L. Hildreth who presented the school with a framed photograph of the star basket-ball team of 1925-26.
The graduating class for their outing in June took an automobile trip to Portland and the beaches, accom- panied by Miss Veeder as chaperone.
The Principal and his wife spent the summer vaca- tion of 1926 in Europe, touring through England, Scot- land, Holland, Western Germany, Switzerland and France.
The program of the graduation exercises held June 23, 1926 is herewith submitted, and we call attention to its contents for further details of information not elsewhere included in this report.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH,
Supervising principal, Westford Academy.
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Graduation Exercises of Westford Academy Town Hall Wednesday, June 23, 1926, at 10 O'Clock A. M. PROGRAM
March and Overture School Orchestra
Invocation
Rev. Alfred L. O'Brien
Salutatory
Roger Heywood Hildreth
Come Dance Beneath The Moon Czibulka
Girls' Glee Club
Salutatory Essay The Story of Aviation Roger Heywood Hildreth
Presentation of Class Gift
George Warren Kimball
Acceptance of Class Gift
Henry Arnold Wilder, Class of 1927
Trio (a.) Narcissus Nevin (b.) Sweet and Low Barnby
Regina McLenna, Marjorie Baker, Marion Day Violin Obligato-Betty Prescott
Address Rev. Garfield Morgan, Lynn, Mass.
Chorus, Sundown Londonderry Air
School
Essay with Valedictory The Stage-Coach with Modern Improvements Olga Alice Remis
Presentation of Prizes and Diplomas
Principal W. C. Roudenbush Class Song (Written by Regina Helen McLenna) The Graduating Class
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GRADUATES
*JEAN ELIZABETH BELL *ROGER HEYWOOD HILDRETH AGNES RITA KAVANAGH GEORGE WARREN KIMBALL REGINA HELEN McLENNA GWENDOLYN CORA PITKIN AGNES CECILIA RAFALKO *OLGA ALICE REMIS * MARTIN JACOB SINKEWIC, Jr. WILLIAM JOSEPH SUPPLE RUTH ELVERA SWENSON ALMA VATCHER WARREN
*Elected to "Pro Merito" Society of Secondary Schools.
POST-GRADUATES
EDITH ADELAIDE BLACKADAR Chelmsford High School, 1925 RICHARD ALBERT WALL Westford Academy, 1924
Class Motto-To Persevere is to Succeed Class Colors-Orchid and Silver Class Flower-Lily of the Valley
The following Class parts were read at School Assembly June 22nd.
Class History-Jean Elizabeth Bell Class Grinds-William Joseph Supple Class Will-Gwendolyn Cora Pitkin Class Poem-Agnes Cecilia Rafalko Class Prophecy-Alma Vatcher Warren
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WINNERS OF PRIZES ESSAY
General Prize :Evelyn Robinson, '27, Ten dollars. Dorothy McEnaney, '28, Five dollars. Freshmen : Bertha Mardas, '29, Five dollars.
STENOGRAPHY AND TYPEWRITING
Equally divided between Regina McLenna, 1926, and Lillian Dane, 1927, Two and one half dollars each. Washington and Franklin Bronze Medal for Excellence. in United States History
(Given by the Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution.) Olga Alice Remis
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CLASS SONG
(Tune of "America The Beautiful.") Westford Academy we have to leave you now. Tho' from your halls we hate to part Even when duty calls.
We love you every one, 'tis true With all our power and heart,
But we must say good-bye today, And from you ever part.
With you we have begun to climb The path that leads ahead. And we will ever keep in mind The reasons why you've led; It was to show us all the way To better things and great. And now today we come to say What we appreciate.
"To persevere is to succeed," That's what we're going to do, And live up to this motto dear All the long years through. Our loving teachers did their part To help us to succeed, And tho' at times their lots were hard They were our friends in need.
Our school, to us you'll always be A sweet and pleasant thought, For we've had all the happiness That anyone could want. But at the same time lessons came And we forgot them not. And now farewell, to schoolmates all
We bid a fond good-bye!
Regina Helen McLenna.
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NOTES
1. Alumni Luncheon and reception to graduates fol- lowing the exercises.
2. Annual meeting of the Alumni Association follow- ing the luncheon.
3. Graduation Dance in Town Hall at 8 P.M.
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Report of Supervisor Physical Education
Ayer, Masachusetts, December 15, 1926.
Supt, Charles Carter, Westford, Masachusetts.
My dear Mr. Carter:
I hereby make my first report as Supervisor of Physical Education. I feel that the aims of my work are three: First, to teach the children by means of ex- ercises, games, and dances, the way to a healthy body and a healthy mind. Second, to teach the children to really enjoy playing a number of games involving team play, co-operation, and good sportsmanship. Third, to teach the children co-ordination between mind and body by insisting on immediate response to com- mands, and strict observance of rule; of play. I believe that I can more adequately explain the aims of physical education by quoting Mr. Clark W. Hethering- ton formerly Supervisor of Physical Education, State of California; now of the Teachers' College, Columbia University. "Physical Education is that phase of educa- tion which is concerned, first, with the organizaton and leadership of children in big-muscle activities, to gain the development and the adjustment inherent in the acivities according to social standards; and, second, with the control of health or growth conditions naturally associated with the leadership of the activities, so that the educational process may go on without growth handicaps."
Several games and drill exercises have been taught this year. The type of game or exercise depends on the age of the child.
All the games and exercises taught are to aid in the development of the physical growth of the nunil.
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During the remainder of the year I hope to teach the children many new games, drills and folk dances in preparation for an exhibition at the end of that time.
Very truly yours, MARION C. WELCH.
Report of Night School
Mr. Charles G. Carter,
Supt. of Schools.
Dear Sir:
My report as principal of the Night School is as fol- lows:
Night School opened February 1, 1926, with an en- rollment of forty men and women, of various capabil- ities. Three classes were formed, consisting of Begin- ners, Intermediate and Advanced.
This required the services of at least two more teachers, as only one was engaged for the opening night.
The next night fifty-five men and women were pres- ent. However, with the aid of the extra teachers we were able to start our classes, as well as a very success- ful year of night school work.
The success of this school was clearly shown by the regular attendance of the students.
At the beginning of the second week the total en- rollment was seventy-five, and two more teachers en- gaged.
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School wa's in session three nights per week, from 7 to 9 P. M., for a period of ten weeks. At the close of this session, all those who had attended at least 75 % of the time, a state requirement, received a state cer- tificate signed by Mr. Charles Herlihy, State Supervisor and Supt. Charles G. Carter.
The course ended with a social at Abbot Hall, at which the teachers, students and invited guests enjoyed dancing and refreshments.
We have started night school again this winter, and are planning to have it cover a period of fifteen weeks.
The work taken up in these classs is as prescribed by the Bureau of Naturalization.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER F. PERRY, Principal.
Report of Supervisor of Music
Mr. Charles G. Carter,
Supt. of Schools Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is my report for the year as Supervisor of Music :
A piano was purchased last year for the Sargent School at Graniteville, from the Mason and Hamlin Co. of Boston. This company offers a special discount to schools and gives an unlimited time in which to raise money for the instrument. I should like to thank the teachers and principals of all the schools, as well as the students. for their help in raising the money.
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Last Christmas a concert appropriate to the season was given at the Sargent School by the pupils, and the sum of thirty dollars was added to the piano fund.
At the graduation excercises last June the seventh 1 and eighth grades of the three schools, making a chorus of 100 voices, presented the cantata, "The Childhood of Hiawatha", at the Westford Town Hall, and the following night at Abbot Hall, Forge Village. The solo parts in the cantata were taken by Bernice Hall, Graniteville, Soprano, Herbert Ingalls, Soprano, West- ford, Leonard Blott and Leslie Athorn, Sopranos, Cam- eron School and Homer Milot, Alto, Grade 5, Granite- ville. The cantata was sung entirely from memory and was enthusiastically received by the large audiences present.
This year one of the most important things needed is a piano for Cameron School; but to start and raise the necessary amount of money takes so much time that the regular music work suffers in consequence, which is a very regrettable fact.
- As Music is now being recognized as one of the im- portant subjects in the school curriculum, may I suggest that a piano be added to the equipment of Cameron School?
In closing I wish to express my appreciation of the support of the Superintendent, Mr. Charles G. Carter, an to all the principals and teachers for their interest and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
DAISY PRECIOUS.
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Report of Dental Clinic
December 23, 1926.
School Committee,
Wesford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Having been appointed in September 1926, as den- tist for the School Clinic I respectfully submit my report ending December 31, 1926.
The purpose of the Clinic is to care for the teeth of the elementary school children.
The work covered includes examinations, cleanings, silver nitrate treatments, fillings and extractions em- ploying local anaesthetic.
This work is carried on in practically all the cities and towns of Massachusetts, with great success. The benefits derived from these clinics are innumerable and they are here to stay.
The work here has been going along very smoothly.
The children and parents are co-operating and have been showing great enthusiasm over the work being done.
The following is a summary of School Work:
Total Sessions (1/2) 14
Total Patients 94
Total Cleanings 94
Total Examinations 94
Total Extractions 125
Total Fillings 137
Total Silver Nitrate Treatments 193
Total Local Anaesthetic 152
Total Discharged 94
Sent to Supt. of Schools, by
T. H. REARDON, D. M. D.
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Members of the Committee:
Following is my report as Medical Inspector of the Schools of Westford for the year ending December 31, 1926.
This year in my general inspection of the children, I was ably assisted by Miss Ruby McCarthy a trained nurse whose services were given by the local Board of Health.
We made a very thorough examination of the chil- dren and reported defects found. The nurse does the follow up work of these cases and the physical defects are attended to by the children's parents promptly. The nurse and school physician go to the school and examine all pupils that need attention various times during the school year thereby keeping track of all contagious and infectious diseases and both improving the general health of the scholars and also getting better attendance.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. C. A. BLANEY, School Physician.
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Report of School Nurse
Mr. Charles G. Carter,
Supt. of Schools, Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
This year we have had a great many absentees in the schools owing to the epidemic of measles and scar- let fever last winter and spring.
All the children have had a physical examination by Dr. Blaney, with considerable defects found among the first grade children and few among the older child- ren.
Last Spring an underweight clinic was held in the schools. All children were weighed and measured all 10% or more underweight were advised for this clinic. Permission was received from parents and the children were examined and each received a Von Perquet test (a skin test for tuberculosis.) All the children that showed a reaction from this test had an X-Ray picture taken. And one case of hilum tuberculosis was found. All parents at the clinic were advised as to the childs diet and in some cases recommended for further exam- ination.
Many children have received dental treatment. I have tried as much as possible to take the children, whose parents felt they were not able to stand the ex- pense of having their children's teeth cared for.
The teachers have a good hygiene period in the schools. Some using the Modern Health Crusade and others have Health Posters.
I spent my vacation at Hyannis Normal School taking up the Methods of School Nursing, and have tried to carry out the plans given in that course.
I take at this time to thank you, Mr. Carter and the teachers in their co-operation in the Health Work.
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The following is my report:
School Visits 249
Absentees Visited in their Homes 264
Children Examined for Minor Ailments 79
Children Sent Home for Illness 18
Nursing Visits
130
Prenatal Visits 10
Child Welfare Visits 120
Social and Business 37
St. John's Eye and Ear Clinic 15
Lowell General Tonsil Clinic 35
To Children's Hospital (Boston) 30
Children to Dentist 139
All class rooms inspected. Children re-examined for defected vision and hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
RUBY MCCARTHY, R. N.
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
OF THE
TOWN OF WESTFORD, MASS.
HE
3
J.V.
ARY,
1895
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1926
January 1, 1927.
The Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library respect- fully submit their annual report of the Librarian and the list of books added in 1926.
The Trustees ask for the following appropriations, viz:
1. The sum of twenty-four hundred dollars ($2400. 00) to meet the current expenses of the main library and its branches.
2. The receipts from the dog licenses in 1926.
JULIAN A. CAMERON, Chairman. WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH. ALICE M. HOWARD, Secretary.
January 1, 1927.
To the Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library :
The report of the Library for the year ending Dec. 31, 1926, is herewith presented.
The general work of the Library has been carried on much as usual during the past year.
The library received a valuable gift presented by Miss Grace Lawrence from the estate of her aunt Mrs. Harriet Drake Randall of a picture "Joseph and his Brethren" wrought with wool in cross stitch on canvas. Mrs. Randall worked this picture while a pupil at the Notre Dame Academy in Lowell at the age of fifteen, Completing it in about a year, probably in 1856, work- ing one hour a day. The subject of the picture is Gen- esis 37:10.
2
Mrs. Oscar R. Spaulding's gift of 120 volumes, many of which are western stories, is much appreciated by the readers as are the books which Mr. Julian A. Cameron has presented again this year.
This year the American Library Association cele- brated the 50th anniversary of its founding by a confer- ence at Atlantic City with many foreign delegates pres- ent. The local librarian was privileged to attend. The American Library Association has been a great force in the advancement of public libraries in this country and Canada, the number increasing from 300 to 6600 during this period. Its work for better service is furthered by va- rious committees studying the library problems of book buying, bookbinding, library legislation, revenues, sal- aries, school libraries, international relations, hospital libraries, cataloging, work with the foreign born, etc.
During the past nine months the librarian has tried to keep the public informed of new books and other items of library interest by weekly notices in the Wards- man and Courier-Citizen. She would appreciate any information concerning past events in the history of the library.
This year the total number of books borrowed from the library was 14,791, a greater number than in any for- mer year. The highest previous record was 14,440 for the year ending March 1, 1898 the second year that the library occupied the new building. The number of volumes loaned from the main building was 10,327, the highest record given. The monthly circulation varied from 1,022 in March to 758 in September. The highest daily record was 126 in April. The Trustees and librar- ian hope the usefulness of the library will be extended until every home in town is acquainted with the service which the library may render.
3
A few changes have been made in the list of maga- zines. All except current numbers may be borrowed and the list for the coming year is as follows:
Weeklies
Geographic News Bulletin, Illustrated London News, Life, Literary Digest, Outlook, Publisher's Week- ly, Saturday Evening Post, Westford Wardsman, Youth's Companion.
Monthlies
Antiques, A. L. A. Booklist, American, Asia, Atlan- tic Monthly, Book Review Digest, Boys' Life, Century, Child Life, Country Gentleman, Country Life, Current History, Delineator, Forecast, Garden Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Harper's Monthly, House Beautiful, Li- braries, Library Journal, Munsey's, Modern Priscilla, Na- tional Geographic, Nature, Needlecraft, Normal Instruc- tor, Open Road, Pictorial Review, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science Monthly, Radio Broadcast, Reader's Guide, Review of Reviews, Saint Nicholas, Scientific Amercan, Scribner's, Travel, Woman's Home Compan- ion, World's Work.
Periodicals Given, 1926
Congregationalist, From Mrs. Lucy Keyes, Chris- tian Register, From the Publishers, How to Sell, From the Publishers, Ladies' Home Journal, From Mrs. Leon- ard W. Wheeler, Our Dumb Animals, From the Publish- ers, Our Message, From Miss Edith A. Wright, Outlook, From Mr. Wm. C. Roudenbush, Specialty Salesman, From the Publishers, The Starry Cross, From the Pub- lishers, Union Signal, From the W. C. T. U.
4
Periodicals Given, 1926.
Congregationalist. From Mrs. Lucy Keyes
Christian Register From the Publishers
How to Sell. From the Publishers
Ladies' Home Journal. From Mrs. Leonard W. Wheeler
Our Dumb Animals From the Publishers
Our Message
From Miss Edith A. Wright
Outlook From Mr. Wm. C. Roudenbush Specialty Salesman From the Publishers
The Starry Cross From the Publishers
Union Signal From the W. C. T. U.
Picture Exhibits from the Library Art Club
War memorial sculpture; Baghdad and Babylon; French wood carvings; Old rhymes, illustrated by Henriette Willebeck LeMair; The North Pole and roundabout; Tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amen; Recent American art; Lexington, Mass .; Reproductions of paintings by fam- ous Italian masters; Philippine Islands; Merchant marine; Wembley exhibit; Peasant art in what was once Austria; Pilgrim tercentenary, Plymouth Mass., 1921; Denmark; Ships of olden time from the Ark to Trafalgar; Merry wives of Windsor by Shakespeare.
Names of Donors, 1926.
American Tree Association-two volumes.
Abbot, Mrs. John W .- one volume.
Brooks, Sidney-one volume.
Buckshorn, Fisher-curios.
Cameron, Mr. Julian A .- forty eight volumes.
Fletcher, Mr. Sherman H .- pamphlets.
Hamlin, Miss Edna-one volume.
Japan Society-one volume. Lawrence, Miss Grace-picture and curios.
Maloney, Mr. John M .- one volume.
Priest, Mr. Frank B .- one curio.
Raymond, Mr. George L .- one volume.
Roberge, Mr. Alphonse-two volumes. Ripley, Mrs. J. K .- five curios.
Spalding, Mrs. Oscar R .- one hundred twenty volumes. Wheeler, Mr. Leonard W .- one curio. Wright, William W .- seven volumes.
5
Amount of funds.
Legacy of Stephen S. Stone. $ 1,000.00
Legacy of Augustus K. Fletcher 1,000.00
Legacy of Mary A. Henarie, Laws Fund 1,000.00
Legacy of John M. Osgood
1,000.00
Legacy of Jennie Reed Wilkins 150.00
Legacy of Adeline T. Burbeck
500.00
Circulation.
Total circulation of bound volumes.
14,791
Volumes lent at the Library
10,327
Volumes lent at Graniteville
2,154
Volumes lent at Forge Village.
1,131
Volumes lent at Parkerville.
198
Volumes lent at Brookside
981
Circulation in Children's department
5,975
Volumes lent through the schools
1,179
Periodicals lent
3,296
Pamplets and clippings lent.
72
Pictures lent.
637
Accessions.
Volumes added by purchase.
432
Volumes added by gift ..
168
Volumes received from the State.
7
Volumes received from the United States.
1
Total number of volumes added
608
Number of volumes discarded.
52
Number of volumes in the Library
18,868
Regulations.
The J. V. Fletcher Library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat- urdays (legal holidays excepted) from 1.30 till 5, and from 6.30 till 9. P. M.
The Graniteville deposit station at the home of Mrs. Carroll M. Sawyer is open Monday afternoon and evening.
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