USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1937-1941 > Part 15
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V. OUR LIBRARY
In spite of the fact that we do not have available a suitable room which can be devoted entirely to library purposes, our students are re- ceiving definite training in the use of the library. This training is be-
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ing accomplished in connection with the English classes and with the classes in History and Civics. By using open shelves in both the Eng- lish and History recitation rooms, such reference material as we possess has been made accessible to the students. New reference books for history and civics have recently been added to our collection of books in this field. Other needed reference material is being supplied by the town library. Through the cooperation and assistance of Miss Day, stu- dents are able to obtain books for school use from the J. V. Fletcher Library at the school. Miss Day visits the Academy once every three weeks during the forenoon with a wide selection of books. Pupils are thus given the opportunity to get books and return books during school hours, under proper supervision, without leaving the building. This method of securing library books, largely for outside reading reports, is proving of real help to the students, particularly to those boys and girls who have no way of getting to the public library outside of school hours. We are grateful to Miss Day for her cooperation and interest, and sincerely appreciate the fine service she is rendering the students of the Academy.
The recently purchased collection of pamphlets on Careers, given to the Academy by the trustees, have been made readily accessible to the students. Purchased from the Julian's Fund, these monographs, cov- ering some 87 different occupational fields, list not only the attractive and unattractive sides of the occupation, but also give information on the following points: opportunities at the start, ultimate opportunities, personal qualifications required, average earnings, maximum earnings possible, a word picture of a typical day's work, how to get started in the career, and the approximate amount of capital required-if re- quired. The constant and increasing use of these monographs by the students is encouraging. To some extent it is evidence of the value of these monographs in supplying students with information about the various occupations, and in stimulating their thinking about their vo- cational future after graduation.
VI. STUDENT ACTIVITIES
It is generally conceded that the main purpose of education is tu make good citizens. The good citizen "is an individual who not only has knowledge, ideals, and attitudes, but who also has worthy habits." As habits are developed only by practice, and as the regular academic work of the school offers little opportunity for the development of desirable social ideals and habits, the extra-curricular activity program has evolved to supply this practice. Through the extra-curricular activities of the school boys and girls are given the opportunity to learn certain invaluable lessons. Among these are self-control, respect for the rights and opinions of others, and ability to get along with one's fellows; all
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of which are desirable if boys and girls are to take their place success- fully in modern society. While our program of extra-curricular activities is somewhat restricted because of limitations of space and facilities, we are nevertheless able to realize some of the advantages in the follow- ing ways:
ASSEMBLIES-An attempt is being made to improve the quality of our assembly programs. So that they might be of more interest and value to the students, student participation in assemblies has been encouraged. During the past year several assemblies have been held with the officers of the Athletic Association in charge. We have been fortunate to have several outside speakers address the student body in assembly. One of the recent speakers was Milton J. Schlaugenhauf, Director of Admissions at Northeastern University, who gave a most interesting and inspiring talk on "What's in a Name?" Several other programs have been presented by outsiders and have proved both en- tertaining as well as instructional. Among these have been the follow- ing programs: A sound motion picture, depicting the development and growth of the Telephone Company and presented through the courtesy of Mr. Bennett; a demonstration by the Tumbling Team of the Nashua High School; and "Treasure Island," a puppet show, presented by Paul Clemens. The orchestra under the direction of Julius Woessner is al- ways with us and has done much to increase the merit of our as- semblies.
CLUBS-The club program of former years has been continued. Its purpose is to give our boys and girls the opportunity to develop and extend their interest in worthwhile activities, which it is hoped will carry over into useful hobbies, or perchance avocations, in after school life. Clubs meet once each week from October through May, each club being under the direction of a member of the faculty. Student leadership in each club is encouraged. Active clubs during the past year were: Newspaper Club, Glee Club, Commercial Club, Dramatic Club, Science Club, Camera Club, and History Club.
THE "CLARION"-The Newspaper Club under the advisership of Mrs. Mary Robinson is responsible for the editing and publishing of the "Clarion." This is a valuable activity serving to bring out hidden talents of many students in both creative writing and art. It is further valuable in building and moulding school spirit. Four regular issues were published during the year. The fifth issue was prepared by the graduating class and as a Senior Yearbook its pages were devoted to the activities of the class during four years spent at the Academy. The printing of the regular issues of the "Clarion" is capably carried out by members of the Commercial Club with the able assistance and guidance of Miss Mary Bohenko as faculty adviser.
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SCHOOL SOCIALS-During the past year socials have been held by each of the four classes. These socials have been held in the Academy Gymnasium which has been attractively decorated for each occasion by hard working committees. All of the socials have been well attended by both students and faculty and have been successes, socially and financially. While an effort is made to conduct these socials as private parties, outsiders have not been entirely excluded. Through the use of a student "Guest Book" outsiders may attend provided they are spon- sored by one of the regularly enrolled students and have their names inscribed in the book before the night of the social. So far this year (1938-1939) two successful socials have been held under the auspices of the Senior Class. The first was their annual reception to the Class of 1942, and the second was a special Thanksgiving Dance to raise money for a depleted treasury.
CLASS ELECTIONS-Early in the fall elections were held by each of the three upper classes. Nominations for class officers and final elections were held under the guidance of the class advisers. Fresh- man elections were held after the first marking period. Class officers together with faculty advisers of each of the four classes are shown below.
Class Officers and Faculty Advisers 1938-1939
Seniors (1939)
President Henry Corey, Jr.
Vice-president Robert Chandler
Secretary Stella Briscoe
Treasurer Grace Zanchi
Faculty Advisers
Mr. Mueller, Mrs. Robinson
Juniors (1940)
President John McKniff
Vice-president Aloysius Makarewicz
Secretary Vera Nyder
Treasurer Sophie Woitowicz
Faculty Advisers Mr. Pulsifer, Miss Tewksbury
Sophomores (1941)
President Shirley Perkins
Vice-president Lillian Bellemore
Secretary Barbara Anderson
Treasurer Rita Costello
Faculty Advisers
Mr. Charron, Miss Bohenko
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Freshmen (1942)
President
Treasure Bechard
· Vice-president Robert Pyle
Secretary Ruth Zanchi
Treasurer
Robert Smith
Faculty Advisers
Mr. Delaney, Miss Caldwell
ATHLETICS-Boys and girls' basketball continues to be the major sport during the Winter Term. While our teams were not as success- ful as in previous years, we nevertheless experienced a good season. The boys' baseball team had a most successful season, winning for themselves and . the school the coveted Wachusetts League Baseball Trophy. The Wachusetts League represents a change in name only, replacing the former name of "Northern Middlesex League." Mr. De- laney coaches the boys' basketball and baseball teams. In addition Coach Delaney is responsible for scheduling all league games for all member teams in both basketball and baseball. Miss Bohenko coaches the girls' basketball team and serves in the capacity of sec- retary for the Wachusetts Basketball League.
At the close of the basketball season a schedule of interclass games was arranged. Each of the four classes entered a boys' and a girls' team in our first "Westford Academy Tournament." The final results re- vealed the Sophomore boys victorious in the boys' division, and the Junior girls victorious in the girls' division. The keen competition be- tween the classes and the fine spirit which was developed was most gratifying. It is hoped that such interclass games will continue in the future as a fitting climax to our basketball season. In charge of the interclass games were the two coaches, assisted by Mr. Pulsifer and Mr. Sweatt.
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION-Our Athletic Association under the capable direction of Mr. George Charron, Coach Delaney, and Coach Bohenko continues to occupy an important place among our student activities. In carrying out its ideal of "good sportsmanship and fair play," the Athletic Association has been instrumental in developing a fine type of school spirit. Visiting schools have complimented us on the fine school spirit displayed by the students. This fine attitude in large measure can be attributed to the untiring efforts and splendid cooperation of the student cheer leaders, under the advisership of Coach Delaney, in working up an enthusiastic cheering section.
Officers of the Athletic Association for the year 1938-1939 are:
President Dorothy Sargent '39
Vice-president Jacob Tereshko '41
Secretary Catherine Cosgrove '40
Treasurer
Jennie Sienkewicz '39
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VII. DATA ON GRADUATES, CLASS OF 1938
Returns from a questionnaire sent to the 28 members of the Class of 1938 have been summarized for the 20 members from whom replies were received. The accompanying table is a summary of the Activities of the Graduates of the Class of 1938 as of December 1, 1938.
Number attending Business Schools 4 Number in Training 1
Number at Special Schools 1
Number working
9
Number at home
5
Of the number working four are continuing their education on a part-time basis by attending evening schools of one kind or another.
The honorary members of the Tadmuck Club from the Class of 1939 are Hilda Blanchard and Jennie Sienkewicz.
VIII. GIFTS FROM THE JULIAN FUND
Five additional monographs of the Careers Research Monographs have been added to this collection by the Trustees of Westford Academy during the past year.
Through this same fund it has been possible for the Trustees to provide the Academy with a sound motion picture projector. The pro- jector which has been purchased is a Bell & Howell 16 mm. Sound-on- Film projector. Through the cooperation of the School Committee an adequate projection booth has been made to house this new equipment, and to make it readily usable for assembly programs.
We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for their timely and most useful gift and to the members of the School Committee for their assist- ance in furnishing the projection booth. The sound motion picture with its diversity of use is a most valuable addition to our instructional facil- ities. By means of it much worthwhile material, not otherwise obtain- able, can be brought before the student, serving to vitalize the subject matter and increasing pupil interest therein.
IX. CONCLUSION
For the success which we enjoy I wish to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to superintendent, teachers, and students.
Respectfully submitted,
JULIUS H. MUELLER, JR.
Principal, Westford Academy.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES Of The Class Of 1938 Academy Auditorium-Westford Academy Westford, Massachusetts Wednesday Evening, June 15, 1938
ENTRANCE MARCH-"Pomp and Chivalry" Roberts ACADEMY ORCHESTRA, directed by JULIUS WOESSNER
INVOCATION
Rev. Ambrose D. Walker
ADDRESS OF WELCOME Norman Newton President of the Class
ESSAY-"Democracy on Trial"
Annie Denisevich
SANTA LUCIA-Italian Air
Academy Orchestra
ESSAY-"Why the People of the United States Wanted a Constitution" Nellie Butko
KING JESUS IS A-LISTENIN'-Arranged by Noble Cain WHO'S THAT A-CALLIN'-Arranged by Noble Cain GLEE CLUB, directed by Lilley Mae Moran
ESSAY-"Training Citizens for Democracy" Richard Edwin Hanson
ON OUR WAY MARCH Creighton
Academy Orchestra
ADDRESS-"Milestones, Past and Future" Raymond H. Grayson State Supervisor of Physical Education
VILLANELLE
Hector Berlioz
Glee Club
PRESENTATION OF CLASS GIFT Evelyn E. Judd Secretary of the Class
ACCEPTANCE OF CLASS GIFT
Ernest Benkoski President of Class of 1939
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FAREWELL ADDRESS
Mary Caroline LeDuc Vice-President of the Class
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
Allister F. MacDougal Trustee of Westford Academy
MAY DANCE
Reynard .... .. :** Academy Orchestra
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Eric J. Anderson Chairman of the School Committee
CLASS SONG
EXIT MARCH-"Pomp and Chivalry" Academy Orchestra
Roberts
GRADUATES
College Course
Barbara Lyle Chandler Rowena Whitman Curley
Commercial Course
Paul Belida
Catherine Ann Brown
Ruth Pauline Johnson
Marion Johnston
Evelyn E. Judd
Pauline Helen Smith
General Course
Harriet Beatrice Abrahamson Sophie Bubeshko
*Nellie Butko Mary Catherine Charlton Arthur John Cooney
*Annie Denisevich Olive Frances Frost
*Richard Erwin Hanson Margaret Mary Harrigan J. Austin Healy, Jr. *Pro Merito Society
Class Colors Green and White
Class Marshal J. Austin Healy, Jr.
Mary Caroline LeDuc
*Dorothy Marshall Mary Minko
Norman Newton Agnes Winifred Rhodes
Mildred Irene Richards George Sechovich
Harry Vincent Smith
Anthony Sudak Stella Caroline Wilk
Class Motto "Succeed; we can, we must"
Class Flower Talisman Rose
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WINNERS OF PRIZES (Given by Trustees)
Awarded at Class Day Exercises
Member of Junior Class with highest percentage of improvement in general average over last year:
Ten Dollars-Jennie Sienkewicz, '39
Member of Sophomore Class with highest percentage of improve- ment in general average over last year:
Ten Dollars-Janet Duncan, '40
Member of Freshman Class with Highest General Average for the year:
Five Dollars-Tied for Honors $2.50-Richard Healy, '41 $2.50-Jacob Tereshko, '41
Awarded at Graduation Exercises
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Senior Stenography:
Two and One-half Dollars-Annie Denisevich, '38
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Senior Typewriting: Two and One-half Dollars-Evelyn E. Judd, '38
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in English during the Senior Year:
Five Dollars-Annie Denisevich, '38
Washington and Franklin Medal for Excellence in United States History, (given by Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution) :
Mary Caroline LeDuc, '38
Special Medal Commemorating the One Hundred and Fiftieth An- niversary of the Signing of the Constitution of the United States, (Pre- sented by the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission of Massachusetts) :
Rowena Whitman Curley, '38
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CLASS SONG
1. With great doubt and fear we entered in '34 Side by side, step by step, progressing more and more; Every year we've gained a victory 'Till now we stand before you with a smile To prove to you the class of '38 Has gained the last long mile.
2. Teachers, friends, the time has come for us to bid you goodbye. Our Alma Mater, we leave it with a sigh! Mem'ries of the years that have gone by We'll cherish in the future years to be And we will "Succeed; we can, we must," -For Westford Academy. Words by Evelyn E. Judd, Barbara Lyle Chandler Music by Alexander Belida, '37
GRADUATION CALENDAR
1. Class Day Exercises in Academy Auditorium, June 14
2. Field Day Exercises on Whitney Playground, June 14.
3. Graduation Dance in Academy Auditorium, June 16, 8 P. M.
4. Alumni Banquet and Business Meeting in Academy Auditorium, June 18, 7 P. M., preceded by Social Hour at 6 P. M.
USHERS
Hilda Blanchard, '39
Henry Corey, Jr., '39
Dimitri Charasko, '39 Mary Fitzpatrick, '39
Jennie Sienkewicz, '39
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
January 13, 1939.
Mr. Robert W. Barclay, Superintendent of Schools, Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the School Nurse from January 1, to De- cember 31, 1938:
Schools Visited
Dressings and First Aid
29
Children examined for minor ailments 41
Children recommended for exclusion because of Pediculosis and other skin infections 21
Children recommended for exclusion because of Contagious
Disease Contact 22
Vaccinations checked
Assisted with Hearing Test. Result of test:
4 Defective Hearing
Assisted School Physician with Physical Examination of school children in Spring and Fall of 1938.
Result of Physical Examination:
Heart Murmurs
41
Acne
2
Bronchitis
2
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
22
Enlarged Cervical Glands
1
Posture
4
Defective Teeth 72
Respectfully submitted,
VERONICA P. MEAGHER, R. N.
School Nurse.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Members of the School Committee:
The following is my report as school physician for the year ending December 31, 1938.
The usual physical examination was made on all the children at- tending the public schools of Westford twice during the school term.
All of the cases in which major physical defects are found are re- checked by a special physical examination every school term and the parents of those found with a major physical defect are informed at once in order that the children may receive treatment at once, if needed.
A special examination of the pupils who are to take part in athletic sports has always been made on request of the coaches of the athletic teams and those found with a major defect are not allowed to play with- out the special permit of their parents.
I have always responded to calls at the schools in the emergency cases when called by the school principals.
The relatively few undernourished children have been under the observation of the Board of Health nurse during the school term and she has most ably assisted me during my examinations and calls at the schools.
In my work for the past year I have had the splendid co-operation of the Board of Health nurse, teachers, and the parents of the children.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. D. W. COWLES
School Physician.
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
January 12, 1939.
Mr. Robert W. Barclay Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is my report as Supervisor of Music in the Westford Schools:
New singing books have replaced the badly worn and torn books at the Sargent, Frost, and Cameron Schools. Needless to say, how much these books are appreciated by the pupils as well as the teachers; not only for their beautiful and fresh material, but for their integration with history, geography, and literature.
A pupil's success in his studies depends upon two factors-natural ability and effort. Fine examples of both these factors are found in the use of our new books this year. Copies of "Sing a Song of Safety" were placed in each school and these songs are being sung untiringly and the lessons therein, enjoyed. It is not unusual to hear the children singing these songs going to and from school as well as on the playground.
Members of the Glee Club are gratefully thankful for the new "Assembly Song Books" and show their appreciation by their desire to sing.
Rhythm Bands continue in all of the schools and are doing excel- lent work. Harmonica Bands seem to be on the decline. At the Frost School we have one, grade three; at the Sargent School, two, grades four and five; at the Cameron School, one, grade three, although grade four is organizing and hope to start next week. At the Nabnassett School we have one, grades one, two, and three, doing three and four part playing.
After School Piano Classes have been formed in each school. These classes vary in size but the attendance has been almost perfect and a recital will be given in the late spring.
Among our activities of the year was the Operetta "Tom Sawyer" given by the pupils of the Sargent School. This was creditably given
140
and I wish to thank the Teachers for their untiring efforts in perfecting this performance.
I also wish to thank Mrs. Downing for her kindness in giving her piano to the Frost School and Mrs. Robert Prescott for the use of her piano at the Cameron School. With the aid of pianos, the progression of music study becomes a joyous, energetic process.
In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the co-operation of the Su- perintendent and the helpful support of the Teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLEY M. MORAN
Music Supervisor.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR WESTFORD
1938 - 1939
FALL TERM
Begins-September 6
Ends-December 23
69 days
WINTER TERM
Begins-January 3
Ends-March 31
63 days
SPRING TERM
Begins-April 10
Ends-June 16
48 days
180 days
DAYS OMITTED
Tornado September 22 to September 29
Columbus Day October 12
County Convention October 28
Armistice Day November 11
Thanksgiving Recess
November 23 (noon) to November 28
Christmas Recess
December 23 (noon) to January 3
Washington's Birthday February 22
Spring Recess March 31 to April 10
Patriot's Day
April 19
Memorial Day
.May 30
GRADUATION DATES (Tentative)
Elementary Schools June 15
Academy
June 16
Academy teachers must be in the building by 8:00 A. M. Elementary teachers must be in their building by 8:15 A. M. School busses to arrive at the Academy not later than 8:30 A. M. No bus to leave before 3:00.
Annual Report
OF THE
J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
OF THE
TOWN of WESTFORD
OWN
WESTFORD
Cc
1729. €
PORATED
SEPT. 23
For the Year Ending December 31, 1938
٠١
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
January 1, 1939.
The Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library respectfully submit their annual report for 1938, including the report of the librarian and the list of books added in 1938.
The Trustees ask for the following appropriation, viz:
1. The sum of twenty-four hundred ($2,400.00) to meet the cur- rent expenses of the main library and its branches.
2. The receipts from the dog licenses in 1938.
Respectfully submitted,
JULIAN A. CAMERON, Chairman WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH ALICE M. HOWARD, Secretary.
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FINANCIAL REPORT OF LIBRARY FOR 1938
Expenditures
Salaries and wages
Librarian
$ 749.98
Janitor
350.00
Assistants
192.00
-
$ 1,291.98
Books and periodicals
Books
$ 728.85
Periodicals
134.25
Binding
1.66
$ 864.76
Fuel
189.00
Light
38.88
Buildings
Water
$ 19.50
Janitor's supplies
8.97
Repairs
359.65
$ 388.12
Other expenses
Telephone
$ 22.61
Transportation of books
30.00
Stationery, postage, etc.
14.61
$ 67.22
Books (to be paid from funds)
113.73
Repairs (late bill)
26.65
$ 2,980.34
Income
Town appropriation
$ 2,400.00
Receipts from dog licenses
454.97
$ 2,854.97
Interest from funds
125.37
$ 2,980.34
$ 2,839.96
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
January 1, 1939.
To the Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library:
The librarian herewith submits her twenty-first annual report of the work of the library for the year 1938.
This coming year will mark the eightieth anniversary of a public library in Westford when on February 4, 1859 the Social Library, begun in 1797, was given to the town on condition of adequate support. At that time the books were kept in private houses, later transferred to a room in the town hall and, in 1896, the present building, a gift to the town, was dedicated. The library has continued to grow in number of books from 1,300 to nearly 23,000 and, we hope, in usefulness to the towns- people who have been generous in its support. It is our desire that in the coming years it will increase in service to its present readers and also serve a greater number.
The librarian continues to take books for English and history read- ing to the high school once in three weeks, loaning 70 to 90 books in a forenoon to those who do not have a chance to come to the library regularly. The children from the grammar school still make use of the noon opening from 12.30 to one p. m ..
The total circulation of books has increased over last year, both at the library and for the town as a whole. Again travel is the most popular group of non-fiction with 635 volumes circulated. Biography is still in second place with 592, while history takes third place with 517 volumes due to greater use for reference work in the history classes in high school. This puts useful arts in fourth place with 494 loaned, although that is 42 more books than last year.
To facilitate the work of answering reference questions the En- cyclopedia Americana in thirty volumes has been recently purchased. As a sample of the questions to which the librarian had to try to find an answer last summer was the following, "Does a humming bird have legs?" If only the Americana had been available then a perfect answer would have been found in the illustration of the humming-birds. They do have legs. Already since purchase a better answer to a question on wooden shingles was found there than elsewhere.
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