USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1923-1924 > Part 5
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58.93
American Book Company
145.72
American Multigraph Sales Company Avery, E. G.
8.20
Babb, E. E. & Co.
.
.
437.00
.
.
.
.
.
5.00
83
Bancroft, W. & Co.
14.00
Barr, R. R.
352.37
Blaisdell, Charles
131.77
B. & M. Railroad Co.
2.12
Boston School Com.
94.68
Buck Bros.
4.75
Buck, Helen H.
65.00
Butters, A. D.
9.00
Buzzell, D. T.
25.00
Carlon, George
117.75
Carter & Buck
46,04
Chapoorian, M. G.
14.00
Coburn, C. B. & Co.
4.63
Daley, F. C.
48.00
Dallman, H. I.
23.79
Day, E. L.
3.50
Dayton, Paul
53.25
Dowling School Supply Co.
47.78
Ditson, Oliver
14.18
Eames, A. W.
40.00
Eames, Ernest W.
238.50
Eames, F. L.
31.88
Eastern Drug Co.
4.95
Faulkner
1.50
Feindel, Charles
20.00
Foskett, M. H.
.
6.00
Francis Bros.
11.01
Ganley, A. L.
8.00
Gray, C. D. A.
51.00
Ginn & Co.
106.01
Hale, Walter L.
3,188.28
Harriman, C. S. & Co.
12.11
Haymarket Hardware Co.
21.82
Hammett, J. L.
285.81
Harris & Gilpatrick
16.78
Heath, D. C. & Co.
24.11
Horton, C.
1,435.00
84
19.00
Horton, Chester
Horton, Howard
158.23
Horton, J. C.
3.00
Houghton, Mifflin Co.
48.23
Iroquois Pub. Co.
16.06
Knott, L. E., App. Co.
75.43
Lawson, Wm. W ..
96.00
Little, Brown & Co.
3.08
Lundgren, Oscar & Co.
3.23
Livingston, C. A.
20.77
Lowell City
273.86
Lowell, Fred A.
23.00
MacMillan Co.
55.24
Mass. State Prison
28.16
McIntosh, S. R.
44.38
McLaughlin & Dennison
4.83
McKinley Pub. Co.
3.52
Milton Bradley
5.41
Mossman, Wm. A.
36.00
Municipal Light Board
77.48
New England Tel. & Tel. Co.
123.37
Neostyle Sales Agency
6.74
Niles, Jas. H. .
36.00
Osterman Coal Co.
362.36
Perry, Charles F.
6.00
Perry, Ellen S.
113.90
Reading, Town of
124.23
Reformatory for Women
7.06
Regents Pub. Co. .
4.96
Remington Type. Co.
18.14
Rice, W. W.
83.20
Sanborn, Benj. H. Co.
25.38
Simons Hardware Co.
16.50
Stapleton, Charles H.
9.50
Stone, Underhill Heating Co.
26.24
Swain, C. M.
1.95
Taylor, Edward
.
.
112.00
.
.
85
Tilley, J. A. .
4.00
Warwick & York
·
15.40
Waverly Hardware Co.
22.99
Woburn & Reading Bus Line Co.
2,100.00
World Book Co.
362.19
Wright & Potter
4.57
Yawman & Erbe Manf. Co.
41.75
Young, Allan .
12.00
86
DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS BY AGE IN SCHOOL September 1923
Age.
I2
I3
14
15
I6
17
18
19
20
Grade
8
17
12
5
1
43
IX
6
18
11
35
S
8
22
8
5
43
J
3
6
6
5
20
S
1
4
13
2
1
1
22
DISTRIBUTION OF PUPILS BY GRADE AND AGE September 1923
Age
5
6
7
8
9
IO
II
12
13
. 14
15
17
Total
Grade I
8
56
25
8
3
1
101
11
7
33
25
10
2
77
III
10
20
18
8
5
1
3
1
66
IV
5
37
26
12
8
1
89
V
4
24
24
11
7
1
71
VI
4
17
20
14
4
3
1
63
VII
7
29
18
14
6
74
Total.
8
63
68
58
72
64
66
69
43
20
9
1
541
Walker
181
Whitefield
159
Center. .
166
High .
120
VIII.
43
South.
35
Total. 704
87
88
THE REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir :-
I herewith submit my first annual report as Principal of the Wilmington High School.
The total enrollment of the high school for the present year has been 120-a decrease of 6 from that of last year. The age-grade distribution of these is shown in the accompanying table. This decrease in number is due to the fact that the entering class was much smaller than that of the preceding year. A slightly larger enrollment is to be expected next year.
In reporting the work accomplished and the various changes made in the High School during the past year, I wish in the first place to call to your attention the recommendations made in the last year's report of the Principal. The need of strengthening the science department by engaging a teacher especially prepared to handle the subject, and, by the addition of new equipment for physics was emphasized. Mr. Wilson, the submaster, appointed in February to take charge of this department, has been more than successful in maintaining a high grade of work in the class room and laboratory. New equipment for both physics and chemistry has been added, so that now rather than finding it necessary to consider our science department deficient, I am pleased to report that it is a well- equipped and efficiently organized unit of our school.
The second need brought out in the above-mentioned report was that of a school library. A beginning on this project was made last fall. A make-shift bookcase which is sorely needed for another purpose, and three tables robbed from the commercial department, constitute the quipment. The books are the reference works which have been the property of the school for some time. However, they have
89
been catalogued under the direction of Miss Marland who has charge of the library and are loaned to pupils in the customary way. We have been very fortunate in receiving as gifts from interested citizens subscriptions to two magazines for the coming year. Permanent book shelves are needed, and new books must be added as well as several more magazines. Some money has been raised among the pupils by popular subscrip- tion and a part of the money needed for the work will be raised by the school. It is a project worthy of the support of all concerned.
A third need was that of adequate means of preservation of the permanent school records. We have now in the office means of filing the records of those children now in school. The need for a file for the records of the high school graduates still remains. The principal receives requests very frequently for a copy of the scholastic record of graduates. An adequate, safe, and at the same time easily accessible file is needed for these records.
A ruling by the State Commissioner of Education required the town to furnish transportation for high school pupils. In order that these pupils might utilize the same means of trans- portation as the grades, it was necessary to change the hours of the high school nearer to those of the grades. The hours of the school day were lengthened to allow for the addition of a period of substantial length for deficient pupils. Extra time for study was given them as well as the opportunity for extra instruction. Two teachers are in charge of this period each afternoon.
Because of a vote of the town last March on the question of vocational training, the course in domestic science was dropped from the curriculum. It is regrettable that such action was necessary for the domestic science department was especially well equipped,-far better equipped than many schools of much larger size-to carry on efficiently its work. The whole equipment from gas ranges to the numerous pots and pans of all descriptions are growing rusty from lack of use. Such an equipment should not go'unused.
90
It was necessary to fill two vacancies in the senior high and one in the junior high school faculty before school opened in September. Miss Webb was appointed to teach French and English in the senior high; and history in the junior high; Mrs. Alexander to teach typewriting and bookkeeping; and Miss Griffiths to the junior high faculty, but also, to teach some history and biology in the senior high. Miss Swain of the junior high was asked to teach commercial geography in the high school because of her previous success with the work.
From the above it can be seen that it is impossible to consider the teacher program of the high school separately from that of the junior high. We have been working to develop a junior high organization that was worthy of the name. The work now has become highly departmentalized. This was accomplished by articulating the programs of the two schools. Now the teachers change-teaching some subjects in the high school, some in the eighth grade, and some in the seventh. As a result the seventh grade pupils come in contact with three different teachers daily while the eighth grade is taught by five. In this way a long step has been taken towards reaching the aims of the junior high movement.
Two new extra-curricular activities have been inaugurated during the past year. The first, the Dramatic Club, is a dis- tinctly new type of organization. A play is in preparation under the direction of Miss Griffiths, the faculty leader of the. club. The second, the Glee Club, has been organized and is under the direction of Mrs. Kimball with the assistance of Miss Wheeler and myself. The work mapped out for the year for this club as well as for the orchestra is such that I recommend that the members of both organizations be given credit toward graduation for their work.
Owing to the fact that football in Wilmington yields no financial returns and is a most expensive branch of athletics, it was considered not expedient to take it up this fall. Plans for financing the baseball team are already under way and athletic activities will be resumed this spring. More complete physical training should be given all pupils-both boys and
91
girls. A new floor in the gymnasium, if such a step should be advisable, would make gymnasium classes possible. If this is not feasible, the assembly hall might be adapted for this pur- pose, without harming it for any of its present uses.
A serious problem which confronts us is that of elimination. A study of the entering and graduating classes of the past few years will show that about one-half of a class entering high school graduates. The tendency of pupils to leave school is marked even in the eighth grade. Some of these cases where children have dropped out can be accounted for because of the necessity of self support. The greater number, however, are due to the fact that the school offers little to those of less than average ability. Many of the pupils who enter the high school have not been sufficiently well-endowed by nature to be able to pursue certain subjects or to keep up to the high standards we are forced to maintain. The college entrance requirements set very definitely high standards which we must maintain if our children are to be prepared for college. Only a small number come in this group.
Something must be done if all the children of the con- munity are to receive the benefits of secondary education, if the high school is to live up to the democratic ideal. There are two alternatives (1) lower the present standards; (2) add easier subjects educationally worth while.
Obviously, we cannot lower the standards. Easier worth while subjects can be added. Other communities are solving this problem by offering vocational training. It seems to me that we can do something along this line. For the girls, domestic science, training in home making, can be offered. We have the equipment. The benefit derived from such a course would offset the cost of upkeep.
The immense cost of installing and maintaining the necessary equipment for the vocational training of the boys could be avoided by sending such pupils to schools already carrying on the work. Fortunately we are located very near to these school. Reading offers a course in agriculture. Lowell has a fully developed vocational school. Then, there are the
92
numerous trade schools in Boston. The cost of tuition for the number of boys which we would have to send to these schools would be far less than the cost of a similar department of our own. Some definite step along this line should be taken to check the unnecessarily high rate of elimination among the high school pupils.
I take this opportunity to thank you, the school committee, the teachers, and the community for the helpful cooperation extended to me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNOLD L. GANLEY, Principal
93
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To Mr. Ralph Barr, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir :-
I herewith submit my report as school nurse for the year 1923.
Last year a series of health talks were given in the schools, to help the children establish good health habits. This year the Modern Health Crusade was used for the same purpose.
All the children of the South School, and the third and fourth grades of the other schools, totalling about 156 children, were enrolled as pages in the Modern Health Crusade. Each child who did at least 54 of these health chores each week was to graduate to the rank of Squire, 43 children succeeded in becoming Squires, and graduated with appropriate exercises in which Health plays, songs and recitations were given. Dr. D. L. Buzzell, school physician, presented the diplomas. Tickets were sold at 15 cents. The proceeds, $47.00 were turned over to Mr. Barr, Superintendent of Schools, to repair and replace the playgrounds apparatus.
Notices were sent to the parents that the Schick Test would be given to all children whose parents sent in a written consent.
The report of the Schick Test is as follows:
No. of notices sent to parents .
children and teachers Shicked
686
200
found positive 159
66
66
66
negative 41
66
66
given three immunizing doses at one week intervals 159
The Schick Test and immunizing doses were given by Dr .. Buzzell, school physician, and Dr. Simpson, District Health.
94 .
Officer. The 159 immunized children and teachers will be re- Schicked as soon as possible.
During October and November the children of the first seven grades, totalling about 500, were weighed and measured according to their height and age. One hundred and fifty of these children were found to be 10 or more per cent under weight.
A Health Clinic was held and 75 of these underweight children were given a thorough chest examination to ascertain if possible the reason for their being underweight. Only the children whose parents signed the "Consent Card" were ex- amined. It was necessary to hold the clinic two days. The report of the clinics is as follows:
Clinics held Dec. 13, 1923 and Jan. 10, 1924 in the Wil- mington High School. The examining physicians were Dr. Willoughby of N. R. S. S. and Dr. Sullivan of Tewksbury State Hospital.
No. of children examined
75
parents present
52
suspicious cases of Tuberculosis
.
.
9
chest X-rays advised
19
children placed under observation
38
66
to be re-examined .
49
66 having enlarged cervical glands
17
66
needing dental treatment
17
66
having diseased tonsils and adenoids
30
66 referred to family physician
66 having goitre
.
.
66
66 enlarged thyroid
.
.
66
66
scabies
.
.
66
66 heart murmur
.
.
66
66 Von Pirquet Test .
.
2
.
.
.
.
.
12 1
1
2
2
Each parent and child was interviewed by the State Nutrition Worker, Miss Havens, who was a great help to the inothers especially in the problem of proper food.
95
Each of these cases will be followed up to see that the recommendations of the doctors are carried out if possible.
Ninety home visits were made during the year.
Arrangements have been made to take several children to Dr. Fernald's Clinic at Waverly.
I wish to thank the superintendent and teachers for their support and interest in the work. I also wish to thank the parents for their cooperation, for without the cooperation of the mothers especially school nursing would indeed be a failure.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER H. NICHOLS, R. N.
96
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee, Wilmington, Mass.
I herewith submit to you my annual report on the progress of the study of music in Wilmington schools.
A goodly number of rote songs have been taught in the primary grades: some time was required for the correction of monotones. Toward the middle of the year first grade pupils began reading from the staff; books containing simple scale exercises were used by the second grade.
Third and fourth grade work was a continuation and extension of the second year with fewer rote songs and more. experience in using the music books. Some written work is required in all the grades except the first.
The grammar grades at the Walker School deserve especial mention for their excellent chorus work. At the South School all the children participate in rote songs, then two divisions are made for the technical work.
A new plan for the High School is working out very well: the junior grades in one division, the senior grades in another. A mixed glee club is doing splendid work; already working on a cantata.
New books are needed in many of the grades to replace old and torn ones, or a new series to supplement the books now used would be helpful indeed.
I am grateful to the teachers for their faithful service and wish to thank the Superintendent and Committee for- their help.
Respectfully submitted,
GENIE A. KIMBALL,
Supervisor of Music
97
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
To Mr. Barr, Superintendent of Schools,
Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my first report as supervisor of drawing in the public schools of Wilmington.
I began my work on October 30. That was a splendid time to become acquainted with the children through the witches, black cats, bats and other grotesques of Hallowe'en which are always a delight to them.
Since then the little children have had problems in color, paper cutting, paper construction, and some interesting work in connection with the holidays.
The children in the upper grades have had problems in color harmony, and design. They also did some interesting holiday work.
The high school class has had some instruction in free hand sketching, design, and poster work. The class in mechan- ical drawing has been learning the correct use of the various instruments, and making working drawings of objects in the class room, and of simple pieces of furniture at home.
In closing this brief report I wish to express my appreci- ation to you, to the teachers and to the pupils for the cordial reception I have been given in my new field.
Respectfully submitted, ETHEL HOLLIS BARRY
Supervisor of Drawing
98
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN AND MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
Wilmington, Mass. Jan. 3, 1924
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent for the past year.
The usual spraying of the trees and bushes along the public highways for the control of the Gypsy Moth has been done which is being followed at the present time by the applica- tion of creosote to such egg masses as are found on highway trees and also on private property where it has not been done by the owners thereof.
The shade trees have received attention as formerly, diseased trees having been removed in some cases and broken or weak branches taken off as needed.
Some shade trees have been planted to replace others which had met with injury from various causes.
Respectfully submitted,
OLIVER A. McGRANE,
Tree Warden and Moth Supt.
99
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I hereby submit the following report as Superintendent of Streets for the year 1923.
Money Expended
Scraping roads
$658.59
Andover Street
.
.
.
.
260.00
Ballardvale Street
120.00
Burlington Avenue
1,224.56
Church Street
540.00
Clark Street
461.00
Main Street
443.00
Middlesex Avenue
1,560.00
Shawsheen Avenue
886.00
Salem Street
400.00
Woburn Street
526.00
Secondary streets
2,531.00
Snow removal
3,926.70
Brush
535.40
Oil
1,806.31
Insurance .
239.76
Gravel
320.60
Tools and supplies .
547.34
Salem Street, State, Town and County
·
5,999.17
Salem and Lowell streets, specific repairs
1,411.85
Total
$24,397.56
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100
Appropriations
Town
$6,500.00
$137.34 overdrawn
Chapter 81 .
10,350.00
. 80 balance
Chapter 90 .
6,000.00
. 83 balance
Salem and Lowell
1,386. 93 (specific
24.92 overdrawn
repairs)
$24,236.93
Receipts
$536.25
We built 1950 feet of tar macadam on Salem Street in accordance with contract, and I hope the Town will vote to raise money to extend this work on Salem Street this year.
I would recommend that the Town establish a crushing plant, and appropriate a sum sufficient to defray the cost of placing the Town Stone Crusher at some suitable point, to be determined by the Board of Selectmen.
Brush has been cut on the most important thoroughfares where it was necessary.
I wish to call the attention of the citizens to a very im- portant matter, which is, the scarcity of good gravel. There is however several good gravel pits which mean a long haul. I have at present one State truck which does fairly good work, and if I had another truck it would greatly facilitate work on the highways.
I would recommend that the Town continue under the present Chapter 81 and Chapter 90, also maintenance on Salem and Lowell streets (specific repairs) (under Chapter 90) ..
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. FOOTE,
Superintendent of Streets
101
TREASURER'S REPORT SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE FUND
Receipts
1923
Jun. 1 Balance on hand
$180.75
Dee. 10 From F. L. Eames. Treas .. Income
240 00
$420.75
Expenditures
1923
Jan. 24 White Entertainment Bureau $60.00
Mar. 6 Wilmington Grange Corp. rent
32.00
Det. 31 Parker-Williams Agency 57.20
Ort. 31 F. W. Eames, Transportation 2.00
Dee. 3
.. ..
2.00
Dee. 3 Wilmington Grange Hall Corp. 16.00
Der. 3 Parker-Williams Agency 26 18
$195 38 195.38
Balance on hand Jan. 2. 1924 $225 37
Respectfully submitted.
Sarah J. D. C'arter Lecture Committee, ARTHUR F. BLAKE,
Treasurer
102
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the Town of Wilmington commencing Jan. 1, 1923 and ending Dec. 31, 1923.
Number of hogs inspected, all at the Blue Hog Breeding Company's slaughter house .
2,710
Number condemned .
72
Respectfully,
ARTHUR W. SPRAGUE,
Inspector of Slaughtering
103
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Mass.
I, at this time, wish to submit my report as Inspector of Animals.
The annual inspection of all cattle, sheep, swine, etc., was completed early in March; also the premises where same were kept.
Animals showing evidence of contagious disease were destroyed, and premises cleaned and disinfected. Suggestions were made toward bettering sanitary conditions of the stables in many cases, such as light, ventilation, etc., which were kindly received and carried out by the owners.
The owners of the cattle appear to be just as anxious to have conditions satisfactory as those who use the products of the dairies.
Several cases of rabies have been reported and much damage done by dogs which proved upon examination to be affected.
Fortunately but one person, I believe, was bitten and received treatment early.
I cannot refrain, at this time from calling attention to the importance of a close watch for this dread disease. A good description of the symptoms may be found on the back of all dog licenses. Read them!
Remember it is a disease which once established proves fatal in most cases. Dogs not already affected may be im- munized by a single innoculation, making them immune for about one year, should they become infected. This would certainly minimize the chances of loss to many family pets and a man's best friend if more dogs were treated. It is a good form of insurance against rabies if the dog is not infected; if so, the longer treatment instituted early is the only salvation.
Yours very truly,
C. H. PLAYDON,
Inspector
104
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT
Account of 1921 Tax
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1923
$19,843.86
Less Poll Tax Warrant charged twice
3,470.00
$16,373.86
Excess abatements in 1921
71.20
Taxes collected . $16,373.68
$16,445.06
Taxes abated
71.38
Interest collected
1,768.42
.
Account of 1922 Tax
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1923
$37,328.96
Moth Tax
796.64
Taxes collected . $37,718.50
Taxes abated
407.10
$38,125.60
Interest collected
2,022.59
Account of 1923 Tax
Commitment
$85,872.20
Additional
59.25
Taxes collected
$85,931.45 52,227.16
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1924
$33,704.29
Interest collected
54.17
·
$16,445.06
.
$38,125.60
GEORGE W. BUCK, Collector of Taxes
105
TREASURER'S REPORT
Receipts
Cash in Treasury
$17,030.69
Cach received account of :
Income taxes
3,409.39
General School Fund
5,293.8C
Corporation taxes
728.22
National Bank tax
109.88
Suppression of moths
79 48
Military Aid
120.00
State Aid
410.00
Soldiers' exemptions
62.60
Street Railway tax
431.63
Redeemed taxes
307.21
Library
67.73
Liquor raids
33.40
Police
545.50
Perpetual care of cemetery lots
100.00
Cemetery lots
42.00
Records of births, deaths and marriages
1.00
Poor
448.87
Licenses
446.00
Land sales
105.50
S. D. J. Carter Lecture Fund
240.00
Sealer's fees
33.47
Highways
8,622.15
Reimbursement for loss of taxes on land used
for public institutions
4.48
Tuition of children
840.26
Superintendent of Schools
·
.
1,160.00
Interest on deposits
393.67
Rent
23.50
Court fines
.
319.50
Return of dog licenses
.
572.54
.
.
.
.
106
Release of taxes
85.73
Industrial schools
·
279.55
Forest fires
110.35
Fire Department
38.85
Loans, anticipation of revenue
98,950.00
Loans, reimbursement
5,225.00
Loans, Main Street construction
4,000.00
Income from trust funds
212.30
Taxes of 1921
16,373.68
Interest on taxes of 1921
1,768.42
Taxes of 1922
37,718.50
Interest on taxes of 1922
2,022.59
Taxes of 1923
52,227.16
Interest on taxes of 1923
54.17
Taxes paid on account of redeemed property
15.83
Unpaid Selectmen's Orders (School Transpor- tation Bills)
1,050.00
$262,114.60
Payments
Cash paid account of :
Selectmen's Orders
$101,579.64
State tax
5,400. 00
County tax
3,323.11
Fire prevention
30.85.
Repairs State Highways
735.60
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