USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1929-1930 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
The town, at the annual town meeting in March, did not adopt the suggestion of the school committee to add a wing to the present building which would have provided for a combined gymnasium- assembly hall and six class rooms. Additional class rooms had to be provided. The class rooms were provided by making the assem bly hall into two rooms seating thirty-four and forty-six pupils respectively; by dividing the large study room into two class rooms; by converting the library into a class room; and by chang- ing the gymnasium into a typewriting room and additional cloak rooms. Such remodeling is not claimed to be an ideal solution of the problem. Something had to be done immediately and this seemed to be the best solution possible under the conditions.
Eighteen pupils graduated from the high school in June, 1930. Four of these graduates are attending colleges, two are studying at other schools, and seven are employed in gainful occupations. This record speaks well for the quality of instruction at Wilmington High School.
Several changes have occurred in the teaching force. Miss Hor- tense Wood, Latin Department, was elected to a position in the Beverly High School last June. We were sorry to have Miss Wood leave us, but pleasde that she was able to return to the school from which she had graduated a few years before. Miss Virginia E. Powell was elected to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Wood's leav- ing. Miss Powell came highly recommended and has demonstrated that she is a very capable teacher.
Mrs. Justice and Miss Taylor came to the high school building in September to take care of the increased enrollment in grades seven and eight. Mrs. Justice left us at Thanksgiving, Miss Leland com- ing from the Center School to take Mrs. Justice's room.
99
Miss Hindenlang accepted a position teaching French in Malden High School and began her duties there January first. Miss Hin- denlang was a superior teacher of French and at the same time an unusually gifted dramatic coach. We, probably, will not be able to fill Miss Hindenlang's position with another good teacher of French who will have her dramatic ability. Miss Webber was elected to the French position and began her work here after the Christmas vacation. Miss Webber has just returned from fourteen months' study in France and is very well prepared to maintain the high level of work of our French Department.
Mr. George C. Kambour, a graduate of the University of Pennsyl- vania, was elected to !teach History and supervise boys' athletics. From all indications, our choice was a most happy one. He has fitted nito the work very nicely, has won the respect and liking of the boys, and has proved himself an able teacher.
Miss Hubbard was called back by her college, Boston University College of Practical Arts, to become an instructor in commercial subjects. We feel pleased that her good work should be so recog- nized. Miss Stanton, a graduate of the same college. has taken over Miss Hubbard's work and has carried on capably.
These changes in the teaching staff are to be regretted in that they cause certain breaks in the continuity of instruction. We re- joice with our teachers whenever their work wins the recognition of other communities and our best wishes for their continued suc- cess goes with them.
The six-year high school opened in the high school building with an enrollment of three hundred and twenty-two pupils, and on January 1, 1931, the enrollment was three hundred and twelve and bids fair to hold at that figure for the balance of the year. After a careful check of the present enrollment, we feel that next year's enrollment will be approximately as follows:
Grade 12-40 Grade 11-37 Grade 10-41 Grade 9-65 Grade 890 Grade 7-90
a total of three hundred and sixty-three. Allowance has been made for pupils dropping out, new ones coming in and others who may fail to gain promotion. There is a decided increase in enrollment of grades 9-12 and this will necessitate providing for extra sec- tions in certain subjects. It does not seem to be possible for our present staff to handle the increased work next year. Therefore, I recommend that an additional teacher be secured to teach English and other subjects to be assigned later when the scheudle is def- initely arranged.
If it seems feasible, we hope to reassign some teachers on the staff in order to provide better facilities in music and drawing for pupils in the building. This is in nowise to be construed as a criticism of the present supervisors. We feel that owing to their present heavy schedules, these supervisors are unable to devote
100
sufficient time to grades 7-12 to develop the music and drawing of these grades adequately. We hope to have boys' and girls' glee clubs organized, develop the high school orchestra and enlarge the offerings in drawing. All of this can be done without increasing the cost of instruction for the building as a whole.
The athletic situation is definitely on the up grade. Mr. Kambour devoted the fall months to instruction in baseball and soccer. Dur- ing the winter months, the boys took up boxing in an enthusiastic manner. It is to be greatly regretted that we have no facilities for basketball. The girls are limited to field hockey during the fall months. Miss Coburn has given instruction to small groups of girls in certain phases of athletic work.
We sincerely hope that some means may be found to increase the size of the present high school building. The changes made dur- ing the past year have increased the space available for instruction to the limti of the present building. We are now able to provide for three hundred and forty-nine pupils in a building originally intended for two hundred. As mentioned above, it is reasonable to expect an enrollment of three hundred and sixty-three. Unless accommodations are added, it would seem that the only solution would be to put part of the pupils on half time.
We hope that some way may be found to keep grades 7-12 in the high school building. We have made a start on a six-year high school this year. It is impossible to get any real idea of the suc- cess of such a plan in less than three or four years. So far we have only the framework of such an organization. In realty, we have a four-year high school with grades seven and eight housed in the building with departmentalized instruction. Next year will furnish a real test when we attempt to provide for promotion by subject. To abandon the plan at this time would be a distinct step backward educationally.
To summarize, I would suggest the retention of the six-year high school plan; securing an additional teacher to take care of the increased enrollment in the upper grades; a reassignment of teach- ers to provide better facilities in music and drawing; and increased housing accommodations at the high school including some pro- vision for an assembly hall and gymnasium.
I can not close this report without expressing my appreciation of your friendly interest and helpfulness, the courtesy and con- sideration of the school committee, and the loyalty and co-operation of teachers and pupils during a year of considerable stress and strain in attempting to adapt themselves to our crowded and changed conditions.
Respectfully,
J. TURNER HOOD, JR.
101
REPORT ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Supt. of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Physical Education.
Before reporting on the work accomplished during the past year, I wish to define physical education and to state my objectives. "Physical Education is the direction of motor activity as a means of developing the mind, inasmuch as it directs; the character, inas much as it controls, and the body in its structure and powers." Directed exercises should lead to "physical efficiency" which may be defined as "that condition of the human mechanism which reacts most favorably upon the individual for the maintenance and devel- opment of his physical, mental, and moral resources."
The objectives of Physical Education are:
1. To inculcate health habits.
2. To develop the body harmoniously through a general sys- tematic exercise procedure.
3. To correct and remedy physical defects.
4. To give a fund of exercise material for use in after school days.
5. To give opportunities for the development and guidance of play-spriit.
6. To provide situations which will arouse and increase the psychical qualities of courage, fair play, self-sacrifice, and loyalty.
7. To give positive instruction in citizenship through leadership and response to commands.
During the past year, physical education in Wilmington has pro- gressed in many ways. One day a week, in the grade schools, each room is visited for one half an hour. On all other days the work is carried on by the grade teacher. In the first three grades, the work consists of story plays, rhythms, folk dances, and games. Commencing with the fourth grade, formal exercises and more dif- ficult dances are given. Each room is divided into teams, a team for each row, and keen competition results. Points are earned by doing good work and winning games, and lost by misbehaving and unsportsmanlike conduct.
In May a demonstration, in which every child was given a chance to participate, was held on the Common. Each grade demonstrated different types of work carried on in its program. These types were marching, calisthenics, stunts, rhythms, dances, mimetic ex-
102
ercises, and wand and dumbell drills. Again, in September, as the schoolchildren's part in the Tercentenary Celebration, the program, with the addition of one or two appropriate dances such as "The Minuet" and "The Virginia Reel" was repeated. For the success of both these performances, much credit should be given to all the teachers who worked hard training the children.
In the High School during the past year, physical education for girls has met with success. During the basketball season, the girls played twelve games, losing two and winning ten.
Interscholastic competition in field hockey was developed this fall. For the first game ever played, the girls met Manchester, a team that has played for five years, at Manchester, and lost the game, 1-0. The return game, here at Wilmington, was different. Manchester lost, 1-0. Next fall a regular schedule of eight or ten games will be arranged.
The girls had gymnastic classes out of door, three times a week all fall, and will start out again in the spring as soon as the weather permits. During the winter months, the girls were given two lectures a week on personal hygiene. My aim is not only to outline hygienic practices but to show how the functions of the body are affected thereby. After school, in what little space can be found, are classes in tap dancing and tumbling.
I wish to thank you, the principals, teachers, and pupils for the excellent co-operation I have received. Without such co-operation, the accomplishmests of the past year would have been impossible.
Respectfully submitted,
MISS EDNA M. COBURN.
103
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Stephen J. Bean, Supt. of Schools,
Wilmington, Mass.
I herewith submit my annual report as school nurse.
My responsibility is the health of the school children and my aim this year has been not only to work with the school physician and to find physical defects, but to follow up the work and see that the defect were corrected, if possible.
With this objective in mind, the outstanding accomplishment of the year has been our Denten Clinic conducted by Dr. W. J. S. McNally of Somerville, under the auspices of the Wilmington Pub- lic Health Nurse Association and of which a partial report was given last year. The complete report follows:
No. of children attendede 234
No. of cleanings
225
No. of amalgum fillings 840
No. of porcelain fillings
95
No. of temporary cement fillings 11
No. of extractions
414
Total No. of operations 1585
Total cost $869.25
Average cost per operation .53
We are fortunate in being able to secure Dr. McNally again this year. He is not only a very fine dentist but his knowledge of the snags and pitfalls of clinic work has been largely responsible for this most successful clinic.
I wish to acknowledge my gratitude to the W. P. H. N. A. for its financial support and to Mrs. H. C. Barrows and her committee for their splendid co-operation and interest in the work.
The follow-up clinic of the "State Ten-Year Program" was held in May. The first of these clinics was held in 1928 when 364 children were examined. Of this number, 12 were found who needed special supervision as to diet, rest, health habits, correction of defects, etc. Last May they were re-examined. Two were dropped from this list because they were up to normal, seven showed im- provement and three were found unimproved. The last ten will be supervised for another year, when they will be examined again and we hope they will show definite improvement. Let me say that this "Ten-Year Program" is being conducted by the State Depart- m'ent of Health with the co-operation of the local school authorities and school nurses, as a means of preventing tuberculosis in school children.
The School Physician has examined all the children in the first seven grades at least once during the year and notices of all defects
104
have been sent to the parents. This work is done each year and if the parents would co-operate to the fullest degree in getting these defects corrected our school children would not only be healthier and happier but in many instances they would be able to do far better work in school.
Last spring a special effort was made to interest the pupils in sound teeth, good posture and normal weight. To this end a letter T was given to each child whose teeth had had all necessary work done, a letter P was given to each child with good posture and a letter W was given to each child whose weight was within 10% of normal. Each child receiving the three letters was rewarded by being excused from school for half a day. About 125 children earned the half holiday.
One child was sent to the Southern Middlesex Health Camp for eight weeks last summer. She returned much improved and has been improving steadily since. We sincerely hope she has started on the road to good health. The sending this child was made pos- sible by the "Health Seal Sale" which is conducted annually by Mrs. H. C. Barrows.
There is another phase of this important work, i. e., Health Education, or the teaching of health habits. Unfortunately, lack of time makes it impossible for me to do much in this field of endeavor. However, some of the teachers are doing noble work. Especially in some of the lower grades where they have daily inspection for cleanliness, where they incorporate health in lan- guage or reading lessons or where they make Health Scrap Books. Here they are teaching the fundamentals of health in such a way that they will never be forgotten but will form the basis of a healthy, happy and useful life.
I wish to thank the teachers for their co-operation, and trust that together we may work for the development of sound bodies and minds in the school children of Wilmington.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. ESTHER H. NICHOLS, R. N.,
School Nurse.
105
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my second annual report. The draw- ing in the schools is carried out along a definite course with a definite aim in view. First, to teach the pupils to appreciate th beauty in nature and art; second, to use drawing as a means of expressing themselves freely, and third, to improve home decora- tions, furniture, and dress.
I have planned this course under three kinds of drawing. "Repre- sentation," includnig the study of the human figure, nature work, perspective, and free-expression drawing. Under this first subject, some of the special things that have been accomplished are as follows: In grade one the children have made "Mother Goose Booklets," and every page was entirely their own work. Grade two made a "Three Bear Booklet," illustrated by drawing and paper-cutting. Then in November they drew several studies of Indians. In this subject, grade threes and four made a booklet about "Homes." They have also made sevearl window decorations for their class-rooms.
I have also tried to combine my work with the special days and seasons of the year. We always do some Easter, Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving and Christmas work. At Thanksgiving .time, the third grades made Pilgrim scenes. When the children create these historical scenes, it makes much more impression than just read- ing about them.
The fifth rgade have made booklets about "Holland" and illus- trated important Dutch scenes such as, their costumes, dog-carts, canal scenes, wind-mills, the animals of Holland, and the flag. The pupils of the sixth grade did the same with "Japan," giving them an idea of the costumes, flag, and important symbols of Japan. This work also correlates the drawing with history and geography.
The seventh and eighth grades have not accomplished quite so much, as they only have drawing once a week, like the High School, and they really should have at least two forty-five-minute periods, the same as the younger grades. They have made a study of the human figure, and, also, separate drawings of the head. They have all done some nature drawing, especially a study of tree shapes. Just at present, grade eight. is doing some perspective, and grade seven is starting their design work.
In the High School they have done some nature work, free- expression drawing, water-color work, still life in pastels, and, now they are making designs. Last June when I drew the class ship for graduation, some of the High School class helped draw the sky and ocean background, whichi gave them an idea of work- ing on a larger scale. There is a small boys' class of mechanical
106
drawing, and those that have continued have been doing very good work, but both High School classes meet after school, so I am more than surprised at the faithful attendance and results some have attained under that difficulty.
At present "Design" work, which is the second kind of drawing, is going on in most all the classes. This teaches them the laws of order, color theory, geometric shapes, and lettering.
"Construction" is the third type of drawing used to develop creative ability, hand skill, and accuracy in following directions. Along this line, we have done several paper-cutting lessons, and, also, at Christmas time we made baskets for candy to be hung on the trees in the sixth grades.
I have tried to encourage originality in the work of each pupil, and in some cases some very excellent examples have been accon- plished.
Summing up the year's work, I wish to extend my sincere thanks tto teachers, pupils, and school officials for their co-operation and activity in making my work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
SHIRLEY H. GULLIVER.
107
REPORT OF THE CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee herewith submits its annual report for the year 1930:
Two entertainments were given with the proceeds of the lecture fund.
On December 5, Dr. Denis F. McCarthy, the well-known poet, delivered a lecture on "Poetry" before a fair-sized and very appre- ciative audience. This was one of the most delightful occasions in ithe history of this lecture course.
On December 27, Mr. Charles Crawford Gorst gave a lecture for the young people of the town on the subject of "Birds," imitating their songs and showing a great many paintings of birds to illus- trate his talk. Outside a severe snowstorm was raging and the attendance, unfortunately, was very small.
Respectfully submitted,
GERALD F. FRAZEE, Chairman, ARTHUR F. BLAKE, MILDRED E. NEILSON, HARRY W. DELOREIA, JOHN W. HATHAWAY.
108
TREASURER'S REPORT SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
January 1, 1931.
Receipts
Jan. 1, 1930
Balance on hand
$151.54
June 7,
Interest
.60
Dec. 6,
Interest
2.42
Dec. 31,
F. L. Eames, Treas. Income
250.00
$404.56
Payments
Mar. 12, 1930
Postage
$1.10
Oct. 9,
T. H. McGowan
50.00
Dec. 15,
Wilmington News
5.00
Dec. 15,
H. B. Williams Agency
. . 60.00
116.10
Dec. 31, Balance on hand $288.46
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE,
ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer.
109
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Water Commissioners are pleased to submit to the citizens their third annual report of the operations of the Water Depart- ment.
During this year we have added eighty new services. This now makes a total of 385 connections, showing a gradual and healthy growth in the number of takers of town water.
In our report of last year, we stated the need of a garage and work shop and that in our appropriation we were including the construction cost of this work ship. Accordingly this shop has been erected and it has proved a very valuable asset to this depart- ment. It must be realized that in starting a department of this kind it is not always possible to estimate just what the require- ments are going to be and we found that the work shop was quite a necessity and it has already proved its value. The construction of this building, with the exception of the laying of the brick, was done by the employees of the Water Department. The Commis- sioners at this time wish to compliment the employees of the Water Department for the splendid interest and effort given in this work. Sealed bids were invited on the brick-laying and the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder. The building has been erected in keeping with the Pumping Station, and we believe the Town has a building in which it can take pride, and which was constructed at a minimum cost.
We also succeeded in accomplishing a considerable amount of the grading around the Pumping Station which made it much more satisfactory and an improvement which we believe is approved by all the citizens.
At the beginning of the year, a piece of property with a building on it at the junction of Andover and Woburn Streets was consid- ered to be a menace to the water supply by the State Board of Health. The Department was obliged to take this property and arrange for the removal of the building.
Owing to the continued drought last summer, the wells of many of the sections of the Town became so low that the people were faced with a shortage of water. In accordance with the instruc- ttions of the voters at a Special Town Meeting, two extensions were made, one on Aldrich Road and one on Glen Road. The extension on Aldrich road we were able to complete, covering the houses which were in distress. On Glen Road, the cost of trenching was much more than anticipated and consequently we were obliged to discontinue the work when we reached the limit of appropriation. There is, however, a considerable amount of additional pipe on Glen Road and it would seem well for the Town to vote and appropriate money to complete the installation of the water main on Glen Road at least as far as where there are houses.
110
The following Schedules set forth the various details and stand- ing of the Department at the close of 1930:
Schedule A
This schedule shows the amount by comparison of water pumped in 1929 and 1930 together with the costs of Fuel Oil and Lubricat ing Oil, also the cost of the oil expended in heating the buildings.
Water
Gal.
Av. Per
Year
Pumped
Day
1929
20,012,700
54,829
1930
26,556,200
72,456
Fuel Oil
Total
Gal. Per
Cost Per
Year
Gal.
Cost
Mil.
Mil.
1929
1,606
$90.77
80.2
$4.54
1930
2,137
120.73
80.4
4.54
Lubricating Oil
Gal.
Gal. Per
Cost Per
Year
Used
Cost
Mil.
Mil.
1929
83.25
$54.11
4.1
$2.70
1930
90.00
61.55
3.4
2.32
Oil Used in Heater
Year
Gal.
Cost
1929
3,809
$215.23
1930
4,204
237.54
Schedule B
Receipts :
Water Revenue
$6,738.53
Shut off Charges and Demands
109.25
Hydrant Rental-Wilmington
4,680.00
Hydrant Rental-Tewksbury
120.00
Interest
5.41
Services
.. . 2,657.96
Miscellaneous :
R. R. Side Track Rebate
$6.00
Wood
10.50
Boots
4.00
111
Tel. Tolls
33.82
Insurance Rebate
3.27
Dynamite
45.35
Tree Warden Dept. (Truck Hire) .
62.00
Tree Warden Dept. (Rope)
10.00
C. I. Pipe
55.01
Labor
19.00
Fittings
4.56
Water
25.20
Auto Oil
4.81
Building
25.00
Rent Pump
12.00
Rebate Freight (Brick)
1.50
Lumber
.96
Junk.
1.63
Highway Department
80.11
200 Anniversary Committee
18.10
Planning Board ..
25.00
Hathaway (Labor and Posts)
10.75
Liab. Insurance Co. (Foster)
54.00
.
513.07
Total
$14,824.22
Schedule C
Appropriation :
Balance 1929
$4,999.62
Receipts 1930
14,824.22
Appropriation 1930
3,500.00
Total
$23,323.84
Schedule D
Expenditures :
General:
Administration
$3,643.68
Pumping Station
2,132.00
Trucks and Autos
1,315.41
Services
2,657.96
Insurance
369.27
Tools and Equipment
479.89
Grading
782.35
Miscellaneous
988.90
Maintenance:
Hydrants
391.59
Equipment
505.43
Pumping Station
147.22
Street Mains
144.10
Well Field
768.33
Services
135.50
Total Operating Cost $14,461.63
112
Permanent Investment:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.