USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1933-1934 > Part 6
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Mr. S. G. Bean, Supt. of School, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I submit, herewith, my sixth report in the series of annual reports by the High School Principal.
In this report I prefer to discuss one topic-the curtailment of educational opportunity for grades seven to twelve and the probable effect of such curtailment.
This year, for the first time, we are operating on a two platoon plan with grades nine to twelve attending school from eight forty- five to twelve-ten and grades seven and eight attending from twelve thirty to three fifteen. A moment's figuring will show that grades nine to twelve are in school for three hours and twenty-five minutes while grades seven and eight have but two hours and forty-five minutes of schooling each day. Contrast this with the opportunity offered under normal conditions - grades nine to twelve as well as grades seven and eight attending school five hours each day. At present in our own town, the first six grades are in session five hours a day. Our Senior High School had a five hour school day up until September 1933.
Grades seven and eight are entering upon their second year of shortened sessions and, already, we notice a considerable differ- ence in both the quantity and quality of the work accomplished. It does not seem reasonable to expect that our children can learn as much in half the time as children in other towns will in full time. I believe cur teachers are as capable and qualified as teach- ers in other towns of comparable size and wealth, but they are not miracle workers.
Most pupils, whether junior or senior high pupils, either can not or will not prepare thoroughly work assigned for home study. This fact, together with the elimination of study periods in school, leads inevitably to one condition-lowered standard of work accom- plished. This lowered standard causes us to promote and graduate pupils with insufficient training.
Where will all of this lead? Unless conditions improve we may expect our graduates to have difficulties in college, normal school, and business. If these difficulties become serious, our school may be removed from the approved lists of the Stata Depar ment and the New England College Entrance Certificate Board.
There can be no satisfactory relief from these conditions until our children are given a full time plan of educational training. No
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full time plan of schooling for grades seven to twelve can be put into operation until we build at least six new school rooms, some- where in the town.
The present high school building was built in 1914 to accommo- date one hundred and seventy-five pupils. At that time the school had a Chemistry laboratory. a Biology laboratory, a study hall, an assembly hall. and a gymnasium. At present we care for two hundred and twenty-five pupils in the morning and two hundred and five pupils in the afternoon. We now have no Biology labora tory. no study hall, and no assembly hall.
The junior high school can not be housed in less than six rooms. We have no rooms not already used for other purposes. Give us six additional school rooms and every pupil in Wilmington will have a full five hour day in school and a fair chance to make the most of his opportunity and himself.
I do not like to seem unduly pessimistic but the times call for plain statements. Facts must be known and squarely faced. how- ever unpleasant.
In closing 1 mnet pay tribute to our teachers and pupils who have cooperated cheerfully under trying conditions. Without their co- operation we could not have carried on so well, I hope. for the sake of the pupila. some way will be found to provide increased housing facilities soon, You may be assured that all teachers will gladly do their part to give every pupil an opportunity to secure an education.
Respectfully submitted,
J. TURNER HOOD, JR.,
Principal.
98
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as Supervisor of Physical Education.
The Physical Education in the schools has, as in other years, been carried out along definite lines, and with the same objectives. Physical Training is the best means of developing co-ordination in the individual and co-ordination of the group. To learn to live to- gether, is an essential requisite to society.
Demonstrations
Last May, in addition to the annual physical education demon- stration on the common, each school had its own smaller demon- stration. This enabled the parents to see the children doing the work just as it is done in the schools. The children were very en- thusiastic about these demonstrations and truly enjoyed every one.
In spite of the rain starting just as the children started to per- form, and ending just as we finished, our annual demonstration was a success. The umbrellas went up but nobody went home and the children omitted nothing that was in the original program. Mr. Atkinson very kindly attached a loud speaker to the victrola. This made it possible for every one to hear the music and added a great deal to the program. The Dumb Bell Drill by the sixth grade boys and the Tennis Dance by the High School girls, this year, received the greatest praise.
Grades 1 - 6
My time schedule in the grade schools is the same as last year. Each room is visited once every two weeks. The remainder of the time, the work is carried on by the grade teacher. The program consists of rythms, corrective exercises, calisthenics, drills, dances, mimetics, and games. Stars are given for good posture, and most of the children do try to stand and sit straight. Children in the fifth and sixth grades have the opportunity of taking tap-dancing lessons once a week after school. Many children take advantage of this.
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Grades 7 - S
Due to lack of school time, the seventh and eighth grades are not having any classes in either physical education or hygiene. Three mornings a week, from eleven until twelve, girls, who are willing to walk to school rather than wait for the busses, are receiving instructions in athletics. During the fall they had field hockey, during the winter they have basketball and tumbling, and in the spring they will have baseball. Between forty and fifty girls are making use of this opportunity.
High School
Now that we have the gymnasium back again, the High School girls are able to have two forty-minute gymnastic periods a week- from September until June. Owing to the short hours, however, all girls do not have any spare periods. Only those with spare periods can come to the gymnastic classes.
The girls' field hockey team had another succesful season. In spite of nine of the last year's eleven having graduated, this year's team made a fine record. They lost only one game and that was to Manchester, played at Manchester. They succeeded in defeating Malden, Somerville, Reading, and Manchester when the game was played at Wilmington. At a dance held at the Catholic Club, letters were awarded to the first and second teams.
The annual girls' baseball game was played with Billerica High School at Billerica and Wilmington won with a very high score.
This year the girls were able to start basketball again. They are very enthusiastic and we have four class teams. The junior class team is the wirner of the school championship, having beaten the freshmen, sophomore and senior teams. The varsity team is fairly good, considering that this is their first vear playing. Although they have been beaten by Woburn, Reading and Billerica, the scores have been small and very few fouls have been made by the Wilmington girls. One team did succeed in tieing one game with Woburn and our junior class team did beat the Reading junior class team.
In closing, permit me to express my appreciation to you, the school committee, principals, teachers, and pupils for their loyalty and co-operation in making my work a success.
Respectfully submitted, EDNA G. COBURN
100
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my annual report as School Nurse.
In my report for 1932 I remarked that guarding the health of the school children had been more complicated and difficult due the straitened financial circumstances of many families. The year 1933 has shown no improvement in this respect. The annual physical examination given by E. C. MacDougall, M. D., our new School Physician revealed many cases of mal-nutrition, dental de- fects and enlarged or diseased tonsils.
Many social problems have presented themselves and it has re- quired much time and thought, many visits to the homes and the co-operation of all available social and welfare organizations to find a solution of some of these problems.
The fund raised by giving an entertainment in 1932 was tied up in the Reading Bank for a time but is again being used to correct defects in urgent cases.
The fourth annual Dental Clinic under the auspices of the W. P. H. N. A. was as usual a success. The statistical report is as fol- lows:
Number of children attended 145
Number of cleanings 143
Number of fillings 625 Number of extractions 144
At the third annual clinic for the prevention of Diphtheria held for four successive weeks at the Center School, 178 children were immunized against Diphtheria. Of that number 44 were of pre- school age. This clinic is especially important if we are to wipe out Diphtheria. To this end we urge parents whose children have not been immunized to co-operate by bringing all children between the ages of one and ten to the next clinic. Due notice of this will be given in the local paper and in the schools.
During the year 28 children were taken to the North Reading State Sanatorium for examination. Most of these children have been exposed to Tuberculosis and it is our aim to help them build up their general health and thus their resistance to disease.
I wish to thank Mr. Bean, the teachers, supervisors and parents for their splendid co-operation. Also those who help year after year to make the various clinics possible and successful.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER H. NICHOLS, R. N., School Nurse.
101
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my fifth annual report as supervisor of drawing.
Drawing has been taught in the schools, as in other years, with a definite aim in view.
First, as graphic representation of ideas from observation. mem- ory, and imagination, which is the child's drawing and painting of what he has seen, what he has remembered, and what he fancies. The results are fully as valuable as his oral and his written lan- guage. Hundreds of children every year receive encouragement because they discover that they can express themselves through the medium of drawing. Representation rightly taught develops a sure coordination of eye and hand that is necessary in many occupations and valuable to everyone. .
Second, the creation of pattern as design. Children soon learn to distinguish between order and disorder. The urge to create a de- sign leads towards an improved discrimination and the joy of com- bining shapes and colors to give enrichment to many experiences that arise from social, seasonal, and recreational activities.
Thi d, the use and enjoyment of color to interpret impressions and enhance the beauty of design.
A great deal has been accomplished in all the above phases of drawing.
Grades I - VI
My schedule for the first six grades is the same as last year. I visit each room once every two weeks, and, then the lessors given in between, I plan, but the regular grade teacher directs them. I have tried to emphasize the necessity for creative drawing, and in many of thse grades several drawings of this type have been made. Also in representation, a farm projert in looklet form was accom- plished in the second and fourth grades, and this created much enthusiasm. Several drawings had to be made of animals, and then in the first grades we tried drawing animals and birds from circles. All the classes have made winter scenes with original drawings of boys and girls playing at different winter sports, some in color, and some in black silhouettes. Some of the classes have made original posters, and much has been done to teach color and design.
102
Grades VII - VIII
Because of the short period in the seventh and eighth grades for other studies, drawing has to be taught from eleven to twelve o'clock every Tuesday morning, which means that these pupils have to either come on the early bus or walk to school for this subjec . There are quite a few children who are really ambitious enough to come back early and they all do excellent work.
High School
Not since the High School drawing was taught during school pe - riods, has so much been accomplished as this year, because of the fact that the regular session is over at noon leaving the afternoon free every Monday for drawing if the pupils wish to stay. In free- hand drawing they have made nature studies in pasteis, groups of objects in perspective, travel poster, Christma, ; cards with silhou- ettes of their own heads on them, posters for the Athletic Club play, and, now, they are making all-over pattern designs of historical, racial, and seasonal subjects.
There are some other pupils that stay the same afternoon for me- chanical drawing, and they are conscientious and do very good work in this subject.
Exhibition
In November at the Parent-Teacher's meeting I had an exhibition of drawing from all the school rooms in Wilmington. It way, nct planned ahead, so the work was just exactly what had been done in each class and not especially prepare .. This is the first time ? display has been tried, and the parents seemed to enjoy seei. what the children were doing in art.
Ar. has continued to establish i self more and more as a con- structive force in our educational, social, and industrial life, largo- ly because the public school art influence has woven itself in.o the fabric of our schcoi. honte and con munity life. It is by means of a gradual improved taste and righ. choices that one cultivates sen- sitiveness which will reflect itself in personal appearance, bet er home conditions, and in the quality of merchandise produced and purchased.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Bean, principals, teachers, and pupils, for their loyalty, co-operation, and activity in making my work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
SHIRLEY H. GULLIVER.
103
REPORT CF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Stephen G. Bean. Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Music.
Music in the schools is often looked upon as a pleasant pastime. While its presence can be justified even on this ground, it has also an educational value. When music is correctly taught, nothing in the whole curriculum compares with it for general usefulness.
Let us look at the mental side of music study. A pupil goes to school to train his brain so he can use it in a rapid, accurate man- ner. In reading music the pace is set, and the brain must keep up. This cultivates a habit of rapid mental action that is useful in all lines of activity. If a person reads music, vocal or instrumental, his mind works rapidly and rhythmically.
Music also cultivates the spirit of altruism. Young people should be encouraged to hold their talents in readiness for free and fre- quent use for the good of the community. This use. of course, reacts upon the individual in a very positive way for good and is a strong influence for counteracting, adverse tendencies.
Today with the nation-wide presence of so much leisure time its proper use is becoming one of our major problems. It is important that any activity which contributes to healthful diversion be given thoughtful consideration. Such an activity is the ability to perform musically and to become intelligent listeners to good music. The school system that provides for this type of education goes far to- ward- solving the leisure time problem.
15 in previous years my schedule is two days a week. Each grade school is visited twice a month with forty-five minutes to a ro im. The High School orchestra, meets once a week for rehearsals. The Girls' Glee Club has the same time allotment. Lack of time in the school schedule and of the proper materials makes it impractical for seventh and eighth grade music this year. As music is a very ' riant factor in the develcom n' o' ho adolescent, it is to be hope that this will be remedied in another year.
A Junior-Elementary School orchestra has been organized. in- cluding pupils from the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The instruments used are seven vicling, trombone. cornet. drums and planc. The children are mostly beginners but their efforts are very encouraging. In a few vears they will increase the member- Thin of the High School orchestra.
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Last June the High School gave its annual graduation exercises in the Congregational Church. The musical part of this program was:
"War March of the Priests" Mendelssohn
High School Orchestra
Boys' Glee Club - "Massa Dear" Dvorak
Arr. from the New World Symphony
" Stars of the Summer Night" Woodbury
High School Orchestra - "Pilgrim Chorus Wagner
From Tannhauser
Instrumental Quartette
"Whispering Hope" Alice Haw'horne
"Sweet and Low" Joseph Barney
Cornet, Georgia Irons Cornet, George Gallant
Clarinet, Frederic Melzar Trombone, William Pomeroy
Girls' Glee Club - "Wee Fiddle Moon" Hoffmeister
"Dark Eyes" Russian Folk Song
Mixed Chorus - "O Singing Land" Sibelius
Finlandia Ralph Kinder
"Festival March" Organ Solo - Marjorie Melzar
Plans are now under way for a musicale to be given the latter part of the year by the High School musical clubs and the Junior Orchestra.
The upright piano that has been purchased for the gymnasium fills many needs in furthering the musical activities of the senior and junior high school. Rehearsals are held here, thus conserving much needed space in the high school class rooms. The combined use of the piano and gymnasium is also helpful in furthering the socialization of music.
In conclusion I wish to express my sincere thanks to you, Mr. Bean, to the principal of the high school, to the principals of the elementary schools, teachers, supervisors, and pupils for the excel- lent cooperation given me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN J. CAZNEAU.
105
REPORT OF THE SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
For the season of 1933-1934, the Carter Lectures Committee prepared the following program of entertainments, which are being given in Grange Hall, Wilmington.
Tuesday, December 5, 1933
Lotus Male Quartet and Marjorie Sheperd
Tuesday, January 2. 1934 Mr. Eric A. Starbuck, "ILLUSTRATED LECTURE ON RUSSIA"
Tuesday, February 6. 1934 Mrs. Hortens Creede Railsback
Tuesday, March 6, 1934 The Swedish Folk Dance Club of Boston
The first two numbers on his program have already been pre- sented to good sized audiencez, which showed their appreciation.
The committee is Habered that the attendance at these lectures does increase from year to vear and hopes that the coming enter- tainments will he well patronized.
The present course is less expensive than those of former years because a change in the investments of lecture fund has reduced the income therefrom materially. It is hoped that the Trustees of the Pubiie Trusts of Wilmington vil . able soon ot reinvest the Carter Fund in securities, which while a legal investment under Mrs. Carer's will. can return & much letter income than the present reduced amount.
Respectfully submitted
MRS. MILDRED E. NEILSON, President, ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer, JOHN W. HATHAWAY, Secretary, LOUIS T. DOUCETTE, HARRY W. DeLORIEA,
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee.
106
TREASURER'S REPORT SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
RECEIPTS
January 2, 1933, Balance on Hand
$433.49
March 17, F. L. Eames Income
100.00
December 8, F. L. Eames Income
192.37
December 1, Interest
.28
$726.14
EXPENDITURES
January 3. 1933, Wilmington News
$5.00
Jan. 10, Warren A. Hallett Flood Light. .
2.00
Jan. 10, Frank G. Patch. trucking
2.00
Jan. 13, Bertha Wells, Mgr. Rich. Keane
250.00
Feb. 8, Wilmington News
5.00
Feb. 8, E. R. Currier, trucking
3.00
Feb. 10. Williams Concert Direction
109.00
Mar. 7, Ray Bangard Co.
75.00
Mar. 9, Wilmington Grange Hall Corp.
56.00
Mar. 17. Wilmington News
5.00
Nov. 22, Postal Cards. 1200
12.00
Dec. 11, Wilmington News, Ptg. & Advg.
10.00
Dec. 11, Williams Concert Direction
81.72
$615.72
615.72
Dec. 30, 1933, Balance on Hand
$110.42
Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Committee. A. F. BLAKE, Treasurer.
107
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Water Commissioners are pleased to submit their annual report for the year 1933.
During this year fifty-four new services were added to the system. This is more than double what we estimated, and increased the expenditures for the cost of materials and labor accordingly.
In accordance with the vote at the Annual Town Meeting, an extension to the mains was made on Boutwell Street. We were fortu- nate in the fact that part of the construction was free from rock, which made it possible to extend these mains to cover all the homes which were included in the lay-out.
The receipts and expenditures for the year are shown in the report of the Town Accountant.
The total expenditures as shown in this report are $11,548.57. Included in this amount are $1,264.73 collected for service charges, and $1,171.06, the department investment in these services, plus one meter at $23.00. Deducting these amounts of $2,458.79 from the total expenditures leaves the operating cost of $9,089.77 for the year.
We wish to acknowledge the work of the C. W. A. in clearing part of the water shed, the construction of a dam, and the building of a road on Standpipe Hill. This is all work which is directly of benefit to the water system and which could not be accomplished for some time to come if not for this C. W. A. program.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN, LOUIS T. McMAHON, ALDEN N. EAMES,
Water Commissioners.
WATER DEPARTMENT STATISTICS
Water Consumption
Year
Gal. Pumped
Av. per Day
19:29
. 20,012,700
54,829
1930
. 26,556,200
72,456
1931
26.384 200
72.285
1932
. .08.494 200
105 175
1933
.
.
.
.
.
105.019
108
Fuel Oil Consumption
Year.
Gal. Used
Cost
Gal. per Mil. Cost per Mil.
1929
1606.
$90.77
80.2
$4.54
1930
2137.
120.73
80.4
4.54
1931
2028.8
109.52
77.7
4.16
1932
3056.3
139.61
79.3
3.62
1933
3129.1
138.99
79.3
3.52
Lubricating Oil Consumption
Year.
Gal. Used
Cost
Gal. per Mil.
Cost per Mil.
1929
83.25
$54.11
4.1
$2.70
1930
90.00
61.55
3.4
2.32
1931
62.25
46.69
2.36
1.77
1932
88.25
66.19
2.29
1.72
1933
69.00
51.75
1.71
1.31
Oil Used in Heater
Year
Gal.
Cost
1929
3,809
$215.23
1930
4,204
237.54
1931
5,081.9
279.20
1932
4,950.7
249.29
1933
3,646.9
165.88
Accounts Receivable
Service Accounts :
Balance due
1930
$19.66
Abated
19.66
Balance due 1932.
42.02
Received
26.42
15.60
Balance due 1923
151.59
167.19
Water Rates Account
874.90
Total Accounts Receivable Dec. 1933.
..
$1,042.09
Total Construction Cost to Date
Cost of Water System Dec. 31, 1932
$378,026.56
54 Services
$1,171.06
1 Meter
23.00
Boutwell Street Extension
4,481.21
5,675.27
$383,701.83
109
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF WILDWOOD CEMETERY
During the past year it has been the endeavor of the commis- sioners to gradually improve the Cemetery as far as the funds of the appropriations will permit.
They are gradually trying to do away with the walks which separate the lots and making each section into a grass area. By doing this we do away with the unsightly appearance of weeds growing in the walks which can only be kept free at a great denl of effort and expen e. Long stretcher of grass make easier mowing and greatly simplify the care and appearance of the Cemetery.
Through the assi tarce of the Welfare Department and the C. W. A. we have been able to clear a great deal of wooded space in back of the Cemetery and jo gravel the roidway, which withou; this assistance we would have been unable to do for some time to come.
We regret to report that there has been considerable vandalism occurring in the Cemetery. The Commission are determined that if they can secure information that will lead to the identity of the perpetrators of these acta, they will make every effort to see that they are brought before the court.
The report of expenditures and receipts will he found in detail in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
GUY E. NICHOLS, LOUIS T. MCMAHON. Chairman, WALLACE E. BARROWS. Commissioners.
110
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
Due to prevailing financial difficulties, the amount of work done was even less than that of the previous year.
In the Moth Department no spraying whatever was attempted, but in some sections of the Town where egg clusters were found, the customary creosoting was done as long as finances permitted.
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