USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1935-1936 > Part 7
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The removal of grades seven and eight to the new building has relieved the confusion and tension which has existed in the High School building due to the necessity of housing two schools in the one building. The enrollment in the high school grades has in- creased to such an extent that we cannot get all of the pupils into the old gymnasium for an assembly. The gymnasium, so-called, is so hopelessly inadequate that basketball teams from other schools are very reluctant to play here, and in some instances refuse to come to Wilmington at all.
Athletics: The girls, under the direction of Miss Bradley, have continued their outstanding work in field hockey and basketball. Unfortunately, our girls have never received the recognition due them for their exceptional success in inter-school sports. It seems to be inevitable that the public will acclaim the successes of the boys teams and remain almost indifferent toward unusually success- ful girls teams. However, this situation exists in nearly all com- munities and is not peculiar to Wilmington. I hope this situation can be remedied in the future.
The development of athletics in the school is recognized as an essential part of the educational program and should be supported from the same tax dollar that supports music, art, English or any other subject in the curriculum. We are asking that the sum of five hundred dollars be included in the school budget to help support this phase of school work. We should not be obliged to depend upon our good friends in the Wilmington Athletic Development Asso- ciation to solicit contributions from door to door to equip our athletic teams. The school is very grateful to the association for the splendid support it has given this year. Due to the earnest effort
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of these fine people, three hundred and sixty dollars was collected from our citizens and used to purchase athletic equipment for the school.
Curriculum changes: Our Business Preparatory Curriculum has been strengthened by the addition of classes in Business Law and Junior Business Training. This curriculum seems well planned to meet the demands of the business world today. Further change will be made when the need for such change is recognized.
The greatest advancement we have made in recent years has been the installing of a four year Civic Preparatory Curriculum. This curriculum has been designed to give a well rounded preparation for useful community life. At present, this curriculum offers in- struction in the following subjects: English, general Science, In- dustrial geography, general Mathematics, Junior Business Training, Biology, Civics, World History, Chemistry, Economics, Problems of American Democracy, Principle of Bookkeeping, and United States History. We shall be alert to make improvements in the subjects taught as conditions in our community and nation change.
Summary : The gains made during the past year are :-
1. The addition of the Daniel T. Buzzell School which houses the seventh and eighth grades;
2. A normal school day for grades seven to twelve;
3. Inauguration of a stronger athletic program for the boys;
4. Improved morale in the school resulting from better housing, normal school day, and renewed interest in boys sports.
Our greatest handicap at present is the lack of an adequate As- sembly Hall-Gymnasium.
In closing, may I once more express my appreciation to you and your committee for the encouragement and help I have received during the past seven years. I would also pay tribute to our loyal, efficient teachers and wholesome student body.
Respectfully,
J. TURNER HOOD, JR.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Supt. of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my annual report as school nurse.
A report of the various clinics held, will show what has been done during the past year.
Dental Clinic-6th Annual
Number of children attended 157
Number of cleanings 145
Number of fillings 511
Number of extractions 162
This clinic fills a very definite need in providing an opportunity for the children to have their teeth cared for at regular intervals. The work done is unusually fine and we are fortunate in having Dr. W. S. J. McNally of Somerville whose experience with children has been wide and varied.
Tuberculosis Follow-up Clinic
Forty-two children were taken to the N. R. S. S. for examina- tion and X-ray of the chest. With one or two exceptions these chil- dren are contact cases and we hope by careful supervision, plenty of rest, and good food so far as is possible, to help them to grow up to healthy woman-hood and man-hood.
State Tuberculosis Clinic
Ninety-five of the 7th, 9th and 11th grades were given the Von Pirquet test at school. Of that number 28, or those with positive re- action were X-rayed. Of this group one child was found who needs to be carried along with the follow-up group. This clinic will be held each year in an effort to find new or suspicious cases of tuberculosis.
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Dipththeria Clinic
Number of school children immunized 52 Number of pre-school children immunized 13
Total 65
If parents will co-operate by bringing their pre-school children for immunization, dipththeria will soon be unheard of. Due notice of this clinic will be given in the local newspaper and in the schools.
Physical Examinations By E. S. MacDougall, M. D. School Physician
Number of school children examined 895
Number of visits to homes 85
Number of trips to hospitals 11
The many home visits were necessary because of the many social and financial problems encountered in trying to correct physical defects, such as diseased tonsils, deficient 'eye sight, decayed teeth, etc.
I wish to thank all those who have in any way assisted in this very important work.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER H. NICHOLS, R. N.,
School Nurse.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Wilmington, Mass., January 28, 1936.
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my seventh annual report as Super- visor of Drawing.
My objective in teaching art in the schools is as follows: first, to teach the pupils to use drawing as a means of expressing them- selves freely with graphic representation of what they have observed through memory and imagination; second, to instruct them in mak- ing designs which teach color and shape in beautiful patterns; third, to help them to appreciate all forms of beauty, as it is especially the practical side of art that requires more emphasis. We need to put more effort into translating art into the daily life of the people. If we could surround ourselves with forms of beauty, the evil things of life would disappear, and our moral standards would be raised.
My program for each grade is the same as in other years. I teach a lesson in every class once in two weeks for about forty-five minutes. In the grades, a great deal has been accomplished in figure drawing, paper-cutting, lettering, nature work, color, and de- sign. The most interesting things that have been done are the wall projects that have been executed entirely by the pupils. Three of them have been made of Indian life, one of farm life, and one of al- most every nursery rhyme. The backgrounds nearly cover one of the school-room walls and have been entirely colored by the pupils. All the objects, trees, and people in them have also been drawn by them.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth grades have made some very good health posters for a contest with prizes to be exhibited at a health entertainment in March. The seventh and eighth grades have done more drawing this year, of course, because of the longer ses- sion, but the High School has a shorter period, as they still have
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drawing after school, and now, school closes later. Nevertheless, they have made posters for football games, and the Athletic Club play, creative designs of seasonal patterns, costume designs, and head dress designs.
I have tried a new project in the special class at the North School, the teaching of an elementary course in mechanical drawing, with very satisfactory results. I still have the advanced class in mechanical drawing in the High School.
On June the third of last year, I had an exhibition of all the best work that had been done during the year. Miss Cazneau had a musicale at the same time, and I think all the parents and other visitors, who were there, enjoyed the afternoon very much. Many were surprised to see the clever work the pupils had created. Cre- ative art is a part of life, its subject is taken from the creator, its type varies with his individuality, and the doing of it enriches his personality.
Every child is on the alert, ever observant. They crave art, and seem to enjoy life more because of it. For that reason, as well as material ones, in looking back, I wish to thank Mr. Bean, principals, teachers and pupils for their loyalty and co-operation in making the past year very successful.
Respectfully submitted,
SHIRLEY H. GULLIVER,
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my first annual report as Supervisor of Music.
Since all education is learning, the topic of musical learning has a fundamental place in education. It is my aim to help children create in themselves the various abilities, mental, emotional and motor, on which musical grasp and insight depend. It is also my aim to give these students an opportunity for vital and cultural experiences. My purpose is to create a field of interest which will carry over into their activities after they have completed their formal education.
All the grades are supervised every two weeks. The time spent in each room is approximately one half hour. On the other days, the work is carried on by the grade teacher. In two of the first grades there are toy orchestras. Toy orchestra work is primarily for the sake of ear training and appreciative discrimination. It is an agency for the child to think and feel musically. In one of the fifth grades there has been organized a harmonica band which stimul- ates their interest in instrumental playing.
The Daniel T. Buzzell school is supervised twice a week and each room is given a half hour. There were not enough books for the children and it was suggested to the pupils to buy a very inexpensive book. They did this and the music study was continued in the seventh and eighth grades. The Buzzell School has its own optional chorus work. This glee club meets every week for one half hour period.
The junior orchestra consists of eleven members from the dif- ferent elementary schools. They have an hour weekly meeting. I have found that the members of the junior orchestra have a great enthusiasm for their music activity. It is also a fact that these pupils who desire the opportunity of instrumental learning, but
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because of not owning an instrument, or not being financially able to buy an instrument, are deprived of this chance in life. I should like to make a plea to the people of Wilmington, that if there are any instruments not used, there would be many pupils who would greatly appreciate the loan of them.
In the Senior High School, the Girl's Glee Club meets three times a week during the second lunch period. The Boys' Glee Club meets twice a week during the first lunch period. It is to be regretted that longer periods cannot be given to these organizations. The Senior High School Orchestra, joined with the Junior orchestra meets once a week.
The lack of suitable material is discouraging. With the right material music offers opportunities for correlation with other sub- jects. It creates a greater interest, raises the standard of work and inspires faster progress.
I wish to thank Mr. Bean, the principals, teachers and pupils for the genuine interest and co-operation that has been given me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
ANGELICA CARABILLO.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
It is my honor to submit to you my first report as Supervisor of Physical Education.
Each year we are nearer the goal of providing opportunity for every child to receive through Physical Education his share in formation of such early habits and skills, in both work and play, as will make a contribution to his health, his leisure time, and his joy of life. We endeavor to uphold the standards of "a sound mind and a sound body."
The primary schools are visited once every two weeks, and the program varies according to the grades. The substance of the work, is carried on through posture classes, rhythmics, story plays, drills, folk dances, and games. In the upper grades the fundamentals of sports are taught, and each class has the use of the gymnasium once a week.
This year the seventh and eighth grades are receiving one period a week of Physical Education. Just at present, basketball is the sport of the hour and is being enjoyed by the boys as well as the girls.
In the high school the girls have two fifty minute periods a week. In the fall, hockey was the major sport. The hockey team has had another victorious season in spite of the fact that eight of last year's players have graduated. The schedule included games with Stoneham, Concord, Somerville, Manchester, and Reading.
This year varsity basketball has been resumed for both boys and girls. The teams play Dracut, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, and Andover; so far they have had three victories and one defeat.
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In June the annual Field Day was held on the Common. The grade schools gave demonstrations in folk dances, wand drills, rhythmics, and relay races. The high school girls exhibited cor- rective exercises for postural defects.
Here may I say a word about posture. Physicians tell us that human efficiency is largely dependent upon correct posture; that organs crowded out of place cannot properly function. We must endeavor to reeducate wrongly coordinated muscles, strengthen the ability to maintain good posture, and give a clearer conception of good carriage. The attention of parents is called to this work in the hope that they will interest themselves in correcting their children at home. We cannot lay too much emphasis upon the formation of such habits as will insure good health during the period of growth and good service during the years of maturity.
To you, Mr. Bean, may I express my sincere appreciation, to the school committee, the principals, teachers and pupils for their co-operation and loyalty in making my work interesting and success- ful.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET E. BRADLEY.
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REPORT OF THE DANIEL T. BUZZELL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the responsibility conferred upon the undersigned members of the Building Committee appointed at the Special Town Meeting of April 17, 1935, immediate action was taken to commence the building operations to assure readiness for occupancy at the opening of the school year in September.
The plans and specifications submitted by Mr. Halsey B. Horner of Wellesley, a member of the American Institute of Architects, were chosen and Mr. Horner was engaged as Architect upon very favorable terms.
Mr. Chester T. Horton of Wilmington was selected as Super- intendent of Construction and the fact that the building was com- pleted on time, within the estimate and without any workman on the project suffering a lost time accident, is commendation for Mr. Horton.
The first shovelfuls of earth were turned by the two grand- daughters of the late Dr. Buzzell, Ann Buzzell and Mary Buzzell, at 8:00 A. M., Monday, May 6, 1935.
Shortly after excavation was started it was found that a heavy ledge covered the entire cellar area, but due to the urgent need of the building for the opening of schools, it was decided to continue as the site was the best available.
As far as possible Wilmington labor was employed on the work. $12,312.45 was expended from our appropriation for labor and in ad- dition $16,223.11 was expended from Federal Emergency Relief funds, making a total of $28,535.56 paid to local workmen engaged on the work.
In every instance bids were solicited on equipment and material and wherever prices quoted justified our doing so, local merchants were given the business.
One item that caused your Committee considerable concern was sewage disposal. Soil conditions around the High School are very bad,
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due to the character of the soil, the presence of Spring water, and sewage from the High School. Upon advice of engineers a large septic tank was placed and a drainage field was constructed under the Common.
The Town water main was extended up School Street and con- nection made to the School.
Several large springs were uncovered at the site and drain- age was laid to carry this water through soil pipe to the catch basin in the rear of the Center School from whence it drains to the brook on the easterly side of Church Street. This work should benefit soil conditions around the High and Center Schools, as the water from the springs flowed toward these school buildings.
The Federal Emergency Relief of Massachusetts furnished the labor for the lathing, plastering, interior and exterior painting, grad- ing, terracing, stone steps and walks, water main extension and in- stallation, drainage and sewage disposal. Additional work remains to be done on the grading and seeding the grounds and on the terraces. Application to continue this work has been made to the Works Pro- gress Administration by the School Committee and this work will un- doubtedly be undertaken this Spring.
The details of our expenditures will be found in the Town Ac- countant's report.
The dedicatory exercises were held Sunday, September 22, 1935, at which time the building was officially turned over to the School Committee.
We were fortunate in being able to have as our dedicatory speak- er, Reverend Augustine McMahon.
The exercises were largely attended by members of the School Board, Town officials, teachers, members of Wilmington Post 136, American Legion and the Post Auxiliary, members of Nee Ellsworth Post 2458, V. F. W., and its Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Troop 1 and 2, In- vited Guests, many interested citizens and school children.
The exercises began promptly at 3:00 P. M., with the chairman presenting the following program:
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Invocation
Rev. Arthur A. Simmons Harold E. Melzar
Presentation of Flag Acceptance of Flag
Stephen G. Bean, Supt. of Schools
Flag Raising Scouts Daniel White, John Barrows and Ralph Wicks
Laying of Cornerstone
Philip B. Buzzell
Remarks Representative Ralph R. Currier Remarks Burr F. Jones of the State Department of Education Remarks and Presentation of Keys
Charles H. Black, Chairman of Building Committee Acceptance of Keys
Dedication Address
John W. Hathaway, Chairman of School Committee Rev. Augustine McMahon
In the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, re- marks from the Town Officials were made by Harold E. Melzar, a member of the Board and Benediction was given by Rev. Benjamin G. Seaboyer.
Following the laying of the cornerstone by Philip B. Buzzell, son of the late Dr. Daniel T. Buzzell, the Chairman of the Building Com- mittee commissioned Senior Patrol Leaders and Eagle Scouts John Barrows and Charles H. Black, Jr., to lay a beautiful wreath of asters on the grave of Dr. Buzzell in Wildwood Cemetery.
Each of the speakers on the afternoon's program spoke in glow- ing terms of the character and devotion to duty of the late Dr. Buz- zell, and complimented the Building Committee and the townspeople on acquiring such a splendid building for the advancement of educa- tion of the young people of this Town, and which shall stand as a monument to one of Wilmington's greatest and best beloved citizens.
Following the dedication an opportunity was availed of by those present to inspect the new building.
The new Daniel T. Buzzell School is a one story building of wood- en construction, has a floor space of 75 ft. 6 in. by 107 ft. 6 in., and contains six class rooms, Superintendent of Schools office, School Nurse's office, wash rooms and toilet facilities for both boys and girls, with boiler room and large supply room in the basement.
A wide corridor runs the entire length of the building through the center. All doors leading onto the corridor are of vestibule type, and
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class rooms are located on each side of the corridor. The rear portion of the building is divided into four regular size classrooms, while the front portion has a classroom on each side of the front door, between which are situated the boys' wash room and toilet facilities, with the office of the Superintendent of Schools on one side of the front door, while on the right of the front door is situated the School Nurse's office and the girls' wash room and the second classroom.
Each classroom has direct lighting fixtures. Univent system of ventilation, with a separate unit in each room. Each classroom at present seats 35 pupils but is designed to seat 40, has 100 square feet of blackboard area and 12 square feet of corkboards for bulletins. Each room also has wardrobes built into the rooms, with plenty of book closet room. The woodwork is stained a weathered oak shade, while the desks and seats are of walnut stain. The inside walls of the building are plastered with light buff color stucco, fireproofed with wire laths.
The building has been completely insulated with aluminum foil, in addition to the celotex-insulation on the outside walls.
All windows are so placed that light falls on the pupil's left side and every classroom has a door leading to the outside, in addition to the doors leading to the main corridor.
The building is constructed to permit the removal of the tem- porary partition between the two rear rooms and the erection of a folding partition, which when opened will allow an assembly room seating 250 persons. The building is so designed that additions may be made to the rear of the School.
Floors in the classrooms and corridors are of hardwood, with con- crete floors in the washrooms.
The building is steam-heated and is piped for Master Radio and loud speaker system. Rooms are high studded, light and airy, and the entire building is indeed a credit to any community.
The doors from the classrooms are so placed to avoid confusion during the change of classes.
The hardware throughout the building is black Colonial antique and the desks are of single pedestal type, with swivel chairs. The
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ERA of Massachusetts has contributed to each room an oil or water color painting by ERA artists of Massachusetts.
In addition to the aforementioned facts concerning the description of the building, it is wired with a Master electric clock system which automatically rings the class bells. The weather vane was contributed by the Building Committee, the Flag was contributed by Harold E. Melzar and the picture of Dr. Buzzell was contributed by his son, Philip B. Buzzell.
On entering the front door of the building, one is impressed by the fine portrait of the late Dr. Buzzell and the bronze plaque with the following inscription:
Wilmington Dedicates this School in Memory of Daniel Thompson Buzzell, M. D. 1857 - 1930 For His Half Century of Devoted Service To This Community
The Committee greatly appreciates the excellent cooperation given by the Townspeople throughout the period of construction and also the honor conferred on them by serving as your Building Com- mittee.
CHARLES H. BLACK, Chairman, EDWARD C. MANNING, Secretary, ALFRED S. ALLEN, MICHAEL H. BARRY, EUGENE L. COOMBS,
JOSEPH T. KELLEY,
JOHN W. HATHAWAY,
LOUIS T. McMAHON,
HAROLD E. MELZAR,
Building Committee.
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THE CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Carter Lecture Committee early in the season contracted for the four following entertainments for its course this winter:
Tuesday, December 3, 1935-Alice Lindbergh in "A Spanish Festival" and music by the Very Trio.
Tuesday, January 7, 1936-James Ernest King, Editor of the Transcript, lecturing on World Affairs.
Friday, February 7, 1936-The Fenway Puppets.
Tuesday, March 3, 1936-Electra Search Johnson, Travel Lecture with Motion Pictures.
Three of these events have already occurred and were suc- cessful both as to quality of entertainment and the size of the audience. It is regretted, however, that the income of the trust funds has been reduced to such an extent that lectures of the character and quality that we desire are beyond our means.
MILDRED E. NEILSON, Chairman ARTHUR F. BLAKE, Treasurer JOHN W. HATHAWAY, Secretary LOUIS F. DOUCETTE MURIEL A. GEBHARD
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TREASURER'S REPORT SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
RECEIPTS
January 1, 1935, Balance on hand
$ 63.97
January 3, 1935, F. L. Eames, Income
92.52
Febuary 15, 1935, F. L. Eames, Income
234.48
January 5, 1935, Interest
1.28
June 1, 1935, Interest
.69
December 7, 1935, Interest
1.20
$394.14
EXPENDITURES
January 5, Lucy E. Norton
$ 75.00
January 5, Wilmington News 5.00
January 29, Williams Concert Bureau
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