USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1906-1914 > Part 22
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For Fiscal Year Ending Dec. 31, 1914.
Resources
Town Appropriation,
$9350.00
Tuition, City of Boston,
13.00
From State, for superintendent of schools,
500.00
School tickets sold,
76.50
Books and supplies sold,
3.50
Victrola concert, 27.25
Total resources,
$9970.25
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Expenditures
Salaries:
Teachers,
$4500.20
School committee,
60.00
Superintendent of schools,
561.18
Supervisors,
231.00
Janitors,
632.10
$5984.48
Books and supplies,
938.38
Fuel,
944.57
Repairs,
633.61
Transportation,
130.00
Miscellaneous,
148.82
Furniture for new building,
1190.39
Total expenditures,
$9970.25
ARTHUR R. BREOR,
Chairman.
Superintendent's Report
Owing to the change in the town's fiscal year and the consequent change in the date for the annual town meeting, this report is supposed to cover a little more than the period of ten months closing with the year 1914. The next report should cover the calendar year 1915. During the past year all the schools have made steady progress, high standards of discipline and in- struction have been maintained and the attendance and interest of pupils have been generally satisfactory so far as the limited accommodations have permitted.
THE NEW BUILDING
The erection and opening of the new building at Hatfield Center marks the most important epoch in the school history of the town. In it will be gathered nearly two-thirds of the pupils of the town under most healthful and inspiring surroundings, if the present plans for grading and arranging the grounds are car- ried out. The most approved requirements regarding light, heat and ventilation are fully met, the furniture is of the best, the sanitary arrangements are com- plete, and the playgrounds, when finished, will be
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ample. The public may fairly expect the best service both of those who care for the building and of those who teach or direct the work of the children.
A town's intelligence and public spirit is shown in nothing more clearly than in the way it provides for the education of its children. Hatfield is very fortu- nate in having for a building committee men who have conceived and carried into execution plans for a building which so fitly expresses in its form and pur- pose the best ideals of the town. No one who has not been in close touch with the work being done can realize the amount of time and effort which the mem- bers of the committee have devoted to this undertaking.
The organization of this new consolidated school -for such it is-presents new problems as well as larger opportunities; and we are fortunate in having secured a principal of rare ability and experience, and teachers who will work with her loyally and effectively. Where so large a number of pupils are gathered, cer- tain rules and restrictions are required, but only such regulations will be made as are necessary to protect the building from injury, promote efficiency, and guard the comfort and safety of the children.
COURSE OF STUDY
To make a course of study that is neither too rigidly prescriptive nor too general in its scope, is no easy task. It cannot be worked out off-hand at an office desk, but can only be evolved out of the study and experience of those in direct contact with pupils.
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A committee of superintendents and teachers ap- pointed by the State Board are preparing outlines to be used in the public schools of the state. It is expected that they will be ready for use at the opening of the next school year. For this reason no attempt will be made, as suggested last year, to revise the present course of study.
I wish to refer again to the value of having work in practical arts in some form offered in all our schools. Several of our teachers are carrying on very creditably some form of handwork. Many of the best schools in other towns and cities are introducing such· work and find that it adds to rather than takes from the value of the regular school subjects. With a comparatively inexpensive equipment valuable lessons in elementary domestic science and manual training could be given to the older pupils.
In our neighboring town of Hadley a large major- ity of the boys and girls had home gardens during the past season under the direction of the Massachu- setts Agricultural college and the agricultural instruct- or of Hopkins academy. The town has just been award- ed a State sweepstakes cup by the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture for the best garden work done by school boys and girls. It is noticeable that a pupil's garden work tends to increase his interest in his school. In fact, some of the older pupils have been held in school through their interest first aroused by garden or field work.
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TEXT BOOKS
The schools were probably never before so well supplied with modern textbooks in good condition. The greater part of the old, soiled, and badly worn books have been replaced by new ones at special ex- change rates. The Aldine Readers, the new Frye Geo- graphies, and the Southworth-Stone Arithmetics con- tinue as basal texts. The Howe Readers are replacing the Cyr and Hawthorne for supplementary use, and the Mclaughlin and Van Tyne History has been intro- duced in place of the Montgomery. The introduction of the Hutchinson Physiologies will be completed dur- ing the year. A new two-book series of lessons in Eng- lish has been adopted. It has already been in use in several nearby towns and has proved very satisfactory.
It is hoped that before very long each school in town may be provided with a good globe and suitable wall maps. They are almost indispensable for a satis- factory teaching of geography and history, and can be constantly used in connection with general reading and studies of current events.
Attention is called to the section in the rules and regulations which provides that so far as possible there shall be no interchange of books and busy work materials among pupils. This will tend to increase the child's sense of responsibility for his books and help to avoid the contagion sometimes conveyed by school books and materials.
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EVENING SCHOOL
Towns which issue at least twenty working cer- tificates to illiterates are now required by law to main- tain an evening school for a portion of the school year. In accordance with this law an evening school is to be conducted in the School Street building for two or three evenings a week commencing Jan. 26. Many of those who will attend are to be permanent residents of Hatfield, and will form an important part of the town's life and activities. It would seem to be a broad and generous policy, in keeping with the best traditions of the town, to afford them the opportunity to acquire at least the rudiments of an English education.
MUSIC, DRAWING AND PENMANSHIP
Miss Boyle has continued to direct the work in music to the satisfaction of all concerned. Her report will be found on another page.
Commencing with the fall term, Miss Asenath Landers was secured as supervisor of drawing, and Miss Anna L. Kilmurry as supervisor of penmanship. Miss Landers also supervises in Deerfield and North- field, and Miss Kilmurry in Easthampton and Am- herst. Both appear to be doing excellent work and we hope to be able to retain their services for the coming year.
CONCLUSION
In looking back over the work of the last three years we feel that some substantial progress has been made. There has been a steady increase in the num-
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ber of pupils and teachers and a corresponding demand for more and better buildings and equipment. Nothing revolutionary or sensational has been attempted, for it is realized that all growth, if it is to be healthful and enduring, should not be forced beyond what is normal.
Progress is everywhere. In art, science, commerce and industrial life new ideas and methods are being adopted. Our schools should not be an exception to the rule. Practices and conditions that were satisfac- tory years ago would not be tolerated today. With this demand for higher efficiency comes also increased ex- pense, whenever an attempt is made to meet this de- mand.
In all our plans for improved school conditions the good of the children is the real objective point. The child of today will be the man or woman of tomor- row, and the future welfare of our town depends large- ly on the degree of intelligence, practical ability and character that our children are acquiring. We believe that our citizens are willing to meet the responsibility of giving to the children of Hatfield an opportunity to develop in our schools those qualities that make for efficiency and good citizenship.
CLINTON J. RICHARDS.
Report of Principal of Center School
I hereby submit the following report as principal of Center school of Hatfield.
The first term was spent in Smith Academy where it was necessary for three teachers to occupy one room. Under such conditions satisfactory work was difficult, altho after the first few weeks we were able to adjust ourselves.
The winter term opened in the new building with an attendance of two hundred twenty-seven pupils. This necessitates a more rigid form of discipline. In looking over the rules and regulations in a former town report I find that few if any changes have been made, but more attention has been given to enforcing those 'already made, as is necessary in a large building.
In order to secure the desired results parents must co-operate with teachers, and I will be pleased to meet parents at any time to discuss any misunderstanding 01 dissatisfaction that may arise.
MARY L. ALLAIRE.
Report of Supervisor of Music
The work in music in the schools during the past year has been carried on as formerly; musical theory, sight singing, individual work, and chorus singing.
Our aim is to make the music period one of plea, .. sure as well as educational value. But how can this be accomplished if the child does not understand what he is doing? In order that he may, the fundamentals of music must be taught step by step.
When the child first enters school he is taught by note, simple little songs which appeal to the little people. Great care must be exercised in choosing good material. These songs are gradually increased in difficulty according to grade and understanding. With this song drill, theory must be presented in an inter- esting manner. Theory is taught under two heading's -Time and Tune.
Individual work and sight singing trains the child to think and act independently, and in this way he gains confidence in himself which is an aid not only in music but in other things which may be required of him.
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We may justly say that progress has been made along these lines and that our children are able to give an intelligent interpretation, with good tone quality, of any song within their grade. This work has been ac- complished with the co-operation of the school officials in furnishing necessary material, and with the faithful- ness and persevereance of the grade teachers.
A victrola has been placed in the Center building which will enable the children to hear and recognize the best in music.
MAUDE E. BOYLE.
Report of Medical Inspectors
When medical inspection was adopted in Hatfield. we were in the midst of a severe epidemic of scarlet fever; this was followed in the succeeding year by an- other less severe; since which we have had occasional cases, but no epidemic.
At first the children were antagonistic, the younger ones being afraid of inspection; many were subnormal in physical condition.
We have seen this change to a welcome of inspec- tion, and a cooperation in the suggestions we have been able to make.
At no time has the general health of the pupils been better than during the last year, although spas- adic cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria have been present in town, and nothwithstanding the number of children attending school has increased very rapidly in the last few years.
We have been particularly fortunate in the co- operation of the townspeople; the sanitary conditions of the vairous schools have all been improved from time to time, till all are satisfactory.
Little need be said of our new school house as it represents all that is best in modern school sanitation.
CHAS. A. BYRNE.
A. J. BONNEVILLE.
Teachers and Enrollment, October, 1914
SCHOOLS
TEACHERS
Home Address
Salary per Week
Pupils by Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 8
9
Total
1
Mary L. Allaire
Hatfield
$ 20 00
13 10
23
Margaret Woods
Hatfield
12 00
19
19
Sarah V. Kiley
Hatfield
12 00
29
29
Helen F. Riley
Lowell
12 00
34
34
Margaret E. Ryan
Hatfield
12 00
30
30
Christine Hibbard
North Hadley
12 00
45
45
Gladys Jenney
Hatfield
12 00
28
28.
Constonce C. Breor
Hatfield
12 00 28
28
Mary C. Leary
Northampton
12 00
25
25
Hill
Gladys L. Rice
Granby, Ct.
12 00 25
25
West Grammar
Margaret M. McGrath
Northampton
10 00
7
1
6
3
24
West Primary
Lena H. Proulx
Hatfield
11 00
9!
6
8
29
North Grammsr
Nellie T. O'Brien
Natick
12 00
3
5
3
5
16
North Primary
Doris J. Rand
Johnson, Vt.
10 00 10
5
.0
30
Bradstreet
Glayds V. Rand
Johnson, Vt.
12 00 9
4
2
11
1
27
Supr. of Music
Maude E. Boyle
Hatfield
6 00
Supr. of Drawing
Asenath Landers
Nortlıfield
5 00
Supr. of Penman'p Anna L. Kilmurry
Easthampton
4 00
Total
$198 00 78 71 58 59 45 41 20 22 18| 412
Center New
Building
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6
Hatfield School Rules and Regulations
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
2. The Superintendent of schools shall have the care and supervision of schools under the direction and control of the School Committee, and shall be their executive officer.
2. He shall visit the schools as often as his other duties will permit to obtain a personal knowledge of their condition and to assist the teachers in the per- formance of their duties.
3. He shall have a voice in the councils of the Committee, nominate teachers, recommed textbooks and have charge of the administration of the course of study, and of the grading, classification, and promo- tion of pupils.
4. He shall acquaint himself with whatever con- cerns the interest and progress of popular education and may call meetings of the teachers for the purpose of advising in regard to the best methods of instruction discipline, and school management.
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5. He shall inspect the school premises, textbooks, and apparatus and report to the Committee any de- ficiency or condition unfavorable to the health or pro- gress of pupils, with suggestions for correction or im- provement.
6. He shall assist the School Committee in keeping their records and accounts, and in making such reports as are required by law.
PRINCIPALS
1. In every school building containing two or more schools one teacher shall be appointed as Princi- pal.
2. Principals shall have general charge of the schoolbuildings, grounds and appurtenances of their respective schools. They shall have access to all parts of the school premises and inspect them at regular in- tervals of not more than one week, and shall give such assistance or directions as may be found necessary in the different rooms.
3. They shall make rules, subject to the approval of the Committee, for the care and control of pupils in and around the school buildings and grounds, and may assign teachers and janitors to any special duties in and about the school premises. They shall especially provide for the control and supervision of pupils dur- ing the recess periods and noon intermission, both with- in the buildings and on the school grounds.
4. They shall have charge of all books and sup- plies for their buildings, distribute them to the dif-
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ferent rooms, and cause a careful record of the same to be made.
5. Disorderly or refractory pupils may be sent for correction to the Principal, who alone shall have the right of suspension.
6. Any principal who may find it necessary to suspend a pupil, must immediately notify the parents, and the School Committee, or Superintendent, giving the offense and the conditions imposed. Any case of truancy should be immediately reported to a Truant Officer and the Superintendent.
TEACHERS
1. Teachers shall be in their respective rooms at least fifteen minutes before the opening of the forenoon and afternoon sessions, or earlier when necessary. Any failure to arrive at the time required shall be tardiness and shall be so reported to the Principal and by her to the Superintendent.
2. They are to assist in the order of the halls and lines and shall respond quickly to the signal bells. There shall be no unnecessary talking in the halls either by teachers or pupils. They are expected to check dis- order occurring at any time or place on the school pre- mises and correct the misconduct of any pupil, to what- ever room he may belong.
3. In the Center building at least two teachers shall be on duty during each noon intermission. They shall have constant oversight of the pupils who are al- lowed to remain.
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4. They shall prepare three copies of their daily schedule; one to be posted on the outside of the class room door or on the bulletin board, one to be kept at the desk, and the third to be handed to theSuperintend- ent. After his approval, no material changes shall be made without his advice or consent.
5. They shall require excuses from parents or guardians either in person or by written note in all cases of absence or tardiness. All excuses should give the cause of absence. Unexcused absences should be' reported to the Truant Officer and Superintendent and be regarded as cases of truancy.
6. There shall be kept at each teacher's desk, readily accessible for the inspection of school officials: the school register, program, seating plan, plan book and record of work, record of books and supplies, re- cord of pupils' standing together with some of their more recent written work.
7. The Superintendent may grant to each teacher one day in each fall and winter terms to visit other pub- lic schools, and may designate the schools to be visited. Teachers who avail themselves of this permission shall make a written report to the Superintendent within one month of such visit, as to the schools visited and exercises observed with remarks and criticisms thereon. They are also allowed two days to attend state or county teachers' institutes or conventions.
8. Whenever any teacher is temporarily absent from school, it shall be her duty to report at once to the Committee or Superintendent, but in no case shall
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she furnish a substitute without the consent of the School Officials.
9. Teachers shall observe carefully the ventilation, heat, and light of their rooms and endeavor to keep the temperature at about 68 degrees Farenheit. They may appoint pupils to keep a record of the thermometer on blanks provided for that purpose, but pupils should not be allowed to adjust the window shades or regulate the heat.
10. Teachers should insist on care and economy in the use of books and supplies. As far as practicable the interchange of books, pencils, and seat work mate- rial shall be avoided. Each pupil should be allowed to keep the same book that is first assigned him in any subject until he is ready for another or more advanc- ed book. It should be marked plainly with his name so that it may be easily identified from term to term.
11. Teachers shall be paid at the end of each four week period except at the close of a term when the time of payment may be varied. They shall notify the Superintendent, before the time of making the pay- roll for any period, of any loss of time with the reason therefor.
SUPERVISORS
1. At the beginning of each school year Supervi- sors, acting with the Superintendent of Schools, shall prepare a program indicating the time to be given to each school, and a general outline of the work to be done in each department.
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2. Each teacher shall be notified of the time when Supervisors may be expected at her school, and this time shall not be changed except for urgent reasons and after due notice.
3. Supervisors shall notify the Superintendent any loss of time or failure to meet engagements at the schools.
PUPILS
1. Pupils shall be considered under the joint juris- diction of teachers and parents when on the way to or from school. They are not to leave the vicinity of the school buildings or grounds without permission of teacher or principal.
2. No pupil shall enter any hall or room other than the one where he regularly belongs except by the spe- cial permission of his teacher. They shall not assemble about the school buildings at any unreasonable time before the opening of school. After dismissal they shall go at once to their homes unless they remain by consent of teachers. The Principal may make any special rules necessary to carry the provisions of this section in effect, subject to the approval of the Superintendent.
3. No pupil under the age of five years shall be ad- mitted to school, and no pupil under the age of seven years shall be admitted by teachers to the first grade, after October 1st in any year, unless he is qualified to enter the classes already formed. But the Superintend- ent of Schools may admit such a pupil, when, after investigation, he finds that the conditions seem to justify such action.
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4. At the Center, pupils are not to be admitted into the new building until fifteen minutes before each session, except by special permission, or when neces- sary in cold or stormy weather. On entering they shall pass to their rooms without unnecessary delay and not leave without permission. They shall pass quietly through the halls and stairways at all times.
GENERAL DUTIES OF JANITORS
1. Janitors shall have the immediate care of school grounds, fences, apparatus, etc., and shall act under the direction of their respective Principals, who shall see that their duties are properly performed.
2. They shall keep the buildings clean and com- fortable, care for walks and steps in winter, make ne- cessary minor repairs and report promptly to the Prin- cipal any injury or defacing of the school property.
3. They shall maintain as far as possible an even temperature of 68 degrees Farenheit during the day.
JANITOR OF NEW BUILDING
1. He shall have special charge, under direction of the Principal, of the entire school premises. He shall make any minor repairs needed, report the need of more important repairs to the Principal and Com- mittee, and have the general supervision of all repairs and improvements to the building or grounds when- ever made.
2. He should visit all rooms at least once during each session to observe the temperature.
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3. He shall wind and regulate clocks; and display the school flag as required by law.
4. As far as possible he should keep walks and steps clear of ice and snow, sanding the same when necessary. In summer, lawns are to be kept smooth and neat by mowing and trimming as needed.
5. He shall keep the building clean and orderly, sweeping halls and stairways daily if needed, and floors of classrooms thoroughly twice each week, or oftener as required. After sweeping floors, dust should be removed from all furniture with a dustless duster. At week ends he should clean out chalk trays and re- move the blackboard erasers to be cleaned. Black- boards should be washed at least once in two weeks, and waste baskets should be emptied when necessary and returned to the rooms from which they were tak- en. Toilets and lavatories are to be kept clean and free from odor by flushing, cleaning, and the use of suitable disinfectants and deodorizers.
6. He shall assist the principal and teachers in every way possible to secure and maintain good order in and about the building, especially before the morn- ing session and during the recesses and noon intermis- sion. He shall have special oversight of the boys' toi- let room during the recess periods and shall prevent any improper conduct or abuse of privileges.
7. He shall have charge of the cleaning of the building during vacations and also have the special oversight and control of the school grounds at all times throughout the year.
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GENERAL
1. The hours for the school sessions of the gram- mar grades shall be from 9.00 A. M. to 12.00 M., and from 1.15 to 3.30 P .M. The sessions of the primary grades shall be determined by the School Officials in accordance with the needs and conditions of each school.
A recess of not more than fifteen minutes shall be allowed in each half-day session.
2. No circulars or advertisements shall be distri- buted in the school nor shall any collection or subscrip- tion be taken without the consent of the Superintend- ent.
3. The use of tobacco in any form is strictly for- bidden in or about the school buildings.
Approved by the School Committee of Hatfield Jan. 1, 1915.
JAN 18
TOR TRENGE ONLY NOT TO BE TAKEN OUT
R REFERENCE
BE TAKEN FROM THE ROOM
0. 23 012
PRINTED IN U.S. A
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