USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1914-1924 > Part 3
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larger pupils. The evening school was continued for only six weeks with an enrollment of about 125. This coming year we expect to open the school in the same place about Feb. 1, and continue for eight weeks.
During the year all buildings were inspected and the repairs made that seemed most necessary. All floors were oiled, new seats were placed in the West Hatfield grammar room, new windows provided for the North Hatfield Primary, and the Bradstreet build- ing given a much needed coat of paint and some gen- eral repairs made inside.
At Bradstreet the sanitary conditions are far from satisfactory. The outhouses are about ready to fall down and new ones must be built before long if nothing else is done. But with a little extra expense modern conveniences could be installed and this would seem to be the most satisfactory plan.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For Fiscal Year Ending Dec. 31, 1915
Resources
From State, for Superintendent of Schools, $
535.72
From State for State School Fund, 664.41
Dog tax refunded, 126.77
Tuition, 301.60
20.51
Tickets sold,
For Damages and supplies sold,
4.75
Apples sold, 3.00
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A. N. Palmer Company refund, Town appropriation,
19.20
10,000.00
Total resources,
$11,675.96
Expenditures
Teachers,
$ 6,879.00
Superintendent of Schools,
750.03
Supervisors,
447.00
Janitors,
1,195.63
Books and supplies,
1,053.36
Fuel,
1,054.40
Repairs,
678.99
Transportation,
165.82
Safe,
60.00
Miscellaneous,
259.55
Total expenditures,
$ 12,543.78
Overdrawn,
$ 867.82
ARTHUR R. BREOR, Chairman.
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
According to a recent state law the fiscal year of Massachusetts towns ends with the calendar year on December 31. The school year, however, on which our annual report to the state is based closes on June 30. The report to the town covers only the fiscal or calen- dar year 1915, including the last part of the school year 1914-15, and the first part of 1915-16. This may lead to some misunderstanding, but in this report the calen- dar year 1915 is meant unless otherwise specified.
Because of the greatly improved conditions of sup- port and housing it has been without doubt one of the most satisfactory years in the histroy of Hatfield schools.
THE CENTRAL BUILDING
This building was opened in Jan., 1915, and has been in operation long enough for us to judge fairly of its value. From a builder's standpoint it reflects much credit on its designer, constructors, and especial- ly on the building committee who were in charge of the whole operation. From a school man's point of view,
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it leaves but little to be desired. The interior arrange- ments are very pleasing and convenient, and the sani- tary requirements as to heat, light, and ventilation are fully met. If an assembly room could be added with- out injuring the architectural effect, it would be one of the most valuable features of the building both for the school and the community.
It is evident to all of our citizens that the large ap- propriation for this building was entirely justified and has been wisely expended.
I have one further suggestion to make concerning the building,-that it be given a name. The term "Central" has nothing distinctive about it. A school should have a local name which would be generally re- cognized as fitting, or else it might be named after some person famous in our country's history.
TEACHERS
Miss Allaire of the Central School has devoted her- self untiringly to the school and has proved to be a most efficient principal. The addition of an assistant has given her more time for administrative duties and made her work more satisfactory and effective. Much credit is also due to the other teachers in the building who have co-operated intelligently with her in the dif- ficult work of organizing the new school.
Only three resignations have occurred this year. These were Miss Gladys Rice of the Hill Primary, Miss Margaret McGrath of the West Hatfield Grammar, and Miss Gladys Rand of the Bradstreet school. Miss
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Proulx was transferred to the Hill Primary and her place at the West primary has been taken by Miss Alice Keating of Northampton, a graduate of the West- field Normal School. Miss Georgia Gates of Ludlow, a teacher of successful experience, was chosen for the West Hatfield Grammar, and Miss Mary B. Woods of this town was assigned to Bradstreet.
The entire teaching force of the town are working very effectively. The standards of instruction are high and improving, and the discipline maintained is excellent.
JANITOR SERVICE
Next in importance to the service rendered by the teachers is that of the janitor. The health, comfort, safety, and efficiency of both teachers and pupils de- pend largely on the care and intelligence of the janitor, and his selection should be made with nearly as much care as that of the teacher.
EVENING SCHOOL
The large enrollment in the evening school is suffi- cient evidence of the desire of our foreign-born popula- tion to avail themselves of its privileges. No one could visit the school without being impressed with the ear- nestness as well as the intelligence and good spirit of , the pupils. They were evidently there fore business and there was no disposition to trifle with the oppor- tunity offered. If the results of the instruction could be measured, it would probably be found that they are
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greater in proportion to cost than in any other field of educational work. Another session of evening school will open in February, 1916.
TEXT BOOKS
By purchase and exchange new books have been secured in most subjects. Here as elsewhere the best is the cheapest in the end.
The Hutchinson physiologies are being used in se- veral schools and their introduction will be completed this year. These books present the subject in an in- teresting manner and give special attention to the sub- ject of hygiene.
The old language books which were well worn and unsatisfactory in contents have been replaced by the Miller-Kinkead series. They are among the best of the modern oboks on this subject.
The Howe Readers are among the cheapest as well as best on the market. They have been adopted for supplementary use.
HEALTH
Much has been done to improve and safeguard the health of our children through the eye and ear tests given by teachers and the expert medical inspection and advice of our school physicians. The sanitary con- ditions in the older buildings could be much improved in some ways. The most marked improvement would be the substitution of indoor toilets for the present out-buildings. The Bradstreet school seems to be most in need of this improvement at the present time.
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Physicians tell us that much of the disease among children can be traced to defective teeth. Dental in- spection is authorized by law and many towns are fur- nishing both inspection and treatment. Dental inspec- tion and advice could be given to all our children un- der the direction of our school physicians at a small cost, and the experience of other towns would warrant us in attempting it this year.
It is a matter for congratulation that the town has fully complied with the state law that requires all school children to be vaccinated except those having certificates of exemption. To neglect this would not only be a plain disobedience of law but also a failure to observe one of the most approved means for the pre- vention of disease.
SCHOOL YEAR
The element of time in education is not so import- ant as the methods and organization of the work, and the degree of application of teachers and pupils. But we can not fairly claim that our schools are so well or- ganized and taught and that our pupils are so excep- tionally industrious that they can make the same pro- gress in a school year of thirty-six weeks as those of other towns that have a school year of from thirty- eight to forty weeks. I would recommend that thirty- eight weeks be made the length of the school year.
COURSE OF STUDY AND GRADING
The state course of study for the first six grades, referred to in last year's report, has been issued only
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in provisional form and not for general distribution and use. It is being worked out very carefully by groups of superintendents and we have some reason to hope that we may have it as the basis of our work and grading for another year. In the meantime we are us- ing the samec ourse that has been followed for the last four years. The State Board of Education will also is- sue outlines for the seventh and eighth grades which will continue the work outlined for the first six grades. This upper grade work will articulate closely with the high school and will be differentiated somewhat ac- cording to the pupil's plans for high school or for his vocation in life.
There is a growing tendency to reduce the number of grades in the elementary schools from nine to eight. Many-perhaps most-pupils could cover the work ne- cessary for admission to high school in eight years. A year saved in the elementary schools means the same as one saved in the later and more expensive period of one's education. In case some cannot finish the required work in eight years and have to repeat for one year, they are still taking no more time than un- der the present system, and it is obviously unfair to re- quire a part of the pupils to mark time for one year because of those who are slower or less industrious. Many of the children who enter the first grade without any knowledge of the English language will have to repeat the work of one or more grades but this would be necessary whatever the number of grades.
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PRACTICAL ARTS
By the term "practical arts" is meant any kind of useful work involving more or less manual labor. All normal boys and girls enjoy some form of manual activity and this work is presented to them not as a requirement but as a privilege. The tendency of an education that is confined to books is to promote false ideas of work. It trains boys and girls away from manual labor. They get the notion that it is unworthy and to be avoided, if possible. The carrying on of some work in practical arts will tend to correct such false impressions and will give our children the right attitude towards those vocations that involve honest and necessary labor.
Such work also arouses local interest, correlates the activities of the home and the school, and promotes a better understanding between them. It also has a "pre-vocational" value in that it helps the child dis- cover his tastes and aptitudes for different kinds of work and occupations. In addition to this it affords opportunities for practical applications of other sub- jects. Where the work in any line of practical arts has been carried on successfully, it has added to ra- ther than taken from the value of the regular school subjects.
The kind of work chosen depends not only on the pupil's taste and surroundings but also on the teach- er's preparation and ability. The instruction which the upper grammar grades at the Center school are getting in cooking belongs to this kind of work as
76
does also the re-caning of chairs as being done by the fifth grade in the same school. Two years ago some very creditable work was done by the pupils of the Center grammar school where the girls took sewing and the boys woodworking. Various other projects have been undertaken by other schools in town.
In a country town where some land is available for nearly every home, the making and caring for a garden is one of the most attractive and profitable forms of practical arts. The lack of supervision during the summer vacation has prevented this work from being as profitable as it should have been. I hope that some arrangement can be made for volunteer supervision if the work is attempted another year.
SUPERVISORS
There are certain subjects in which it is generally conceded that teachers should receive help and direc- tion from special teachers or supervisors. The three subjects for which we employ supervisors are music, drawing, and penmanship. The supervisors in all these subjects are doing very satisfactory work and our teachers without exception are co-operating intelli- gently with them. Without such co-operation the ef- forts of the supervisors would be of but little if any value.
Fortunately no argument is necessary to convince the people of Hatfield of the value of music and draw- ing. But only recently it was thought profitable and best to engage the services of a special teacher in pen-
77
manship. The results that are being secured fully justify the comparatively small expense involved, and warrant the continuance of the present arrangement, if the services of Miss Kilmurry, who also supervises penmanship in the Northampton schools, can be re- tained.
PLAY AND PLAYGROUNDS
All educators are agreed as to the important part that play has in the education of the child. It aids in the development of all his powers, and makes him more efficient in his work. In all our schools the teachers supervise the play of the children to some extent at the noon and recess periods.
One of the most attractive and valuable features of the new Center building is the ample playground. This should be utilized during the long summer vaca- tion as a public playground. If some simple apparatus could be secured, and a competent person placed in charge of the grounds to have oversight of the chil- dren and to direct their play, it would be well worth while. It would afford the children a place where they could play freely and safely, and it would be a valuable factor in their education. In the school at West Hat- field there are more than fifty boys and girls of all grades. The yard is so small that there is no opportu- nity for free play. There is no place where the boys can play ball without danger to themselves and the nearby buildings. If a playground of even one acre should be secured for this school its influence for good would soon become apparent in the conduct and habits of the children.
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CONCLUSION
Superintendent Maxwell of New York has well said, "Education for efficiency means the development of each citizen, first as an individual, and second as a member of society. It means bodies kept fit for ser- vice by appropriate exercise. It means that each stu- dent shall be taught to use his hands deftly, to observe accurately, to reason justly, to express himself clear- ly. It means that he shall learn 'to live cleanly, hap- pily, and helpfully, with those around him.' "
Our highest ambition as citizens, officials, and teachers might well be to so direct all the activities of our schools as to realize in them this high ideal of edu- cation for efficiency.
CLINTON J. RICHARDS.
Report of Supervisor of Music
In submitting a report of the musical work in the schools I will say that the course of study, which has been used in former years, is being carried along the same lines.
The aim is to inspire in the child a love of good music; to preserve as long as possible the natural child voice; to acquire intelligent musical interpretation; and to teach sight singing.
To obtain these results we must place before the class the best of material which will appeal to the moods of childhood and contain educational value. The pure head tone must always be required in chorus sing- ing.
In order to present a song with good musical inter- pretation, the fundamentals of music and the text of the song should be thoroughly understood.
Owing to the improvement in school conditions and the hearty c-operation of the teachers, good pro- gress has been made during the past year.
MAUDE E. BOYLE.
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
The outlines followed at the present time are the same as those used in the towns of Deerfield, Sunder- land, Whately, Northfield, Leyden, and Gill in Massa- chusetts and Hinsdale, N. H. They are practically the same as those used in the city of Boston, with the prob- lems varied according to the locality of these schools.
The drawing work consists of nature study in the fall followed by design and just before Christmas con- struction work with applied design. In the mid-win- ter term illustrative sketching, object drawing, and action figure drawing are taken up, and during the spring term more illustrative sketching together with picture study and nature drawing are taught.
The work given the most attention in the upper grades is the design and object drawing, nature study including both of these. The object drawing trains the hand to obey the eye and makes the child more observ- ing. The design work enables the child to distinguish between good and bad design and instills in him a lik- ing for things beautiful in design and color.
In the lower grades the work is to give freedom in handling pencil, scissors, and crayons, also to give drill in straight line drawing, to add to the child's
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graphic vocabulary, and in the object drawing to aid him to see and draw large proportions correctly.
In the picture study well-known pictures such as those by Reynolds, Landseer, Rose Bonheur, Velas- quez, Millet, and Corot are taken up. The lower grades simply look at the pictures and talk about them in a story telling way. The fourth and fifth grades study the life of the artist as well as his pictures, while the upper grades reproduce the pictures and study them to learn thec haracteristic style of the artist.
This year just before Christmas a new form of construction or industrial work was taken up using crepe paper rope. This involved the application of color combinations taught in design. Mats, boxes and baskets were made, proving to be successful as well as interesting and instructive.
In the fall a few nature drawings were sent in to a contest where children from schools all over the Uni- ted States and Canada competed. In this contest George Engelhardt of the ninth grade at the center school, Nellie Nartowicz of the sixth grade at North Hatfield, and Grace Stenglein of the ninth grade at West Hatfield won honorable mention badges. Such contests should encourage thec hildren to strive for better and more original drawings.
Two lessons a week in drawing are given, the spe- cial teacher giving a lesson once in two weeks in the upper grades, and one lesson a month in the first and second grades. Since all other lessons are given by the regular teacher the credit for the thoroughness of the work done belongs to those teachers.
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Although the improvement in drawing has been slow, still a marked improvement over the work done last year has been shown. The pupils seem to grasp more quickly the principles taught and bettter results are more readily obtained. The work done in the Hatfield schools has on the whole been quite satisfac- tory and much interest in the work has been shown by both teachers and pupils.
ASENATH H. LANDERS.
Report of Supervisor of Penmanship
I find all teachers in our schools have made good progress in the teaching of penmanship.
We are using pens and ink in primary grades thus making the work easier in the upper grades, in so much that all pupils will have mastered pen holding and position before entering the higher grades. In all grades we endeavor to make the writing automatic.
The A. N. Palmer Company of New York issue Fi- nal Certificates to those pupils who are able to pass the required examinations.
The work is at first corrected by the supervisor, and after the subject matter is carefully covered, the complete examination is sent to New York; if ac- cepted the pupil is awarded a diploma. A number of young people have so far qualified, and the number will be greatly increased before the close of the pre- sent school year.
I believe that by adhering strictly to the princi- ples underlying our present system of penmanship, the writing of the majority of the students will show great efficiency and character.
I wish to thank the teachers, who by their co-op- eration have made it possible to obtain good results.
ANNA L. KILMURRY.
Report of Medical Inspectors
In many respects we have noticed progressive improvement in the physical condition of the children.
Much can be said of the improvement of the con- ditions about the throat.
The continual examination and notification of par- ents has led to better care, and the remedying of the faults of structure and inflammation.
A little better co-operation of parents in regard to care of teeth is desirable; the preservation of the first set being so important to the perfection of the second set, and in keeping the contour of the mouth.
A few "don'ts" for the guidance of tired mothers
DON'T send a child to school who is not able or willing to play.
DON'T send a child to school who refuses nis breakfast.
DON'T take a child in winter to inclosed public places of amusement.
If a child complains of chilliness DON'T blame it all to the weather; the child may be sick.
DON'T send a child with a serious cough to school.
CHAS. A. BYRNE, A. J. BONNEVILLE.
Teachers and Enrollment, October, 1915
SCHOOLS
TEA CHERS
Home Address
Salary per Week
Pupils by Grades
1/23 1
4
5
6
789
Mary L. Allaire, Prin.
Hatfield
$ 20 00
19 12
Margaret Woods
Hatfield
12 00
22
22
Sarah V. Kiely
Hatfield
12 00
32
32
Helen F. Riley
Lowell
12 00
31
31
New
Margaret A. Ryan
Hatfield
12 00
37
37
Building
Gladys I. Jenney
Hatfield
12 00
19 14
33
Constance C. Breor
Hatfield
12 00
31
31
Theresa Nolan r
Hatfield
10 00
Hill Primary
Mary C. Leary
Northampton
12 00
24
24
Hatfield
12 00
22
22
West Grammar
Georgia Gales
Ludlow
12 00
9
6
25
West Primary
Alice E. Keating
Northampton
10 00
4
8, 5
29
North Grammar
Nellie T. O'Brien
Natick
12 00
8
3
5
1
17
North Primary
Doris J. Rand
Johnson, Vt.
12 00
7
6
31
Bradstreet
Mary B. Woods
Hatfield
10 00
2 8 5
2 12
29
Supr. of Music
Maude E. Boyle
Hatfield
6 00
Supr. of Drawing
Northfield
5 00
Snpr. of Penman'p' Anna L. Kilmurry
Easthampton
4 00
Total
$209.00
80 60 74 50 60 42 30 19 19
434
Total
Center
Christine Hibbard
No. Hadley
12 00
40
40
Lena H. Proulx
12
13 5
-
Asenath Landers
31
85
Hatfield School
Rules and Regulations
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
1. 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, recommend 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 instruc- tion, discipline, and school management.
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5. He shall inspect the school premises, text- books and apparatus and report to the Committee and deficiency or condition unfavorable to the health or progress of pupils, with suggestions for correction or improvement.
6. He shall assist the School Committee in keep- ing 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 within 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 -.
88
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 disorder occurring at any time or place on the school premises and correct the misconduct of any pupil, to whatever room he may belng.
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