USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1925-1935 > Part 24
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No doubt the committee in their section of the report will tell of the consolidations and changes made in the fiscal year to meet the budget reduction. I shall make a few pertinent comments. The elimination of small schools and the trans- portation of the pupils to larger centers is in line with present school tendencies and it had my hearty approval. I did not imagine when I suggested the change a year ago that only one bus would be contracted to cover all the conveyance needed. I believe that the parents are entitled to less crowded bus conditions. Nevertheless they must also remember that added service and convenience means added expense of opera- tion all of which reflects into the school budget.
46
I did not recommend the discontinuance of the House- hold Arts courses, and particularly after an apparently fav- orable vote at the annual meeting. In these days when the opportunities for employment for youths of high school age are becoming more restricted then it would appear to be logical to widen the scope of educational offerings and not withdraw some offerings. My preference to meet the reduced budget would have been to carry on that department with the other school activities and close a week or ten days in December.
Candidly I think some of the salary account saved by the closing of the smaller schools should be used in restoring the Household Arts courses and also provide for another assistnta in the Academy to take classes in English and commercial subjects. I doubt if the State Supervisor of Secondary Educa- tion will continue to assign Class A rating to Smith Academy without extra teaching.
I shall venture a guess that in the next ten years there will be devolved a different type of program for the large num- ber of pupils who go to high school with no intention of going anywhere else after graduation. I think the school day for them will be longer and with very little home work for either pupil or teacher. Courses will be for the sole purpose to fit the graduates to enter into the life of his community. Voca- tional and commercial attributes will be dominant factors in making the curriculum.
It is my impression that the general attitude toward your teachers has been pathetic. Many of them are residents and more of them have served with credit and satisfaction for years in your town. A more friendly attitude should be re- sumed or the morale of your teaching force will be under- mined.
Perhaps one of the rooms at the Hill School will not be needed when the next school year opens. In case only one room was necessary it might be possible to use the West Hatfield- and a more modern structure-in alternate years and reverse the transportation. Then the bus service would be in an opposite direction rather than in addition to the present numbers.
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1
In my earlier experience in the Maine towns quite often ses- sions would be held in different schoolhouses from term to term so that the inconvenience of transportation would be shared by all families and each locality would have school in its own building sometime during the year.
When it was first advocated to retrench I allowed the services of the drawing supervisor-and penmanship-to be discontinued. In the two years I can see a general lack of in- terest in penmanship about the town and union. Sometimes I think the drawing has been better correlated with other work. However I do believe that as soon as money is available- or perhaps make it available-for the return of a supervisor of penmanship and drawing in the schools in September. As far as expense is concerned a teacher working only in Hatfield for $800 brings back more reimbursement to the town than a teacher shared with another town. Anyway I hope to see this service return shortly.
For fear that a deeper reduction in the school appropria- tion might be construed by officials to mean a cessation of the agricultural courses I shall give a determination of the per capita cost in those courses as furnished me by the adminis- trator of the vocational division, as follows:
Financial Statement from Massachusetts Department of Education
These figures are for state reimbursement year ending August 31, 1933.
Actual reimbursement for this period will be received in 1934.
Salary Expenditures by Hatfield for Director, and Teachers of Agriculture for year ending August 31, 1933:
Part salary of Principal Burke. $39.39
Salary of teachers, Burke, Boyle, Fitz-
2,840.45 gerald .
$2,879.84
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2/3 Salary.
$1,919.89
Less 12 receipts from federal funds 173.54
RECEIPTS BY HATFIELD
State Reimbursement .. .
$1,746.35*
Smith-Hughes
303.04
George Reed
43.65
Salary contributions
304.59
$2,397.63
Cost to Hatfield on basis of salary ex- penditure.
$482.21*
Other costs for supplies, etc., not in- cluded for reimbursement 377.33
Net Cost to Hatfield . $859.54*
Total Expenditures by Hatfield $3,257.17
Total Receipts by Hatfield
2,397.63
Net Cost to Hatfield $859.54
Membership Statistics
Enrollment. 41
Average Membership 27.6
Average Attendance. 27.1
Percapita cost to Hatfield on basis of net cost and average membership was $31.14.
The asterisks *** were inserted by myself to call atten- tion to the fact that by reason of his principalship of academic instruction, Principal Burke drew reimbursement in the Gen- eral School Fund by $400. Thus the actual cost of instruction is further reduced by that figure.
I shall terminate my report with some comparative fig- ures based on the average cost per pupil in average mem- bership for the last school year which closed in June, 1933.
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Hatfield Commonwealth
Administration
$3.64
$3.53
Instruction.
50.91
65.27
Books and Supplies
2.68
3.06
Janitor and Fuel and Light.
10.49
9.61
Transportation
2.52
1.92
Health.
1.69
1.46
Repairs and Upkeep
.66
3.12
Valuation per pupil
4,240.00
9,525.00
School Support from Local Taxation . 50.08
82.46
Average cost per pupil per day Local Taxation.
.28
.46
Average Days in Session
179
179
State Reimbursement per pupil.
22.72
8.92
Average Cost Locally for Vocational
pupils .
31.14
In conclusion I wish to thank the teachers for their splendid co-operation and all others who by word and intention have contributed to the success of the schools of Hatfield.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. HEBARD, Superintendent of Schools for Hadley and Hatfield.
January 23, 1934.
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Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee of Hatfield :
1 hereby submit my fourth annual report as Principal of Smith Academy. The opening registration was 163, divided as follows: Seniors, 25; Juniors, 40; Sophomores, 36; Fresh- men, 62.
The enrollment in Smith Academy at present is 152, with 58 in the entering class. This is the largest enrollment and the largest entering class in the history of the school. It is interesting to note the steady increase in Smith Academy attendance during the last few years. In 1929 the enrollment was 88, with a faculty group made up of as many teachers as there are on the present staff. Last year the enroliment was 139, and in 1931 the figure was 137.
The graduating class of 1933 numbered 18. Of this number, 3 entered M. S. C .; 4 entered Commercial College, either as day or evening students; 1 entered Preparatory School; and 5 plan to enter Training Schools for Nurses within the year.
The school curriculum was placed out of balance when the two-year Household Arts course was dropped last June. Heretofore, the curriculum consisting of the Classical, Scientific, General, Commercial, Household Arts, and Agricultural Courses, seemed broad enough to furnish equality of opportunity for every pupil of secondary school age in Hatfield. This much- to-be-desired condition does not exist today, and developments since the opening of school last fall, bear out my early pre- dictions as to what would happen if and when the course was dropped. It was probably thought by some, that the girls enrolled in the Household Arts Course would elect other courses in school and continue their high school education. To be sure, some did elect of the remaining courses, but the lamen- table side of the whole situation is that of last year's Freshmen
51
Household Arts Class, 7 left school; 2 prospective Household Arts Freshmen failed to enter, and 2 Freshmen who did enter, left school because the Household Arts Course was dropped from the curriculum. Last Spring there were 17 prospective Freshmen who signified their desire to elect this course, who with 13 girls already enrolled in the work, would have made a class of 30 girls in Household Arts work for the present school year. This number really exceeds that required or recommended by the State Department of Education for classes of this type of work. This readily shows that there is a distinct demand, from pupils and parents alike, for this course.
Another phase of the unbalanced curriculum is that the former Household Arts girls, from necessity rather than choice, are now enrolled in several Coliege Preparatory Classes where they can neither do justice to themselves or to the other class members, who really plan to enter some higher institution of learning. Satisfactory scholastic resuits will not be forth- coming from either pupils or teachers, when this condition exists.
Another teacher is needed to relieve the Study Hall prob- lem and the over-crowded Commercial and English Depart- ments. Under present conditions, every teacher is carrying a heavy Class and Study Hall schedule which allows for little or no time for organization and direction of such student activi- ties as Language and Science Clubs, Debates, School Paper, Student Conferences, and allied projects.
The Athletic Program continues to function in a conser- vative but successful manner. Coach John B. Kallock piloted the basketball team to another Hampshire League Champion- ship in what was perhaps the most hectic race in the history of the league. A restricted baseball and complete soccer schedule were carried out. Volley ball in the tall and spring, and basket- ball, complete the list of activities for the girls.
Physical examinations conducted by School Physician Robert Byrne, M. D. and School Nurse Marion D. Holmes, R. N., were given all students at the opening of School Year, and a second examination is held before the student enters
52
active team competition. A program to include physical educa- tion for all was really put in operation last fall when several activities periods found every boy and girl engaged in some form of physical exercise. While the excellent facilities of the Memorial Town Hall are available, the continuance of this activity program for all, during the winter months is impossible until a system of lockers is installed. This project requires 80 lockers and it is hoped a start can be made in securing, in part at least, this equipment this year.
A system of monthly instead of bi-monthly report cards to parents was instituted this year. The work of the high school cannot be done successfully without regular attendance and daily home study. Parents are urged to visit the school frequently and consult with teachers, for co-operation of school and home is necessary for the best results.
Several changes occurred in the personnel of the faculty during the year. Mrs. Marian D. Glasheen, Household Arts instructor for the past four years, and Mr. Frank K. Dillon- vice principal and instructor in science for the past three years, completed their services last June. During these years they served faithfully and well the interest of their constitueunts. Personally, 1 am appreciative of their loyal support afforded me during their tenure of office.
Mr. Clarence J. Larkin, for several years principal of the Center School, succeeds Mr. F. K. Dillon as vice principal and instructor in mathematics. He is carrying on in his new position in the same efficient manner which characterized his work previously at the Center School.
1 wish to thank the members of the faculty for their con- tinued and hearty co-operation in every movement affecting the welfare and happiness of the boys and girls of Hatfield.
The most pressing needs of the school are to my mind as follows:
1-An additional teacher to assist in English and Com- mercial departments.
ยท 53
2-A school library and study hall should be established on the third floor of the Academy. Under present conditions pupils are spending their study periods in rooms where recita- tions are being held. This is not a satisfactory condition.
3-Some sort of a ventilation system should be installed as the only fresh air intake now possible is by means of the open windows. During the colder months this condition is not a satisfactory one either from the physical or financial stand- point.
4-Installation of steel lockers for the physical education classes.
Finally, I wish to express my appreciation of the loyal support and co-operation of the Superintendent, members of the School Committee and Board of Trustees of Smith Academy.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. BURKE, Principal.
54
Report of Music Supervisor
Music today is looked upon as a great factor in educa- tion. No subject is more attractive or contributes more to the cultural or moral developement of the child.
The study of music includes, English, in the classics set to melody; mathematics, in the disposition of time problems and rhythmn; Health Education in its developement of lungs and muscles, its influence upon temperament, poise and posture. It correlates with history and geography in the folk and national songs, songs of homeland, mountain, stream and forest.
Music is of the greatest value in developing mental alert- ness and concentration through thinking instantly of a syl- lable, of pitch and of tone value. It develops self control in singing melodies at sight and in performing individually before the class and in public.
All of these points we are striving to build up in our pupils and although we cannot definitely measure the progress made we feel that something has been accomplished aiong these lines.
As in former years musical programs have been prepared in connection with the various holidays, Memorial Day, Prize Speaking and Commencement. The Smith Academy chorus sang practically all of the Commencement music from memory.
Smith Academy has perhaps the best balanced chorus that we have had in a number of years. There is the material to develope a very fine type of work with this chorus. However we must have the absolute co-operation of the individual student to get results.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our superin- tendent, school committee, principals and teachers for their interest and co-operation.
MAUDE E. BOYLE.
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Supervisor of Health Education HATFIELD, 1933
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee:
The key-note of the nation's interest today is the health and happiness of children, not from the view point of the altruist and economist only, but from the view point of com- mon interest and sympathy for children as children, as well as, children "the assets of the nation."
In the school we find children, good or bad, clever or dull, according to what is required of them, but all natural and free, not over-impressed by the weight of responsibility massed up against them 'as the hope of posterity'. Ail this being true, what can the school do to prepare the children to meet this responsibility? "we teach an individual or child, only what they desire to learn" is a pedagogical theory, then the aim of any form of education is to prepare the mind of the individual or child to appreciate the need and value of knowledge and the method of using that knowledge to advantage.
The first requirement for successful living, as a rule, is Health. Step by step health teaching has progressed from the fundamental practice of daily health habits as a duty to the practice of good health habits as a scientific principie. Teach- ing the child the negative value of personal hygiene, as a duty, gets the child but a short distance beyond the starting point, but teaching personal hygiene as an expression of self-respect and personal responsibility appeals to the natural ego of the smallest tot as well as to adolescent children stimulating self- confidence and free expression. A new necktie, a pretty dress, even a gold star placed on the back of a clean hand has worked wonders in solving problems in the class room and in the home.
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There are as many methods of putting this over as there are individual minds but the objective is not changed-putting the desire and responsibility up to the child,-children love responsibility, but we take it away in our strenuous efforts to reach the maximum too quickly.
The mental health of the child is a delicate instrument too long overshadowed by the stress given to the physical, not that the physical is less important but the mental approach to the physical has changed. The teaching of nutrition has changed, probably more than any other factor, gross tonnage is not the objective, but "posture," "bright clear eyes", "clean skin and hair' cheerfulness and "pep" are the goals held up to the growing child. The 3rd grade child will tell you "why they should drink milk," "go to bed early," "eat fruit and vegetables," "see your dentist twice a year." Why? because it is the thing to do, of course, no dispute about it. Who wants to be a flop?
"How much have I gained this year?" "Will you test my eyes, they seem to blur?" "Look at my teeth, I had them fixed last week!" are remarks hurled at me every day. This interest is healthy. A sincere desire to appear well and to get full value out of living expressed in the lingo well understood by any one working with youth today.
This progress in Health Education is not spectacular or accidental. It is difficult to frame or evaluate daily contacts, common interest, co-operation and understanding in any branch of education, health education, especially.
The Health Service of the pupils medical and physical examination was carried on as usual, special attention given to students taking part in athletics.
The Toxin-Anti-Toxin clinic for the prevention of diph- theria put on by the District and Local Health Boards assisted by the School Board was a splendid project in disease preven- tion. Of the 350 children signed, 344 received the 3rd inocu- lation, 100 being pre-school children, ages ranging from 8 months to 5 years.
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The Chadwick clinic follow-up X-ray and chest exam- ination was held in November. Two high school students were discharged and the 15 remaining reported improved. This service will be continued in 1934. The presence and in- terest of the local physicians in both these clinics helped, materially, to make for success. Three boys of the Chadwick clinic were given four weeks at the Health Camp conducted by the Hampshire County Public Health and returned home much improved in health. Through the interest of Dr. Bonne- ville, four children were tested at the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Springfield, one child has returned to school, the others are still under supervision.
The Health Service presents the following list of defects corrected :
Dental defects, Red Cross Dental Clinic 174
Dental defects, Private Dentist 98
Total. 272
Vision defects corrected or improved . 26
Nose and throat defects corrected 18
Nutritional defects corrected or improved. 36
Total. 352
Health Teaching Service, September 1932-33 High School-16 Freshmen girls-2 periods weekly. Physiology, Hugiene, Nutrition. 10 Sophomore girls. 2 periods weekly. Red Cross Home Hygiene. October, 1933
Centre School-18 girls Junior Home Hygiene, 1 hour weekly. 18 boys Junior First Aid, 1 hour weekly.
This report of the health work in the school is submitted to all members of the school faculty and pupils in sincere appreciation of co-operation and inspiration.
Respectfully presented,
MARIAN HOLMES, R. N.
January, 1934.
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TEACHER SALARY DATA
School
Teacher
Contract Salary
Salary Donation*
Net Salary
Smith Academy
E. J. Burke. . .
$3,000.00
$550.00
$2,450.00
John H. Kalloch
1,900.00
348.00
1,552.00
Clarence J. Larkin
1,800.00
330.00
1,470.00
Frank K. Dillon. .
1,700.00
224.00
1,051.00+
Mary E. Ryan. .
1,600.00
293.00
1,307.00
Mary M. Nolan.
1,400.00
256.00
1,144.00
Katherine M. Day. .
1,400.00
256.00
1,144.00
Marion D. Glasheen
1,500.00
150.00
750.00+
Harold L. Ford .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Center School
Margaret A. Ryan.
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Sarah V. Kiley. .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Grace W. Bardwell .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Mary Fenton Ahearn .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Hill
Eleanor Whalen . .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
School
Constance Mullany
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Bradstreet
Ellen O'Hara . .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
School
Lena Fitzgerald
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
Center
Kathleen Connelly
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
School
Catherine T. Shea.
1,150 00
210.00
940.00
Marie A. Proulx.
1,150.00
210.00
940.00
Anna C. Donnis.
1,100.00
201.00
899.00
Katherine Hayes.
1,100.00
201.00
899.00
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Anna Osley . .
$1,100.00
$201.00
$899.00
Mary G. Moriarty
1,050.00
122.00
325.00+
Susan Petcen ...
1,050.00
530.00+
North
Vera M. Lynch.
1,050.00
192.00
858.00
Hatfield
Mary D. Donelson .
1,200.00
220.00
980.00
$36,250.00
$6,164.00*
$27,938.00*
"These teachers taught less than a full year.
These computations were to the nearest even dollar.
By donating 20 per cent of their contract rate of salary for the last eleven months of the fiscal year the teachers accomplished these two facts.
1. Retained the individual retirement rating, if members, otherwise not.
2. Saved the sum of $6,164.00 for the taxpayers and retained the sum of $15,181.84 in both parts of the General School Fund and $1,252.54 more than in 1932. Hence the total effect of this donation was $7,439.54.
On the basis of the salary checks received the teaching force donated 22 per cent of their salary.
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ATTENDANCE DATA FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDING JUNE 16, 1933
Schools
Teachers Grades Total
Average H. S. Classes Membership Membership Attendance
Average 129 27
Per cent Attendance
Academy
Center
Clarence J. Larkin, VIII Principal
Mary G. Moriarty VIII
28
25
24
94
Sarah V. Kiley
VII
27
22
20
92
Anna C. Donnis VII
24
22
21
95
Catherine Shea
VI
22
21
19
93
Grace W. Bardwell VI
27
26
25
95
Katherine Hayes
V
37
36
34
95
Mary F. Ahearn
III & IV
34
33
31
95
School St.
Susan Petcen
11 & 111
39
37
36
96
Marie A. Proulx
I & II
35
34
32
93
Hill
Constance Mullany IV & III
33
31
30
96
Eleanor Whalen
I & II
29
28
27
97
W. Hatfield Harold L. Ford
VIII V
20
19
18
95
Anna Osley
1V-1
14
14
13
94
N. Hatfield Vera M. Lynch
VIII-V
36
35
33
95
Mary D. Donelson
IV-1
29
28
27
96
Bradstreet
Kathleen Connelly
VIII-VII-VI
27
26
25
96
Ellen M. O'Hara
V-IV -* 111
27
26
25
96
Lena Fitzgerald
III-I1-1
27
26
25
96
Total for Town
689
654
621
Ave.
95
Maude E. Boyle, Supervisor of Music. Marian Holmes, R. N., School Nurse and Supervisor of Health Education.
61
Smith
E. J. Burke, Principal
143 31
136 29
94 94
PENSE PE
MOVIETEM
LIBERTATEA
CIO
SAM
HENRY F. LONG COMMISSIONER
THEODORE N. WADDELL DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Accounts
State House, Boston
January 27, 1934.
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. John W. Mullins, Chairman Hatfield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Hatfield for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1933, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Edward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.
Very truly yours,
Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts.
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Hatfield for the financial year ending December 31, 1933, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked, and verified.
The town has two tax collectors, one of whom is in charge of the collection of 1932 and prior years taxes, while another is charged with the collection of 1933 taxes. The collector for 1932 and prior years' taxes stated, when his books and records were requested, that he had no cash on hand and that there was a shortage in his accounts which could be determined from stubs of receipted tax bills showing taxes collected but not entered on the tax books or paid to the treasurer. The stubs as received from the collector were as follows:
Taxes of 1931, 1] stubs aggregating $608.27
Taxes of 1932, 120 stubs aggregating 1,728.54
Old age assistance taxes 1932, 90 stubs aggregat.
ing. 90.00
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1931, 6 stubs aggre -. gating 67.53
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1932, 47 stubs aggre-
gating . 257.73
Interest on above taxes 65.20
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