USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1925-1935 > Part 27
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Spring Term-March 4 to about April 5. Onion planting may vary this date a few days.
Summer Term-April 22 to June 21. Summer Vacation.
Fall Term-September 9 to December 20.
Winter Term of 1936 to begin Monday, January 6th.
HOLIDAYS
There will be no sessions of school on the following days :-
February 22, April 19, which is also Good Friday.
May 30-Labor Day-October 12-November 11- Thanksgiving and day following.
Schools will be in session all day before Thanksgiving although some portion of the afternoon may be used for a program suitable for the holiday.
Unless Christmas programs are given outside of school hours a part of the afternoon of December 20th may be used for them.
The teachers of Smith Academy will be at their rooms on Friday, September 6th, to register pupils, arrange programs, distribute textbooks and make assignments so that all schools and classes may start the following week with complete sessions.
51
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee and Citizens of Hatfield :
Herewith is the fourth annual report since I have been the superintendent of your schools. In it I shall dis- cuss :-
Changes which have occurred within the year, Present enrollments and apparent trends.
Progressive aims for coming school years.
During the summer there were two resignations from your group of teachers and in each case the teacher re- signed to be married. Both teachers had served satis- factorily several years in the particular position. As teacher of Latin and French in place of Miss Day the committee approved the appointment of Miss Jean Belden who had taught with success for a former principal of Smith Academy-Mr. Gifford, at New Salem. Miss Lynch was transferred from the Grammar room at North Hatfield to take the classroom from which Miss Donnis resigned. Miss Petcen was reappointed and assigned to the North Hatfield position. From your superintendent's viewpoint thus far the entire teaching force has served to- gether very nicely.
it was a real source of satisfaction to have your com- mittee vote to restore the supervisor of penmanship as a part of the school program and thereby make possible for teaching help in two sections of Smith Academy. Miss Elizabeth F. Baker of Lynn, a graduate of Boston Uni- versity, was the appointee for this position. Miss Baker teaches two classes in English in the morning, also two
52
commercial classes, while the afternoon is given over to the supervision of elementary penmanship.
The enrollment of the pupils for all the grades of the town at the close of the past term without assignment to buildings appears herewith.
December 21, 1934
Smith
I
II
III
VII VIII Academy
Total
52
43
47
IV 50
V 57
VI 67
57 59
153
585
A comparison with last year shows that the decrease is fairly general through the upper grades from which the larger part of Home Permits have been issued.
December 22, 1933
I 49
II
III
IV 63
V 71
62
70
47
Smith Academy 155
Total
VI VII VIII
43
56
616
Some of the difference from year to year is caused from non-promotion but that factor is not one which can be forecast.
From a glance at the vital stastics of the town clerk it would seem that a continued decrease in the attendance in the grades can be anticipated. Whether it will result in a further closing of elementary rooms would seem to me to depend upon the location and the possibility of grouping the pupils to best learning advantage. It would seem that for September there would be no split sections of grades at the Center School.
It seems a natural thing for a superintendent to men- tion other educational offerings which would come within the scope of Smith Academy and the elementary grades whenever conditions warrant and enough citizens want them bad enough to provide the appropriations. Just as any other superintendent, so do I begrudge the continued
53
absence of the Household Arts courses from the offerings of Smith Academy. To me the vocational classes for boys and girls are just as worthwhile as the traditional classical courses. Actually the trend of curriculum studies is to decrease the classical content of curricula and increase the so-called socialized or civic-interest courses. Since the first of this very month I have re- ceived a suggested course of study for the smaller high schools of the state in rural areas very similar to yours. The outline is a result of principals' studies right here within this Commonwealth and there is provision for only two years of ONE foreign language! On the other hand there is suggested more courses dealing with social con- ditions and problems, and more extensive training for leisure time through physical education than now is pos- sible in Smith Academy. To be equally frank the courses as now offered in science, mathematics, business courses, music and boys' vocational offerings are adequate. Bear in mind that our governor in his inaugural addresss stressed the need of more teaching of economics in the school courses.
You have now living in Hatfield a teacher thoroughly qualified to take over a more general supervision and in- struction in physical education and playground activities. I refer to Mr. Kalloch of the Smith Academy faculty. Of course it would be necessary for him to be relieved of some academic classes so that he would be free to super- vise the recess periods during the more open months of the year. At other seasons I assume some sort of schedule satisfactory to all town authorities could be ar- ranged for the use of the Town Hall. While it would be possible to include the activity program at the Center School easy enough, the oversight of Bradstreet and North Hatfield physical program would be subject to a program as now used by the music and penmanship supervisors. The elementary physical activities would be the better mold into the schedule for Smith Academy.
54
In combination with the subjects relinquished at Smith Academy by Mr. Kalloch it would be very feasible to include a half day of Household Arts. It might not be possible for this teacher to be a vocational trained teacher but rather an academic trained Household Arts teacher. A half loaf is better than none.
Yes, it would mean another teacher but I am firmly of the opinion the outcome would be highly satisfactory to many voters and their pupils. If a closing of some one elementary classroom were possible the extra cost would be almost negligible. Already other departments of the town have appropriated money to enable the town au- thorities to secure federal moneys for the improvement of the Center School Playground which I assume will become the Center Recreation Field. I appreciate the motive and feel certain the resulting improvements will bring a rec- reation area the equal of any in the valley.
Inasmuch as your superintendent believes that many townspeople like to know how it is likely that the round sum appropriated for school purposes may be apportioned among the many items of school expense he inserts here- with an estimate. For comparison the amounts for the similar items are shown for the last two odd years pre- viously.
For Comparison 1931 1933
Estimate 1935
General Administration :
Committee,
$400.00*
$300.00*
$150.00 }$0
Supt. of Schools,
1,550.03
1,510.00
1,475.00 144!
School Nurse,
999.97
850.00
800.00 99
Attendance Officer,
400.00
268.00
250.00 250
Telephone,
161.76
131.65
125.00 /20
Printing, Postage and Stationery,
116.96
21.49
35.00 1 2
Traveling, Supt. and Voc.,
320.62
183.18
200.00 193
55
Census, Sundries,
50.00*
25.00
25.00
3.00
5.00
$4,002.34
$3,289.32
$3,065.00
Instruction :
High School,
$11,709.69 $10,057.24 $12,000.00 9672 56
Grades,
23,416.07
19,534.52
21,040.00 16 791.36
Substitutes,
543.50
204.00
Extra Vocational,
190.00
351.60
350.00
Contributions, ,
6,164.50
·
4812 29
$35,859.26 $36,311.86 $33,390.00
Books and Supplies :
High School Books, Supplies,
892.85
427.24
600.00 2/2.86
Commercial,
101.67
478.67
400.00 / / 6.8 8
Grade Books,
475.30
348.77
400.00 631.77
Supplies,
867.90
550.01
500.00
$75.14
2280,8
$2,764.97
$2,316.14
$2,200.00
1701,0
Transportation,
$1,435.95
$1,950.00
$1,850.00
Janitors : ·
$600.00
$600.00
$600.00
Academy, Grades,
2,740.93
2,038.49
1,800.00 18 09.9.
$3,340.93
$2,638.49
$2,400.00 2409.9
Household Arts .. Maintenance, $308.64
$63.37 · . . . .
2200 6.0
324586
$427.25
$511.45
$300.00 234.18
600
56
Agriculture, Books and Supplies,
·
$162.93
$150.00
$308.63
$226.30
$150.00
Fuel, Light and Power :
High School,
$986.75
$638.30
$800.00
9346
Elementary,
3,194.54
2,064.65
2,400.00 2.229.67
$4,181.29
$2,702.95
$3,200.00
Maintenance and Repairs :
0
High School,
$157.84
$36.60
$50.00
Elementary,
662.00
233.72
750.00
20.3 1491.51
$819.84
$270.32
$800.00
Miscellaneous,
$79.99
$169.83
$100.00
Americanization Work,
200.00
Totals,
$52,809.37 $49,875.46 $47,355.00
49.06
251
1511.
38.40 70.70
87.70
*These figures are for two years.
The total figure is arrived at-in so far as it pertains to salaries of the teaching force-on the contract basis in which there has not been any change so long as some sort of contributory measure remained effective. During the year which has just ended with variations in the rate of contributions there was an average rate of 161/4 per cent in operation. Hence, if $47,355.00 was to be granted for school purposes in 1935 and the teachers were to con-
57
tribute on the same rate as in 1934, then they would con- tribute $5,426.00 in even numbers or an actual appropria- tion of $42,433.00 would be necessary. Were the rate of contribution to be reduced to 10 per cent, then a sum con- tribution of $3,339.00 would permit of an appropriation of $44,026.00. Were the rate of contribution reduced to 8 1/3 or 1/12 of salary, a total contribution of $2,782.00 would bring an appropriation of $44,553.00.
To myself it would seem that if a system of contribu- tion which calls for hypocritical bookkeeping is to con- tinue for any length of time that a plain even cross-sec- tion reduction would be more plainly understood and no more unpleasant to the individuals of the teaching force.
From the figures given me by your town accountant there was paid on the school account in 1934, $47,065.34. I mistrust that there may be many who think that every penny of that amount was taken from the assessment of the town valuation. For this reason I shall list herewith the sources of some of the moneys expended for school purposes. For 1934 it is enlightening.
1
General School Fund, Part I,
$7,925.05
Part II,
4,292.92
Vocational Account,
3,461.39
Salary and Expense of Superintendent,
930.01
Federal Funds, Vocational,
328.21
State Ward Tuition,
57.58
$ 679.31 930 16609.3
$16,995.16
Contribution by Teachers,
4,812.22
$21,807.38
Now this sum represents 46 per cent of the total ex- penditures as mentioned before.
During the school year your superintendent makes many visits of varying length into the classrooms about the town. Sometimes a teacher will stop her classes and
58
discuss a pressing problem of the room. More often the recitations, oral or written go right along. A few stand- ard tests have been given and the results have showed that the pupils of your schools are uniformly parallel with the published ratings for the particular tests. Frequently the superintendent looks over the written papers of the pupils to compare them with the ratings of the teachers on the report cards. From it all I am satisfied the pupils have made reasonable progress. This much we must not forget. There are differences in the visible expression, form and personal mannerisms of pupils as they gather in the classroom or anywhere else. May there not also be just as wide divergence in the unseen operations of the functions of the brain and body ? So in the matter of rating and marking there will ever be unpleasantness among the pupils and their parents.
I have been grateful for the continued cooperation of the teaching force. I am very grateful for the interest which the members of the committee have taken in the upkeep of the buildings, and their friendliness. I thank any who have helped in any way for the continued support of the schools of Hatfield.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. HEBARD.
-
59
Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my fifth annual report as Principal of Smith Academy. The opening registration was 145, divided as follows : Seniors, 33; Juniors, 28; Sophomores, 50; Freshmen, 34. The enrollment in Smith Academy at present is 143, with 34 in the entering class. Last year the opening registration was 163.
The graduation class of 1934 numbered 23. Of this number 4 entered M. S. C .; 2 entered Commercial College; 2 entered Training Schools for Nursing within the year.
The school curriculum lists the following courses : Classical, Scientific, General, Commercial and Agricul- tural. These courses are functioning successfully. I strongly favor the return of the Household Arts Course. Then the curriculum would be broad, serviceable, and well suited to the needs and capacities of every local boy and girl of high school age in our community.
The faculty experienced several changes during the year. Miss Katherine M. Day, teacher of Modern Lan- guages for the past five years, resigned in June. During her term of service here, her work was marked by thoroughness, efficiency, and sympathetic understanding of pupils and their problems. Miss Jean Belden, alumna of this school and Vermont University was appointed modern language instructor and director of girls' ath- letics. Miss Belden brings to her new position teaching experience and a knowledge of athletics which augurs well for successful work in her department.
60
Miss Elizabeth Baker of Lynn, alumna of Boston University was appointed to the faculty on a one-half day basis to teach Commercial subjects and English, thereby relieving the heavy teaching load in these departments, and enabling the teachers therein, to devote more time to student activities namely : 1. School paper supervision ; 2. Student conferences; 3. Prize speaking; 4. Assembly programs, and other essential projects by which latent ability in execution and direction is often revealed. Miss Baker brings to her work practical business experience and is well qualified to carry on her work in the commer- cial department.
I feel that the most important problem of the high school and the central problem of physical education is how to secure and conserve the health of every student. At the opening of school in the fall, Physical examinations were given to all students by School Physician Robert Byrne, M. D. and School Nurse, Marion D. Holmes, R. N. The results of these examinations were tabulated on the pupils life history card. In a few cases, special correc- tive exercises were prescribed for certain pupils.
A successful program for team athletics for boys was carried out under the able leadership of Coach John R. Kalloch. The basebal lteam was undefeated in the north- ern division of the Hampshire league, but was defeated in the playoffs by Hopkins Academy, winners of the championship in the southern division of the league.
Smith Academy was again represented on the soccer field by a light, but versatile team, and playing against some of the leading elevens in the valley, turned in a sea- son's record of seven victories, two ties, and three defeats.
In basketball the team was defeated eleven times, and had a victory total of seven games, up to its participation in the Massachusetts State College small high school basketball tournament. Smith Academy reached the semi finals of the tournament by defeating Turners Falls on the opening night in a spirited, well-played contest.
61
The team was eliminated from further tourney play in the semi-finals by Deerfield. The spirit of the team, stu- dent body, and local supporters of our athletic teams has all helped to make the athletic achievements of the past year successful.
The program for girls' athletics is gradually expand- ing, and a forward step was taken this year by the forma- tion of a Girls' Hampshire League which consists of teams from Hopkins Academy, Turners Falls, Deerfield, and Smith Academy. Games with New Salem, Greenfield high school, and Arms Academy round out a schedule of twelve games, the majority of which are played in the afternoon. The team enjoyed a most successful season last year, and from present indications last year's record will be equalled, if not surpassed this year.
For the second year, report cards were issued month- ly to the parents. The close cooperation of parents is earnestly requested. Parents are invited to call on the principal and teachers at all times during the school year to learn at first hand about the progress of the students.
I wish to thank the faculty for their helpful attitude, ever-generous assistance, and good will in all activities connected with the school.
Finally, may I express my appreciation of the loyal support and cooperation of the Superintendent, members of the School Committee and Board of Trustees of Smith Academy.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. BURKE,
Principal.
62
Report of Music Supervisor
The three classes of musicians are : the very few who create it, the larger number who perform it and the very much greater class who listens. The aim of our school music is not so much to stimulate the gifted as to improve the musical culture of the average pupil.
We teach to develope a desire for and to cultivate a knowledge of music. Therefore we must give the child the joyful experience of hearing and sharing in the ren- dition of worthwhile music.
The detailed work of the three elements of music, melody, rhythm and harmony is presented according to the grade and understanding of the pupil. We must lead our children to love good music and to fully appreciate the beauty of this art that it may become to them a com- mon and intimate language of self-expression.
In the primary grades we are building a melodic and rhythmic basis through the medium of rote song and no- tation, gradually increasing in difficulty into the upper grades where the harmonic element of part singing is in- troduced.
In September the voices of all the students in Smith Academy were tested. We found splendid material for our glee clubs and four part singing in the chorus.
When we consider the fact that through our high school musical activities the student body as a whole has an unparalleled opportunity to show their true school spirit as well as an appreciation of music. I would ask the parents to help by considering the musical rating of their child.
I sincerely thank the school committee, our superin- tendent, Mr. Hebard, the principals and teachers for their untiring efforts in the interest of music.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE E. BOYLE.
63
School Health Report HATFIELD, 1934
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee :
"Living today is a great adventure", especially to youth. The four great sources of human power capable of aiding youth toward success in this adventure are : Health, Ideals, Knowledge, and a Receptive mind.
Health is more than just being well; it is being at one's best.
Ideals are like the controls of a machine; they guide and direct. There is much scientific knowledge today telling us how to live finely and well but we must present a receptive mind in order to contact this source of power. Unless we know HOW, as well as WHY, no one can live according to their best ideals, again, one may have ideals without vigorous health but without the latter they are rarely realized; too many factors tend to get in the way.
On this structure of-health, ideals, knowledge, re- ceptivity is based the plans for a constructive Health Edu- cation program. The teaching and practice of health ideals through physical training coordinates body and mind, stimulates alertness and a sense of fair play, not to mention the value of exercise as a health measure. The teaching and practice of disease prevention and general safety, is fundamental in health education.
Disease prevention is based on the health examina- tion, and the many avenues open to the school child for protection and cure. This source is under the control of the individual who is interested and ready to take ad- vantage of scientific knowledge.
64
The general health of the school children was good in spite of the severity of the winter, of course the coca- sional case of children's diseases is sure to occur but the children seem to "laugh it off" without serious complica- tions. This is no doubt due to better understanding of the conditions and the child's good health.
The Dental clinic examined all Primary and Gram- mar school children in the district, operating at the North and Center schools, the pupils from outside were brought to these centers. The dental examination showed marked improvement in Oral Hygiene, expecially at the Center school, to find 100 children without dental defects in a group of 225 is a high percentage at the age of changing dentition. The first grade entering in September were 85 per cent normal, ,including nutrition, vision and oral- hygiene.
Correction of defects during the year as follows :
Pupils
Dental defects by clinic services,
140 operations 281
Dental defects by private services, 48
Vision defects corrected or improved,
21
Nose and throat corrected,
12
221
The Chadwick Clinic made the third visit during the Fall term, checking up on pupils connected with the clinc; report 2 discharged, 12 improved, will be re-examincd next year.
One girl attended the Health Camp Hodgkins in August, returned home much improved, several others were lined up to go but the support given to the Christ- mas seal sale was not sufficient to care for more. Every- one should visit this camp some time while the camp is in operation and see the excellent facilities provided for the
65
health and comfort of the children and give this health project their earnest support.
The Health Education program stated in the report of 1933 was completed in June, 1934. The teaching of practical health and safety measures as part of the school program was a new venture but the challenge of the need cannot be overlooked. The increasing rate of accidents is appalling and how to combat that menace is a major problem. It seems the logical thing to educate the chil- dren to protect themselves and others, if possible. This is being done in many ways-through classroom warning, advice of the Safety Council, through the press, and teach- ing of First Aid in the classroom.
The honor of holding a Junior First Aid Red Cross certificate was given to 17 of the 19 boys under instruc- tion at the Center school. The class of girls in Home Hygiene and Child Care was more involved. The course including Personal, Community and Household Health and Sanitation, the interrelation and responsibility en- tailed, resp. The prevention, control and home care of minor infections in the home as well as of minor accidents. 15 girls hold certificates, 20 received instruction.
The classes for 1934-'35 include :
40 boys and girls-Center school Junior First Aid. 15 boys and girls-North school Junior First Aid.
As a new objective in health and safety education- safety in the water as well as on land is under considera- tion. We hope sometime to see no child graduating from the grammar school without a certificate as a qualified swimmer, many swim now but have no knowledge how to save themselves in case of emergency. With this in view, ten girls and boys from the High school are under instruc- tion as Life-savers so as to protect the younger group while learning. Children will take to water like ducks- so making the exercise safe for them is a responsibility. The school health department is hoping to see a swimming
66
pool attached to the gymnasium and make swimming a regular part of the physical education program as well as a safety measure.
The school health department sincerely appreciates the splendid cooperation of the classroom teachers and the transportation supplied for the High school group of the life-saving class.
To the State Department of Health Education, the Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., the Prudential Life Ins. Co., the American Red Cross, the Hampshire County Public Health Association and the Westfield Sanatorium, the Health department of the Hatfield schools extend appre- ciation for many favors and helpful literature received during the year 1934.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN HOLMES, R. N.
67
TEACHER DATA
Contract
Teacher Residence
Salary
E. J. Burke, Holyoke
$3,000.00
John H. Kalloch, Hatfield
1,900.00
Clarence J. Larkin, Haydenville
1,800.00
Mary E. Ryan, Hatfield
1,600.00
Mary M. Nolan, Hatfield
1,400.00
Jean Belden, Hatfield
1,400.00
Elizabeth Baker,* Lynn
1,200.00
Harold Ford, Northampton
1,440.00
Margaret A. Ryan, Hatfield
1,200.00
Kathleen Connelly, Hatfield
1,200.00
Sarah V. Kiley, Hatfield
1,200.00
Grace W. Bardwell, Hatfield
1,200.00
Mary F. Ahearn, Northampton
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