USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1925-1935 > Part 30
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Lawrence A. Doppman
William R. Cutter
-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
School Committee
FOR THE
Town of Hatfield
OF THE
Year Ending December 31, 1935
43
School Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Edward A. Breor, Chairman
Term expires, 1937
Harold J. Morse, Secretary
Jos. F. Chandler
Term expires, 1936 Term expires, 1938
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
William E. Hebard, 72 Ridgewood Terrace, Northampton Telephone 1088
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
A. J. Bonneville, M. D. R. C. Byrne, M. D.
SCHOOL NURSE
Marian Holmes, R. N., 82 Harrison Avenue, Northampton
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Chief Arthur R. Breor
SCHOOL CENSUS
As of October 1, 1935
Boys
Girls
Totals
Between 5 and 7
34
30
64
Between 7 and 14
171
184
355
Between 14 and 16
61
53
114
Totals for 1935
266
267
533
44
A comparison with the four previous years shows a marked decrease:
Census of 1931 recorded
373
357
730
Census of 1932 recorded
356
325
681
Census of 1933 recorded
313
320
633
Census of 1934 recorded
282
291
573
A decrease of 197 pupils, or almost 27 per cent in the four years.
SCHOOL CALENDAR AND NOTES
Winter Term-January 6 to February 21. Vacation of one week.
Spring Term-March 2 to April 9. Vacation of ten days.
Summer Term-April 21 to June 18. Summer vacation of eleven weeks.
Fall Term-September 8 to December 22. The next term to open January 4, 1937.
Schools will not be in session on the following days:
February 22-April 10 (Good Friday).
April 19-September 7 (Labor Day). October 12-November 11.
November 26 and 27.
Schools will be in session all day on days preceding the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. A portion of each afternoon may be used for programs appropriate to the holiday. For that matter there is worth in appro- priate exercises preceding other holidays of national im- portance.
September 8th will call for whole school day in all schools.
45
School Committee's Report
To the Inhabitants of Hatfield :
The reports of the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal of Smith Academy, the School Nurse and Super- visor of Music tell the activities of your schools and what may be done to maintain our schools for our best interests. We ask every voter to give them thoughtful attention.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD A. BREOR, HAROLD J. MORSE, JOSEPH F. CHANDLER.
46
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee and citizens of Hatfield :
Herewith is the fifth annual report which it is my privilege to submit as superintendent of your schools.
Personnel Changes
Within the past fiscal year there have been four changes in teachers-two in Smith Academy and two in the elementary schools. Miss Ellen M. O'Hara accepted an appointment in her home town, Greenfield, after nine years service in the Bradstreet School. In the remaining three changes marriage caused cessation of school service. Miss Jean Belden resigned abruptly in January, and Mrs. Kalloch substituted in her former position until March. At that time Miss Frances V. Annis of Lynn, a graduate of Boston University who was teaching her third year in a Maine high school, was elected to that position. When Miss Mary Nolan resigned, Miss Elizabeth Baker was promoted to full time commercial teacher in the academy. Then Miss Margaret Stoddard of this town and a graduate of the McCarthy Business College was elected into the penmanship-commercial position. Peter G. Staszko, a local resident and a graduate of Boston College, was elect- ed to the Center School position from which Miss Kathleen Connelly resigned. Miss Helen F. Boyle of Hatfield and graduate of the four year degree course at North Adams received the appointment to the Bradstreet vacancy.
During the summer the committee to my pleasure and other residents I know voted to restore the Household Arts courses into the curriculum at Smith Academy.
47
Miss Dorothy Allaire of Hatfield and a graduate of the Framingham Teachers College was the appointee. Where the courses had not been offered for two years many of the former pupils had left school but two groups of be- ginning pupils were enrolled. This coming September will see the courses functioning normally.
With malice toward no one teacher intended but rather on the basis that all teachers' colleges and regular colleges now require four years of study before granting a degree, I believe that no less should be acceptable for future local teaching vacancies in Hatfield regardless of residence. I would even go more and prefer two years of similar or contributable experience to the type of posi- tion to be filled.
Pupil Placement
For comparison and study I present the present mem- bership in the schools of the town and the elementary membership will be distributed by grades as well as build- ings.
I
II
III IV
V
VI VII VIII
Building Totals
N. Hatfield
5
8
6
5
6
7
8
6
51
Bradstreet
2
5
9
2
11
10
39
School Street
19
21
40 229
Hill
16
11
9
27 11
36
47
52
47
47
Grade Totals
42
45
44
45
53
64
60
53
406
Smith Academy
145
Present membership in all grades
551
There has been a decrease in membership of thirty- four (34) since last year and a decrease of sixty-five (65) in two years.
Look at the vital records of the town clerk and it ap- pears that there may be quite further decrease in pupils for Grade I for the coming September. Those pupils will
Center
20
18
include the children born from April, 1930 to April, 1931, so far as the families still remain in town plus or minus family removals from town.
Now if the necessity of economy demands there might be two solutions : Either, close the Primary Room at Brad- street and bring those pupils to the School Street building, or reassign the pupils who would usually go to School Street to the Hill School in part and have two grades in each of the lower grade rooms at the Center School. Neither of these solutions would be agreeable to teachers and parents who would have pupils, especially the younger ones, away all day. It would be no more disadvantageous to the pupils in the central area of the town than it now is with the two grades at the Hill School and three and four grades at Bradstreet and North Hatfield. It can be done, but frankly, is it necessary ?
When the enrollment lowers so that bus accommoda- tions would permit without duplication of trips it would not be a far step from the present departmental teaching in the Center School to a straight Junior High there which would enroll all the pupils of the town in grades VII and VIII, and perhaps IX, completely centralized on the upper floor of that same Center School. The academic subjects would be unified and the new recreation field would permit of a creditable physical education program.
A Junior High program would permit of an inter- change of teachers with Smith Academy to a certain ex- tent, whereby teachers of a given subject from the Acad- emy would supervise if not teach that subject through the entire six grades. It would tend to obliterate that gap so-called between grade VIII and the Freshman program.
Figuratively Speaking
A discussion of income and outgo is just as necessary a function of school procedure as it ought to be of the home and public affairs. It may be that not enough real
49
thinking has been done along this line in all walks of life lately. However our real concern in this instance is school finances.
The past year-1935-Hatfield expended for school privileges in town, $43,753.03
As a result of some of these disburse- ments this year and some during the previous year the following amounts as specified came into the town treasury in 1935:
General School Fund-Part I,
$7,553.98
General School Fund-Part II,
4,547.18
Acct. of Supt. of Schools,
906.22
Vocational Accts.,
2,019.04
Federal Funds,
342.62
State Wards,
98.28
City Ward,
59.52
$15,526.84
This means roughly 35 per cent came from sources other than local assessment. For the financial forecast hereafter presented I would expect a similar reimburse- ment.
In accordance with the procedure resumed last year I shall give the expenditures of 1931 and similar costs for 1935 and a financial forecast for 1936. From press items within the past year, it would appear reasonable to return a part of the salary reductions, and the salary and wages estimates herewith allow for a return of half the reduc- tion hitherto enacted.
For Comparison 1931
1935
Forecast 1936
General Administration :
Committee,
$400.00*
$160.00
$176.00
Supt. of Schools
1,550.03
1,450.00
1,510.00
50
School Nurse,
999.97
799.98
880.00
Attendance Officer,
400.00
300.00
330.00
Telephone,
161.76
100.23
120.00
Traveling, Supt. and Voc. Acct.,
320.62
287.94
300.00
Census,
50.00*
25.00
25.00
Printing, Postage and Stationery,
116.96
16.69
50.00
Sundries,
3.00
9.00
$4,002.34
$3,139.84
$3,400.00
Instruction :
High School,
$11,709.69 $10,353.26
$8,675.00
Grades,
23,416.07
17,315.61
19,050.00
Substitutes,
543.50
160.00
Voc. Shop and Inst. 1936,
3,075.00
·
·
$35,859.26 $28,182.17 $30,800.00
Books and Supplies :
High School Books, Supplies,
$427.25
$494.11
$400.00
892.85
518.26
600.00
Commercial Material,
101.67
215.54
200.00
Vocational Material,
Not divided
120.86
100.00
Household Arts Sup.,
308.64
73.46
250.00
Grade School Books, Supplies,
867.90
980.95
800.00
Health Material,
19.71
25.00
$3,073.61
$3,336.63
$2,875.00
Transportation,
$1,435.95
$1,746.90
$1,725.00
Janitor Service-High,
$600.00
$500.00
$550.00
Grades,
2,740.93
1,919.99
2,100.00
475.30
913.74
500.00
51
Janitor Supplies-High Grades,
56.11
50.00
291.45
200.00
$3,340.93
$2,767.55
$2,900.00
Fuel, Light and Power:
Academy,
$986.75
$356.97
$500.00
Grades,
3,194.54
2,548.45
. 2,600.00
$4,181.29
$2,905.42
$3,100.00
Maintenance and Repairs :
Academy,
$157.84
$ . .
.
$100.00
Grades,
662.00
1,066.77
650.00
Sundries,
32.28
50.00
$819.84
$1,099.05
$800.00
Equipment,
$387.47
$200.00
Americanization Classes,
99.00
100.00
Miscellaneous,
79.99
88.00
100.00
Totals,
$52,809.37 $43,753.03 $46,000.00
*These salaries were for two years.
At Random
To give a picture of your superintendent's activities I give herewith notes jotted from my school diary for a single week which are typical of many weeks of the school year.
Jan. 14-A. M. Working on reports for both towns.
P. M. Meeting with Hadley committee in Mr. Dwyer's office. Hadley reports and estimates accepted. During the evening telephone inquiry about available Hat- field substitutes.
. .
52
Jan. 15-A. M. In Hatfield-two house calls in Bradstreet. Dinner interrupted by two janitor supply salesmen.
P. M. Typed the Hatfield report. Meanwhile inter- viewed candidate for Latin and French vacancy. How news of this sort travels !
In the evening was in Hatfield again for a long com- mittee meeting. Annual report and finances discussed. Calendar adopted. Preference indicated for equivalent experience for position recently resigned for French and Latin teacher.
Jan. 16-Hatfield. Left school report at Town Office. Discussed athletic accounts with Mr. Burke. When com- mittee pay they want to know full particulars.
P. M. In Hadley. Measured oil at Hopkins. Order- ed coal for Portable. Checked over paper towels. An- other salesman called at 4:30. Another candidate for Hatfield position without experience.
Jan. 17-All day in Hadley. Ate lunch at Russellville and was not bothered by salesman. Arranged for substi- tute. Placed order for Hopkins oil requirement.
Jan. 18-Hatfield in forenoon. Mrs. Kalloch can substi- tute until successor is appointed.
P. M. Greenfield-Superintendents' luncheon followed. by group discussion in preparation for the April confer- ence at Bridgewater. Supervision of Teaching is our as- signment and a large one.
Jan. 19-Yes, Saturday. "Met with Hadley Finance Committee and our estimate seemed favorable. (It was voted.)"
It may be that someone of the readers of this report tried to reach the superintendent meanwhile and wondered why he was not attending to business better. Not all weeks are as busy with administration matters and then I attend to the supervision part of the office.
Frankly if it were possible to have some clerical as- sistance during the months of January, May, June and
53
September the general supervision of the schools of this district would be more efficient.
I am satisfied that each individual pupil has made progress-not necessarily equal-during the past year. The relations with the teachers and pupils have been cordial. The committee members have been genuinely interested in their schools. All is to the credit of favor- able education facilites in Hatfield.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. HEBARD,
Superintendent of Schools, Hadley and Hatfield.
54
Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my sixth annual report as Principal of Smith Academy. The opening registration was 146.
The enrollment in Smith Academy at present is 136- 70 girls and 66 boys. Last year the opening registration was 145.
The graduation class of 1935, numbered 29, the largest in the history of the school.
The return of the Household Arts course in Septem- ber broadens the school curriculum sufficiently to care for the needs and capacities of the students. The Classical, Scientific, Commercial and Agricultural courses are func- tioning successfully. The General Course has been prac- tically eliminated as a course of study by the broader elec- tive system now enjoyed and made possible by the intro- duction of vocational and commercial subjects to the cur- ' riculum.
The problem of student health is carefully guarded by school physician, Robert Byrne, M. D. and school nurse, Marion D. Holmes, R. N. Physical examination of every student is held at the opening of school in the fall and the results entered on the student's life history card. Boy and girl members of atheletic teams are again examined before the beginning of the basketball and baseball sea- sons. Results of these examinations are made known to the supervisors of student atheltics, with the result that no student is allowed to participate in atheltics, competi- tive or otherwise, without the sanction of our school medi- cal authorities.
55
The faculty experienced several changes during the year. Miss Jean Belden, instructor in languages and di- rector of girls' athletics, resigned in December, upon her marriage to Mr. John Randolph of Washington, D. C. Although Miss Belden was with us only a few months, she established a broader program of girls' atheltics, and at the same time conducted her language classes in an efficient manner. No appointment was made to fill the vacancy until early in March. During this period, we were fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. John R. Kalloch, who had previously held this position.
In March, Miss Frances Annis, graduate of Boston University, was elected to fill the vacancy. Previous to her coming to Smith Academy, Miss Annis had held for two and one-half years a similar position in Brookline, Me.
In August, Miss Mary M. Nolan, head of the com- mercial department, resigned after five years of service. Miss Nolan, who was appointed when the commercial de- partment was installed, built up a course which continued efficient throughout a period of expansion which culmi- nated in the necessity for an assistant in that department. With her resignation the school lost not only an efficient teacher but one whose loyalty and sympathy made her a very valuable member of the faculty. Miss Nolan's mar- riage to Mr. Joseph G. Smith, a graduate of the school, took place on September 9, 1935.
Miss Elizabeth Baker, who had acted as assistant, has been promoted and is now head of the commercial de- partment. The position of assistant was filled by the ap- pointment of Miss Margaret E. Stoddard, an alumna of this school and a graduate of McCarthy's Business College.
With the reestablishment of the Household Arts de- partment, Miss Dorothy M. Allaire, an alumna of this school and graduate of Framinham Teachers' College, was appointed instructor. That this course really fills a need in the school is evident from the fact that twenty-seven girls are enrolled in the home-making classes. Miss Al-
56
laire is also conducting classes in sewing for the girls of the seventh and eighth grades of the Center School.
In the athletic program carried on during the 1935 season, Coach Kalloch and his teams enjoyed a successful year. The basketball team finished midway in the Hamp- shire League. No baseball schedule was attempted owing to the renovation of the athletic field as an ERA project. The girls' basketball team was coached by Miss Belden in the earlier part of the season. After her resignation, the coaching of the team was taken over by the vice principal, C. J. Larkin, with Miss Nolan as faculty attendant. The girls won the 1935 Hampshire League championship with- out losing a game in league competition.
Since the opening of school in September, the athletic program is more comprehensive and satisfactory, from the standpoint of "Athletics For All," than in any recent year.
The soccer season found many candidates out for practice and Coach Kalloch developed a light but fast team which suffered few losses and won from some of the best teams in the valley. Boys not members of varsity squads have an opportunity for supervised games under the di- rection of Coaches Kalloch and Larkin.
Regular classes in physical education for girls have been oragnized by Miss Annis, director of girls' athletics, and her assistant, Miss Allaire. This program requires participation on the part of every girl in some form of organized activity. During the fall, volley ball, relay races, and other outdoor games made up the program. Intra-mural basketball and regular setting-up exercisees are held in the town hall during the winter season. In- terest in athletics for girls has led to the organization of classes in the junior high school, under the direction of Miss Allaire.
I wish to express my appreciation of the generosity of the school committee in furnishing the school with the following equipment: radio, for the auditorium; 103 steel lockers, 40 of which, equipped with combination locks,
57
have been installed in the boys' dressing room in the town hall; resurfacing machine for use in renovating desk and table tops. Each of the additions meets a definite need and adds greatly to the physical equipment of the school.
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, the Board of Trustees of Smith Academy, and the Board of Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. BURKE,
Principal.
58
School Health Report HATFIELD, 1935
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee, Hatfield, Massachusetts.
Nearly a hundred years ago Horace Mann said "the Nature of Education must be explained, we cannot drive our people up a dark avenue even though it be the right one." This is especially true of any branch in health education, innate reserve and tradition hamper the older generaton and the complexities of modern living brings in many factors to confuse the young and the knowledge of how to deal with these complexities is in itself confus- ing. The problem is to classify and sift out what is worth while.
The newest approach in education places more and more responsibility on the child. Children are learning, under guidance how to work together in groups for indi- vidual as well as for group welfare how to evaluate the pros and cons of many things never heard of many years later than when Horace Mann made that statement.
The screen and radio influence the child's opinion sometimes wisely, sometimes not, anyone associating with children know this to be true. What to do about it is no minor responsibility but it seems practical to keep abreast or a leap ahead and help the child to make his or her own decision even to the extent of evaluating Pop-Eye and his Spinach.
Much is being written and promoted through educa- tional and commercial channels relating to health and the
59
teaching of health may or may not be educational depend- ing on whether or not the presentation conveys practical knowledge, wholesome interests and establishes worth while habits. The interest and preparation of the teacher enters into the presentation. The value of good physical and mental health must be explained and presented in a
manner acceptable to the child's understanding. Spec- tacular demonstration is dramatic and has its place but the every day teaching and practice of cleanliness, safety, rest, etc., cannot help but have an effect. The new text books selected for the grammar grades carry out besides knowledge, practical ideas and colorful illustration of com- mon things relating to healthful living, the large type helping to conserve vision, the text phased in language pleasing and plain.
The regular health program differs but slightly from the program of the previous year as the results of this program seem to be working well as shown by the added responsibility of the pupils in regard to their own health and safety.
The program though interrelated may be divided in- to-
1st-The actual classroom teaching by the teacher from graded text books on healthful living and by class inspection.
2nd-The teaching of First Aid and Safety to groups in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades. This First Aid teach- ing qualifies the apt pupil for a Junior Red Cross certificate in First Aid and Scout Merit Badge in First Aid. During the year-
32 boys and 21 girls had instruction in First Aid. 65 received certificates.
7 pupils from High School had instruction in Life- Saving.
3 received Lan emLblem and badge.
60
3rd-The physical examination grades 1 to 12 inclusive. The examination of the High school students is de- tailed and thorough before the students are per- mitted to enter athletic contests. The report on the Primary grade pupils is encouraging, with few ex- ceptions the children entering school present an ex- cellent appearance. The credit for this health pic- ture belongs to the young parents who appreciate the advice and cooperate with their family physician.
4th-The use of the audiometer for the hearing test in- cludes grades 1 to 12. Faulty hearing is sometimes difficult to detect, the child being classed as indiffer- ent or dull. Faulty hearing may be improved by the removal of diseased tonsils and obstructive ad- enoids and although the defect may not be complete- ly corrected by treatment, much help may be given the pupil by explaining the handicap and arranging for better position in the class room in regard to sound and through better concentration on the part of the pupil and above all removing from the mind the sense of inferiorty common to all persons hard of hearing.
16 children had diseased or obstructive tonsils re- moved.
5th-Vision test by the class room teacher and check up. It is not difficult to detect faulty vision and no one is in better position to observe the expression on the face of the child and manner of doing class work when not conscious of being watched than the class room teacher. The check up usually confirms her observation.
9 children were fitted to corrective lens.
7 children had lenses changed.
61
6th-The oral examination by the dentist and the follow- up dental clinic. Open to all students.
235 children had dental work during the year, either by the clinic dentist or private dentist.
7th-The physical education program needs no explana- tion, athletics, gymnastics, dancing, under the direc- tion of class room teachers in addition to their reg- ular work is a commendable service to the communi- ty as well as an excellent health measure.
8th-The State Clinic operating under Dr. O'Brien ex-
amined-
Von-Pirquet
92
Re-acting 49
X-rayed 45
Examined 13
Referred for follow-up
4
The Chadwick Clinic X-rayed and examined 12 chil- dren. .
3 children discharged from the clinic.
9 noted much improved.
The State Clinic, under Dr. O'Brien will gradually take over the work begun by the Chadwick clinic and ex- amine each year, pupils in the 7th, 9th and 11th grades. The objective of this clinic is to detect symptoms of tuber- culosis and follow up any child showing a tendency to the disease. Tuberculosis is by no means conquered, it may be controlled and cured through intelligent cooperation if taken in time but not otherwise. It has been clearly dem- onstrated a chance check up is not dependable and all parents and teachers are earnestly requested to give as- sistance to this yearly clinic on behalf of the children.
The Diphtheria Immunization clinic operating through the Local Board of Health treated-
63 children, 44 under 6 years of age.
62
The new project of school lunch was a success and the school health department sincerely appreciates the help given through the local branch of the ERA. It was clearly demonstrated the lunch could be operated as a regular feature of the health program, providing a civic interest be directed toward that objective. The school lunch cannot be self supporting and achieve its purpose as the rising cost of food material would put even the small cost beyond the reach of some that need it, especially when several children from the same family attend school.
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