USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1922 > Part 22
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One phase of the work which is not well understood is what we call " Home Project Work." This is the practical work, such as laundry, sewing or cooking, which is done in the pupil's home under the occasional supervision of the teacher. Arrangements are made between the mother and teacher for certain work to be carried on in the child's home. This is done during the seven-hour school day, the pupil being excused from school to do it. The parents have co-operated well with the school in this work. This fact and the good weather combined allowed us to make forty-nine visits during the first month of school. Working in her own home makes the pupil more independent and gives the school an opportunity of checking up her ability.
Each year we notice an improvement in the percentage of attendance for the year. We maintained a percentage of 92.6 throughout the last year.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH M. DOUGLAS, Director.
3. Continuation School
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools.
It is with pleasure that I submit the third annual report of the Quincy Continuation School.
Up to January 1, 1923, we have enrolled ninety-eight pupils, sixty-two boys and thirty-six girls. Of these, twenty-four boys and ten girls have been discharged for various reasons, leaving us with an active membership of thirty-eight boys and twenty-six girls. Although this number is not much different from that of last year, owing to better business conditions the pupils are practically all employed and thus are on a schedule of four hours per week, the normal schedule for this school.
The work of the past year has gone forward very successfully, teachers and pupils working together for the best interests of the school. The prod- ucts of the woodworking shop and of the girls' sewing classes found ready sales, the money obtained from the sale of finished articles easily offsetting the cost of the raw materials. No addition to equipment has been made in either the boys' or girls' department, the present equipment being suffi- cient for our rather limited accommodations.
338
CITY OF QUINCY
When our facilities are somewhat increased by the occupancy of the new High School, I would suggest giving the boys an opportunity to learn something of "home mechanics." This would involve installing no very expensive equipment, merely a table fitted up with such additional tools as would be necessary in teaching how to work on the common and simple but important home repairs.
For the girls I would suggest no addition to the curriculum at the present time, but we should have a teacher engaged primarily for the Continuation School. One teacher would be able to take care of all the girls in three days leaving two days for any other work to which she might be assigned.
I think it would be a step in the right direction to grant certificates of attendance and satisfactory work to pupils who complete a certain number of hours in this school.
In closing I wish to thank you for your interest and hearty co-operation without which our work would lack much of its inspiration.
Respectfully submitted,
HARLAN L. HARRINGTON, Director.
4. Practical Arts Classes
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass.
MY DEAR MR. NICKERSON: - It is with pleasure that I submit the report of the Practical Arts Classes in Quincy.
A "Practical Arts Class" is a separate day or evening class in household and other practical arts. The occupations of the household in which in- struction has been offered are millinery, dressmaking, home nursing and cooking.
These classes are open to any woman over sixteen years of age and appeal to all types of women, - the busy housewife and mother, the . young married woman, the business woman, and the non-English speaking woman. They not only receive the instruction themselves, but frequently assist neighbors and friends who are unable to leave little children to attend the class for regular instruction.
For the school year 1921-22, 799 women were enrolled in the various Practical Arts Classes in Quincy.
In October, 1922, 627 women registered as follows: 306 for dressmaking, 304 for millinery, and 17 for home nursing. To January, 1923, the total enrollment was 739, distributed as follows: dressmaking 350, millinery 372, and home nursing 17.
Thirty classes were organized in October, 1922. Fifteen of these were for millinery, fourteen for dressmaking and one for home nursing. No class in cookery was formed because the registration did not warrant opening one.
The classes are distributed in districts, as follows: -
Millinery
Dressmaking
Home Nursing
Squantum
1
-
Atlantic
1
1
Montclair
-
1
Norfolk Downs
3
1
-
Wollaston
2
1
Quincy Center
3
3
1
Houghs Neck
1
1
Quincy Point
1
2
1
South Quincy
1
2
-
West Quincy
2
2
-
339
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The classes meet largely in the school buildings, but some groups meet in libraries, churches and halls.
A registration fee of $1 is required. This fee is returned if the pupil attends 75 per cent of the lessons. The majority of the women are en- titled to this refund, thus proving that the average attendance is high. The average for last year was 85.1 per cent.
The classes opened the week of October 9 and will close the first of May, so that each class averages twenty-four weeks of work of either two two-hour sessions or one three and one-half hour session each week.
The teachers employed for these' classes are trades women with at least four years of trade experience who have taken the teacher training course offered by the State and who are actively engaged in their trade at the time they are employed to teach. This assures practical instruction of a high grade. Eleven such teachers are employed.
This year we have been able to add a few sewing machines, electric irons, and ironing boards to our equipment, thus increasing the efficiency of the instruction.
Instruction is given by means of short unit courses. A unit consists of at least four sessions on one phase of a particular subject. Through the adoption of this system a great variety of opportunities is opened. Spe- cific needs can be directly met and the work kept on a vocational basis. These units are offered in a progressive course so that pupils may pass from one phase of the subject to another or drop out at the close of the unit if it is necessary.
The following examples may illustrate this point: ---
Dressmaking for beginners:
Unit I. Cotton skirt.
Unit II. Cotton blouse.
Unit III. Wash dress (simple).
Unit IV. Voile dress.
More advanced dressmaking:
Unit I. Wool dress.
Unit II. Silk dress.
Unit III. Summer dress.
Or
Unit I. Wool dress or renovation.
Unit II. Children's clothing.
Unit III. Summer dress.
Unit IV. Sport skirt.
Millinerv:
Unit I. Winter hat (simple).
Unit II. Winter hat (more elaborate).
Unit III. Fabric hat - bow making.
Unit IV. Straw or webbing hat.
Unit V. Summer dress or sport hat.
Home Nursing:
Unit I. Bed-making and care of patient in bed.
Unit II. Sick room appliances and special care of patient.
The following figures compiled from the State Report in June give some idea of the work accomplished by the classes. In the dressmaking classes, $3,753.63 worth of material was used in making garments valued at $9,896.16 - a saving to the women of $6,142.53. In the millinery classes, $7,067.23 worth of material was used, the finished hats having a commercial value of $16,627.06 - a saving of $9,559.83.
·
340
CITY OF QUINCY
Besides the immediate gain in having well-made garments and hats at cost, the woman gains knowledge and skill which can be applied to future problems and the value of which we have no means of measuring. The Home Nursing Course, as reported by a member of a recent class, gave her power to meet the emergencies of illness in her home with intelligent and understanding care.
Respectfully submitted, EDITH C. BADGER, Director of Special Activities.
5. Americanization Work
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass.
MY DEAR MR. NICKERSON: - It is with pleasure that I submit to you my annual report of the Americanization work.
Thirty-eight classes with a total enrollment of 966 pupils of whom 166 were women were held this year. Ten of these classes (9 home classes and 1 special citizenship class organized in April and continued until the close of school in June) were taught by the supervisor. Classes were held in the Washington, Lincoln, Willard Schools, Y. M. C. A., Finnish Halls, Fore River Plant, Chamber of Commerce, Clark Business School, and in the homes.
Three hundred and sixty students earned certificates, 124 of which were federal citizenship certificates awarded to those who passed the educational examination given by the federal naturalization clerk.
Graduation exercises were held in April, conducted by the students, many nationalities participating.
A "Night for New Citizens," an innovation this year, held in April, proved so successful that it will be an annual affair. Honorable Payson Smith, State Commissioner of Education, gave a "long to be remembered" address. The new citizens were presented small, silk American flags and flowers by members of the Wollaston Women's Club under the direction of the Americanization Committee of the Quincy Federation of Women's Clubs. Members of the American Legion assisted in the entertainment. Mrs. Arthur Ropes, at that time regent of the Abigail Phillips Quincy Chapter, D. A. R., gave an interesting lecture, illustrated with many beautiful slides, entitled "The Grandeur of America" to the students. In return a number of the Finnish and Italian pupils assisted Mrs. Ropes at an entertainment in Wollaston.
The library parties were continued this year and members of the Quincy Women's Club, under the auspices of the Federation, were hostesses, and served refreshments.
A wonderful exhibition of articles from foreign countries, sponsored by the Federation, was another project. Our pupils loaned many articles.
Health talks on "Personal Hygiene" were given by Miss Marion Jack- son, school nurse. This, we feel, is a vital need and the talks will be continued.
The teachers are doing conscientious work.
The Federation of Women's Clubs, Library, Boy Scouts, Factories, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Clergy, other organizations and individuals are co-operating with the School Department to make Quincy's foreign population an English-speaking people, and by the friendly mingling together are helping them to become loyal, law-abiding citizens, giving of their best to this great Democracy.
Respectfully submitted,
NELLIE A. PERRY, Director.
DECEMBER, 1922.
1
341
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
6. Report of Supervisor of Music
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass.
DEAR SIR: - The purpose of musical training in the public schools is twofold. First, to fit the child to live his life in the fullest manner possible, and to assist him in attaining the highest degree of social efficiency in so far as music enters his environment; second, to give those children who later in life select music as their vocation a broad and inspirational founda- tion upon which to build their life work.
In discussing what is actually being done in our schools to promote this aim, I divide the report into two sections, viz., grammar school and high school.
During the first eight years of the child's school life, that is, through the grammar school, each child is approached through every musical channel possible. To show more clearly how this is done, let us divide the music training into three phases ;-
1. Chorus singing and the use of the voice, and with this the develop- ment of music reading at sight both classwise and individually.
2. Music appreciation or the study of what to listen for in music and how to listen to it.
3. Playing of instruments. Any child in any grade above the fourth is given an opportunity to learn to play any of the following instruments: violin, 'cello, cornet, trombone, horn, clarinet or druin.
In regard to the first of these three phases, all teachers are provided with a definite monthly outline for the technical work involved in the teaching of music reading. This music reading is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end, which is that the child may use his voice correctly and be able to intelligently enjoy and interpret whatever music he may meet. The voice of the adolescent boy is given special attention and music is selected which is adapted to his need.
In the study of music appreciation, all teachers are provided with a definite outline. We appreciate the fact that not all children care to per- form in music, and that a large proportion of them rather will become listeners to music and will help to make up our future musical audiences. Therefore, with the help of the talking machine, we study music from the listening standpoint, emphasizing the salient features of the various types of compositions, - melody, rhythm, harmony, content and form. Since the time allotment allowed for music in the school program is but fifteen minutes a day, it can readily be seen that this side of the subject cannot be taken care of satisfactorily.
The third phase of the music work is comparatively new. Although the instrumental classes have been sanctioned by the school authorities, it has been necessary to organize them with no financial support from the city. These classes are held in the school buildings in the various parts of the city after school in the afternoon. Outside teachers for the different instruments are engaged and the children pay 25 cents a lesson. The work has been carried on for three years with a very marked increase in the numbers of those desiring to take advantage of this opportunity. This year 200 pupils were enrolled in first and second year violin classes, 45 have gone to private teachers, and 118 are still enrolled. The enrollment for the other instruments is, of course, smaller, varying from two to twenty, but the proportion of those who retain their interest is the same. Since the splendid results of this work are evident, and the community interest in it is very strong, it is my earnest hope that in the near future the financing of the work will be taken over by the School Department, and the classes become a part of the school curriculum.
During the high school period, all the music work is elective, except for those who are taking the normal course. The following music courses are
342
CITY OF QUINCY
available: four years of chorus singing with the serious study of a choral work each year; three years of harmony, which includes original composi- tion and self-expression; two years of music appreciation and a careful following of current events of the music world. Diploma credits for ap- proved piano study outside of school are given. Credit is also given for work conforming to certain requirements in the glee clubs and orchestras, organized as follows: three glee clubs for the upper classes, and three for the freshmen, namely, Girls', Boys' and Mixed; two orchestras, one for upper classes and one for freshmen. With the proceeds from concerts the following instruments have been bought and are loaned to students who wish to study them seriously: viola, double bass, cornet, horn, trombone, clarinet and oboe. Of the seventy-two credits required for graduation, the student who is laying a foundation for serious music work may earn sixteen through music, a larger proportion than in the majority of high schools in the state.
Of the children who graduate from the grammar schools of the city, from 80 to 90 per cent are able to read music and enjoy it. One immediate result in the grammar school is the request, in many cases from the children themselves, for a school glee club. A still more evident and significant result appears in the elective work in the High School. Eight years ago the only elective music was chorus singing, and there was one orchestra and one glee club. The upper chorus then numbered about 200; to-day it numbers 450. The freshman chorus had about 250 enrolled; to-day it has 520, and a significant result of the work with boys shows in the fact that nearly one-third of these are boys. Such choruses, of course, are too large, and since the demand is so great, it is hoped that in the new High School we may have three choruses: freshman, sophomore and upper class. It is hard to point out definite results from anything as abstract as music appreciation, but our Music Memory Contests have shown that the children are gaining a knowledge of standard compositions which is bound to form the foundation of a better taste in music. The results from the instrumental work are tangible. There are now ten grammar school orchestras. These were recently assembled, forming a large grammar school orchestra numbering 125. Of this number, 75 started their work in the after school classes. The high school orchestras combined number about 70, and 20 of these received their first instruction in the classes.
Many of the former members of high school organizations received the incentive to go on with vocal or instrumental work; many are singing acceptably in the church choirs of the city; some have organized their own orchestras; many have gained social standing in college or other surroundings because of their musical experience. Some are directly training to use music as their vocation and some are already filling music positions.
The greatest general result is that music is felt as an essential by the children themselves, and through the children and what they can do, the community has begun to express its appreciation and realization of the value of music in the schools.
Respectfully submitted, MAUDE M. HOWES.
7. Report of Supervisor of Drawing
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass.
MY DEAR MR. NICKERSON: - I herewith submit my report upon the drawing work in the public schools of Quincy, Mass.
The aim of the drawing course is to give the children a foundation in this subject which may be useful to them as citizens in a modern com- munity.
343
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The course is progressive, from the first to the eighth grade, and is divided into four parts: color, design, representation and construction. It is designed to reach as many children as possible, giving the talented child a sound foundation for advanced study, and giving the average child enough variety in the type of drawing so that he or she can do good work in at least one line. Enough elasticity has been given to the course to permit correlation with other courses as the need arises.
Outlines are in the hands of the teachers who carry out the work between the visits of the supervisor who, owing to the size of the city is only able to visit each class once in twenty-two school days.
For successful results I have to thank the Superintendent for his kind and generous support; the teachers for their loyal and cheerful co-opera- tion; and the children for their earnest endeavors.
I am glad to have this opportunity to express my appreciation of the wonderful spirit to be found in the Quincy system.
Respectfully submitted, AMY E. ADAMS, Supervisor.
8. Report of Supervisor of Physical Training
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass.
MY DEAR MR. NICKERSON: - The following is a report on physical education.
The purpose of physical education is: first, to promote and conserve health; second, to awaken and stimulate mental faculties; and third, to develop mental, social and civic ideals.
HOW CARRIED ON IN QUINCY
In the grammar schools every child is given ten minutes a day in formal gymnastics by the teachers. The teachers are under the direct supervision of the supervisor, who visits each school once a month. Organized play is carried on at recess every day under the teacher's supervision. Inter- school athletic school contests are held during the fall and spring months under the direction of the masters.
At the High School one period of thirty minutes a week in a gymnasium is required of all freshmen. For the other classes it is elective.
RESULTS
At present there are no adequate means for measuring the results, but from observation I would say (1) that the posture of the children is be- coming better; (2) that the spirit of sportsmanship on the athletic field is improving; and (3) that, judged by the growing number of upper classmen who elect physical training at the High School, the work is becoming more and more popular among the pupils.
In closing let me add that the modern athletic field is the laboratory in which those precepts regarding fair play, honesty, unselfishness, and other social and moral virtues, are put to the test. Instead of being merely heard, they are lived under the stress of competition. What we now need is a public awakening to the fact that every boy and girl should daily have a chance to visit such a play laboratory, and that no school should be considered complete without an adequate athletic field in charge of com- petent teachers.
Respectfully submitted, F. N. NISSEN,
Supervisor of Physical Education.
344
CITY OF QUINCY
9. Report of Attendance Officer
Mr. FRED H. NICKERSON, Superintendent of Schools.
I herewith submit the twenty-sixth annual report of my work as At- tendance Officer for the twelve months ending December 31, 1922.
Number of cases investigated for non-attendance as per blanks 1,493
Number found to be truant
141
Number committed to training school for truancy
1
Parents and children before court for violation of school laws
5
Number convicted
5
Number placed on probation
3
Number of transfer cards investigated
458
Details regarding attendance work and employment certificates for year ending December 31, 1922, appear in the following tables: -
ATTENDANCE WORK BY MONTHS
1922
Number of Cases In- vestigated
Actual Truants
Children of School Age returned to School from Street
Manufac- tories and Stories Inspected
Number found employed Contrary to Law
January
129
3
1
5
1
February
90
7
3
March
153
10
2
7
2
May
172
22
1
6
June
147
20
3
1
July
August
September
104
10
4
2
October
177
23
3
7
4
November
160
22
4
December
149
7
3
1
Total
1,493
141
7
46
11
-
April
212
17
-
4
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
345
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1922
Boys
Girls
Total
Educational certificates (16 to 21 years of age) : Form 1
1,106
667
1,773
Employment certificates (14 to 16 years of age) :
Form C (regular)
105
69
174
Form D (non-resident)
105
60
165
Form E (limited)
69
6
75°
Form F (limited)
49
20
69
Special certificates
5
8
13
Illiterate certificates
44
26
70
Home permits
18
18
1,483
874
2,357
Total number issued 1922
2,357
Total number issued 1921 1,915
Increase over 1921 in total number issued
442
Total number of newsboys' licenses issued for year ending December 31, 1922 .
48
Number issued 1921
127
175
Number cancelled
34
Number in force .
141
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. JOHNSON, Attendance Officer.
DECEMBER, 1922.
346
CITY OF QUINCY
APPENDIX B
STATISTICS Table I. Financial Statement for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 1922 I. REGULAR SCHOOLS
Appropriated by City Council
$640,130 00
Expended
606,568 10
Balance
$33,561 90
Less transfer .
19,673 74
Balance unexpended
$13,888 16
Itemized Expenditures
Administration
$24,592 76
Instruction
475,563 44
Text books
8,975 26
Stationery and supplies
21,916 04
Operation
51,974 72
Maintenance .
13,572 59
Miscellaneous
7,556 82
Evening Academic School
818 22
Summer schools
1,598 25
Total
$606,568 10
II. STATE-AIDED SCHOOLS Day Industrial School
Appropriated by City Council
$35,850 00
Expended
34,647 84
Balance unexpended
$1,202 16
Home-Making School
Appropriated by City Council
$10,970 00
Expended
9,654 44
Balance unexpended
$1,315 56
Continuation School
Appropriated by City Council
$5,655 00
Plus transfer
96 64
Total
$5,751 64
Expended
5,751 64
347
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Americanization
Appropriated by City Council
$8,840 00
Expended
5,546 12
Balance
$3,293 88
Less transfer
2,191 87
Balance unexpended
$1,102 01
Evening Industrial and Practical Arts Classes
Appropriated by City Council .
$7,400 00
Plus transfer .
95 25
Total
$7,495 23
Expended :
Men .
$894 92
Women
6,600 31
$7,495 23
Smith-Hughes Fund
Balance from 1921
$2,762 89
Received 1922
2,749 36
Total
$5,512 25
Expended
2,842 89
Balance to 1923
$2,669 36
348
Table II. - Table giving a Brief Description of School Property, also the Value of Schoolhouses and Lots, etc., January 1, 1923
BUILDINGS
Wood or Brick
Number of Stories
Number of School- rooms
Con- dition
Date of Occupa- tion
Heating Appa- ratus
Value of Land
Value of Value of Building |Furniture
Total
Square Feet in Lot
High
B
3
34
Fair
1907
Steam Hot air
$25,500
$175,000
$20,000
$220,500
85,348
Portable (Continuation School)
W
1
1
New
1921
New Adams .
B
2
12
New
1913
Steam
13,500 5,000
20,000
2,000
27,000
20,290
Portable
W
1
1
New
1922
Hot air
3,000
200
3,200
Adams Shore Portable
W
1
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