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 1929 > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
A complete program of physical training is now in force in the school. Every pupil is given a physical examination on entering the school and all are required to take the work in physical train- ing unless excused by the doctors conducting these examinations. More boys and girls are now engaging in some form of athletics than ever before, and a 'very healthy interest in sport is apparent throughout the school. Our athletic teams were unusually success- ful the past fall, showing results already from our enlarged physi- cal program.
At the graduation exercises last June the following scholarships were awarded:
Wollaston Woman's Club Scholarships to Barbara B. Baltzer, who entered Simmons College, and Helen E. Malcolm, who entered Oberlin College; Quincy Women's Club Scholarships to Marjorie C. Cameron and Gunhild E. Anderson, who entered commercial schools; Rotary Club Scholarship to Dominic J. Chiminiello, who entered Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Washington and Franklin medal for excellence in American History was awarded to Mary A. Reardon.
There were 27 pupils who took the College Entrance Examina- tion Board examinations in June. The report from these exam- inations indicated that our pupils had been at least as successful as the average of the country as shown by the annual report of the Board. Moreover, two of our pupils received the highest mark in one examination each, having returned books which were rated perfect. In September, 45 graduates entered college and 17 en- tered State Normal Schools.
At the close of the last school year Josephine D. Baker, for three years dean of girls, resigned to accept a similar position in the High School at East Hartford, Connecticut. Mildred B. Harri- son, a graduate of this school, who has had several years of suc- cessful experience in this line of work in other schools, was chosen to fill the vacancy. The valuable work of this position was most
·
400
CITY OF QUINCY
successfully inaugurated by Miss Baker and is being carried on in the same efficient manner by Miss Harrison.
A year ago a Student Advisory Committee with representatives from each class was organized for the purpose of helping in the administration of the school. The Committee has taken upon itself the duty of assisting in definite lines such as supervising the cafe- teria, arranging for auditorium activities during luncheon periods, reorganizing the traffic squad and compiling a handbook of the school which will be given to all pupils entering the school in order that they may more quickly become familiar with the requirements of the school and the opportunities afforded by it. In this connec- tion it is a pleasure to note that the class graduating in June, 1930, has agreed to finance the issue of this handbook.
The school is crowded and we find ourselves hampered and re- stricted by lack of room, but the unusually fine spirit in the school this year has helped us to make light of difficulties and show prog- ress in spite of handicaps.
We take pleasure in acknowledging a gift to the library by Mr. Carle R. Hayward, Quincy High School 1900, Associate Professor of Metallurgy in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of his recently published book, "Outline of Metallurgical Practice."
In closing, I desire to express appreciation to you and the School Committee for affording us all possible facilities and equipment to carry on the work of the school and for unfailing help and support.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST L. COLLINS.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL DEAN OF GIRLS
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
The work of the Dean of Girls in the Senior High School since October 1 has consisted of the following:
Educational and Vocational guidance.
Investigation and follow-up of special cases.
Supervision of the social program of the school.
Sponsorship of the "Big Sister" Club.
Work with the Student Advisory Council.
Various responsibilities in connection with the activities of other groups.
Chaperone duties.
Placement of girls in part-time positions.
Care of Emergency Room cases. Cafeteria duty.
In addition to the above, I have been teaching two classes in English.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED B. HARRISON, Dean of Girls.
401
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
It gives me pleasure to submit the following report for the music department:
In planning a music course for the public schools our two great objectives should be: First, to give the boys and girls such an un- derstanding and appreciation of music that they may be able through life to enjoy and participate in music more intelligently; and second, to give those who later in life select music as their vocation, a broad and inspirational foundation upon which to build their work.
As in previous years, therefore, the children are being ap- proached through every music channel possible, namely:
1. Vocal music, including classroom singing, music reading and interpretation in the elementary schools, and choral and glee club work in the high schools.
2. Music appreciation, motivated by and related to music memory contests in the elementary schools, and defi- nitely outlined courses in the high schools.
3. Instrumental music, with class instruction offered for piano and all orchestra and band instruments from fourth grade through senior high school; also orches- tras organized for all elementary, junior and senior high schools.
Vocal work is organized as in previous years and is required of all children except in senior high school, where choral work is of- fered as an elective subject with diploma credit. During this year an operetta has been presented by each junior high school and by the senior high school. Also the combined junior high glee clubs, a chorus of two hundred, gave a very creditable performance of the choral version of the opera Tannhauser, assisted by the senior high school glee clubs.
Music appreciation in the elementary schools is maintained as in previous years as a part of the regular work. In the junior high schools a regular text-book is used supplemented by records se- lected for this particular course. Unfortunately this phase of music work cannot be properly fostered in these schools until more program time is allowed for music. Courses in music appreciation and harmony are offered as electives with diploma credit in senior high school, and in many of the schools advantage is being taken of the Walter Damrosch music appreciation concerts on the radio ..
Instrumental work is increasing rapidly, and there is good op- portunity for growth since all classes, orchestras and band are developed outside of school time. Approximately two hundred fifty children are enrolled in classes for band or orchestral instru- ments, and this year, for the first time, piano classes have been organized with an enrolment limited to seventy. The demand for this was very great. Approximately four hundred boys and girls are participating in the band or orchestras of the schools. At the Massachusetts State Contest last May the Senior High School Or- chestra won second place, the Senior High School Band won third
402
CITY OF QUINCY
place, and the North Junior Orchestra not only won first place but also attained first prize in the New England Final Contest. Di- ploma credit is granted in senior high school for private violin study, as well as piano, and the music department owns thirty-seven instruments, including the more unusual ones such as tympani, bassoon, double basses, sousaphone and oboe. These are loaned to the children with no charge. The usual instrumental concert exemplifying all this orchestra, band and class work was given in May.
My earnest recommendation for the coming year is the adoption of a vocational music course in the senior high school, since so many of the students are preparing themselves definitely for the music profession, and it is the duty of the music department to meet this need.
In closing may I thank you for your co-operation, and may I express my gratitude to the school officials, the School Committee, the teachers and the community for their encouragement and sup- port in the music work. I should like, also, to highly commend Miss Tuthill and Mr. Taylor for their loyalty and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE M. HOWES, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF GRAMMAR GRADES
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
It gives me pleasure to submit the following report:
With the completion of the course of study for Cycle III, grades 5 and 6, the teachers of that cycle resumed the work of construct- ing a set of Objectives in English. Each teacher tried out with her own class her set of Objectives and then sent a copy of them to the office. These were placed each month in the hands of spe- cial committees, each committee being composed of three mem- bers. Their labor was, by the process of selection, elimination, addition and revision, to compile Objectives that might truly be- come the workable aims of every girl and boy in the system.
As a means of taking a step forward and at the same time rec- ognizing the best purpose of rating, the teachers of grades 5 to 9 inclusive, have been asked to rate themselves once each semester, this rating to be strictly a personal matter and not to be submit- ted to anyone. While our rating system has never been guilty of one of the "most serious defects" of such systems, that of having been superimposed from above, we do feel that it can be made to have greater possibilities of helpfulness, these possibilities being obtained through "focusing the attention upon the pupil and upon pupil activity" rather than, as in former times, upon the teacher or the teaching process.
With this end in view, sheets for self-evaluation were distributed at the beginning of the year. These provided for self-examination regarding a few definite points under such properties as skill, class
403
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
technique, professional growth, corps d'esprit and personality, the teacher's best asset. The office has set apart the months of Janu- ary and May for conferences-such conferences, however, being optional-and hopes to move toward the chief purpose of rating- the stimulation of "intelligent self-criticism of work."
In closing, may I again express to you my sincere appreciation of your confident and interested support, and. also thank my co- workers-the principals and teachers-for their spirit of gracious and loyal co-operation which enables me to "carry on."
Respectfully submitted, HELEN MAUDE DELLICKER, Supervisor of Grammar Grades.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PRIMARY GRADES
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
Coming to Quincy after the spring recess of 1929 gave me an op- portunity to observe the teaching in the primary grades from the standpoint of attainments for the school year. My objective was to gain as comprehensive a knowledge as possible of the schools in general, the syllabus in use, and the teaching personnel. To this end I spent most of my time observing classroom procedure.
I felt that the Bolenius system of reading in use here with its intensive method of instruction gave pupils a solid reading founda- tion, but needed to be supplemented with a diversified type of read- ing. To meet this need a class library was established in each room. We began this room library with at least fifteen books, all different, and hope to add something to this nucleus each year. Library tables which are low enough for the children are now be- ing made for each room.
In a city with as large a foreign element as Quincy has and with such large numbers entering the first grade each fall without any kindergarten preparation, my recommendation would be to raise the school age of children or to establish sub-primary rooms to care for those not yet ready for the work of the first grade.
I wish to express my appreciation to you and to my co-workers, the principals and teachers, for the helpful co-operation which has made my coming both pleasant and inspirational.
Respectfully submitted,
HILDA GUNELL, Primary Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
I herewith submit my annual report for the Drawing Depart- ment of the public schools of Quincy for the year 1929.
404
CITY OF QUINCY
The drawing work in the first six grades has been continued along the lines followed in the past year, except in grades 4, 5 and 6 to whom have been issued a new course of study which places more emphasis upon design and the correlation of drawing with other school subjects.
At the time I was writing my last year's report, the pupils in the Junior High schools were working upon posters for a "Safety First" campaign. I am glad to report this year that the campaign came to a successful conclusion with an exhibition of a large num- ber of posters in the Coddington School hall. This exhibition was honored with a visit from Commissioner Parker, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and the Mayor of this city. A committee composed of the following members: Chairman, Mr. William A. Bradford, Mr. Oscar Stevens and Mrs. Clara Van Boemel, was chosen to select the best posters. This committee selected the poster of Ruth Bell, 9 A, of the North Junior High School as first choice; Lena Luciani, 8 A, of the Quincy Point Junior High School, second choice; Clare Simmons, 7 A, Central Junior High School, third choice; and commended Phyllis Williams, 9 A, and John Gill, 9 B, both of the North Junior, for their posters.
After the exhibition of the posters, a group was selected and sent to Commissioner Parker, Quincy Chamber of Commerce, Mas- sachusetts Auto Rating and Accident Prevention Bureau, and to the Massachusetts Safety Council conference at the Hotel Statler. Through the generosity of Mr. Joseph Grossman, a picture was given to each Junior High School for their share in the "Safety" campaign.
Starting in October, 1929, the Junior High schools undertook to draw scenes for a Quincy calendar, following up an excellent sug- gestion made by Mr. Muir. These sketches were drawn by the 9th grade pupils and submitted to the Superintendent. Thirteen of these sketches were selected and they were then drawn and cut on linoleum blocks, the blocks then being printed in calendar form. All the pupils in the Junior High schools worked on the coloring of these sheets and the completed calendars were then sold in the schools.
A request came to the Art Department of the Junior High schools from the Physical Training Department for a design for an emblem for the Leaders' Club. Each school submitted designs, the winner being John Roberts of the Central Junior High School.
The Art Department suffered a loss in the spring of 1929 in the sudden death of Miss Ethel Mckeown of the South Junior High School. Miss Mckeown had high ideals, was a faithful and con- scientious worker, and was exceptionally talented. Her going was felt by all who had come in contact with her.
Miss Vera Stevens is now filling this position at the South Junior High School.
I am glad to have this opportunity to thank Mr. Muir for his kindly interest and help in this department and the teachers and pupils for their splendid co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
AMY E. ADAMS, Supervisor of Drawing.
405
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
I herewith submit the report of the Department of Physical Edu- cation for the year 1929.
During the past year the elementary schools have had well- organized gymnastics with a time allowance of ten minutes daily, or fifty minutes weekly. In the first three grades thirty minutes of this time has been given over to games and dances, while in grades four, five and six twenty minutes weekly were allowed for games, the balance of time in each case being used for formal calisthenics. Real values in sportsmanship and fair play were taught through the medium of organized games at recess.
Medical examinations were given to all pupils in the seventh, ninth and tenth grades. These examinations covered heart, lungs and hernia and were conducted in co-operation with the School Physician, Dr. Maria E. Drew.
A definite program of graded work in marching, calisthenics, apparatus and games was started in September in the Junior High schools. This program will be enlarged and revised so as to pro- vide a definite sequence of work in the seventh, eighth and ninth grades. These classes met for one fifty-seven-minute period weekly and were supplemented by a daily ten-minute calisthenic drill under student leadership. There were two hundred student leaders conducting these classes in the four Junior High schools.
The Senior High School classes were of forty-seven minutes' duration, which is too short a time to do effective work, as these classes meet but once a week. The class work was handicapped by crowded conditions and the teachers found that the doubling up of classes in the gymnasiuni with only a curtain separating them was a handicap to satisfactory results. In addition to calisthenics, marching and apparatus work, the fundamentals of games were taught in the gymnasium period, thus enabling all pupils to ac- quire the basic skills of the common forms of athletic games. The after-school activities in both the Junior and Senior High schools were given over to inter-class games and participation on school teams. All athletic activities in the Junior High schools were con- fined to local competition.
Our program of Physical Education as applied to athletics may be compared to a pyramid with class work the broad base of it, the inter-class program the middle section, and the school teams as the peak.
"Physical Education as a way of living will provide exercise as a by-product of interesting and worth-while recreations. Plays, games, sport and dancing will be engaged in because they are in themselves worthwhile, entirely sanctioned by an intelligent ap- preciation of wholesome living."
In closing I wish to express my appreciation to all who have co-operated in promoting the work in physical education.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. WHITING,
Supervisor of Physical Education.
406
CITY OF QUINCY
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Muir:
I herewith submit a report of the health activities of the School Department for the year, 1929.
One of the outstanding events was the first visit of the Follow- Up Clinic to re-examine the group of children selected the previous year by the State Clinic of the Ten Year Program for the Pre- vention of Tuberculosis among School Children. Arrangements were made for the re-examination of these children at different school centers of the city beginning March 6 and ending March 15.
The extent of the work is shown in the following report:
Number of children recommended for re-examination. 277
absent, moved away, left school. 54
refused to be examined 10
66 re-examined
213
66
found to be improved.
130
found to be unimproved 83
mothers present at examination. 143
children who had tonsil and adenoid operation. 31
having sanatorium treatment.
16
66
66
66
who have had sanatorium treatment.
7
66 66
recommended for sanatorium treatment.
1
66 recommended for X-Ray
8
66
recommended for summer camp.
19
66
66
negative cases examined. 1
66
found to be unimproved. 1
The Follow-Up Clinic also visited Quincy for two days in Decem- ber, the 4th and 5th, to apply the tuberculin test and X-Ray the children of this list in preparation for the physical examinations which will be given in January, 1930. At this visit 206 children were tested and X-Rayed.
Another important even was the immunization treatments given in the schools from April 22 to May 23, inclusive, in conjunction with the Diphtheria Preventive Campaign of the Department of Health. A total of 1,584 children completed immunization and 146 children completed the re-immunization treatments, making in all 1,730 children who were benefited by this Clinic.
We are greatly indebted to the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Edmund B. FitzGerald, and his staff of co-workers for the success of this very important preventive program.
During September the physical examinations of the girls and boys of the entering class of the Senior High School and the 7th and 9th grades of the four Junior High schools were completed by a group of doctors, namely, Drs. Hardwick, Katzeff and Manton, who examined the girls and Drs. Cook, Dalton and Smith, who ex- amined the boys. The pupils of the Home Making School and the Trade School were also included in this program.
We wish to thank the Supervisor of Physical Education, Mr. Whiting, and the teachers of that department for their splendid and helpful co-operation.
60
66
66
66
66
who went to summer camp in 1928. 13
407
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
In regard to the employment certificates for 1929, the following tabulation shows the extent of the work and also a marked in- crease in numbers.
Examination for Certificates of Employment Age 14 to 16 years
Boys
Girls Total
Form C Regular
61
4
65
Form D Non-resident
26
1
27
Form E Limited temporary
117
8
125
Form F Limited
57
5
62
Special Certificates:
Farm
2
....
2
Domestic
7
7
Home Permit
10
10
263
35
298
A total of 298 certificates was issued during the year.
The physical examinations of the children of the entering class of the elementary schools began in September. The abnormal con- ditions most numerous on the list were enlarged or diseased tonsils, and the varying degrees of malnutrition and incorrect pos- ture. A total of 1,354 pupils was examined and 327 notices of de- fects were sent to parents or guardians.
The character of routine work remains the same, but as the school population increases, the field of endeavor is more extensive and the problems are more numerous.
Conditions of contagion compare very favorably with those of last year, except the scarlet fever report. The symptoms of that disease have been so very slight that it has been almost impossible to control the situation in the schools and safeguard the children from exposure to scarlet fever.
A glance at the report of the work of the school nurses shows the steadfast and efficient services rendered by them in their en- deavors for the welfare of the school children. Their efforts are deserving of the utmost commendation.
In closing, please allow me to improve this opportunity to ex- press my appreciation of the co-operation and helpfulness that has been so cheerfully contributed to this division and which has been of exceeding value to the success of the health program of the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIA E. DREW, School Physician.
CONCLUSION
The Superintendent has conducted monthly meetings with the Principals of the different buildings and frequent conferences and meetings with the Principals of the Junior and Senior High schools.
The outstanding meeting of the year was the general meeting held in the Central Junior High School March 20, 1929. The Su- perintendent gave a résumé of a few of the papers presented by
408
CITY OF QUINCY
leading educators of America at the Convention of the Depart- ment of Superintendents of the N. E. A. held in Cleveland, Febru- ary 23-28. It was a good meeting.
The School Committee has held its regular monthly meetings and many special meetings during the year. The salient points are given in the Committee's report in this volume.
All have given freely of their time and talent to further the in- terest of the schools of the city of Quincy.
What I should like to emphasize more than any other thing dur- ing the year 1930 is more attention to the individual. What is required is a system of education which shall encourage boys and girls to teach themselves; a system calculated to foster the child's curiosity; to make the desire for knowledge an habitual desire; and above all to familiarize each child with the best methods of acquiring it by his own efforts.
I wish to express my appreciation to all the employees of the school system whose co-operation and combined efforts have made it possible to further the progress of the schools.
Permit me again to express my appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their consideration of the schools' needs and to the School Committee for their watchful helpfulness along so many lines. The manifest desire of each member of the Committee to promote the highest welfare of the schools makes it a satisfaction to serve the city.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools.
409
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
APPENDIX A
STATISTICAL DATA 1. Financial Statement for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 1929
I. REGULAR SCHOOLS
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.