Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1940, Part 30

Author: Quincy (Mass.)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 572


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 1940 > Part 30


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1,694


5,766


2,348


3,581


2,719


3,172


3,512


852


55,438


Philosophy


2,466


189


181


66


624


61


397


63


274


23


70


29


80


54


6


4,583


Religion


1,181


108


134


71


445


68


183


30


428


28


32


22


40


46


260


3


3,079


Sociology


7,041


1,289


963


1,112


2,496


607


1,150


384


1,251


622


193


499


462


303


2,118


18


20,508


Language


831


114


42


25


97


12


72


14


182


11


3


10


17


4


62


1,496


Science


2.777


441


242


312


1,328


114


179


220


371


130


53


151


210


123


1,020


30


8,001


Useful Arts


9.041


1,144


S94


709


2.385


408


1,254


397


1,337


442


342


471


560


436


1,560


10


21,390


Fine Arts


6,854


672


709


392


1.836


156


892


350


712


201


102


20°


474


227


965


23


14,771


Literature


7,100


3,772


2,579


2,672


4,506


2,295


2,318


1,067


3,508


2,807


450


1,808


1,397


1,361


3,697


20


41,357


History


5.325


471


561


443


1,575


219


670


204


539


176


126


242


422


227


917


16


12,133


Travel


5.545


1.071


1,243


S39


2,946


617


1,532


498


1,399


665


402


498


673


601


1,336


16


19,881


Biography


6.585


1,080


925


640


2.858


474


1,125


411


1,120


293


404


235


712


494


952


26


18,634


Fiction


81,916


30,987


32,269


29,691


86.022


20,651


33,905


16,189


34,801


16,317


11,239


20,534


19,069


12,827


27,657


242


474,316


Total


148,442


44,619


43,985


38.877 112,632


27,331


48,696 -


21,521


51,688


24,063


17,000


27,424


27,288


20,215


41,402


404


695,587


485


REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY


445


Downs


487


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF QUINCY, MASS.


1. SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1940


Chairman HON. THOMAS S. BURGIN, Mayor


Vice-Chairman MR. HESLIP E. SUTHERLAND


HON. THOMAS S. BURGIN Term expires Dec. 31, 1940


131 Munroe Road, Quincy


MR. L. PAUL, MARINI Term expires Dec. 31, 1940


223 Presidents Lane, Quincy


Term expires Dec. 31, 1940 MIR. ROY PROUT 4-1 Highfield Road, Quincy


MR. JOHN P. FLAVIN 14 Neponset Road, Quincy


Term expires Dec. 31, 1940


MR. JOHN H. TAYLOR 108 Warren Avenue, Wollaston


Term expires Dec. 31, 1941


MRS. BEATRICE W. NICHOLS 45 Elm Street, Quincy


Term expires Dec. 31, 1942


MR. HESLIP E. SUTHERLAND Term expires Dec. 31, 1942


50 Spear Street, Quincy


Secretary to School Committee and Superintendent of Schools JAMES N. MUIR, B.S. 132 Winthrop Avenue, Wollaston


The regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7:30 o'clock P.M. on the last Tuesday in each month.


488


CITY OF QUINCY


ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION


WILLIAM A. BRADFORD, Chairman


ALBERT C. BLACKMAN


CONRAD HALLGREN


FERDINAND J. COMI


ALBERT W. Koss


FRANK FOSTER


GEORGE A. OSTER


ARCHIBALD WESTHAVER


OFFICE STAFF


Secretary MARION NILSEN 33 Nilsen Avenue, Quincy


Bookkeeper HELEN M. CANTY


65 Safford Street, Wollaston


Clerks


ANNIE M. OHMAN 71 Bennington Street, Quincy THERESA V. KROESSER 18 Thornton Street, Wollaston


Office: School Committee Rooms, Quincy High School Building, Cod- dington Street.


Office Hours: 8 A.M. to 5 P.M .; Saturday, 8 A.M. to 12 M


Supervisor of Attendance HARRY G. BURNHAM 226 Everett Street, Wollaston Office: School Committee Rooms. Office Hours: 8 A.M. to 12 M., 1:30 to 5 P.M. Saturday, 8 A.M. to 12 M.


199


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE


To the Citizens of Quincy:


At the organization meeting of the School Committee for 1940, held January hrst, the following were chosen:


Heslip E. Sutherland, Vice-Chairman James N. Muir, Secretary Marion Nilsen, Clerk


During the year the usual number of changes have occured. The personnel of the department has been affected by thie retire- mient of several highly valued teachers. Miss Clara E. Thompson, Head of the Mathematics Department of the Quincy High School, has left an enviable record of forty-eight years' service as likewise has Miss Minnie E. Donovan of the Lincoln School. Mr. Charles Sampson, Principal of the Francis W. Parker and Massachusetts Fields Schools, served faithfully for forty-four years and Miss Jen- nie N. Whitcher of the Coddington School gave devoted service for forty-one years. The host of former pupils should join in the opin- ion of the School Committee as expressed in a personal testimonial which was sent to each of these exemplary citizens. Honorable mention should also be given Mr. Fred C. Cahoon who was a faitli- ful custodian fr thirty years.


The subject of enlarged facilities for the Trade School was given the careful consideration which it deserves. The report for 1939 stated that the School Committee adopted specific recommen- dations for a new wing of the present Trade School building. The Advisory Committee of the Trade School, under the able leadership of Honorable William A. Bradford, recommended the erection of a new building on Sea Street near the present police station at a cost of nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. The School Com- mittee deemed it inadvisable to incur such great expense as speci- fied for a new building and repeated its former opinion that the present facilities be enlarged and improved to adequately provide for the activities of the students in this branch of the department. While on the subject of the Trade School it seems appropriate to mention that the Committee authorized the extra use of the Trade School for training of young men in work especially adapted to the manufacture of materials to be used in National Defense. Work- ing hours have been extended to include late afternoon and evening classes until eleven o'clock.


Progress has been accomplished in the renovation of the shop at the Quincy High School where the elements of trades are taught in the form of metal, electrical and woodwork as well as machine shop practice. Also the complete renovation of stage equipment at the North Quincy High School has done much to improve appear- ances there. Mr. George S. Clark has given unstintingly of his time and effort and is deserving of much thanks and appreciation.


The various school buildings are being used extensively after school hours by various organizations necessitating additional ex-


490


CITY OF QUINCY


pense for light and heat. Many of the programs are conducted by Works Progress Administration in many forms of activities. The Works Progress Administration has, however, done much for the school department in their work at the Adams School in beautify- ing the school yard, building walks and repairing walls around the school; at the John Hancock School where they completed the fencing and amiesiting of the school yard; at the Atherton Hough School where they conducted a general renovation including paint- ing inside and outside, as well as plastering; at the Quincy School where they did considerable plastering and painting; at the Daniel Webster School where they conducted a general renovation includ- ing plastering and painting. Other smaller jobs have been com- pleted to the satisfaction of all concerned and for which this Com- mittee is very grateful for their labor.


The Committee approved the plan to issue a pictorial publica- tion showing the Quincy Schools at Work, a copy of which may be had on application to the Superintendent.


Another forward step was registered when the Committee de- cided that every new entrant to the teaching profession in the city be given a physical examination before assuming duty. Medical ex- amination is given by physicians employed by the School Commit- tee and the applicant must prove to be free from any contagious disease or impairment that would interfere with prompt and effic- ient execution of duties. This is considered another safeguard for the health of our children and their welfare considering fire drills and other occasions of emergency.


In the report for 1939 reference was made to the portable build- ing at the Central Junior School. Use of this building has been discontinued and the structure removed from the playground.


The Committee has endeavored to obtain a better understand- ing of the functions and problems of each department and to this end has conducted surveys of the activities of several departments. A continuation of this plan will undoutedly extend into the future.


The Committee deplores the mutilation of school buildings, especially broken windows, and will make every effort to reduce such damage to a minimum.


This report would be incomplete without acknowledgment of the faithful efforts and untiring devotion of our successful teachers. They have added much to the advancement and knowledge of our children and have earned for themselves the gratitude and praise of our citizens.


The foregoing report was prepared by a special committee con- sisting of Mr. Roy Prout and Mr. L. Paul Marini and was adopted as the report of the School Committee for the year 1940.


.


491


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee of Quincy:


I am transmitting to you the usual statistical report of the Quincy Public Schools for the year 1940. In this report are in- cluded the reports of the Director of Health Education and the Sup- ervisor of Attendance in that these reports are largely statistical and include certain items required by law. The Trade School, eve- ning school, and special classes are reported by the Assistant Sup- erintendent.


The illustrated booklet depicting the Quincy schools at work, which has recently been published and distributed, serves as a re- port on our present school program.


It is unusually stimulating and gratifying to a Superintendent of Schools to have a School Committee accept recommendations and take as constructive action as has been taken during the past year. Some of the outstanding accomplishments have been:


1. The renovation of the Quincy High School shop for boys and the installation of new equipment.


2. The adoption of rules and regulations for the physical exam- ination of teachers.


3. The adoption of rules and regulations providing for the physical examination of candidates for school athletic squads.


4. The provision of instruction in lip reading.


The situation in the school system is such that excellent prog- ress should be made during the coming year.


Respectfully submitted, JAMES N. MUIR Superintendent of Schools.


492


CITY OF QUINCY


REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


MR. JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools


Quincy, Massachusetts


MY DEAR MR. MUIR:


I submit the following report on the Trade School, Evening Classes and special classes.


The Day Trade School


For the school year 1929-30 the average membership of the Trade School was 182 and the gross cost was $53,154.56.


Ten years later for the school year 1939-40 the average mem- bership was 252.12 and the gross cost was $53,520.12. In ten years the average membership increased 38.5% but the gross cost in- creased only .6+%.


Ten years ago last August the net per capita cost to the city for maintaining the Trade School was $123.22. Last August the net per capita cost for the past year was $90.32.


The table below shows the sources of income and the amounts by which the gross cost was reduced for 1939-40.


1939-1940


Tuition for non-residents


$ 5,212.04


Cash for products made in school


422.20


Aid from the Federal Government


7,054.25


Aid from the State of Massachusetts 17,992.91


Miscellaneous receipts


56.95


Total Receipts $30,738.35


Net cost to City of Quincy 22,781.77


During 1929-30 there were in the Trade School twelve trade teachers, one academic teacher, and one full time director. In 1939-40 there were fourteen trade teachers and the academic teacher, Mr. Webster, who also served as Director of the school.


493


The growth of the school is shown by the following table giving the total enrollment and average membership for the last five years.


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


1935-36


1936-37


1937-38


1938-39


1939-40


Enrol.


Ave. Mem.


Enrol.


Ave. Mem.


Enrol.


Ave. Mem.


Enrol.


Ave. Mcm.


Enrol.


Ave. Mem.


Auto Mechanics


77


54.52


79


54.00


79


55.06


73


49.21


73


53.27


Electrical


44


37.63


43


36.13


42


35.27


40


37.35


40


38.58


Machine


20


17.26


21


17.28


34


26.97


36


32.02


30


33.21


Plumbing


48


34.27


47


34.94


39


34.76


42


34.11


39


34.40


Sheet Metal


22


17.81


21


17.53


19


18.71


38


34.82


39


38.19


Woodworking ·


75


55.14


78


54.08


74


48.54


69


52.81


74


54.47


Total Enroll. .. Total Average Membership


286


289


287


298


305


216.63


213.96


219.31


240.32


252.12


An average membership of 252+ is the highest in the history of the school and it can never be but little higher until the capacity of the school is increased. The building can house 264 pupils.


It does not seem necessary to present facts or reasons for the necessary additional facilities for vocational cdu- cation in Quincy. All concerned are apparently in agreement over the needs for expansion of the Trade School but differences of opinion exist as how the increased facilities shall be provided. It is greatly to be desired that differences of opinion be adjusted and that steps be taken to increase the facilities for Trade education.


494


CITY OF QUINCY


The Evening Schools


For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1940, $2,477.76 was ex- pended for the Evening Academic classes but $728.25 was paid into the city treasury in tuition fees for evening school students. Tuition fees, if applied direct to evening school expenses, would have cov- ered nearly one-third of the total amount. The town of Braintree for the past year has been paying tuition costs for Braintree resi- dents which has increased the number of Braintree residents at- tending the evening school.


Evening Academic Classes are in the nature of a business bar- ometer. When business conditions are poor and many young people are unemployed, the enrollment in the evening school increases; when business conditions improve, enrollments decrease.


The following table giving the full registration for the past two years shows a decrease of 825 in the enrollment for 1940 com- pared with 1939.


1939


1940


Algebra


49


39


Mechanical Drawing


70


91


Grammar School Arithmetic


36


22


Grammar School English


48


24


Elementary Typewriting


274


183


Intermediate Typewriting


155


105


Advanced Typewriting


127


145


Elementary Stenography


141


130


Intermediate Stenography


99


100


Advanced Stenography


109


113


Intermediate Business English


73


40


Advanced Business English


237


143


Intermediate Business Arithmetic


61


23


Advanced Business Arithmetic


111


47


Classes for Adult Aliens


185


152


Total enrollment


1775


950


The total enrollment is not the sums of the class enrollments above as evening school pupils in most cases were allowed to reg- ister in two different classes.


The decrease in enrollment made it possible to introduce a new course-"Principles of Bookkeeping" which proved to be popu- lar.


The fall registration in classes for adult aliens was the smallest enrollment in the last five years. We rather think that the peak in alien education has been passed. However, we should continue to educate the foreign born living in Quincy until all can read and write English and are thoroughly instilled with democratic princi- ples of government.


Evening Trade Extension classes have been absorbed by the National Defense Program of Vocational Education financed by the Federal Government.


In the spring of 1940, Quincy maintained two Evening Trade classes-one in Sheet Metal Drafting and one in Machine Shop Practice.


142


Principles of Bookkeeping


.


495


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


In the fall of 1940 the machine, sheet metal and woodworking shops were used and are still being used from 4 P.M. to 12 P.M. for National Defense Training of men unemployed.


Three classrooms in the Trade School are being used in the evening under the National Defense Training Program from 7 to 9 P.M. for Machine Drafting, Sheet Metal Layout and Blue Print Reading.


Since it has been in the same trades that we have operated Evening Trade Extension classes, the field seemed to be adequately covered by the National Defense Vocational Training Program and no courses were offered by the School Department.


Special Classes.


The number of special classes for retarded children was the same in 1940 as for the past few years.


Two changes were made in the location of classes. The class for older girls was moved from the Coddington School to a large sunny classroom on the second floor of the Cranch School formerly occupied by a W.P.A. sewing group. The class of thirty-six older boys housed in the portable building in the yard of the Central Junior School was moved to the Coddington School where it has the use of an excellent classroom and a good comfortable shop formerly used by a W.P.A. group. The boys' class is much better housed and the portable building was transferred to the W.P.A. and removed from the school property to the great improvement of the school yard at Central Junior School.


At the close of the year in December, 1940, one hundred sixty- one pupils were enrolled in the opportunity classes under the care of nine specially trained teachers. That all or more classes will be needed is indicated by the fact that in 1940 one hundred twenty- cne new children were referred to clinics for examination of their intelligence and fifteen childrn were referred for re-examination. Fifteen pupils were found to be normal, fifty-six were dull normal, fifty-nine were definitely mentally retarded and six were not exam- ined because of sickness or because they had moved from the city.


Some of the children who are dull normal have been recom- mended for attendance in the special classes. There are more chil- dren in the city than can be cared for in the present number of classes but not enough in any one general location to justify open- ing another class.


It is a pleasure to report that the number of handicapped chil- dren requiring special education decreased in 1940. During the school year ending in June 1940, twenty-two children were trans- ported to the class for the physically handicapped in the Thomas B. Pollard School but of that number eight were well enough to return to the regular school in September, one returned to a sanatorium. During the school year eighteen different children were taught at home by visiting teachers of which number five have returned to the regular schools, six were transferred to the Handicapped Class and two are deceased.


496


CITY OF QUINCY


In December 1940 there were twenty-two children being trans- ported to the class for Handicapped Children and eight were re- ceiving instruction at home.


Quincy has been very fortunate in the teachers who have taught the handicapped children. The work that is done by and with these children is a very satisfying part of Quincy Public School education.


I close this report with a brief quotation from the class teacher of the handicapped children, "The atmosphere of the building has always been conducive to the happiness and progress of the phys- ically handicapped child. This is very vital to the success of the work .... These pupils for the most part will become self-support- ing members of society."


Respectfully submitted, ALBERT H. COCHRANE, Assistant Superintendent of Schools


497


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


MR. JAMES N. MUIR


Supt. of Schools


Quincy, Mass. Dear Mr. Muir:


The following is a report of the work of the Health Education Department.


Health Service


Contagious Diseases Reported


1938


1939


1940


Scarlet Fever


933


151


106


Measles


156


1279


118


Totals


1089


1430


224


Medical Examinations


1939


1940


1. Regular Routine Examinations


8890


8494


2. Special Examinations


567


1570


3. Examinations of Athletes


1242


1331


4. Miscellaneous Examinations


893


553


5. Pre-School Clinic Examinations


386


516


Total examinations by School Physicians


11978


12464


The orthopedic clinic which was started in December, 1940 is held in the Quincy High School once each month. Parents, teachers and nurses have expressed enthusiastic approval of this newest health service feature.


School Nursing Service


1939


1940


I. Number of pupils inspected by Nurse or physician 46,865 46,993


II. Field Visits by Nurses:


1. To Home


1376


1917


2. To Physicians


33


21


3. To other agencies


119


156


III. Office Visits (or conferences in school buildings) :


1. Parents


1121


803


2. Teachers:


a. re health of pupils


4359


3992


b. re hygiene of classroom


585


452


c. re home conditions


1640


632


3. Pupils :


a. re health advice


9082


8345


b. re first aid


3653


4025


c. re illness and suspected contagion


3295


3232


d. re follow-up of defects


5385


5207


498


CITY OF QUINCY


IV. Parents Notified re defects of


a. eyes


455


375


b. ears


165


181


c. nose and throat


748


461


d. teeth


2108


2148


e. feet and posture


248


376


f. others


222


184


V. Corrections reported


2688


2774


* This report does not include any figures from North Quincy High School because of Mrs. Baker's absence.


** Quincy High School reported 970 defects and 680 corrections; 70% is a high commendable record.


Tuberculosis Clinic Summary


Chadwick Clinic


1939


1940


Pupils recommend for re-examinations


156


117


Pupils re-examined


150


117


Pupils improved


149


113


Pupils unimproved


1


4


Pupils X-rayed


143


114


Pupils recommended for Sanatorium treatment . .


0


1


Pupils referred to family physician for observation


0


1


Pupils discharged from clinic


9


18


*The work of the Chadwick Clinic will now be taken over by the Norfolk County Clinic.


Norfolk. Coun y Clinic


1939


1940


Population of Grades tested


2505


2469


Children Tuberculin tested


1561


1948


% Tested


62%


79%


Children X-rayed


579


393


Children examined


87


76


Adult type tuberculosis cases found


5


2


Pleurisy with effusion


0


1


Adult type tuberculosis (observation groups)


0


2


Placed on observation list for annual check-up


87


78


Number examined by special request


19


20


Quincy Mortality rate from T.B. per 100,000.


42.9


26


Accidents Reported


Sent to Hospital


1939


1940


1939


1940


Elementary Schools


45


46


14


17


Trade School


8


16


8


16


South Junior


6


5


2


2


Central Junior


11


10


6


5


Quincy Point Junior


12


16


2


4


Quincy High


50


42


40


23


North Quincy High


56


47


29


14


Totals


188


182


101


80*


*Many treatments for athletic injuries were given free at the Quincy Hospital which do not show in this report.


499


REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


Analysis of Accidents during 1940


Athletics 48


Gymnasiums


28


Classrooms


21


Corridors


13


Shop (not including Trade)


8


Playgrounds


38


Lavatories


2


Cafeterias


1


Miscellaneous


7


Trade School


16*


182


(Plumbing*, 4; Woodworking, 6; Sheet Metal, 3; Machine Shop, 1; Automobile Dept., 1.)


Total number of fractures resulting from these accidents, 18.


Physical Education


The physical education program, as do the facilities for teach- ing this work, varies within the system.


Both Quincy and North Quincy High School gymnasiums, with only a curtain dividing classes, make it difficult to give very much verbal instruction because of noise interference. This condition is somewhat offset at North Quincy because of facilities offered in the body mechanics room.


The P.F.I. figurcs which follow include the results of 1930 and 1940 tests.


P.F.I. Test Results


1939


1940


PFI


SI


PFI


SI


Quincy High School-Girls Average


111


1579


112


1612


Quincy High School-Boys Average


103


2427


107


2561


North Quincy High School -. Girls Average


118


1550


113


1620


North Quincy High School-Boys Average .


114


2075


113


2330


North Quincy High (Junior)-Girls Average North Quincy High (Junior)-Boys Average


108


1263


113


1460


Central Junior School-Girls Average


113


1320


112


1410


South Junior School-Girls Average


106


1240


115


1501


South Junior School-Boys Average


112


1395


114


1580


Quincy Point Junior School-Girls Average


91


1020


103


1290


Quincy Point Junior School-Boys Average


97


1199


104


1520


116


1450


114


1490


Central Junior School-Boys Average


119


1325


110


1515


The elementary school physical education program consisted for the most part in working with pupils needing body mechanic training. Three teachers were assigned to this work, cach doing about 21/2 days each week except during the testing period of spring and fall.


500


CITY OF QUINCY


Infantry Drill Manuals have been distributed to all physical education men so that the marching tactics taught will be the same as those used in military service.


Fall Financial Report-1940


Quincy High School


Receipts


Expenses


Football


$ 6,644.12 $ 3,157.61


Soccer


191.24


Rifle


32.84


Riding (Transportation)


5.40


Cross Country


.....


Junior Schools (Three)


Football Equipment


49.50


1,255.53


Transportation


96.00


Police


6.00


Soccer Equipment


109.20


$ 6,693.62 $


4,893.94


Net Receipts


1,799.68


S 6,693.62


North Quincy High School


Football


$ 2,611.55 $


2,738.76


(Junior School)


Football


3.50


416.93


Soccer


24.00


$ 2,615.05 $


3,179.69


Net Loss


564.64


$ 3,179.69


Recommendations


There is a vital need for larger quarters for health service work at Quincy High School.


An effort should be made to co-ordinate the various recreation programs now being sponsored by the Park Department, W.P.A. and the churches using school facilities. In some cases boys of high school and junior school age are attending many of these sessions irrespective of their health needs.


Soap should be supplied for showers to improve the hygiene of pupils.


Surfacing for many of the : locker room floors to minimize the danger of athletes foot.


Provisions for a body mechanics program at Quincy High School.


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES J. CARTER Director, Health Education


40.12




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