USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1908-1911 > Part 15
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drawing, music and sewing, see the reports of the respective supervisors.
I should call attention to the fact that manual training of a simple nature has been added to the department of drawing. This work has been introduced into the elementary grades, from the first to the seventh inclusive. This is the beginning, and it is a decided departure in manual work for the town. In the course of time it will be extended until it is represented in all grades, and work in wood and other material will be prominent features.
In the appendix will be found a more detailed statement of the work in manual training. It can thus be determined, to some extent, how comprehensive is the scope of the department which is under the jurisdiction of the supervisor of drawing.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Last year the plan for our general monthly teachers' meetings was to have speakers come and address the teachers on certain educational topics.
The chief purpose of this series was to show how teachers of experience and note have been able to develop individual initiative in the pupils. This topic is allied to social and indus- trial education.
What a child has inclination and power to do he will do- after he leaves school, at all events. His vocation, standing and efficiency in society will depend, to a considerable degree, upon his intellectual, moral, and even vocational development obtained in school. Hence it is important that we discover, so far as pos- sible, and help the child to discover, his tastes, his bent, and power, which can be accomplished only by encouraging individ- ual initiative.
The principle involved is fundamental. If carried to its full logical extent it would work a transformation in the methods and results of teaching. It means making the pupil conscious of his power and success rather than his weakness and failures. It means encouraging him to express himself, to co-operate in the
17
conduct of the school work, to contribute, according to his tastes and resources, to the success and interests of the school. It means inculcating the spirit of co-operation, and to that extent softening the spirit of competition.
The teachers have shown an intelligent interest in this work, it has affected their point of view and practice, and some have visited schools successful along this general line of endeavor.
This year the basis of our work in the general meetings is a book, Horne's Psychological Principles of Education. Several chapters of the book are discussed each month. This book em- bodies the latest ideas of psychology and pedagogy, and is made practical and helpful by showing the applications of fundamental principles to the actual work of the school room.
In addition to the general meetings held once a month, there have been frequent grade meetings to discuss methods of teaching specific subject.
SALARIES.
The desirability of raising the salaries of teachers in accord- ance with the recommendation of the committee, should be em- phasized. The teachers deserve greater compensation for their services to the community. The skill which is an element in these services, is the result of an expensive education, of careful technical training, and of trying, critical experience, and it should be suitably remunerated. They need it to meet the con- stantly increasing expenses of living, which have become a seri- ous problem for them. They need it for continued self-improve- ment along professional lines, and to enjoy the leisure necessary to secure and maintain the buoyant spirits and health required for their work. It will be a good investment for the public.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The time has come when the school department should re- spond to the need in the community for an evening school. Such a school can accomplish several purposes. It will provide an opportunity for some of our aspiring foreign population to ac-
.
IS
quire facility in the use of the English language, a better knowledge of American institutions, and greater incentives to become good American citizens. It will enable those who were obliged to leave school prematurely to extend their education. It is hoped, also, that some may become more proficient in cer- tain technical lines related to their vocations. With the accom- plishment of these ends in view, I recommend that next year an evening school be organized with a good deal of care and delib- eration.
d
19
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.
During the past year there have been twelve resignations and fourteen appointments.
RESIGNATIONS.
Mary W. Cross, High School.
A. Mabel Cobb, Everett School.
Mary L. Gay, Everett School. Julia R. O'Brien, Everett School. Agnes E. Abbott, Everett School.
Lucinda M. Bent, Guild School.
Mary V. Williams, Shattuck School. Susie G. Fisher, Winslow and Shattuck schools.
Georgietta Bacon, East School.
Florence E. Fisher, West School.
Lucie A. Metcalf, West School.
Clarissa L. Weymouth, West School.
APPOINTMENTS.
Adelaide M. Lakin, High School.
Maud B. Kennerson, Everett School.
Lilla E. Clement, Everett School. Hilda M. Todd, Everett School. Emma R. Bannister, Everett School. Katherine B. Feely, Guild School. Mary W. O'Brien, Guild School.
Fannie M. Thorn, Guild School. Herbert D. Bixby, Shattuck School. Ada B. Campbell, Shattuck School. Susie G. Fisher, Winslow and Shattuck schools. Marguerite E. Mahoney, Winslow School. Annie G. Scherer, Winslow School. Bertha L. Brown, East School.
1.
20
IN MEMORIAM.
M. AGNES MURPHY.
Miss M. Agnes Murphy was taken ill during the Christmas vacation of 1906. From that time she lingered in declining health until her departure from this life May 10, 1907. She had been in the service only a little more than three years ; yet her growth as a teacher from the very start was so rapid that she won a foremost place in efficiency, easily ranking among the two or three best teachers of the town.
She had a good deal of natural enthusiasm ; she was usually aglow and happy in her work ; she was active, and had unusual executive ability, so that every day counted effectively in the progress of her school. She loved the children and had power over them; she appealed to the best in them; under her influ- ence they were polite, refined, and happy little men and women. They loved to go to school, when she was there, and eagerly ap- plied themselves to their tasks. Her personality was felt among them, even in her absence. One morning, when she did not appear, the principal found the school in perfect order, with one of its members presiding and leading the others in the work. Miss Murphy's spirit was still there, controlling the minds and hearts of her little children, who were as faithful and devoted to her as she was to them.
Miss Murphy was gifted with a sweet and sunny disposition ; hers was a fine and refined spirit. She was courteous, modest, generous, true, and loyal to her associates, and highly respected and loved by them. She will ever be cherished in memory as a young woman of pure and lovely character, whose example was well worthy of imitation.
1
2I
GENERAL REMARKS.
THE SHATTUCK PRINCIPALSHIP.
The change in the principalship of the Shattuck Shool should be noted. In previous years there has always been a lady principal. This year Mr. Herbert D. Bixby, a graduate of Tufts College and Lowell Normal School, is the principal of this school. His success there proves the wisdom of the plan, and we believe it has the approval of the community.
SPECIAL SCHOOL.
In accordance with a recommendation in the last annual report, a special school has been organized in the Guild building. It is designed for children who, for any reason, need especial attention. The membership has been limited to twenty, so that the teacher could attend to the needs of every child. This school has done a great deal of good, and it has evidently been appreciated by the families benefited. Contrary to the original intentions, it has been necessary this year to utilize it partially as an overflow for another school. The teacher, Miss Mary W. O'Brien, has caught the spirit and purpose of the school and has entered into its important work with a good deal of enthusiasm.
SCHOOL GARDENING.
. A beginning has been made in school gardening. Last spring a lot was set apart on the Everett grounds and the cultiva- tion of certain flowers and vegetables started. It is hoped that during the ensuing season the products of this garden may be worthy of the interest taken in it. Among the products to be expected is some practical knowledge gained by the pupils in the cultivation of the soil. This knowledge, with the many accompanying occurrences revealing the way nature works, will have real educational value.
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APPRECIATION.
We take advantage of this opportunity to express to the teachers and record appreciation for their work during the past year. In every teacher's experience a year contains many inci- dents and efforts unknown and unrecognized apparently by any one except herself; incidents that have been trying and have tested her intellectual and moral fiber to the utmost, efforts that have been worthy of her best self and deserving of the highest
commendation. In behalf of the committee and the community, I take the liberty, at this time, to assure the teachers that those very efforts, as well as the rest of their work, are appreciated.
To the committee I wish to express my thanks and grati- tude for their support and encouragement, which are absolutely essential to my success and best work.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM C. HOBBS, Superintendent.
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APPENDIX.
25
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Up to the present time the general health in the schools has been good and there have been less contagious diseases than during the year previous. This no doubt has been partly due to the care and attention paid by the teachers to ventilation. I have invariably found the rooms well ventilated and the teachers are to be commended for the interest taken in this important duty. Some of the buildings are old and the sanitary condition not first class owing to that fact, but generally speaking all of the buildings are kept clean and the lavatories well supplied with fresh air.
Most particularly an attempt is being made to rectify, in many of the children, certain physical deformities, such as de- fects of vision and hearing and especially growths in the nose and throat. Experiments which have been made in many of our largest cities, notably New York and Philadelphia show conclusively that a child suffers from want of the proper mental development due to these physical deformities, and we hope that the board will have the co-operation of the parents in its at- tempt to place each scholar in the best physical condition pos- sible.
ARTHUR S. HARTWELL, M D.
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
To MR. W. C. HOBBS, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
I herewith submit my ninth annual report.
The following table gives the enrollment in the High School for the past three years according to classes :
1905-6 4
1906-7
1907-8
Postgraduates,
2
4
Seniors,
9
25
27
Juniors,
34
28
30
Sophomores,
51
40
18
Freshmen,
53
40
92
Total,
151
I35
I71
Of the enrollment for the present school year, 67 are boys and 104 are girls. Of the 92 in the freshman class, 79 were graduates of last year's ninth grade. Of the other 13, 6 came in from out- side schools and seven are repeating the work in which they failed to gain a full promotion.
It will be seen that there is an increase this year over last, of 36. A like increase next year would fill the building in which the number of available desks is 208. To accommodate so large a number, however, would be a very difficult matter, as there are only four rooms large enough to hold classes of over 20.
It has seldom been found necessary to divide any of the classes above the freshman class into two divisions. Such divisions in the upper classes will have to be made next year. To accommodate these divisions will prove difficult.
I give below a table showing where the members of last year's graduating class may be found this year.
*
11
-
27
Girls
Boys
Postgraduate course,
2
I
College or scientific school,
3
6
Lowell Textile school,
I
Normal school,
2
Other fields,
II
2
Total,
18
IO
The school has declined to give certificates to those wishing to enter college where regular examinations are held, preferring. that its graduates take the examinations. This is not only on account of the more satisfactory standing in college of those who enter by examinations, but also on account of the influence on the school itself of having pupils feel that they are to meet a severe test at the close of their school work. Several of the colleges do not admit by certificate. The examinations are dif- ficult but we have shown that we can meet them. Those who can not reach such a standard as to pass the examinations are in most cases those who would not be able to do successful college work.
Respectfully submitted, N. A. CUTLER, Principal.
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28
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To MR. W. C. HOBBS, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
With a few changes the work in drawing has been con- tinued the same as in the past year. Last June, exhibitions were held which showed very creditable work in all the grades and the High School.
At that time we had a visit from the State Supervisor of Drawing, Mr. Burnham, who expressed his approval of our work. He visited all the rooms in the center of the town and gave a very interesting talk to the teachers in the afternoon. This year we have commenced, in a very simple way, Manual Training or Industrial Work. From the first grade, with the exception of the 6th and 7th grades, this work is carried on in the class room. In these two the boys go to a special room, fitted up for them, while the girls have sewing. They have shown much interest in the problems given and would gladly work longer each day than the time allotted to them.
The problems which we are doing are simple but the boys are learning accuracy, neatness, use of simple tools and the value of material.
At Christmas time the children in all grades took home gifts which they had made showing much careful and thought- ful work.
The teachers and pupils have worked hard and much credit is due them.
I wish to express my appreciation of the hearty indorse- ment of the Superintendent and School Committee.
Respectfully submitted, BESSIE M. PARKER,
January 30, 1908.
Supervisor.
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MANUAL TRAINING.
OUTLINE OF THE WORK.
GRADE I AND II.
Folding, simple forms.
Folding and pasting, simple forms.
Straight cutting, as cutting to a line.
Straight cutting, fringe on mat.
Folding, cutting and pasting, boxes, wall pocket and many simple forms.
Some of these may be decorated in crayon with straight lines and dots.
GRADE III.
Raphia work, winding and weaving.
Winding, napkin rings, mats and many simple forms.
Weaving, mats, rugs for a doll's house and similar forms.
GRADE IV.
Measuring, cutting and pasting.
Squares, carefully measured and cut.
Rectangles, carefully measured and cut.
Tags, carefully measured and cut.
Boxes, with cover, square and rectangular.
Covers for spelling papers, decorate with a simple unit of design.
Lettering, free hand and mechanical.
The above are some of the problems we are working out.
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30
GRADE V.
Measuring, cutting and pasting.
Squares, carefully measured and cut.
Rectangles, carefully measured and cut. Triangles, carefully measured and cut.
Boxes with cover, square and oblong.
Envelopes to hold school work made in tag board.
Memoranda block, use unit of design for decoration.
Lettering, free hand and mechanical.
The above are some of the problems we are working out.
GRADE VI.
Exercises in measuring, cutting, pasting. Below are some of the problems we are working.
Box with cover, dimensions given.
Box designed by the pupil from sheet of tag board given.
Small note book, leaves sewed in.
Clipping case.
Free hand and mechanical lettering.
GRADE VII.
Exercises in measuring, cutting, and pasting. Some of the problems to be worked out.
Envelopes for holding drawings made from tag board.
Folio made from press board bound with gummed tape.
Note book, cover of press board, bound with gummed tape, leaves sewed in.
Book for post cards, cover, straw board covered with book lines. Inside leaves in grey.
31
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
MR. W. C. HOBBS, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
Dear Sir :- For the past fifteen years the Normal Music Course has been the text book for music in our public schools. Since the introduction of this course there have been published several other courses of music claiming superiority which I have examined. None have appealed to me so forcibly as the New Educational Music Course.
In studying this course the pupils will enjoy singing the highest type of vocal music.
Selections from the great oratorios and cantatas, also grand operas and comic operas. The great symphonies and sonata themes are represented and smaller forms of instrumental music, famous part songs, the best known hymns, college songs, folk songs of all nations, and some of the best songs of American composers.
To this music are set many of the familiar poems every child should know.
Not only from an educational or musical stand-point do I advocate this course of music but from an economical one as well.
In all the grades the cost of the books range from two to twenty-five cents cheaper per book except in the seventh grade where the price is the same. Last, but not least, the books of the New Educational Course are cloth bound while those we are using have paste-board covers ; this alone is quite an item when service is considered. The Winslow School alone is furnished with this music course and I suggest that the other classes be supplied as soon as practicable.
-
32
The interest in music in our schools has been well main- tained during the past year. The teachers have given their best efforts and systematic progress has been accomplished.
I take pleasure in thanking the Superintendent and School Board for their support of the music department.
Yours respectfully, B. HAROLD HAMLIN.
Hyde Park, Mass., January 28, 190S.
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33
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF SEWING.
To MR. W. C. HOBBS, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
The work in sewing has been continued according to the outline given in previous reports, with no important changes having been made and with satisfactory results.
The interest shown by the girls in the sewing, is not only gratifying to me but is a positive help to teacher and pupil alike. In this branch there can of course be no class work, but is wholly individual, thus giving a chance for pupils showing a particular aptitude for sewing to take more advanced work re- gardless of age or grade. In this way simple dress-making has been introduced. The plan in this work is to give a thorough knowledge of plain sewing for practical use, but in some cases where it has been considered advisable some of the less intricate fancy work has been taught in connection with the other.
The plan of having the girls make garments for their own use has been most successfully tried, and I have found that it has added greatly to the interest of the work in my classes.
MARY A. McCLEARN, Teacher of Sewing.
V
34
REPORT OF THE TRUANT OFFICER
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
I take pleasure in submitting my eighth annual report as Truant Officer. I have reported to the office of the Superin- tendent each day and have investigated all cases of absence that have been reported to me.
Whole number of cases investigated,
176
Truants,
46
> Where parents were at fault,
50
Sickness,
58
Where moved out of town,
4
For good reason given, 18
One case in court, first time probation on account of viola- tion, committed to Walpole Truant School.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL D. CREED,
Truant Officer.
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35
REPORT OF THE CENSUS ENUMERATOR.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
I now take pleasure in submitting my report as Census Enumerator for the year 1907. I have taken a house to house canvass as requested by law.
Number of children between 5 aud 15 years old Sept.
1907, 1,446
Number of boys, Sept. 1907, between 5 and 15, 735
Number of girls, Sept. 1907, between 5 and 15, 7II
Number of boys, Sept. 1907, between 7 and 14, 530
Number of girls, Sept. 1907, between 7 and 14, 527
Respectfully submitted, MICHAEL D. CREED,
Census Enumerator.
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36
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
Population of Norwood, estimated,
7,500
Valuation, 1907,
$6,012,385.00
Tax rate, 1907,
$18.10
Number of children in town, Sept., 1907, between
5 and 15 years old, by census,
1,446
Number of boys, 735 Number of girls, 7II
Number of children in town, Sept., 1907, between
7 and 14 years old, by census,
1,057
Number of boys, 530 Number of girls, 527
Enrollment of all children in the schools, during
the school year ending June, 1907,
1,596
Number of boys, Number of girls,
806
Number of children under 5 years of age,
II
Number of children over 15 years of age,
152
Number of children between 5 and 15 years old,
1,433
Number of children between 7 and 14 years old,
1,036
Average membership,
1,471.72
Average attendance,
1,380.73
Per cent. of attendance,
94
Number of tardinesses,
1,540
Pro rata of tardiness,
1.00
Aggregate number of days the schools were in session,
6,037
Number of teachers required, 1906-7,
43
Number of teachers required, 1907-8, 46
790
37
Number of schools, 1906-7,
33
Number of schools, 1907-8, 35
Number of buildings in use,
7
Cost per pupil for books and supplies, based on the average membership, Cost per pupil, including all expenses,
$1.89
$28.06
COMPARATIVE STATISTICS BY BUILDINGS. SCHOOL YEARS, SEPTEMBER TO JUNE. A YEAR AS A UNIT.
ENROLLMENT.
AVERAGE MEMBERSHIP.
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.
SCHOOLS.
1904
1905
1906
1907
1904
1905
1906
1907
1904
1905
1906
1907
High
166
149
151
135
156 00
138.70
134.60
125.70
149.60
133.20
129.30
121.40
Everett .
261
230
280
261
244.69
216.88
257.32
250.83
228.13
203 22
239.09
237.42
Guild
518
552
551
571
489.04
492.29
495 57
509.32
452 10
459.41
462.55
473.34
E. J. Shattuck
274
331
319
346
254 65
315.35
299.42
331.24
247 44
291.04
278 55
311.79
East
86
87
77
90
83.00
83.34
73.79
84.93
78 00
78.45
67.77
79.28
West
..
90
87
91
94
74.91
78.33
83.95
84.65
67 39
72.27
77.71
80.50
Balch
95
84
95
99
67.59
67.34
81.93
85.05
60.51
62.60
75.41
77.00
1,490
1,520
1,564
1,596
1,369 88
1,392.23
1,426.58 1,471.72
1,283.17 1,300 19
1,330.38
1,380.73
38
1
COMPARATIVE STATISTICS BY BUILDINGS. JANUARY OF EACH YEAR. A MONTH AS A UNIT.
ENROLLMENT
AVERAGE MEMBERSHIP
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
SCHOOLS
1905, '06, '07
1905 1906 1907 1908
1905
1906
1907
1908
1905
1906
1907
1608
High
148
151
135
171
140.80
136.70
127.70
165.30
134.40
130.10
122.50
158.60
High Everett
Everett
231
277
259
246
217.62
261.66
255.66
237.00
197.82
238.28
235.61
220.97
Guild
527
540
551
442
491.19
508.94
511.30
410.16
428.01
471.70
460.02
383.79
Guild
Shattuck
322
322
340
351
313.55
299.99
329.15
341 10
275.94
279.21
296.12
316.42
Shattuck
East
85
77
88
229
84.00
73.83
84.69
223.84
75.00
67.28
72.93
212.11
Winslow
West Balch
83
87
89
71
78.45
84.94
84.56
68.34
62.23
77.81
75.17
63.49
East
74
87
94
92
68.33
83.92
88.10
84.23
62.43
77.89
75.59
78.33
Balch
Totals
1470 1541 1556 1602 1393.94 1449.98 1481.16|1529.97 1235.83 1342.27 1337.94 1433.71
Totals
-
SCHOOLS
1908
39
ENROLLMENT, MEMBERSHIP, ATTENDANCE.
JANUARY 31, 1905 - 1908. A DAY AS A UNIT.
JAN. 31, 1905
JAN. 31, 1906
JAN. 31, 1907
JAN. 31, 1908
SCHOOLS JAN. 31, 1905, '06, '07
Grades
Enrollment
Membership
Attendance
Grades
Enrollment
Membership
Attendance
Grades
Enrollment
Membership
Attendance
Grades
Enrollment
Membership
Attendance
High Everett
9
36
35
32
9
58
51
50
9
54
54
52
9
52
52
49
=
9
32
32
28
7-8
36
36
34
9
53
52
51
9
48
45
41
8
33
31
24
8
44
44
42
8
39
38
37
8
40
38
35
8
37
34
30
8 ยช
44
42
35
8
.37
37
31
8
36
34
34
7
48
45
43
7
49
43
39
7-8
36
35
35
7-8
33
33
31
7
45
42
39
7
46
40
38
7
40
40
34
7
37
35
29
Guild
7
33
32
29
6-7
43
42
37
7
46
43
39
7
42
43
40
6
49
49
46
6
47
45
40
6
44
41
38
6
48
45
36
6
50
49
48
6
48
43
41
6
46
42
37
6
42
42
37
$ 6
5
45
41
38
5
42
42
39
5-6
43
41
39
5-6
43
42
38
5
44
43
40
5
46
41
39
5
49
46
40
5
44
41
37
4-5
40
34
29
5
44
42
39
5
48
48
37
4
52
48
45
4
48
45
42
4
50
48
46
4
52
50
47
spec.
23
20
17
-
4
45
45
44
4
52
49
45
4
54
49
38
3
46
42
40
-
3
56
50
45
3
44
44
39
3
44
44
43
1-2
48
46
37
2
41
38
35
2-3
37
34
31
2
45
45
43
1
54
48
40
1-2
34
27
24
1-2
39
37
26 |
1-2
39
35
34
6-7 |
48
46
40
Shattuck
40
10-13 148
141
136
10-13 151
135
127
10-13 135
128
124
10-13 171
165
156
High Everett
SCHOOLS JAN. 31, 1908
Guild
-
1
.
Guild Shattuck
1
42 39
35 [ 38
1
1 48 38
41 36
34 35
1 6-7 5 6
1 41 40
1 37 | 42
29 41
5
40
44
40
43
43 45 39 39 42 43 49 40 46 39
40 38 41 31 29 37 40 45 36 46 34
4-5 4 3 2 1 2-3 1-2 2-3 1-2
34 35 37 37 40 46 33 38 53 39
45 34 34 39 35 41 42 33 36 38 48
38 37 28 31 39 33 38 39 29 35 31 38
East
West
3 2-3 2 1-2 1 3-4 1-2 2-3 1 2-3 1
42
42
37
46
44
4
43
43
40
5
36
42
41
40 34 35 36
'36 29 32 33
41
38
45 41 41 44
41 38 38 41
4 3-4 2-3 1-2 1 3-4 1-2 2-3 1 2-3 1-2
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