USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1911-1914 > Part 30
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The present organization of the American school system pre- sents the peculiar phenomenon of the greatest public school system in the world being dominated in its aims by the demands of private institutions. Thus, the courses of study in the high school are so organized that they centre about the requirements for preparation for college, and the grammar school in itswork of getting pupils ready for the high school introduces such an ab- surdity as Latin in the ninth grade. True, commercial courses have been introduced in our high schools, but even these courses have suffered in efficiency because of the college-preparatory atmosphere of their environment.
It is not to be denied that our schools ought to prepare for college. Much more, however, ought the schools to meet the needs of the great majority of pupils who do not go to college. To meet the needs of these pupils the school system must be reorganized. This reorganization involves: (1) A differen- tiation in the program of studies above the sixth grade; (2) a consolidation of the work of the seventh and eighth grades (the ninth grade to be eliminated) with the work of the high school and the centralization of this work in one large build- ing to replace the present Everett and High Schools.
20
The Revised Program of Studies.
Up to the time of the completion of the sixth grade, the pro- gram of studies is essentially sound as it is. The program of studies should be differentiated at the end of the sixth grade so that pupils may be guided in the selection of one of four courses: (1) A course literary in its nature and corresponding largely to the present course leading to admission to college; (2) a commer- cial course that shall give the boy or girl in the seventh grade the beginnings of a preparation for business and shall con- tinue such preparation until the time when actual business ex- perience will have become more profitable than additional school training; (3) a manual-arts course sufficiently broad and varied in its scope to be pre-vocational in that it will enable the boy who is to earn his living with his hands to test his adaptability for different kinds of manual work, such as carpentry, plumbing and printing; (4) a household-arts course that will prepare girls for the duties and arts of home making. Such a differentiation of courses corresponds to the organization of the best school sys- tems of Europe and is now being successfully carried on as a part of the school system of Fitchburg in this state.
The Proposed New School.
The differentiation in the program of studies that has been out- lined will bring about a very close relation between the work of the seventh and eighth grades and that of the subsequent school years. Consequently, the work above the sixth grade can be most effectively organized if carried on in one building. The town must soon erect a new High School. Before many years it will abandon the Everett School. The erection of one large building to take the place of the High School and the Everett School will be more economical than the construction of two buildings. Hence, from the point of view of economy as well as that of efficiency, the town ought to erect one large building for all pupils above the sixth grade. The town could utilize the present high school for the introduction of vocational training.
21
Appropriations.
The Committee recommends the following appropriation for the ensuing year :
Teachers,
$43,800.00
Janitors,
3,950.00
Schoolbooks and supplies,
3,700.00
Incidentals and repairs,
4,000.00
Heating and lighting,
3,700.00
School tickets,
1,200.00
School physician,
200.00
Evening school,
3,000.00
$63,550.00
These figures do not include an estimate of appropriations that will be necessary when the new school in the Balch district is opened.
GEORGE H. SMITH, CORNELIUS M. CALLAHAN,
HARRIET W. LANE, RALPH E. BULLARD, ALFRED N. AMBROSE, SARAH N. BIGELOW,
School Committee.
AUSTIN H. FITTZ,
Superintendent.
22
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
The graduating class from the High School last June numbered twenty-five pupils. This is thirty-six per cent of the member- ship of the class for its four years in school.
During the year one-half of the force of teachers has been changed. One of these teachers left on account of ill health. The others left on account of being paid higher salaries else- where. Interruptions of this nature seriously interfere with the work of the school. In some cases it has been necessary to em- ploy a substitute to do the work before a second regular teacher could be secured. These losses are, of course, necessary, but we must recognize the fact that the school loses in efficiency by so many changes.
All chances to standardize the school work are accepted. This standardization has been done in most cases by means of the examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board. As these examinations are prepared with the greatest of care and marked by outside persons they afford a good test of the work of the school. The results from these examinations last June were better than the results of the year before, as published in the last annual report. There was an improvement of from two to eight per cent in each group. The average of the marks again much excelled the general average of all the examinations given by the Board.
As a further aid to standardization we have begun to give this year the tests in typewriting sent out by the Underwood Type- writer Company. These monthly tests are sent out to grade the speed and accuracy of work on the typewriter. It is too early in the year to give any results from these tests.
23
An attempt was made early in the year to get in touch with parents by means of a circular letter. This letter endeavored to set forth what was expected by the school in the way of home study and regularity of attendance. The object was to gain the co-operation of parents in securing this study and attendance. The letter also made known the fact that the school building is open each afternoon on school days for study under the direc- tion of a teacher. In accordance with this plan the teachers have been present on different days to give needed help. A consider- able number of pupils have availed themselves of this privilege.
We feel as never before the need of broadening the program of studies so as to meet the needs of a large number who cannot profit by the courses now given. During the last year mathe- matics has been taken from the list of studies required for graduation. All pupils in school are required to take algebra, but in case of failure they are not required to repeat the subject. There are now in the building but three rooms that could be used for such new subjects as might be introduced. These rooms are already in use all the time for studies that the law re- quires shall be taught. The introduction of new courses in the present building, therefore, seems impossible.
Respectfully submitted,
N. A. CUTLER, Principal.
24
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
The aim of our public school music is not to make professional musicians; it is to enable the children to gain the aesthetic and cultural advantages which come from the ability to listen intelli- gently to the beauties hidden in the best music; and the intel- lectual advantages derived from the intense concentration, quick thinking, and self-control required for sight reading. The child who has been trained to love and to read good music will have acquired a taste for the higher things of life. The aim, there- fore, is to train each individual to read for himself that he may intelligently love and appreciate the best and develop into a better man because of the aesthetic, cultural and intellectual advantages unconsciously derived therefrom.
The nature of the subject is such that in order to bring about the desired result emphasis must be placed upon two points:
First, a standard must be set by singing many good songs in an artistic manner; that is, with good tone quality and expres- sion. These songs may be rendered in two ways: either by the school, or to the school by an outside musician or on the grapho- phone.
Second, technical training which shall reach each individual and enable him to take part intelligently and tunefully in the singing.
In order to set a standard for our technical work, it is neces- sary to devote part of the time to the singing of songs. By em- phasizing tone and expression and by calling attention to the hidden beauties in the song, the efficient teacher instils in her pupils a love for good music and a desire to become proficient in the more difficult technical problems. After the standard
25
has been set by means of many finished songs taught by rote and heard on the graphophone, we must insist on such technical training as will enable each child to turn the printed page into song for himself.
Few people recognize the fact that technical training in music is valuable educationally as well as musically. More accuracy is required to sing a musical exercise than to work an example in arithmetic; for individual work in music requires not only arith- metical accuracy, but a sense of rhythm and accuracy of pitch, and all at the same time. In what better way, can we teach concentration and self control? When each child can stand on his feet and sing correctly at sight an exercise involving problems already studied, we shall have accomplished something, not only for school music, but for arithmetic and reading as well. We would not think of teaching reading or arithmetic by recit- ing in unison, for some children could never be reached in that way. Why should we in music?
The most efficient teacher in music as in anything else is one who uses every minute to the utmost advantage and insists on intense concentration which she skilfully gains by creating in- terest in many ways. She arranges her work so that after giv- ing individual tests in tune, time, and theory-in order to ascer- tain where the drill is needed-she can devote the proper propor- tion of time to those individuals who show a lack in any par- ticular respect. Bowen's sight-singing melodies which have been in use for a little over a month are proving most beneficial for individual tests.
The purchase of a new piano at the High School has made pos- sible an opportunity to devote a lesson now and then to the study of some great composer. Several of the pupils have contributed one or more selections which have helped to make these musi- cales interesting as well as instructive. More chorus work in the High School has seemed necessary, and two glee clubs have been organized, one for girls and one for boys. Pupils who have elected this work are allowed credit according to the amount and quality of the work done.
Respectfully submitted, FRIEDA RAND,
Supervisor of Music.
26
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
No special report for drawing has been given since January, 1908. Since then the number of classes has increased and the quality of the work has improved much. The outline of the work is about the same as previously followed with some changes to adapt it to local conditions.
Manual training is begun in the first and carried through the seventh grade. Except in the sixth and seventh grades, the work is done in the regular classrooms; in these two grades the boys go to a special room for instruction while the girls learn sewing. We have only a half hour per week for each class, a very short time; therefore, we are not able to work out many problems during the year. The boys are interested and would gladly work much longer if time could be given them. The work should be carried through the eighth and ninth grades and the high school. At Christmas the children in all the grades took home gifts which they had made. These showed much thought and careful work. Many more pupils would take drawing in the high school if the drawing room were in the high school building. We have tried, however, to arrange the classes with as much saving of time as possible in going to and from classrooms.
At our last exhibit, which was a very creditable one, careful arrangement was made to show the work in progressive sequence from the first grade through the high school. A small exhibit is kept in the grade room which shows the work done from month to month. Last August we were represented by a drawing ex- hibit at the Art Congress held in Dresden. The classes are working well through the town, much interest is shown by the teachers and pupils, and much credit is due them.
27
" You can do nothing in art unless you have intuitions; but between whiles you must work hard in collecting the materials out of which intuitions are made."
Respectfully submitted, BESSIE M. PARKER, Supervisor of Drawing.
28
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF SEWING.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
As Supervisor of Sewing I submit the following report.
As in previous years a course in sewing is offered to the girls of the sixth and seventh grades. The time allowed for a lesson is one hour and each class receives one lesson in two weeks. After learning the simple stitches the girls apply their knowledge in the making of simple household articles and the making and repairing of clothing. Some girls who are especially fitted for this work are able to accomplish the making of a dress. Enough fancy work to make the lessons attractive is introduced at Christ- mas time; this is done in connection with the drawing depart- ment. The children also receive a general idea of the weaving and manufacture of fabrics. In planning the course in sewing it has been the intention to make it entirely practical and suited to the needs of the various classes of children.
It is not our intention or expectation to train the girls for dressmakers, and although all receive the same opportunities some will never accomplish a neat and presentable piece of work. If, in the short time we are able to give to this work, they are taught love and respect for good work and find pleasure in an occupation which may not have appealed to them, we shall have made a step toward producing home-makers who will bring conditions of comfort and happiness into the home.
The field for work among the girls of Norwood is large, and, through the inspection of classes, parents and friends may get a clearer idea of the benefit and worth of this branch of education. The interest and co-operation of all with whom my work brings me in contact is most gratifying.
Respectfully submitted,
AGNES M. BRIDGES, Supervisor of Sewing.
29
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PENMANSHIP.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
It is with pleasure that I submit my first report as Supervisor of Penmanship.
It seems appropriate to state at the beginning that when the fall term opened the work of the pupils showed the results of careful, earnest efforts on the part of the teachers in introducing muscular-movement writing during the preceding year. With the exception of one or two details, the foundation was firmly and correctly established. There were various degrees of ad- vancement in different grades due to the fact that to many teach- ers this system of writing was entirely new and untried; the progress, however, was all that could be expected under the existing conditions.
Since the most direct means of reaching the pupils is through the work of each room teacher, it was thought advisable in the early part of the year to meet the teachers in a body for special instruction. The purpose of this instruction was to have each teacher secure an understanding of the required art through her efforts to master it herself. Later the teachers were called together by grades in order to consider the best methods of teaching the subject in each grade and to encourage uniform progress.
At the present time although the work is not up to the point where I wish it were, the results are encouraging in many respects. The pupils as a whole are being trained to sit in healthful posi- tions, not only during writing lessons but for all written work. A certain degree of control is shown in the mastering of move- ment drills which require the use of the continuous automatic action of the muscles of the arm; so that by the end of the
30
year noticeable improvement in all written work may be expected in the grammar grades.
The teachers have co-operated heartily in every way and the present conditions reflect credit upon their teaching ability. Like all other manual arts where skill of the hand is required the period of acquisition covers comparatively a long space of time. For this reason, while expressing my gratefulness for the liberal support already received from the superintendent, principals and teachers, I wish to state that continued interest and encour- agement will be greatly appreciated. As the work progresses, there will be important matters for consideration which will be taken care of more efficiently later.
I am glad of this opportunity to express my thanks for the cordial welcome extended from the start and to acknowledge that the work among you has been a source of real enjoyment.
Respectfully submitted, LENA F. NEALL,
Supervisor of Penmanship.
31
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
The past year has seen less of the more serious contagious diseases in the schools than usual, no epidemic of any serious nature having occurred. More time and attention has been de- voted to improving general hygienic conditions, such as dis- infection of schoolrooms during the prevalence of " colds " and other minor affections, which no doubt has had the effect of preventing more serious illnesses.
The school buildings are kept clean and well ventilated, and under the daily supervision of a competent school nurse many physical defects in children, which would otherwise be over- looked, are brought to my attention, and proper means taken for their relief. There is no doubt that the general health of the schools is gradually improving under this system.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR S. HARTWELL,
School Physician.
32
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE.
To Mr. Austin H. Fittz, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my report as school nurse. This report is from Sept. 18, 1912 to Jan. 31, 1913.
Total number of pupils examined,
1619
Number of pupils whose teeth were examined,
1619
Needing treatment,
1012
Improved,
111
Number of pupils whose throats were examined,
1619
Enlarged tonsils,
102
Cured,
5
Adenoids,
3
Number of pupils whose scalps were examined,
1460
Needing treatment,
320
Improved,
320
Number of pupils whose eyes were examined,
1184
Defective vision,
84
Number who have procured glasses,
11
Number who have been taken to Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary,
4
Number of pupils whose ears were examined,
1184
Defective hearing,
16
Improved,
2
Miscellaneous,
49
Needing treatment,
35
Cured,
31
Homes visited,
167
Respectfully submitted,
MARY MACKIE,
School Nurse.
33
SCHOOL SAVINGS DEPARTMENT.
Note. A pupil deposits at his school. When the amount to his credit is three dollars an account is opened for him at the Dedham Institution for Savings.
Number of depositors, January 31, 1913, 660
Number of deposits received from February 1, 1912 to January 31, 1913, 10,107
Amount of such deposits, $2,774.18
Number of accounts opened at Dedham Institution for Savings, 280
Amount of such accounts,
$1,923.00
Number of withdrawals from Dedham Institution for Savings, 45
Amount of such withdrawals, $288.00
Amount to credit of pupils at Dedham Institution for Savings, January 31, 1913 (not including interest), $1,635.00
Number of withdrawals before transfer to Dedham Institution for Savings, 268
Amount of such withdrawals, $316.93
Balance on hand, School Savings Department, January 31, 1913, $534.25
34
ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE
Teachers
Schools
Grades
Enrollment
Boys
Girls
1
Nathaniel A. Cutler
High Everett
10-13
178
72
106
2
Maud B. Kennerson
9
48
21
27
3
Flora B. Reed
9
47
26
21
4
M. Josephine McGrane
8
*41
20
21
5
Minnie G. Feeley
66
8
43
23
20
6
Mildred E. Manter
66
8
44
24
20
7
M. Agnes McCarthy
7
45
21
24
8
Julia E. Danahy
Guild
7
38
16
22
9
Mary L. Reid
66
7
48
27
21
10
Mary C. Fleming
66
6
47
20
27
11
Emma C. Taylor
5-6
52
23
29
12
Margarita E. Burns
5
46
21
25
13
Mary W. O'Brien
4
35
16
19
14
Julia I. Drummy
3-4
*26
11
15
15
Estelle M. Mahoney
66
3
37
20
17
16
Alice S. Houston
2
41
20
21
17
Helen F. McCarthy
66
1-2
31
16
15
18
Emmeline E. Wilson
1
43
23
20
19
George W. Allen
Shattuck
7
31
14
17
20
Marie H. Sorensen
66
6
47
17
30
21
Martha E. Mahony
66
5
34
19
15
22
Ethel M. Lindsay
66
4
35
19
16
24
Mary A. Burnham
66
3
38
18
20
25
Maude A. Woods
2
43
26
17
26
Emma F. Niles
1
50
28
22
27
Katherine L. Carbee
Winslow
6
50
22
28
28
Maude L. Fuller
5
41
20
21
29
Lizzie E. Hadley
5
45
18
27
30
Marguerite E. Mahoney
4
37
20
17
31
M. Louise Mahoney
3-4
*30
13
17
32
Bertha L. Brown
3
38
25
13
33
Mary A. Ahern
2
*31
18
13
34
E. Louise Ward
66
1
36
21
15
35
Marion H. Bartlett
East
3-4
30
18
12
36
Martha B. Parker
1-2
40
29
11
37
Elizabeth C. Oldham
West
3-4
41
19
22
38
Ruth Barchelder
1-2
39
25
14
39
Maud E. Dalton
Balch
1-2
43
19
24
40
A. Agnes Curtin
1
69
36
33
1770
879
891
4-5
32
15
17
23
Florence Hill
* Apparant discrepancy between enrollment and membership due to enrollments of several children in another school.
35
STATISTICS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1911-1912.
Number Over 15 Years Old.
Number Between
5 and 15.
Number Between
7 and 14.
Average
Membership.
Average
Attendance.
Per cent. of Attendance.
Number of Tardinesses.
Pro rata of Tardiness.
Number of Days in
Aggregate Days Atten-
dance of All
Pupils.
137
41
8
161.50
155.40
96.20
176
1.10
187.0
29063.0
6
42
25
40.80
39.31
96.34
27
0.66
183.0
7194.5
15
32
11
42.20
39.84
94.40
26
0.61
183.0
7292.0
1
40
34
*43.94
40.05
93.42
10
0.23
184.0
7371.0
12
30
18
36.81
34.16
92.74
22
0.57
184.0
6401.5
4
40
24
38.37
35.30
91.99
23
0.59
184.0
6496.0
3
42
25
42.90
38.60
89.97
23
0.53
184.0
7103.0
0
38
38
36.75
34.56
94.04
4
0.11
184.0
6765.0
1
47
41
42.89
40.51
94.47
25
0.58
184.0
7455.5
0
47
44
46.00
42.00
91.30
71
1.55
184.0
7862.0
0
52
52
42.00
38.00
92.85
22
0.52
184.0
7166.5
0
46
46
*47.18
44.07
93.39
42
0.89
184.0
8108.0
0
35
35
32.51
29.76
91.54
15
0.46
184.0
5477.5
0
26
26
*26.45
24.18
91.01
18
0.68
184.0
4426.0
0
37
37
30.30
27.90
92.30
7
0.23
181.0
5060.5
0
41
35
40.39
37.56
92.98
26
0.64
181.0
6745.5
0
31
19
25.15
23.38
92.96
17
0.67
181.0
4232.5
0
43
7
40.30
35.50
88.00
28
0.69
181.0
6426.0
1
30
27
30.40
28.07
92.30
17
0.55
189.0
5109.0
0
47
44
45.13
41.85
92.73
44
0.97
184.5
7822.5
0
34
34
31.42
28.60
91.02
49
1.55
184.5
5278.5
0
32
32
25.50
23.50
92.00
29
1.13
189.5
1728.0
0
35
35
30.62
28.05
91.28
49
1.60
184.5
5176.5
0
38
38
33.30
29.80
89.40
51
1.50
181.0
5396.0
0
43
28
38.59
34.11
88.38
80
2.07
181.0
6173.0
0
50
11
44.15
39.00
88.42
48
1.09
180.0
7026.5
0
50
49
43.90
41.81
95.02
17
0.39
184.5
7714.0
2
39
41
38.17
35.38
92.67
8
0.21
184.5
6563.5
0
45
4.5
43.64
41.05
94.07
12
0.27
184.5
7575.5
0
37
37
32.05
30.89
96.41
5
0.16
184.5
5650.0
0
30
30
*31.04
29.58
95.30
9
0.29
184.5
5398.5
0
38
38
35.23
33.28
94.47
15
0.43
181.0
6024.0
0
31
31
*38.57
36.79
98.23
11
0.29
181.0
6981.0
0
36
6
31.17
28.95
92.87
56
1.80
181.0
5240.0
0
30
30
27.59
25.32
92.00
56
2.03
183.0
4540.5
0
40
ยท 13
38.54
34.35
89.13
40
1.04
179.0
6149.5
0
41
40
37.00
34.00
92.00
54
1.50
184.0
5983.0
0
39
19
35.00
32.00
91.00
40
1.14
181.0
5682.5 .
0
43
42
40.11
37.30
92.99
46
1.12
181.0
6752.0
0
69
22
46.58
43.28
92.91
9
.15
181.0
7835.0
182
1587
1217
1614.14
1497.04
92.75
1327
.82
7329.5
272445.0
Session.
TEACHERS, JANUARY 31, 1913.
School
Grade
Name
Date of Appointment
Where Graduated, Highest Institution (Also Other Courses)
High
Prin.
Nathaniel A. Cutler
Sept. 1899
Amherst College, A. B. Courses at Tufts College and Harvard University.
Asst.
Linda M. Lowell
Sept. 1905
Brown University, Ph. B. Graduate courses at Brown and Boston Universities.
Asst.
Ruth A. Smith
Sept.
1906
Mt. Holyoke College, A. B. Simmons College, S. B. Graduate courses at Simmons College.
Asst.
Lydia M. Chapman
Sept. 1910
Chandler Normal Shorthand School.
Asst.
Sarah S. Cummings
Sept. 1912
Asst.
Raymond S. Tobey
Sept.
1912
Asst.
Florence A. Crossley
Sept. 1912
Brown University, A. M.
36
Everett
Prin.
Isaiah A. Whorf
May
1910
Hyannis Normal School. Harvard College, S. B. Course at Harvard Summer School.
9
Maud B. Kennerson
Dec.
1907
Salem Normal School. Graduate Normal School, 1 year.
9
Flora B. Reed
Sept. 1909
Mt. Holyoke College, A. B.
8
Minnie G. Feely
Apr. 1910
Fitchburg Normal School.
8
Mildred E. Manter
Sept.
1911
Me. Cent. Inst., Normal Dep't.
8
Eleanor H. Matson
Sept.
1912
Bridgewater Normal School (Four Years Course.)
7
M. Agnes McCarthy
Sept.
1910
Quincy Training School.
Guild
7
Julia E. Danahy
Sept.
1901
Bridgewater Normal School.
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