USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 33
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25,144.95
21,050.74
11,701.55
8,911.13
223,112.68
1923
168,248.24
25,374.72
22,889.99
15,740.34
9,462.22
241,715.51
1924
175,831.65
28,127.86
25,118.79
15,006.69
13,147.34
257,232.33
1925
178,441.88
30,907.42
28,137.75
13,428.74
14,500.44
265,416.23
1926
200,267.80
34,119.15
29,221.12
18,268.31
11,353.70
293,230.08
1927
223,606.21
33,708.06
38,966.98
15,332.32
13,599.41
325,212.98
1928*
234,958.00
35,138.00
41,725.00
15,250.00
11,860.00
338,931.00
1928%
69%
11%
12%
43%
31%
100%
5 Year Average%.
68%
11%
12%
5%
4%
100%
*Figures based on appropriation.
252
Table IV. Analysis of Cost of Schools per Teacher
Year
Teachers' Salaries
Other Salaries and Wages
Supplies, Books and Other Expense
Heat, Light and Power
Repairs and Replacements
Total
1914
$ 610.56
$118.07
$ 95.30
$ 54.04
SA 54.70
$ 932.67
1915.
711.91
131.35
87.09
. 56.32
47.75
1,034.42
1916
730.25
129.91
102.84
49.03
37.10
1,049.13
1917
S03.01
129.07
117.37
65.23
53.75
1,168.43
1918
816.41
153.84
107.28
109.18
51.29
1,238.00
1919
850.40
172.24
140.73
125.84
51.54
1,340.75
1920
1,215.19
230.66
172.24
149.50
99.75
1,867.34
1921
1,332.00
227.56
208.58
148.80
79.55
1,996.49
1922
1,488.61
239.48
200.48
111.44
84.87
2,124.88
1923
1,587.25
239.38
215.94
148.49
89.28
2,280.34
1924
1,584.07
253.40
226.30
135.20
118.44
2,317.41
1925
1,499.51
259.73
236.45
112.85
121.85
2,230.39
1926
1,552.46
264.49
226.52
141.61
88.02
2,273.10
1927
1,720.05
259.29
299.75
117.93
104.61
2,501.64
1928*
1,715.02
256.48
304.56
111.31
86.57
2,473.94
1928%.
69%
11%
12%
41%
31%
100%
5 Year Average%
68%
11%
12%
5%
4%
100%
* Figures based on appropriation.
253
Table V. Analysis of Cost of Schools per Pupil
Year
Teachers' Salaries
Other Salaries and Wages
Supplies, Books and Other Expense
Heat, Light and Power
Repairs and Replacements
Total
1914
$22.27
$ 4.31
$ 3.48
$1.96
$2.00
$34.02
1915
25.93
4.78
3.17
2.05
1.74
37.67
1916
24.38
4.34
3.43
1.64
1.24
35.03
1917
25.96
4.17
3.79
2.11
1.74
37.77
1918
26.42
4.98
3.47
3.53
1.67
40.07
1919
29.80
6.04
4.93
4.41
1.81
46.99
1920
42.12
7.99
5.97
5.18
3.46
64.72
1921
48.95
8.36
7.67
5.47
2.92
73.37
1922
56.35
9.06
7.59
4.22
3.21
80.43
1923
58.00
8.75
7.88
5.43
3.26
83.32
1924.
57.85
9.25
8.26
4.94
4.32
84.62
1925
56.29
9.75
8.88
4.24
4.57
83.73
1926.
59.89
10.20
8.74
5.46
3.40
87.69
1927
68.62
10.34
11.96
4.70
4.17
99.79
1928*
71.68
10.72
12.73
4.65
3.61
103.39
1928 %
69%
11%
12%
42%
32%
100%
5 Year Average%
68%
11%
12%
5%
4%
100%
*Figures based on appropriation.
254
Table VI. Cost Analyzed by Classes of Schools
Years
Classification
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
Amount
Average
Amount
Average
Amount
Average
Amount
Average
Amount
Average
Direct Cost:
Teachers' Salaries
$175,831.65
$1584.07
$178,441.88 102,086.54
$1499.51
$1552.40
$223,606.21 118,668.90 53,316.35
$1720.05 1695.27 1719.88 1780.03
56,610.05
1715.46
Senior High
32,115.19
1784.18
40,846.14 35,509.20
1690.91
$200,267.80 107,764.66 47,419.40 45,083,74
1580.65 1669.77
51,620.96
55,672.90
1795.90
Indirect Cost: Per Teacher
81,400.68
733.34
86,974.35
730.88
92,962.28
720.64
101,606.77
781.59
103,973.00
758.92
Direct and Indirect Cost
$257,232.33
$2317.41
$265,416.23
$2230.39
$293,230.08
$2273.10
$325,212.98
$2501.64
$338,931.00
$2473.94
Total per Teacher:
Elementary
$154,005.00 56,205.26 47,022.07
$2231.89 2341.89 2231.96
$151,818.08 60,780.32 52,817.83
$2138.28 2251.12 2515.13
$157,787.11 69,436.88 66,006.09
$2191.49 2314.56 2444.67
$173,380.20 77,545.64 74,287.07
$2476.86 2501.47 2561.62
$178,076.94 81,654.74 79,199.73
2554.83
Total per Pupil:
Elementary
$77.95 $151,818.08
$90.21
Junior High
$154,005.00 56,205.26 47,022.07
82.53 151.68
60,780.32 52,817.83
$76.48 |$157,787.11 81.58 154.89
69,436.88 66,006.09
$76.52 $173,380.20 86.47 167.53
77,545.64 74,287.07
$84.04 $178,076.94 96.57 188.55 81,654.74 79,199.73
100.07
Senior High
162.30
255
$2439.41
Junior High
2474.39
Senior High
38,429.46
1601.23
1437.84
1496.73
$234,958.00
$1715.02
Elementary
105,287.00
1525.90
122,675.05
1680.48
Junior High
1512.82
.
256
"These major changes will also release some of the old furniture for use in the classrooms in the new part. Superintendent Grant is now working on a complete list to estimate the probable total which must be set aside for equipment.
Table VII. Comparison of Expenditures by Massachusetts Towns from State Report, 1928
Towns
Expenditures per Pupils
Expenditures all Pupils
Valuation per Pupil
Tax Rate per $1000
High
Elementary
Amount
Rank
Amount
Rank
Brookline
$163.62
$119.07
$127.32
2
$27,905
1
$21.00
Watertown
138.09
70.07
83.63
43
9,416
17
31.50
Arlington
146.09
90.54
102.15
9
10,153
12
30.60
Framingham
126 32
67.31
77.71
60
7,437
36
28.80
Methuen
86.66
69.53
76.25
63
5,629
60
37.40
Weymouth
112.98
62.59
73.31
69
9,983
13
24.75
Winthrop
114.61
62.51
97.34
18
7,876
30
26.50
Wakefield
135.30
67.82
92.04
25
6,888
42
35.2)
Southbridge
89.41
61.45
75.27
65
7,759
32
34.00
West Springfield
131.51
87.13
98.19
14
2,413
24
30.00
Belmont
136.71
78.13
90.31
31
9,551
15
30.50
Greenfield
129.25
73.55
87.82
36
7,332
37
28.40
Milford
96.52
57.33
68.09
7
5,391
63
32.40
Clinton
104.94
74.81
89.61
32
9,527
16
21.50
Norwood
129.20
82.45
97.23
19
8,164
2 )
29.00
Dedham
110.92
66.57
78.98
56
7,558
33
30.40
Adams
110.96
68.32
80.40
52
7,928
29
30.00
Webster
124.38
69.45
98.02
15
9,380
18
25.00
Braintree
142.25
72.16
80.46
51
7,251
38
34.40
Plymouth
110.94
91.54
97.91
16
10,776
11
24.40
Natick
114.08
69.12
77.19
61
4,188
76
47.80
Saugus
98.45
57.24
66.81
76
4,536
72
35.40
Danvers
120.20
77.23
87.61
37
5,722
58
38.00
Easthampton
112.85
71.73
83.71
42
8,966
22
25.00
Winchester
136.56
87.13
99.32
12
14,094
5
26.80
Amesbury
97.66
83.72
98.29
13
9,159
19
33.50
Northbridge
140.18
66.17
79.13
55
5,172
68
30.00
Wellesley
183.62
125.33
141.42
1
16,284
2
22.50
Mansfiel l
121.27
66.90
78.71
58
5,720
59
32.40
Walpole
110.58
76.87
86.32
4
8,163
27
29.20
Attleboro
113.80
78.55
87.44
16
6,301
35
33.80
Averages
$122.26
$ 75.88
$ 88.97
$ 8,794
$30.33
"The Capacity of the Completed Building
"There are several ways of estimating the capacity of a junior high school building. By tradition it has been the custom to measure the capacity of a building by the number of 'home desks' provided in academic classrooms. With the modern development of the program of studies and with its ex- tended offerings beyond the traditional 'academic' studies, this plan would mean that when all of these 'home desks' are oeeupied, nearly one-half of the building is vacant. This is not efficient administration. In the modern secondary sehool every room used for instructional purposes by a full-time teacher should be used as a 'home room.' The 'home desk' was the place where the pupil kept his books and papers and was supposed to
257
be the place where he went to study when he had no recitations. Neither of these excuses for the 'home desk' are valid today. Studying cannot be done in the classroom where a recitation is being conducted. Most study- ing in the junior high school is supposed to be done in the regular class period under the direction of the subject teacher, otherwise in a study hall devoted to the purpose. As for the 'home desk' the proper place for books and other belongings of the pupil is in a locker readily accessible from the corridor.
"Providing pupil lockers in this manner increases the capacity of the building very materially by using practically all rooms as 'home rooms'.
" Home Room Capacity
Classrooms at 40 pupils each 14 560 seats
Classrooms at 35 pupils each 10 350 seats
Science Rooms 40 pupils each 2 80 seats
Sewing Rooms 30 pupils each 2 60 seats
Opportunity Rooms 20 pupils each
2 40 seats
Total Home Room seats. 1090 seats
"It is not always possible to fill every seat in every room and at the same time keep the proper classification and grouping of pupils. The table, however, shows that the working capacity of the completed building will care for 1000 to 1100 pupils.
"The Plans as Drawn to Date
"The architect has prepared a very satisfactory solution of the problem presented. The addition as drawn will, when completed and equipped, meet all of the educational requirements as outlined in this report.
"In this addition will be found ten standard unit classrooms, one study hall which may be used as a classroom and one room for cooking classes. The main section of the addition is a large double gymnasium with a number of unique features worthy of special commendation. In the center of the addition is a large standard sized gymnasium, which will be assigned to the boys. Three feet above the level of this floor toward the main building will be the girls' gymnasium of nearly the same proportion. This gym- nasium may be used as a stage when desired by throwing the two rooms together. Chairs used to seat the main floor will be stored under the girls' gymnasium. Offices and dressing rooms are provided.
"This will provide one of the finest places for holding basket ball games with good seats for about 1000 spectators to be found anywhere.
"Again this whole section can be thrown together as an assembly hall seating from 1000 to 1200 people. It can also be thrown into sections for smaller gatherings as may be desirable. In the lobby is a ticket office,
258
check room and toilets to serve the public when used for such occasions. Below the gymnasium is the space for lockers, baths, toilets and examina- tion rooms for physical and health education.
"The whole plan of the addition provides for the most efficient and multiple uses of every type of room. The sketches herewith presented by the architect are fully approved as meeting the educational requirements of the Junior High School."
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK A. CLEVELAND, Chairman, ARTHUR S. HARTWELL, JULIA R. O'BRIEN, CHRISTINE L. PROBERT, CHARLES J. RICH, JOHN J. RILEY.
259
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Norwood:
I herewith present my second annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
I am hopeful that all citizens interested in school problems will give careful study to Table I and the comment on this table which appears in the report of the School Committee. In my report of last year, I spoke of problems given the Town through educational requirements and this table very clearly explains why the problems of Norwood at the present time are occurring largely in grades seven to twelve.
The figures in this table explain alone why additional facilities had to be procured for the Junior High School and for a part of the two year building program set forth by the School Committee in 1927, namely: that of en- larging the Senior High School must be given attention within the next year. In looking forward for the next two years, the one most immediate item to be considered and taken up in time is that of providing extra class- rooms at the Senior High School. When the present seventh grade, which numbers 364, reaches high school, these extra classrooms must be ready for occupancy. Otherwise a two session plan will have to be provided for the school- a plan which is in every way undesirable and an inconvenience for homes, pupils and teachers. It is also a more expensive plan for the town whereas additional teachers have to be provided in order to properly care for the teaching needs of the two platoons.
The second part of the two year building program recommended by the School Committee calls also for elementary classroom facilities to be provided on the east side of the Wrentham Branch. A site for such a school should be chosen at an early date and plans made for at least a six-room elementary school on that location. From a financial standpoint, the number of pupils residing on that side of the Town and the increasing number to require transportation to the Guild School makes the erecting of such an elementary school good business for the Town.
School Budget
The school budget for the year 1929-30 shows an increase of about $10,000. This increase is accounted for in the automatic increases in teachers' salaries on the salary schedules approved by the Finance Com- mission and the School Board in 1924. A large percentage of Norwood teachers are now on maximum pay and, therefore, if these teachers remain in the school system, the increases in the salary item of the budget will become diminished on each succeeding budget. There are no unusual requests which appear in the school budget for 1929-30. Only matters of usual routine are taken care of. The School Committee, as is pointed out
260
in their report, would like to spend additional money for grounds in bringing to a finish as soon as possible, work which has been started at the Shattuck and Balch Schools. It is, however, felt best to budget this over a period of more than one year, taking care of one or two projects at a time.
The appropriation for 1928-29 was divided on a percentage basis as follows:
Teachers' Salaries
$234,958.00
69%
Other Salaries and Wages
35,138.00
11%
Supplies, Books and Other Expense.
41,725.00
12%
Heat, Light and Power
15,250.00
41%
Repairs and Replacements
11,860.00
31%
Total
$338,931.00
100%
Courses of Study
I. English. During the last school year, teachers of grades one to six through a study extending over two years, completed an English Course of Study for grades one to six. This work was assembled, edited and mimeo- graphed by grade groups. Copies were placed in the hands of every teacher and Norwood is now making use of a uniform English program for these grades. Like any course of study, revisions are constantly required and revised material will be added from time to time and substitutions made as new ideas are given us by book companies and experts in this line of work.
II. Health. Under the direction of Miss Vera H. Brooks, teachers have formed committees for arrangement of a health program for each of the first six grades. To date the courses for grades one and two have been completed and are in mimeographed form. This work is of the utmost importance and it is felt that Norwood is taking a lead in the State in the studies, connected with proper arrangement of materials and outstanding features to bring about the interest and following of the small boys and girls in their first school years.
It is the purpose of the School Department, if finances permit, to publish in printed form the health program so that a copy may be placed in every home.
III. Geography. A committee of principals, under the chairmanship of Miss Julia A. McCarthy, has revised the entire program in geography for grades three through six. The following is the program decided upon: Grade III. Geography terminology.
Grade IV. State and Town-Beginnings of World Geography.
Grade V. North America and U. S. Special emphasis on U. S. South America.
Grade VI. Asia, Africa and Australia. Mediterranean Countries (Greece, Rome).
261
Throughout the grade schools, six different geographies were in use and no definite or uniform course of study was being followed. Under the new course a common textbook has been adopted, known as McMurray & Parkins, World Geography, Books I and II, edited by Macmillan Com- pany and printed in Norwood.
Thrift
The school savings record for the past year is as follows:
Balch
$3,268.61
Beacon
357.56
Guild
1,290.55
Shattuck
744.64
Winslow
1,422.97
Total for 1928
$7,084.33
The grand total for savings since the plan of buying savings stamps has been installed (February 1, 1923) is $52,663.14. This is proof of the de- sirability of the plan over others which were in use.
Teaching Force
My report of last year showed that twenty teachers left the service in Norwood for the school year ending June, 1927. For the school year ending June, 1928, only nine teachers left the service and three of the nine left during the school year. There were, consequently, very few positions to fill due to replacement-in fact only two in the entire group of the ele- mentary schools and two in the High School. Two additional teachers were required for the Junior High School because of the greatly increased enrollment in the seventh grade, and two additional teachers were required in the Senior High School because of the increased enrollment. One of the High School teachers was appointed for the Social Science Department, the other for the Commercial Department.
The fact that so few teachers left the school system is indicative that they feel they are being well treated in Norwood and working under happy conditions. The teachers who resigned and their reasons for resigning are as follows:
Dorothy W. Abbott, Senior High, to teach elsewhere.
James C. Geer, Senior High, to accept the Principalship of the North Brookfield High School.
Marie A. Watson, Senior High, to be married.
George D. Yantis, Senior High, to accept another position.
Estelle Child, Balch School, to be married.
Delia A. Lydon, Balch School, to be married.
Jennie W. Mann, Balch School, at home.
Olive G. Moulton, Beacon School, to teach elsewhere.
262
New Teachers:
Doris E. Blanchard, Commercial, Senior High.
Edmund C. Eastwood, Science, Senior High. Geraldine Freeman, Commercial, Senior High. Louis R. McBay, Social Science, Senior High. Frances L. Whceler, English, Senior High. Dorothy F. Gibb, Grade VII, Everett School. Helen C. Schruender, Grade VII, Everett School.
Helen G. Osborn, Physical Education, Elementary Grades.
Helen C. Corcoran, Grade II, Balch School. Alice E. Keough, Grade II, Balch School. Nora A. Sullivan, Unassigned, Balch School.
Charlotte L. Fish, Grades II-III, Beacon School. Madaleen B. Dora, Drawing, Elementary (substituting for Miss Arnold).
Leave of Absence:
Helen L. Arnold, Supervisor of Drawing.
Transfers:
Emma W. Elliott, from Grade VIII to Grade IX, Junior High.
Edith Gardner, from Shattuck School to Grade IV, Balch School.
Professional Advancement
A continued interest in studying of latest methods in education and in keeping up with the times in their profession is shown by the large number of courses taken by Norwood teachers at higher Boston institutions. The total number of teachers taking courses for the present school year is 43. During the year from January 1, 1928 to December 31, 1928, 66 courses were studied by Norwood teachers.
Vacation School
The vacation school enrollment shows an increase over that of last year The number enrolled was 151 and of this number, thirty-nine were given promotion certificates to the next grade. The others were given intensive review work to insure their promotion at the end of the present school year. The cost of maintenance for the vacation school this summer was $583.50, an average cost of only $3.86 per pupil. Figuring $85.00 as a per capita cost for elementary education for 1927-28, it is certain that a total of three or four times this amount or $2731.50 was saved the Town through pro- motion gained at summer school.
Summer Use of Playgrounds
During the summer the school playgrounds and buildings were in use at the following schools: Balch, Shattuck, Winslow, Junior High and Senior High. Up-to-date drinking fountains were installed, part of the expense being met by the School Department. It is the desire of the School Com- mittee in every way possible to cooperate with the Committee on Recrea-
263
tion in the matter of providing playground facilities and use of buildings for the furtherance of this splendid work.
Buildings and Grounds
During the past fiscal year, many improvements on buildings and grounds have been made throughout the school system, some of the chief ones being the following:
High School:
Painting the white pillars in front of the main entrance and west wing. This was done by Mr. Oldham and members of his janitorial force. Two drinking fountains were installed on the athletic field. Several improve- ments were made in respect to the tennis courts.
At the present time, Mr. Murray's department is attempting to use a portion of the west side of the athletic field for a hockey rink without much success. An expert who has reviewed the situation there, says that the surface should be clayed before flooding to obtain a usable rink.
Winslow School:
Through the public works department about $1100 was expended for improvements on the Winslow School grounds. The bare portion on the west side was resurfaced and seeded. Playground space was graveled, oiled and rolled and a great deal of clearing out was done on the new portion of land purchased at a town meeting in 1925.
Extensive repairs were required on the roof of this building and con- siderable inside varnishing and painting.
Balch School:
For the old part of the Balch School, specifications were put out for bids on the work of removing sashes, painting and reputtying, and re- placing. Total expenditure under this contract was $207.90. A small amount of work was done on the roof of the old portion and the usual amount of inside varnish work required each summer.
The public works department materialy improved the rear porton of the Balch school grounds by filling in and grading so that a much larger area for play and recreation is now afforded this district.
Guild School:
It was necessary to remove sashes, repaint and reputty, at this school also. The cost of the contract work was $230.20.
The Guild School, with the second largest enrollment of elementary school pupils, is most poorly equipped of all in the matter of playground space and the opportunity for recreation for pupils. As was pointed out in one of the reports of experts, this school and the Beacon School should be disposed of at some future time and a new brick structure provided as a central elementary school. The Town would have two valuable sites to dispose of for payment of such a project.
264
Beacon School:
Outside of the usual amount of summer work in this school, there was not much required. Some money had to be spent in repairing the ventila- tion system and a little layout for work on the roof was needed.
Junior High School:
This building required the greatest outlay of money during the past year. The largest major expenditure was the purchase of a vacuum and feed pump for the heating and ventilating system at an expense of $2850. Throughout the building all valves in the heating system had to be re- placed at an expense of $1578. In addition to this, much of the piping for the circulation of water had to be replaced at a labor cost of $466. The outlay for the improvements on heating and ventilating will in a very few years pay for itself as the saving in coal will amount to between seventy- five and one hundred tons yearly. The other major expenditure for this building was repairing the roof at a cost of about two hundred dollars.
Shattuck School:
With the aid of Mr. Fred E. Tibbetts, of the Norwood Housing Associa- tion, very complete plans have been made for improving the Shattuck School grounds. This plan is shown in the School Committee's report. Of the projects outlined, one has been completed and a good start made on a second. The cost to date has been about $1500 for the past year and $1900 for the preceding fiscal year.
On the two other small schools, the West and East, substantial repairs have been required for boilers. Installation of a new boiler will be re- quired at the East School during the present year.
Vocational Work
With the completion of the Junior High School addition, vocational opportunities comparable with all non-specializing Junior High Schools, will be provided for the boys and girls. At the present time, nearly one hundred boys have had to be eliminated from printing because the class hours and enrollment for the week would not permit their entrance to classes. The same has been true in the matter of elective vocational work for girls. For an outline of the facilities planned, please refer to Professor Jesse B. Davis' report contained under the School Committee report head.
Intelligence Tests
During the past school year, intelligence tests have been given to 1307 pupils as shown in the following analysis:
Senior High:
Grade 12
123
Grade 11
136
Grade 10 197
456
265
Junior High:
Grade 7
375
375
Elementary:
Grade 6, Shattuck
47
Grade 6, Winslow
74
Grade 6, Guild and Beacon
117
Grade 6, Balch
128
366
Grade 5, Balch
110
110
Total
1307
The use of the results of these tests have been of great importance when placed beside their scholastic records and teachers estimates in making class groups, particularly in grades 6, 7, 9 and 10.
It is the belief in general that these tests, if it is possible to afford the expense in time, and purchase of forms, should be given twice yearly and pupils kept in groups made up on the basis of similar mental ability and scholastic achievement.
Opportunity Classes
Under the study of mental ability should be taken up the group of boys and girls known as opportunity class pupils, who require a special teacher for each group of fifteen, and special application of subjects. These pupils, of whom we have two groups at present, number nearly one hundred in the entire system and special provisions will have to be made for them through at least the ninth grade. Beyond that grade, it is pointed out, an opportunity class pupil should not attempt to go, in a public school system such as we provide. If further training is desired, he should obtain it in some form of special vocational school. The matter is of such importance that we felt the necessity of calling on a member of the State Department who has charge of this work, for a survey of conditions here with resulting recommendations. This survey is included in the School Committee's report.
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