USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1908-1911 > Part 6
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Sewing is now offered the girls of both the Wayland and Cochituate buildings. The teaching of the subject is done by students from the senior class of the Framingham Normal School, and the traveling expenses to and from Framingham are the only expenditures necessary by the town.
High School.
Thoughtful investigation of the work being done in the Wayland High School will result in a favorable conclusion as to its character. The loyalty of the students to the school and their responsiveness to the wishes of the teachers indicate good teaching and successful management as well as excel- lent qualities on the part of the young people. The present problems of the school are not those of securing good results but of obtaining still better ones. The vital relation which the maintenance of a good high school bears to the com- munity and to the other schools of the system of which it is
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Public Schools.
a part, is a reason for an active interest in its welfare by every citizen.
Some modification of the course of study has been made during the year. The changes are not radical. They relate principally to the closer restriction of the elective privilege and to the order in which several of the branches are to be taken. The recommendation of the new course to the com- mittee was based on a careful study of the needs of the school by the superintendent and principal. The course as finally adopted will be found elsewhere in the school report. That the number of elective subjects has been diminished will be noted. This has been done with full recognition of the fact that a modern high school must afford to students educational opportunities based on their needs. Experience demonstrated that, with too many subjects optional, elections were based on trivial reasons, such as the desire to be in the class with a friend, ability to get the lesson easily, etc. Urgent requests to change subjects were frequently made by parents who had, perhaps, given too little thought to the real considerations in- volved. Apart from the harm to the student through the con- sequent lack of unity and purpose in his course, when the requests were granted, these changes often brought confusion and inefficiency to the work of the teachers. The or- ganiztion of the program in order to permit students to take certain subjects not in the natural order of their work was sometimes done to the loss of the whole school. The present curriculum offers an excellent variety of courses, though the number of elective subjects is small. It will still be possible to prepare for college, normal school, technical school, to obtain a good general course or a thorough commercial course. The last mentioned will be materially stronger than before. The college preparatory course is definite and has no electives. In the general course only one elective or elective group is per- mitted each year, but this may be so selected as to alter the general character of the course pursued. Doubtless the pres-
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Town of Wayland.
ent arrangement will not be perfectly satisfactory at all times. It represents, however, an earnest effort to so adjust the work in a high school of four teachers as to make it, not only a good fitting school for college, which is important, but, also, a good finishing school, which is still more desirable, inasmuch as a comparatively small number enter college. To satisfy both these aims in a reasonable degree requires careful plan- ning for the full utilization of the limited teaching force in a small school. Parents and students are earnestly urged to consult with the Principal in regard to selection of subjects and courses, and to make themselves certain that elections are based on mature and purposeful considerations.
In the report of Principal Hess attention is called to the necessity of an additional recitation room. The need of this is real and urgent and I hope that it may be met. The room at present occupied by the manual training class could be made into an excellent recitation room, while the attic room could be rendered suitable for the manual training by a small expenditure. Such changes would not only benefit the high school, but they would, also, enable the expansion of the work in Sloyd, as the occasion for it arose.
The Principal's report contains an expression of the de- sirabilty of home study on the part of the students. I wish a recognition of the necessity for a reasonable amount of regu- lar home work was more general. One of the essentials of a good high school is a high standard of scholarship, and this cannot be maintained unless the average student does some studying outside of school. The amount should be regulated, of course, according to the health, studies, and ability of the student, but there are few parents who can safely assume that the progress of their child is satisfactory and thorough if no school work is being done at home. A little thought will con- vince one of the truth of this statement. Deducting from the whole time of school session the periods for recess, noon in- termission, and recitations, not much more than two hours of
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Public Schools.
the school day are left for preparing lessons. The interrup- tions to steady study, caused by entrance and exit of classes, and the distraction of attention by other causes, further reduce adhered to a student must make some outside preparation for classes in order to meet the requirements. Many, perhaps a majority, are now doing this but there is a considerable number who are not. There is need of it on the part of every student attempting to do regular high school work.
The reports of the special supervisors follow and the usual statistical tables will be found in the appendix.
In making my first report to you, I have tried to present briefly, not only an account of what the schools are doing, but, also, a statement of their needs. To meet some of these, expenditure of money is necessary. There are others which mere financial outlay cannot satisfy. More frequent visita- tion of the schools by parents and citizens, more interest manifested in the daily progress of pupils, would result in better schools for the money now expended. We need to realize more clearly that the school is not like a factory to which raw material is sent and from which a desired product is obtained, regardless of interest in the process by the sender. The best possible product of the schools is secured only when parent and teacher, home and school, community and schools, are working together for purposes mutually understood and appreciated.
Permit me to express to the teachers of Wayland my sin- cere appreciation of the cordial reception they have accorded me, and of their earnest and successful efforts to do good work in the schools.
To the members of the school committee are due my ap- preciation of their genuine interest in the welfare of the schools, and of the practical value of their advice in regard to school work.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. PRIOR.
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Town of Wayland.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
In the High School Report of last year the policy of the present administration was outlined, and certain aims and values considered. After an elapse of one and one-half school years it may be in order to report the progress that has been noted by the Faculty of the school.
The policy of the school has been, and still is twofold in its aim, concerning itself with the character-building of the students on the one hand and with a training for competence on the other. With this point of view in mind, it is with pleasure that the Faculty note a decided improvement in the deportment of the students. The response of the students by way of loyalty to the school, a greater interest in being mem- bers of same, a better support of teachers, in the care of the building, in these and in many other particulars there is to be noticed a better spirit than was noticeable one year ago.
Improvement in the school spirit may be attributed to the healthy atmosphere created by our athletics, which at all times are under supervision of the Faculty, to inter-class con- tests in field sports and in debating. These and other like factors become a means to an end wherein we can make our High School productive of character and also of healthy in- terest for the students. If the present student response con- tinues to grow, our school will, in the future, be productive of graduates equipped morally as well as mentally.
On the side of our formal instruction and study an improve- ment is also to be observed. The course of study for the last
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two years, while not perfect, has been instrumental in bringing the school work into better organization than that of immedi- ately preceeding years. Again the changing of teachers during the past school year has not been so detrimental to the school progress as heretofore. When changes have occurred the tran- sitions have been made without any serious loss. Much of our progress is due to the continuance of practically the same teaching corps. The training of the entering classes seems to be good, and for the most part conducive to High School work. The attendance has improved, and is as good as the average for High Schools. The number who have ambitions for further study in higher institutions is increasing with each class, and the college habit is growing. In many other ways not herein mentioned may be seen evidences of growth. A graduate of five years standing and a college graduate recently visiting the school said, "There is more to be obtained here than when I attended," a remark which is indicative of ad- vancement, and yet there are problems which cannot be immediately solved. We move from one vantage point to another.
The High School is at present confronted with the need of additional classroom facilities. In anticipating the require- ments for classes of another year we see no means by which these classes can be properly accommodated, and at present our teaching methods are affected by the lack of proper recita- tion room facilities. We are now using the north recitation room for largest and most important classes. This room is excellent in all ways for class room purposes.
For a second room we are using the Assembly Hall. This hall has good blackboard facilities, but is not a desirable room on account of the large number of students who are at all times in this room for study, and also the accoustics of the room are not satisfactory. Our third room is the chemical laboratory. This is not properly lighted and ventilated, and with blackboard space only enough for three students, is not
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Town of Wayland.
a good recitation room for many classes. Classes other than those concerned with science necessarily interfere with the laboratory apparatus when in preparation for use. After a class in chemistry the laboratory is often unfit to be used. To provide for our fourth teacher we have put into use the small corridor room on the first floor. This room is about ten feet square with no chance for proper ventilation. Twelve students may assemble in this room seated on settees, and may have the use of a portable blackboard large enough for one pupil. We have then at present only two rooms which are properly equipped and for these two rooms we have usually four classes, requiring the one or the other. At present a German class has at its disposal on only one occasion during the week blackboard space enough for four pupils.
A word to the parents at this time will serve as an answer to a general query. There is need of much home study upon the part of the High School students. A student may contend that he can obtain his lessons during available school time, but the time available for the average student should be used as preparation to a more complete study or for a review of a previously-obtained lesson. To depend upon short school study periods to obtain a lesson, and this in the midst of many necessary disturbances, such as a class recitation in the study room, to depend upon such conditions is taking chances of just obtaining a passing mark or failing completely. The best students are those who have attained the habit of home study. Such a student will spend his evenings at home busying himself with school work, even if this be only prescribed reading of a light order. Such student will be free from the distracting associates of the street, the amusement hall, or any other non-school function. A student to obtain the most from his school course must keep within school asso- ciations, otherwise he will interest himself in things easier to obtain and of less value than school work. Once more we would say that the best students are those who have
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nothing except school associations on their minds, these as- sociations may be formal school work, or the school in- terests which are of a recreative order. The failure of a High School student for most occasions comes when he tries to divide his interest between school and non-school society.
Looking forward to another school year, there are indica- tions of greater progress. We look to the revised course of study to better perfect our school needs and better fit our facilities. Profiting by the experience with previous courses of study the new program will better control the election of studies, making better use of the elective system. Again, the change in arrangement of subjects in favor of more matured years, the organization for the teaching of subjects, the general flexibility of the program and at the same time the specific purpose, these factors with others commend the revised course of study. This course of study takes especial account of the school needs and facilities and constructed upon experiences of the past, must be an aid to a higher standard of work.
Finally the High School Faculty wish to extend to their Superintendent, to the School Board, to the parents and patrons their appreciative thanks for all co-operation and encourage- ment received at their hands.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK Y. HESS, Principal.
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Town of Wayland.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE COCHITUATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit to you the annual report of the Cochitu- ate Grammar School.
The work for the spring term of 1908 was continued as planned. An effort was made to interest the pupils in school gardening and home industrial work. Many parents signified their approval of the undertaking and a willingness to coöp- erate with the school officials. Some excellent work was done by many pupils during the vacation and very gratifying results were reported in the fall.
In May, 1908, the parents were invited to attend exercises held at the schoolhouse. Work in regular classes was shown, also an exhibition of some results in Sloyd, sewing, drawing and music.
At the opening of school in September there was a change of teachers in Grade I and also in Grades VI and VII. Each year should add to the efficiency of a teacher in a school, and frequent changes are to be deplored.
The Midlesex County Convention was attended. A visiting day was taken during the fall term. The teachers of this building observed some excellent work in Newton and Milton. The schools of Natick were also visited.
The revised course of study has been found very helpful by the teachers. While much remains to be accomplished, I can report progress in language and grammar, oral arithmetic, spelling, history and writing.
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Public Schools.
It seems desirable to the teachers to consider a change of text-books in language and grammar. Many of the books we are using are so worn that renewal will be necessary for the fall term, and a more modern text might be chosen when buying new books. There is also a need of additional material for supplementary reading.
The condition of the school building is well known to all. Certain repairs cannot be postponed beyond the summer vaca- tion. Without further mention of these, I wish to call your attention to some needs which I believe to be imperative for the physical and moral welfare of the pupils. Each room should be provided with a certain number of adjustable seats and desks to meet the need of pupils who are really in danger of permanent physical injury from ill-fitting seats and desks. New sanitary outbuildings should be provided which would separate the sexes more widely than at present. The fence has reached a stage where repair is almost hopeless.
I wish to express to the parents the appreciation of the teachers for their cooperation. We are working earnestly to counteract the evil influences which surround the boys and girls of to-day, and are trying to create a desire to make the most of opportunities for education and foster a sense of responsibility.
We commend to your careful consideration the monthly and other reports which are sent, and wish to extend to you a cordial invitation to visit the school at any time.
Tardy, dismissal and absent marks on these reports indicate a loss of time for the pupil and disturbance of work in his class. We desire to ask parents to help us to make the atten- dance as regular as possible, in order that the pupil may get the most good from his work. Habits of punctuality and industry once established are apt to be permanent, and the opposite is apt to be true.
In the higher grades a certain amount of home study is absolutely necessary. If this is insisted upon by the parents,
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Town of Wayland.
there will be a smaller number of cases of promotion on con- dition, and failures to pass in June.
Our efforts should be made in the same direction, viz .: the making of better boys and girls, better men and women, and finally better citizens.
In closing this report, I desire to thank all who have con- tributed toward the upbuilding of the school.
Respectfully submitted,
MERITT JENKINS.
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Public Schools.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit to you my first report on drawing in the Wayland public schools.
The drawing has been carried on in much the usual way : nature drawing in the autumn; constructive, pictorial draw- ing and design in the winter term. At Christmas special work was done for gifts; St. Valentine's Day, Lincoln's and Wash- ington's birthday were appropriately observed.
The children in the first three grades are encouraged to draw and cut freely, with very little criticism. They are encouraged to bring their toys from home from which to draw and cut, as children are apt to draw well what they are most interested in.
Owing to the crowded condition in the free-hand drawing in high school, the work has been rather elementary (four classes are represented in this period). It seems a pity that three periods are not given to drawing, as previously, as there are students of considerable ability in this class capable of doing advanced work who in this congested state of affairs are obliged to do the same work as the entering class.
Aside from the æsthetic point of view, drawing has been accepted as a very practical side of any citizen's education, whether he is a college man or a carpenter, a tailor, dress- maker or housekeeper. The work during the winter has been confined to object drawing and applied design. As the me- chanical-drawing class represents four classes, it was thought best to begin at the foundation-i.e., geometrical problems-
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Town of Wayland.
and as many plates as could be expected in the time have been finished creditably.
I wish to thank the teachers for their ready cooperation in the work, and you for your consideration and assistance in suggestions in my first half year.
Respectfully submitted,
RACHEL L. HARVEY.
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Public Schools.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my annual report of the music in the public schools of Wayland.
One great purpose of public-school music is to create a musical atmosphere in the home and the community. To accomplish this end it is necessary to get all the children to sing.
The rote song is the best means of reaching the pupils who are otherwise musically indifferent. In singing these rote songs at home or at play the children do much to create a love for music, especially among the children under the school age. This is proven by the decreasing number of monotones that are found among the entering classes.
Cards have been prepared for tone drill in the first six grades. These cards are flashed in front of the class and the pupils are required to sing the intervals correctly. This drill increases the ability of the individual to refer to the intervals in their proper places. The classes, as a whole, have gained in sight-reading and tone perception, and the singing is more musical.
I wish to thank the teachers for their helpful cooperation and the superintendent and school board for favors granted from time to time.
Respectfully submitted,
AGNES E. BOLAND.
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Town of Wayland.
REPORT OF THE INSTRUCTOR IN MANUAL TRAINING.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The pupils forming classes in this work are drawn from the three upper grades, and number in the aggregate about sixty.
It is a pleasure to state that, with few exceptions, the chil- dren show an enthusiasm and a desire for good results that is most commendable. Every school contains its quota of pupils indifferent to good work and greatly lacking in con- centration of mind, and this department is not entirely free from this element; but a poorly constructed piece of work, with its faults painfully apparent to the eye, has oftentimes a wholesome and stimulating effect on the author of it toward more genuine effort the next time. A marked improvement has followed in most every case when the concrete evidence of careless and slack habits of work has been brought to his notice.
It is the desire and intention of this instructor to make the work as practical as possible and free from objects lacking in utility or interest, and the eager requests for extra time outside the regular period (which are always granted when- ever feasible) would seem to indicate that the efforts toward this end are not in vain.
It is hoped that an exhibit at the close of the year may show that the time devoted to this work has been well and profitably spent.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP E. PERRY.
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Public Schools.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
To School Committee, Wayland, Mass.,
Gentlemen :- There is little to say in regard to the health of school attendants. A freedom from contagious disease is well marked; with the exception of adenoids and few com- paratively simple diseases of the skin, there has been little to interfere with regular attendance.
Yours truly, GEORGE BANCROFT.
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Town of Wayland.
REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICERS.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir :- I herewith present the following report of absences and truancy for the year beginning March 1, 1908, and ending February 28, 1909:
Number of absences reported 10
Number of cases investigated
10
Number of absences with legal excuse .
I
Number of absences for miscellaneous reasons .
O
Number absent to work at home
O
Number of truants 4
Number of visits to factories
o
Found working without certificates
Respectfully submitted,
J. F. BURKE, Truant Officer.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir :- I submit the following report:
Number of absences reported 7
Number of cases investigated 7
Number of absences for miscellaneous reasons . 7
Number of absences with legal excuse .
5
Number absent to work at home . o
Number absent for lack of clothing
O
Number of truants
2
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. VINCENT, Truant Officer.
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0 !
Number absent for lack of clothing
Public Schools.
COURSE OF STUDY
HIGH SCHOOL
General Course
First Year
Second Year
Required :
Required :
English 4
English 4
Algebra 3
Algebra 3
Ancient History 4
French or German 4
Drawing 1/2
Physiology and Botany 4
Elective :
Music 1/2
Stenography 3
Elective :
Physical Geography and Elementary Physics 3
Stenography 3
Latin 5
Modern and Mediaeval History 3
Latin 5
Drawing 1/2
... .1 ;. 11
Third Year
Required :
English 4
Plane Geometry 4
French or German 4 Music 1/2
Elective :
..
[Stenography 3
Commercial Group & Bookkeeping 3 (Typewriting 2
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Music 1/2
Town of Wayland.
Elective Group 75English History 3
Advanced Physics 4
Drawing I/2 Latin 5
Fourth Year -
Required :
English 4
French or German 3
Advanced American History and Civics 3
Mathematics Review 2
History Review 2 Music 1/2
Elective :
Stenography 3
Commercial Group 8 Bookkeeping 3
Typewriting 2
Solid Geometry 2 Drawing 1/2 Latin 5
COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE
First Year Latin 5
English 4
A review of English grammar, together with much prac- tice in composition. Class reading and study of Lady of the Lake and Ivanhoe. Outside reading of, and report on, two books from college entrance list.
Ancient History 4
Algebra 3 (Through fractions. Much drill work) Music 1/2 Drawing 1/2 Second Year
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