USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1906-1912 > Part 15
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A very modest beginning has been made along this line in our schools. The girls of Grades 3, 4 and 5 have spent one period per week in sewing. Useful articles have been made. All materials have been furnished thus far by the children themselves. The interest taken in this work has been marked. We cordially invite all mothers to visit the class during the sewing period. (The last hour on Friday afternoons. )
The boys of Grades 3, 4 and 5 devote the last period on Friday afternoon to cardboard construction. They are learn- ing to measure more accurately, acquiring added skill in using compasses, applying practical mechanical drawing to construc- tive work, and training hand and eye to work harmoniously. Seeing the finished product in advance helps to develop the mental faculties.
Prof. John Dewey would have Activity the centre of cor- relation of all school studies. He sums up the influences which have helped to bring this about thus: "Pestalozzi, Froebel. Experimental Science, Economic and Industrial De- velopment. Development of Modern Psychology and Child Study." He thinks that since economic forces are funda- mental and most serious, an education which does not touch these is faulty.
More definite and practical work will be attempted in English composition. Real letters will be written and mailed.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Pupils will be taught to write recommendations, applications for positions, answers to advertisements, formal and informal invitations, notes of acceptance and regrets, etc.
In simple exposition, description and argumentation, they will strive to express their thoughts in logical, forceful lan- guage. Illustrated papers will be encouraged.
In the ninth grade, Astronomical, Physical and Commer- cial Geography, one-half year of Civics and one-half year of Algebra have been added to the requirements. This will mean a year of progress and better preparation for the High School.
Without going into further details, perhaps it will be enough to say that the new course of study, interpreted and carried out by our teachers, as I hope to have it, should ma- terially improve the standard of our schools.
High School
While the business courses offered in the High School continue to attract the majority of pupils, I feel that the work in every department has improved during the year.
As a practical test in stenography and typewriting, I have dictated business letters to the members of the advanced class. I find that they make few mistakes and that the speed is be- coming satisfactory.
Quite a full report is given by the Principal.
Medical Inspection
Chapter 502, Acts of 1906, provides as follows :
Section I. The School Committee of every city and town in the Commonwealth shall appoint one or more school physicians, shall assign one to each public school within its city or town, and shall provide them with all proper facilities for the performance of their duties as prescribed in this act : provided, however, that in cities wherein the Board of Health is already maintaining or shall hereafter maintain substantially such medical inspection as this act requires, the Board of Health shall appoint and assign the school physician.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Examination and Diagnosis To Be Made
Sec. 2. Every school physician shall make a prompt ex- amination and diagnosis of all children referred to him as hereinafter provided, and such further examination of teach- ers, janitors and school buildings as, in his judgment, the pro- tection of the health of the pupils may require.
Sec. 3. The School Committee shall cause to be referred to a school physician for examination and diagnosis every child returning to school without a certificate from the Board of Health after absence on account of illness or from unknown cause ; and every child in the schools under its jurisdiction who shows signs of being in ill-health or of suffering from infec- tious or contagious disease, unless he is at once excluded from school by the teacher ; except that in the case of schools in re- mote and isolated situations the School Committee may make such other arrangements as may best carry out the purposes of this act.
Notice to be sent to parent or guardian
Sec. 4. The School Committee shall cause notice of the disease or defects, if any, from which any child is found to be suffering to be sent to his parents or guardian. Whenever a child shows symptoms of smallpox, scarlet fever, measles, chickenpox, tuberculosis, diphtheria or influenza, tonsilitis, whooping cough, mumps, scabies or trachoma, he shall be sent home immediately, or as soon as safe and proper conveyance can be found, and the Board of health shall at once be notified.
The annual eye and ear tests have been made in all schools.
Individual Instruction
The ability of the average pupils in a grade determines the rate of progress. If the brightest should set the pace they alone would be able to master the lesson assigned. On the other hand, if the work required should be regulated by the slowest most of the class would have too little to do and would
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ANNUAL REPORT.
lose interest. Again, some are strong along one line, but weak along others. Explanations and demonstrations, which are sufficient for a clear understanding of a certain process in arithmetic, for instance, on the part of the majority, do not throw much light upon it for the few. Either these must be neglected and allowed to fall behind, or individual work must be done with them again and again until they grasp the prin- ciple involved and are able to apply it.
No teacher intends or ought to neglect any member of her class. Available time and her duty to the greater number are the only considerations which prevent her from doing more of what she knows is so badly needed. She often spends time in this way which she should have for rest or exercise, if she would be at her best the following day.
We wish to promote every child, but we wish to do it on merit. Individual instruction, rightly given, should enable every normal pupil to meet the minimum requirements in any grade. At Batavia, N. Y. (where the idea has been so suc- cessfully worked out that it is often spoken of as the "Batavia Plan"), not a pupil has failed of promotion for several years. Many cities and towns-some in the immediate vicinity-have given it a thorough trial and are much pleased with the re- sults.
Let me say a word in regard to the way in which this in- struction is given. A skillful teacher is required. The natu- ral temptation of doing the work for the pupil, instead of making him do it himself, must be resisted or he will never become independent. Individual instruction is invariably given before the regular recitation, and the slow pupil comes to class as well prepared as the one who grasps things more readily. There is no keeping after school and no making up back work. On the contrary, success soon becomes the key- note of the school. It has been found by experience that those who need most personal attention at first gradually require less and less, until they are able to master every lesson without as- sistance.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Our teachers are not allowed to detain for outside help any pupils who come on the barges. Besides this, many chil- dren living in the village cannot remain on account of home or other duties. All the individual attention which time and strength allow is being given at present. Even more is needed.
In my opinion, the best way of meeting this difficulty would be the employment of an additional teacher, who could devote all her time to this work. The location of our build- ings would make it possible for all children below the High School who require special attention to receive it. I believe a little extra money spent in this way would be a good invest- ment for the town.
Change in Storm Signals
As will be noticed from the cards sent out, as well as men- tion at the end of this report, a separate signal has been ar- ranged to signify no session in the grades. The fact is ob- vious that there are certain days when it would be perfectly practicable for High School pupils to attend, but dangerous to the health of younger children, who would run the risk of sitting a whole morning or afternoon with wet feet or damp clothing.
Conclusions
The reports of the Supervisors of Music and Drawing in- dicate good progress in those subjects.
The roll of honor, statistics, High School course of study. commencement programme, school calendar and school direc- tory are given elsewhere.
I wish to thank you for your wise counsel and hearty co- operation, teachers for their loyalty, pupils for their courtesy and faithful work, parents and citizens for their continued confidence.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE M. BEMIS.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of Principal of High School
Superintendent George M. Bemis :
Dear Mr. Bemis :- In accordance with our annual custom I submit the report of the High School for the year beginning Feb. I, 1907. and ending Feb. 1, 1908.
The following table is worthy of notice :
Average Number Per Pupil in Average Attendance.
Year.
Ave. Mem. Att.
Cases of Cases of Tardiness. Dismissal.
1904-05
34
89
3
I
1905-06
24
89.4
2.12
1.6
1906-07
31
91.8
5.3
1.3
1907-08
35
93.1
3.8
1.3
Average for 3.5 Years.
31
90.8
3.56 1.3
Averages in Everett High School for Years 1901-1905. 95.7 1.05
That our school is growing may be seen from a reading of the column of average membership. And, what is more, our showing in the State, as to the proportion of High School pupils in the total enrolment, is excellent. In the whole State the High School pupils form about 9 per cent. of the total en- rolment ; in Plainville the per cent. is about 16.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Our average attendance is also improving, though it is still not as good as the average of the State for High Schools, which is about ninety-five (95) per cent. The improvement made so far has certainly been of value to the pupils and the teachers, for both have been able to do better work, because there has been less interruption.
As regards tardiness, I can not make an encouraging re- port. While many of the cases are for good and sufficient reasons, I know that many others could be avoided. We would certainly appreciate a greater effort on the part of the pupils, and also their parents, towards the blotting out of this wasteful habit.
Spelling. During the fall term of this school year we have held monthly tests in spelling for the whole school. Those who have not been able to reach seventy (70) per cent. have been required to learn a list of 10 words each day for the next succeeding month. Then another test has been given to all, and those who failed to get the seventy per cent. took the spelling for the next month.
Penmanship. Regular work in this subject is being done by those who are taking the Business Course. An improve- ment is noticeable in the daily written papers in all lines of work.
Teaching Force. This remains the same as last year. Miss Jennette I. Wilson has charge of the work in Modern Language and English, Miss Alice B. Eastman takes the work in the Sciences and the Commercial Department, while the Principal carries on the work in Civil Government, History. Latin and Mathematics. Under this arrangement each does the work which he or she prefers. This, together with the fact that it is our second year of teaching as one body, makes it very pleasant for us, and profitable for the school, I believe.
Changes in Courses. During the last few years there has been in many places a decrease in the number of pupils who elect the Latin and College Preparatory course, and a corre- sponding increase in those who choose the work of the Busi-
1
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ANNUAL REPORT.
ness Department. This is true here. One-fourth of our pupils are taking the courses with a cultural motive, while the other three-fourths are working in those where the motive may be said to be vocational. This change does not seem to me to be regrettable. While in the future there is no doubt that our High Schools will furnish those who wish with a course that will aid them to go higher in their education. I believe that the time is approaching when we shall pay more heed than we have been doing in the past to the average pupil-if I may use the term-who needs a solid foundation for his place as a member of an industrial community.
Drawing. Along the above line is the work in designing, both free hand and mechanical. Because I have seen what our skilful teacher, Miss Mabel Brigham, has been able to do, I have given her more time this year (though it is little enough ) than before. And in the hour a week which she has her classes have done excellent work. I am sure that anyone who would call on us on any Wednesday afternoon between 1 and 2 o'clock would see some samples of work which are a credit to all concerned.
A Sign. The spirit of willingness and eagerness to work, both on the part of the pupils and of the teachers, has been very noticeable this year. Many mornings the teaching force is in the school house three-quarters of an hour before school begins, and with them there are always some pupils. This is perfectly voluntary on the part of all concerned. And it, per- haps, more than anything else has been a source of pleasure to me. Pupils who have learned the lesson of perseverance, and who work because they wish to, are a great help to a school, and later to the community. The growth of such a spirit, though it may require years of patient toil and waiting, is a sufficient reward.
Public Interest. During the past year we have held one contest in drawing. For this Mr. James Shannon of- fered as prizes a large mounted photograph of the High School building to those making the best and second best
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ANNUAL REPORT.
design for a cover for the Report of the School Committee. The winners were Miss M. J. Bailey, first prize ; Miss Mary A. Zilch, second prize. Mr. Shannon also presented the school with a similar picture, which the pupils have had framed and hung in our assembly room.
Through the thoughtfulness of Mr. William F. Main- tien we have had a contest in public speaking, open to all grades in the schools. For this Mr. Maintien offered two handsome cups with appropriate inscriptions. Fourteen pupils took part. After a very pleasing evening's entertain- ment, the judges, Postmaster Hunt of North Attleboro, Judge Whitaker of Wrentham,, and Superintendent of Schools Fuller of North Attleboro, awarded the first prize to Master Edward Morse of the Sixth Grade and the second prize to Miss Ethel Knapp of the Sophomore Class of the High School. These examples of interest in the public school by individual citizens are very encouraging to all officially interested in the schools, and also very inspiring, I am sure, to the pupils.
Singing. Our work in singing under Mrs. Tisdale has been running along smoothly. In chorus work which is practically all that is done in the High School, neither the teacher nor the pupils need feel ashamed of the success achieved year by year. I think there has been an improve- ment, particularly in the work which the boys have done. Although I think that our schoolboys of the High School age somehow or other have seemed to feel that singing was a fine art that should be reserved for the girls, more and more that idea is passing away and they are coming to our help.
New Courses. During the year we have had the fol- lowing new courses under way : Advanced Stenography and Advanced Typewriting, Botany, Physiology, Advanced Al- gebra, Solid Geometry and Civil Government.
Discipline. As a whole I find the pupils ready to take the suggestions which I offer. The general school spirit is
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ANNUAL REPORT.
one of assistance, not hindrance, to the teachers. If a spirit of regard for the rights of others will continue to gain, I shall be much pleased.
Typewriting and Stenography. To our equipment of two Underwood typewriters there has been added a new Smith Premier, which gives our pupils a chance to get ac- quainted with two of the leading makes. Altho' there can be but little supervision in the typewriting department, be- cause of the large number of courses that three teachers are giving, and pupils are placed on honor, Miss Eastman has obtained very satisfactory results. I am sure that those pupils who work honestly will be an honor to the institu- tion when they go out into business positions. In stenog- raphy, also, the advanced and elementary classes are doing good work. We have several pupils that I shall not hesitate to recommend at the end of the year.
Girls' Club. During the year the Girls' Social Club of the school has run along pleasantly. As the result of a suc- cessful entertainment $75 came into their treasury. This was most generously given to the Public Library. That this was spent in this way, and not in many other ways, is a strong proof of the direction in which the High School pupils are lead.
Graduation. As our course is now arranged a pupil may graduate when the required amount of work is com- pleted. By taking an extra course for two years in succes- sion, and in the third year two extra courses, our diploma may be obtained in three years. This plan is intended to give those who are able and willing to do extra work an opportunity to get out into their life work one year earlier. I do not feel that this course should be pursued by any except the exceptional student. For those whose ability is nearer the average, and yet who cannot take time for more than a three-year course, I believe our plan of giving a cer- tificate for the successful completion of that amount of work without any extra work is the best.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
In closing I want to say that the last year has been a very pleasant one in school. For this my thanks are due to you, to the teachers, who have been with me, and always ready to help, to the pupils, the parents, and to the School Board. A more harmonious year could not have passed.
Respectfully submitted,
G. W. HOWLAND, Principa !.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Motto: "We build the ladder by which we rise."
GRADUATION EXERCISES,
Class of 1907, Plainville High School, Wednesday Evening, June 19th, 1907, at 8 O'clock, Town Hall, Plainville, Mass ..
PROGRAM:
March.
Miss Helen A. King, Pianist.
Song-"In the Harbor We've Been Sheltered." School.
Prayer,
Rev. George M. Bailey.
The Class History,
Catherine Loretta Butler. "The Development of an American Genius," Petrea Cecilia Thomasen.
Stenography.
Mary Finlay Ewen.
"How Latin Clarifies English,"
Angenette Bell Cudworth.
"The Solar Spectrum," Edna Arleta Emerson. The Class Prophecy,
Lucy Levinia Walden Song-"Let Our Voices be Glad," School.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Essays and Exercises in Chemistry : .
(a) Acids, Leroy Walter Keyes.
(b) Bases,
Charles Julius Reed.
(c) Salts, Russell Thomas Barden. Song-"The Woodman," School.
Presentation of Diplomas,
Superintendent George M. Bemis. Benediction.
Graduates.
Classical Course. Angenette Bell Cudworth. General Course.
Edna Arleta Emerson,
Catherine Loretta Butler, Petrea Cecilia Thomasen, Mary Finlay Ewen, Lucy Livinia Walden, Russell Thomas Barden, Leroy Walter Keyes, Charles Julius Reed.
Class Officers.
President, Edna Arleta Emerson.
Vice President, Russell Thomas Barden. Secretary, Charles Julius Reed.
Treasurer. Leroy Walter Keyes.
Class Colors, Red and Gold.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of Superintendent of Drawing
Mr. George M. Bemis, Superintendent of Schools, Plain- ville :
My Dear Mr. Bemis-The work for the past year, prac- tically along the same lines as in previous years, has little new to record.
The drawing in the lower grades has been helped very much by the work in manual training, which is given by the regular teachers.
Last spring Mr. Shannon's offer of a prize for the best design for a cover for the school report awakened much in- terest and was of much practical value. Miss Bailey received first prize and Miss Mary Zilch second in this contest.
The freehand class in the High School has worked along the lines of the Arts and Crafts movement, and they have applied their designs, the girls to stencil work, in the form of cushion covers, curtains, piano covers, neck scarfs, etc., all of this bringing out ideas of and forming a taste in household decoration and personal adornment, as well as practice in drawing, cutting and coloring. The boys and a few of the girls have made designs and executed them in tooled leather, making penwipers, bill books, card cases and purses, in a most workman-like manner. The materials for the work were furnished by the pupils, but the town sup- plied the few tools necessary and the paints.
Yours very truly, MABEL BRIGHAM, Supervisor of Drawing.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Supervisor of Music
Mr. George Bemis, Superintendent :
Dear Sir-In making a report for the last year, I am pleased to state that much has been accomplished in music, and we hope to do much more.
One special feature has been the effort to think the tone. that is, to hear the tone sung with the syllable and then to sing it with some vowels, usually, loo.
This was slow process at first, as I started the work in the Third Grade, but it has steadily improved, and I am more than pleased with what many of the children can do.
Not only are we procuring good results in music, but must be strengthening the mental activities, which must be a help in every other study, for we all know that in an effort to read music we must master three things, to think the in- terval, hear the tone and sing it in correct time.
More sight reading has been accomplished, and special reviews of time problems have received more attention in the upper grades.
Much written work is required to test the knowledge of the pupils in the problems taught, and tone perception has been studied in all grades more than formerly. The general outline of the work has been about the same as that of last year, with the addition of a more complete study of the minors in the Sixth and Seventh Grades,
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The music in the High School has been very interest- ing, and the school has entered heartily into the work. A new book, "The Educational Music Series Book," volume 5, was furnished for the High School and the Ninth Grade. Part I. consists of choruses for unchanged voices, being used in the Ninth Grade, and Part II. consists of choruses with the bass voice, being used in the High School.
The music is very difficult and is the finest collection of songs I have seen. All the choruses are from the standard operas or from the works of famous composers.
The pupils feel while studying this book that they are studying something worth while; and it is just such music that is needed in our shcools.
I am anticipating having the Fourth Book of the series for the other grammar grades in the near future.
Thanking you and the School Committee for your cor- dial support and the teachers for their hearty co-operation, I am,
Very truly yours, MARTHA C. TISDALE, Supervisor of Music.
Plainville, Jan. 18, 1908.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Storm Signals.
Three double blasts of the whistle at Schofield, Melcher & Schofield's factory at 7:15 A. M. signifies no morning ses- sion. The same signal at 12:05 signifies no afternoon ses- sion.
Two double blasts of the whistle at 7:15 signifies no morning session-with the exception of the High School. The same signal at 12:05 signifies no afternoon session.
Plainville High School Course of Study, 1907-1908.
First Year.
Required :
I. English.
2. Algebra.
Elect two :
3. History, Greek, Roman.
4. Science, Elementary Physics.
5. Latin.
6. French.
7. Business, Commercial Geography.
8. (a) Typewriting, (b) Penmanship, Spelling, Letter Writing, etc.
Second Year.
Required :
I. English.
2. Mathematics, Geometry.
Elect two :
3. History, Mediaeval and Modern.
4. Latin.
5. French.
6. Business, Stenography and Typewriting.
7. Bookkeeping and Penmanship.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
8. Science, Elementary Chemistry, 12 weeks; Physi- ology, 10 weeks ; Botany, 18 weeks.
9. Any subject from previous year.
Third Year.
Required :
I. English.
Elect. three :
2. Mathematics, Advanced Algebra, 1/2 year; Solid Geometry, 1/2 year.
3. Science, Physical Geography, Astronomy.
4. History, English.
5. French.
6. German.
7. Latin.
8. Business, Stenography and Typewriting.
9. Business, Bookkeeping, Banking, Penmanship, . Commercial Law.
IO. Commercial Arithmetic (for those taking three-year course only ).
II. Any subjects from previous year.
Fourth Year.
Required :
I. English.
Elect three :
2. History, U. S. and Civics.
3. Latin.
4. German.
5. French.
6. Science, Lab. Physics and Chemistry.
7. Business, Stenography and Typewriting.
8. Commercial Arithmetic.
9. Any subject from previous year.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Roll of Honor
(The figure at the right of the name indicates the num- ber of terms during which the pupil has been neither absent nor tardy.)
(1906-7.)
High School :
Nettie B. Cudworth, Leroy W. Keyes, Marshall J. Root (3), Howard Marble, Marjorie Bailey,
Grades VIII., IX .:
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