USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1913-1921 > Part 23
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The number of pupils examined 249
Number found defective in eyesight 18
Number found defective in hearing 1 Number of notices sent 16
105
Attendance Table for the School Year Ending June, 1915
SCHOOL
Total
Membership
No. of Males
No. of Females
Pupils between
Pupils between
Pupils between
Pupils over 16
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
Days Absent
Cases of
Tardiness
Cases of
Dismissal
High . .
46 25
21
0
6 25
15
40.5
38.7
95.6
367
154
19
Grades 8-7 . ..
35
15
20
0 26
0
0
29.4
26.8
91.2
445
55
83
Grades 6-5 . ..
42 18
24
0 37
A
1
38.4
35
91.1
582
22
12
Grades 5-4 . ..
41 18
23
0 40
1
0
38.3
34.8
90.9
599
31
32
Grades 3-2 . . .
52 30
22
7
45
0
0 0
45
41.1
91.3
699
27
18
Grades 2-1 . . .
55 30 25
36
19
0 0 C 0
42.8
38.3
89.5
776
15
0
Totals . .. ..
.
271 136 135
43 173 39 16
234.4
214.7
91.6
3468
304
170
ANNUAL REPORT.
5 and 7
7 and 14
14 and 16
Pupils Enrolled December, 1915, by Grades and by Ages.
1
Age . . . . .
512 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Whole No.
Grade I ...
14 21
6
41
Grade II . .
2 10 9
2
23
Grade III .
4 9
7 4
2
26
Grade IV . .
11
8 6
3
1
1
30
Grade V . . .
1
3 10
2
8
2
1
27
Grade VI ..
3 9
8
2
22
Grade VII .
2
5
8
3
1
2
21
1
4
6
1
2
14
H. S. Fr ....
4
6
1
11
H. S. Soph ..
1
5
7
0
1
14
H. S. Jr .....
5
3
3
11
H. S. Sr ....
1
5
1
1
8
.
Total . ..
14 23 20 30 23 31 21 20
19 15 18
5 1
248
106
ANNUAL REPORT.
Grade VIII.
107
ANNUAL REPORT.
Promotion by Grades, June 1915
Unconditioned Promotions.
Conditioned Promotions.
Not Promoted.
Grade I
18
2
10
Grade II
20
4
4
Grade III
16
11
4
Grade IV
12
5
4
Grade V
22
7
6
Grade VI
15
5
3
Grade VII
14
4
0
Grade VIII
12
2
C
LIST OF TEACHERS, JANUARY, 1915
School Grade Name.
Where Educated.
Date of Appt.
High .... Pin. Charles H. Peasley ...... Bates and Harvard
1913
. . . Mary J. Cleveland Boston University 1915
... Commercial Teacher . . . Nathalie B. Upton . St. Lawrence
1913
Grammar 7-8. ... Anna H. Ware Plainville High
1886
5-6 .... Eva A. F. Hobart . Bridgewater Normal 1914
Primary .... Prin. Jennie S. Dickson . Salem Normal, Cambridge Train- Industrial Work. ing, Hyannis Normal 1910
4-5. ... Florence R. Henrich
Miss Symond's Training School. . 1912
2-3 .... Dora E. Cole
. Goddard Seminary
1912
1-2. ... Lulie E. Ashley Hyannis Normal 1914
Music .. . Mrs. Martha C. Tisdale . New England Conservatory 1903
Drawing .. Mabel Brigham Normal Art, Boston 1902
108
ANNUAL REPORT.
109
ANNUAL REPORT.
COMMENTS ON THE ATTENDANCE TABLE.
'The large number of absences and the consequently low percentage of attendance is partially due to the prevalence of contagious diseases, though many of the absences are scat- tered throughout the year and are due to other causes than illness.
'The number of cases of tardiness and dismissals are fewer than those of the previous year in the lower grades, but have increased in the High and Grammar Schools. School officials, teachers and parents should co-operate to remedy this.
The pupil who comes to school late is, often-times, poorly prepared in his lessons and when he takes up his life work failure is his fate, because he is always a little behind time.
To show that the money spent for the support of the pub- lic schools is a profitable investment I will quote from the Journal of Education a study made of 500 grammar school boys.
"Of the 500 grammar school boys, 175 left school in the sixth and seventh grades. Of these, one went into business for himself and did well before the end of the ten years; seven learned trades and did well, earning two dollars a day ; three were in the reform school; twenty were floaters and failures ; 138, or 77 per cent., were getting the same wages at the end of ten years as the first year.
"There were 321 who entered the high school ; 200 gradu- ated and 121 left before graduation. Of the 121, there were 23 who went to other schools, so that only 98 really left the high school. Of these, at the end of five years, two are re- ceiving $100 a month ; fifteen receive $60 a month; four are in business for themselves and successful; four are letter carriers, three truck gardeners, thirteen mechanics, earning from three to four dollars a day. Practically all of the
110
ANNUAL REPORT.
others are doing well except seven idlers and one failure.
"Of the 200 graduates of the high schools, 151 entered college.
"Of the forty-nine graduates who did not go to college, six studied law, fifteen are successful in business for them- selves, eleven are mechanics earning from three to four dol- lars a day. Only five are not successful.
"Of the 151 who went to college, seven did not complete the course but are successful in business ; one is very suc- cessful ; twenty-four are earning from $1500 to $3000, hav- ing graduated from the engineering course ; fifteen are phy- sicians and eighteen are lawyers, all doing well; three are clergymen ; eleven are electricians, one receiving a very large salary ; seventeen are successful teachers; four manufac- turing ; eight in business with their fathers; six in commer- cial life and successful; one author; twelve with insurance companies ; three architects ; only seven not successful."
Plainville is again fortunate in having the same teachers as last year with one exception. Miss Ripley resigned in January after a long and successful period of service. Miss Mary J. Cleveland, a graduate of Boston university, was secured for the vacancy.
The Palmer Method of Writing has been introduced and books placed in the hands of each pupil. An expert from the Palmer Company spent one day in Plainville the past term, instructing the pupils and the teachers.
The teachers have been requested to take the free corre- spondence course offered by the Palmer Company. When the teachers have mastered the system of writing, then, and not till then, can we get satisfactory results from the pupils.
I invite the citizens to inspect the work of the schools at all times, especially the sewing, cooking and carpentering departments, the drawing and music departments. You are
111
ANNUAL REPORT.
invited to attend the exhibition of all branches of school work which will be held next June.
I recommend that $100 additional be appropriated for books and supplies, also a larger appropriation for teachers' salaries. Living costs more than formerly. The salaries of teachers have been raised in most towns during the past five years. In Plainville the maximum salaries are the same as they were five years ago. If we would retain the services of faithful tecahers, we must pay larger salaries.
In conclusion, I desire to thank the school committee for their co-operation and support, the teachers for their faithful services and the citizens for their generosity and interest in the progress and welfare of the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
IRA A. JENKINS.
December 31, 1915.
Report of the Principal of the High School
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: I herewith submit my third report as principal of this High School. We began this year with an enroll- ment of twenty-three boys and twenty-one girls, making a total enrollment of forty-four, two less than last year. Of these we have lost four boys who have gone to work.
Considerable interest has been aroused this year in bas- ketball. The boys have replaced the goals in the school yard and practice almost every day. It is to be regretted that there is no place available for indoor basketball, as the weather is not always favorable for practice out of doors.
This year the alumni, who have been considering the best way to help the school, have offered prizes in gold for both scholarship and public speaking. The public speaking con- test, at which the first prize will be awarded, will be held in january and is open to all members of the High School. The scholarship prizes have been assigned, one to the senior hav- ing the highest rank for the year, and the other to the un- dergraduate obtaining the highest rank for the year. It is hoped that these prizes are to be offered each year, as they will doubtless prove an incentive for better work in all lines.
In the acquisition of Miss Cleveland to take the place left vacant by Miss Ripley's resignation the school has indeed been very fortunate. The language department is very well taken care of.
To show the importance of the commercial work in this school, a report from Miss Upton, the commercial teacher, is added to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. PEASLEY,
Principal.
Dec. 21, 1915.
113
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF THE COMMERCIAL TEACHER.
Mr. C. H. Peasley, Principal of the High School :
Dear Sir. I am glad of this opportunity to tell you of the work we are trying to do in the Commercial Department of our High School. As now organized, we are able to give our students one half year's work in Commercial Arith- metic and Commercial Geography, one year's work in Com- mercial Law, and two years' work in Bookkeeping, Sten- ography and Typewriting. Bookkeeping, Stenography and Typewriting are given every year, and Commercial Law, Commercial Geography and Commercial Arithmetic in al- ternate years. One period a week is given in Commercial English to all junior and senior students.
One of the most encouraging features of the work in this department is the interest which the students take in it. There have been several instances where students have been greatly disappointed to find it impossible to get a third year's work in Bookkeeping. In Commercial Law and Com- mercial Geography stress is laid upon the reading of current newspapers and magazines, and a considerable amount of material is brought to class from such sources. Much of the information thus furnished is well worth class discus- sion, and we spend as much time upon it as can be afforded. In Stenography and Typewriting, more emphasis is put upon accuracy than upon speed, though speed is not ignored, and our students are expected to reach a speed of from 35-40 words per minute in Typewriting and 100 words per minute in Stenography. In these last two classes special attention is given to correct form, and the students are asked to criti- cize from this point of view their own work as well as the actual business letters brought into class for examination and discussion.
Skill and the assumption of responsibility come only with experience and maturity, and so we do not expect to fit our
8
114
ANNUAL REPORT.
students for positions where the will be put much upon their own initiative at the beginning, but we can and do train them so they are prepared to do ordinary office work under reason- able supervision.
Respectfully yours, NATHALIE B. UPTON, Commercial Teacher.
December 31, 1915.
GRADUATION EXERCISES of the PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Town Hall, Plainville, Mass., Tuesday Evening, June twenty-second, Nineteen hundred and fifteen. Class Motto-"Hoher."
Class Flower-Lily. Class Colors-Green and White Order of Exercises.
March
Mrs. Clarence M. Hatch, Pianist.
Prayer
Rev. Eugene H. Thrasher.
Song-"How Beautiful Are Thy Dwellings," Carl Pflueger
Essay-"Newspapers" Lawrence Franklin Blackwell.
Song-"Lovely Night, O Tender Night," from "The Tales of Hoffman J. Offenbach
115
ANNUAL REPORT.
Essay-"The Kindergarten and Its Aims" Clarice Nash
Song-Soldiers Chorus from "Faust" Ch. Gounod
Address-"American Ideals" Dr. Marshall L. Perrin of Boston University.
Presentation of Diplomas Superintendent Ira A. Jenkins.
Song-a "Summer b "Song of the Armorer
Wagner-Paul Nevin
Benediction
Rev. Eugene H. Thrasher.
GRADUATES OF 1915.
General Course. Lawrence Franklin Blackwell. Commercial Course Clarice Nash.
GRADUATION EXERCISES of the PLAINVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL June, 1915.
Program. 1. Operetta-"Old School Days."
2. Presentation of Diplomas.
116
ANNUAL REPORT.
LIST OF GRADUATES.
Marion M. Bialas
Florence J. Fuller
Irene C. Butler
Edward A. Marlow
Clifford D. Crotty
Frank A. Martin
Grace E. Englebert
Harold G. Morgan
Herman S. Fielding
Michael O'Rouke
Ralph L. French
Howard I. Ware
Catherine V. Zilch
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: My plan the past year has been to have each grade work alone. Formerly two grades worked together, which necessitated very often both grades doing the same work. Now the first four grades in sewing and the first six grades in basketry and woodworking work independently of one another. Reed basketry, which was discontinued last year as class work, has been introduced again into grades three and four. Also extra instruction outside of regular school hours has been given to many pupils in the grammar and high schools. Whittling in grades five and six is prov- ing very satisfactory as a foundation for woodworking with heavier tools later in the course. The objects made are small and require accuracy in measuring and carefulness in using the knife. Such training helps the boy to become a neater, truer and more honest workman. Five large ob- long tables for use in the schoolrooms have been made by the boys of grades seven and eight, and in a few weeks sev- eral dressmaking platforms will have been finished. The work just mentioned is group or class work and when com- pleted each pupil will work alone on objects which he may keep. The high school class is finishing the table's which
117
ANNUAL REPORT.
they began to construct last spring. During the year the high school class has had less than thirty-five full lessons, aver- aging one hour for each pupil, making less than five days' work in one year. Considering the time allotment the boys deserve commendation for their courage in undertaking such large problems and for succeeding so well.
To the little girls in the primary grades the weekly sew- ing lesson is a big event. Cross stitching pillow-tops is play to them, yet they are learning to guide the needle and make even stitches just like the outlined pattern, much to their pride and delight.
The fourth grade girls are outlining animals for a quilt which is to be given to the Children's Hospital in Boston. Because of the necessity of stitching these blocks of cloth to-gether lessons on the sewing machines are given in this grade. Doll outfits are being made by the fifth and sixth grades. Grades seven and eight are making kimonos, mid- ay blouses, and underwear for themselves. During the Christmas season these girls made many useful and pretty gifts of embroidery, basketry, or raffia. Sewing in the high school is elective. As this is small, each pupil can choose what she wants to make and receive individual help.
The cooking classes are doing the same kind and amount of work done in much larger high schools. The co-opera- tion of the Woman's Club with this department has been very helpful. Last summer under their auspices the girls had a sale of food at the community picnic and thus earned a very attractive set of dishes. At the Christmas tree ex- ercise the club presented the school with two dozen silver spoons. Once a month the cooking classes serve a luncheon to the club which pays for all the materials used. This is very practical for the girls and has been enjoyable as well as an incentive.
Another sewing machine, many new cooking utensils and a fine kitchen cabinet have been added to this department.
118
ANNUAL REPORT.
For the congenial interest of the school committee and your suggestions and supervision I wish to thank you. The pupils are earnestly working with me to have a large ex- hibit in the town hall next spring and extend a cordial in- vitation to parents and friends to support them by visiting and inspecting their work.
Very truly yours, JENNIE ST. CLAIRE DICKSON. December 31, 1915.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: Annual reports on the same line of work for a number of consecutive years, must of necessity be alike in the essential principles. Yet, we are endeavoring to devise new ways to interest both pupil and teacher to obtain the best results.
It has generally been conceded by all teachers of music whether they be instrumental or vocal teachers, that time is what perplexes the average pupil. Last year I thought out a system of teaching time somewhat different from any method I have known. We have been using this method and the results have been exceedingly gratifying, The pupils have been able to comprehend time much better than formerly. This way of presenting time is very simple and the children have taken an interest in it. We have time drills which always arouse their interest and I find the pupils, and they are very few, who cannot sing on pitch always ready for these drills and seem to feel that here is work in music that they can do well.
119
ANNUAL REPORT.
More attention is being given to tone perception in the upper grades. This is an excellent way to make the pupils keen to the accuracy of pitch. We are just beginning to represent on the staff in a given key the combination of time and tune from hearing a musical phrase.
In the eighth grade we have started original melodies. 'T'he results will be seen later in the year.
The ability to sing songs with a good tone and clear enunciation is one branch of our work and I am pleased to note that in many of the public entertainments of the town the children are called upon the furnish a part of the entertainment. This is what should be expected of children who receive instruction in music in the public schools.
We are a little handicapped in the High School by not having as much material as is necessary to do good work. So it is planned to have the High School give a concert, the proceeds of which will be used as a fund to purchase music for use in the school throughout the year. Music for Graduation has always been cheerfully furnished but we need music for the regular music period which is new to the pupils in order to sustain interest.
We have a very excellent hymn book containing not only hymns but many well known songs, especially occa- sional songs which we use at the season of the year to which they are appropriate. These are always enjoyed and well sung. I think all agree that the singing of the High School pupils is exceedingly good and what is better the boys and girls enjoy it.
We are having the children of one school go into another room and sing their songs to those pupils and they in turn do likewise. In this way the pupils will grow less self- conscious and be better prepared to sing in public.
120
ANNUAL REPORT.
Thanking you, the School Committee and the teachers for hearty co-operation, I am
Yours very truly,
MARTHA C. TISDALE.
Plainville, Mass., Dec. 21, 1915.
Schedule of Music Supervisor for 1915-16. Wednesday.
High School
8:45-9:25
Grade I . 9:30-9:45
Grades VII and VIII 9:45-10.15
Grades V and VI 10:15-10:45
Grade II 10:45-11:00
Grade III 11:00-11:20
Grade IV 11:20-11:40
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: Looking back over my many years as teacher of drawing in the public schools, I am convinced that it is the Industrial side of Art which we must emphasize. I feel that less time should be spent on correct representation and more on the study of proportion, color, and design, in order that what is done in school may relate to the child's future.
There are few in our community who draw in later life but the many need to know proportion, color and design in every walk in life in order that they may build and furnish their homes, may choose furniture of fine design and color,
121
ANNUAL REPORT.
more suitable and beautiful clothing, pictures, even calen- dars and cards.
All of this will react on the community and there will be a demand for more beautiful public buildings and surround- ings and manufactured articles will have to measure up to a high standard. For this the public school must furnish the leaven.
In this year's exhibition, I will ask you to look, not so much for correct drawing, as to see if we are showing more appreciation of color, proportion and design.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL BRIGHAM, Supervisor of Drawing.
December 31, 1915.
Schedule of Drawing Supervisor for 1915-16. Thursday.
Grade I Alternate Weeks 9:05-9:30
Grades II and III Alternate Weeks
9:05-9:30
Grades III and IV
9:30-10:00 High School
Metal Work 10:05-10:40
Free-Hand Drawing 11:00-11:40
Jewelry Making 11.40-12:20 .
Mechanical Drawing 12:20-1:00
Grades VII and VIII 1:40-2:30
Grades V and VI 2:30-3:15
ROLL OF HONOR.
The following pupils have neither been absent nor tardy during the year for the number of terms opposite their
122
ANNUAL REPORT.
names. Where no number occurs the record is for one term.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Marion Barney
Marguerite E. Engelbert, 3
Florence P. Brown, 2
Mildred M. Marble
Marion S. Brown, 3
Alice M. MacNeill
Owen B. Brunner
John E. MacNeill
Ray E. Evans
Charles M. Nash
George W. H. Fisler, 2 Helen Nash, 3
Estelle M. Dorset, 2
Thomas L. Norland
Francis E. Dorset, 3 Frank H. Stolworthy, 2
Mabel E. Dupee, 2 Evangeline E. Wolfe
Bernard H. Zilch
-
SPECIAL HONORS.
Marion S. Brown has been neither absent nor tardy for four years. Marguerite Engelbert has been neither absent nor tardy for three years.
GRADES 7 and 8.
Marion M. Bialas, 2
Ralph L. French
Rose M. Boyle
Margaret W. Owen, 2
Grace H. Engelbert, 2
Stephen A. Rubyck
GRADES 5 and 6.
Katherine Bialas, 2 Norman L. McDowell
Elton A. Breiel, 2
Mabel L. Roberts John M. Rubyck, 2
Wallace S. Dorset John H. Goodall, 2
Gertrude E. Sanford
Lillian M. Fielding Anna L. Sargent
123
ANNUAL REPORT.
GRADES 4 and 5.
Blanche A. Alix
George A. Benker
Chester A. Roberts
William P. Hancock
Beatrice V. Burton
M. Kimber Moulton
John W. Butler, 2
M. Edward Rose
Marie C. Breiel
Frank Rubyck
William R. Elsesser, 3
Jesse W. Franklin
Kimball H. Sargent, 2 Eunice E. Sharp
Mirium L. Wood
GRADES 2 and 3.
Bertha G. Bamberger, 2
Clinton E. Barton
Warren F. Boyd
William D. Morgan Albert H. Morse, 2 Theodore Rudolph
Charles G. Casey
Caroline F. Sargent
Newell E. Fisher
Henry Stierli
Harold E. French
Eleanor B. Sturtevant
Edmond J. Goodall, 2
Sarah M. Zaino
GRADES 1 and 2.
Raymond Bartlett Norman C. Hartman
Freddie H. Benker
Charles King, 2
James Butler Edward King
Daniel Crotty
Albert Goodall
Irving F. Fielding John McGovern
Irving McAfee
Arline R. Herrick Donald B. MacNeill
Mary A. Boyd Rita V. E. Breiel
Elsie M. Greenhalgh, 2
June E. Greenhalgh
124
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER.
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: The teachers have reported ten cases of absence during the year. All the cases have been investi- gated with the following results :
Three pupils were absent because of lack of sufficient clothing ; two on account of illness; one because of the ill- ness of members of the family; three because of truancy, due in one case to the parents and in two cases to the children themselves.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMON S. J. LOUD.
December 31, 1915.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins, Superintendent of Schools :
Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: It is a pleasure to report that the health of the school body has been unusually good during the term just closed. A/ few cases of whooping cough and the ordinary ailments of childhood have been the only condi- tions to interfere with the school attendance which was well maintained.
The present season is one marked by a great increase in cases of severe colds, influenza and pneumonia. It would be wise for the teachers to pay special attention to the health of the children, and withdraw from the school any child suffering from marked head or respiratory irritation until
125
ANNUAL REPORT.
such conditions have been corrected. This precaution will help markedly to conserve the school attendance during the winter term.
There is a deal of misunderstanding and lack of informa- tion regarding school regulations in cases of the contagious and infectious diseases. To obviate this condition, I rec- ommend that the Board of Health of the town in co-opera- tion with the school physician draw up a series of regula- tions governing such cases, and that the same be published and distributed to the heads of all families having children in the schools. This would, in my judgment, do away with all friction and misunderstanding between parents and school authorities, and make for a fewer number of contagious cases in the schools, and help to limit the spread of any contagious disease in case of any outbreak of it.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT LOWELL RICH, School Physician.
Plainville, Mass., January 12, 1916.
Valuation of Property
IN THE
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
And State, County and Town Tax FOR 1915
PLAIN
TIL
MASS
COLONY
c)28
16
WREN.
THAM
1673
- 1664
-1905.
PLAIN
VILLE
INCO
19
OS
.1905.
PRI
TOWN
MASS.
VALUATION LIST
-
Total
Tax.
Adams, Emma L., Cottage st., house $1000, shed $50, house lot 1/2 acre $300,
$1350
$30 11
Adams, George H., Cottage st., poll,
2 00
House $1200, shed $50, garage $25, house lot 1/2 acre $400,
1675
37 35
Adams, Wallace S., Pleasant st., poll,
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