USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1922-1933 > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
The highest possible score was thirty-one points.
The teaching of Reading has been under considera- tion at Teachers' Meetings. This discussion has been followed by the use of the Stanford Achievement Tests in Reading which I gave personally to all pupils on Nov- ember 17 and 18, 1925. These tests are similar in form
40
ANNUAL REPORT
to many psychological tests and thus furnish some help in judging the pupil's background. Grade IX in the table is the Freshman class of the high school. Tests adapted for the first and second grades will be given soon.
The following table gives the total score for the three tests in paragraph, sentence, and word meaning. The figures are the average scores for each grade in each school. These may be compared with the standards in the last row. The papers will be on file in the office for reference.
This undertaking has taken much time and effort but has given data that is very valuable in the interpre- tation of the work of individual pupils, not only in read- ing but in all school work, and will be important in con- sidering promotion.
Stanford Achievement Tests In Reading
Grades
3
4 5 6 7 8 9
Plainville
45 103 114 121 153 183 194
Average of four schools in Norton
48
94 110 133 147 179 201
Standards
49 88 122 149 169 186 203
Arithemetic tests were given at the middle and at the end of the past school year. The best scores were made by the first and eighth grades. The general average was satisfactory. The average of the median scores for all the grades increased from 82 per cent. to 85 per cent.
The results by grades for the term tests in Spelling are given below. They show gratifying accomplish- ments and a steady progress in general during the year.
Results of the Term Spelling Tests
Grade
Dec. 1924
March 1925
June 1925
8
95 per cent.
7
94 per cent.
6
92 per cent. 92 per cent.
5
94 per cent. 4
3
82 per cent.
2
45 per cent.
1
Average
85 per cent.
89 per cent. 89 per cent. 90 per cent. 92 per cent. 95 per cent. 87 per cent. 72 per cent. 85 per cent.
87 per cent.
98 per cent. 94 per cent. 91 per cent. 91 per cent. 97 per cent. 89 per cent. 68 per cent. 91 per cent.
90 per cent.
41
ANNUAL REPORT
3. Teachers' Meetings
These are held monthly. Plans for the improve- ment of instruction and the establishment of standards are outlined. Nearly all of the above efforts had their beginning at these meetings. The mutual understand- ing and co-operation that is thus secured is absolutely necessary for the most efficient functioning of the schools. The time taken requires extra effort on the part of all but results justify it. I wish here to commend the co-operation and efforts of the teachers. I believe that it would be advisable to adopt the following plan : that on the second Tuesday of each month one session be held, keeping school one hour longer than usual and then dismissing for the day. Then the afternoon would be available for meetings conducted by the superinten- dent, principal, or special leaders from the state de- partment or normal schools. Proper grade and amount of work can not be done by the teachers at meetings held when they are tired at the end of the long school day. Any business needs the co-operative planning of its leaders in order to most effectively organize its work.
4. Supervision of Penmanship
Your recent sanction to the establishment of super- vision of penmanship under Miss Ethel Tewksbury will prove a wise action. The careful plans and the interest and efforts of Miss Tewksbury are bringing progress in instruction in this subject. Nearly every town uses the Palmer system in penmanship. Very few reach the standards. This is usually because of lack of full use of the system or through lack of proper organization. I feel sure that the present plan will show much improve- ment by the end of this year in reaching the standards set by the Palmer system.
SCHOOL STAFF
During the summer vacation many changes in the teaching force occured. This is seldom desirable. It was unfortunate to lose because of marriage or a better pay- ing position some of those who had been here several years. The continued service of those who remained is to be highly appreciated. The high school work has been ably taken up, organized, and is going forward well under the direction of Mr. H. Charles Maxim, the principal. His teaching and executive ability combined
42
ANNUAL REPORT
with a willingness to give his energies freely is making for increased efficiency of the school. Although the duties of the high school principal are many, the plan of giving Mr. Maxim the general oversight of the primary building is working well. The several new teachers are bringing enthusiasm, optimism, and the latest methods of our normal schools to their work. These factors supplemented and guided by experience are making an important contribution to our teaching force. The present corps is working harmoniously and with increasing results.
ADDITION TO THE HIGH SCHOOL
The use of the addition to the high school building for one term has fully shown the value and the need for it. The high school commercial department is operating very successfully and to a degree that could not have been possible under the old conditions. This room is now one of the best equipped and under the expert direction of Miss Tewksbury one of the best directed departments in our system or in any high school of even greater size. The change has also benefited the English classes by allowing the old typewriting room to be thrown into the main recitation room by the removal of the partitions. Wiht the installation of blackboards- which is going on now-this room will be a much more efficient class room.
The separation of the 7th and 8th grades has over- come the crowded conditions and given the teachers ideal teaching facilities. Time will, I believe, steadily show the value of this move in the better preparation that will be possible for the classes about to enter the high school.
MISCELLANEOUS
The kind offer of the library trustees to furnish books of interest to the teachers was gladly accepted. Last spring each teacher was requested to suggest pro- fessional books and books of value to the pupils in her class. These lists were given the trustees who have offered to provide the books as fully as possible. The trustees have also assisted the high school by furnishing copies of several magazines of value to the work of the English classes.
43
ANNUAL REPORT
I wish to commend the continued excellent work of the Parent-Teacher Association. The material aid which the association gave to several activities in the schools is greatly appreciated.
The support and leadership which Mrs. Tisdale has given to the high school orchestra has produced excel- lent accomplishments. The report on the details of the music instruction follows. This shows the successful work which Mrs. Tisdale has carried on for many years.
Several tables of school statistics follow. These give much valuable information.
The reports of those charged with special responsi- bilities in the school system are attached. A careful statement of the status of these special lines of work is given in each. They merit careful consideration.
I wish to thank the members of the school com- mittee for their support and encouragement in the ad- ministration of the school work.
Respectfully,
LAURENCE G. NOULRSE.
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF SCHOOLS
Mr. L. G. Nourse, Supt. of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Mr. Nourse :
I hereby submit my report as principal of the Plainville schools. The enrollment at the close of the fall term was:
High School
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
Left School
12
6 ..
1
7
11
9
7
16
10
9
9
18
9
-
-
27
59
3
Total
32
Grades
8
13
16
29
0
7
12
25
37
0
5-6
21
19
40
1
4
12
18
30
2
3
21
12
33
1
2
20
8
28
2
1
17
11
28
-
Totals
116
109
225
13
Total number of pupils in both schools Dec. 24, was 284 and thirteen have left school. Only three students left High School which is very good for the opening term. The reason for the grade total is becouse four left the first grade for various good reasons.
The new Program of Studies that was adopted last year has worked very satisfactorily.
The College Preparatory course is adequate to fit students for college with the required number of units. The classical studies of French and Latin are sufficient to allow a student to pursue study for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts and if the sciences such as Chemistry and Physics are followed, work in college may continue
18
8
10
-
4
45
ANNUAL REPORT
for Bachelor of Science. If the mathematics are con- tinued through the High School the student will have obtained a sufficient amount to continue his studies in Technology.
The General course contains a good variety of sub- jects for the pupil who intends to leave school at the : completion of the High School course. This is arranged so a smattering of the Classics and Sciences will give the student a well balanced liberal education.
The Commerical course is also complete in the fundamentals of a commercial education and trains the student quite thoroughly in Typewriting, Stenography and business methods. I see no reason why a student recommended by this department is not fitted for the position of stenographer without further schooling.
It is my desire to establish some plan of studies for the grades so the overlapping, that is unavoidable, under the present conditions may be eliminated. I feel it is necessary to have a skeleton developed in chronological order all through the grades so the work each year will follow that of the previous year. Owing to a full sched- ule at the High School it is impossible for me to give much time to the grades but during the short time in the afternoon between the time High School closes and the closing of the gradesI attend to the routine necessities.
Plainville High still maintains its standing as a Class A High School for Normal School certification. It also has the privilege of certification for college with the New England College board. The teachers are working hard to keep this standard and any pupil who has attained certificate grade in this school can with conscientious study cantinue his work in college without difficulty.
I believe the School Committee and Townspeople should be commended for the splendid new addition to the High School building. I really don't see how it would be possible to have a well running and efficient school without it. The new curtains and the black- boards in the Latin and English rooms are also of great assistance.
The Orchestra has been reorganized under the direction of Mrs. Tisdale. Miss Hardy and Miss Ham- mond of the force are assisting as members of the or-
46
ANNUAL REPORT
chestra. The English and Commercial departments are planning to publish a school paper during the coming months. The public speaking is progressing now with nearly all the pupils learning their parts. We are work- ing now on the formation of a new league to take the place of the Singleton contest.
Basketball is now progressing in very fine shape. The boys are working very hard and earnestly to de- velop a good team. Thus far, they have won from the Alumni and lost to Foxboro, a much larger school. It is quite necessary that they should have shower baths and equipment for their athletics. I would suggest that in next year's budget $300 be included for this purpose. The boys are selling candy and running dances to raise money to pay expenses but not enough is realized from this to buy equipment.
The lunch room this year has been very successful due largely to the fine spirit of all concerned. The new tables and the supervision has helped a great deal in making the lunch room orderly and clean.
I wish to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to the members of the teaching force for their help and co-operation. Such kindly relations are an inspiration.
Respectfully submitted,
H. CHARLES MAXIM.
47
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Plainville, Massachusetts, December 31, 1925 Mr. Laurence Nourse Superintendent of Schools Plainville, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Nourse :
I hereby submit my yearly report of the work of the music in the public schols of Plainville.
The work as a whole has been exceedingly gratify- ing, and the year a most pleasant one. We have a good group of teachers, who are seemingly very much inter- ested, and with the spirit and enthusiasm shown by each one, progress must necessarily follow.
As is usual in the first grade, we have had a large number of tone deaf children, but we are blad to say by earnest and combined effort the larger part of them have been advanced from what we call the listeners class, to the singers class, and the little rote songs are sung very pleasingly both as to pitch and rythm. They are now nearly ready for the work on the scale using the nine principal keys.
The elementary grades are performing the work allotted to each in a very satisfactory manner. This result is obtained by the most excellent arrangement of having one grade in a room in almost each room.
As was expected the combined Seventh and Eighth grades gave a very excellent performance in the Cantata given ot the end of the school year, and we are antici- pating the one this year to be fully as excellent.
The chorus singing in the High School is one of the very delightful parts of the year's work. The boys who out-number the girls, a very unusual thing in a High School, are especially gifted both as to voice and musical intelligence, and the girls rank equally with the boys.
The orchestra this year is much larger than last, and is meeting for rehearsals every Wednesday evening. The members seem to enjoy the rehearsals and are
48.
ANNUAL REPORT
making good progress. We are indeed grateful to the Parent-Teacher Association who have purchased for us, and given to the school, a cornet. One of the boys has been taking lessons on this instrument and is a great addition to the orchestra. We also are greatly indebted to the Parent-Teacher Association for assist- ance in purchasing music for the orchestra. We now have two collections of orchestral music arranged for the High School Orchestra and hope in the near future we may be able to purchase a collection of Classics con- taining selections from the standard operas. This col- lection is of a higher grade, arranged for small orches- tras not especially in the High School class. These will be a little more difficult, but we are sure we will be able to master them.
I cannot close this report without thanking the teachers for their earnest co-operation and interest in the music and realize most fully that the success of the music department in our school, is due to their earnest effort.
Thanking you and the School Committee for con- tinued support I am,
Very truly yours, MARTHA C. TISDALE Supervisor of Music.
49
ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR
Mr. Laurence G. Nourse Superintendent of Schools.
During the time from March until November the work in art, in the public schools of Norton and Plain- ville was as follows.
The time allowed for art varied with the grade, the length of a lesson in the first grade being about twenty minutes and increasing with the grade to an hour in the eighth grade. The high school classes were two periods, both for mechanical drawing and freehand.
Art in the lower grades followed the usual course ; object drawing during the winter months then nature drawing in the spring months. In the seventh and eighth grades posters were made. The Norton Center School took for a subject one suggested by the S. P. C. A. "Be Kind to Animals." The Plainville classes used "Health" for their subject. This required some time and study but the results seemed well worth the effort.
The high school freehand classes also made posters. They used "Safety" as a subject. Each one had his own idea and worked it out himself, using a simple color scheme and bold lettering as best fits a poster.
In the fall the art work contiued with nature draw- ing in all grades and the high school as there is always an abundance of material at that time. Pencil, crayon and watercolor sketches were made from flowers, leaves and fruit sprays. Especially good work in this line was done by the seventh and eighth grades at the Sturdy School in Norton and the seventh and eighth grades at Plainville.
May I take this time to thank the superintendent and teachers of Norton and Plainville for making my work so very pleasant during the time I was there.
Respectfully submitted, MADELINE L. TAYLOR.
December 23, 1925.
4
50
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE TEACHER
Plainville, Mass.,. January 1. 1926
Ms. Laurence G. Nourse
Superintendent of Schools
Plainville, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Nourse :
The fine exhibition held in June showed the type of work done by the girls of the cooking and sewing classes, in the spring and summer terms of last year.
The work started in September is of a different type but in most cases is of higher grade.
In the Sewing classes we have started with the very first simple stitches and have proceeded to the more difficult ones, making sure of the names, uses and methods of doing each one as we go. The girls of Grade Seven have finished this part of the work and at the present time are making cooking uniforms which they will use next year.
The other grades will apply the stitches learned in making small garments and other useful articles.
So far the High School class is the only class to use the machine. The girls however prefer to stitch at home on account of the short space of time and the rather poor condition of the machines. One new ma- chine would greatly help the work of the sewing classes. Their aim is to make a complete outfit for themselves, endeavoring, to use the best judgment as to fair cost, good style and good practical value.
The High School cooking class have prepared ad- vanced recipes under the following heads :
Vegetables and vegetable cookery Eggs, Milk, Cheese Fats and Sugars Muffins, Biscuit, Cake, Pastry
They plan to serve a dinner to the members of the School Committee again this year.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
The work of the Eighth Grade class follows the same outline but the menus prepared are simpler.
We are pleased with the improvements made in the room and to the gas system, all of which help to make work easier and more enjoyable.
Respectfully yours, MARY F. CROKE.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Laurence G. Nourse,
Superintendent of Schools,
Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herein submit my report as school physician for the past year.
During the physical examination of the school children this year I found a few conditions I wish to bring to the attention of the parents as :
I found enlarged tonsils in 129 children of which thirty-four were advised removed, as necessary for the health of the child.
Enlarged cervical glands (glands of the neck) in forty-three children, many the result of infected tonsil and some due to bad teeth etc.
The heart was found affected in fifty-five.
The lungs were found affected in a few cases and five as suspicious cases, which condition has been re- ported to the parents with suggestions for care.
Defective speech-4 cases. Defective hearing-2 cases.
Defective nose-5 cases-one of which has since been corrected.
Nervous disorders-5 cases.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
There were also noted thirty-five children that were 10 per cent. or more under-weight.
The parents of these children were notified and asked to sign a card allowing me to have specialists from the State to come down and examine their children. Only fourteen returned signed cards. The result of this examination was sent to parents of each child examined with recommendations from these examiners that should be carried out. I hope this year when these cards are sent out the parents will sign and return same so that the school nurse and I can do our best for these handi- capped children.
The school has been very noticeably free of infec- tious diseases during the year.
I would suggest that the parents become familiar with the Schick Test and have their children tested and if found susceptible to Diphtheria, to have them im- munized by use of Toxin-Antitoxin. By this treatment Dipththeria can be eradicated, a disease so fatal among children before use of Antitoxin as a remedy was dis- covered.
I wish at this time to thank all who have aided in making the work so agreeable during the year ; especial- ly I wish to speak of the excellent work done by the nurse, who gives only one day a week to her work.
In conclusion I would like to suggest that the time of the nurse be extended to two days a week, as the work is increasing to such a degree that it is very diffi- cult to do all the work in one day ; also I would like to see another set of scales, one for each building, as the ones we now have are transferred from one building to the other very frequently and very liable to damage.
F. J. CARLEY, M. D.
December 31, 1925
53
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Foxboro, Massachusetts December 31, 1925
Mr. Laurence G. Nourse Superintendent of Schools Plainville, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :
I hereby present my report for the year ending 1925. Summary of Work
Total number of pupils examined in school 310
Total number of notices sent home
Total number of visits 238
Total number of cases referred to the physician 20
Total number of cases first aid by nurse 8
Total number of cases of pediculosis 12
9
Total number of pupils examined for contagious diseases, pediculosis and uncleanliness 3
Total number of pupils excluded for scarlet fever
3, impetigo 3, chicken pox 5, whooping cough 2.
One pupil was taken to Boston for the removal of tonsils, several others went elsewhere. There are many more who need that attention.
It was only possible to corry on the lunch last year with the assistance of the Parent-Teacher Association, and the Christmas Seal Fund. This year tables and seats have been added to the lunch room along with a few changes in system. Up to the present time this year it has been paying for itself due to the splendid co-operation of teachers and scholars, especially in the high school. It is impossible to run a school lunch at cost unless we receive good co-operation from parents and teachers.
The Christmas Seal Sale was conducted by mail this year, relieving everyone of being asked more than once to help the good cause.
Other health work has been carried on in much the same way as in previous years in correlation wih class- work.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
A clinic was held last April for children from ten to twenty per cent. underweight, a beginning of a ten year program. Several doctors and nutrition workers were sent out by the state to give the examinations, and any advice free that parents might ask for the welfare of their children. Only fourteen pupils from the group of underweights responded. I hope that more parents will realize the value of such a clinic and take better ad- vantage of the next one, which we expect will come in the spring again. X-rays were taken of pupils who were classified as suspicious cases.
The condition of pupils teeth has steadily improved since the first dental examination. We are pleased to see the increased interest shown by both parents and pupils. We are looking for even better reports next year. The school dentist gave an account in his last year's report up to 1926. Another examination will soon take place.
Many questions are asked about the Schick test, diphtheria antitoxin and toxin antitoxin inoculation. The Schick test shows whether an individual can or cannot contract diphtheria. Antitoxin is used in treating ac- tual cases of diphtheria and in immunizing susceptible persons known to have been exposed to the disease. Antitoxin immunity is immediate but lasts only two or three weeks. Toxin antitoxin is of no value in treat- ment of active diphtheria, but to a person at the time in good health but susceptible to diphtheria it gives a lasting immunity. People are fast beginning to realize the great value of doing this to protect their children from this much dreaded disease. I hope Plainville will feel the same and assist me in making this community a safe one.
wish to thank the Superintendent, School I Physician, Teachers and all who have given their in- terest and assistance in this work.
Respectfully submitted,
GINA WHITEHOUSE, R. N.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL June 17, 1925 Class Flower-Red Rose Bud Class Colors-Green and Gold Motto-We enter to learn ; we leave to serve.
Program
Invocation- Rev. Guy H. Wayne Salutatory Essay-"Optimism" Norma Ethel Barney Song-"Good Bye" Tosti
Essay -- "Abraham Lincoln" Austin Fuller Grant
Violin Solo-
Clinton Eugene Barton
Presentation of Special Awards
Song-"Soldiers Chorus," from Faust Boys' Chorus Gounod
Address-
Harry E. Gardner State Board of Education
Song-"A Night In June" School Valedictory -- Essay "Dreamers and Doers" Iris Amelia Jette
Targett
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.