USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1922-1933 > Part 33
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We have continued our subscriptions to the various magazines with an eye more especially for school use but all patrons are welcome to use the same. In the case of discarded and obsolete books we have followed the usual custom of turning them over to the American Legion for the benefit of the sick and disabled in the Veterans' and Cancer Hospitals where we are informed they are greatly appreciated, although being worn and soiled they are still in readable condition.
We would again respectfully call to the attention of the Townspeople the crowded condition, also the need of a catalogue.
We would respectfully ask for the usual appropriation and allowance for 1928.
Financial Statement
Appropriation, 1927
$500.00
Dog Tax 373.21
$873.21
Rent
$130.00
Librarian
153.00
Lights
16.08
Books
491.54
Clerical
36.00
26
REPORT
ANNUAL .
15.00
Fuel
16.00
Supplies
$857.62
$15.59
Balance Dec. 31, 1927
FRED W. NORTHUP, THEODORE E. A. FULLER, MILLARD M, RINES,
Trustees.
1
* :
R
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Town of Plainville Massachusetts
PLAINVI
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TOWN
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Angle Tiny
THAM.
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.1905
PLAIN
VILLE
INCORP
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ATED
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28
.. MASS.
FOR Year ending December 31, 1927
29
ANNUAL REPORT SCHOOL OFFICIALS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
CHARLES H. PEASLEY, Chairman. . Term expires 1930 Telephone North Attleboro, 121-W
LORENZO B. STURTEVANT, Sec'y. Term expires 1928 Telephone North Attleboro, 68-W HARLIE E. THOMPSON Term expires 1929 Telephone North Attleboro, 546-R
Meeting of the School Committee is held in the office, Town Hall Building, on Wednesday preceding the second Thursday of the month.
Union Superintendent of Schools, Norton and Plainville LAURENCE G. NOURSE Residence Telephone Norton, 66 School Telephone North Attleboro, 385-R
The Superintendent may be reached at the office in the Town Hall Building every Tuesday, and other days by appointment.
Authorized to Issue Work Certificates LORENZO B. STURTEVANT Telephone North Attleboro, 68-W School Physician FREDERICK J. CARLEY, M. D. Telephone North Attleboro, 491 School Nurse MRS. FRANK H. GILBERT Telephone North Attleboro 618-W Attendance Officer JOSEPH CRAIK
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ANNUAL REPORT SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1927-1928
Elementary Schools
Fall term begins Sept. 7, 1927 Fall term closes Dec. 23, 1927
Winter term begins Jan. 3, 1928 Winter term closes Mar. 23, 1928
Spring term begins April 2, 1928 Spring term closes June 15, 1928
High School
Fall term begins Sept. 7, 1927 Fall term closes Dec. 23, 1927
Winter term begins Jan. 3, 1928 Winter term closes Mar. 23, 1928 Spring term begins April 2, 1928 Spring term closes June 22, 1928 The regular schedule is given.
Some changes, however, will be necessary due to the loss of time last fall.
Holidays for all schools
October 12 Thanksgiving Day and the day following
February 22 April 19 May 30
School Sessions
High School : Regular session, 8 to 1; extra session
2 to 4
Grammar School: 9 to 12 and 1:15 to 3:15 Primary School : 9 to 11:45 and 1:15 to 3:15
No School Signals
7:15 A. M .- Three double blasts on fire alarm system signifies no school for all pupils for the day. 7:30 A. M .- Same signal signifies no school for elementary school pupils.
11:45 A. M .- Same signal signifies no school in the afternoon and all pupils will stay in school one hour longer than usual and then be dismissed for the day.
.
31
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Plainville : January 1, 1928
During the past year there have been many changes in the personnel of our teaching staff-two new teachers in the high school and five in the grades. We have followed our policy of securing the best we can directly from the normal schools. We hope that there will be fewer changes this year as permanency in the staff is a great asset to the system.
In the early fall the schools had to remain closed for three weeks during the epidemic of infantile par- alysis. One week has been made up by the grades but the high school will give greater difficulty as the num- ber of days it must be in session according to law is considerably more than that of the grades. We shall expect the cooperation of the parents in any measure wé may see fit to use to meet this emergency.
We would urge parents to visit schools more so as to be more familiar with the everyday work.
Modern equipment has been placed in the first grade this year and we hope to be able to so equip the other lower grades when we can afford it.
Our financial report follows :
Money Available for Schools
Appropriation $25,875.00
Refund, R. R. Claim
14.50
Interest on Town School Fund
36.81
Expenses
52.40
$25,978.71
Expended
General Expenses
School Committee
Superintendent, Salary
$ 1,480.00
Expenses 102.82
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries, High and Elementary 15,246.47 Books, High and Elementary 1,606.98
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ANNUAL REPORT
Operation of Scrool Plant
1,300.00
Janitor 1,643.11
Fuel
324.68
Miscellaneous
420.96
Maintenance
437.31
Health
2,643.50
Transportation
745.92
New Equipment
$25,951.65 $27.06
Budget for 1928
We recommend for 1928 that the sum of $25.875.00 be appropriated according to the estimated budget. General Expenses
School Committee, Expense ..
Superintendent, Salary
100.00
Expenses
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries, High and Elementary
15,630.00
Books and Supplies, High and Elementary 1,500.00
Operation of School Plant
1,300.00
Janitor
1,300.00
Fuel
275.00
Miscellaneous
315.00
Maintenance
475.00
Health
2,820.00
Transportation
580.00
New Equipment
$25,875.00
The town received during 1927 from the State on account of schools :
General School Fund, Part I $2,533.25
General School Fund, Part II
2,552.21
For Superintendent
764.78
For High School
1,056.50
For Tuition of State Ward
103.29
$7,010.03
$ 1,570.00
Balance
33
-
ANNUAL REPORT
From Town' of Wrentham for Tuition
$109.50 Total
Total Expenditure for 1927
$7,119.53 $25,951.65 Receipts from Outside Sources 7,119.53
Net Expenditure by Town of Plainville
$18,932.12
The receipts for 1928 are expected to be approxi- mately the same as those listed above for 1927.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. PEASLEY, Chairman, LORENZO B. STURTEVANT, Secretary, HARLIE E. THOMPSON.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee :
I have the pleasure of submitting to you my fourth annual report as superintendent of schools and the twenty-second in the series of reports.
Introduction
Some of the major undertakings in the work of supervision of the teaching program will be commented upon. The maintenance of the school plant has been kept up but no extensive repair work has been done this year. The school budget has been carefully fol- lowed. A number of special school activities that have been undertaken this year will be outlined.
Supervision in the Elementary School
Topic 1. School Visits.
Visits are made to the classrooms of the various grades constantly. Some of short duration are for the purpose of observing the general operation and manage- ment-teaching conditions such as light and heat, dis- cipline of the room, working attitude or spirit of the pupils. Longer visits are made for the purpose of more
3
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ANNUAL REPORT
carefully studying any aspects of the work of the rooms, observing teaching methods, giving suggestions or administering tests.
Topic 2. Teachers' Meetings.
Teachers' Meetings are held regularly each month on a fixed date. They continue to be the source of great help in the administration of the schools. Some of the details of the work of these meetings have been out- lined in past reports.
Topic 3. Weekly Letters.
This fall I started the plan of sending out to all teachers a weekly letter. This gives information con- cerning all details of school work and activities. Much time usually given to such details at the teachers' meet- ings is thereby saved for more important undertakings. Copies of these letters you are receiving at the monthly meeting of the School Committee.
Topic 4. Course of Study.
Because of the help it gives them in planning their teaching, the teachers are appreciating the work which has been done to formulate definite courses of study. The plans as outlined last year are being continued. Constant additions and revisions are necessary.
The course of study in geography which was pre- pared by various leaders in the teaching of this subject has been issued by our State Department of Education. This is in use. All teachers are being furnished books and equipment as fully as possible for the proper use of this outline.
The teaching in Mental Arithmetic has been ex- tended by a new outline of "store problems" for grade 2 to 5. This addition to the course of study I prepared after receiving many valuable suggestions from the teachers.
The course of study in English which was described in last year's report stimulated the work in English. A carefully prepared course of study has been placed in grades 3 to 8. This gives in detail the work in English Grammar which was needed to supplement our previous outlines. The systematic drill in grammar and the aim
35
ANNUAL REPORT
to eliminate ordinary speech errors form an important contribution in the endeavor to make English instruc- tion practical.
Topic 5. Testing Program.
This important part of the supervision of the schools has gone forward steadily. Some of the major under- takings in this field will be reported. The same general plan for drill in spelling as reported in the past has con- tinued. A new and revised edition of the spelling lists for each grade was put in use last September. The average scores for the Winter and Spring terms of last year were: March test 90%, June test .85%. The re- sults of the two tests for the fall term 1927 are given below for each grade. The first scores this fall show some falling off from the usual results but the December scores are the highest that have been made in four years. This is the result of a very intensive drive on the part of all the teachers.
Spelling Tests
Averages in percents
School
Grade
2
3
4
5 | 6 |7 | 8 |Ave.
Oct.
62
89
94
97
81
80
70
82
Plainville
Dec.
78
95
94
99
97
99
89
93
I have continued to give personally in all classrooms tests in mental arithmetic four times a year. Daily drills in rapid calculation are most valuable both for practical use and as basis for later mathematical work. The average scores by schools last spring were: March test 79%, June test 78%. The October and December 1927 scores are given in detail below. The new work in store problems was included in the December tests. Although only a short time had been given to this topic the results are reasonably satisfactory. A copy of the test which I gave is given in full as it shows typical problems in use in all grades.
36
ANNUAL REPORT
Mental Arithmetic Tests Averages in percents
Grade
School
2 1 3
4
5 6 78
Ave.
| Oct. |
76
65
50
87
75
82
75
73
Plainville
Dec.
73
66
85
86
84
77
88
80
Mental Arithmetic Tests December, 1927
GRADE I.
The progress of the work in number concepts will be observed.
GRADE II.
How many are 4 and 2 and 5?
How much is 1/2 of 10?
How many nickels are there in a quarter ?
If you pay 4 cents for a pencil what will you pay for 2 pencils ?
If you give the store-keeper a quarter for a book which costs 10c, what change should he give you ?
GRADE III.
How much is 14 of 12?
How many are 8 plus 4 plus 3 plus 5 ?
If there are 24 hours in a day, how many hours are there in 1-3 of a day ?
You buy a book for 15 cents and give the store- keeper a 50c piece. What change should you get?
GRADE IV.
How much is 1-5 of 45?
Give the result of : 9 times 5 plus 5 divided by 10 plus 7.
What change should you get if you give the store- keeper a 50c piece for 2 toys that cost 10c each? If 1/4 of a pound of candy costs 5c what will one pound cost ?
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADE V.
What number is 2-3 of 18?
Add 25 and 15 and 25.
If 14 of a ib of candy, costs 10c what will 2 tbs cost ? If you buy 312 yds. of ribbon at 10c per yd., what change should you get from a 50c piece ?
GRADE VI.
What number is 2-3 of 36?
Give the result of: 8 times 6 plus 2 divided by 5 minus 3 times 8.
Add 24 and 9 and 11 and 7.
What is the cost of 41/2 quarts of berries at 12c per quart ?
GRADE VII.
Add 18 and 17 and 15 and 19.
What is 66 2-3% of 120? Add 5-8 and 1-4.
Give result of : 9 times 8 minus 12 divided by 3 plus 16 divided by 2.
GRADE VIII.
What is the cost of 72 yds. of cloth at 162-3c per yard?
What number is 6212% of 24?
How can you find the area of your classroom? Add $1.35 and $ .20 and $ .15 and $ .25.
The tests in the fundamental operations as compiled and given under the direction of Boston University were used last year. The results all over the state were not as satisfactory as desired and expected. Our teachers along with those in eighty towns in Massachusetts are working on a teaching plan to discover the difficulties of individual pupils and work for 100% accuracy in these fundamental processes. The emphasis is on the teaching plan. Better results should be secured this year.
The English testing program was explained in some letail in last year's report. Similar tests were again given last June with approximately the same results. Tests in English grammar will be given in January. Some informal tests in reading have been given this fall. general survey of reading is planned in February and · Iarch.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Supervision in the High School
Frequent visits to high school classes are made to observe pupil progress and teaching procedure or occasionally to give tests. Plan books are kept by all teachers. These show the definite lesson plans, aims, and results. Term tests are recorded. I inspect these books carefully. At a recent teachers' meeting for high school teachers, I discussed with them the topic-college preparation in our high school-and have set the pro- moting of this objective as the major aim for the high school staff for this year. Under the present schedule Mr. Maxim gives one-third of his time to details of supervision and administration. There is need, I believe, for a careful consideration by all, the school committee, the school staff, and the parents-of the present ten- dency in many high schools to lengthen the high school session and make certain changes in operation in con- sequence.
Library
There is a great need for the classification and cataloguing of the books in the public library. All the grade teachers and the high school English teacher have felt the need for this. This year a special drive to en- courage all pupils to read books from the public library is going on. A certificate is issued by the state library bureau through the local librarian for the successful reading and understanding of fine books on the reading list. All the officials of the library have been most help- ful to the school department in every way possible. This classification would help all citizens and school pupils to use more fully the library. During the past year from the school budget it has been possible to place in the high school a set of Carpenter's Travels which is most fascinating reading suitable for supple- mentary work in English and History. An excellent set of books, Campton's Pictorial Encyclopedia, has been presented by the Parent-Teacher Association for use in the Grammar grades. A few supplementary reading books have been given to each grade room. A number of books for professional study have been purchased for the start towards a teacher's reference library in the school office. Thus much interest has been given to the stimulating of reading by all.
39
ANNUAL REPORT
First Grade Equipment
After a careful study of the new type of equipment in the model school at the Bridgewater Normal School, the Henry Whittermore School of Waltham, and schools in Newton, I recommended the use of the individual table and chair plan. This you adopted. It is early yet to judge results. The purpose is to allow for greater freedom in operation and to enable the teacher to in- struct her pupils individually and by small groups with greater ease. Greater comfort and greater range of work will be possible for each child. I believe the equip- ment is now equal to any first grade. I have every reason to believe most satisfactory and pleasing results will follow.
In accordance with the desire of the school com- mittee I am summarizing the reports which have been submitted to me by those in charge of special branches of the school program.
1. From report of Mr. H. Charles Maxim, Principal of the High School and Elementary School:
Enrollment Data High School
Jan. 1, 1928
Jan. 1, 1927
Grade
Pupils
Pupils
12
16
16
High School
11
12
16
10
22
18
9
32
29
Total
83
79
7-8
34
32
6
40
35
5
27
32
Elementary School
4
35
28
3
27
26
2
32
27
1
42
33
Total
237
213
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ANNUAL REPORT
One of the most important topics is quoted in full : "The State Board of Education has Plainville High School rated as Class A for the certification at State Normal Schools and this year the College Entrance Ex- amination Board have placed us on the Trial List for College Entrance. Whether we hold that or not de- pends entirely upon our Students in the Colleges. I believe we should emphasize the fact that for a pupil to benefit by these privileges of certification their grades in school must average 85%."
Successful progress was noted in the following : Prize Speaking, school orchestra, school paper, operetta, hiking club, girls' basketball and athletics.
2. From report of Harriet F. Washburn, Supervisor of Music:
The report shows the general progress in music instruction and also the special activities such as music appreciation course and fife and drum corps in the ele- mentary schools and the orchestra, the double mixed quartet and the operetta in the high school. I believe that there has been a very keen interest and love for music on the part of the pupils during the past year.
3. From report of Rowena B. Rice, Supervisor of Art :
The report shows a careful outline of the year's work and some of the objectives of art teaching. A handicraft class was organized in the high school last September. Already great interest and valuable re- sults are in evidence.
4. Report of M. Alice Hardy, Supervisor of Pen- manship:
The outstanding feature of this work since Miss Hardy undertook it has been the formation of a most systematic course of study in penmanship. While the usual books have long been in use this is the first time there has been a definite outline of details for each teacher's guidance. Progress is carefully noted by regular classroom visits.
5. Report of Domestic Science Teacher and of School Lunch; Director, Mary F. Croke:
Good progress has been made in sewing and cook- ing according to the outline as given in last year's re-
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ANNUAL REPORT
port. Mrs. Croke reports that financially the school lunch is having difficulty in maintaining a self-support- ing basis. The excellent food that Mrs. Corbin serves deserves the support and patronage of all pupils and the interest of the parents.
6. From the report of School Physician, Dr. F. J. Carley :
After giving a careful report of the examinations of the last year, Dr. Carley makes two recommendations :
"I wish to recommend the extension of the School Nurse's time to two days a week. I also wish to pre- sent a recommendation as given by the Massachusetts State Board of Health."-
"All children between the ages of six months and six years should be immunized with three injections of Diphtheria Toxin-Antitoxin mixture one week apart without having the Schick test performed upon them."
7. From the report of School Nurse, Pauline H. Gilbert :
The "Health Clinic" of last spring and the Summer Health Camp were special items of interest. I feel that the outstanding improvement this year has been the close coordination of the nurse's work with the health instructions of the classroom teachers. Thus on a regular schedule the nurse watches over and guides these activities in each classroom.
Many details of general school activities could be properly set forth. The important items have received some comment. I urge through this report to you that all parents and citizens visit the schools at the times of special request and even more at any time when the regular work of the schools is being conducted.
I wish in closing to commend again the kind in- terest and helpful response of all members of the school staff. This spirit added to the earnest support which each member of the school committee has given to the school program has made 1927 a profitable year.
Respectfully,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE.
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ANNUAL REPORT
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL June 23, 1927 Class Colors-Red and Gold Motto-"Launched But Not Anchored"
Program
Marching School Invocation Rev. G. Bennett Van Buskirk
Beethoven
Song-The Heavens Resound
School
Salutatory-Neglected Opportunities, Marion Edith Keyes
Essay-True Leadership Ilene Della Lake
Music .
Orchestra
Essay-Friendship Bessie McKechnie
Essay-John D. Rockefeller Howard Moulton Morse
Nevin Song-Song of the Armorer
School
Essay-History of Education, Victoria Eleanor Roebuck Valedictory-Triangle of Progress .. Eva Louise Miller Presentation of Alumni Awards Frank O. Corbin
Mendelssohn
Song-Departure
School
Presentation of Diplomas . .. Charles H. Peasley,
Chairman of School Committee Singing of Class Ode Rev. G. Bennett Van Buskirk Benediction
Class Roll
Lillan Mae Berkley Bessie McKechnie v Albert Leslie Bryden John Ellsworth Bryden Kenneth McNeill Eva Louise Miller Charles Henry Coleman Hayes Howard Moulton Morse Mildren Eunice Peckham
v Marion Edith Keyes
Edward Arthur King Lyman Hunt Parmenter
Ilene Della Lake Dwight Marshall Patton
Kenneth Albro Lake Victoria Eleanor Roebuck Irvin Edward McAfee
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ANNUAL REPORT
Class Ode
Fare thee well, Oh class of '27
We are to part farewell ;
Forever now-on life's great sea to wander Where our fancies dwell. Traveling on, the way will not be easy, Life's sea keeps stretching on,
So we sing our song at eventide All our love to tell.
We have spent, so many years together,
Striving to reach our goal;
But the time has come when we must leave you, Friends we loved of old.
No more shall we gather here together As we have done 'til now. Can you hear, the song that tells you, Of our love retold.
BESSIE McKECHNIE, VICTORIA ELEANOR ROEBUCK.
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF PLAINVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL June 16, 1927 Operetta-"The Bells of Beaujolais" List of Graduates
Eleanor Kendall Barney Wallace Grayham Bell Elizabeth Stewart Berry Henrietta Cora Boyd Howard Adam Brunner George Gardner Cudworth Florence Louise Dorset Clifton Bert Fisler Ruth Ester Fisler Anna Elizabeth Flynn Howard Elmer Gay Thelma Edith Hemmingsen Elaine Bartlett Higgins Elsie Stetson Minchew Martha Germaine Nault Ethel Marion Nerney
Donald Edmund O'Reilly Theodore Olaf Passmore Ruth Briswold Patton Barbara Louise Pink Muriel Elizabeth Pink Mary Hope Pfeiffer Rena May Proal Grace Elizabeth Rhodes Marjorie Gray Root Helen Rose Roebuck Catherine Sadowski Marion Harding Thompson George Howard White Ruth Eva Wilkins Paul Valldemore Wolf Edna Mae Worthington
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ANNUAL REPORT
Perfect Attendance For The School Year 1926 - 1927 High School
Cobb, Richard Franklin, Vincent Lake, Ilene McKechnie, John
Miller, Eva Nash, Ruth Rubyck, Victoria Woodward, Clifford
Elementary School
Grade 2
Everett, Clarence
Everett, Clifton
Grade 4
Keyes, Ralph Nash, Lois
Majos, Charles Paul, Fred
Grade 5
Dorset, Ruth
Fied, Mildred
Grade 6
Rhodes, Barbara
Etter, Dorothy
Grade 7
McNeill, Russell
Grade 8
Fisler, Clifton
Passmore, Theodore O. Powers, Anna E.
Fisler, Ruth
Pink, Barbara L.
STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1927 Average number of days the Elementary Schools were in session
178
Plainville
Average for State (Group III Towns) 179
Number of days the High School was in session Plainville 190
Average for State (Group III Towns) . 185
Jakubajtis, Louis Etter, Grace
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ANNUAL REPORT
Expenditure for support of Elementary Schools, exclusive of general control, per pupil in average membership
Plainville
$72.51
Average for State (Group III Towns)
68.43
Expenditure for support of High Schools, exclusive of general control, per pupil in average membership
Plainville
$119.84
Average for State (Group III Towns)
149.28
Extracts from the School Census of October, 1927
Males Females Totals
Pupils between 5 and 7
35
27
62
Pupils between 7 and 14
127
101
228
Pupils between 14 and 16
33
24
57
195
152
347
Sight and Hearing Tests
Number of pupils examined
302
Number found defective in eyesight
12
Number found defective in hearing
2
Number of notices sent to parents
9
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued
17
Number of educational certificates issued
36
LIST OF TEACHERS, JANUARY, 1928
School
Name
Where Educated
Date of Appt.
High
H. Charles Maxim
Bates College
1925
Dorothy K. Cross
Radcliffe College 1927
Martha P. Farwell
Brown University
1926
Marian S. Goodwin
Salem Normal School
1927
Grammar 8
Mrs. Anna H. Jackson
Plainville High School 1885
Grammar 6 & 7
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