USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1922-1933 > Part 9
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With a record-breaking entering class of twenty-four, I find it necessary to seat the freshmen on the benches in the laboratory because of lack of chairs, and I might add that, had we the chairs, the laboratory is not suffi - ciently commodious to accommodate them.
But this is not all. Because of the space cut from the recitation room to accommodate the typewriting room, we diminish the facilities of the recitation room, which was already too small. Then, too, the noise of the typewriters makes it practically impossible to recite satisfactorily in the recitatiion room, to say nothing about the lack of quiet, a condition which should prevail during the examination periods.
We have found it necessary to make use of the Select- men's office for recitation purposes, but here only five chairs will not accommodate ten to twelve pupils, and again, as in the laboratory, we find it necessary to seat pupils on desks and tables in order to instruct them. And finally, the lack of a blackboard in the Selectmen's office taxes the ingenuity of the teacher to the utmost to present the lessons adequately.
That such conditions will be even worse in September is practically assured when we consider that while only eleven at most may graduate from the high school, about twenty-five will graduate from grammar school. Of which number, to judge from the past, eighteen will enter high school. The result will be that we will have seven more pupils than we can possibly seat in the high school under present conditions this coming September.
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ANNUAL REPORT
And speaking of crowded conditions, may I call your attention to the yoke borne by that very excellent teacher, Mrs. Anna H. Jackson, who, having the seventh and eighth grales to teach, two most important years, finds herself faced with fifty children in a room which at best should not contain more than thirty-six. Too much commendation cannot be given Mrs. Jackson nor Miss Peterson (who has to teach some of the seventh and eighth grade subjects) for the very excellent work they are doing in the face of such overwhelming odds.
I sincerely hope that the matter of building an addition to the school will receive your immediate attention. It certainly merits the most serious consideration of the town as a whole, as well as that of the school authori- ties.
I am pleased to report that the Plainville High School is still a class "A" school, and that I have just received from the New England Sollege Entrance Certificate Board a blank which, on beiing filled out and accepted, will grant us the certificate privilege for three years without the necessity of renewing the application an- nually.
This is a splendid achievement and speaks volumes for the excellent records that our graduates of the last three years have made, for it is upon the record of our graduates in colleges that the granting or refusal of the certificate privilege is determined.
The Junior High School Plan of organization to which I referred at some length in my report of 1922 will cer- tainly give Plainville a more highly organized and efl- ciently co-ordinated school system. This is not an ex- perimental change which I advocate, but one which has been tried and endorsed all over the United States. I therefore earnestly recommend its adoption, particularly at this time when the need of a larger school building
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ANNUAL REPORT
is to be considered. If each is considered in connection with the other the school building can be expeditiously made to fit the system and the system to fit the pupil, which I submit to me the most logical arrangement that can be made.
From time to time a teacher finds it necessary to ask a pupil to come back to school afternoons for aid or dis- cipline. Provision for such an afternoon session should be made by the school committee in order better eo en- force such necessities. I would recommend, therefore, that you consider the advisability of making the legal school session in the high school from 8 P. M. to 1 P. M. and from 2 P. M. to 4 P. M. , the 8-1 session compulsory for all high school students and the 2-4 session compul- sory for the delinquents.
At this time I wish to commend Miss Maud N. Austin, the head of the English Department, very heartily to you. Miss Austin has fitted very adroitly into the or- ganization of the school and with Miss Pithie and Miss Fisher affords a smooth working faculty.
The treasury of the high school is in a very stable conditionfi thanks to the diligence of the pupils and hearty support of the citizens of Plainville.
I am expressing the wishes of the teachers, I am sure, when I tender to your, Mr. Superintendent, as well as to the School Committee our sincere appreciation of the courtesy and co-operation that has ever been accorded us.
Very truly yours,
WEBSTER HALL.
Plainville, Mass., December 31, 1923.
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1923
Friday, June Twenty-second, Nineteen Twenty-three Town Hall, Plaiinville, Mass.
Programme
Processional-
Lois Y. Sylvia, '25
Invocation-
Rev. Guy H. Wayne
Salutatory- Frank P. Rubyck
Song-"Away to the Woods' School
Strauss
Class History- Margarette K. Bialas
"Athletics in Our School" W. Russell White
Song-"Land Sighting" School
Grieg
Class Prophecy Herman G. Bunstein
"In Memory of Our Authors" Esther G. Keith
Philleo
Song-"Out Where the West Begins"
School
"Inspiration Plus Perspiration" George A. Benker
Class Will- Ernest L. Maxcy
ANNUAL REPORT 49
Song-"Forget-Me-Not"
Giese
School
Valedictory- Alice H. Stolworthy
Presentation of Diplomas-
Ira A. Jenkins
Class Ode ---
Seniors
Scholarship and Awards-
F. O. Corbin
Benedictiion-
Rev. Guy H. Wayne
GRADUATES
Herman G. Bunstein, President Jesse W. Franklin, Jr., Vice President George A. Benker, Treasurer Margarette K. Bialas, Secretary Ruth M. Bacheller June E. Greenhalgh
Esther G. Keith
Ernest L. Maxcy Frank P. Rubyck Alice H. Stolworthy
W. Russell White
Motto: "Labor to Win" Flower: Red Rose Colors : Red and Gold
CLASS ODE
To-night completes our high school course, now to the world we turn.
How we shall miss those days, spent here, to which we can't return.
4
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ANNUAL REPORT
Each one of us regrets it and some tears of grief we shed
But let us spare these tears, somewhat, and look ahead, instead :
Now soon on life's path we shall be. We oft may be forlorn But let's be free and full of glee
To ev'ry rose-,-a thorn.
Our dear old Plainville High School life
Taught us, though struggle may be rife
We'll not give in until we win-success will crown our life.
Margarette K. Bialas Jesse W. Franklin, Jr.
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE PLAINVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Friday Evening, June 16, 1923 PROGRAM "THE GYPSIE ROVER" LIST OF GRADUATES
Lillian May Berkley .
Alma Elizabeth Clark
Irving Francis Fielding Albert Joseph Goodall Charles Henry Coleman Hayes
Gladys Viola Harker
Edward Arthur King
Amelia Eileen Jakubaji s
Irvin Edward McAfee
Marion Edith Keyes
Eva Louise Miller
Howard Moulton Morse Kenneth McNeill Lyman Hunt Parmenter
Mildred Eunice Peckham Victoria Eleanor Rubyck Ruth Jane Thompson
Albert Francis Rose
Alden Davis Rhodes
Fred Herman Benker
Leo Francis Ruttle
Earle Mervin Dorset
Oscar Miller Schubert
Gilbert Allen Dinsmore
Herbert Alden Smith
ROLL OF HONOR
-
High School
Alice H. Stolworthy Payson B. Averill
Grammar School-Grade VIII.
Mildred E. Peckham
Grade VI.
Esther G. Peckham
Note: Alice H. Stolworthy has neither been absent nor tardy for eight years. Payson B. Averill has neither been absent nor tardy for two years.
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1923
Average number of days the elementary schools were actually in session 173
Number of days the High School was actually in session 190
Average number of days the elementary schools of the State were in session in 1922 180
Average number of days the High Schools of the State were in session in 1922 182
Taxation cost of Plainville elementary schools per pupil in the average membership for year ending June, 1923, not including outlay . $64.98
Taxation cost of Plainville High School per pupil in the average membership for the year ending June, 1923, not including outlay .. $150.27
Taxation cost per pupil of the elementary schools of the State for 1922 .$66.11
Taxation cost per pupil of the High Schools of the State for 1922 $113.53
Extracts from the School Census of April, 192v
Males Females
Total
Pupils between 5 and 16
140
141
281
Pupils between 5 and 7
22
24
46
Pupils between 7 and 14
87
100
187
Pupils between 14 and 16
31
17
48
Sight and Hearing Test
Number of pupils examined 269
Number found defective in eyesight
21
Number found defective in hearing
2
Number of notices sent 16
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ANNUAL REPORT
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued 18 Number of educational certificates issued. 23
Note: Employment certificates are issued to children between 14 and 16 who have completed the sixth grade. Educational certificates are issued to children between 16 and 21.
Number of pupils graduated from the High School in June, 1923 :
Boys
6
Girls
9
11
Number of pupils graduated from the grammar school in June, 1923:
Boys
16
Girls
9
25
Number of pupils graduating from the grammar school in June, 1923, who entered the High School in September :
Boys 14
Girls
8
22
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: So often the question is raised as to the value of Art in the public schools that I quote the late Dr. Haney : "Art is not for the few. It is for the many, for the many have to use it. It is not held that the train- ing of the public schools will produce artists, but it is held that it will raise the standards of taste throughout the community. People who know better things de- mand better things. Thus the art teaching of the pub- lic schools has a practical relation to the business inter- ests of every community."
These ideas I have carried out as much as possible in the work in the schools. In the Fall the work in the grades has been confined to nature study, color design and lettering. These problems have been worked out in pencil, crayon and water color. In the lower grades there has been considerable stress laid on paper folding and cutting and construction work, which appeals alike to both teacher and pupil. The training to the eye, the the hand and the mind is invaluable in this branch of the work.
During the Winter and Spring terms Representation in its various phases will be taken up-figure and animal drawing, object and memory work, perspective and the application of design and color to the home, its furnish- ings and decorations, also nature work.
In the High School great interest is shown in metal work, the students coming back after school for this class and working as long as permitted. Desk sets, book-ends and watch fobs are some of the problems taken up. One hour a week is given to mechanical
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ANNUAL REPORT
drawing, which course proves of great interest to the boys.
I wish to thank 'the teachers for their kind co-opera- tion and interest in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
ELINOR M. KIELY.
Plainville, Mass., December 31, 1923.
REPORT OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE TEACHER
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
1
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: It has been my aim to train each girl to want to do what she does well even though it takes a little longer. -
The third and fourth grades sew by hand. Beginning with the fifth grade the girls sew on the sewing ma- chine. They cut out and make the garments themselves. I have required each child to stitch at the school. This enables me to help each one and assures me that the work is done by teh child.
Cookery is first taught in the eighth grade. The girls prepare simple dishes. The aim, however, is to acquaint them with recipe terms, to teach them to fol- low directions, and also to be neat.
The courses are elective in the High School. One period a week is given to cookery. Because the time is limited, a type lesson is given, followed by a discussion
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ANNUALREPORT
period. I have tried to make the course practical and instructive.
The school lunch has been started with a woman in charge.
As my term of service did not begin until September, my report is of necessity brief.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTIE S. SNOW.
Mansfield, Mass., December 31, 1923.
-
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir: In music as in every other study there are new devices and new methods constantly appearing. We try to be progressive and so everything that seems practical and a possible gain on the present methods are given a fair trial.
One of the new ideas in the music department in the High School, which we are at present trying to carry out, is the appreciation of music through hearing the standard selections of both the old and modern com- posers on the Victrola.
At the close of the year's work we will have a mem- ory contest and try and create a healthy competition in this contest. The pupils seem much interested in this
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ANNUAL REPORT
and many have a surprising faculty for recognizing the compositions which they have heard.
Along with this appreciation of music we are learn- ing a few important facts about the great composers who have had a great influence upon the music of all time. The facts about the composers are given by the pupils.
The work of the grades in music is carried along the same lines as usual, except when new ideas are intro- duced which awaken more interest and present the sub- ject matter in more attractive ways.
Again I would emphasize the fact that the success of the music depends in a great measure upon the co- operation of the elementary teachers, and to those who so agreeably co-operate with me, I wish to express my hearty appreciation.
Thanking you and the School Committee for your cordial support, I am,
Yours very truly,
MARTHA C. TISDALE.
.
58
ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: I herewith present my second annual re- port. The first part of the year all pupils were given a very thorough examination of the' teeth. Records were made of each mouth and a duplicate sent to the parents and to the dentist that performed the work. A second examination is now being made. In the grades one to five inclusive eleven were found with teeth in perfect condition ; in grades six to eight twenty-five were found and in the High School there were eighteen. Competition and a little stimulation has done a great deal for the children as a whole. During the year three dozen tooth brushes were sold at cost to the pupils.
The physical examinations have shown an improve- ment in the general condition of most of the children. All of the records have been recopied onto uniform record cards furnished by the State.
Hot cocoa was sold during the cold weather. Two hundred cups were given to those pupils who were un- able to purchase.
Classes in First Aid, Hygiene and Home Nursing are being held weekly. These courses are electvie.
Health work is also being done in correlation with other lessons, such as letter writing, story telling, poster and project work. A health play will be given soon by the children covering subjects we have talked about to- gether. This is one way of helping establish health habits. The teaching of health habits in the modern schools is no longer considered a passing fad, but more
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ANNUAL REPORT
and more an urgent requirement. Health has become the recognized foundation upon which rests the happi- ness of a people and the building of a nation.
A heavy blanket was purchased for the emergency couch, and Mrs. M. M. Rines very kindly made a pres- ent of a pillow for the same. Tuberculosis or Christmas seals were again sold this year and fifty per cent. of this money will be used for the promotion of health in the schools.
Summary of Work
Number of children involved 269
Number of fisits to homes 12
Number of visits miscellaneous 25
Number of first aid treatments 16
Number of special cases referred to physician 20
Number of health talks given
60
Number of personal talks given
1066
Number of children excluded because of contagious diseases 15
Number of children excluded because of pediculosis 7 Number of notices sent to parents 33
The schools were closed for two weeks because of an epidemic of measles.
I wish to thank the Superintendent, School Physician, teachers and all who have given their interest and as- sistance in this work.
Respectfully submitted,
GINA F. WHITEHOUSE, R. N.
Foxboro, Mass., December 31, 1923.
.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: I herein submit my report as School Physician for the past year.
I have completed the physical examinations of all children for the third time. The results of these exami- nations are now recorded upon cards sent out by the State.
The results of physical examinations previous to this year were made out on cards arranged for the local school. This changing over to new cards neccessitated a great deal of clerical work, which was done by the School Nurse.
At this time I wish to express my appreciation for the very efficient work carried on by the School Nurse and the hearty co-operation of the teachers, which has kept the general health conditions of the school to a high standard.
I again wish to emphasize on the sanitary conditions of the basement, which I consider should be entirely renovated and the school part be entirely separate from the part accessible to the general public.
I expect to have a "Health Clinic" within a few weeks at which time experts appointed by the State Board of Health will be present to examine all children who are 10 per cent. under-weight and any others we would like to have examined.
To have children examined at this clinic it will be necessary to have parents sign a card which will be sent to them previous to such a clinic. .
F. J. CARLEY, M. D.
Dec. 31, 1923.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTIST
Mr. Ira A. Jenkins,
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville, Mass.
Dear Sir: Dental examinations in the public schools of the Town of Plainville, Mass.
Number of pupils examined 270
Number of cavities 674
Number of extractions 374
Number of cleanings
158
DR. JONATHAN P. EDWARDS,
School Dentist.
North Attleboro, Mass., Dec. 31, 1923.
More Recitation Rooms Needed
I would advise that an addition be made to the High School building as soon as possible. A room for type- writing and another recitation room are necessary in order to carry on the work of the High School to ad- vantage. At present six typewriters are in a part of the only recitation room with a partition separating them from the rest of the room. The noise from the machines makes it very difficult to do good work with the other classes in that room.
We are also using the Selectmen's room as a recita- tion room and also the laboratory for the same purpose. This is very undesirable from the point of health and convenience.
The seventh and eighth grade room is very much crowded. At the present time there are about fifty
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ANNUAL REPORT
pupils. Another room should be provided and another teacher employed. Some of the work of these grades is done by the sixth grade teacher. The passing of the pupils from one room to the other makes confusion and interferes with the discipline. All the time of the sixth grade teacher should be given to the sixth grade.
I recommend that a committee be appointed at the next annual town meeting to investigate conditions and report to a special town meeting the changes which seem to be needed.
Conclusion
I ask the continued co-operation of the School Com- mittee, the earnest, faithful work of the teachers and the generous response of the taxpayers who make it possible to carry on the work successfully.
Respectfully submitted,
IRA A. JENKINS.
Foxboro, Mass., December 31, 1923.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The conditions in the library are much the same as last year. The crowded conditions still continue, es- pecially in those rooms reserved for reference and other non-fictional books.
The rooms have been open 150 sessions during the year.
The circulation has been 5145 fiction and 164 non- fiction and reference.
Earlier in the year we were greatly surprised to hear that the Trustees of the North Attleboro Library, who have been most kind and courteous in assisting our citi- zens to use their books of reference, because of the great increase of Plainville patronage, felt obliged to charge for the same; for which we do not blame them, as we were not aware of the extent to which this has grown.
Our citizens, and especially our school teachers, should be aware that your Board are willing and anxious to purchase any technical or reference book within the limits of our appropriation, but in an experience of 18 years your Chairman has had but three such requests from teachers.
.` During the year we have received from the Free Pub- lic Library Commission various volumes and also from others, especially from Mr. Raymond Ayer, who donated about twenty volumes of boys' books, which were much appreciated by the younger readers.
Two hundred and sixty-seven volumes were purchased during the year.
The Trustees would be willing to reopen the Shep- ardville branch if a responsible person can be found to take charge.
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ANNUAL REPORT
We wish especially to thank one of our local teachers, Miss Maud Austin, for her kindness and public spirit in classifying and rearranging the books, ably assisted by our Librarian, Mr. Elmer Pease, a work for which your Trustees had little time or opportunity.
The hours for exchange of books are Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 7:30 o'clock until 9 o'clock, and Friday afternoons from 3 until 5 o'clock.
For the year 1924 we would respectfully ask for an appropriation of $450 and the dog tax.
Financial Statement
$30.07
Balance from 1922
450.00
Appropriation, 1923
Dog tax 355.76
25.00
Fines
9.57
Sale of books
$870.40
EXPENDED
Books
153.20
Librarian and Janitor
110.00
Rent
48.24
Light and Heat
9.40
Supplies
73.50
Insurance
18.00
Misc. expenses
$852.03
$18.37
Balance, January 1, 1924
FRED W. NORTHUP, THEODORE E. A. FULLER, MILLARD M. RINES, Trustees, Public Library.
$439.69
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ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health, Gentlemen : -
I herewith submit by annual report as Inspector of Milk.
During the year, at various times, tests were made and found to meet the standard required by law.
Milk licenses issued
18
Amount paid Treasurer
$9.00
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. EIDEN, Inspector of Milk.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
December 31, 1923.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Plainville,
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report to the Town of Plainville as Inspector of Animals.
Two cows were quarantined and ordered killed under suspicion of having tuberculosis.
One dog was killed for rabies and head sent to Bos- ton. Three other dogs were quarantined for ninety days and then ordered released.
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. HERRING.
5
.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
At the first meeting of the Water Board after the March Town Meeting H. B. Thompson was re-elected Chairman and Collector, Joseph Jette, Clerk, for the en- suing year.
Seven new services were added during the year and one old service renewed with heavy lead pipe. A new hydrant was placed on South street in place of the one broken.
The Lincoln avenue extension was carried 620 feet with 6-inch pipe. Extra money will be required to carry pipe to South street 220 feet further. The Board deems it advisagle to connect 6-inch pipe on West street with North Attleboro water department, so as to have some means of furnishing water in case of any accident to the South street line. It would also improve the water at the dead end.
The meter pit at the North Attleboro line needs drain- ing, which will require a ditch to be dug under the State Road.
Total received from Water Rates ... $3,934.71
Total received from Supplies 221.20
Total paid Treasurer $4,155.91
Current and Incidental Account
Amount appropriated $450.00
Amount received from supplies
221.20
$671.20
668.34
Amount expended
Unexpended balance $2.86
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ANNUAL REPORT
Lincoln Avenue Extension
Amount appropriated .$1,500.00
Amount expended
1,500.00
Water Pumping Account
Amount appropriated $1,900.00
Amount expended 1,900.00
HARRY B. THOMPSON, JOSEPH E. JETTE, HERMAN J. LOUD, Board of Water Commissioners.
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
Plainville, Mass., Jan. 1, 1924.
Following is a report of this department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1923 :
The Fire Department has answered ten alarms for buildings during the year.
Valuation of property involved
$13,000.00
Damage to property involved 7,200.00
Insurance on property involved 10,000.00
The department also answered 21 forest fire alarms.
All of these fires were caused by carelessness, except five, which were caused by locomotives.
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