USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1934-1941 > Part 61
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Plainville NO SCHOOL signals are broadcast over radio station WEAN-7:00 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. and 7:45, and 8:15 A.M.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Plainville:
During the year four members of our staff have left us- Mr. Harry L. Dixon, who has been Principal of the High School since 1929; Mr. Herbert A. Jerauld, who has been given a year's leave of absence because of ill health; Miss Virginia Blanchard; and Miss Ruth Clampitt.
To fill the vacancies the following appointments have been made: Mr. F. Sumner Turner, A.B., Ed.M., as Principal of the High School and instructor of mathematics and science; Mr. Alfred W. Dickinson, A.B., as instructor of English and Social Studies in the High School, and in charge of athletics; Mr. Donald W. Read, A.B., A.M., as instructor of French and Latin in the High School; Miss Suzanne F. Pratt, B.S. Ed., as teacher of Grade 2.
The results of these appointments have been gratifying and all the new members of the staff are doing fine work, bringing with them new ideas and enthusiasm. The leadership shown by Mr. Turner, in securing the hearty cooperation of members of both the staff and the student body, is worthy of special men- tion. Examples of this are the campaign for magazine subscrip- tions and the collection of waste paper. These have turned a deficit in the High School Athletic Fund into a very substantial credit balance.
Our lunch room is operating very successfully and, under the competent guidance of Mrs. Beetlestone, is filling a long-felt want.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The hot water and shower systems authorized by the town have been installed. They are working out very satisfactorily and are adding to the health and comfort of the student body and the teaching staff.
Necessary repairs have been made to the roof and gutters of the high school building.
We feel that we have had a very successful year and we want to express to the Superintendent and the whole staff our appreciation of their cooperation.
The following financial statements and Superintendent's report are worthy of your careful study.
Money Available for Schools in 1941
Appropriation
$26,689.00
Interest on Town School Fund
14.61
Refund on Town Hall Lights
60.90
Refund
3.71
$26,768.22
Expenses
General Expenses:
School Committee
$ 120.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,600.00
Expenses
252.80
Expenses of Instruction:
Salaries, High and Elementary
15,205.66
Books and Supplies 1,669.52
Operation of School Plant:
Janitor
1,711:60
Fuel
1,343.08
Miscellaneous
702.76
Maintenance
715.44
Health
436.68
Transportation
2,690.00
New Equipment
170.67
Tuition
93.84
Total
$26,712.05
Balance
56.17
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ANNUAL REPORT
To Town received from the State on Account of Schools:
1941
1940
General School Fund, Part I
$1,901.00
$2,080.00
General School Fund, Part II
3,135.43
3,377.43
For Superintendent
773.33
773.44
For High School
1,042.75
1,042.75
$6,852.51
$7,273.62
From the Town of Wrentham, Tuition
100.56
170.08
From Tuition of State Wards
398.66
476.94
From Tuition: Jewelry School Pupils
39.78
105.38
Total
$7,391.51
$8,101.30
Total Expenditures
$26,712.05
$26,450.02
Receipts from outside sources
7,391.51
8,101.30
Expenditure by Town of Plainville .. $19,320.54
$18,348.72
PLAINVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET 1942
Budget 1942
Expended 1941
Expended 1939
Expended 1937
Expended 1932
School Committee
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
Superintendent's Salary Expenses
1,600.00
1,600.00
1,600.00
1,599.96
$ 1,600.00
Teachers' Salaries
15,970.00
15,205.66
15,408.40
15,395.05
16,289.87
Books and Supplies
1,900.00
1,669.52
1,598.11
1,724.17
1,122.54
Operation of School Plant:
Janitor
1,664.00
1,711.60
1,664.00
1,664.00
1,644.00
Fuel
1,805.00
1,343.08
1,197.33
1,184.51
1,032.89
Miscellaneous
711.00
702.76
652.27
554.90
383.74
Maintenance
1,385.00
715.44
333.69
671.14
181.73
Health
445.00
436.68
456.28
444.01
414.93
Transportation
2,690.00
2,690.00
2,675.00
2,675.00
2,675.00
New Equipment
470.00
170.67
168.46
395.58
80.00
Tuition
250.00
93.84
150.96
311.64
Special Repairs to High School Building
200.50
$29,260.00
$26,712.05
$26,421.80
$26,936.70
$25,536.34
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY S. TAMBLYN, Chairman
HARVEY C. MORSE, Secretary SIDNEY A. MADDOCKS
250.00
252.80
196.80
196.74
101.64
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee:
I have the honor of submitting to you my eighteenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools and the thirty-fifth in the series of reports.
National Youth Administration
The N. Y. A. has assisted us in the past year through paying the salaries of two youth workers in the school lunch room. There has been no application in this town for in-school student aid under this organization, but is available for anyone needing it. The training which the N. Y. A. furnishes in its resident training schools should be made known to any interested in securing this assistance for further training in various trades. We have in this county an excellent school for agricultural training. We have also the Attleboro Jewelry Trade School for those interested in that specialized technical training. For general trade school instruction, however, the N. Y. A. furnishes an excellent opportunity. There are two training centers for this purpose in this state; one in Spencer and one in Holyoke. The largest center offering the most extensive training is Quoddy Regional Project at Quoddy Village, Maine. At the present time there are 800 young men receiving training at this project. They have a student government organization whereby the young people carry on most of the activities under their own management. During the past year the Mayor under this student government has been Mr. William Irelan, a resident of Plainville. It is decidedly an honor to hold this position among such a large group of young men from all over New England and New York. Any young person 17 to 25 who is interested in any of the possibilities of further training or work under N. Y. A. may secure information and assistance by contacting me at any time.
Financial Plan For School Funds
In January 1941 a new system was inaugurated for the handling of the many school funds. This applies to any funds collected in the sale of magazines, seeds, or any such drive by a class or grade, high school class funds, school lunch receipts, basketball receipts, play receipts, or any actual receipt of cash
45
ANNUAL REPORT
for any purpose by teachers or pupils. This plan creates a treasurer, an accountant and countersigning officer. All cash received for any of the above purposes must be turned over to the treasurer, who gives a numbered receipt for it, and the duplicate receipt is given to the accountant. Each organization or class or person holding school funds for any purpose then will keep their own account of funds based on these receipts. Before any funds are spent a bill must be presented, showing the approval of two officers of the class or association. The accountant then checks the ledger account to see that funds are actually available to the credit of this organization. The check is then signed by the treasurer, and then countersigned by the countersigning officer, who must make reasonable check on the above procedures to see that all has been properly carried out. Receipted bills are then placed on file for any further auditing that may be desired. At the present time the high school commercial teacher is the accountant, the high school principal is the treasurer and the Superintendent the counter- signing officer. This system has made the handling of all school funds a very efficient and business-like procedure, and it also gives to all students who come in contact with it a very good training in correct business procedures.
School Lunch
The start of the new plan for the operation of the school lunch, using the Federal Surplus Commodities, was outlined in last year's report. This plan, which started with so much en- thusiasm and success, has been well maintained during the past year. The lunch room is serving on the average eighty-five students daily. We have had two visits by the representatives of the Massachusetts School Lunch Committee to check our operation and make recommendations. They reported so favor- ably to the State Department of Education on our plan that I was asked to give a report at one of their state conferences of school lunch managers on our plan of operation. The helpful cooperation and interest in this project by principals, teachers and parents have made this plan a success. The very efficient management of Mrs. Beetlestone has been indispensable. I wish
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ANNUAL REPORT
to express the appreciation of the School Department for this excellent service. Four sample menus are given below. These are the menus which have been most popular with the students.
American Chop Suey Cracked Wheat Bread
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Cottage Pudding-Lemon Sauce
Graham Bread
Cocoa or grapefruit juice
Apple Sauce Milk
Creamed Salmon and Peas
Lamb Stew
Mashed Potato
Wheat Bread
Cracked Wheat Bread
Cookies
Stewed Prunes Cocoa or grapefruit juice
Apples
Cocoa
Stock Room for School Supplies
Recently a small basement room in the High School build- ing was equipped for the purpose of a stock room for all the schools. Shelves were built for the several kinds of school paper used in various classes and grades, and a closet equipped for the storing of small supplies. An inventory plan has been worked out to show at all times an up-to-date statement of supplies. In the past these materials had been stored in several places and the accounting and handling of supplies was not as easily carried on as under this new plan.
Bulletins To Parents
During the past year bulletins have been sent to all parents on the first of each month. Parents have reported that they appreciated receiving notice at the start of the month of school activities that were coming. Notices of school events open to the public, information in regard to dates of meetings of various organizations, brief notices of some school regulations are often included in these bulletins. This plan will be con- tinued as long as this information is found helpful to parents and the general public.
The School's Part in the Defense of Democracy
The earliest school laws set forth as one of the main objectives of public schools instruction of the youth in citizen- ship. Many schools have carried on various forms of school activities to furnish training in citizenship in addition to the
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ANNUAL REPORT
formal instruction in the history of our country and in our form of government. Some of these activities have been school forums, civic leagues, pupil patrols and student government. In much of this instruction and in these activities the emphasis has been on his personal rights as a citizen and too little emphasis on his obligations. For the past two years our schools have, along with many public schools, used the term "democracy" in this field of instruction. The emphasis now is on the individual's relation to the whole group, whether local, state or national. The group responsibility and the cooperative nature of the individual's relation to the group must be stressed. This can be done in the present activities and relationships of the student. The characteristics of democratic procedure must be learned in present school activities if later they are to be a part of adult activities. Last year's annual school report placed great emphasis on the teaching of democracy. A large part of the report was given to this topic. Concrete examples of activities and procedures in each school were shown. The recommenda- tions of the National Education Association for the teaching of democracy with their ten suggestions for this purpose were listed. Each teacher is conscious of these objectives and work- ing towards this goal. This work has been continued during the past year and enlarged wherever possible. The Plainville Grammar School graduation program was called, "The Pillars of Our Democracy." For the last half of the school year the teachers and pupils, under the leadership of the principal, Miss Gricius, were building up the items that entered into this final plan. The organization of this program was itself a good example of democratic procedures. The ideas and suggestions of each were carefully considered and tried out before being accepted for the final program. Teachers and pupils worked cooperatively in this enterprise. Under the report of the Gram- mar School further details of this program are given.
The National Convention of Superintendents of Schools this year recognized the importance of the school's part in the defense of democracy by making this subject the general theme of its annual meeting. "The tragic march of recent world events has set for the nation its great task to make the nation strong. If the nation is to become progressively stronger in any lasting sense, American education must: (1) contribute effectively and immediately to the vocational effectiveness of the present and future workers of the nation, (2) develop a moral and spiritual preparedness capable of facing unflinchingly the difficulties ahead, and (3) create a citizenship that understands not only
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ANNUAL REPORT
the basic concepts underlying democracy but also the method of implementing the actual functioning of a government of free men."
The annual yearbook was devoted to "Education for Family Life." This set forth the spiritual value of home life, the importance of home and school relationships and the family as the defender of American Democracy. In the study of American Democracy the following suggestions were made: (1) Develop the habit of getting facts, recognize propaganda and reserve judgment; (2) There has been overemphasis on the failures and the big problems of democracy; (3) There is need for noting the challenge and the progress and achievements of the past under our democracy. Emphasis should be placed on the fact that each student in school and each citizen has a stake in the success of democracy.
Achievement Tests
The Iowa Every-pupil Tests of Basic Skills were given during the past year to all pupils in grades three to eight. This series is one of the most recent and widely accepted tests be- cause it has been found by careful experimentation valid in the results achieved. The important result in a testing program is not to secure a mass of figures but to interpret the results for each individual child in the way best to correct his personal weaknesses in the various subjects. A chart of the standards in each test with the results secured was made. This chart will be added to in successive years and will show at a glance the progress at regular intervals. The reading tests included : (1) reading comprehension, (2) reading vocabulary; work study skills-(1) map reading, (2) use of dictionary, (3) use of index, (4) use of references, (5) graphs; language skills-(1) punctuation, (2) capitalization, (3) usage, (4) spelling, (5) sentence sense; arithmetic skills-(1) fundamental knowledge, (2) fundamental operations, (3) problems. The same plan as reported in past years has been carried out for the testing in several subjects in the high school and elementary schools.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
I wish to call attention to the following quotations from the first report of the new High School Principal, Mr. F. Sumner Turner. The many outstanding accomplishments which he has made in the organization of his school, and the efficient handling of school activities, which you as a school committee have seen, and to a large extent are known by parents and the public, deserve much commendation.
"It is with pleasure that I present to you my first annual report, covering the activities of Plainville High School from the opening of school in September to December 31, 1941. These activities have been many, varied, and with differing degrees of success, yet I hope that when all have been fitted into their proper places, the school experiences of a pupil in Plainville High School will have been happy, profitable, and enduring.
"The attendance remains very close to normal, namely 63- 31 boys and 32 girls. The enrollment by classes, Seniors-19; Juniors-10; Sophomores-16; Freshmen-19. At the present time these students are pursuing the following courses: College 13, Commercial 30, and General 19.
"For many and varied reasons the interest in foreign language courses had dropped to an alarmingly low point; four in French 1, and three in Latin 1. This would mean with the normal mortality from one year to the next that in a short time the number in these courses would become so small it would be unwise to continue them as part of our program. With a few changes in the timetable of classes and programs of the pupils, other pupils were permitted to enter these classes. The present registration of seven in Latin 1 and nine in French 1 gives much promise for the future of language courses in our school. Mr. Donald Read, who replaced Miss Virginia Blanchard, has done much to create further interest in languages by his enthusiasm, knowledge, and careful presentation of these subjects.
"The movable armchairs found in the language room were removed and 18 fixed desks and chairs installed. This furniture is not only far more comfortable, more quiet, and more conducive to study, but it allows far more chance for written work in class, especially in English classes. The one great difficulty found by many High School pupils and graduates is their complete inability
4
50
ANNUAL REPORT
to express themselves, especially in writing. It seems that the difficulty was increasing among our pupils, but with more oppor- tunity to write and with greater emphasis placed upon writing by our teachers it is hoped our pupils will not suffer in this respect.
"The laboratory method of teaching and correlating of Social Studies and English so effectively organized and put in operation by Mr. Herbert A. Jerauld is being successfully continued by Mr. William Dickinson. He has had graduate training at Harvard University in the Social Studies. Due to the arrangement of the rooms of our school and the particular needs of this method, the classes are being taught at the front of the main room with varying numbers of study pupils at the rear. This is far from ideal. The solution of this problem not only from the standpoint of the class and teacher, but from that of the study pupil as well will require much study and thought.
"This year, under the direction of Miss Boright, a course in Office Training has been offered. The students in this course spend one day in the Principal's office where they attend to all the secretarial work of the day. The other days are spent on projects that are designed to prepare for that work and the other types of office work which we can not actually provide. In this class, we find the means to aid many outside organizations. such as Red Cross, Christmas Seal, etc. in their secretarial difficulties. This class is also making a survey of the business organizations of the town to ascertain their methods, equipment and sugges- tions. By this means we hope to build this course so that it may more completely prepare the student to engage in such work.
"The school feels very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. William Dickinson and Miss Beatrice Trulson to handle the athletics of the school. At the present time there are 15 boys and 13 girls interested in playing basketball. Considering the popula- tion of our school that means that almost half are actively engaged. The school plans to maintain a boys' and girls' basket- ball team and a boys' baseball team with a regular schedule of games for each team. Plans are being made for a cheering section and cheer leaders. We feel that a lasting basis for genuine school spirit has been engendered.
"The Athletic Association found itself indebted for supplies purchased and used last year to the amount of $42.00. The annual selling of magazine subscriptions was conducted with the hope of paying these bills and giving the Athletic Association a
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ANNUAL REPORT
small fund for this year's activities. In order to increase the number of salesmen, Grade 8 was invited to assist and their fine achievement was a considerable factor in the marvelous results. A total of $381.50 of subscriptions was sold, which is an all-time high. When all expenses of the campaign had been paid a net profit of $131.54 remained. This has placed our Athletic Association on a firm financial basis and it is our intention to so keep it.
"Last April the Plainville Parent-Teacher Association pur- chased, and later presented to the schools, a DeVry Sound Film Motion Picture Projector. This was the result of much hard work by the organization and is greatly appreciated by all members of our schools. Sound Motion Pictures are the prime factor in the up-to-date methods of visual aids in education. The efficient use of our equipment has been greatly handicapped by the lack of convenient means of darkening the rooms and proper projection screens. Collection of newspapers and other scrap paper was undertaken to provide money for these needs. Up to the present time almost eight tons has been collected, netting about $120. With the arrival of the screens and curtains our program will go forward with dispatch and complete effective- ness.
"Mr. Nourse, I wish to extend to you my sincere appreciation for your cooperation and patience in assisting me to attempt to solve the many problems of the school. Likewise, to the members of the School Committee, and townspeople, I wish you to convey my appreciation of their consideration and assistance."
GRAMMAR SCHOOL Miss Prakseda L. Gricius, Principal
The theme of the graduation program was that of the major interest for the past school year, "Teaching Democracy in Our Schools."
" 'The Pillars of Our Democracy.'
"As the eighth grade graduation is the culmination of eight years of study in the Primary and Grammar Schools, we tried in the graduation exercises on June 12, 1941, to incorporate in the program those principles and ideals which were taught and stressed in all of our classes, Last year, in particular, because
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ANNUAL REPORT
of the many threats to our democratic procedures in our every day life by diverse outside forces, 'Democracy' and 'Democratic Ideals' was the underlying theme in our philosophy and in our teaching activities. Since our democracy is the product of innumerable ideals which make us the most desirable nation in which to live, to maintain this priceless heritage its citizens must promote and preserve these ideals in order that our democratic civilization may survive.
"When the time approached for planning a graduation pro- gram, the class of 1941 selected the major thoughts learned and practiced, and under the direction of the teachers, they arranged a series of ten original scenes called 'The Pillars of Our Democracy.' Each so-called pillar portrayed an ideal and was arranged in the following sequence: Patriotism, Education, Con- servation, Tolerance, Ethical Character, Participation in Civic Affairs, Worthy Home Membership, Health and Safety, Worthy Use of Leisure Time, and Freedom.
"Much careful thought and preparation accompanied the presentation of each scene, both as to composition and portrayal. For each scene was assigned a committee of two pupils who planned to the smallest detail the scene itself, the characters, the costuming, the properties, and the staging. A great deal of time was devoted to writing suitable and effective analytical and descriptive essays for every scene. Each pupil shared in the execution of some responsibility which directly or indirectly contributed to the final production.
"Mr. and Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Washburn proved indispensable with their assistance, both materially and suggestively. Much credit is due them.
"The greatest benefit derived in planning the above program was, I felt, the 'working-togetherness' of the pupils. The very ideals they were earnestly planning to portray, were constantly in action as they worked together. If they continue to practice that very desirable quality as they go about their daily life, those pillars of our democracy will never crumble."
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ANNUAL REPORT
PRIMARY SCHOOL Miss Madeline E. Bartell, Principal
Miss Bartell's report continues the same general topic applied to the work in the Primary School.
"During the past year an effort was made to train the boys and girls in the Primary School in characteristics that would better enable them to assume their places in a democratic society. This was done by organizing various phases of the school work into large units which called for cooperative efforts of all in the group. Boys and girls were trained in assuming responsibility, in sharing one another's ideas, in accepting and following through suggestions, in carrying out various assigned tasks to completion, and in realizing that a large task is better accomplished by the cooperative efforts of all members of a group rather than by the effort of one or a few chosen persons.
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