USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1913-1919 > Part 37
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A very peculiar salary schedule has existed in the high school. The high school teachers as a group have been paid the same salaries as the elementary school teachers. It should be obvious that because of the more extensive train- ing of college graduates, our high school teachers should receive. larger salaries that the teachers of the elementary schools. The minimum salary for our high school teachers should be at least $700 with a maximum of $900.
The above salary schedules will tend to help us secure both elementary and high school teachers who have had at least one year's experience. It is your superintendent's opinion that no teacher should be employed in any of our schools who has not had at least one year's teaching experi- ence.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
If a teacher is doing good work, the town should do its utmost to retain her for at least three years. The continual shifting of teachers in the high school is a very bad condition and one which can be avoided at least to some extent if the above salary schedule is adopted.
With the shortage of commercial teachers due to the large number who have entered business or government employment, it is more difficult than ever to secure a good commercial teacher. The facts must be faced. If the commercial department in the high school is to be strength- ened in order to meet the pressing demands of the modern business and commercial world, a salary of $800 will only begin to reach the teacher we need. We may look forward to $900 and even $1000. The salary of the commercial teacher cannot be compared with that of the other high school teachers. The question of supply and demand places the commercial teacher in a different class.
I cannot too strongly emphasize the importance of higher salaries.
2. I recommend that a portable schoolhouse be pur- chased and equipped to relieve the overcrowded conditions in the Belcher district. A class of 35 or 40 pupils is large enough for one teacher if good work is to be done. Miss Tolman has been teaching over 60 children, and these comprise the first two grades. It would be difficult enough with 60 in one grade. This condition is very bad and should be improved at once.
In connection with overcrowded conditions, I might say that the committee should look forward to the erection of a new building. It is your superintendent's opinion that this should be a Junior High School, rather than an elemen- tary school. At a later date, he will be glad to submit his recommendations and his reasons for them.
3. Because of a lack of reasonable uniformity in penman-
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ship, I recommend that the Palmer system of writing be introduced. This will necessitate an expenditure of approx- imately $90.
These recommendations cannot be carried out without a larger school appropriation. I have compiled the follow- ing facts to show that we may reasonably expect a larger school appropriation.
At the present time there are 354 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Last year, Randolph ranked 302 in the amount of money expended per pupil in average member- ship for the support of schools from local taxation; $25.50 was expended per pupil in average membership-301 towns expended more; 53 expended less.
Last year Randolph ranked 346 in the amount of money expended per pupil in average membership for the support of schools from all sources: $27.73 was expended per pupil in average membership; 345 expended more and only 8 expended less.
The following towns which are nearest to Randolph in size of population expended the following amounts from local taxation per pupil in average membership: Uxbridge, $30.50; Lee, $29.70; Barnstable, $44.21; Dudley, $45.69; Monson, $28.07; Rockport, $25.88; Easton, $34.36; Prov- incetown, $21.80; Wareham, $34.66; Warren, $35.55- $25.50 for Randolph does not compare very favorably.
Towns having similar valuations to that of Randolph expended the following from local taxation for the support of schools per pupil in average membership: Lee, $29.70; East Bridgewater, $30.49; Foxboro, $35.78; Dudley, $45.69; Barre, $40.02-$25.50 for Randolph does not com- pare very favorably.
All these figures indicate that we can reasonably expect an increase in the school appropriation. There should be an increase of at least $5000.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Your superintendent will reserve for his next annual report the discussion of such important problems as the pro- motion, retardation and elimination of pupils, equipment, health, supervised play, records and reports, training in the duties of citizenship, school gardens and other problems.
The community has no more important activity than its public schools. To administer these properly requires money, much thought and hard work.
The reports of the high school principal, drawing and music supervisors have not come to me in time for comment. They will be found attached to my report.
I thank the committee for their counsel and support during my short term with them, and I thank the principals and teachers for their co-operation. I desire also to express my pleasure over the readiness of teachers and principals to study our school conditions in order that better schools may result.
I respectfully submit this report for your serious considera- tion.
JAMES JOSEPH QUINN, Jr.,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
Stetson High School
Randolph, Mass., Feb. 14, 1918.
Superintendent James J. Quinn,
Dear Sir:
Two of our teachers have resigned during the past year to accept better paying positions elsewhere. One third to one half of the teaching force cannot be replaced each year without seriously impairing the efficiency of the school. A school can do consistent work only when teachers are paid a salary sufficient to retain their services. It is a moderate estimate that living expenses have increased fifteen percent during the past three years; so that salaries have in effect been cut down in proportion if they remain as before the war. Canton, Mass., high school pays its assistant teachers a minimum salary of $850, and a maximum of $1,100. At these figures teachers of experience can be secured and good teachers can be retained for a considerable period.
It is estimated that over 100,000 high school pupils in the United States have left school because of the unusual conditions attending the world war. Stetson High has . heard the call and our numbers are somewhat smaller than in past years. Boys and girls can secure employment at good wages, so that, if the home conditions demand that the boy or girl earn money, the temptation to leave school is hard to resist. Educators are agreed that pupils ought to remain in the high school. There will be need of all the training and all the reserve power contributed by school and college, in case the war is to continue a long time.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
No matter how far we carry measures of economy in our effort to win the war, there must be no curtailing of the vital functions of the schools.
Each boy in our high schools ought to feel that he may soon be needed at the front, or in some industry which contributes to our power as a nation in arms. It is not too much to say that the only business before the people of the United States at present is the winning of the world war for democracy. If so, it is the duty of the school to lead its pupils to feel that they have an intimate personal respon- sibility in the winning of the war. No food should be wasted. Every effort ought to be made to conserve and to produce food. Sacrifices must be borne cheerfully; against every German boy must be pitted a American boy who will save and work, who will intel igently help the forces of democracy-and for each German girl who works and sacrifices must be found an American girl who is ready and eager to work and undergo privation. We may not be called upon to teach a gospel of hatred in our schools but we must regard the situation as very serious-one in which all girls and boys have the duty and the privilege of patriotic ser- vice.
A Service flag having fourteen stars was bought by the Penny Collection during the fall term and now hangs in the main corridor. The stars represent names of graduates who are in the service of the United States. The names are: Martin E. Young, 1913.
Thomas W. Desmond, 1912
Fred W. Bancroft, 1912 J. Russell Williard, 1908 Augustus K. Forrest, 1915 Marshall Leavitt, 1913
Joseph M. Murphy, 1911 Joseph J. Dench, 1915
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John H. Rudderham, 1909 Joseph W. Mahoney, 1896
Charles R. Kiley, 1913 Walter L. Carney, 1916 Thomas H. Dargan, 1913 Harold G. Soule, 1905
Thomas W. Desmond '12, who completed the course at Plattsburg was commissioned Lieutenant in December.
Miss Mary F. Malley '04, has for two years been a Red Cross nurse in France. Her work has been largely among English soldiers.
A series of conferences of the high school principals of Massachusetts was held by the State Board of Education in the winter of 1917. It is probable that these conferences were the most helpful agency ever employed by the State Board in instructing the teachers of the State. The con- ferences were at Harvard University, Simmons College, the Wentworth School and Boston University. The topics were all vital to the needs of our secondary schools, and many of the suggestions were such that we could incorporate them in our daily work of the classroom. After the confer- ences, the teachers of Avon, Holbrook and Randolph held three meetings at which the principals of the schools dis- cussed the topics of the conferences before their teachers.
The class of 1917 donated as its parting gift in June a photo, "The Gateway," Garden of the Gods, Colorado. The picture including the frame of heavy dark quartered oak is 78 inches in length and is a most acceptable addition to our many class gifts. This class also gave an enlarged group photo of its members, suitably framed. Such class photographs are always prized by the school. The 1917 chair, of reed, upholstered seat and back is one of the most attractive chairs in the school.
The class of 1921 gave to the school in October, 1917,
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
a reed chair, upholstered seat and back and bearing the class numeral.
A Liberty Bond, denomination $50, was purchased by the school during the fall term. The subscriptions to the bond varied from fifteen cents to one dollar. The ultimate disposition of this bond has not as yet been determined; it will probably be donated to the school.
A thrift card was filled out during the winter term and exchanged for a War Savings Stamp. This gave us an opportunity to become familiar with the plan which invites boys and girls to help win the war.
The sum of $33.80 was sent to the Halifax relief committee in December. This money was raised through the efforts of Miss Livia M. Bizzozero, who contributed a sweater on which chances were sold.
Pupils who desire to return for an hour's study in the after- noon may do so, one of the teachers being present to give help in her subjects. The plan is working well and a very considerable number of our pupils are taking advantage of the opportunity for this extra study and personal direction. Not a little supervision of study is possible under this plan.
Our school paper, the Stetson Oracle has been continued during the past year. We feel that the publication of a school paper gives valuable training in English and fosters school spirit and loyalty. The good will of our pupils is an asset for any firm advertising in the paper, and the editors have met a generous response in Brockton and Randolph. It is desirable that more of the alumni subscribe to the paper.
Sincerely, FREDERICK E. CHAPIN,
Principal.
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Report of Supervisor of Drawing
To the Superintendent of Schools, Randolph, Mass.
I hereby submit my report as supervisor of drawing in your schools.
The purpose of the work under my supervision is to produce two distinct results: (1) in drawing, (2) in culture.
(1) In drawing I aim to develop the pencil habit, the power of drawing freely and fluently, those basic forms of practical utility, that the majority of people find it useful to represent.
(2) In cultural work, to see that every child, with or without talent, is taught to recognize the difference between refinement and crudity in the surroundings of his every-day life. For example, the culture of the average man begins at home, in the refinement of his furniture, his clothes, books, magazines and papers. The color of his house and barn and the arrangement of the shrubs and flowers.
The work in the various grades has been very gratifying. We have taken up tracing, coloring and cutting of fruits, measuring, representation of the human figure and houses, printing and the principles of design.
The High School classes are well attended and it is my desire to make my courses so vital, that pupils will not elect drawing simply to offset a D, but rather, that they may acquire a general knowledge of the principles of art and an appreciation of beauty and harmony.
I hope the above statements have given some idea of the work I am trying to accomplish and I thank you for your hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL M. MERRIMAN.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Supervisor of Music
Mr. James J. Quinn, Superintendent :
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request I hereby submit my report.
Music in the schools is progressing very favorably. The children manifest much enthusiasm in the work, and good results are attained in interval drill, ear training, sight reading, time problems and written work.
It has been my aim to train the children in sight singing rather than finished chorus work, as the first mentioned will develop the practical side of the work more than the latter.
The time allotted for music is fifteen minutes a day. In such a limited time the grade teacher cannot be expected to do much individual work; however, I work along those lines on visiting each class-room, as I find that it develops confidence and is very helpful and encouraging to the diffident child.
The boys respond readily and willingly in chorus work, as well as individually.
I am pleased to state that from the first to the eighth grades inclusive, our children have a very good knowledge of the work considering the varied needs and conditions.
In the High School very little time is devoted to music. The pupils assemble for singing once a week for a duration of thirty minutes. A thirty-minute period is certainly not time enough to develop a girls' chorus, a boys' chorus, as well as combined singing. Consequently I have been obliged to have rehearsals for the boys after school hours. I am sorry to state that these rehearsals have not been a success as far as attendance has been concerned.
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For the past few years I have not purchased much new music for the school, repeating our Cantatas and choruses, endeavoring to arrange my graduating program from an economical standpoint. DIE ON
I take great pleasure in thanking the teachers for their hearty co-operation, without which the Supervisor's work could not attain the desired standard.
I also thank the School Committee and Superintendent for their kind interest and support.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE G. HAND,
Supervisor of Music.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
RANDOLPH SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR YEAR 1916-17
Enrolment, Membership and Attendance
Enrolled under 5 years old boys 1, girls 4, 5
From 5 to 7. boys 62, girls 88, 150
From 7 to 14. boys 321, girls 294, 615
From 14 to 16. boys 61, girls 44, 105
Over 16. boys 14, girls 25, 39
Total enrolment . boys 459, girls 455, 914
Total membership
979
Average membership 855
Average daily attendance 783
Percent of attendance . 91.5
Total days all schools were in session 3,234
Average number of days all schools were in session. 180.8
Average number of days elementary schools were in session . 179.3
Aggregate days' attendance of all pupils 141,629
Number of regular teachers . men 3, women 20, 23
Special teachers . music 1, drawing 1, 2
Graduates from Normal School .... men 2, women 5, 7
Stetson High School
Regular teachers. men 1, women 5, 6
Graduates of College .
5
Graduates of Chandler Normal
1
Length of school year .
10 months
Number of days school was in session
188
Number of pupils .
boys 82, girls 78, 160
Average membership 140
Average daily attendance . 131.
Percent of attendance .
93.5
Aggregate days' attendance . 24,665
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH
ROLL OF HONOR
Stetson High School
Francis Belcher 2
Alice Desmond 1
Minnie Cantwell 1
James Clark 1
Helen Conlon
Arthur Cummins 1
Daniel Donovan 1
Mabel Mann 1
Catherine McGaughay 2
Mary O'Brien 1
John O'Brien 1
Reginald Pulson 2
Raymond Purcell 1
Kenneth Robbins 1
Francis Rudderham 1
Marion Toomey 1
Prescott School, Grade VIII
Beatrice Scannell 2
James Bradley 1
Anton Bolin 1
Margaret Clark 1
Mary Brennan 1
James Hogan 1
Raymond Deane 1
Doris Perron 1
Vincent Malloy 1
Frank Sullivan 1
Laurence Shurtleff 1
Prescott School, Grade VII
Elizabeth King 2
Jeanette Abrams 1
Ethel Brown 1
Margaret Donovan 1
Louis Greenberg
Katherine Mullen 1
James Neary 1
Charles Stephens 1
Alice Toomey 1
Prescott School, Grade VI
Marguerite Crowley 2 Louise Jaquith 1
Helen Carroll 1 Harold Clark
Harold Foster 1
Raymond Perron 1
Paul Sullivan 1
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Prescott School, Grades V-VI
Hilding Cederholm 1
Helen Forrester 1
Joseph Pentleton 1
James F. Kenney 1 Alberta Morrow 1 Dorothea Swain 1
Prescott School, Grade V
Madeline Shephard 2
Charles Clark 1
Lillian Forrest 2
Anna Clark 1
Prescott School, Grade IV
Mary Sullivan 1
Agnes Crowley 2
John Mulligan 1
Joseph Campbell 1
· William McLaughlin 1 John Clark 1
Walter Neary 1
Prescott School, Grades III-IV
George Foss 2
William Kakshtis 1
Frank Cifala 1
Howard Parkinson 1
Alice Franke 1
Prescott School, Grade III
Dorothy Hallgren 1
Gertrude Gaynor 1
Barbara O'Brien 1
Harold Dillon
Prescott Primary, Grade II
Annie Cokinos 2 Eldon Morrow 1
Josephine Shepard 2
Nettie Greenberg 1
Eleanor Boyle 1
Belcher School, Grades VII-VIII
Mary C. Kenny 1
Leslie A. Claff 1
John Aderholm 1
Eldred Pulson 1
Herbert Mann 1
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Belcher School, Grade VI
Ralph H. Hutchinson 1
Belcher School, Grade V
Grace M. Cifala 2
Dorothy R. Mann 1
Leslie I. Bailey 2
Gladys Stetson 1
Harold L. White 2
Helen M. Hewins 1
Belcher School, Grade IV
Ruth Langley 1
Gertrude Hennessey 1
Edward Drummond 1
Belcher School, Grade III
Priscilla Brown 1 Marie Costa 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Trustees of the Turner Free Library 1917
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH
TURNER FREE LIBRARY
Trustees, 1917
JOHN V. BEAL. President
WINTHROP B. ATHERTON
Vice-President
N. IRVING TOLMAN Treasurer
WILLIAM H. LEAVITT Secretary
1
JEREMIAH J. DESMOND
MICHAEL E. CLARK WALTER F. STEPHENS
(Selectmen of Randolph, Ex-Officiis)
ASA P. FRENCH
MRS. ALICE M. T. BEACH
HERBERT F. FRENCH
SETH TURNER CRAWFORD
FRANK C. GRANGER
MRS. ELLEN J. T. ROUNTREE
JOHN D. CRAWFORD
FRANK W. BELCHER
Librarian
ALICE M. BELCHER
Librarian Emeritus
CHARLES C. FARNHAM
Assistant Librarian
MISS SARAH C. BELCHER
Custodian
ROBERT J. RESTARICK
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC LIBRARY
1
To the Citizens of Randolph:
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of the by-laws of the Turner Free Library, this the forty-second annual report is submitted, showing the condition of the trust, consisting of the building, library and funds, together with the reports of the Librarian and Treasurer, and so much of the reports submitted to the Trustees by the various committees as seem of general interest.
The Library Committee (consisting of John V. Beal, Mrs. Alice M. T. Beach, Mrs. Ellen J. T. Rountree, Herbert F. French and Frank C. Granger) with the assistance of the Librarian, have found the books, charts and furnishings in good condition. All books belonging to the Library were accounted for by the Librarian.
The committee on Building (consisting of Winthrop B. Atherton, N. Irving Tolman, Walter F. Stephens, Frank W. Belcher and Michael C. Clark), reports as follows:
Randolph, Mass., Jan. 1, 1918.
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library:
The interior of the building is in fair condition but some very necessary repairs should be made to the plumbing which could not be made on account of not receiving the appropriation for 1917.
The exterior of the building needs attention especially the roof and around the windows and an appropriation of one hundred and fifty dollars is requested.
WINTHROP B. ATHERTON, N. IRVING TOLMAN, F. W. BELCHER.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH
The Committee on Finance (consisting of Asa P. French, William H. Leavitt, Jeremiah J. Desmond, Seth Turner Crawford and John D. Crawford) reports as follows:
Randolph, Mass., Jan. 1, 1918.
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library:
Your Committee on Finance submits the following report:
The accounts of the Treasurer for the year 1917 have been audited and found correct. All moneys received have been duly accounted for, and no money has been paid out except upon vouchers properly approved.
The Committee, by its Chairman, has examined the securities representing the investments of the funds of the Library, and has found them to be intact as shown in the schedule contained in the Treasurer's report. As a result of the re-organization of the Pere Marquette Railway Company the Trustees have received, in lieu of two Chicago & West Michigan $1000 bonds and two Detroit Grand Rapids and Western $500 bonds, the following securities: 2 $1000 Pere Marquette Railway 5% bonds
1 $1000 Pere Marquette Railway 4% bond
3 $100 Pere Marquette Railway 5% bonds
The sum appropriated by the Town for the year 1917, $150, has not yet been received.
ASA P. FRENCH,
Chairman.
The report of the Librarian statistically showing in detail the doings, management and results of the various depart- ments of the Library, and the report of the Treasurer show- ing the investment of the funds and the receipts and expen- ditures of the Library are hereunto subjoined.
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees take this opportunity for expressing their appreciation of the faithful and efficient service rendered by the Librarian and her assistants in so ably fulfilling the requirements of the Library.
On March 5, 1917, Dr. Charles C. Farnham tendered his resignation as Librarian to take effect March 31, 1917.
At a meeting of the Board held on March 12, 1917, his resignation was accepted but he was elected Librarian Emeritus without pay.
At this meeting the Trustees decided to promote and elect Miss Alice M. Belcher to the office of librarian as she had acted as assistant librarian since July, 1905, and had a thorough knowledge of the work of the Library besides being highly recommended for the position by Dr. Farnham. At this same meeting Miss Sarah C. Belcher was elected Assistant Librarian.
At a meeting of the Board held on May 7, 1917, the follow- ing testimonial was unanimously voted.
Whereas the resignation of Dr. Charles C. Farnham as librarian of the Turner Library has been accepted and
Whereas for forty-one years since its organization, he has served as its librarian, during whose administra- tion, accessions to the library have increased from three thousand to about twenty-six thousand and five hundred volumes, for which, additional room and shelf accommo- dations have been provided, the card catalogue introduced, the reference department greatly enlarged, the reading room orderly maintained, all of which with the aid of his able assistants has contributed to the literary entertainment of the public as well as advancement in literary knowledge, therefore be it
Resolved, that an expression of appreciation and grati- tude of the Board of Trustees, for the able, faithful and systematic manner in which the library has been conducted
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH
and the public served during his term of office, be commu- nicated to Dr. Farnham and placed upon the records of the library.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN V. BEAL,
President of the Board of Trustees.
Randolph, Mass., January 1, 1918.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library:
In compliance with the requirements of the by-laws, I herewith submit my annual report as Treasurer of the Turner Free Library.
To the Trustees of the Turner Free Library:
In compliance with the requirements of the by-laws, I herewith submit my annual report as Treasurer of the · Turner Free Library.
Receipts
Income Turner Fund
$597 63
Income R. W. Turner Fund.
851 83
Rent Randolph Savings Bank 360 00
Rent C. Fred Lyons . . 250 00
Interest Boston Elevated Bonds
225 00
Randolph Savings Bank, Fuel, 1916.
118 50
Fines and collections . .
50 00
Balance January 1, 1917 268 34
$2,721 30
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EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Disbursements
Paid for books
$504 30
Paid for Periodicals.
87 90
Paid for rebinding
134 56
Salary of Librarian 600 00
Salary of Assistant Librarian and Substitute .
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