USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1926-1931 > Part 57
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We regard $3,000.00 as a sufficient maximum sal- ary for the principal of the high school, especially one who has never before been a public high school princi- pal or teacher. The hysterical increase of the salary of the high school principal from $3,000. to $3,500. at a special election, and also giving him a tenure of office rating, is in line with much of the questionable school legislation by the ruling three members of the present Randolph school committee. The school laws of Mass., Chap. 71, Sec. 59, require that, in the election of new teachers, the Superintendent of Schools "Shall
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
recommend to the committee" such teachers. This is one of the most important duties of the superintendent. At a meeting of July 9 new teachers were elected to fill vacancies although the superintendent had not even heard their names, much less investigated their qualifi- cations. Sewing was introduced into the high school and a teacher employed, without the slightest reference to the school superintendent. Because of this violation of the Mass. Educational Laws, the minority members petitioned the Selectmen of Randolph to withhold their approval of salary payments to such teachers. We are opposed to the present policy of allowing bills to re- main unpaid at athletic supply houses. Such bills to the amount of nearly $500. were unpaid at a recent date, although some of the supplies were furnished in 1930. We understand that the supplies were ordered by the high school principal. School games ought to be supervised. No teacher appeared at any of the foot- ball games in 1931, nor was any coaching furnished. Baseball games in 1931 were played with boys on the team who were not in school. This has led to black- listing of the school-not an enviable reputation for Randolph to acquire.
The absolute neglect of the athletic field in the rear of the high school, is not creditable. One bleacher worth $300. has been destroyed, and the back stop of the baseball field burned up. The field is piped for water; the committee refused to repair the pipe saying that water could be carried in buckets-a most unsani- tary arrangement which has become a nuisance to the neighbors. We are of the opinion that a reasonable care of the field should be taken by the Committee who are its custodians.
The minority members are of the opinion that pri- vate grudges should not be satisfied by the official vote of the school committee. We feel that school legisla-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
tion should not be enacted at secret meetings of the ruling majority, to be brought in later to a regular meeting and carried without discussion by the unvary- ing three to two vote.
We commend Ex-Governor Alfred E. Smith's ad- vise in the Boston "Globe" of January 24th. "Take care of the Teachers' salaries before everything else."
The minority members are in favor of restoring the locker-rooms at the High School to the boys and girls for whom they were intended.
We have the affidavits of two teachers who in- spected the ranks sent from Stetson High School to the Bridgewater Normal School in June, 1931. The in- spection was with the permission of the principal, Ar- thur C. Boydon. Both of these teachers, Mrs. Kenneth Clark and Mr. Albert Murphy report that the ranks handed in by them to the Stetson High School office had been raised. This tends to discredit our High School records.
The present minority members of the school com- mittee are in favor of bringing in school matters for first-hand presentation and open discussion at regular meetings.
We advocate new porches at the entrances to the Belcher school. Money was appropriated for this pur- pose in March 1931, but no action has been taken.
We favor complying with the Massachusetts school laws in all official business of the school committee of Randolph.
This report will serve to acquaint parents and the general public with the situation in our schools as seen by the minority members. We regret the lack of har- mony among the members of the Committee, but feel that is only fair to all parties concerned that our side of the case should be made public.
WILLIAM S. CONDON, F. L. CHAPIN.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee, Gentlemen :
The completion of the new Charles G. Devine School in the north section of the town and the two-room unit to the McNeill School has greatly relieved the school housing condition this year. All ten rooms in the former school are full with a total enrolment of 378. The Mc- Neill School has sixty-four pupils with a maximum ac- commodation for eighty-five. According to the enrol- ment chart it is very probable, however, that we may again need the two schools now closed.
In connection with these two new buildings I wish to express, through your committee, to the Building Com- mittee and to Mr. John E. Kelley, the architect, our appreciation and gratitude for their careful and business- like procedure in the construction of these schools and for their interest and co-operation in the many minute details so necessary and essential to good working condi- tions in classrooms.
The addition of several thousand books to our class- rooms and library has filled a long-felt want in our schools. The twelve new rooms drew heavily from our book appropriation yet there were a number of cases where the book supply was very low. These books will be carefully checked by teachers so that a complete in- ventory will be on file and submitted in June.
Departmental work in the grades as suggested in my last report has made a commendable start. It has found its best use in the upper grades for the reason that the little folks in the lower grades require a language and procedure all their own.
There are several reasons why this method of in-
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struction should be encouraged. In the first place, it makes for skill and proficiency in each subject; a better continuity of assignment and work; personal contact of several teachers ; promotion by subject and not by year ; a better system for both slow and bright pupils and an economic gain in that there is no duplication of ma- terials. One class well equipped for the study of a par- ticular subject will do for several classes and grades.
Each year some subject is given special attention. English, Arithmetic and Penmanship have been selected for special emphasis this year. In the grades, Sheridon's "Speaking and Writing English" constitutes our basic English and grammar study. This book is particularly well adapted for school children. Arithmetic needs re- vision downwards, especially so in the junior department. There is too great a tendency to "cram" the pupils with complicated, rare, if not useless problems. We need more work in the four fundamentals-work for accuracy. It is our aim to teach that which is useful and practical and to encourage reasoning by assigning work compre- hensible to the growing child. Two methods of penman- ship are under consideration. Although both have much in common, the one most economical and can show the best results will be submitted for your approval and adop- tion.
Classroom exhibition of work done by pupils is a common practice in schools everywhere. I am of the opinion, however, that some of our teachers have per- fected this practice to a point of special merit and com- mendation. It is a source of great pleasure to enter a room and see at a glance the work done. It means work for the teacher but it encourages the child and proves to parents and visitors alike what is going on. To further this cause in the interest of scholarship, Honor Pencils, purchased by the School Department, are presented to pupils who attain the rank of "B" or better.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Children who find it difficult to keep pace with the average classroom work are given an opportunity for personal help in the special class. Due to absence, illness or sluggish mentality these children are given added at- tention along lines in which they are weak. They are moved ahead or replaced in their classes as soon as their abilities warrant. Out of the present number (15 pupils) there will be four to six pupils who will be returned to classes by mid year. To push them ahead too rapidly and beyond their grade now means stalling, discourage- ment, failure, if not marked retardation later on in the upper grades. The value of this class to the child while yet in his plastic period of development is one hundred fold or more. Later on he may be a problem.
Our educational program need not be expensive to be flexible for service and usefulness. Noticeably today there is a strong trend towards the study of science as opposed to the classics. This has been so for some time but the demand has increased and with it the usual con- flict of opinions between the two schools. If the question is asked as to which fits the need of our day, undoubtedly it must be answered in favor of science. If this is so, then this change should be gradual and not drastic. It would mean a cutting down of the time now given to Latin, French and perhaps algebra and replacing with emphasis on chemistry, physics, biology, physiology, his- tory, civics, problems of democracy and the economic stucture of our society, business and government. It would not operate to debar pupils interested in the class- ics but rather to limit such classes to certain years. College Board requirements, too, would have to undergo a change in order to admit our graduates to higher in- stitutions. It may mean in the near future a fifth year of secondary schooling for college entrance or a complete elimination of inactive subjects taught at public expense. However, to recognize a needy change at this time is but
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
one phase of our problem-to get all educational agencies to agree upon some sound procedure is quite another. The fact still remains that our high school curriculum must change with changing condition and their relative values. Our children today do not face the same condi- tions that we did some twenty or thirty years ago. Their problems are vastly more complex and trying. Recogni- tion of this fact automatically throws much of the re- sponsibility of adjustment upon the public schools.
May I call your attention to the three courses of study for the high school as outlined in my last report. Some adjustment or arrangement of subjects may be ad- visable yet a definite curriculum should be approved for uniformity and diploma credits.
Miss Clara Tolman, for many years teacher in the Belcher School, concluded her public service and retired last spring. Her loyalty and her long faithful service to the children of Randolph are worthy of our deepest re- spect.
During the present year, the schools will observe the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Beautifully colored prints of Washington were presented to our schoolrooms by our representative at Washington, the Honorable Richard B. Wigglesworth.
The interest which the citizens take in their schools is a most helpful factor. They bring or organize into a composite whole the true functions of education. We are indebted to the Randolph Planning Board for their work on playgrounds; to the Catholic Womens Club and the Ladies Library Association for their activities along health clinics, lectures and charitable work and to the men of the Fire Department for their annual gifts of toys at Christmas time. We express our thanks to them and to you for school co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
A. O. CHRISTIANSEN, Superintendent of Schools.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLMENT BY SCHOOLS
1931
1930
1929
1928
1927
Stetson High School
334
. 286
244
252
200
Stetson J. H. School
110
234
184
170
168
Prescott School
497
508
536
488
449
C. G. Devine
378
*41
*37
*41
*40
Belcher School
201
238
257
252
249
** N. R. School
125
125
109
88
Tower School
78
89
87
79
76
McNeill School
64
38
Totals
1662
1559
1470
1391
1270
* West Corner School closed 1931.
** North Randolph School closed 1931.
ENROLMENT BY GRADES
Grade 1931
1930
1929
1928
Stetson High School
12
55
45
39
46
Stetson High School
11
68
66
46
43
Stetson High School
10
92
77
67
61
Stetson High School
9
119
98
92
101
Junior High School
8
160
133
119
114
Junior High School
7
132
138
148
135
Grammar Schools
6
163
141
135
154
Grammar Schools
5
159
162
135
121
Grammar Schools
4
162
160
165
131
Grammar Schools
3
176
154
172
162
Grammar Schools
2
175
176
148
152
Grammar Schools
1 186
194
186
171
Special Class
15
15
18
Totals
1662
1559
1470
1391
-
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1932-1933
Elementary Grades 1 to 8
Open Sept. 14, 1931. Close Dec. 23, 1931. 141/2 weeks.
Open Jan. 4, 1932. Close Feb. 19, 1932. 7 weeks.
Open Feb. 29, 1932. Close April 15, 1932. 7 weeks.
Open April 25, 1932. Close June 17, 1932. 8 weeks.
Summer Vacation
Open Sept. 12, 1932. Close Dec. 23, 1932. 15 weeks.
Open Jan. 3, 1933. Close Feb. 17, 1933. 7 weeks.
High School
Open Sept. 14, 1931. Close Dec. 23, 1931. 141/2 weeks.
Open Jan. 4, 1932. Close Feb. 19, 1932. 7 weeks.
Open Feb. 29, 1932. Close June 28, 1932. 17 weeks.
Summer Vacation
Open Sept. 12, 1932. Close Dec. 23, 1932. 15 weeks.
Open Jan. 3, 1933. Close Feb. 17, 1933. 7 weeks.
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
Three blows repeated at
7:15 A. M. All schools close.
8:15 A. M. No morning session for the first six grades.
12:30 P. M. No afternoon session for the first six grades.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
LIST OF TEACHERS
A. O. Christiansen
High School
Warren J. Swett
Principal
Boston Col. A.B. Harv'd A.M.
1930
George C. D. Gardiner
Mathematics
Harv'd A.B. Boston Col. A.M.
1931
Cyril D. Horton
English
Harv'd A.B .; Suffolk Law
1931
Genevieve R. Steffy
French Emanuel Col., A. B. 1931
Marie E. Connors
History, Eng- Boston Uni., B. S. Ed.
1931
lish, French
Anna McCann
English, Al-
Boston Uni., A. B. & A. M. 1931
Winnifred Brennen
Commercial Burdett 1918
Jane C. Good
Commercial
Burdett 1925
Margaret M. Moore
Latin and
Georgian Court College, A. B. 1928
Cyril T. Powderly
English and Latin
Boston Uni., A. B. 1929
James J. Riley
Science
Boston Col., A. B. 1929
Mary E. Sullivan
Com. Geog.
Latin Radcliffe, A. B. 1931
Dorothy M. Gavin
Gen. Science, Boston Uni., B. S. Ed. 1931
Com. Geog.
Junior High School
Mrs. Sarah Powderly
English Bridgewater 1914
Anna Good
History and Bridgewater, B. S. Ed. 1924
Civics
Teresa Carlin
Arithmetic
Lowell
1926
& Science
Prescott School
Hannah F. Hoye
Grade 7
Quincy Training School 1888
Martha Foley
Grade 7
Bridgewater
1930
Mrs. Ellen McGerrigle
Grade 6
Bridgewater 1930
Dorothy Boothby
Grade 6 Bridgewater, B. S. Ed. 1931
Mrs. Elizabeth Lyons
Grade 5 Prin. Quincy Training School
1920
Dorothy Carney
Grade 5
Bridgewater
1923
Eleanor Condon
Grades 4-5
Bridgewater
1929
Rachael McMahon
Grade 4
Bridgewater
1916
Katherine O'Neil
Grades 4-3
Bridgewater
1930
Ellen Mclaughlin
Grade 3
Bridgewater
1900
Fannie Campbell
Grade Notre Dame Acadmey 1898
Vivian Pickett
Grade 2 Bridgewater, B. S. Ed.
1929
Mary O'Brien
Grade 1
Bridgewater
1921
Martha Harhan
Special
Lowell
1931
gebra, Bi- ology
French
English &
Bridgewater, B. S. Ed. 1929
Dorothy S. Powers
Position Educated at Year appointed Superintend't Brown, A.B .; Harvard A.M. 1921
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Devine School
Mrs. Florence Caples
Grade 8
Bridgewater 1922
Elizabeth Riley
Grade 8
Bridgewater, B. S. E. 1930
Martha Parshley
Grade 7
Fitchburg 1926
Emmaline McGerrigle
Grade 6
Bridgewater
1929
Margaret Donavan
Grade 5 Prin. Bridgewater
1924
Elizabeth Doyle
Grade 4
Bridgewater, B. S. E. 1931
Katherine Riley
Grade 3
Harvard Summer School Course 1901
Constance Dolan
Grade 2
St. Catherine Academy
1930
Anne Tucker
Grade 1
Bridgewater 1929
Claire Lucey
Grades 1-2-3
North Adams
1931
Belcher School
Irene Goody
Grade 6 Bridgewater, B. S. E. 1931
Mrs. Ethel Chatfield
Grade 5
Farmington
1927
Bernice Francis
Grade 4
Hyannis 1927
Dorothy Morrill
Grade 3
Bridgewater
1930
Mary Flaherty
Grade 2
Bridgewater 1931
Jane Lynch
Grade 1
Bridgewater
1929
McNeill School
Grace Murphy
Grades 3-4
Bridgewater 1925
Mrs. Esther Grant
Grades 1-2
Lowell 1927
Tower Hill School
Mrs. Alice Belcher
Grades 4-6 Quincy Training School 1923 Framingham and Emerson
Mrs. Marie Cormey Grades 1-3
College 1925
Supervisors and Assistant Teachers
Rose Hand
Music
A. S., N. M. and Harvard & B U. Extension Courses
Mildred Sullivan
Sewing Boston School of Domestic
Science 1931
Eileen Sheehan
Asst. to B. U., A. B .; B. U. Ed. M.
Principal
1931
School Nurse
Mrs. Anne Kiley All grades R. N. 1931
School Physician
George V. Higgins, M.D.
Attendance Officer
Mrs. Eileen Courtney 1931
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Florence Cox
Resignations HIGH SCHOOL Elizabeth Laughler Albert Murphy GRADES
Kenneth, Clark
Mrs. Mary Savage
Claire Sullivan Mrs. Jessica Mitchell (Nurse)
Retirement
Clara Tolman
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Citizens of the Town of Randolph :
During the past year several improvements have taken place in our school system; two modern school buildings have been erected, new toilets installed in the Belcher building, several school rooms have been painted, new furniture installed, and new flooring, thus making study more attractive to our children.
Again this past year has been one frree from any serious, contagious disease. We have had Chicken Pox, Measles, Impetigo Contagioso, but no deaths among our children. Randolph again escaped the dreaded Infantile Paralysis, and with the fine co-opera- tion of our new Board of Health, I feel sure we can be free from it in the future. There has been a Tuber- culosis Clinic held by the State Department of Public Health during the year and about the usual percent of positive cases were discovered among the children. These positive reports need not cause any undo alarm among the parents as in every clinic held throughout the state similar reports are found in children. Tuber- culosis is fairly common but with the usual care con- sisting of rest, plain nourishment, these positive cases soon pass to negative.
One of the most noted improvements found while I was examining the children was the excellent condi- tion of the teeth. So far I have examined over seven hundred school children and the remainder are being examined according to grades, as is the usual custom.
I wish to thank the Teachers, School Committee, our Superintendent and especially our School Nurse for their most hearty co-operation during the past year.
GEORGE V. HIGGINS, M. D.,
School Physician.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. A. O. Christiansen,
Superintendent of Schools.
I am submitting herewith a report of my activities from September 14, 1931, to December 31, 1931 :
All pupils have been weighed.
Physical examinations by Dr. Higgins
734
Von Pirquet test, all grades
839
Pupils X-rayed 170
Physical examinations by Dr. Reddy
40
Pupils sent home with Impetigo 20
Pupils sent home with Pediculosis
14
Pupils examined at Dr. Higgins' office 50
Home visits 60
The schools are well equipped with new scales, screens, and first aid cabinets filled to meet any emerg- ency.
It is hoped that money will be appropriated for a Dental Clinic. For the benefit and improvement of every child's health, this is a necessity.
At Thanksgiving time the teachers and the school children donate dfood. Forty-eight baskets were dis- tributed among the needy of the town.
At Christmas time the school children again gener- ously contributed food.
The firemen donated $10 for toys, also collected and repaired toys. Many children were made happy by their generosity.
I take this opportunity to thank you for your co- operation.
I also wish to thank the School Committee, the Board of Health, the Teachers and Dr. Higgins for their hearty support.
Respectfully yours, ANNE L. KILEY, R. N. School Nurse.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
Generally speaking the work in music is going on very systematically. The teachers manifest a very good spirit of co-operation, and all concerned are working to bring about the desired results.
I recommend that more time be given to the teach- ing of music in all schools. Pupils in the upper grades require more stimulation, consequently a greater amount of time and energy must be displayed by the teacher to this end. The desired result cannot be accomplished in a music period of 30 to 40 minutes, once a week. There- fore I ask that the time in music be extended.
I look forward to the introduction of music apprecia- tion classes in our schools in the near future, as recom- mended by our School Board. With this accomplishment our children will develop a knowledge and love for the best in music.
This year classes in Instrumental music are being held in the High, Devine, Prescott, and Belcher Schools. Weekly lessons are given by a Band Instructor at a small fee and the pupils in those classes manifest much en- thusiasm in the work.
In conclusion I wish to thank the members of the School Board, for their co-operation in supplying the much needed material, necessary to bring about favor- able results.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE G. HAND, Supervisor of Music.
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. A. O. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools.
, The chief objective of public education is the train- ing of our youth for the duties of American citizenship. This fact needs to be emphasized and repeated, that we may not lose sight of the real purpose for which schools exist. Education means not only a training to earn a living and direct ones life, but it should create a desire and ability to help others, and to contribute to the gen- eral welfare. With this end in view it becomes the duty of all instructors of youth to inculcate in every student a desire to attain a high standard of character, scholar- ship, and discipline. Excellence in all school work is the ideal we are striving for. We believe that the past year has shown a creditable gain in the right direction.
One factor of special importance in training boys and girls, is the co-operation of parents. This is one reason for insisting on the completion of homework. It is true that the requirements of a modern high school education, with its full curriculum, leaves but little time for study during school hours. It is equally important, however, to note that the pupil studying at home keeps the parents in touch with the work of the school. Fathers and moth- ers should have a definite and reasonable knowledge of what their boys and girls are accomplishing toward the purpose of education. Report cards are helpful, but they are not enough. The home assignment helps to solve the problem.
During the past year teachers have given special at- tention to the subject of homework in regard to assign- ments and careful preparation.
No feature of educational work deserves more care- ful attention than the matter of school records. The
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
parents, students, and the public in general, should know that these records now are accessible and accurate. The record of each student shows his attendance and rating in each subject. Students who have completed credit- able work certainly deserve to have the facts recorded as a reference for future use. Those who have neg- lcted their opportunity should realize that the only way to overcome an undesirable record is by a determined effort.
Growth and development are briefly the result of in- dividual striving and initiative. Others may help us but they cannot do the work of life for us. We achieve re- sults in proportion as we put forth effort ourselves. The inspiration of group meetings, however, should not be overlooked. This is one of the chief reasons for school assemblies. If the assembly becomes routine-like in character it is in danger of developing into a period of doubtful worth. School assemblies should be for a spe- cific purpose and at not too frequent intervals. They should be so conducted as to be of a help and not a hindrance to the purpose of education; an inspiration, not a distraction from work. This has been the govern- ing idea as regards assemblies at Stetson High School during the current year.
Special subjects in American high schools have re- ceived increased attention in recent years. For several years the students in our high schools have had a choice of only two elective subjects, Music and Drawing. Dur- ing the current year the subject of Domestic Art has been added to the curriculum with excellent results. Do- mestic Art has come to be regarded as practical and of educational worth. We trust that it may become a per- manent part of our high school course.
The care of school property is one of the essentials of good citizenship. School books, buildings, furniture,
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NINETY-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
etc., are public property, and those individuals who injure or destroy such property are consciously or unconsciously public enemies. This fact is well known to students.
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