USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1906 > Part 13
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4. There has been a thorough reconstruction of the toilet arrangements in the Bell, Edgerly, and Bingham schools during the year. While there are no conditions that in any wise menace health, it is desirable that the toilet facilities in the Cummings and Davis schools be modernized. Of course, constant care and attention on the part of janitors are requisite to keep even the best apparatus in clean and healthful conditions. For this care principals are in part responsible.
5. The most of our school building's are satisfactory as to neatness and cleanliness. The location and surroundings of a building have much to do with the frequency of sweeping and cleaning. Some buildings need to be swept daily. They need to be thoroughly scrubbed as to floors and woodwork every month. In all buildings windows need to be cleaned every two months. As janitors have received instructions to carry out the requests of the principals, it is the fault of the latter if school- houses are not satisfactory as to their cleanliness.
6. Schoolrooms should be not only healthful and com- fortable, but they should also be attractive. This cannot be the case so long as the walls are dingy and dust-laden. Hence the necessity of cleaning or tastefully tinting the walls whenever they
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need it. Otherwise the attempts at decoration by pictures and works of art are comparatively unsuccessful.
The work of tinting the walls of schoolrooms and corridors is being prosecuted gradually, and will doubtless be continued after provision for more urgent requirements is made.
When we contrast the material school advantages which children nowadays enjoy with those with which their fathers and grandfathers were apparently contented, even the most pessi- mistic among us has good reason to thank God and take courage. 1
In connection with the general question of the safety of school buildings, it is fortunate that only one building has thus far been provided with a fire escape, and this is not yet in work- ing order. When it is ready for use, the constructor estimates that it will take twelve minutes to empty the building. The ap- proaches to it are wholly inadequate. It will prove much more perilous to life and limb to get boys and girls out of a three- story building by means of ordinary fire escapes than it will be to use present exits. The fire drill, as conducted and frequently practiced in most buildings, will get every scholar into the street within two minutes. This has frequently been done in the case of the English High school with nearly 1,100 pupils. Of course, if the fire drill is neglected, the conditions are changed. I rec- ommend that the rules be modified to require a fire drill in every school at least twice a month.
Training Schools. There has been some discussion this year regarding the opening of a training school for teachers in Som- erville. There is no more legal or moral obligation resting upon the city to furnish training for the vocation of teaching than there is to qualify young women to obtain a livelihood in other pur- sttits. If a training school furnishes the only means of securing good teachers for our schools, or even if it will aid materially in this direction, it is a wholly different matter. Such a school properly organized and equipped is rather more expensive than ordinary schools. Were Somerville in such proximity to the right normal school as to receive the aid from the state that Law- rence has, for example, the argument of economy might be urged in favor of a school for teacher training. Moreover, a prejudice generally exists among the more intelligent parents against having their children taught by mere. trainers. This prejudice exists even when the quality of instruction is as good as the average. My experience and observation lead me to the conclusion that a training school in our city is, at the present time, neither necessary nor expedient. If one were opened im- mediately, it would be impossible to find resident graduates of normal schools ready to serve in it. There are, at the present time, but four Somerville students in the class that graduates in June next in the state normal schools. The average number of graduates from normal schools resident in Somerville during the
-
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
last seven years is five. Most graduates would prefer the larger salary and the experience to be obtained in independent schools outside of the city to the comparatively meagre salary and the kind of experience that a training school in their own home city would give them. I should have no hesitation in advising a young teacher which of these courses to pursue. It is much bet- ter for a teacher to be thrown absolutely on her own resources, to test her theories and ability in the light of actual experience independently obtained.
Our high schools are not turning out many aspirants for teaching honors. As has been said elsewhere in this report, the shorter period of preparation, the quicker financial returns, and the lessened responsibilities of other pursuits are preferred. Those of our graduates that go to college have little inclination toward school teaching, and the few that do, aspire to high school work, and having spent four years in college study, they feel themselves ready to teach without the further preparation that a training school might offer.
The proposition reported by the committee to whom ref- erence of the matter was made, to open certain of our schools to normal graduates for such training and experience as they may be able to get under the direction of a competent principal, while not ideal, is open to few objections. The chief trouble, I sus- pect, will be found in connection with the decision as to the com- petency of the cadets and their future value as teachers. Should the judgment be unfavorable, the pressure of friends, political, social, denominational, would be brought to bear to secure a re- versal of the decision or to urge a probationary service. The decision of competent judges in such matters should be final and uninfluenced.
While girls, if suitably endowed, may be satisfactory as teachers of very young children, they are wholly out of place in the higher grades. There mature women of experience, of good judgment, of strong personality and moral power are an absolute necessity. Such teachers are not developed in a year or two under any course of training. Nevertheless in every large school there is an opportunity for an extra teacher. Indeed, the employment of a competent person in such a position would be really a measure of economy. There are so many children who need especial assistance for one cause or another, and whose school life would be shortened by the help such teacher might give them, and there are so many large classes to which no single teacher, however competent, can do justice, that an extra expert would find plenty to do. Some of this work could be done by an apprentice, and the service rendered would be very much bet- ter than nothing, and might prove valuable.
Truants and Delinquent and Wayward Children. The table below shows the relative amount of truancy for the year :-
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
1905.
1906. Increase.
Number of visits to schools
567
511
56
Number of cases investigated.
514
502
-12
Number found to be truants.
150
151
1
Number sent to truant school.
4
6
2
Paid for board of truants.
$322.14
$117.28 $95.14
When the size of the city and the character of a certain portion of its population are considered, the number of cases of truancy must be declared small. In Boston the cases of truancy are a little more than six per cent. of the enrolment, in Somer- ville a little less than three per cent. Truancy generally results from untoward conditions in the home, although there are other causes. The parents of truants are generally willing to co- operate with the authorities in securing regular attendance, but they are too weak to accomplish what is wanted. The persistent and incorrigible truant is exposed to an absolute lack of restraint in the home and to the influences of older vicious associates. The sooner he is removed to a truant school where the influ- ences are only of the best, and where the care for his physical and educational interests is perfectly satisfactory, the better. Ordinarily a terni in a truant school works the reformation of the boy and gives him a start in the right path.
Unusual efforts have been made to secure the strict enforce- ment of the child labor laws this year. The state and local authorities have been active, and it is believed that the law is, on the whole, now as well enforced as most laws on the Statute books.
There has been a radical change, not only in public senti- ment, but in the laws of the state concerning the treatment of children found guilty of offences against the law. The estab- lishment of juvenile courts and the wholly different provisions made for the treatment of what the law calls "delinquent" 'and "wayward" children secure for them treatment and care having in view reformation and restraint rather than punishment. The following quotations from the law indicate its general purpose :-
"The term 'delinquent child' shall be construed to mean any bov or girl between the ages of seven and seventeen years who violates any city ordinance or town by-law, or commits an offence not punishable by death or by imprisonment for life.
"The words 'wayward child' shall be construed to mean a boy or girl between seven and seventeen years of age who habitually asso- ciates with vicious or immoral persons, or who is growing up in cir- cumstances exposing him or her to lead an immoral, vicious, or criminal life.
"This act shall be liberally construed to the end that the care, cus- tody, and discipline of the children brought before the court shall ap- proximate as nearly as possible that which they should receive from their parents, and that. as far as practicable, they shall be treated, not as criminals, but as children in need of aid, encouragement, and guid- ance. Proceedings against children under this act shall not be deemed to be criminal proceedings."
172
ANNUAL REPORTS.
It is not needful to give the details of the law to show the method of procedure. Suffice it to say that these "delinquent" and "wayward" children, if guilty of the offences charged, are placed under the care of the probation officer of the court. These probation officers are under the supervision of the State Board of Charity.
The reformation of this class of offenders is of vital impor- tance to the community, and one in which all good citizens should not only be interested, but have a part. It is impossible for a single probation officer to exercise proper care and over- sight of all children coming under his jurisdiction. Here is an opportunity for the philanthropic and altruistic to lend a hand. Officers of the State Board of Charity are seeking to enroll in every community men and women who are willing to assume the oversight and care of one or more of these delinquents dur- ing their probationary term. Most of these children need the encouragement and healthful influence that one with a genuine interest in their welfare could easily give. As a class, they are not inherently vicious, and experience has shown that their com- plete reformation may be easily effected by wise and sympathetic treatment. Most of this class continue in the schools, and fur- nish a remarkable opportunity for the exercise of skill and power on the part of teachers in their reclamation. Opportunities will be given our citizens to enlist in this work.
In response to enquiries sent to the masters of our schools for suggestions looking toward their increased efficiency, I have received the following communication. It bears so directly upon the subject we are considering that I am constrained to give it in full :-
During the last month I have been called upon by the police and by property holders in my district to investigate many cases of mali- cious mischief. These cases have taken on an average perhaps three hours a week,-mean, disagreeable work at the best. As a result of this, I have come to the conclusion that there is a large and steadily- increasing number of boys, between the ages of nine and sixteen, who make theniselves a menace, even more, a public nuisance, in the early evening, to the self-respecting citizens, merchants, and property owners in our neighborhood. These boys are well behaved in school, and no doubt more of them would be outside were it not for the evil influences to which they are subjected at every corner.
This spirit of lawlessness shown by our boys on the street and in public places is surely reflecting itself in the schools. This spirit of rowdyism is now so pronounced that we cannot overlook it; it must be met.
The question presents itself: "How far is it possible for the school board and the teaching force of our city to so adjust affairs and devise new methods as to meet these rapidly-developing conditions?"
Is it possible for our schools to exert an influence over the lives of pupils, which will tell, not only for the few hours in which they are under our supervision, but wherever circumstances may place them?
Shall this lawlessness that we find be met by the law, or shall we direct the enthusiasm of the boys into some legitimate, interesting, and profitable channels?
It has been our aim, as you know it is the custom in all our schools,
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
to give direct, systematic training in practical morals; we have tried to do our work with the idea that the public schools are expected not only to teach reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic, but also to teach the value of self- denial, self-restraint, to respect the rights of others, and to know the duties and obligations which the years are bringing them.
That we have been fairly successful in our work with the three R's, I am confident, that we are equally unsuccessful, in the higher and really more important aim of our schools, with the boys that are now loafing on street corners in imminent peril of jail or penitentiary, I am equally certain.
That we are face to face with a serious and difficult problem, any one who is at all acquainted with the condition of things in my locality will readily agree.
Just how these conditions are to be met, I am free to confess I do not know. But I believe it is a condition that should be seriously con- sidered by the school department of our city, and that some attempt be made to solve the problem.
If the greater part of this rowdyism and malicious mischief on the part of our boys of which I have spoken is brought about as the result of unoccupied minds and time, the remedy would seem to be in some scheme that would guide the enthusiasm of these boys into some legiti- mate channels.
With this thought in mind, I have already had two evening enter- tainments in my own building, and I believe, if the plan could be fol- lowed out more systematically and for five evenings each week, much good could be done.
We rarely find a child who has not ability along some line, either manual or mental. Those whose tastes run toward intellectual work, as I have said, are well cared for in the schools, but many of the "troublesome boys" are forced to spend the entire day doing work which is not only distasteful, but which is often meaningless. Give these same boys a chance at some manual work in which they may suc- cessfully compete with others, and they develop a self-respect which gives life a new meaning to them. The spirit of seeking to attain some accomplishment will successfully combat the spirit of lawlessness.
Boston has attempted to solve the problem by establishing, in cer- tain sections, "Educational Centres" for both boys and girls of the public schools who would otherwise be upon the street. Every evening school buildings are opened for their reception, and instruction is given in such work as basketry, carpentering, wood carving, etc. For a broadening influence stereopticon lectures are given upon the various branches of science, such as bird life, volcanoes, and travels in foreign countries, to which the parents and friends of the children are invited. Everything practicable in the way of an elevating influence is thrown about them.
It is needless to say that these schools, in a measure, gain the object sought and their value is beyond estimate.
The need of our schools in this locality is for some such plan as this. Our regular evening schools keep many boys from the street, but do not help in our problem, as they are not open to day pupils.
My suggestion, then, is that this be considered, and if the object seems worthy, the school board be asked to make an appropriation so that a suitable hall or the school building may be secured for certain evenings where the boys may be entertained by music and lectures, or that some systematic instruction along manual lines may be given at the school building.
I most heartily endorse the suggestions made in this letter. The conditions outlined prevail not in one locality only, but are characteristic of many. Boys need controlled recreation and useful employment, especially during the time from sunset to
174
ANNUAL REPORTS.
curfew. Boys live in gangs. They want to be with their com- panions. The need of doing something for them is recognized. The movement in favor of boys' clubs is a response to the de- mand, but interest in the matter has not yet become so general and so strong as to provide places and money to supply the needs. Sooner or later the public must grapple with the situa- tion, and some provision be made to supply what is needed. Schoolhouses are available, and no public moneys could be in- vested that would yield a larger return in the uplifting and de- velopment of boys and young men that otherwise might become dangerous to the welfare of the community.
It is possible that our evening schools might be extended and their courses modified in a way to meet the situation. They could be opened to day-school pupils and other boys with time on their hands and nothing to do, for hand-work, or instruction in new lines, lectures, etc. Sufficient power is vested in the school board to carry on this work, and I respectfully ask you to consider the advisability of asking money for the opening of several such schools or for extending the scope of the existing evening schools at the beginning of the next school year.
Stamp Savings System. This system of teaching thrift and helping children to save their money has been continued during the year under the direction of the Associated Charities. With hardly an exception, the teachers have co-operated heartily. It will be seen by the figures printed below that there has been a gradual falling off in the amount collected from year to year :-
Collections.
Banked.
School year, 1902-3 66 1903-4
$15,135.59
$8,069.85
9,069.80 6,060.91
.. 1904-5
8,056.80
4,754.46
66 1905-6
7,503.01 4,465.95
The collections from October 1 to December 11 for the current year have been $3,344.86. This is $600 more than was collected during the corresponding period of last year.
The general system of stamp savings as used in the schools of the state has been declared illegal in view of the law passed last year growing out of the failure of the Provident Securities Company. An effort will be made by the bank commissioners, who strongly favor the object in view, to secure the passage of a law legalizing the work, and possibly making some changes in the methods employed. In the meantime the present plan will be followed. The work undoubtedly is beneficent and salutary in its influence.
The habit of saving money and spending it wisely makes all the difference between penury and a competence.
The Public Library and the Schools. The close articulation between the schools and the public library, to which attention
175
SCHOOL. DEPARTMENT.
has so frequently been called, has become permanent, and little needs to be said on the subject. Nothing that the library authorities could do to make the books under their control easily accessible to teachers and pupils of the school has been left un- done. It is gratifying to note that reading habits are being formed, and that books have become an important factor in the children's use of their leisure.
At the present time there are 147 libraries in the schools, each made up of from twenty-five to fifty books taken from the shelves in the public library, as selected or called for by the teachers. Seven thousand four hundred volumes have been cir- culated through the schools. This is independent of the con- stant use of the library made by individuals. The thanks of the school authorities are due to the librarian and his assistants for help and courtesies shown during the year.
Concerning Licenses to Sell Newspapers. The change in the law has placed the issuing of licenses to newsboys under four- teen years of age in the hands of the school committee. It is thought that boys within the compulsory school age should not be allowed to engage in any occupation that may interfere with school attendance and the proper discharge of school duties without being under the watchful care of school authorities. Eighty-two licenses have been granted since the first of October.
If the restrictions of the license are violated, or if it is found that in any way the selling of newspapers, etc., is detrimental to the school interests of the boy, his license may be revoked. The regulations of the school committee concerning this matter are found below.
Blanks are also printed that show the steps that must be taken to secure the license.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Regulations for Licensing Minors Under Fourteen Years of Age.
SECTION 167. No minor under the age of fourteen years shall, in any street or public place of the city of Somerville, work as a bootblack, or sell or expose for sale any books, newspapers, pamphlets, fuel, fruits, provisions, ice, live animals, brooms, agricultural implements, hand tools used in making boots and shoes, agricultural products of the United States, or the products of their own labor or the labor of their families, unless he has a minor's license issued to him by the Superin- tendent of Schools of said city for so working or for so selling said articles, nor unless he complies with the terms of said license.
SECT. 168. The principal of the school in which a minor under the age of fourteen years is a pupil shall receive the application, in duplicate, of the parent or guardian of such minor, or next of kin, for a license for such minor to work as a bootblack, or to sell any or all the articles enumerated in the preceding section, and shall forward the same to the Superintendent of Schools, accompanied by the certificate of the teacher in whose class said minor may be, and of the said principal, that stich minor is an attendant at such school and that they approve of the granting of a license to said minor. When the Superintendent author- izes the issue of a license, he shall return to said principal one of said duplicate applications for filing, retaining the other, and shall issue said license to such minor authorizing said minor to go about from place to place in the city of Somerville, and on the sidewalks in said city, to sell newspapers, or to work as a bootblack, or in the streets and other public places in said city to sell any or all of the other articles enum- erated in the preceding section, and shall provide such minor with a suitable badge, for which a charge of twenty cents shall be made. Every such license shall be issued and accepted on the condition that the minor shall comply with the conditions of his license as contained in the following section, and said section shall be printed in the license.
SECT. 169. The minor shall conform to the statutes and the Regu- lations of the School Committee of Somerville; shall, so long as he continues under the age of fourteen years, attend, during every session thereof, one of the public schools, or some regularly-established school in the city of Somerville: shall surrender his license and badge when notified that his license has been revoked, to the principal aforesaid, who shall return the same immediately to the Superintendent; shall not transfer or lend his license or badge, nor furnish any unlicensed minor with newspapers or other articles to sell; shall not sell newspapers in or on any part of the street other than the sidewalk; shall not sell news- papers in or on a street car, nor, except on the days of national, state, or city elections, after eight o'clock in the evening; shall not work as a bootblack or sell newspapers unless he is over eleven years of age; shall not sell any other article than newspapers unless he is over twelve years of age; shall not at any time, while engaged in working as a boot- black, or selling articles in public places, congregate with other persons, nor make any unnecessary noise, nor in any way disturb or annoy per- sons as they pass, nor cry their papers on Sunday, nor occupy any stand with any other person, nor allow any unlicensed minor to assist or ac- company him, nor allow idle persons to assemble or congregate around him, or around any stand occupied by him, nor so work or sell in any place other than that specified in his license, when a place is so speci- fied, nor at any time, while so working or selling, fail to wear conspicu- ously in sight the badge furnished to him by said Superintendent, nor fail to exhibit his license to any police or other officer of said city if requested by him to do so. The Superintendent may suspend or revoke said license upon the violation of any of the conditions thereof, and the minor shall surrender his badge and will be subject to a fine.
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