USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1917 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
91
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
look forward to the time when a new building can be provided for this school. This conclusion cannot from the nature of the case be long delayed.
The Boys' Vocational School has been helped this year by the provision of a new building. When this is occupied for the purpose for which it is intended the accommodations for the school will have been very materially improved. The experi- ence of this school, like that of others of the same kind at the present time, seems to show a decline in interest in wood work- ing as a .trade for boys. More applications are coming for ad- mission to the mechanical classes than to the wood working classes. The experience of the school in placing boys who have had machine shop training shows that boys trained in ma- chine shop practice easily find lucrative employment. The de- mand for admission to the new automobile classes gives proof that a room properly adapted to automobile repair work would afford a valuable opportunity for many boys to prepare them- selves for a line of work which offers many inducements to boys.
In connection with both of these schools the thoughts should be borne in mind that they are agencies for helping young people whose minds work best in relation to concrete problems. In a world where constructive effort plays a large part, the "Motor Minded" youth who is well trained not only has the best preparation for life which his personal attributes demand, but he also enters a field of endeavor which has possi- bilities for personal preferment as large as any that are open to human endeavor. These considerations seem to make wise the further development of the vocational schools and the effort to bring clearly before the public the opportunities which they offer to the youth whose aptitudes they best serve.
Elementary Schools.
All but four of the grammar schools have sent their eighth and ninth grades to the junior high school, retaining seven grades corresponding to the first seven years of the elementary course. All of the elementary schools have continued through- out the year the lines of work which they have followed for a number of years past. In the doing of this, the teachers have displayed the interest and skill which has always characterized their efforts. In many cases the classes are too large, conse- quently the task of the teachers is harder than it should be. Nevertheless, cheerfulness and success have prevailed in all of the schools.
Atypical Classes.
The Atypical Schools, three in number, have continued to do their work this year in an effective manner. Throughout
92
ANNUAL REPORTS.
the year they have had a full complement of pupils. The best evidence of the value of these schools is that there is a demand for the establishment of several more. The masters of the grammar schools have recognized the need of these classes and have asked to have at least one more provided for the next school year. I think this provision should be made just as soon as a vacant room can be had in a locality where such a class ought to be established.
Kindergartens.
Four kindergartens are conducted in our schools. This number has not increased over a period of years chiefly because there has not been room available for this purpose. The ideal condition would be to have a kindergarten provided for all pupils who desire to go to school earlier than the age for admis- sion to the first grade. During the year all of the kinder- gartens have been well patronized, in one or two instances the number of applicants being in excess of the capacity of the school. I think it would be wise to establish one or more kin- dergartens yearly, as accommodations are available. until there shall be at least one in every ward in the city.
Physical Training.
Physical training has received an impetus during this year through the provision of a printed course of instruction and through the adoption by the School Committee of a plan for additional physical training for the high school. In April the course of study prepared by Ernst Hermann, Director of Physical Training, was issued in book form and supplied to teachers of elementary and high schools. This course shows the theory upon which the physical training taught in our schools is based, and presents a graded course of exercises and games for use in all classes.
The proposed additions to the physical training for high school pupils is shown in the following report which was adopted by the School Committee at its meeting on Novem- ber 26:
1. The Committee recommends that a program of physical training for boys and girls be provided consisting of marching tactics, setting up exercises, and athletic games for boys ; marching tactics, athletic games, rhythmic and setting up exercises for girls.
It recommends that these exercises be compulsory and that they occur between the hours of 10:50 and 12:20; that for boys they occur weekly and for girls at least once in two weeks.
2. In order to carry into effect the recommendations stated above, it will be necessary to provide the following :
93
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Two drill rooms where exercises may be conducted simul- taneously, one room for boys and one room for girls.
Additional instruction for these subjects.
Two drill rooms are needed in order that the companies of boys and girls may be drilled at the same time, thus re- ducing the disturbance of the school program caused by send- ing pupils to the drill. It is probable that the State Armory on Highland Avenue can be secured for boys and the gymnasium of the Y. M. C. A. for girls.
As the School Committee has no power to engage rooms for drill purposes, the authority for such action being in the hands of the Commissioner of Public Buildings, it will be nec- essary for the School Committee to secure action by the Build- ing Commissioner before this plan can be put into effect. It is the opinion of the Committee that the instruction required for this work can be provided by securing part-time service of suit- able instructors.
Since this action was taken measures for securing the use of the two drill rooms have been started and it is probable that both places will be available when the schools reopen.
Summer Work.
This summer, garden work was made a large feature of the vacation activities. In the conduct of summer playgrounds by the School Committee gardening heretofore has had a small place. This year, on account of the war, promotion of garden- ing became imperative and consequently a larger part of the summer playgrounds resources was devoted to the cultivation of home and school gardens. For these undertakings there were available $2,500, the appropriation for summer play- grounds work, $600 contributed by the Somerville Playgrounds Association, and such sums as could be spent for them from the Contingent Account of the schools. In round numbers the sum of $3,588 was spent, $1.411.00 for playgrounds and $2.177.00 for garden work. These sums were expended for instruction and materials as follows : Playgrounds. instruction $1.209.50 : sup- plies $201.35 : Gardens, instruction $1.623.94, supplies $578.35. Eight playgrounds were conducted with an average weekly at- tendance of 9,222 children. Seventeen school gardens were con- ducted. having an area of 197.658 square feet and accommodat- ing 389 children. In addition to these. 498 children conducted successful home gardens under supervision. Several canning clubs were organized which carried on their work throughout the growing season. These clubs were very successful. Public demonstrations in canning were made at stated times during the season in the High School lunch room. All in all this work was carried on with great interest during the whole summer. Children raised sufficient crops to help supply the family table with fresh vegetables. Parents took a keen interest in gardens
94
ANNUAL REPORTS.
and showed many signs of approval of what was being done. As this was the first tme that an effort had been made to conduct school gardens on a large scale with adequate super- vision the results obtained were particularly gratifying and significant. I think the undertaking justified itself both as a war measure and as a measure promotive of the best interests of many children. For either or both of these reasons I think the work should be undertaken next year with even more thor- ough preparation. Concerning the expenses for materials it should be remarked that an initial outlay for permanent equip- ment was necessary. Another year these materials will be ready for use and will be an asset for the undertaking. The success of this work was greatly promoted by the interest shown in it by several private organizations and individuals. Among these should be named the Somerville Board of Trade which co-op- erated with the school authorities in the conduct of school gar- dens, the West Somerville Civic Association which gave $50 to be used for prizes and which helped in other ways, and Hon. John M. Woods who gave $50 for prizes. Other persons gave encouragement and advice, thereby increasing the evidence of public interest and approval. Department heads rendered val- uable aid in many ways. Especial acknowledgment should be made to John F. Colquhoun of the City Home whose expert knowledge freely and cheerfully given was of great assistance to those directing the work, and to Ernest W. Bailey, City En- gineer, who had charge of the plowing of all the public areas used for gardens.
Civic Spirit.
The entrance of the United States into the World War pro- duced an early effect upon the activities of the schools and has continued throughout the year to influence them. As the thoughts of the people were quickened to earnest consideration of means of defence and offense, a reflection of this spirit was to be expected in the schools. One of the first measures to be impressed upon the minds of the pupils was the necessity of providing a sufficiency of food for the support of the nation and for the help of the nation's allies. Here at home this thought took effect in a movement to insure the raising of food in all places serviceable for garden purposes. The Mayor of the city early called upon the school children to cultivate gardens during the growing season and placed at the disposal of the schools areas on public parks which for years had been used only as recreation places. The urgency of this appeal came from the conviction that such action by all the communities of the country was necessary to the nation's safety.
Under date of April 25, in a Superintendent's Bulletin sent to the teachers of the schools, occurred this paragraph on patri- otism :
95
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
"During the days of the present emotional stress there is an unusual opportunity for teachers to train pupils in patriotism. Pupils will be influenced by the waves of feeling which surge round and about them, but unless their minds are directed to useful thinking and acting such waves of emotion will not pro- duce real patriotism. There is need today for service for our country-city, state, and nation. Children can serve all of these by doing things right at hand. It should be the purpose of the school by steady, persistent, patient work to lead pupils to see this great truth and to act upon it. Just now the country is calling for food production by way of garden making. The ap- peal for this kind of service has been made to pupils. Some are responding ; more should. In this connection there is one other service which all children can and should render. In this bul- letin I will only name it but will discuss it in another. This service is safeguarding gardens of all kinds. This is a patriotic duty. From now to the end of school, in varying degrees according to ages of pupils, pressure of school influence should be exerted upon pupils to make them understand that a garden or an orchard this year is a national resource and must be respected."
Thus first was driven home to the minds of the pupils of the schools the idea that their country was in peril and the idea that they individually could contribute by their personal efforts to its security. This appeal found ready response. Chil- dren volunteered in sufficient numbers to work all of the garden plots provided for them on public areas, and the number of home garden plots cultivated was largely in excess of any pre- vious record. These War Gardens, as they came to be called, were successfully carried on throughout the growing season and yielded their contribution to the welfare of the community.
Hardly had this movement been launched when another measure was proposed. Children, it appeared, could produce gardens. Why should they not also protect gardens? To test this matter an organization of boys was formed under the title of Junior Police, whose duties were to safeguard the gardens of the city throughout the growing season. The Junior Police, drawn from the schools of the city, rendered this service in such a way as to receive the approval of all citizens and officials alike.
Soon other measures were proposed. £ Children in the schools were called upon to help the Allies by contributing to the Marshal Joffre Fund in May ; by assisting the Red Cross tag day in June ; by aiding the sale of Liberty Bonds in June ; by contributing to the Library Fund for soldiers and sailors in October ; by assisting to raise a War Camp Community Fund in December ; and by contributing to the Halifax Relief Fund
96
ANNUAL REPORTS.
in December. In the three contributions made during the year more than $1,300 were given by children.
These are more than mere isolated events; they are parts of a process which is quickening the consciousness of school pupils of their relation to the community and the nation. Every time the child performs a service for the community or the nation, either by contributing his money or by giving his labor, he is by that act making of himself a better citizen and a better patriot.
And now at the close of the year, after this series of events, the pupils of the schools are organizing to make more effective their potentiality for the service of their country. The School Committee has authorized the forming of Junior Red Cross Membership Auxiliaries and the promotion among the pupils of helping the Government by purchasing War Savings Stamps. These two undertakings will be begun when schools reopen and will easily be carried on by the spirit which now animates the whole membership of the schools.
Teachers' Salaries.
In May the School Committee adopted a new salary schedule and increased the salaries of practically all of the teachers of the schools. In the elementary schools most salaries were increased $50. and in the high school and junior high schools in addition to an increase of pay a new salary schedule was adopted. Under this new schedule an opportunity is pre- sented for every high school teacher to advance to a higher sal- ary, both automatically by years of service and by special pro- motion on account of merit. This schedule is in the main an improvement upon the former schedule and is flexible enough to meet the needs of the high school. In the elementary schools, grade teachers had asked for an increase of salary providing a maximum of $1,000. This maximum the Committee did not adopt, but on the other hand, it did not deny the justice and propriety of the request of the elementary teachers that they be given the prospect of this maximum. In view of the increased cost of living it can hardly be doubted that $50, the amount of the increase given to elementary teachers, is insufficient to raise the purchasing power of their salary today to the level of a year or more ago. Moreover the maximum does not compare so favorably with salaries given to teachers in neigh- boring communities as was the case a few years ago. These teachers do not seek positions here now because the cost of living is higher here and the salaries paid are not enough more than they get to overcome the higher cost of living. Under these circumstances it would seem an act of justice and consid- eration to add again $50 to the maximum of the salary of the
97
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
elementary teachers and assistants of the junior high school. I hope the Committee will see its way clear to take this action during the next fiscal year.
Summary.
After recounting the various elements of the school organ- ization, which contributing their special offering to the general undertaking, yet tend towards the common goal, and after giving to each its just measure of recognition, the reviewer must ask, what is the goal sought? What is the outcome of all this endeavor ? What justifies all this outlay, this striving, this hoping ? To give this challenge to the schools is but to transfer to them the question which the thoughtful put to life itself, that greater whole of which the schools are but a part. For the schools are a part of life ; life in its mobile, plastic, impres- sionable age ; in its helpless but helpful age. What is the answer to the riddle of life? Only this :. to live worthily. What is it to live worthily? Only this : to be the best one can, and to help others the most one can. How can the schools reach this goal ? There is no sure and easy route, else the world would not be what it now is these many years along in the Christian era. The answer is to be found in the goal, the materials and the agencies involved ; to use all of the provisions for instruc- tion for the development of the best there is in every individual who goes to school, not alone that he may be better and stronger but also that he may better serve the social whole of which he is a part. Could this but be done by a word of com- mand, how easy the task! Rather is it the task of every hour and day and year of the school life. It is to be done by lessons, by exercises, by admonitions, by encouragements, by strivings, by failures and successes, by unflinching holding on with the goal always in view, the whole undertaking animated, sus- tained and carried on by the spirit of service. By these means shall the schools realize the high purpose of their being. And in the use of these means every element of the school organiza- tion has its own responsible part, for each deals with the human material growing in life, the individual child. By the test of conduct, of character, shall each element determine its success in educating the individual child, and so all children. As human agencies are imperfect, as provisions for so great a work are inadequate, complete success in such an undertaking may not be claimed. But I am glad to record my belief that our schools have this vision, that our teachers are working faithfully and unceasingly to attain this goal and that a large measure of success crowns their work when now, as never before, it is being called upon to show its fruits.
98
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Conclusion.
Looking forward with a view of successfully carrying on the work of the year now closing I wish to lay emphasis by way of recommendation on those things which seem to me the most outstanding among our needs at the present time. Therefore, I recommend :
(1) That an addition be made to the West Somerville Junior High School to be ready for occupancy in September, 1918;
(2) That an addition of six rooms be made to the East Somerville Junior High School to be ready for use in Septem- ber, 1918;
(3) That an increase of $50 be made to the maximum sal- aries of teachers of the elementary and junior high schools ; thereby raising it to $900;
(4) That special effort be made during the coming school year to teach the pupils of the schools facts about the war and to train them in habits of service to the community and the nation .
In closing, I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to all my associates in the schools,-the teachers, principals and masters, and to thank the School Committee, individually and collectively, for the unfailing courtesy and consideration which they have shown me throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES S. CLARK, Superintendent of Schools.
December 28, 1917.
99
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
STATEMENT CONCERNING VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE-1918.
The Vocational Counselors of the Somerville High School beg leave to submit the following report for the year 1917.
The counselor for girls has been at work during the entire vear ; the counselor for boys, since his appointment in Septem- ber. In all the work the counselors recognize with apprecia- tion the assistance of the Faculty Committees on Social Serv- ice and on Vocational Guidance, as well as the co-operation of all the teachers in the development and improvement of the ad- visory system of the school.
Advisory System.
During the year the advisory system has been appreciably strengthened. It is believed that students are not always in a position to choose an adviser wisely in the first year because of lack of acquaintance with the teaching staff. The first year advisers, therefore, are now selected for the students by a com- mittee of teachers, preference being given to the home room teacher. At the end of the first year, the students are free to select an adviser for the remainder of their school career. It is believed that better results will be secured by this method. It is planned to make the adviser assume a greater share of respon- sibility for the individual student. In addition to monthly con- ferences a special period once a month for advisers, parents and pupils, is desirable. During the past year a step forward has been taken by reducing the number of students to each adviser from thirty-five to twenty-five.
Vocational Information.
Vocational information has been given in various ways, as, for instance,
1. Lectures by prominent men and women,
2. In connection with the study of English,
3. In connection with the High School Library, through books on vocations, and catalogues of colleges, schools, etc.
4. Study of Occupations.
Freshman pupils are required to study occupations. Classes meet once every two weeks, and are in charge of the counselors. This arrangement gives the counselors an oppor- tunity to come in contact with every pupil at the beginning of his high school career.
100
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Lecturers who have spoken to the whole or different sec- tions of the school during the past year are as follows : Mar. 14-Dr. L. H. Murlin President Boston University Mar. 21-Mrs. Cora Codman Ely,
Membership Director, Metropolitan Chapter Red Cross Mar. 30-Miss Margaret Dieter Massachusetts General Hospital
Apr. 2-Mr. Charles T. Cahill,
Advertising Manager, United Shoe Machinery Company Apr. 9-Mr. Z. A. Cahoon .... New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. Apr. 23-Mr. Frank P. Speare President Northeastern College
Apr. 26-Mr. Edwin Pride
Certified Public Accountant
Apr. 27-Mr. C. H. Bohlin
The Stenotype Company May 14-Mr. Charles S. Clark,
Superintendent of Schools, Somerville, Massachusetts May 18-Mr. Everett W. Lord,
Dean of the College of Business Administration, Boston University May 25-Miss Helen Merrill, Department of Mathematics, Wellesley College Oct. 29-Mr. Charles W. Hobbs,
Editor and Supervisor of Instruction, Department of University Extension
Nov. 2-Mr. William P. French Representative.
Nov. 5-Mr. W. W. Kennard,
Chairman Accident Industrial Insurance Board
Nov. 12-Mr. Paul Burns Life Insurance Agent. Dec. 18-Mr. James Jackson,
Manager New England Division Red Cross.
Through the English Department Junior Classes have written compositions and prepared talks on the following occu- pations :
Forestry
Bookkeeping
Farming
General Office Work
Salesmanship Dressmaking
Advertising
Domestic Science
Secretarial Work Music
Stenography Nursing
The girls studying Nursing had an opportunity to visit the Massachusetts General Hospital.
College Preparatory pupils have filled out a questionnaire for the Head of the Course, who has talked to the group and has had individual conferences with all those seeking informa- tion.
Placement Work.
During the period between September, 1916 and June, 1917, 544 pupils were interviewed, and twenty-six pupils placed in satisfactory positions.
101
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
September, 1916 to June, 1917.
Number of Pupils Interviewed
Class
Girls
Boys
Total
Girls
Number of Pupils Placed Boys
Total
1921A
33
33
1920B
119
13
132
1
1
2
1920A
8
7
15
1919B
63
32
95
3
1
4
1919A
14
6
20
1
1
2
1918B
126
21
147
2
1
3
1918A
6
5
11
7
4
11
Post Graduates
5
2
7
1
1
2
425
119
544
15
11
26
September, 1917 to December, 1917.
Number of pupils interviewed
500
Number of pupils placed
in permanent or
temporary
positions
105
Total number of interviews
1044
Total number of pupils placed in permanent or temporary positions 131
Leaving School.
The cases of pupils leaving school have been carefully examined. The causes discovered are as follows :
September to December, 1917.
Boys
Girls
Total
To go to work
18
6
24
Moved
4
13
17
Gone to other schools
3
4
7
Ill health
1
3
4
Enlistment
3
3
Left because of failure, etc.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.