USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1920 > Part 5
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 | Part 26 | Part 27
HIGHLAND, CUTLER, LINCOLN, LOWE.
High School. - Bradley, Hawes, Fitzpatrick, Codding, Stoodley, Morri- son, Cholerton.
Finance. - Stoodley, Bradley, Fitzpatrick, Codding, Tripp, Morrison, Cholerton, Eldridge, Rice.
Text-Books and Courses of Study. - Muldoon, Miss Turner, McCarthy, Boyer, Tripp, Chapman, Curtis. Industrial Education. - Tripp, Boyer, Fitzpatrick, Muldoon, Miss Tur- ner, Chapman, Curtis.
School Accommodations. - Codding, Chapman, McCarthy, Bradley, Hawes, Stoodley, Cholerton, Eldridge, Rice.
Teachers. - Cholerton, Muldoon, Codding, Miss Turner, Morrison. Health, Physical Training and Athletics. - Morrison, Curtis, McCarthy, Muldoon, Boyer, Tripp, Stoodley.
Rules and Regulations. - Hawes, McCarthy, Bradley.
90
ANNUAL REPORTS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee : -
Hereby is submitted a report of the public schools for the school year ended June 30 and for the municipal year 1920. The report covers the work of the schools, and statistical tables giving facts concerning membership and expenses. The statis- tical tables are prepared for the school year ended June 30 in order to correspond with the reports made to the State Board of Education, but other facts to correspond with the municipal year are also presented.
Membership
There has been an increase in the membership of the schools during the past year. This increase shows equally well under the headings of average membership, enrollment, or present membership, although the numbers under those head- ings vary. A comparison between the membership in the schools in December, 1920, and December, 1919, is as follows :
Elementary including Kinder-
Vo-
High
Junior High
gartens cational
Total
In- crease
December
1920
1692
3168
8630
121
13,611
444
December
1919
1618
2937
8517
95
13,167
Teachers
A similar comparison for teachers is as follows :
High
Junior High 112
Elementary including Kinder- gartens
Vo- cational
Total Decrease
December
1920
65
226
10
413
1
December
1919
65
113
226
10
414
Twenty-eight teachers were elected during the year, dis- tributed as follows : High School 4, Junior High School 6, Elementary schools 13, Vocational school 1, Continuation school 4.
Fifteen teachers resigned, - 4 to be married, 7 to accept better paying positions; the remainder for various other rea- sons. This statement shows a greater stability in the teaching corps during 1920 than in any other of the last few years. This change is doubtless due to two causes; first, to improved
1
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
salary schedules, second, to the return to more normal busi- ness conditions since the close of the war. It is to be hoped that this stability may continue so that the schools may have the benefit of uninterrupted service of competent teachers.
Elementary Schools
The elementary schools comprise all the classes below the seventh grade. Their function is to teach the tools of knowl- edge and to train the pupils in civic obligations, in the rules and practice of health, and in appreciation of the arts of mu- sic and drawing. In connection with these undertakings and as the purpose of them all, it is the function of these schools to train the pupils in regard for the right and in abhorrence of the wrong; in short, to mold the character of the youth and to make them self-dependent and upright.
In these schools are laid the foundations of learning and the foundations of habit. It is important, therefore, that ade- quate provision should be made to insure their successful oper- ation. Among the most important of these provisions are good teachers, good school rooms and school furnishings, a proper ratio of pupils to a teacher, and a well planned and adequate curriculum of studies. These conditions have prevailed in the elementary schools during the past year. Some improvements have been planned and partially put into effect during that time.
Among these is the introduction in all grades of specific instruction in civics, and in United States history in ac- cordance with the provisions of an enactment of the State Legislature made in May, 1920. A revision of the course of study in arithmetic has also been made and committees are being formed for the revision of the other courses of study. New editions of the text books in use are being furnished in replacement of older editions. The principals and teachers are working enthusiastically and good results are being se- cured.
While it is undoubtedly true that more is demanded of the schools today in the way of variety and extent of service than was ever asked of them before, it is also true beyond a doubt that never was there a time when the schools responded more successfully or more vigorously to their task than they do today.
Secondary Schools
In 1918 the Department of the Interior, bureau of educa- tion, issued a bulletin entitled "Cardinal Principles of Sec-
92
ANNUAL REPORTS.
ondary Education." This was a report of the commission on the re-organization of secondary education appointed by the National Education association.
By reason of the reputation of its members, the nature of its appointment, its affiliation with many other committees dealing with the organization and administration of secondary schools, this commission has spoken with greater authority than that which attaches to the utterances of a single individ- ual however eminent in educational thinking. After discuss- ing the changes which have taken place in American life dur- ing the past decade and the changes that have occurred during the past 25 years in secondary school population of the United States, the commission proposes the following as the main ob- jectives that should guide education in a democracy :
(1) health, (2) command of fundamental processes, (3) worthy home membership, (4) vocation, (5) citizenship, (6) worthy use of leisure, (7) ethical character. While applying these objectives to the whole process of education the com- mission deals specifically with the problem of re-organizing secondary education so as best to promote the attainment of these objectives. It favors such a re-organization of secondary education that it may be defined as applying to all pupils of approximately 12 to 18 years of age.
It favors the division of the six years devoted to secondary education into two periods, the junior and senior. "In the jun- ior period emphasis should be placed upon the attempt to help the pupil to explore his own aptitudes and to make at least provisional choice of the kinds of work to which he will devote himself. In the senior period emphasis should be given to train- ing in the fields thus chosen. This distinction lies at the basis of the organization of junior and senior high schools."
Our junior and senior high schools correspond with the or- ganization recommended in the report of the commission. Each of the objectives is recognized as a "cardinal principle" in the management of the schools but equal advancement has not been made in all of them. Where the advancement is the smallest is in the case of the objectives which have not been so generally emphasized as important functions of secondary education.
As an illustration of the change of sentiment in these particulars, may be cited the action of the Massachusetts Leg- islature already referred to requiring the study of American history and civics in all public elementary and high schools and the proposition to make physical training and health in- struction compulsory in the public schools.
93
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Junior High Schools
The Junior High schools have had a year of uninterrupted and successful work. In the main the teaching corps was the same as that of the previous year and consisted of teach- ers who had had one or more years of experience in their sub- jects. The organization of the schools had become so well managed as to provide a good medium for the teaching forces of the schools. The courses of study were well understood. The things to be undertaken and the methods to be employed were known. Consequently the work of the year was as a whole the best since the establishment of the Junior High schools.
As an evidence of the holding power of the Junior High school the facts about promotion in June are given below. It should be borne in mind in considering these figures that many children become 14 years of age during the eighth school year and consequently are legally free to leave school. Be- tween the eighth and ninth year, or between the grammar school and the high school, is the time when many children drop out. Another danger period is that between the ninth and tenth year, or the first and second year of the high school .. The figures given below relate to those two transition points.
Eighth Grade Promotions
Promotion from the eighth grade to the ninth grade in the Junior High School corresponds to the promotion from the last grade of grammar school to the High School.
No. in
No. promoted
No. Entering Grade 9 in Sep-
School
Class in June to Grade 9 tember, 1920
Eastern Junior High
137
134
125
Southern Junior High
233
228
215
Northern Junior High
215
204
204
Western Junior High
351
331
336
936
897
880
Ninth Grade Promotions
Promotion from the ninth grade to the tenth is the promo- tion from the Junior High School to the Senior High School. The tenth grade corresponds to the second year of a four year High School.
No. certified
No. to High entering School High School Grade 10 Sept., 1920
Eastern Junior High
113
101
101
93
Southern Junior High
.
209
200
200
157
Northern Junior High
169
164
160
148
Western Junior High
251
240
239
226
742
705
700
624
School
No. in class in June
No. given diplomas
1
94
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Senior High School
The senior high school provides training for the pupil in the field which he has chosen. The curriculums prepare for- higher institutions, for work in special vocation, and for a general training upon which future specialization may be built. Each of these curriculums is well organized and taught by competent teachers. The opportunity for success is open to- every serious student.
During the last school year, the work of the school was. conducted with fewer interruptions and distractions than had been the case for the past few years. As a consequence more- satisfactory work was accomplished in all departments of the school. The graduates in 1920 compared favorably with those in any previous year whether in preparation for higher in- stitutions of learning or in preparation for business pursuits.
There are difficulties, however, in the way of meeting fully the objectives above outlined which grow out of the limitations of time and space. The school day is too short to permit devot- ing an adequate amount of time to physical training. As a con- sequence, this important objective of secondary education is. slighted.
The school occupies the plant so completely that some ac- tivities which ought to be conducted are omitted or are con- ducted in a cramped manner. An illustration of the latter is the school bank and the office practice work of the commercial department. The lack of time could be remedied by making a reasonable addition to the length of the school day. For the . lack of room, there is no remedy at present.
Boys' Vocational School
Several new features have characterized the conduct of the Vocational School for Boys during the past year. The first of these is the loan by the United States Government of machine equipment valued at approximately $25,000.
These machines were received in the early part of the year- and were set up in the building used by the machine shop. The second of these events was an arrangement made by the School Committee with the Federal Board for Vocational Edu- cation whereby disabled service men are to receive instruc- tion in the trades which the school teaches.
As a consequence of this arrangement, approximately 60. men have been received in the shop and have been trained for various periods. The purpose of this work is to qualify these men to go out into the trades and become self-support- ing.
Another distinctive feature of the year is the fact that the:
95
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
attendance of boys has increased so that now there is a waiting list in the automobile and machine departments. Two new in- structors, one a machinist and one a teacher of mechanical drawing, have been employed and a thoroughly equipped room for mechanical drawing has been provided. This school is now in the most prosperous condition that it has had since its opening.
Household Arts Department
In the fall of 1919 it was deemed wise, on account of the lessening number of pupils, to transfer the Girls' Vocational School from the building on Atherton street to the High School building. Accordingly the school was established in rooms in the east wing of the High School building, and was there con- ducted during the school year ended June 30, 1920.
Eleven girls were graduated but the number remaining in the school was too small to justify its continuance as a sepa- rate organization another year. The decline of this school has been coincident with the period of disturbed social and eco- nomic conditions which have attended the world war. Girls have readily found employment during this period, and the high wages paid coupled with the necessities due to the high cost of living have induced them to leave school as soon as they could.
The school has not been able to hold these girls against such attractions of employment, and consequently the at- tendance has diminished. The School Committee, however, was reluctant to abolish this type of work which has been so successfully conducted in the Girls' Vocational School. Con- sequently it took advantage of the provisions of the statutes enabling it to establish in the High School a department of Household Arts, to be conducted in co-operation with the State Board of Education.
Girls who take the work of this department devote one half of their time to Household Arts and the other half to academic subjects. This course is open to pupils in the third year of the junior high school as well as to girls in the senior high school. Like other courses in the curriculum it leads to a diploma. Graduates of this course are eligible for admis- sion to the vocational courses for teachers at the Framingham Normal School, and will be qualified for profitable employment in the line of work which they have pursued in this course.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens form a part of the school system in most progressive communities. In Somerville there are four kin- dergartens, located in 'Wards I, II, and IV, which were pro-
96
ANNUAL REPORTS.
vided more than a dozen years ago. During the interval since- the establishment of the last one, requests have been made- for kindergartens in various parts of the city.
These requests have been denied partly because of the ex- pense involved and partly because for the most of the time- there have been no vacant rooms available for this use. Recent- ly the School Committee has been asked to open a kindergarten. in the Bingham School, and informal requests have been pre -- sented for one in the western part of the city.
When the existing kindergartens were established the school system consisted of 13 grades, the kindergarten mak- ing the fourteenth. Now the system consists of 12 grades, one- year having been taken off the course below the high school.
Under these circumstances it is all the more reasonable: to provide kindergartens whenever it is possible to do so. Kin- dergartens have effectively demonstrated their usefulness. It is- undoubtedly desirable that there should be at least one kinder- garten in every ward in the city.
Continuation School
According to the forecast made in the last report a con -- tinuation school was organized and made ready for the open- ing of the school year in September. Careful examination of the conditions affecting the youth for whom the school was in- tended was made before the plans for the school were adopted ..
From this examination it appeared that there were over a thousand minors between fourteen and sixteen years of age- who were at work by authority of an employment certificate. Of this number by far the larger number were employed outside- of Somerville. As under the provisions of Chapter 311, General Acts of 1919, minors must attend continuation school in the- place where they work, only those who were employed in Som- erville were eligible for attendance in the local continuation school.
It was found that there were about 150, of whom about 50 were girls and 100 boys. Since this number was not large enough to make it necessary to use a separate building for this. school, considerations of economy dictated placing it in a school building where overhead charges could be reduced and where the expenses of installing new equipment could be avoid- ed by using that already provided.
Arrangements were therefore made to conduct this school afternoons and to place it in the high school building. One of the manual training rooms was put at the disposal of the- boys and one of the domestic science rooms was given to the- girls. It was determined that the program of studies should.
.
97
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
be divided about equally between academic and practical arts subjects.
A director and three teachers, two men and one woman, were employed. When the school opened in September there was a good market for child labor and as a consequence the number of children who were out of school and at work was above the normal.
At the present time, however, minors are being "laid off" and are out of employment. Such minors must, under the law, attend school in the place where they reside. Most of them prefer to go to the continuation school rather than to return to the day school while waiting for a new job. Such pupils are required to attend continuation school 20 hours a week. About 50 of these minors have been added to the membership of the school.
Should this condition continue, it will have a material ef- fect upon the plans of the school, as the problem of the twenty- hour pupils is distinct from the problem of the four-hour pupil. It involves a larger provision of room, instruction and equipment. A temporary teacher of academic subjects for the girls' classes should be provided for the opening of the schools after the holidays.
Americanization Work
Since September work in Americanization has been given an impetus by the action of the Board in appointing a Director to have supervision of this work and by the opening of addi- tional classes. There are now in operation 9 classes for adults who are seeking instruction in our speech and customs. These classes are enthusiastic and are all making good progress. There is likelihood that several more classes can be formed when schools reopen after the holidays.
It is planned to provide instruction whenever a group can be brought together for this purpose. Such classes may be held in factories, in homes, and club rooms, as well as in school buildings, and may meet in the day time as well as in the even- ing. This work is being carried on in co-operation with the Americanization Division of the State Department of Edu- cation.
Evening Schools
Evening schools were conducted this fall with the follow- ing classification : High School in the High School building; Elementary Schools in the Bell and Highland School buildings ; Industrial classes for Men in the Boys' Vocational School;
1
98
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Practical Arts classes for Women in the High and Western Junior High School buildings ; Americanization classes in four elementary school buildings.
Elementary schools have had a reduced attendance, partly on account of the opening of the Continuation School, which takes some pupils who would otherwise attend at night. The evening high school has maintained classes in commercial sub- jects, mechanical and free-hand drawing, Civil Service and Eng- lish. These classes have been well attended and have developed a good interest throughout the term. As only experienced and capable teachers are employed, the work has been of a high order.
Industrial classes for men have been carried on at the Boys' Vocational School two nights a week. Classes have been formed in automobile repair and in machine shop work. Four instructors have been employed and the work is conducted in co-operation with the State Board of Education.
In practical arts classes for women instruction has been given in dressmaking and in millinery. These classes were very large and have met a very obvious need. Difficulty in securing teachers for these classes alone prevented opening additional ones.
Credits For Music
The study of vocal music has long been a part of the cur- riculum of the public schools and as such has had the help of special instructors. The ability to teach vocal music has been one of the qualifications of teachers in elementary schools. Textbooks and pianos have been provided to aid in this in- struction. The place of instruction in vocal music in public schools is secure.
The results of the teaching of music have entered into the life and character of the nation. A remarkable demonstration of the fundamental spiritual value of music was given when during the period of the world war the whole nation as well as our soldiers sang and played the songs which stirred the people and raised their ideals and purposes to a lofty plain. That with the removal of the strain of war there should be a re- lapse in this emotional display is wholly natural, but such a relapse does not detract at all from the significance of music as an element in the life of a people.
The lesson, if one were needed, is that music is a serious pursuit and one which should be encouraged in all proper ways. In youth is the time to begin the study of instrumental music. Parents recognize this fact and provide, often times at great sacrifices, opportunities for their children to begin to
99
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
play. The more serious the effort of the child in such a study, the greater is the draft upon his time.
With the increase of demands for study made by the school as the child progresses in years, there comes a conflict be- tween the requirements of the school for outside work and the demands of the study of music. Under these circumstances, promising students in music are frequently compelled to drop such study during a period of their school life. Sometimes this results in the pupil's abandoning such study after a favorable beginning has been made.
These considerations have induced many school systems to provide a way whereby outside study of music may be offered to take the place of some of the studies in the school cur- riculum. By this means children who wish to study music seri- ously at home may be permitted to do so and still carry on their school work unimpaired. The Somerville School Com- mittee in June of this year, after due consideration, adopted a plan which was designed to give to students of the high and junior high schools the benefit of credits for outside study of music.
This plan was put into effect with good results at the opening of the schools in September. In view of the short notice concerning the provisions of this plan given the high school pupils, the number taking advantage of the opportunity is large. In October 92 pupils had registered for credits in music. Of this number 69 are studying the piano; 11 the violin ; 4 are studying the cornet; 1 the drum; 1 the trumpet, and 6 are taking vocal lessons. 61 different teachers are repre- sented in this group. In the junior high school a correspond- ing response has been made. This plan then is well begun and promises to grow in importance.
Larger provision should undoubtedly be made for the study of instrumental music in connection with the work in the high and junior high schools. Already in these schools there are orchestras, which are attempting to do serious work. That their efforts are meeting with success is shown by the fact that there is a constant request for the services of these or- ganizations at meetings of parent-teachers' associations and other associations of a similar nature.
In the high school a military band is conducted and there is a boys' fife and drum corps and one composed of girls. These organizations have taken a conspicuous part in school out- door events and as such are a valuable asset to the general ac- tivities of the school. There are in the senior and junior high schools glee clubs which train the children in concerted singing.
The efficiency of the instrumental music in the high and junior high schools would be greatly increased by making a
100
ANNUAL REPORTS.
definite provision in the program of study for this work as is now made for vocal music. The plan adopted by the School Committee for giving credits for outside study of music is as follows :
I. That a pupil belonging to the High School orchestra, band, or any other instrumental school organization having weekly rehearsals, may receive one (1) diploma point credit per year if, in the judgment of the teacher in charge, he has been regular in attendance and faithful to his work.
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.