USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1922 > Part 25
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Through the interest of a member of the School Com- mittee arrangements were made last year with the trustees of the Somerville Hospital to hold classes in home nursing at the hospital. These classes were held once a week for three months, the nurse in charge of the training class there giving the lessons to the different school groups. The les- sons wore of the most practical kind, dealing with the care of the patient in the home, and covering the twelve parts of the modified Red Cross course; the cause and prevention of disease, personal hygiene, equipment of a sick room, care of bed and bedding, bed-making with and without the patient,
359
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
baths of different kinds, utensils and methods used in a sick 100m, hot and cold appliances, child care, emergencies, and first aid. In three cases where there was illness the lessons were put to immediate use at home. Great enthusiasm was shown by all the girls for this course, and by some of their mothers as well, who were interested enough to send in ques- tions, and one even volunteered to take her baby for the demonstration of bathing the baby.
New courses have been added this year for the senior class, one in the study of occupations open to the high school graduate. This is a short course covering half a year and deals with the types of employment, the preparation, skill, and knowledge needed by each, and the qualifications neces- sary for each type. The questions of unemployment, seasonal occupations, and "blind alley jobs" are also studied. We feel this to be an important study for pupils who are to earn their living and who take ignorantly anything that offers without knowing what the demands of a position are or whether they are fitted for it especially.
Another half-year course is the study and care of cloth- ing. This covers the following points: the making of per- sonal expense accounts, personal clothing budgets, study of textile fabrics from the standpoint of the individual ward- robe in renovating garments, how to purchase clothing, reno- vating and remodelling clothing, and care and repair of clothing. The making of a clothing budget is the basis for this study.
Closely related to this is the course in household ac- counts which deals with the family budget and the plan- ning and furnishing of a home, with emphasis on the costs and the appropriate selection of furniture and furnishings. The girls have little or no knowledge of the family finances, so a teaching base is made from data collected of the actual experiences of families in the seven problems that are stud- ied.
These problems are :
The school girl's account book which is kept daily by each pupil.
A personal account kept by those giris who are earn- ing money outside of school hours, and a simple budget plan- ned on these experiences.
A budget of ume for girls working at home after school hours.
A budget of household expenses for the girl in charge of the home.
The problem of the young couple who before mar- riage are working and who are keeping an individual expense
360
ANNUAL REPORTS.
account in order to save a certain amount to begin house- keeping.
Problem of whoi can be bought with these savings.
Problem of housekeeping budget after marriage.
Graduates from the Household Arts Course have various opportunities for employment and an idea of what higher institutions offer in the way of advanced training. The class- es are small and one learns to know the girls intimately so that it is possible to advise and suggest what is the best course to follow after graduation. Catalogues of different training schools are studied. Some schools recognize the Household Arts Course in a high school and give credit for time spent on this vocational work.
There are innumerable positions for the graduates as dressmakers' assistants. There are opportunities for girls working into business for themselves; also by keeping the trade contact, and with professional improvement, taking po- sitions as instructors of vocational subjects in evening schools, where there are more positions offered than applicants to fill them.
Although miliinery is seasonal, opportunities are many in first class shops if a girl is willing to begin at the bottom and work to gain speed.
Tea rooms offer positions as waitresses, where hours are short, pay excellent, and the conditions good; but except for a few there is no advancement. They offer excellent train- ing for girls who wish to open their own tea rooms, where there is little expense but much profit.
The study and preparation of foods helps in positions re- sulting from hospital training and public health nursing. framingham is also offering a special course for training teachers for vocational subjects.
Household Arts as an Elective in the High School
The number selecting dressmaking this year is about the same as last year-170. One important change has been made by the elimination of cotton dresses from the Sopho- more year, and the substitution of the making of woolen dresses, except in cases where pupils have not had two years of dressmaking in the junior high schools. This means that advanced work can be done, and the waste of repetition re- moved as far as possible.
Last year the approximate cost of all material used in the elective course was $1805.12 and the estimated market value of the garments $3895.00. Following is a list of the garments made: 96 voile and organdy dresses including 40
361
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
graduation dresses; 98 gingham dresses; 46 serge dresses ; 32 silk dresses; 29 separate skirts, wool and satin; 3 polo coats, 24 separate blouses, including voile and satin; 10 coat suits including 3 linen and 1 velvet; 3 velvet dresses.
Sixty have elected cooking this year. The class work is planned as last year, the pupils preparing the food served at lunch time to the teachers.
Household Arts in the Junior High Schools
Sewing is taught in the first year, continuing progres- sively from the graded schools, and in the second and third years cotton dresses are made. If dressmaking is elected the third year, woolen dresses are made when entering the High School, otherwise a cotton dress must be completed first.
Each junior high school had a most creditable fashion show last year when the pupils exhibited the dresses they had made by wearing them to a meeting of the Parents' Associa- tion.
Preparing a lunch for the teachers supplies a practical outlet for lessons in cooking. The food is prepared and cooked by the different classes, served to teachers, and when conditions permit, to pupils. While it is felt that this meal preparation is the best way to teach cooking because it is of immediate benefit to girls who are obliged to prepare meals at home without any assistance, it has its disadvantages when first and third year pupils are in the same class, and where advanced pupils who ought to have the experience of pre- paring lunch, are sometimes obliged to have lessons after lunch when there is nothing but the cleaning to be done.
At the Western Junior High School a lunch room was opened two years ago for the pupils, in charge of a compe- tent woman, where hot food at a low price could be pur- chased. The extra food prepared by the regular cooking classes is also served here, and it is hoped that when the new lunch room is properly equipped for cooking, a greater variety of foods can be served, and a greater number accom- modated.
Household Arts in the Graded Schools
The teachers remain the same for the sewing classes, ex- cept for one part-time teacher who takes the place of a teacher regularly appointed to another position.
The course of study has not been changed, but again emphasis has been placed on the proper implements to use in sewing, and the correct position for sewing and for light,
362
ANNUAL REPORTS.
rather than the completion of a definite number of articles. The required articles made in the 5th grade are a sewing bag, needle book, and pincushion, with an optional list which the teachers may use at their discretion.
In the 6th grade a cooking apron, uniform in style for all schools, is made, the material and ornamentation varying to suit individual preferences. Other sewing is optional when this has been completed. The aprons are used through the junior high schools where caps are made in the special style adopted by that school. The course of sewing develops through grades, junior high school, and senior high school, and covers the best processes of sewing accepted by the best training schools.
Household Arts in Evening Schools
The registration for dressmaking and millinery classes this year exceeded the accommodations or the number of available teachers. Those registering at the High School numbered 130 when 100 could be accommodated; those at the Western Junior High School 71 with an accommodation for 60. Waiting lists were formed at both schools, and the classes were filled in from these as pupils dropped out.
The classes are organized on the "unit" system, each unit of twenty lessons being complete in itself, and yet so ar- ranged that the complete instruction in either dressmaking or millinery covers two years. These short units have been arranged because evening school attendance through the whole winter has not always been possible with the home- maker who is often absent because of illness, church, and so- cial engagements. This lack of attendance because of outside interests is the biggest problem of evening schools, for when a social engagement conflicts with school, the school suffers, and it is difficult to keep the attendance above 85%. Last year the attendance for the eight classes was 81.3%.
Even with this irregularity of attendance there has al- ways been the greatest interest shown by those in the eve- ning classes, and appreciation of all that the teachers have given in the way of instruction. The standard of workman- ship is as high as any in the State-aided evening schools. Last year 350 hats were finished at a cost of $1508.08 and a market valuation of $5789.50.
There were three dressmaking classes where 94 dresses were made at a cost of $532.88 and a valuation of $1751.75. Besides these there were a number of dresses and hats not brought in for examination, the pupils dropping out of the course as soon as they had completed one article.
363
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
For the most part the working conditions are good. The rooms are large and well lighted, and tables take the place of school desks.
This year the first unit offered was the making of a wool- en dress instead of a cotton one, as cotton dresses are so simply made with a good pattern and instruction guide, and it was felt that the interest would be held better by offering instruction on woolen materials. The second unit offers in- struction in sport clothes, and the third and fourth units remain the same as last year.
In the first unit of millinery, construction and proc- esses of making were considered in making small model hats of buckram. We tried to have the essential thing the mil- linery principles that could be applied to all kinds of hats, rather than the making of many hats. In all classes a regu- lar order of progressive steps has been carried on; the selec- tion of hats to suit the individual, the construction of a frame, the stitches used for different parts, the making of ornaments and flowers, and the completion of two hats for application.
High School Lunch Room
In the management of the lunch room the aim has always been to have wholesome food prepared in our own kitchens and sold at a reasonable price. This year it was found pos- sible to lower the selling price in spite of the fact that all overhead expenses except for gas and electricity are covered in the selling price of food. These include the salaries paid manager, helpers and pupils, new equipment necessary each year, and the maintenance cost of paper towels and napkins, lunch checks, and kitchen supplies.
The menu offers a variety each day. There are served three kinds of sandwiches, two to three hot dishes, two des- serts, besides ice cream, individual bottles of milk, and choco- late bars.
There is no way of estimating the number of pupils ser- ved a day ; but an average would be between 700 and 800 with considerably more on stormy days. As we have an open re- cess it is encouraging to see how many use the lunch room.
In the teachers' lunch room sixty are served a day in two periods. The food is prepared in the morning preceding the lunch period by the pupils electing this course.
For the year closing last June the receipts were $7725.70 for the two lunch rooms, and the expenses $7723.11.
It is hoped that before another year the large lunch room
364
ANNUAL REPORTS.
can be made more attractive by having the walls whitened, and the dangers resulting from a wet concrete floor elimi- nated ..
In submitting my report I should like to add that the activities in all these departments are being carried out suc- cessfully, owing to the interest of the pupils and the ready cooperation of the teachers.
Very truly yours, MARY HENLEIGH BROWN,
Director.
December, 1922.
Statement Showing Distribution of High School Pupils by Subjects
DECEMBER 1922
Subject
Total
English
·
.
.
.
.
718
History
1245
Latin
383
French
828
German
29
Spanish
412
Greek
23
Algebra
429
Geometry
1261
Trigonometry
42
Chemistry
336
Physics .
274
Astronomy and Geology
33
Biology
84
Physiology
393
Bookkeeping
372
Stenography
643
Typewriting
652
Penmanship
770
Commerce and Industry
339
Salesmanship
171
Arithmetic
149
Commercial Law
106
Manual Training
176
Mechanical Drawing
324
Freehand Drawing
155
Cooking
65
Sewing
169
Arts and Crafts
26
Household Arts
65
.
.
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
.
.
Elocution
.
1961
365
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
HIGH SCHOOL. Number of Graduates Entering Higher Institutions. September, 1922
Bates College'
1
Normal Schools
Boston College
6
Bridgewater
4
Boston University
Framingham
2
Business Administration 4
Lowell
1
Liberal Arts
3
Normal Art
9
Secretarial Science 9
Salem
9
Law 2
Northeastern College
6
Dartmouth College
4
Radcliffe College
7
Emerson College
2
Simmons College
7
Harvard University
6
Smith College
2
Jackson College
6
Tufts
Lasell Seminary
1
College
17
Lowell Textile School
2
Pre-Medical
4
Mass. Agricultural College
2
Pre-Dental 2
Mass. Institute of Technology
10
Wheaton College
2
Mt. Holyoke College 1
N. H. State College
1
Total
132
"FOLLOW-UP" INFORMATION REGARDING GRADUATES OF CLASS OF 1921 (Compiled March 1922) BY COURSES
Com- Col- Nor- Gen- Scien-
Continuing at College
mercial lege mal eral tific Total
Amherst College .
1
1
Boston College
4
1
5
Boston University
8
9
1
18
Dartmouth College
2
2
4
Emerson College of Oratory
2
2
Harvard College
10
10
Holy Angels College
1
1
Jackson College
1
1
Mass. Inst. of Technology
8
8
New Hampshire State College
1
1
2
Northeastern College
1
5
6
Radcliffe
3
3
Rhode Island State College
1
1
2
St. Charles College
1
1
St. Francis Xavier College
1
1
Simmons College
3
3
Tufts College
2
7
9
Tufts Pre-Medical School
2
2
4
University of Vermont
1
1
Wheaton College .
1
1
Continuing at Special Schools
Gordon College
1
1
Mass. School of Osteopathy
1
1
Mass. College of Pharmacy
2
2
4
N. E. Conservatory of Music
2
2
366
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Continuing at Normal Schools
Com- Col- mercial lege mal
Nor-
Gen- eral
Scien- tific Total
Boston Normal School
1
1
Bridgewater Normal School
2
2
Framingham Normal School
1
1
2
Lesley Kindergarten School
1
1
Lowell . Normal School
1
1
Salem Normal School .
2
7
2
1
12
Sargent School of Phy. Educa.
3
1
3
7
Continuing at Art Schools
Mass. Normal Art School .
3
1
2
6
Museum Art School
1
1
Continuing at Secondary Schools
Brown & Nichols School
1
1
Tabor Academy
·
1
1
Other Secondary Schools
3
6
4 2 15
Continuing at Commercial Schools
Bentley School of Accounting .
1
1
Bryant & Stratton School .
1
1
Burdett Commercial School ·
2
1
1
4
Chandler Secretarial School
8
1
3
12
Comptometer School .
2
2
Farnsworth Business School
1
1
Fisher Business School
.
1
1 -
In Gainful Occupations
Bookkeeper
6
6
Chemist
1
1
Elliott-Fisher Billing Mach. Oper.
1
1
Bond Recorder
22
3
1
26
Cornetist
1
1
Dentist's Assistant
1
1
Electrician .
1
1
Hairdresser
1
1
Milkman
1
1
Newspaper Reporter
1
1
Organist
1
1
Pianist
1
1
Printer
1
1
Public Librarian
1
1
Salesgirl
1
1
Salesman
4
1
3
2
10
Salesmanager
1
1
Stenographer
35
1
36
Telephone Operator
6
1
Teacher
1
1
.
·
1
1
Cierk
.
·
367
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Com- Col-
Nor- Gen- mal eral
Scien- tific Total
Teacher (music)
2
2
Typist .
4
1
5
Working (unknown)
3
2
5
Y. M. C. A. Worker
1
1
At home
17
3
1
21
Not heard from
7
4
1
4
23
Total
142
84
9
40
46
321
Highest
Lowest
Average Salary
Salary
Salary
Received
Received
Boys
$23.00
$12.00
$17.00
Girls
. 22.50
10.00
14.63
SOMERVILLE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION 1922-1923
President, Joseph S. Hawthorne
S George M. Hosmer
Vice-Presidents, Eleanor W. Nolan
Secretary-Treasurer, Annie G. Merrill Executive Committee Charles S. Clark, Ex-Officio
Bernice O. Newborg, High Alice B. Frye, Pope
Elizabeth J. Mooney, Eastern Jr. Arthur E. Gordon, Southern Jr. Anna R. Walsh, Northern Jr.
Alice E. Morang, Burns Ethel F. Morang, Proctor Helen L. Galvin, Brown
Sue A. Fitzpatrick, Baxter
Eva M. Barrows, Highland
Clara G. Hegan, Lowe
Alice A. Libbey, Cutler
Lillian M. Wentworth, Lincoln
Eleanor W. Nolan, Edgerly Monira C. Gregory, Glines Elizabeth J. O'Neil, Bingham Florence M. Hopkins, Western Jr. Susie L. Luce, Carr Philip J. Heffernan, Boys' Voca. Helen T. Smith, Morse Everett W. Ireland, Continuation Mary Winslow, Durell Grace E. Allen, Prescott Nellie W. McPheters, Hanscom Kate B. Gifford, Bennett
Mary T. McCarthy, Knapp Mary A. Mullin, Perry Katherine M. Fox, Cummings
The meetings held under the auspices of this association in the year 1922 were as follows :
February 8, 1922-Dr. Teyhi Hsieh, representative from the Arms Conference. Subject: "The Spirit of New China and Her Aspirations at Washington." Musical program by Apollo Quartette.
April 20, 1922-Informal Social. Entertainment by the MacDowell Quartette, assisted by Mrs. Bailey Hicks, Reader.
November 21, 1922-Donald B. MacMillan, Lecturer. Subject: "In Unknown Baffin Land," illustrated by moving pictures.
mercial lege
368
ANNUAL REPORTS.
SOMERVILLE TEACHERS' CLUB Officers, 1922-1923
President, Miss Clara G. Hegan
S Mrs. Mary B. Soule
Vice-Presidents, ¿ Miss Harriet E. Tuell
Recording Secretary, Miss Irene Vincent Corresponding Secretary, Miss Bernice Newborg
Treasurer, Mrs. Berthia M. Morton
Auditor, Miss Mary H. Joyce
Object
The object shall be to secure a close union among the women teachers in Somerville ; to promote the spirit of mutual helpfulness ; to advance professional interests; to create a deeper sense of the dignity of the profession; to unite the interests of the home and school.
Program
January 9-Operalogue "Lohengrin." Mr. Havran Hubbard.
January 18-Open Meeting. Lecture by David Vaughan, D. D. Mu- sic, Madame Florence Ferrell, Soprano.
January 23-Operalogue "Monna Vanna." Mr. Havrah Hubbard. February 15-Club Dramatics.
March 15-Open Meeting-Lecture "100% Man." Babb.
Mr. T. Franklin
May 10-Annual Meeting. Speaker, Margaret Slattery.
October 11-Dramatics. Social Evening.
November 8-Illustrated Lecture "South America." Albert Leonard Squier.
December 8, 9-Christmas Market.
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION The Annual Report of Treasurer Jan. 1, 1923
Receipts:
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1922
$1,231 63
Baseball games .
1,583 37
Football games .
.
.
5,966 05
Membership fees . .
158 50
Interest on bank deposit .
18 12
Miscellaneous
116 30
.
.
.
.
$9,073 97
369
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Expenditures:
Athletic supplies
2,204 96
Medical supplies and services .
306 73
Paid to visiting teams
1,520 43
Officials
361 00
Police
577 00
Assistance at games
140 00
Printing
136 68
Postage
9 50
Telephone calls
8 70
Transportation
207 85
Coaching
200 00
Treasurer's salary
400 00
Dues to Athletic Associations .
19 00
Special expenses
281 70
Miscellaneous expenses
.
119 83
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1923
$6,493 38 $2,580 59
GEORGE E. PEARSON,
Treasurer.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS of the SOMERVILLE TEACHERS' COUNCIL 1922
Article I
Name
The Organization shall be called the Somerville Teachers' Council.
Article II Purpose
To provide a means of recording the expression of opin- ion of teachers on problems affecting the schools, the chil- dren, and the teachers.
To furnish information and opinions of the teaching staff upon questions submitted by the School Board, the Superin- tendent of Schools, or initiated by the Council.
370
ANNUAL REPORTS.
For the introduction of recommendations concerning any of the problems affecting the welfare of the schools.
To establish and expedite means of communication be- tween the teaching body, the Superintendent of Schools, and the School Board.
To secure a more active participation of the teachers in the professional direction of the schools.
To foster a spirit of dignity and responsibility in the teaching staff by employing its experience and judgment in school affairs.
Article III
The Council shall be allowed absolute freedom in its debates and deliberations.
Article IV
The organization of the Council as set forth in this con- stitution shall be sanctioned by the Superintendent of Schools and the School Board.
Article V
The Superintendent of Schools may attend the meetings of the Council.
Article VI
All recommendations or communications from the Coun- cil to the School Board shall be presented to the Board through the Secretary of that Board.
Article VII
The membership of the Council shall consist of ten repre- sentatives :
1 from the Senior High School
1
66 66 Junior High School
1 Vocational Schools
1 Kindergarten School
(First Grade
1
66 (Second Grade (Third Grade
(Fourth Grade
1
66 (Fifth Grade (Sixth Grade
1
Continuation School and Americanization
1
66 Supervisors and Special Teachers
1
66
66 All Masters and Supervising Principals
1
66 Masters' Assistants
371
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Article VIII
Each group shall elect its own representative to the Council. No teacher shall be eligible for election as repre- sentative in more than one group.
Any group may recall its representative by a majority vote of that group.
Article IX
Representatives shall keep in touch with their groups and when instructed must always voice the wishes of their groups.
Article X
The running expenses of the Teachers' Council shall be met by an annual assessment of ten cents (10c) per capita upon each Somerville teacher. The representative from each group shall be responsible for collecting the assessments and paying them to the Treasurer of the Council on or before October first of each record year.
Article XI
The official and financial year shall begin September first.
Article XII
Section I-Nominations
Yearly the Chairman of the Council shall call within the second week of May a meeting of each group according to Article VII for the purpose of nominating the members of the Council. Each group shall choose a Chairman and a Secretary, and shall nominate by ballot twice the number of nominees to be voted on. Candidates receiving the high- est number of votes shall be the nominees.
Section II-Preparation of the Ballot
Immediately after the meeting noted in Section I or within two days thereafter, the different chairmen and secre- taries noted in Section I shall meet and prepare a ballot of the nominees, stating on each ballot how many are to be elected and shall send a sufficient number of ballots to each Principal and Special Teacher. They shall send their own names to the Chairman of the Council, with a list of the nominees.
372
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Section III -- Election
The Chairman of the Council during the fourth week of May shall call meetings of the teachers for the purpose of electing Members of the Council.
Section IV
The chairmen and secretaries noted in Section I are by virtue of their office tellers, to collect and count all the ballots, and to send the ballots and results to the Chairman of the Council, certifying to him the names of those elected and the number of votes for each candidate.
Section V
The candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected.
Article XIII Term of Office
The term of office of the Members of the Council shall be for two years. No member of the Council shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.
Article XIV Meetings
The regular meeting shall be held once every school. month at such time and place as the Council shall direct. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman on a written request of six members or by the Superintendent of Schools.
An abstract of the minutes of each meeting of the Coun- cil shall be prepared under the direction of the Secretary of the Council and a copy shall be mailed to each member of the Council to be circulated among the teachers of each group.
Article XV Quorum
At any meeting of the Council six members shall consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Article XVI Vacancies
Vacancies in the Council occurring on account of death, recall, resignation, or by reason of promotion or transfer to another group, shall be filled by members of the groups in which the vacancies occur.
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