USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1934 > Part 11
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Many parents and School Committee members have re- quested information regarding the value of kindergarten train- ing, particularly as it affects the child's promotion throughout the grades. In order to obtain information on this matter, a
207
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
study of a number of children who attended kindergarten in the years 1928 to 1931 inclusive was attempted. The general purpose of the study was to determine the degree of success or failure of these children. On account of the many considerations involved in such a study, such as the location of the kindergar- tens, their inaccessibility to many children, and the frequent changes of membership due to children's diseases or the mov- ing of families, no valid comparisons can be made with the reg- ular school system. The study showed, however, that in each respective year from 1928 to 1931 79%, 88%, 89%, and 91 % of the pupils were either in or above their proper grade. These percentages would indicate that pupils with kindergarten ex- perience are able to meet the demands of the grades with con- siderably better than average success. Further indication of the predictability of success of such children is given from an examination of the records of 700 children who were in the first grade in January 1934. The kindergarten-trained children showed approximately 5% less failures than those without kindergarten training. This study was undertaken to indicate the extent of the success with which the informality of the in- struction of the kindergarten had been altered to make it uni- fied and purposeful. Included in this change was a course in word recognition for the purpose of assisting the child in the routine of reading in the first grade. This was felt to be neces- sary because so many of the children have serious language handicaps.
It is entirely possible that further changes may be made to assist the child entering the first grade without in the least losing the important values of kindergarten education. It is our intent to continue this study until such time as the data is more conclusive.
A second study has been undertaken concerning our prac- tice of admitting children to the first grade by the mental test. with the idea in view of determining the value of the test in predicting success in the regular grade work. On the basis of two means of judging, -- first, that of the teacher's opinion of the pupils, and, second, that of the results of further achieve- ment testing, the following results were obtained : (1) Accord- ing to the teacher's estimates the group as a whole were ap. proximately 30% above the average in reading and 33% above average in respect to quality of work. (2) The acceleration in grade status is about three months ahead of the grade. (3) The average educational age for the group was found to be 17.3 months above the chronological age.
208
ANNUAL REPORTS
Since the pupils from this study were chosen from schools which had been representative of the whole group, the conclu- sion seems to be justified that the test has selected with a very high degree of certainty the type of child whose success in meeting first grade requirements could be predicted, and, second, the rather astonishing fact that after being admitted their rate of learning and accomplishment has been relatively high. These statements may be justification for consideration of a change in the legal compulsory school age and the allow- able mental age for admission to the first grade.
MEMBERSHIP AND ACCOMMODATIONS
This item has been given attention in previous reports because of a rapidly increasing membership with its conse- quences upon the organization of the schools and the necessary accommodations. It has been an easy matter to explain the increases each year, and each increase has been absorbed with- out difficulty. Part of the increase particularly in the upper grades has been due no doubt to the lack of employment oppor- tunities as a result of the industrial depression and the elimin- ation of child labor by the codes of the N. R. A. The minors affected by this condition now find their only profitable em- ployment in procuring further education.
As in all experiences of this sort, before the reaction be- gins and the increase toward the normal sets in, there is a plateau period. The membership as of December 1st as com- pared with that of preceding years indicates that our graph of increase and decrease has reached the plateau stage. The membership is practically the same as last year. There is in the primary grades, however, a very gradual decrease in the numbers enrolled. This, no doubt, is also due to the same economic conditions that caused the increase in the upper grades and will probably tend towards normal when condi- tions improve.
While the membership shows no increase, still a serious problem confronts us due to the shifting of the center of pop- ulation toward the western end of the city and the fact that a large proportion of the beginners or first grade children re- side in the recently developed portion of our city west of North Street. Small children are not able to make a three quarter mile trip four times a day to attend school. The School Com- mittee is now studying this problem with the idea of propos- ing more accommodations for the primary school children of
209
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
that district. The Northeastern Junior High School is still accommodating an excess of four hundred children beyond the capacity of the building, and in consequence of this condition the School Committee has again urged that consideration be given to provision for an addition to the Leonard B. Chandler building.
The sun has begun to shine on the proposal for a new com- bination building on Cross Street to house the pupils of our unsuitable and inadequate Vocational School as well as the Continuation School, the special classes, and the primary school children of the Edgerly district. Although beclouded for a time, the plans have finally been approved and the land- taking transaction has been consummated by the Board of Aldermen. It is with much pleasure that it can be reported that during the next school year, as part of the P. W. A. pro- gram, progress will be made upon this project and two build- ings will have been removed which have been a source of worry from the standpoint of physical and fire hazards.
The installation of a new heating plant at the Carr School, which has been the subject of a great deal of controversy, has at last reached the stage where it seems probable that the work is shortly to be done.
Under the E. R. A. program definite progress has been made through the recommendations of this department for the redecorating of many buildings, the improvement of toilet facilities and heating plants, and the erection of retaining walls about, and resurfacing and regrading of the yards which have offered serious limitations to the play and safety of the children.
At the suggestion of the Mayor and with the assistance of the Public Property Committee of the Board of Aldermen, the City Engineer is drawing plans for a new arrangement of the facilities of Dilboy Field which will permit better and much needed accommodations for both players and spectators. The School Committee and all of the persons responsible for the athletic program have been much concerned about this situation for a number of years and will await the culmination of the plans with a great deal of gratification. Already, due to the interest of certain members of the School Committee, erection has been begun upon a modern outdoor twelve-lap running track near the Field House. There has been distinct evidence in formulating these plans of cooperation and interest on the part of the Building Commissioner, City Engineer,
210
ANNUAL REPORTS
and the E. R. A. officials. That this work has been carried on in such a fine manner is due to the ability of the men who have been engaged in it.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Due to many factors the personnel of the teaching and supervisory force experiences changes each year. It is always a matter of sincere regret to be obliged to call attention to the departure from our educational service of a large number of our most efficient, most respected, and beloved personalities.
Some time ago attention was called to the fact that in the period of a few years practically all of the older masters would have severed their active connections with our schools. Many of those masters have already retired and the continuation of the process during the past year brought to a close the services of two able and efficient masters.
John A. Avery, Headmaster of Somerville High School for the past twenty-nine years and teacher and submaster in the same school for the previous ten years, retired from service on account of failing health.
George I. Bowden, Supervising Master of the Brown Elementary School district for the past twenty-six years, was forced by the provisions of the retirement act to retire at the close of school in June.
The loss to our community of the services of these two men can best be expressed and recorded by quoting the resolu- tions which were adopted by the School Committee upon their retirements.
RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, John A. Avery, Headmaster of the Somer- ville High School, retires this year from the Somerville School system, after a period of devoted service in the High School of thirty-nine years, ten years as teacher and submaster, and twenty-nine years as headmaster, first of the English School, and then of the combined English and Latin High Schools, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Avery as educator and executive, has combined to a remarkable degree administrative ability of a high order with a keen realization of the ethical, esthetic, and spiritual values of education, and
211
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, for many years as the sympathetic, just, and wise leader of tens of thousands of the youth of our City, he has been a powerful influence in the development of their character toward the highest ideals of conduct and service, and
WHEREAS, by his breadth of vision, resolute purpose, courage and wisdom, Mr. Avery has maintained in the High School, during all the years of its growth and progress under his direction, the highest educational and ethical standards, be it
RESOLVED, That the School Committee of the City of Somerville express its deep and enduring appreciation of his great service to the City, and be it further
RESOLVED, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Committee and a copy be sent to Mr. Avery.
WHEREAS, George I. Bowden has retired as Elementary Supervising Principal after a period of service of twenty-six years during which he displayed outstanding ability as an educator and administrator, and
WHEREAS, he has brought to his chosen work and profes- sion a keen insight into childhood and a thorough interest in its problems, and
WHEREAS, he has pursued with characteristic vigor the harassing problems of education and lent his energies with- out stint to their solution, and
WHEREAS, he has been guided at all times by the high- est principles and the noblest of thoughts and actions in order that the city and its children might benefit, and
WHEREAS, he has impressed his associates and pupils alike with his gentlemanly, wise, and efficient conduct of the affairs of his position,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the School Committee extend to him its appreciation of his earnest and unselfish labors and wish for him continued health and happiness, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That these resolutions be spread on the records and a copy sent to Mr. Bowden.
Of the thirty-four masters and teachers who left the service of the community during the year, eight retired because of poor health, three were retired by the provisions of the Statutes of the Commonwealth, two were called to the Great
212
ANNUAL REPORTS
Beyond, twenty left to be married, and one resigned to enter a different field of educational activity.
These masters and teachers during their long periods of service have been vital factors in the success of our community and their influence will carry on for many years. Outstanding through years of efficient service are Louise E. Pratt, forty- eight years ; Jane M. Taaffe, forty-six years ; Charlotte D. Law- ton and M. Helen Teele, thirty-nine years ; Elizabeth L. Hersey, thirty-seven years ; Carrie Armitage, thirty-five years ; Mary B. Soule, thirty-three years ; Kathryn B. Gifford, thirty-two years ; Frances E. Robinson, twenty-eight years.
In filling the masterships at the High and Brown Schools, the School Committee continued its policy of promotion with- in the system.
Harry F. Sears, elected Headmaster of the High School, has been connected with the school as a teacher, master, and vice-headmaster for a period of thirty-seven years. His long, successful experience, his broad acquaintanceship with the problems of the school, his ability to meet quickly, properly, and tactfully situations as they arise, and his devotion to the children, his courage and convictions towards his task brought him a well deserved promotion to this high position within our school organization.
Mr. Bowden's successor, John W. Healey, is a young man of short but intensive experience under our beloved Charles E. Brainard. He has an excellent preparation and ability and brings to the position a fine personality, an intense interest in children, and a desire to do his duty efficiently.
CONCLUSION
It may readily be seen that those who have been charged with the responsibility of carrying on a successful, progressive school system have made an attempt to meet earnestly and sincerely the needs of the changing social and economic con- ditions and have even anticipated actions which the best thought of the educational world is recommending for con- sideration.
This attitude on the part of the School Committee of critical examination and willingness to delve into the more in- tricate phases of education and to inspire so far as is humanly possible the teaching act to the highest effectiveness has been re- flected by all of the teachers throughout the system. It needs
213
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
only to be mentioned that this work must be carried on inten- sively with the purpose in view of evolving from the develop- ments of the social trends with their educational implications a philosophy of education which will include the provision of more suitable curricula with more differentiated programs which will provide definitely for all the necessary educational adjustments. Crises bring out from within the individual responses which are of a noble and unselfish character, and it is apparent that the teachers of our city during this period of disturbance have devoted themselves to their work and to the service of their pupils with a depth of consideration and love for them characteristic of the fine men and women engaged in the profession.
Respectfully submitted,
December 21, 1934.
EVERETT W. IRELAND Superintendent of Schools.
214
ANNUAL REPORTS
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Students Entering Higher Institutions in September, 1934
State Teachers Colleges
Framingham
1
Lowell
1
Massachusetts School of Art
2
Salem
6
Colleges
Albion (Michigan)
2
Aurora
1
Bates
1
Boston College
5
Boston University
11
a. Business Administration 5
2
c. Practical Arts
4
Bowdoin
1
Dartmouth
2
Harvard
4
Holy Cross
1
Emmanuel
1
Jackson
8
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
1
Massachusetts State
1
New Hampshire State
1
Northeastern University
3
a. Business Administration
3
Radcliffe
1
Simmons
6
Tennessee State
1
Tufts
10
Wellesley
2
Engineering Schools
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
5
*Northeastern University b. School of Engineering
5
Tufts Engineering
3
Other Higher Institutions
Chandler Secretarial School
5
Katherine Gibbs School
1
Lesley School
4
Wheelock School
2
* Entering January 1935
5
b. Liberal Arts
215
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Summary
Boys
Girls
Total
State Teachers Colleges
....
10
10
Colleges
40
23
63
Engineering Schools
13
13
Other Higher Institutions
....
12
12
53
45
98
Number of Pupils By Subjects December 1, 1934
English
3227
Elocution
745
History
2066
Latin
557
French
1127
Spanish
512
German
70
Italian
197
Chemistry
644
Physics
268
Biology
830
Physiology
283
Astronomy and Geology
20
Trigonometry
52
Geometry
748
Algebra
772
Elementary Economics
70
Stenography
503
Typewriting
1086
Bookkeeping
308
Penmanship
1400
Salesmanship
125
Commercial Law
123
Business Science
203
Arithmetic
713
Clerical Practice
321
Commerce and Industry
713
Household Arts
320
Manual Training
123
Mechanical Drawing
281
Freehand Drawing
266
Arts and Crafts
129
Music Appreciation
264
Musical Theory
192
Choral Practice
636
Physical Education
2314
...
Economic and Civic Problems
288
216
ANNUAL REPORTS
Student Activities
December, 1934
Orchestra (3)
143
Band
100
Girls' Bugle Corps
58
Glee Club, Girls (3)
231
Boys
104
Student Council
20
School Paper
52
National Honor Society
20
Traffic Squad
179
Webster Debating Society
38
Writers' Club
25
Players' Club
50
Stamp Club
15
Girls' Athletics
420
Chess Club
32
Art Appreciation Club
15
Craftsman Guild
19
Aviation Club
15
S. H. S. Athletic Association
All Pupils
217
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SOMERVILLE TEACHERS' CLUB Officers, 1934 - 1935 President, CLARA G. HEGAN
Vice-Presidents, ELIZABETH F. LEACH
WINIFRED I. MACDONALD Recording Secretary, E. BELLA WEISMAN Corresponding Secretary, ELIZABETH W. RICHARDS Treasurer, ELEANOR D. CAMPBELL Auditor, ANNA J. COLL
OBJECT
The object shall to be 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 in- terest of the home and school.
PROGRAM
October 10-Lecturer, Edward F. Payne
"Sketches from Dickens"
December 12-Christmas Party
Doric Alviani, Baritone Alta Lena Nicholson, Impersonator
February 13-President's Night Lecturer, Eunice Harriet Avery
Interpreter of World Affairs
April 10-"Novelty Night" Program by Members
May 8-Annual Meeting. Election of Officers
Reports of Committees
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC COMMITTEE
Report of the Treasurer, January 1, 1934 to January 1, 1935
Receipts
Balance on hand January 1, 1934
$415.70
Basketball games
203.45
Baseball games
456.31
Track
10.00
Football games
6,130.87
Entertainments
438.85
Sale of badges
136.17
Miscellaneous
144.83
$7,936.18
218
ANNUAL REPORTS
Expenditures
Athletic supplies
$2,971.19
Medical supplies
99.32
Paid to visiting teams
2,015.90
Officials
389.00
Policing
614.50
Assistance at games
157.00
Postage
21.00
Printing
88.70
Telephone
4.80
Transportation
263.64
Physician's salary
200.00
Dues to A. A.
7.00
Entry fees
21.50
Coaching
290.00
Miscellaneous
277.50
$7,421.05
Balance in treasury, January 1, 1935
$515.13
Estimated outstanding bills
1,305.83
219
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
In Memoriam
LILLIAN F. COMMINS Bingham School Died February 7, 1934
ANNE D. BRAVO Knapp School Died October 7, 1934
220
ANNUAL REPORTS
CONTENTS OF APPENDIX
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
Population and school census. School buildings.
Teachers.
Attendance for year.
Cost of school maintenance.
Teachers' salaries.
MISCELLANEOUS TABLES
CONCERNING FINANCE
No. of Table
1. Schedule of school property.
2. Cost of maintaining schools, school year 1933-1934.
3. Cost per capita of maintaining schools, school year 1933-1934.
4. Cost of maintaining schools for a series of years.
5. Cost per capita for maintaining schools for a series of years.
6. Amount spent annually for new school buildings and for repairs for a series of years.
CONCERNING PUPILS
7. Population and school registration.
8. Attendance, etc., of the schools for school year 1933-1934.
9. Statistics of the high school for school year 1933-1934.
10. Pupils by grades, June, 1934.
11. Separate statistics for high, junior high, elementary and voca- tional schools, for school year 1933-1934.
12. Admission to first grade in September.
13. Number of junior high school graduates, 1934.
14. Truant statistics for a series of years.
15. Evening school statistics, 1933-1934.
16. Elementary school promotees for a series of years.
17. Attendance statistics of all schools for a series of years.
18. Statistics of the high school for a series of years.
19. Promotions, junior high schools, 1934.
19a Promotions, elementary schools, 1934.
CONCERNING TEACHERS
20. Resignations of teachers, 1934.
21. Teachers elected in 1934.
22. Leave of absence of teachers.
23. Transfers of teachers.
24. Number of teachers employed for a series of years.
221
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
STATISTICAL AND GENERAL TABLES
25. Changes in text books, 1934.
26. High and Junior High School graduation exercises, 1934.
26a Evening High School graduation exercises, 1934.
27. Vocational School graduation exercises, 1934.
28. Organization of school board for 1935.
29. Teachers in service, December, 1934.
30. Officers in service, December, 1934.
31. School custodians.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
1 - POPULATION AND SCHOOL CENSUS
Population, State census, 1895
52,200
Population, United States census, 1900
61,643
Population, State census, 1905
69,272
Population, United States census, 1910
77,236
Population, State census, 1915
86,854
Population, United States census, 1920
93,033
Population, State census, 1925
99,032
Population, United States census, 1930
103,604
Children between five and fifteen years of age in-
clusive, October, 1934, by school census
19,093
2 - SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Number of school buildings in June
31
Number of classrooms in use in June
483
Valuation of school property
$4,686.300
3 - TEACHERS
*1933
*1934
Change
In high school
106
113
+7
In junior high schools
156
164
+8
In elementary schools
250
255
+5
In kindergartens
25
26
+1
Total in elementary schools
275
281
+6
Vocational School for Boys
13
12
-1
Independent Household Arts
1
1
0
Atypical classes
8
8
0
Sight saving
1
1
0
Cadet teachers
12
11
-1
Special
21
21
0
Continuation
3
3
0
Americanization
1
1
0
Total
597
616
+19
4 - ATTENDANCE FOR YEAR
*1933
*1934
Change
Entire enrollment for the year
17,758
17,903
+145
Average number belonging
16,303
16,616
+313
Average number attending
15,322
15,591
+-269
Per cent. of daily attendance
93.9
93.8
-0.1
High School graduates
700
847
+147
Junior High School graduates
1,291
1,338
+47
ANNUAL REPORTS
5 - COST OF SCHOOL MAINTENANCE
*1933
*1934
Change +$30,424.63
Salaries of teachers
$1,166,819.37 $1,197,244.00
Salaries of officers
34,010.17
34,085.92
75.75
Cost of books and supplies
48,643.93
45,837.21
- 2,806.72
Cost of light and power
24,134.90
20,943.92
3,190.98
Cost of janitors' services, etc.
104,053.84
107,467.86
+
3,414.02
Cost of fuel and insurance ..
29,751.16
29,370.89
380.27
Total cost of day and evening schools
1,407,413.37 1,434,949.80
27,536.43
Per capita cost
85.30
86.36
+
1.06
Cost of high school instruction
250,033.70
259,492.58
1
9,458.88
Per capita cost
85.31
83.38
1.93
6 - MISCELLANEOUS
*1933
*1934
Change
Paid for new school
buildings
$15,142.34
$29.03
-$15,113.31
Repairs and permanent improvements
39,350.03
50,356.50
+ 11,006.47
Total school expendi-
tures
1,461,905.74
1,485,335.33
+ 23,429.59
Valuation of city
119,798,800.00
118,100,500.00
-1,698,300.00
Number of dollars spent
to maintain schools
out of very $1,000 of valuation
11.75
12.15
+ 0.40
Number of dollars spent
for all school pur-
poses out of every
$1,000 of valuation ..
12.20
12.58
+
0.38
* School year.
COST OF THE SCHOOLS
The total amount spent for the maintenance of the schools of Somerville for the school year ending June 30, 1934, is $1,434,949.80.
This includes the sums spent for care of school buildings, including janitors' services, fuel, light, and school telephones ; the amount paid for salaries of officers, and the amount spent for school supplies ; and the sum paid for salaries of teachers.
The expenditure for care for school buildings is wholly in charge of the City Government.
The amount paid for janitors is $107,467.86
The cost of fuel is 29,370.89
The cost of light is 20,943.92
A total cost of 157,782.67
A total cost per capita of
9.50
Cost of repairs
50,356.50
+
STATEMENT OF WORK OF SCHOOL NURSES For School Year Ending June 30, 1934
Schools
Hospitals
Total No. of Pupils
Notice sent to
Consultations with
Consultations with
Treatment in School
INSPECTIONS
PUPILS ESCORTED TO CLINICS
Oper-
ations
Conta- gion found in
* Home Visits
Hy- giene Talks
Pedic- ulosis
Un- clean
Eye
Ear
Nose and Throat
*Med- ical
Sur- gical
Skin
Dental
Corrected Vision
Corrected Hearing
Tonsils
Adenoids
School
Home
New
Old
School
Home
September ..
144
8743
663
593
16
519
837
187
151
9
8
22
1
55
1
43
3
80
17
1
4
4
10
14
1222
2
October
152
10012
1658
521
61
274
547
154
465
29
80
16
5
1
34
3
...
42
54
17
17
20
26
12
809
12
November ..
166
5
1497
4369
732
29
221
595
316
167
736
17
170
13
1
1
1
1
1
38
20
3
1
8
8
10
4
40
16
1229
8
December ..
124
7637
1806
647
13
153
618
256
53
576
25
114
8
2
27
27
1
3
1
5
6
6
33
6
1212
16
January
156
1
9961
775
772
16
138
1241
233
176
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