USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1943 > Part 8
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
rally to regain the ground they had lost in school work by reason of their difficulty in learning to read. The sponsoring organization, pleased with the results, continued the classes during the past summer for thirty-six children, with two teach- ers in charge. The results were most satisfactory.
There are many other children whose difficulty in learning to read is retarding their educational advance, and an expan- sion of work in this field under public auspices would contrib- ute greatly to the progress of these children. The Somerville Kiwanis Club is to be commended for its initiative and cooper- ation.
Tests have been devised by Somerville teachers for diagnos- tic purposes to test or compare comprehension. speed, vocab- ulary, paragraph meaning, and other vital factors. With an improved teaching of the mechanics of reading in the lower grades, and a better concentration on specific skills, habits, and appreciations in the upper grades, it is felt that children will be equipped with that reading ability which is needed in order that each may attain the status of a "well read man," and be familiar with the problems of everyday life, and able to discuss them intelligently with his fellowmen.
More than ever before, a child life in terms of world value is priceless. A Somerville course of study in Safety has been in use and under constant revision. for the past three years. Different problems in Safety, considered the most hazardous for a particular month, are worked out and stressed to the children. For example, during September the children come to school full of enthusiasm and unmindful of danger. A dis- cussion takes place in the classroom regarding (1) the danger spots on the way to and from school, (2) the locations where most accidents occur or are apt to occur, (3) the safest cross- ing, (4) places where policemen are stationed, etc. Finally, a map is made by each child, upon which are marked the danger spots, the policemen's stations, and the route which he would take to arrive at school.
This plan was first tried in the Cutler School and it proved so satisfactory that it was used as a State W.P.A. project about two years ago, and has recently been publicized by an article in a National Safety Magazine. The Superintendent has been informed that the Somerville Course of Study in Safety is about to be adopted by the Massachusetts Safety Council as a a model for all school safety programs.
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134
ANNUAL REPORTS
Because of the war, with American soldiers scattered over the face of the globe, world literature takes on a new meaning, for China, Greece, Italy, Russia, England, and other countries have a wealth of material which should be recognized. Cogni- zance is being given to the value of the literature of these countries, and in consequence a revision of the course of study in literature for the elementary grades is being undertaken.
The course of study in arithmetic has been the subject of much study this past year due to a lack of uniformity in the placement of principles in grade outlines in Somerville and sur- rounding communities. Here many principles of arithmetic are taught a year earlier than in our neighboring cities and towns. Because of the commendable accomplishments of the Somerville schools in this subject there seems to be justification for adher- ing to the present outline. Further study, however, will be given before the final conclusion is reached with relation to this matter.
Mechanical drawing has been introduced recently for boys in some of the fifth and sixth grades, during the time that the girls are having sewing lessons. While this instruction is quite elementary in nature, it involves principles and practices of considerable value supplementing the work in arithmetic and geography.
The elementary school instructional force, like the faculties of the other sections of the school organization, has had inroads made in it by resignations due to marriages which have caused the employment of many capable, well trained persons, who either lacked the necessary experience or had been away from the teaching task for a period of time.
In order that this situation be not allowed to act as a deter- rent to the continuance of an efficient teaching process, the Supervisor of Elementary Education has organized and con- ducted a series of weekly meetings, after school hours, for those persons who would and could benefit by a more complete un- derstanding of each subject in the curriculum, and by an acquir- ing of a knowledge of the latest and best devices and techniques to the end that the class activities will be most vital and inter- esting. Teachers, in turn, are privileged to present their prob- lems for analysis and advice.
The list of topics of discussion in this group is much too long to be enumerated here, but there is no question of the
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
value of the work, or the degree to which the instruction has been improved. In fact, it has been so noticeably beneficial that many of the regular teachers of considerable experience have availed themselves of the opportunity to attend these discus. sion meetings.
SALARIES
Last year the following statement appeared in the Annual Report :
"Our school teachers have been hampered by increased taxes, by increased cost of living, and by their desire to aid the government in its war effort by the purchase of war bonds and the making of contributions to all of the worthy emergency calls. Their situation has been ag- gravated by the upward surge of wages in industry. Yet they have continued to do their instructional tasks ably and well.
"It seems only just and proper that consideration should be given to their predicament. Even if only an adjusted compensation be granted for the duration of the emergency to meet the increase in cost of living, it would be a well deserved gesture toward the alleviation of a serious danger of losing many of our well trained, expe- rienced, and able teachers. Other persons who have be- come affiliated with our instructional organization, who were well trained but lacked the experience of our perma- nent force, have at very meager wages given loyal and de- voted substitute and temporary service." -
In the appropriations bill for the year 1943 the Acting Mayor included recommendations for appropriations to provide for an adjusted compensation for all employees of the School Committee, as well as for the other city employees, of an amount of 10% of their salaries for those receiving less than $2500 and a flat amount of $250 for those receiving $2500 or over.
After three months of this arrangement, the Board of Alder- men and the School Committee took action which changed this adjusted compensation to a permanent increase in salary.
HONOR ROLL
Last year the Superintendent was proud to pay tribute to those members of the School Committee and of the instruction-
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ANNUAL REPORTS
al force who left their homes, their families and friends, and their chosen life work, to participate actively in the terrible business and dangerous pursuit of winning the war.
During the year just closing, nine other members of the in- structional force have believed it to be their duty to join their former associates in pursuit of the result that will bring about as quickly as possible a permanent peace.
It is therefore fitting that cognizance be taken of their acts of patriotism, and consequently the published Honor Roll of last year is brought up-to-date and stands as follows:
SOMERVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
William F. Chisholm
Arthur P. Fitzgerald William J. Koen John M. Lynch Charles P. O'Riordan
INSTRUCTIONAL FORCE
Robert E. Ball, Jr.
Arthur Kelleher
Edward J. Berra
John C. Kelly
Marion E. Blanchard
Edmund M. Lanigan
Paul L. Broderick
Leo Lapidus
Gertrude Burns
James C. Marchant
Anthony C. Calabro
Frank Martin
John W. Casey
Joseph B. McCabe
John J. Collins
Ellen M. McSweeney
James H. Cosgrove
M. Paul McSweeney James J. Mooney
Daniel J. Cotter
John L. Murphy
Francis C. Crotty
James J. Noonan
William A. Duffy, Jr.
Thomas F. O'Brien
Raymond H. Faxon
John E. O'Loughlin
John E. Flynn
John C. Palmer
Francis X. Foley
Francis G. Parker
Helen Gardella
Wilbur E. Parker
Edward G. Giroux
Dorothy T. Rice
Terence M. Griffin
John J. St. Angelo
Edward A. Guazzaloca
Thomas Scott
Robert Healey
J. Edward Sharkey
Richard Hegarty
Harold Sullivan
Thomas J. D. Horne
Joseph M. Thornton
William Howard
Daniel M. Twomey
James Keefe
Albert C. Williamson, Jr.
COMMENDATIONS
The accomplishments recorded so far provide a basis for the following statements :
John J. Costello
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
That the program of education offered to the children of Somerville is full, broad, and complete, and includes all the elements of the regular conventional school plans and all the elements of a temporary nature which come from the serious consideration of things necessary to the winning of the war.
That all persons associated with the educational force in Somerville have accepted their responsibilities as nec- essary participants in the war effort and have prepared themselves for the best possible performance of their tasks, with the will, spirit, and determination to do their best to bring about the proper and speedy culmination of this total war, to the end that a permanent peace will result.
That the School Committee, under the energetic lead- ership of its chairman, Frederick J. Ryan, has given much time and energy to its duties and responsibilities and to the consideration of the problems confronting the educational system from the point of view of keeping the Somerville schools abreast of the times with reference to aims, curricula, and accomplishments. Mr. Ryan has presided over and guided his colleagues with fairness, impartiality, sincerity, and cooperativeness, while keep- ing always in mind the educational welfare of the chil- dren and the interest of the taxpayers.
That Somerville, the seventh largest city in popula- tion in the Commonwealth, having the fourth largest school population in the State, exceeded only by Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, has operated its school sys- tem at a per capita cost of $103 52, ranking twenty-ninth in this respect among the thirty-nine cities of the state. This per capita cost is $21.47 less than the average for the thirty-nine cities. This rating is attained in face of the fact that the seventh largest city in the state ranks thirty-first in assessed valuation, $7,969 supporting each school child.
That the entire organization pledges to continue to maintain the standards of its accomplishments and to make the necessary adjustments as quickly as possible after the implications are evidenced, regardless of the span of time necessary.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
These actions are recognized by the public and an expres- sion of commendation of a task well done by the legislative body and the administrative, supervisory, and teaching corps of the Somerville schools is attested by the action of the voters of our city in returning every elected member to his place in the School Committee for another term of two years.
POSTWAR CONSIDERATIONS
The culmination of the military activities of the war and the establishment of a permanent peace is not the end so far as those associated with the educational processes are concerned. The type and kind of peace which is to result is of extreme im- portance. Will some kind of a world government, or a council of nations, be established to maintain a lasting peace? If so, what form will it take? What kind of an educational system will be needed to fulfill the requirements of the implications for Education ?
The probable date when hostilities will cease is so impossi- ble of prognostication that it would appear almost futile to attempt to move upon the solution of the problems outlined above. However, these and many more questions must be stud- ied with the utmost care by those who will determine the form and functions of the governmental setup and by those having the problems of the educational systems in charge.
The program of study must be started now,-not when the war is concluded .- and modified and improved continually so that when the time arrives for the effective establishment and operation of the plans evolved, there will be no delays which might result disastrously. Such a program requires the whole- hearted support and endorsement of all other agencies of the country. The import of this terrible disaster has made such an indelible impression on the minds and lives of every American that the problem of providing the proper type of government and the proper kind and amount of education will be a serious challenge to all thinking people. The proper answers can only be obtained by the constant thinking and collaboration of the best minds available, in short, by educational statesmen.
Many groups have already organized themselves for the pur- pose of making an intelligent study of the problems mentioned. It seems, however, that many connected with Education are ignoring that part of the problem which concerns governmental
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
structure. Perhaps that is the problem for those associated with government to solve, but how can the problems be treated and solved separately? No permanent good can result from a negotiated peace. The "isms" must become "wasms." Condi- tions must be established which will be favorable to world-wide democratic values and which will allow all the peoples of the world to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, with the greatest emphasis on liberty.
Education in America has shown that it can promote and extend physical and mental health, develop intelligent methods of proper use of resources, increase effectiveness in production, develop character, and produce good citizens. Why then can it not effectively formulate the policies and procedures for the necessities of world peace ?
It appears to be the consensus that after the war there will be an era devoted to a renewal of faith in the common man. The educational system of the world peace will be devoted to the proper development of the common man. The educational purposes and aims of the world will be restated, and will in- volve the questions of whether or not science will be allowed to dominate the purposes and aims, whether Vocational Educa- tion will take a place on a par with higher liberal education, and whether the junior college opportunity for all will be a function and obligation of the state, and so on.
Are not these ideas, however simply the statement of the fundamental policies underlying the purposes of education in all real democratic governmental institutions? If that be so, there need only be a renewal of faith and allegiance to present education practice, but with the idea that thorough study and analysis will be made, curricula be revamped, remodeled, and revised, and the best possible methods, devices, and techniques be formulated for the proper and right educational system which will establish and maintain the form of government which will assure permanent peace.
MEMBERSHIP
The public school membership. as of December 1, 1943 was 14,114. In comparison with the membership of the correspond- ing date of the previous year, 14,787, there has been a decrease of 673. Decreases of 175 in the High School, 198 in the junior high schools, 263 in the elementary schools, and 57 in the Voca-
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ANNUAL REPORTS
tional school, and an increase of 20 in the Junior Vocational School, combine to make this figure. This decrease is but a reflection of the decrease during the year of 29,349 in the Com- monwealth, of which approximately 20,000 was in the cities.
BUILDINGS AND REPAIRS
The Building Commissioner has been very cooperative dur- ing the past year in the maintenance and repair of the twenty- seven school buildings. The fact that several of the school build- ings have been in use over seventy years presents a difficult prob- lem for the Building Department in its efforts to keep the build- ings repaired. The amount of money set aside for repairs each year is not sufficient for this work. Considerable work has been accomplished, but for the purpose of this report only the larger items of repair will be mentioned.
Early in the year the Building Commissioner did a very complete job of repairing and renewing the bells, the clocks, and the telephone communication system in the High School, which had been out of order for some time. Similar repairs were made at the Southern Junior High, the Northeastern Jun- ior High, and the Prescott Schools. Windows shades have been repaired or replaced in ten of the larger buildings and the win- dows were weather-stripped and window cords were renewed in two junior high schools. The stage curtains in the High School and the three junior high schools have been repaired and have also been chemically treated to make them fireproof. The roofs of the Western Junior High, Burns, and Morse Schools have been repaired and the chimneys of the Durell and Carr Schools have been rebuilt.
A critical heating situation at the Cutler School has been corrected by a general overhauling of the entire heating unit. The boilers at the Western Junior High School have been re- tubed and a new pump and a trap have been added to the heat- ing system at the Glines School.
Several corridors, classrooms, sanitaries, and clinics have been painted in four elementary schools. Floors in two class- rooms at the Carr School were renewed and the corridor floors were repaired. New linoleum was laid in the kindergartens at the Prescott and the Highland Schools, and a new concrete floor was installed in the girls' sanitary at the Prescott School. Four new outside doors were installed at the Northeastern
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Junior High School and a new dumbwaiter was purchased for the use of the lunchroom. The large folding doors in the music room were repaired and the rollers and tracks were replaced. Two new outside area shelters were constructed at the Bennett School and three outside doors were changed to conform with the fire laws.
Modern lighting fixtures have been installed in the Sight Saving Class at the Highland School. Several improvements have been made at the Proctor School. A chain-link fence was erected, the outside steps were rebuilt, the entire yard was re- surfaced, and a new drainage system was provided on Hudson Street to prevent the water from backing into the cellar of the school.
Before leaving the subject of buildings, it should be noted that by an action in December of the Board of Aldermen upon a recommendation of the School Committee, the Highland School has been changed to the Herbert Cholerton School as a tribute to the meritorious service of twenty-three years as a member of the School Committee of the late Dr. Herbert Cholerton.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Reference has been made in previous pages of this report to the six men and three women who have during 1943 left their teaching positions to assume what they consider to be a more important role in connection with the war effort, that of active participation with the armed forces.
Twenty-one other teachers permanently severed their con- nections with the school organization. Of these twenty-one, all of whom had been faithful and devoted servants of the public, and whose services were recognized by the School Committee by letters of appreciation, one was taken from service by death, one retired because of ill health, fourteen resigned to be mar- ried, three married but remained for short periods of further service, and two went to other fields of activity (both of which, however, were in support of the war effort).
In addition to these twenty-one, sixteen resigned because of marriage to members of the armed forces, but by authorization given to the Superintendent were re-employed for the duration of the emergency and continued in service.
ยท
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ANNUAL REPORTS
The effect upon the community of the long and devoted services of forty-two years, terminated by the retirement of George M. Hosmer, and of twenty-eight and one-half years, terminated by the death of George E. Pearson, will long be evident. The community has lost the services of two educators of note, men of outstanding ability, personality, and standing among the residents of the city.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
It seems wise at this time to avoid again making recom- mendations which concern any situations involving long-term planning, for while some pertinent ideas would be pressing un- der different conditions, the indefiniteness of the length of the global conflict and the uncertainty of the extent of the neces- sary future revisions make only urgent needs subject to men- tion.
The physical conditions of the school buildings need further attention, because accommodations and equipment cannot be allowed to deteriorate to the extent that delay causes condi- tions to become so bad that only replacement by new build- ings will suffice. It is surely advisable at this time to request that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen give serious attention to more extensive appropriations so that the older buildings, many of which were erected in Civil War Days, can be kept in usable condition.
It is again necessary to request urgently that immediate attention be given to the replacement of the Prescott School. In these days of strife and heavy expense, this project would not be stressed but for the fact that year after year has passed without notice being taken of the situation. Further delay may cause a major disaster.
In concluding his sixteenth annual report, the Superin- tendent expresses his sincere appreciation to all his associates and to the Chairman and members of the School Committee for the sincere and successful efforts expended in the fulfillment of their tasks during 1943. The manifestations of loyal and de- voted effort towards their tasks have made this a year of prog- ress and success in spite of the many distractions and neces- sity for increased attention to revisions of curricula and courses of study.
143.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
May the year 1944 bring forth a speedy termination of the terrible world conflict and allow the effort to be directed toward a return to sane, sensible planning for a normal but ever in- creasing efficiency in a world at peace.
EVERETT W. IRELAND,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Number of Pupils by Subjects December, 1943
English
2779
Physical Education
1998
U. S. History
709
English History
51
Modern European History
303
Early European History
259
Ancient History
190
Economic & Civic Problems
103
Latin
335
French
527
Spanish
397
Italian
108
German
100
Chemistry
342
Physics
194
Physiology
168
Biology
552
Pre-flight
75
Radio
37
Auto. Mechanics
13
Mathematics Beta
44
Mathematics Gamma
76
General Mathematics
340
Basic Mathematics
39
Geometry
356
Algebra
377
Secretarial Training
51
Transcription
51
Stenography
425
Typewriting
1146
Bookkeeping
259
Arithmetic
87
Clerical Practice
632
Office Machines
45
Business Organization
282
Business Science
61
Salesmanship
49
Commercial Law
442
Commerce & Industry
616
Guidance
1104
Occupations
839
Household Arts
147
W. T. Household Arts
86
Freehand Drawing
220
Arts & Crafts
57
Graphics
220
Manual Training
148
Musical Theory
117
Music Appreciation
193
Choral Practice
305
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Student Activities December, 1943
Orchestra
56
Band
74
Girls' Bugle & Drum Corps
57
Girls' Glee Club
74
Boys' Glee Club
79
Student Council
25
School Paper
162
National Honor Society
18
Traffic Squad
41
Portia Debating Society
22
Players' Club
46
Girls' Athletics
175
Boys' Athletics
293
Cheer Leaders
62
Junior Red Cross
2400
Symphony Guild
50
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Students entering Higher Institutions in September, 1943
State Teachers' Colleges
9
Framingham
3
Lowell
2
Salem
4
Colleges, Universities, and Engineering
Schools
69
Bates
1
Boston College
5
Boston University
12
Emmanuel
5
Jackson
6
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
3
Northeastern
13
Ohio State University
1
Simmons
5
Suffolk
2
Syracuse
1
Tufts
15
Other Institutions
49
Bentley
11
Bryant and Stratton
17
Burdett
4
Fisher
12
Kathleen Dell
2
Katherine Gibbs
2
Wentworth
1
Hospital Training Schools
Boston City
7
Boston Dispensary
2
29
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Carney
2
Cambridge
6
Lawrence Memorial
4
Somerville
8
Summary
'State Teachers Colleges
9
"Colleges, Universities, and Engineering Schools
69
Other Institutions
49
Hospital Training Schools
29
Total
156
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Report of the Treasurer, January 1, 1943 to January 1, 1944
Receipts
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1943
$471.40
Basketball
304.85
Baseball
132.38
Hockey
7.86
Football
7,826.14
Chance Book Returns
1,265.15
Miscellaneous
85.00
$10,092.78
Expenditures
Officials
$554.00
Assistance
352.50
Policing
847.00
Visiting Teams
2,678.08
Postage
5.20
Telephone
8.10
Printing
152.80
Physician's Salary
400.00
Medical Supplies
81.97
Athletic Supplies
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