USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1923 > Part 12
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Number of teachers in kindergartens. 3
Number of teachers for individual instruction. 3
Number of special teachers and supervisors.
6
Six additional teachers have been required this year, three in the High School and three in the grades.
Educational Progress.
Last year I expressed the hope that the girls in the eighth grade might have an opportunity to have some instruction in cooking. That hope has been realized and arrangements have been made so that the girls this year will have instruction half a year in sewing and half a year in cooking. With a comparatively small expenditure it will be pos- sible to arrange a room for cooking in the basement of the Bliss School for the girls attending that school, and I hope this can be done early in 1924.
At the High School an American Surfacer has been added to the equipment of the manual training department, and the old saw table exchanged for a new model, motor driven. These changes were possible through an appropriation of $500 by the City and $700 by the Trustees of the Richardson School Fund. A similar appropriation this year would add a band saw, some up-to-date lathes, and additional equipment for the machines now in use.
The Teachers' Reading Club has had regular meetings this fall for the seventh year. Problems in Educational Psychology by Whipple have been discussed with interest and profit by a large group of teachers. At two of the meetings teachers gave demonstrations of methods in teaching with pupils from their schools. Miss Elsie Bowen of Grade II of the Bliss School showed a method for teaching silent reading, Miss Helen Bullock of Grade III of the Richardson School, the Austrian or additive method of subtraction, and Miss Margaret Gaynor of Grade II, Sanford Street School, a game for teaching number combinations. It is Probable that other demonstrations will be held throughout the year.
A new outline in arithmetic is being worked out so that the results expected in each grade will be more definitely stated and consequently better pupils attained. Pupils entering the seventh grade should have ready command of all the fundamental processes, fractions and decimals. The seventh and eighth grades should teach the application of arithmetic to mensuration and business subjects, rather than to drill on funda- mentals. Those pupils in the eighth grade who show ability to cover the work in arithmetic for this grade in less than a year should be given an opportunity to begin algebra. If only two or three months could be given to this subject in the eighth grade, it would be a great help to those pupils intending to take algebra in high school. It would also give pupils an opportunity to find out, before entering high school, whether or not they had ability to learn algebra, and would save many failures in the high school.
Resignations.
In 1922, forty-one teachers resigned during the year. In September, 1922, 25% of the teachers were new to Attleboro. Every fourth teacher in the schools that month was a new one. The situation this year is greatly improved. Only eighteen teachers have resigned during 1923, including one from the continuation school. Of the seventeen teachers
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ANNUAL REPORT
leaving the regular schools only seven resigned to accept better posi- tions. The others resigned to enter business, to give up teaching or for other reasons. With teachers satisfied with their positions and familiar with the work to be done, and few of the rooms overcrowded, good results may be expected.
Date 1923
Teacher
School
Cause of resignation
Jan. 2 Earle C. Macomber
March 3 Marion S. Hamblett
Richardson Farmers
To enter business New Bedford
May 9 Mary E. Kirkton
Hebronville
Ill health
May
15 Roland S. Stebbins
High
College position
May
16 Eleanor M. Bragdon
High
To be married
May
20 Lucy M. Stanton
Briggs Cor.
Fall River
May
21 Frances W. Ward
Sanford St.
Passaic
June 18 Hazel C. McKee
High
Carnegie Institute
June 26 Clara F. Bourne
Carpenter St.
Retired
July 2 Dorothy Moon
High
Northboro
Marshfield
July
31
Muriel R. Swift
High
Il1 health
July
31 Whitney G. Swift
High
Other work
Sept. 4 Harriett M. Miller
Bliss
Ill health
Nov. 24 Alice L. Clifton
Hebronville
To be married
Nov.
30 Alice M. Bowler
Washington
To be at home
Oct.
29 Lewis A. Sheafe
Continuation
Fall River
Cost of Instruction.
Valuation of Attleboro, 1923. $22,840,220 00
Expended for support of schools excluding evening and vacation schools.
276,552 76
Average membership of day schools, September 1922 to June 1923.
3,544
Expended per pupil based on average membership $78 03
2 30
High School.
Total amount expended for High School, including High
$64,792 81
Average membership of High School, 1922-1923.
577
Cost per pupil.
$112 29
Cost of books and supplies per pupil .
5 96
Elementary Schools.
Expended for elementary schools.
$211,759 95
Average membership of elementary schools, 1922-1923.
2,967
Cost per pupil. .
$71 37
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
1 59
Penmanship.
Awards for penmanship for the year 1922-1923 were made by the Palmer Company as follows :
July 2 William E. Cottle
High
July 23 Dorothy E. Bryant
Washington
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
School share of general expenses.
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ANNUAL REPORT
C
D
E
F
H
School
Buttons Progress Improve- Student's Bus. & H. S.
Pins
ment Cert.
Cert.
Cert.
High
22
40
22
42
15
Bank Street.
16
21
6
3
Bliss
111
21
1
Briggs Corner
7
1
Farmers
4
Hebronville
30
Richardson
1
Sanford Street.
South Attleboro.
22
Tiffany
50
26
5
1
260
109
34
47
15
The Health of the Pupils.
The modern school system is the result of long years of progressive development. From the dame school with its Hornbook and New England Primer, and the Latin School with its Psalter and Bible to fit boys for college, to the graded school of today, beginning with the kin- dergarten and ending with the junior college and state university, is a long step forward in educational progress.
The aim of the early school was to fit boys for college. They were to study for the professions and become the leaders in the community. The girls finished their education in the dame school. They would not drive pigs to market so they had no need of mathematics or higher education. Their place was in the home, and the dame school furnished education enough for that.
With these aims of early education and the opportunities for attaining them compose the main objectives of education today-
1. Health.
2. Command of fundamental processes.
3. Worthy home membership.
4. Vocation.
5. Citizenship.
6. Worthy use of leisure.
7. Ethical character.
and the modern school system.
As the aims and purposes of education have changed to meet the needs of the times so the schools have changed to make possible the attainment of these aims.
The first consideration in the Attleboro schools today is the health of the child. For that reason all the pupils in the schools are examined annually by the school physician and the school nurse, and any physical defects that would impair the child's health are carefully noted and steps taken to correct them.
Poor teeth are noted and the child referred to the family dentist or the dental clinic.
Contagious diseases-like measles, scarlet fever and diphtheria-are carefully looked after, and children showing symptoms of these diseases are excluded till all danger of conveying the disease has passed.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Examinations for sight and hearing are given each year by the teachers, and parents are notified if any cases of impaired sight and hearing are found.
All children are weighed each year and those seriously underweight are given special attention that they may be brought up to weight.
Lunches are served, at cost, in most of the schools, enjoyed by all but of especial benefit to the underweight pupils.
Instruction in diet and health rules has largely replaced the old course of instruction in anatomy and physiology.
Physical training in all grades-out of doors in good weather, in the school rooms in cold or stormy weather-with the pupils themselves as leaders, tends to keep the pupils well and strong and at the same time develops the qualities of leadership in those pupils selected as leaders. Supervised play has replaced the old rough and tumble play at recess time, and pupils learn self control and courtesy while playing games in which all can unite.
It is an interesting sight to see the pupils file from the school build- ing at recess time, get into position, go through the physical exercises and salute the flag, under the direction of a pupil leader who may be either a boy or a girl. The quickness with which the leaders' commands are executed, the discipline of the group, the quietness during the drill, and the great shout that goes up when they are dismissed and hasten to their games, all reflect credit on the character of the pupils and the training they have received.
Mentally Retarded Pupils.
On July 1, 1919, the following law in regard to children of retarded mental development became effective :
"The school committee of every town shall annually ascertain, under regulations prescribed by the department and the com- missioner of mental diseases, the number of children three years or more retarded in mental development in attendance upon its public schools, or of school age and resident therein. At the beginning of each school year, the committee of every town where there are ten or more such children shall establish special classes for their instruction according to their mental attainments, under regulations prescribed by the department."
There were in Attleboro schools in April 1923, more than one hundred pupils who should be in special classes on account of their mental ability. These pupils are able to profit little from the regular work of the schools, and need instruction suited to their capacity. The boys should have handwork, including weaving, reseating; of chairs, bench work and such tools as they are able to use. The program for the girls should include all the essentials of home-making. Cooking, sewing, laundering, home nursing, and home decorating should be given the girls as their age and ability decide.
Up to the present time no attempt has been made to carry out the provisions of this law, on account of lack of space. There is urgent need that this group of pupils receive attention, and as soon as any rooms are available these mentally retarded pupils should be provided for.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Open Air Room.
When the Bliss School was built in 1920 provision was made for a kindergarten and an open-air room for pupils underweight, poorly nourished, and predisposed to tuberculosis. Neither of these rooms has been used for the purpose intended on account of the rapid increase in the number of pupils and the necessity of using these rooms for regular schools.
There are about seventy-five children who should be in open-air 100ms. If the first aim of education is the health of the children, as we have stated that it is, these seventy-five children should be educated under the most healthful conditions for them. They should be in special rooms where they can have plenty of fresh air, nourishing lunches during the day, and opportunities for rest when needed. The number of pupils in the rooms at the Bliss School is still too large to allow the use of the open-air room in that school, but the purchase of a portable school house would free the open-air room for the purpose intended. Thus a start would be made in caring for part of the seventy-five pupils needing rooms of this kind.
Visit-School Days. .
During the first week in April an attempt was made to inform parents, and the public generally, regarding the work of the schools by inviting everyone to visit schools on two days of that week. The results were extremely gratifying. In the upper grades and in the High School the number of visitors to all schools was nearly one thousand. At the Tiffany School an evening session was held, and fathers as well as mothers had a chance to see their boys and girls in school.
Few people who attended school a generation or more ago realize the changes that have been taking place in the schools in recent years, and visiting days like these, when visitors are not entertained by special programs but see the work of the schools as it is faithfully carried on day after day throughtout the school year, give parents a clearer conception of what the schools are trying to accomplish than they can gain in any other way. Such days should be an annual event in the schools.
Number of visitors Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6, 1923 :
High School
12
Bank Street.
13
Bliss
162
Briggs Corner
41
Capron
25
Carpenter Street.
16
Dodgeville
21
Farmers
35
Hebronville
25
Plat
4
Pleasant Street.
39
Richardson
135
Sanford Street. 180
South Attleboro 31
Tiffany 241
Washington
11
Total
991
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ANNUAL REPORT
Evening Schools and Americanization.
For those who are not citizens, who have come to this country from foreign lands, who do not know our language and are ignorant of our history and form of government, but who desire to learn English and to acquaint themselves with our institutions so that they may become voters, the evening schools offer an excellent opportunity. The wonder is that so comparatively few avail themselves of it. Classes in English and citizenship have been held at the High School building and at the Tiffany School, and rapid progress has been made by those attending. Practically all who have attended the citizenship classes regularly have been admitted to citizenship when they were examined by the federal agents, and this is really the best way of obtaining citizenship. Yet the number in attendance this fall has been very small compared with the large number of non-citizens in Attleboro.
Every effort is being made by the director of Americanization, Mr. A. I. Studley, and the evening school teachers to seek out and to interest those who should be in evening school. Mr. Studley has some interesting figures in his report. It is the duty of every citizen to help others to become citizens.
The classes and clubs conducted by Miss Roberts at Hebronville accomplish more in the line of Americanization than many formally conducted classes, all parts of the community coming together in the school, and learning by social contact the democratic ideals and prin- ciples of our country. Miss Roberts' report shows how extensively the community is participating in this work.
Outside Credit for Music.
Last year the supervisor of music reported that at the High School nearly seventy-five per cent of those taking lessons on any musical instru- ment found it necessary to stop their music study altogether in order to keep up with their school studies. To correct this state of affairs he recommended credit for outside music study. After careful investigation the following plan for crediting outside music study under private instruction was adopted to take effect in September, 1923.
Plan for Crediting Outside Music Study Under Private Instruction.
Pupils pursuing the study of piano may receive therefor two credits yearly under the following conditions :
Application.
1. Application must be made to the Principal of the High School before the opening of the semester for which credit is desired.
2. A copy of the approved Course of Study in piano covering seven groups will be furnished the pupil which he in turn will present to his music teacher. The music teacher will assign the pupil to the group for which he seems to be fitted.
Reports.
1. On the first Monday of each school month, on a form provided by the school, the pupil must submit to the school a report covering the work of the previous month, as follows: (a) number of lessons ; (b) number of hours practiced per week; (c) material studied; (d) mark, on the plan used in the High School, giving the teacher's estimate of the pupil's rating. This report must be signed by the music teacher and the parent or guardian of the pupil.
159
ANNUAL REPORT
Notes :
A. The material studied must conform to the grade of proficiency under which the pupil is entered.
B. The pupil must take at least one half-hour lesson a week during the entire school term for which credit is desired.
C. The pupil must practice at least six hours a week during the entire school term for which credit is desired.
D. Lessons or practice omitted for any reason must be made up before credit for that term is granted.
Examinations.
1. Annually, in the month of June, the pupils will be examined by an examiner appointed by the School Board, the expense of the examination, not to exceed $2.00, to be borne by the parent or guardian.
2. The examination will be based on the private teacher's monthly reports and the problems outlined in the approved course of study for the group to which the pupil has been assigned.
Course of Study in Piano.
Each group is designated to cover one year's work in piano study.
Group I.
1. Structure of the keyboard and fundamentals of notation, such as the staff, cleff notes and rests, signs and words for tempo, intensity and expression.
2. Technic: The easier major and minor scales through one or two octaves and finger exercises. Transposition of such exercises into familiar keys.
3. Studies and short pieces of the first grade, by standard composers. Explanation of the phraseology of these compositions and facts about their composers.
4. Harmony : The intervals of the scales and the tonic triad.
5. Ear Training : The pitch and rhythm of short melodic phrases.
6. Sight Reading : Simple duets for teacher and pupil.
Group II.
1. More advanced notation. Explanation of all words and signs in the compositions that are studied.
2. Technic: All the major scales in parallel and contrary motion. Preparatory work in the minor scales of C. G. D. A. E and B. Triad arpeggios of all kinds, through one octave. Finger exercises. Trans- position of exercises into familiar keys.
3. Studies and short pieces of second grade, such as Beethoven's Minuet from Op. 49, No. 2. Both classics and modern composers represented.
4. Analysis of the form of all compositions studied.
5. Harmony : The consonant intervals, explanation of the principal triads and of cadences.
6. Ear Training: Writing by dictation of phrases in one or two- voice parts.
7. Sight Readng: Pieces of first grade. Duets for teacher and pupil.
160
ANNUAL REPORT
Group III.
1. Technic : All the major and minor scales. Two-octave arpeggios on triads, dominant and diminished seventh chords. Finger exercises. Transposition of exercises into various keys.
2. Studies and pieces of third grade by classic and modern com- posers : Examples, Bach's Six Little Preludes, Grieg's Lyric Pieces, Op. 12. Analysis of forms. Study of composers.
3. Harmony : All triads, dominant and diminished seventh chords, in root position and inversions. Passing and "Neighboring" notes. Sequences.
4. Ear Training : Phrases derived from pieces studied, in one to four-voice parts.
5. Sight Reading : Pieces of second grade.
Group IV.
1. Technic: Scales and arpeggios in all keys. Scales in double thirds. Exercises for fingers, arms, pedals, etc. Transposition of exer- cises.
2. Studies and pieces of fourth grade, such as Haydn's Sonata in F (No. 20) and Moskowski's Scherzino, Op. 18, No. 2. Analysis of form and study of composers.
3. Harmony : Secondary seventh chords, altered chords and in-
harmonic tones.
4. Ear Training : Phrases in two to four-voice parts, based on pieces studied.
5. Sight Reading : Third grade pieces.
Group V.
1. Technic: Extended positions in arpeggios. Scales in thirds and sixths.
2. Studies and pieces of fifth grade, such as Schubert's Impromptu in B-Flat, Op. 142, No. 3, and Schumann's Arabesque, Op. 18. Analysis of form and study of composers.
3. Harmony : Modulation .
4. Ear Training : Phrases based upon pieces studied.
5. Sight Reading: Sonatinas by Clementi, Kuhlau, etc.
Group VI.
1. Technic: Rapid scales and arpeggios. Octave exercises. Trans- positions.
2. Studies and pieces of sixth grade, such as Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso and Bach's Italian Concerto. Analysis of form and study of composers.
3. Harmony : Modulation, continued.
4. Ear Training : Phrases from pieces studied.
5. Simpler sonatas by Haydn and Mozart.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Group VII.
1. Technic: Complex and extended scales and arpeggios.
2. Studies and pieces of seventh grade, such as Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu and Liszt's setting of Schubert's Hark, Hark, the Lark. Analysis of forms and study of composers.
3. Harmony : Analysis of complex chord progressions.
4. Ear Training : Phrases and periods from pieces studied.
5. Sight Reading : Beethoven's earlier sonatas, Bach's French Suites.
ine, 1923
I am glad to report that this year 48 pupils are continuing the study of piano and 2 are enrolled for credit in voice. Those taking piano are divided by classes as follows: Seniors 6, Juniors 5, Sophomores 14, Freshmen 23. If the plan works as well as we hope, the number studying piano will be doubled in a few years.
Continuation School.
The Continuation School for employed minors between the ages of 14 and 16 was organized in September, 1920. The enrollment for October was 179. The period of business depression beginning in November, 1920 and continuing through 1921, had a marked effect on the continuation school attendance in all cities. With the return of the business condi- tions in 1922, however, the attendance at the continuation school has steadily increased, so that in October, 1923, the enrollment was 190, the largest since the school was started. The arrangement that has been made for carrying on the work this year is most satisfactory. Two instructors for girls are employed for four days a week, Miss Thompson teaching cooking to the eighth grade girls on Monday. For the boys, two instructors are employed for full time. The equipment in the shop is not very extensive and a polishing head should be added this year. Further details will be found under the report of the Director, Mr. Dutton.
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ANNUAL REPORT
THE SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK.
Deposits for each year since the establishment of the bank in 1908:
Year
Deposits
1908 (3 mos.)
$2,429 00
1909
4,497 85
1910
4,198 25
1911
4,142 16
1912
3,826 22
1913
4,406 50
1914
4,658 13
1915
3,680 00
1916
4,927 2/
1917
5,487 04
1918
3,185 91
1919
5,176 32
1920
10,886 16
1921
7,637 33
1922
6,902 89
1923
8,271 24
Total
$84,312 27
Statement January 1, 1924.
Dr.
Balance on deposit Jan. 1, 1923, including interest ($439.13) ..
$3,433 11
Deposits in First National Bank from January 1, 1923 to
January 1, 1924.
8,271 24
Interest from November, 1922 to November, 1923. 102 06
Total
$11,806 41
Cr.
Transferred to pupils' individual accounts, January 1, 1923 to January 1, 1924.
$8,074 00
Withdrawn, 1923, from interest to cover expenses. 17 50
Balance on deposit Jan. 1, 1924, including interest ($523.69) . . 3,714 91
Total $11,806 41
Total amount deposited since October, 1908.
$84,312 27
Number of individual accounts opened at the First National Bank from October 1908 to January 1923. 3,333 00
January 1923 to January 1924 287 00
Total $3,620 00
Number of pupils depositing in the school bank Jan. 1. 1923. . 1,687
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS A. FALES,
Superintendent of School-
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The following communication is my third annual report as Principal of the Attleboro High School for the school year ending December 31, 1923.
Total enrollment for this school year. 666
Present enrollment ... 640
Number who have left since September :
Boys
17
Girls
9
26
Of this number :
Two were failing in one subject.
One was failing in two subjects.
Five were failing in three or more subjects.
Eighteen did not remain in school until the end of the first quarter so that they could receive a rating.
Of the same number :
Five had been promoted.
Fourteen had not been promoted.
Seven were Freshmen.
Distribution of Pupils.
Number of boys 310
Number of girls. 330
Number of first year pupils. 267
Number of second year pupils 155
Number of third year pupils 106
Number of fourth year pupils 111
Number of fifth year pupils 0
Number of post graduates. 1
Number in College Curriculum. 166
Number in Technical Curriculum. 153
Number in the Commercial Curriculum. 268
Number in the General Curriculum. 53
The work in the Domestic Arts Curriculum is taken by students registered in the other Curricula.
College and Normal Students.
Class of 1923.
A survey made of the class of 1923 shows that 36 members are employed in the city of Attleboro, ten are attending Bryant and Stratton's, three are registered in Simmons College, three in the New Bedford Textile School, two in Boston University, two in Brown Uni- versity, two in Rhode Island College of Education, two in Wentworth Institute, one in Keene Normal School, one in Cornell University, one in Annapolis, one in North Eastern University, one in Worcester Technical Institute, one in Framingham Normal School, one in Rhode Island School of Design and one in Wilbraham Academy. Two members of the class are training to be nurses.
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