USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1931 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
187
ANNUAL REPORT
SUMMARY OF PENMANSHIP AWARDS 1930-1931
S. S.
Button
G. S.
Button
Palmer
Button
Merit
Button
Prog.
Pin
Imp.
Cert.
Stud.
Cert.
H. S.
Cert.
Total
Total
High.
8
14
19
9
43
91
184
188
Bliss
76
56
70
88
60
27
51
35
463
606
Briggs Cor ..
30
31
21
15
9
2
108
128
Capron
17
37
24
78
81
Carpenter St ..
30
34
64
63
Dodgeville
26
18
21
18
24
28
22
7
164
223
Farmers
18
12
11
24
22
8
5
1
101
167
Finberg
30
29
23
23
29
22
13
3
172
172
Lincoln
27
33
54
10
50
15
189
303
Plat
8
8
17
16
2
51
43
Pleasant St .. . .
30
21
7
4
62
34
Richardson.
71
45
105
94
83
50
36
33
517
578
Sanford St.
26
54
81
69
55
43
37
365
690
S. Attleboro . .
18
21
19
11
5
2
76
80
Tiffany
37
74
63
45
41
20
46
24
350
556
Washington
42
48
61
54
59
31
22
317
371
Totals
433
460
535
526
485
277
363
323
3402
4433
1929.1930.
285
475
1095
930
781
359
407
102
4433
1929-1930-3,279 pupils earned 4,433 awards.
1930-1931-3,671 pupils earned 3,402 awards.
HELPING THE INDIVIDUAL PUPIL
We are continuing the work begun last year in trying to help pupils entering High School to choose the right course and to keep on with it once they have started. Emphasis is placed on making the right choice of studies at the start, and at least four weeks are spent in grade eight explaining courses and advising pupils so that there may be as thorough an understanding of the High School Curricula as possible. The pupil's record in the elementary schools, especially in grade eight, is carefully studied and his aptitude in the elementary subjects is made the basis of his selection of studies in the High School. Upon entering High School he is immediately assigned to an adviser who tries to keep in touch with his work and prevent any possible failure. We are doing what we can to give every pupil who wants a High School education the privilege of getting one. We cannot do much for pupils who have no desire to learn, but we are anxious to help in every way possible those who are ambitious for a High School Education.
RESIGNATION OF TEACHERS
1931
Resignations Dorothy B. Poland Margaret F. Woodward Charles O. Dalrymple Vivian Brown
School
Reason
March 3
Finberg
May 12
High High Sanford St.
To be married
June 1
Henry E. Dockler
High
Gardner, Mass.
June 10
Thelma A. Powers Caroline Cutts
High
Richardson
To be married
1930 1931
1929-193
Bank St.
4
6
.9
13
32
77
141
150
May 18
To be at home Cooperstown, N. Y To study
May 23
June 12
188
ANNUAL REPORT
June 17
Lillian H. Shaw
Lincoln
Belmont
June 18 Marjorie Morrell
High
Washington Normal
June 30
Carl W. Lombard
High
Melrose
July 13
Frances L. Gaffney
Bliss
To be married
Oct. 20
Carlisle Hall
High
Deceased
Aug. 16
L. Marie Hentz
High
A teacher in the High School since September, 1920.
The number of changes in teachers this year has been small. Few teachers resigned to accept better positions. This is probably due to the fact that in most places whenever vacancies have occurred, teachers have been hired at as low a salary as possible. The most important change was in the principalship of the High School. Mr. Charles O. Dalrymple resigning after ten years of service to study for a degree at Boston University. His successor is Mr. Alfred R. Mack, former principal of the Middleboro High School, who has started the year well.
TRANSPORTATION
We are still spending a large sum for transportation. We have made a considerable saving in the cost of school buses but the number of pupils entitled to car tickets under the present rule of the Committee is steadily increasing. The cost of transportation for High School pupils increased from $1,553.23 in 1930 to $1,873.86 for 1931, an increase of $320.63. While the total cost is high, it is still more economical than the maintenance of additional rooms to accommo- date the pupils transported, and the pupils are getting a better education. A comparison of expenditures for 1930 and 1931, with an estimate for 1932 follows:
Buses
Expended 1930 $6,021.50
Expended 1931 $5,651.25
Decrease $370.25
Car Tickets
Increase
High.
$1553.23
$1873.86
320.63
Elementary
4265.41
4328.37
62.96
Continuation
138.49
190.41
51.92
5957.13
6392.64
435.51
Total
$11978.63
$12043.89 Increase
$65.26
Esti rate for 1932
Buses
$5155.00
Car Tickets
High
$1875.00
Elementary
1325.00
Continuation
175.00
6375.00
$11530.00
The transportation of pupils to continuation school is charged to continuation school expenses, but it is listed here so that the total paid for transportation may be clearly seen.
189
ANNUAL REPORT
THE SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK
Deposits Since the Establishment of the Bank in 1908:
Year
Deposits
1908 .1921 (inclusive)
$ 69,138.14
1922.
6,902.89
1923
8,271.24
1924
7,849.22
1925
8,459.52
1926
7,366.52
1927
8,374.95
1928
8,752.85
1929
8,586.30
1930
7,853.17
1931
8,026.85
$149,581.65
Statement December 31, 1930
Dr.
Balance on deposit Dec. 22, 1930, including int. ($1,016.23). $ 4,110.73
Deposits in First National Bank from January 1, 1931 to December
31,1931. .
8,026.85
Interest from November 1930 to November 1931 117.16
$ 12,254.74
Cr.
Transferred to pupils' individual accounts, January 1, 1931 to Jan. 1, 1932. $ 8,211.00
Withdrawn, 1931, from interest to cover expenses. 34.16
Balance on deposit December 31, 1931, including int. ($1099.23) . . 4,009.58
$ 12,254.74 .
Total amount deposited since October, 1908. $149,581.65
Number of individual accounts opened at First National Bank from October 1908 to January, 1931. 5,438
January, 1931, to January, 1932. 232
Total 5,670
Number of pupils depositing in the school bank Jan. 1, 1932 1,647
Twenty five years ago teaching school was a comparatively simple matter. To be sure, the classes were larger than they are today but if a teacher was a good disciplinarian, she was likely to be thought a successful teacher. It was taken for granted that if a teacher could make the children mind, she must surely be able to teach them. Much of what was accomplished by each teacher however was taken on faith. There was no definite plan for checking accomplishment for the year. But with the coming of standard tests all this is changed. Classes are tested in October and again in May, and the results compared. Teachers must show definite progress for the year or make suitable explanation. Along with achievement tests have come intelligence tests, vocational and educational guidance, safety teaching, thrift, visual education, supervised play, and a variety of subjects which the teacher must know and emphasize more or less in her teaching. She must enter enthusiastically into every project for promoting civic welfare. The teacher's responsibility for progress in many lines is much greater today than it has ever been before.
100
ANNUAL REPORT
But while all these changes have added to the teacher's burden, they have at the same time made her work much more interesting. She has the satisfaction of knowing at the end of the year that her pupils have done as much as was expected-perhaps more. She has had an opportunity, through so many different phases of school work to get better acquainted with her pupils and so to be more helpful to them. She has found that she can do more work and do it better because she and the pupils are happier in doing it.
Such is the situation in our schools today. We are trying to keep abreast of the times, to make use of every educational method that promises better results, to hold whatever progress has been made and to advance further if possible, and to use every means in our power to train the boys and girls in our schools into worthy, upright citizens. No teachers are more earnest in their efforts to accomplish these results than the teachers in the Attleboro Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
Lewis A. Fales
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit with pleasure my first annual report under the following headings and tables.
I Congestion :
The first remark concerning the high school that anyone makes is to the effect that we are up to or above capacity. It was necessary for the first several months to have separate assemblies, one for the three upper classes and one for the freshman class. The enrollment has dropped now from 860 to 830 so that one assembly is possible (see table I showing enrollment). Some have moved from this city, others left (see table I). For the most part, those who have left have been poor students. Indications now would seem to show that another year's enrollment will not be greater than this year, and if so we can get along in present quarters. In reading previous annual reports, I was interested to read in the 1922 report that with 616 pupils, the capacity of the building was reached as far as teaching was concerned, and in 1924 that with 683 the absolute capacity of the building was reached. We started this year with 860, about 150 more than last year. Incidentally, it does not seem to me that the growth in High School enrollment from 1922 is very great, especially, with most of it in the last year (due to unemployment). It should be recognized that we are crowded and that remedial measures should be taken.
II Program of Studies, Scholarship
No physical education is offered this year. This has meant one less teacher, and one less class each period, which has filled the extra seats in classrooms.
This year, the terms have been changed from ten weeks to eight weeks. This gives one more report of work to parents. Along with this is a new report card. Many educators feel that attitude toward work, co operation in class, etc., should be reported to parents as well as the report of the subject. Con- sequently the rank in each subject consists of a letter and a figure-the letters, .1. B. C., etc., are the same as last year. In addition, every pupil should strive:
To prepare every lesson to the best of his ability.
To be alert in class.
To co operate and be as helpful as possible.
To make up work lost through absence.
191
ANNUAL REPORT
Attitude toward work is marked as follows:
1 EXCELLENT in all the above respects.
2 GOOD in most of the above respects.
3 QUESTIONABLE in the above respects.
4 UNSATISFACTORY.
Report cards are sent home every two months, and deficiency cards in the alternate months are sent to parents of pupils failing.
At the beginning of school a letter was sent home to parents of freshmen, telling of the adviser system, and the desirability of making a good start. The letter follows:
September 14, 1931.
An Open Letter to Freshmen of Attleboro High School
Written with the hope that All Parents will also read
A year ago Superintendent Fales sent a letter to parents of freshmen. It emphasized the newness of High School, the need for adjustment, with resulting success or failure. It stated the system of teachers as advisers to help in this adjustment, to reduce failures.
This letter is written in the hope that new pupils may be started right . So much depends upon the start. What you are to be, you are now becoming. Resolve, that you will make of yourself the greatest success you are capable of. Get started right.
Study. Form good study habits. Reduce outside disturbances to a mini- mum. Have a definite time and place for study. And by the way, parents- don't believe a word of it when you hear them say that they "do their studying in school." All pupils always have home study, and their success at school depends upon the care with which this is done.
Attendance. Absence and tardiness are the companions of failure. The formation of a tardy habit is one of the greatest obstacles to success in school and in life. Regular, unbroken attendance is necessary for satisfactory pupil progress. Help us to keep our attendance high and our tardiness low at Attle- boro High School.
Character. Many other factors contribute to character, besides mental ability. Prospective employers are far more likely to question concerning honesty and co operation. A person isn't measured by what he might be able to do, but by what he actually does accomplish. Some of the other factors are reliability, industry, loyalty, co operation, honesty, health and initiative.
Therefore, Get Started Right. If you have trouble with any of your studies, if you do not understand work already done, if there is anything about which you need help, see your adviser, or the teacher, or the principal at once. Help now, is worth much more than help later.
Alfred R. Mack, Principal.
Also when the report cards went home, another letter was enclosed explaining the new report cards. It is quite likely that a letter will be sent home each time the report cards go out, with the intention of keeping parents in closer touch with the school, its problems and its activities.
In an effort to decrease failures, a study was made when the first deficiency cards were sent home at the end of September. Teachers gave the causes of failure for each pupil, and pupils were asked to give their reasons for failures. When the report cards went out at the end of the September-October term, a study was made to determine how many who failed in September, continued to fail, and how many had done better work in October. At all events, so much was done along this line, including assembly talks on "How to Study" that the pupils know a genuine interest exists to help them.
192
ANNUAL REPORT
There are two measures taken to reduce failures, which seem to me especially good. There is the adviser system, in force now for the third year. By this scheme each teacher acts as an adviser for a group of Freshmen and Sophomores, advising as to program of study, failures, etc. Vocational and educational guidance is of the highest importance, and whatever we can do that all pupils may enjoy the benefits that a few pupils have always had from the best teachers, we should do. The other is the rank of "D" in a continuing subject. This rank is ordinarily a failure, and no credit. After an exhaustive study, last year, of many report cards from all over the state it was decided that "D" received at the end of the year in a continuing subject should receive half credit, and the follow- ing year of the subject taken on eight weeks probation. This year in a study made of 90 such cases, at the end of the eight weeks, 64 were doing passing work and will be allowed to continue. By this system these pupils were given an opportunity, and have made good so far.
III Extra-Classroom Activities
The Hi-Y Club connected with the Y. M. C. A. has issued a handbook telling of the various activities of the school. It is to be hoped that parents and friends will read this handbook. Each student has one.
"The Blue Owl", Orchestra, Glee Club, Le Cercle Francais, Footlight Club, Radio Club, Debating Club, Hi Y Club, Torch Club, Varsity Club continue to function satisfactorily.
Athletics are well handled by Raymond H. Grayson, Coach, and Faculty Manager George I. Spatcher. A high type of sportsmanship is the objective.
Each Wednesday a movie has been shown, after school, to those interested, on various subjects of a semi-educational nature. These are furnished by the Superintendent to all Attleboro Schools from the Y. M. C. A. Motion Picture Bureau of New York.
Assemblies are held regularly Tuesday and Friday mornings. They repre- sent an opportunity to attempt to put across ideals of conduct, as well as other various objectives. Mr. Gibb, with the orchestra, has contributed much to these assemblies.
IV Recommendations
Several of the rooms are not well lighted, as they were not designed as class- rooms. This is especially noticeable in the mechanical drawing room where much close work requires the best of lighting to avoid eye fatigue.
Machine equipment in the manual training room should be equipped with blowers to remove the heavy dust.
The crying need is for more room.
V Miscellaneous
The High School continues on the approved list of the New England College C'ertificate Board, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is in Class A for Normal Schools. Pride is taken in the record of graduates at colleges. At the same time we must recognize that 80% of our students do not go to college and need equip- ment for life.
The library program begun last year continues, i. e. an intensive course in the use of libraries is given to freshmen. There is an increasing amount of reference work done, as the value of supplementary text books is recognized.
Last spring, April 16, 1931, a play was given, "Icebound", coached by Miss Beatrice Smith, School librarian.
Teachers' meetings have been held regularly every two or three weeks, with an effort to cover routine matters, and also professional advancement.
In connection with the Community Chest, the High School made a record this year, teachers contributing $282.00, pupils $45.48, a total of $327.48.
Several school socials have been held. Carefully supervised and limited to High School Students, these are functions that are a credit to the school.
193
ANNUAL REPORT
TABLES
I Enrollment (November 30, 1931) Based upon Sr.
60 credits
Jr. 40 credits
Soph.
15 credits
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
Moved
Left
P. G.
9
3
12
2
Seniors
31
67
98
2
Juniors.
75
78
153
3
2
Sophomores
114
131
245
1
6
Freshmen .
161
161
322
14
Total
390
440
830
4
26
Graduates for Past Six Years
Year
Number Graduates
Attending
Normal School
Attending
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
1931
114
4
3.4
24
21.0
5
4.3
13
11.4
12
10.5
1930
123
2
1.6
17
13.8
15
12.2
12
9.8
10
8.1
1929
129
4
3.5
33
25.5
1928
135
3
2.2
31
23.0
4
3.0
6
4.4
1927
122
18
6.5
34
27.9
6
4.9
5
4.0
1926
101
12
11.8
24
23.4
10
9.8
Division of Pupils for 1931-1932, by Curriculums, From Selection of Study Cards Made June, 1931
. Class
College
Technical
Commercial
General
Manual Arts
Dom. Arts
Total
Senior
141
Junior
35
36
58
29
19
177
Sophomore
40
26
99
31
23
219
Freshman
78
23
122
18
21
17
279
Total
179
114
328
115
63
17
816
Per cent
21.9
13.9
40.
13.9
Bus. School
Training in
Hospital
Attending
Spec, School
No.
%
No.
College
Attending
9
7.0
49
37
194
ANNUAL REPORT
Distribution of Pupils by Subjects (correct Nov. 9, 1931)
Class
Number of Divisions
Number of Pupils
English IV
5
130
English III
6
177
English II
8
238
English I
10
316
French III
2
51
French II
3
92
French I .
5
154
German III
1
20
German II
2
48
German I
3
89
Chemistry
5
129
Physics .
1
21
Fl. Physics
2
63
Biol. Science
4
107
El. Science .
217
Latin IV
1
15
Latin III
2
37
Latin II
2
43
Latin I.
3
91
U. S. History
5
134
Mod. History
3
78
Anc. History
4
128
Civics
6
198
Sol. Geometry
1
14
Int. Algebra.
3
78
Plane Geometry
3
79
El. Algebra.
5
153
Pen. and Spell.
4
119
Arithmetic
6
177
Type. III
1
28
Type. II
2
63
Type. I
4
125
Sten. II
1
28
Sten. I
2
63
Geography
3
83
Book. II
2
46
Book. I
3
76
Accountancy
1
11
F. H. Drawing
86
Mech. Drawing
114
Manual Training
106
Cooking
138
VI
In conclusion, we recognize that our part in training future citizens is to do our utmost to instill the best attitudes and ideals. Our courses are but tools to attain the desired ends. We want our boys and girls to think and to think straight, to have the courage of their convictions and the ability and knowledge to make those convictions the right ones.
The whole is a co operative process and for whatever degree of success is attained, we must thank the School Committee, our Superintendent, our Faculty and our Students.
Respectfully submitted,
Alfred R. Mack
195
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The following is my twelfth annual report as Director of the Attleboro Continuation School, and is for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Vital Statistics Year Ending June, 1931
Boys
Girls 38
Total 64 111
Total Enrollment.
91
84
175
Number of non-residents.
1
0
1
Entered first time this year
59
53
112
Withdrew during year.
40
39
79
Membership at close of year
41
43
84
Average membership (constructive)
66.35
51.38
117.73
Average membership (actual).
53.80
47.16
100.96
Average attendance (actual)
54.40
47.33
101.73
Per cent of attendance.
81.90
92.11
87
Number of graduates
29
17
46
Aggregate attendance
2036
1525
3561
Total make-up hours.
392
604
996
Statistics Regarding the Maintenance Cost and Productivity of Shops by Courses
Materials furnished by customer,
Value
Market
pupil and
of
value of
school
Labor
product
Household Mechanics
$101.65
$415.05
$597.35
Clothing
98.00
45.50
168.85
Foods ..
95.45
78.65
202.65
Enrollment Data-14 15 years of age.
26
15 16 years of age.
65
46
Owing to the lack of employment in the city of the boys and girls of con- tinuation school age there has been a gradual dropping off in the attendance. In conformity to this enrollment the teaching days for the girls has been reduced to three, and one instructor in the boys' department has been dismissed. This curtailment is probably only temporary for as soon as there is employment opportunity there will be as many of this younger group working as formerly. In the meantime this abbreviated program will be carried on to the best possible advantage.
There are at the present time thirty six boys and forty six girls in attendance at this school. Eleven of the boys have home permits, nineteen are working in shops and on farms and six are attending the school twenty hours per week. Of the girls thirty-seven have home permits, four are employed in homes as mothers' assistants, three are employed in industry, and two attend the school every day it is in session. In view of the above we have modified our course for the girls somewhat and are emphasizing the care of the pre-school child. A brief outline of that work follows:
196
ANNUAL REPORT
1. Rights of childhood; Attleboro agencies interested in children; visiting baby clinics conducted by the District Nursing Association.
2. Habit formation; importance of desirable habits, and treatment of bad habits.
3. Feeding pre school child; suggested menus, standard portion for serving, etc.
4. Clothing for pre school child; trips to stores to study the right kind of garments; what a mother's helper should know about dressing a child.
5. Children's diseases; how contracted and how prevented.
6. Play and home toys.
7. Stories for children; where to get them and how to tell them.
In order to make practical and to apply some of the things we have taught during the past year, we have taken classes to visit furniture stores, electrical establishments, bakeries, etc., where talks have been given and demonstrations have been made concerning the value and importance of household utensils and equipment. We have been very much delighted and impressed by the co- operative spirit demonstrated by these merchants in their effort to be of some real service to these young people.
The annual banquet given to the school board by the girls in the cooking class was held on March 18th. They met with their usual success. They had as special guest Mr. Robert O. Small, Director, Division of Vocational Education of Massachusetts.
Teachers in the continuation school are required by the State Department to take professional improvement courses for five years. Two of the teachers have completed the required courses but are still continuing professional improvement work. Mr. L. Baker Johnson is taking a year's course at Boston University. Miss Doris A. Prentiss took a University Extension course during the summer vacation and is continuing those studies through this school year.
Respectfully submitted,
Milton P. Dutton
FINBERG SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
During the winter of 1930-1931 we were enabled through the use of our new building to give unusual service to the community, although early in the spring our activities were suddenly curtailed due to a lack of funds.
Mr. Joseph Finberg financed two clubs, young men 16 to 21 years of age comprised the first group and about 30 to 35 young men over 21 the second group. They were under the direction of Mr. Lord.
All clubs made use of the new play room for basketball and other games.
During this winter season we had clubs in active operation as follows,
Adults
Dressmaking and Sewing First Aid
Miss Ryan Mrs. Wendell
Tuesday, Thursday-6:30-8:30
Monday-6:30-8:30
High School Girls
Children's Clubs Miss Hirons Wednesday-6:30-8:30
Senior Girls
Miss Jacques Tuesday-6:30 8:30
Junior Girls
Miss Heywood
Tuesday-3:30 4:30
Senior Boys
Mr. Ousley
Monday-6:30 8:30
Junior Boys
Mr. Ousley
Thursday-6:30 8:30
Community Cottage
Branch of Public Library-Tuesday-2:30 7:30
Child Welfare Conference, District Nurses' Association-Tuesday-3:30-4:30
197
ANNUAL REPORT
This fall we have been holding club meetings every other week instead of every week and we have eliminated the Home Arts classes.
These activities are of more value than ever before to our community. In these trying times when even food is scarce they are needed to sustain the morale and happiness of our youth.
Our club leaders at present are: Boys, Robert Partington; Girls, Miss Hirons, Miss Crandall, Miss Heywood, Miss Jacques and Miss Claflin; Dressmaking, Miss Ryan.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha J. Roberts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.