USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1935 > Part 6
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
SCHOOL APPROPRIATIONS
Few people realize how much the appropriations for schools have been reduced in the last seven years. For those who are interested, the following figures will be found worth of study. Since 1930, the appropriations have been cut, $58,491.62, nearly 16 1-2 per cent. We have reduced our cost per pupil so low, that with the exception of two other cities, we are now grouped with the smaller towns of the state. In its ability to support education, Attleboro has become very poor. The figures tell the story.
Appropriations
1929
Salaries ..
Requested $296,125.00 64,297.00
Appropriated $292,800.00 59,777.00
Cut $ 3,325.00 4,520.00
Other Expenses.
Total
$360,422.00
$352,577.00
$ 7,845.00
1930
Salaries.
$297,090.00
$294,300.00
$ 2,790.00
Other Expenses
62,589.00
61,100.00
1,489.00
Total.
$359,679.00
$355,400.00
$ 4,279.00
1931
Salaries.
$302,596.00
$299,076.48
$ 3,519.52
Other Expenses
62,310.00
55,040.00
7,270.00
Total.
$364,906.00
$354,116.48
$10,789.52
88
ANNUAL REPORT
1932
Salaries.
$291,587.00
$284,737.00 45,605.00
$ 6,850.00
Other Expenses
53,110.00
7,505.00
Total
$344,697.00
$330,342.00
$14,355.00
First Request
193
Salaries.
$275,952.00
Other Expenses
44,373.00
Total.
$320,325.00
Second Request
1933
Salaries
$249,897.75
$231,500.00 43,873.00
$18,397.75 500.00
Other Expenses
44,373.00
Total
$294,270.75
$275,373.00
$18,897.75
1934
Salaries
$244,902.94
$244,902.94
None
Other Expenses
45,845.00
45,845.00
None
Total
$290,747.94
$290,747.94
None
First Request
1935
Salaries.
$270,933.40
Other Expenses
50,170.00
Total
$321,103.40
Second Request
1935
Salaries.
$248,253.44
$248,253.44
Other Expenses
50,170.00
48,654.94
None $ 1,515.06
Total
$298,423.44
$296,908.38
$ 1,515.06
DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS
The appropriations for schools in 1935 were as follows:
Salaries.
$248,255.44
Other Expenses.
48,641.64
Rent-Jewelry Trades School .
916.63
Total gross amount raised by taxation for support of schools. $297,813.71
To get the net amount raised by taxation for the support of schools there should be deducted the amounts received from the state as reimbursements, and the receipts of the department. For 1935 these receipts were as follows:
Reimbursement for Teachers' Salaries. $ 27,832.95
Continuation School.
1,096.53
State Wards.
799.72
Tuition for Jewelry Trades School
146.88
Other receipts, rent, sale of books, etc
637.02
$30,513.10
89
ANNUAL REPORT
Deducting this amount from the total appropriation, makes the net amount raised by taxation for schools $267,300.61. This would mean a tax rate for schools of about $10.57 or about 30% of the present tax rate of $34.40. This is not a high percentage for the support of schools.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
In my report last year I stated that we were trying to provide educational opportunity for boys and girls over fourteen in two different schools. For the girls there is the vocational school at the Bank Street school, where girls have courses in sewing, cooking, home nursing, and home making. The boys have shop work embracing wood and metal, and some simple electrical work and both boys and girls have academic work suited to their ability. This vocational school this year is very successful, the expense is comparatively small and one- half the cost is borne by the State. See the report of the principal for further details
The second opportunity for the boys is in the Jewelry Trades School, which started in October, 1934, as an ERA project and developed into a Jewelry Trades School, sponsored by the school committee. With salaries paid from federal funds, and reimbursement from the State for one-half the cost of running the school outside new equipment and the rent, Attleboro is having an excellent opportunity to find out whether it wants a trade school or not. The report of the director makes interesting reading, and gives fuller details.
The average attendance for the year 1934-1935 was 33. For the period from July 15 to December 20, 1935, the average attendance was 44. This is about as many as can be accommodated in our present quarters, with the number of instructors we now have.
For eleven months in 1935, beginning February 1, the cost of the Jewelry Trades School, excluding the salaries and the rent, was $1,393.15. Of this amount $282 44 was spent for equipment Tuition from out of town pupils amounted to $357.00. Deducting from $1,393.15, the equipment and the tuition, leaves $753.71. Of this
$1,393.15 639.44 $ 753.71
the state pays one-half, $376.85. The net cost to the city for eleven months is as follows:
Equipment. $ 282.44
One-half cost of maintenance. 376.86
Rent. 916.63
Total. $1,575.93
The school has competent instructors and should be continued until it has proved its worth as a vital part of the jewelry industry. If it cannot do that, no one, of course, would ask that it be continued.
METROPOLITAN ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
The results of the tests given in November to grades V, VI, VII, and VIII were very satisfactory. Comparing results with the standard norm, and with the equivalent grades of last year, a definite gain is shown in all grades. So far as testing can show, the schools are doing good work.
90
ANNUAL REPORT
Summary of Metropolitan Achievement Tests
November, 1934 November, 1935 Standard Attle. Standard Attle. Grade Norm Norm Grade
Higher Higher than than Stan. last yr.
Test
Reading
8.3
8.3
8.3
9.1
.8
.8
7.3
7.8
7.3
8.1
.8
.3
6.3
6.5
6.3
6.7
4
.2
5.3
5.5
5.3
5.5
2
Vocabulary
8.3
7.9
8.3
8.2
-1
.3
7.3
7.4
7.3
7.4
.1
6.3
6.2
6.3
6.3
1
5.3
5.4
5.3
5.4
1
Arith. Fundamentals
8.3
8.4
8.3
8.8
.5
.4
7.3
7.8
7.3
8.
.7
.2
6.3
6.6
6.3
6.8
5
.2
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.2
-. 1
-. 1
Arith. Problems
8.3
8.5
8.3
8.8
.5
.3
7.3
7.6
7.3
7.7
.4
.1
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.5
.2
.2
5.3
5.2
5.3
5.4
1
.2
English, I, II, III
8.3
8.8
8.3
9.3
1.
.5
7.3
8.2
7.3
8.3
1.
.1
6.3
6.9
6.3
7.2
9
.3
5.3
5.9
5.3
6.
.7
.1
English, Pts. I and II. .
8.3
9.2
9
.9
7.3
8.2
.9
.9
Spelling
8.3
8.2
8.3
8.5
.2
.3
7.3
7.2
7.3
7.4
.1
2
6.3
6.2
6.3
6.4
.1
.2
5.3
5.
5.3
5.1
-. 2
.1
PENMANSHIP
The following report shows a total of 3,032 awards made by the A. N. Palmer Company during the school year 1934-1935. These figures are printed in detail so that one may see that all schools and all grades are active in obtaining awards
Summary of Penmanship Awards, 1934-1935
High.
14
14
47
Bliss.
55
42
61
55
57
30
70
66
436
477
Brgs. Cor
14
7
18
21
16
7
2
85
102
Capron
14
21
25
60
65
Carp St
24
22
18
2
66
80
Dodgeville
26
9
17
17
8
8
8
1
94
130
Farmers.
22
15
25
13
13
9
4
101
108
Finberg
16
23
12
16
20
26
21
15
149
138
Lincoln .
29
30
30
35
9
55
38
226
186
Plat . .
6
6
13
19
9
53
42
Pleasant St . .
18
26
28
5
77
67
Richardson ...
34
24
53
64
104
81
56
48
464
481
Sanford St . .
24
33
32
56
71
62
54
53
385
448
S. S.
Button
G. S.
Button
Palmer
Button
Merit
Button
Progress
Junior
Cert.
Cert.
IU
1935
Total
1934
Total
Bank St.
2
1
1
13
18
35
71
Pin
Students'
no
91
ANNUAL REPORT
So. Attleboro .
22
22
15
15
8
2
84
88
Tiffany
34
62
48
48
40
36
40
43
351
342
Washington ..
60
37
52
63
58
42
28
12
352
331
Totals.
369
378
449
424
440
313
351
308
3032
1934 Totals
364
409
450
409
426
389
444
312
3203
Per Cent of Pupils in Each Grade Receiving Awards
June Enrol.
Pupils Holding Award for Grade
Per Cent of pupils
Grade-High, Com'l Course.
23
12
52%
VIII.
334
303
91%
VII
349
296
85%
VI
401
357
89%
V.
400
365
91%
IV
429
398
93%
III
434
409
94%
II
339
332
98%
I.
399
371
93%
Total.
3108
2843
91%
In June, 1935, 2843 or 91% of the pupils had the award for the grade.
REPAIRS
In my report of 1928 I recommended that an appropriation of $3000 be made each year for five years, to replace old boilers and furances, lay cement walks, improve the grounds, and varnish and calcimine some of the older buildings. Thanks to the ERA, PWA, and WPA, much of the work recommended has been done. The report of the custodian of buildings covers this fully. Little has been done, however, to replace the old, inefficient and inadequate heating equip- ment. A new boiler has been installed at the Bank Street school, made necessary by the breaking of the old boiler last February. One new furnace has been in- stalled at the Sanford Street school. In the other buildings where new equipment is needed, we are still using old furnaces with cracked firepots, that leak gas so badly that the air in the whole building is impregnated with coal gas in which pupils have to sit day after day if the fire is properly checked. The only way to avoid the gas in the rooms is to keep the dampers open, which allows the gas to es- cape up the chimney but increases the consumption of fuel. This procedure is not only not economical but very expensive, and wastes heat tremendously. Five fires in an eight-room building, such as we have at the Tiffany and the Washington schools are certainly expensive luxuries these days.
The installation of an up-to-date heating system in these schools would be expensive at first, but would pay large dividends in the economy of fuel and the health and comfort of the pupils for years to come. Another Mills boiler should be put in at Bank Street, and unit ventilators provided for ventilation. New equipment should be installed at Tiffany, Washington, Dodgeville and Briggs Corner schools. The expense of doing this work should be covered by a bond issue and the work started early enough so that it could all be done this summer. A beginning at least should be made this year. The school committee should be authorized to employ a competent engineer to survey the buildings mentioned, and to recommend adequate heating equipment. We ought not to wait seven years more before taking action.
RESIGNATIONS
Nine teachers resigned during the year, and one teacher was granted leave of absence. Five resigned to be married and the others resigned to accept better positions.
92
ANNUAL REPORT
1935
Jan. 30 Dorothy A. Mulligan
Richardson, V
To be married
May 28 Miriam J. Claflin
Sanford St., I
To be married
June 17 Anne L. Benson
Washington, V
To be married
June 27 Alice Blythe
Washington, I
To be married
July 27 Doris F. Wild
Richardson, V
To teach in Abington
Aug. 10 Gunvor Henricksen
Finberg, VI
To teach in Fairhaven
Aug 19 Alice M. Washburn
Lincoln, Dom. Sc. To teach in Foxboro
Nov. 2 Grace Curley
Tiffany, V
To be married
Dec. 21
Catherine A. Dillon
Sanford St., V
To teach in Hyannis State College
Leave of Absence-1 Year: Elizabeth M. Hilliard, High School
RETIREMENT
At the close of schools in June, two faithful and efficient teachers were placed on the retired list.
Miss Amy E. White began teaching in Attleboro High School in September, 1899, and taught, with the exception of one year, in various positions till her retirement, a total of 35 years.
Mr. William F. Eastwood began as instructor in manual training one day a week in January, 1910, and at his retirement was submaster of the High School. He was obliged to be absent one year, 1918-1919. He was in the schools in various positions 24 years.
The resignations of these two teachers were received with great regret.
THE SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK
The School Savings Bank was started in October, 1908. I present the usual statement for the year ending December 31, 1935. As a matter of interest and also of record I present the following table showing the number of pupils enrolled in September, the number of depositors in December, and the total deposits for each year since the bank was started. The accompanying graph shows plainly the effect of good and bad times on school savings
Year
Enrollment second week in September
Depositors Dec. 31
Amount deposited for the year
1908.
2165
$
2,429.00
1909
2003
4,497.85
1910
.2093
1226
4,198.25
1911
2018
1133
4,142.16
1912.
2157
1184
3,826.22
1913.
2286
1528
4,406.50
1914.
2355
1493
4,658.13
1915
2418
1462
3,680.00
1916.
2411
1294
4,927.27
1917.
2516
1659
5,487.04
1918
2592
1075
3,185.91
1919.
2786
1617
5,176.32
1920
3011
2208
10,886.16
1921.
3139
2171
7,637.33
1922
.3041
1637
6,902.89
1923.
3092
1687
8,271.24
1924
.3170
1641
7,849.22
1925
3167
1949
8,459.52
1926
3181
1748
7,366.52
1927
3176
1739
8,374.95
93
ANNUAL REPORT
1928
3241
1723
8,752.85
1929
3239
1339
8,586.30
1930.
3352
1748
7,853.17
1931
. 3321
1648
8,026.85
1932
3366
1544
5,165.36
1933
3310
1500 est
3,713.67
1934.
3238
1500 est
3,941.93
1935
3059
1410
4,503.35
Total Deposited.
$166,905.96
The administration of the schools during the past year has been very difficult and unsatisfactory. It has been impossible to do any constructive planning on account of the limited appropriation to start with, and the way in which additional appropriations have been made. Up to the present time teachers have been working courageously and faithfully in the hope that better times were at hand If anything happens to break this spirit, the result will be extremely harmful to the schools. We have already economized to the limit, as is shown by our very low cost per pupil. Further economies will be made at the expense of the pupils. The time has come when we should begin to regain some of the losses the schools have suffered, and to give back to the pupils some of the things they have been obliged to go without.
They ought to have books and supplies to meet their needs and they ought not to be obliged to sit in gas-filled rooms or to breathe gas-tainted air. Our educational program should be moving forward, not standing still or looking backward. The pupils in the schools must get their education now. The people of Attleboro have always stood squarely behind the schools, and have been proud of them. I believe they want the schools to main- tain the same high standards that they have held through the years, that the pupils in the schools today may become tomorrow independent, high-minded, loyal citizens of Attleboro and our great republic.
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 fifth annual report under the following headings and tables:
I. Enrollment.
The average membership for the month of September for the last five years has been as follows:
1931
853
1932.
958
1933.
927
1934
941
1935.
941
This would seem to strengthen the conviction that we have reached an approxi- mate level of about 900 pupils each year.
II Scholarship.
We are attempting to maintain our standard of scholarship. There is a feeling on the part of some teachers that the attitude of the times, too prevalent among other than school children, namely, to get something for nothing, has entered our school. Objective evidence does not bear this out, e. g. we have had
91
ANNUAL REPORT
the following percentage of the entire student body on our first term Honor Roll for the last five years:
1931
12%
1932.
16%
1933
17%
1934.
21%
1935.
17%
A variation of 4% from last year is of no great importance in itself, and 17% on this year's September-October Honor Roll compares favorably with the average for the past four years. Larger classes with the greater number of pupils per teacher mean less attention for each pupil and more difficulty in checking them than in the good old days. It is, of course necessary to have study pupils in the rear of every classroom, while classes are being held.
Report cards with a Principal's Bulletin continue to go out every two months. Deficiency cards are sent home on the alternate months. The following have been discussed in the bulletins sent home to each parent during the last year: How Parents Can Assist the Work of Their Children in School, American Educa- tion Week, Report Cards, the Three Hundredth Anniversary of the American High School, Selection of Studies, Senior Activities, Class Rings, Music Activities, Athletic Activities, The Honor Roll, Attendance and Punctuality, and How to Study.
Chemistry has been a source of worry to us for several years. Classes have enlarged so that individual experiments are not possible, except to a certain extent before the group. We have five classes totalling 144 pupils, and have separated them into two College Chemistry divisions of 53 pupils and three elementary chemistry divisions. Mr. Goding teaches these five and also a class in College Physics. He has an excessive pupil-teacher load as it is, yet there should be more time; he would like double periods for laboratory work for the college groups at least. The difficulty is to find the teacher, the time, and the room. I have no recommendation with conditions as they are.
The Household Arts Department has a new up-to-date electric range pre- sented by the Attleboro Steam and Electric Company and a new up-to-date gas range presented by the Attleboro Gas Light Company. In the Household Manage- ment course which is offered to girls in the Junior and Senior classes, emphasis is placed on the factors that are needed in successful family life. The satisfying home, family goals, responsibilities of home-makers, personality, the health of the successful family and the social and economic functions of the family are some of the phases studied in addition to the particular management problems of money, food, shelter, clothing, time and energy.
Our Library is used to capacity. 2600 volumes were lent to pupils last school year and nearly 200 students use the Library daily. The Library is not used for studying but is used for reference work. Freshman English classes receive lessons in the use of material, proper way to take advantage of Library facilities, etc. Exhibits have been shown of photographs, and a great deal of vocational data is available.
We have 100 pupils taking Manual Training. If this course were state aided, the state would insist upon blowers being attached to the machines, saws and planes to take care of dust and dirt. The following represents some of the work accomplished: flag holders, patterns for Trade School, High School play scenery, special stage for graduation, classroom projects of usual nature. The following recommendations were made by Mr. Spatcher: more room; finishing room with spray outfit; if there is no hope of an addition, for partition to be re- moved between the two rooms so that it will be adapted for the work, as one man cannot instruct in two different rooms at the same time; blower system to remove dust and dirt.
95
ANNUAL REPORT
Mechanical Drawing courses parallel the work in Manual Training, stressing the value of planning and being able to read a drawing and then working it out in wood. Mr. Tunstall feels that the work covered in the four year course puts the students on a par with the work done by Freshmen students in such a notable institution as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
III Extra Classroom Activities.
Music
Our orchestra and glee club continue to function under the capable direction of Mr. Gibb. The orchestra plays at all assemblies, and at the Senior Play. The combined orchestra and glee club put on an operetta April 11, 1935, "The Belle of Bagdad." Mr. Gibb will cover this more at length in his report.
Our band has "petered" out. Our_athletic association spent over $300 for uniforms, etc., and attempted to put it across. We realize that we cannot do it without financial assistance. Other communities are sold upon the advantage of having a band; why not Attleboro? I believe it false economy not to have one. The esthetic value to pupils, school and townspeople, and the satisfaction derived are only some of the reasons. How many there are at the annual football game between Attleboro and North Attleboro who remark, "Why doesn't Attleboro have a band?" We might just as well make up our minds that until someone is appointed whose job it is to teach and drill a band, that it is impossible for us to have one. The expense would scarcely effect the tax rate and certainly would be justified.
Athletics
We continue splendid work in our athletic program in the major sports. Something should be done about showers, and a supply of hot water during the basketball season. For baseball and football players, our athletic association hires the facilities of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Tunstall, teacher of Mechanical Drawing, has been assisting Coach Grayson in football, without remuneration. An assistant coach is much needed due to the larger number on the squad; this is true in order to have as many boys as possible benefited by the sport, and it is sound practice as it means improved teams in the future.
Very often visiting coaches have complimented us on the cleanness and sportsmanship displayed by our boys, and we are justly proud of them and their training.
Miss Evelyn Griffiths of the faculty, coaches the girls' basketball in a very creditable manner.
Other Activities
The "Blue Owl," after certain economies were effected, continues to be self-supporting. There are three issues and the Tattletale (Senior Class) issue. A high school magazine reflects the character of the school. We hope to keep the "Blue Owl" on a high plane, and have received many favorable comments from those interested. We belong to the Southeastern Massachusetts League of School Publications, consisting of some twenty-five high schools, and have stood well in their judging contests.
The Seniors, Class of 1935, put on the comedy, "The Haunted House," February 14, 1935, coached by Beatrice Smith, our librarian. This year (1935- 1936) is was decided to have the play earlier and we presented the farcical comedy "Company's Coming" November 14, 1935. The Seniors sold tickets and con- tributed enough candy to fill some 300 bags which were sold between the acts.
96
ANNUAL REPORT
Our Student Council continues to function under the direction of Julius H. Mueller. Helen Nerney, 1936, is president this year. It has helped in several matters, especially in planning traffic about the school-no mean task with 940 pupils-and in several minor matters. A feeling of mutual helpfulness between teachers and students is fostered by the Council.
IV Teachers.
During the school year 1934-1935, Mabel Wall of the faculty was given a year's leave of absence. This year, 1935-1936, Elizabeth M. Hilliard has been allowed a year's leave of absence.
William F. Eastwood for 25 years a teacher, and later submaster of Attleboro High School, resigned last year, having reached the compulsory retirement age. He was given a big reception June 7, 1935. Freeman Hall, Jr., since 1923 teacher of history at A. H. S. has been elected submaster. We have now over 900 pupils and 32 teachers, including submaster, principal and drawing teacher, who is not at the High School on Fridays. In November, 1928, my predecessor Charles O. Dalrymple wrote of the crowded conditions of the school with 720 pupils (200 less), and there were 34 teachers then-35, if the teacher of girls' physical training was included, whom we do not have now. Yet the standard of scholarship, the high morale of both teachers and pupils is expected to be maintained.
Miscellaneous.
A class of 194 pupils was graduated in 1935. This was a record.
Our school continues to be on the approved list for the New England College Certificate Board, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is in Class A for State Teachers Colleges.
In Visual Education, we continue to use our 16mm. moving picture machine and free films are sent out by various agencies, mostly from the Boston University Free Film Service. These films have been mostly for the science classes, with some films adaptable for commercial geography and household arts classes. This year our schedule includes the following films:
The Story of Gasoline.
Manufacture of Abrasives. The Unseen Danger-Carbon Monoxide.
From Mountain to Cement Sack.
Construction that Endures.
Red Rubber.
The Story of Lead Smelting. Nickel.
The Making of Photographic Lens.
The Romance of Rubber.
Along the Firing Line.
Basic Processes of Making Steel.
Story of Storage Battery.
Sulphur. The Romance of Rayon. Posture.
Behind the Science in Machine Age.
Romance of Shoe Making.
Conquest of Diphtheria. Manufacture of Rails, Plate, Etc.
Preventing Blindness and Saving Sight. Care of Feet.
Women Workers Past and Present. Woollen Goods.
97
ANNUAL REPORT
First Aid "Learn and Live."
Transatlantic Holiday.
Foot Health.
Story of Lead Smelting.
Story of Leather.
Evolution of Oil Industry.
Transportation.
Transportation "Queen of the Waves."
Panama Canal.
Petroleum the Liquid Mineral.
Vegetables-Better Quality Through Disease Control.
Within the Gates (Women's Bureau).
We are taking advantage of the money available for needy students under the National Youth Administration. Our payroll for October, 1935, was $35, with ten students and is expected to be about $130 for January, 1936, with 35 students.
The enforced Flag Salute and Teacher's Oath have made their appearance. Formerly we had the Flag Salute at special assemblies. We strive to recognize the patriotic motive inspiring these new laws, at the same time regretting the inference that there is justification for the compulsion.
VI Recommendations.
1. Teachers' Salaries.
With the financial condition of Attleboro so satisfactory, witness full page in "Attleboro Sun," reprinted many times, as well as editorial of November 30, 1935, it is surely in order to restore the 10% cut.
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.