USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1935 > Part 7
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
My purpose here, however, is not so much to argue the restoration of the cut in salaries, but to correct some wrongs existing. Several of our best teachers entered our system at the minimum rate, and then when automatic increases ceased, have continued at the low rate. They receive lower salaries than others whose good fortune it was to have entered the system earlier. This means an injustice in itself, and also will cause us to lose several of our best teachers, if the condition is not remedied.
2. I have already written concerning a band. I recommend that the neces- sary action be taken to investigate costs and have a permanent band at Attleboro High School.
3. The basketball season is nearly with us. A year ago, we expected better conditions of showers and hot water. Surely we should have them this year.
4. In a bulletin sent to all parents March 1, 1935, the following paragraph was written: "Not much, perhaps not enough, has been said concerning the crowded conditions at our school. Ten years from now I sometimes wonder whether we shall be blamed for not pressing our needs more strongly or be com- mended for economies. Sooner or later something should be done to relieve the condition."
VII Conclusion.
For the degree of success we enjoy, I wish to thank all concerned, the teachers, the students, and the "powers that be."
98
ANNUAL REPORT
TABLES Total Enrollment on November 22, 1935
Boys
Girls
Total
P. G.
4
4
8
1936
67
98
165
1937
89
92
181
1938
127
143
270
1939.
156
134
290
443
471
914
Note: We require 15 credits to be a Sophomore, 40 credits to be a Junior, 60 credits to be a Senior, and 80 credits to graduate. This means that a pupil may have credits less than his class and yet catch up. Therefore, each of the above classes except the Freshman may be considered somewhat larger.
Distribution of Pupils by Subjects October 30, 1935
No.
Class
Div.
Total
Class
No. Div.
Total
English, IV .
6
193
Int. Algebra .
2
67
English, III
6
197
Pl. Geometry
3
93
English, II .
.8
247
El. Algebra
4
121
English, I .
.9
290
Spelling
1
35
French, III
2
47
Penmanship
1
35
French, II
4
112
Arithmetic
.5
156
French, I
6
178
Type., III
1
22
German, III
1
29
Type., II
3
87
German, II
2
49
*Type., I.
3
62
German, I
3
76
Sten., II
1
22
Chemistry
.5
144
Sten., I
.
1
10
Geography
.4
144
El. Physics.
3
05
Book., II.
2
55
Biol. Science
3
86
Book., I.
. 5
120
El. Science .
6
207
*Economics
2
66
Latin, IV
1
14
*Com'l. Law
1
29
Latin, III
2
33
F. H. Drawing
120
Latin, II.
2
59
Mech. Drawing
111
Latin, I.
.3
70
Manual Train.
101
U. S. History .
6
186
Shop Math.
2
51
Mod. History
5
143
*Household Mg't.
2
33
Anc. History .
3
100
*Clothing, II
1
21
Civics
5
159
*Nutrition, I
1
20
*Solid Geometry
1
11 Household Chem. 1
32
*T'alf year courses
Data Concerning Class of 1935 (compiled Dec. 4, 1935)
I. Continuing Education
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys Girls Total
A
Universities or College
17
10
27
B State Teachers .
3
3
C Commercial.
3
7
10
D Schools for Nurses.
13
13
E Postgraduates.
4
4
8
F Vocational Schools
3
4
7
G Other Schools .
2
2
4
Total continuing education
29
43
72
.
3
68
Col. Physics
. .
99
ANNUAL REPORT
II Employed.
A Clerks. .
4
15
19
B Helpers in factories.
34
26
60
C Waiters
2
2
D
Domestics
4
4
E
Farm
1
1
F
Others employed
(includes 6 at C. C. C.)
00
8
Total employed.
47
47
94
III
Unemployed
4
22
26
IV
Married .
1
1
V Deceased
1
1
Total
81
113
194
Vocational Data, Classes of 1934 and 1935 Report on Activities of Class of 1934 Made November 23, 1934
Graduates
No.
State
College
College
Business
Schools
Hospital
Training
Special
Schools
& Working
At Home
P. G.
- Deceased
Married
161
Class of 1935 Made December 6, 1935
194
3 *27
10
13
=
94
6
8
1
1
*Colleges represented are: Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Provi- dence College, Mass. Inst. Tech., Tufts, Duke, Radcliffe, Pembroke, Simmons, Boston University, Connecticut.
Graduates of Past Ten Years
Year
No.
Graduates
Attending
Teachers
College
Attending
Attending
Business
Schools
-Training in
Attending
Special
Schools
1926
101
12
1927
122
18
34
6
1928.
135
3
31
4
6
1929
129
4
33
9
1930
123
2
17
15
12
10
1931
114
4
24
5
13
12
1932
122
5
13
11
15
5
1933.
169
3
20
7
6
6
1934.
161
2
16
10
10
5
1935.
194
3
27
10
13
11
Respectfully submitted,
Alfred R. Mack.
Teachers
O Hospital
State
+ College
100
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Continuation and Vocational schools. During the past year these schools have grown steadily in numbers and interest. This demonstrates clearly the importance of this branch of our school department.
Some Aims of the School
1. To develop good social attitudes and habits.
2. To develop in each pupil knowledge which will assist him to get suitable employment when such employment is available.
3. To teach the boys and girls to take care of themselves in a health pro- gram.
4. To establish a recreational program.
To assist in meeting the pruposes and aims of the school outlined above we use the following outline of studies:
Civics-Citizenship
We feel that training in citizenship is the most important objective in our academic program. That there is need for such training for all the pupils in the school there can be but little doubt. Every pupil receives training in this subject. At every point of contact which the pupil has with the school, good citizenship is emphasized. The primary purpose of the instruction is not so much to give the pupil facts on the machinery by which the government is run, as it is to make him think and act properly in the relations which affect him as a youthful member of his community and will affect him in the near future as a young worker.
In the training for good citizenship in our school we keep constantly in mind that the chief purpose should be to develop certain fundamental qualities of good character. This objective is carried out in every activity of the classroom, in every lesson and in every situation which may arise in the course of the school day.
To accomplish this objective, our civics program plans for definite training to the end that the pupils will practice certain fundamental virtues.
In carrying out this program we place stress upon such virtues as:
1. Control of conduct in relation to others.
2. Honesty.
3. Loyalty.
4. Sense of responsibility.
5. Obedience to duly constituted authority.
6. Self-control.
7. Faithfulness to duty.
8. Kindness.
9. Good workmanship.
10. Co-operation.
The methods used in carrying out the training in these qualities include:
1. Class discussion directed by the teacher. Incidents, events or persona characteristics may be stressed and thus associated with the quality which at the time is under consideration.
101
ANNUAL REPORT
2. Plenty of opportunities exist in carrying out of the classroom activities for the pupils to practice each quality or virtue in the presence of the teacher.
3. The teacher in his capacity of personal counselor has a good opportunity to give to the individual pupil such advice as is appropriate to the pupil's needs. Emphasis placed upon the personal interview and individual instruction creates a relationship between teacher and pupil which opens the way for the school to contribute to the welfare of each pupil so that good citizenship will at all times be the unconscious as well as the conscious objective of the school.
4. Formal instruction in civics is the least effective. While classroom instruction must necessarily supplement the other activities, the topics chosen for classroom work must be vital and must not be selected in any arbitrary order. Timeliness and appropriateness must be the determining factors.
The foregoing statements should not be considered as excluding a study of the organization and operation of government when such a study has application to the behavior and attitude of the pupils.
In our community civics program we have selected for study the following topics :
1. Our Dependence on Others.
2. School Citizenship.
3. Citizenship in the United States.
4. Laws and Law Observance.
5. Taxation and What it is For.
6. Public Health.
7. Public Safety.
8. Public Utilities.
9. Schools and Education.
10. The Care and Training of the Handicapped.
11. Recreation and Play.
12. Community Improvement.
13. Preparing to Earn a Living.
14. Thrift and Good Citizenship.
15. Insurance.
16. Banks and Their Services.
17. The Industrial Community.
18. Communication.
19. Transportation.
20. The National Government.
21. The State and Its Government.
22. The City Government.
23. Public Elections.
24. The Use of Leisure Time.
When we consider the mental and moral attitude, and the early entrance into an adult industrial environment of the vocational school pupil, it is very evident that civic education and character training are of great importance both to the individual pupil and to the community.
Vocational Guidance
We believe that the most effective vocational guidance results come through exploratory and try-out courses, and through the individual conference. Certain helpful information, however, may be given in class lessons in the academic room.
In our vocational guidance program we attempt to help our pupils in the solution of their vocational problems by the following methods:
1. The individual conference.
2. Self-discovery.
102
ANNUAL REPORT
Through exploratory and try-out work in each of a number of elementary projects in machine work, wood work, auto mechanics, plumbing, wood finishing, elementary electricity.
3. Study of vocations.
A series of definitely planned lessons in vocational guidance provides in- formation upon :
1. The general vocational qualifications required in all occupational life.
2. The advantages and disadvantages of the various occupations.
3. The specific vocational significance of each job taught.
a. Duties of the worker on the job.
b. Requirements and qualifications of the worker.
c. Nature and conditions of the work.
d. Employment conditions.
e. Wages.
f. Possibilities of advancement.
g. Training for the work, etc.
Hygiene
The aim in teaching hygiene is to have the pupil see the importance of good health to himself, his family and the community in which he lives. Also to im- press upon him the fact that good health means more to him than anything else he could possess and that without it he cannot hold employment long and his earning power is thereby lessened.
Outline.
Personal hygiene --
Care of the eyes, ears, nose, teeth, feet, hair, etc.
Personal cleanliness.
Clothing.
First aid.
Accidents.
Health habits, etc.
Community hygiene-
Clean homes, yards, streets, etc.
Water supply.
Milk.
Board of Health.
Diseases.
Common dangers the public may come in contact with.
Animals and their part in the spread of disease. Insects as pests. Sanitary disposal of wastes.
Quarantine, etc.
English
The objective of our English work is twofold and these two aims are funda- mental.
1. To give the pupils command of the art of communication in speech and in writing.
2. To teach the pupils to read thoughtfully and with appreciation, to form in them a taste for good reading, and to teach them how to find books that are worth while.
In order of importance, the facts are that the pupil talks, reads and writes.
103
ANNUAL REPORT
Speech.
What does the vocational pupil like to talk about and how does he talk? This provides a point of departure both for content and for form and thus be- comes the basis of English instruction, the ultimate object of which is to teach the pupil to speak intelligibly and correctly.
This program of instruction includes the following:
1. Ability to answer clearly, briefly, and exactly a question on which one has the necessary information.
2. Ability to collect and organize material for oral discourse on subjects of common interest.
3. Ability to present with dignity and effectiveness to the class material already organized.
4. Ability to join in an informal discussion, contributing one's share of information or opinion, without wandering from the point and without dis- courtesy to others.
5. Ability to read aloud in such a way as to convey to the hearers the writer's thought and spirit and to interest the pupils in the matter presented.
Reading.
The average vocational pupil if allowed to select his own reading matter invariably centers his reading for the most part around the cheaper, more sensa- tional newspapers, magazines and books. Not repression, but substitution is necessary. If reading is to fulfill its functions, the transition must be made from the cheap and emotional type to the informative and wholesome type. We feel that we have made considerable progress in this direction.
In the academic rooms we have books and magazines on many subjects. Reading periods are set aside when the pupils may select books or magazines that appeal to them and read them. They are allowed to take them home for further reading. The teachers often discuss with the pupils the results of the reading. We learn the pupil's likes and dislikes as a basis for upgrading in ap- preciation of reading.
Writing.
Writing is the least pressing need of the average vocational pupil in his English work. However, he should have the ability to put upon paper simple thoughts in a simple way, an elementary knowledge of letter writing and a pen- manship which is legible.
Outline in Written English.
Capitalization. Punctuation.
Letter writing. Short paragraphs, reports, etc. Dictation exercises.
Spelling. Penmanship.
Arithmetic
One of the main aims of the work in arithmetic is to enable the pupil to handle any arithmetic work which he may be meeting and needing at the time. Each pupil may be doing a different job in the vocational room, and should be doing arithmetic in the academic room which will correlate closely with that job. This indicates that the method of individual instruction must be applied in arithmetic.
In addition to these lessons a series of lessons are carried on to prepare the pupil to meet with success and reasonable accuracy and speed the arithmetic for general usage which he will need as an adult.
104
ANNUAL REPORT
These lessons include :
1. Considerable drill in the four fundamental processes.
2. Fractions.
3. Addition of fractions and mixed numbers.
4. Subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers.
5. Multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers.
6. Division of fractions and mixed numbers.
7. Practical measurements.
8. Decimals.
9. Cancellation.
10. Percentage and applications.
11. Problem work.
Outside Instruction
We have taken classes to the public library where they have received in- structions by the librarian in the mechanics of the library and in the selection of reading matter both for improvement and entertainment. Different groups of the girls have been taken to the electric light department where there has been demonstrated to them a great deal of the electric equipment that is used in a modern home. It is our intention to continue these visits to some of the local shops and factories to broaden their view of the opportunities offered in industry.
Lectures
It is the plan of the school to have representatives of the various industries here in Attleboro visit the assemblies to bring to the pupils informational facts as to the advantages, the drawbacks, the requirements, etc., in their respective fields.
Exhibits
The girls had an excellent exhibit of canned goods in one of the local stores which called forth much favorable comment and acquainted the public with one unit of the food study plan. Among the kinds of food in the exhibit of over 300 cans were the following:
1. Peaches, pears, apples.
2. Tomatoes, beets, carrots.
3. Pepper relish, bread and butter pickles, mustard pickle.
4. Peach and grape conserve, mint jelly, cranberry jelly, spiced apple jelly, grape marmalade.
Infant Care
A most interesting and practical course in infant care is given by the school nurse. In correlation with this course the vocational department gives instruc- tions in the preparations of the following foods for children:
1. Cereal waters and cereals.
2. Strained vegetables and fruits (carrots and prunes).
3. Beef and lamb broth.
4. Baked custard and blanc mange.
5. Sterilization of bottles.
6. Fruit juices.
105
ANNUAL REPORT
Housekeeping Unit
This unit aims to better prepare the girls who intend to become Mothers' helpers. The following are some of the things they are trained to do:
1. Window washing.
2. Laundering curtains.
3. Cleaning and polishing silver.
4. Care of floors and floor coverings.
5. Cleaning gas stove.
6. Care of the bathroom.
7. Dusting.
Clothing
In the clothing unit they have had instruction in:
1. Repair and remodeling of garments.
2. Making school aprons.
3. Piano covers.
4. Pattern study.
5. Garment construction.
6. Care, oiling, as well as use of sewing machine.
SHOP WORK
The old idea that some form of manual activity is a cure-all for backward or disorderly pupils does not hold true according to our experience. A personal study of this class of pupils will determine whether a pupil is academically or manually minded. If the latter, then extra shop work is given him. The more equipment we have with which to work out different projects, the more readily we can determine the pupil's ability and his interests. As an illustration of this point, the new metal-working lathes have revealed to us interests and abilities in some of the pupils that we did not know existed. The making of many articles on these lathes has awakened interests that otherwise might have lain dormant.
The boys have built an automobile trailer, thoroughly overhauled and put into running order a motorcycle, repaired plows, cultivators and wheelbarrows. They have constructed a 40 foot extension ladder, several small stepladders, lamps, and smoking stands besides many smaller projects.
For some time we have been studying into the possibilities of sheet metal work in the shop, but have refrained from recommending it because of the ex- pense of the initial outlay. But there is now on the market a line of equipment suitable for our use within a reasonable cost and I believe we should consider its installation. The sheet metal equipment would produce a project that would be of great interest to the boys and would have a vast and growing value. It would meet the suggestion of production methods and I am quite certain would reduce the cost of material used in the classes.
I believe many pupils who have had difficulty in adjusting themselves to the regular routine work of the grammar and high school find satisfaction in their ability to understand and enjoy the practibility and the simplicity in the presenta- tion of the program of these schools.
The success of the school is due not only to this unique program with smaller classes than the regular school, but also to the close co-operation between the school and the pupil's family life which is made possible by frequent visitation of the homes by the teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
Milton P. Dutton.
106
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF JEWELRY TRADES SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith a report of the activities of the Attleboro Jewelry Trades School for the year which is now drawing to a close.
This school would have passed into oblivion long ago if it had not been for the support and encouragement furnished by Mr. Robert O. Small, Director of Vocational Education of the State of Massachusetts. Mr. Small, over a year ago, saw the possibilities in this school, and realizing the need and the benefits to be derived by the community from such an institution, gave not only his financial support from funds which he controls, but also his moral support and guidance. The city owes Mr. Small a vote of thanks.
During the year the advisory committee, consisting of Arthur L. Hazlett, Charles C. Cain, Jr., George L. Nerney, Percy B. Ball and Harry R. Holbrook was augmented by the addition of James V. Toner, Leland B. Smith, Leonard I. Lamb and Claude Smith. The school is very fortunate to have such a splendid committee to guide it through its formative years.
Two important steps were taken last year; one was the decision by the committee to keep the school open during the summer months and the other, the giving of high school pupils the chance to attend afternoons and receive credits toward graduation. The first step was so successful that it was decided to make this a permanent policy. There was an average enrollment of 51 and an attendance of 40 all through the hot days of July and August. As to the second step there are at present 18 High School students taking advantage of this, and that is about all that can be accommodated.
Many new machines, at least new to us, and tools have been added during the year among which are the following:
Two new engine lathes, one purchased complete from Browne & Sharpe Company for $20; the other donated by the Worcester Boys' Trade School.
Large drill press, donated by Apco Mossberg Company.
Gas furnace, donated by George Manchester.
Thurston Milling machine, donated by William F. Durrelj.
Six large vises, donated by Quincy Trade School.
Two large vises, purchased.
200 lb. stamp with countershaft and motor to operate, purchased from Oscar Hillman.
Shaper, purchased from Oscar Hillman.
Two index heads and bench shears, donated by Worcester Boys' Trade School.
Another sink, donated by Charles Thomae & Son.
Four large benches, the lumber for which was donated by Dan Norwood, The Attleboro Building & Wrecking Company, and iron bench legs by C. H. Eden Company.
The labor was furnished by the school; lighting fixtures were donated and were installed by the school under the supervision of William Metters.
The pupils also installed a large blackboard which came from the Schoo Department. Mr. A. S. Ingraham donated a small dynamo and Mr. Miller of Shields, Inc., presented us with a thirty-three gallon porcelain tank. These two, along with a steel tank, from Oscar Hillman, a few five gallon jars andsome solutions constitute our plating department in which we can copper, silver and nickel-plate anything of a reasonable size. Some repairs were made on the dynamo by John Wilmarth without charge.
Patterns were borrowed from Straker & Freeman and William Hoyle and a number of arbors, hammers and die balls cast. These were all filed and finished by the students for use in the school. Many steel hammers, chisels, surface
107
ANNUAL REPORT
THE JEWELRY TRADES SCHOOL Gives instruction in the fundamental trades of the jewelry industry
MECHANICAL DRAWING AND DESIGN
TOOLMAKING
108
ANNUAL REPORT
gauges and other small tools were made by the students for school use. Several partitions have been torn down and some rearrangement of machinery made. An etching tank has been installed, the woodwork for which was made at the High School. We also have a spinning lathe, which was furnished by Curtis Leonard, and a circular stock cutter, furnished by A. A. Augat Machine Company. An old vacuum cleaner was hooked up to furnish draft for our forge and an old blower furnished by Mr. Ingraham was repaired and set up to use with our gas furnace.
The following are some of the jobs completed by the school:
Repaired moving picture reel for School Department.
New planer knife, Bank Street School.
2 sets ladder hinges, Bank Street School.
Face plate for lathe, High School.
2 braces for harrow, Bank Street School.
Lathe rest, High School.
New Bearings put in motor, Bank Street School.
Eleven plaques made to be awarded to rooms in School Department winning different athletic events.
Medals for High School football players.
Three loving cups were repaired and altered for Mr. Cooney to award.
Two flag standards for State Guard Veterans.
Large vase made for State Dept. of Vocational Education for display.
8 tags for automobile and motorcycle keys, Attleboro Police Department. All the lighting fixtures in the South Main Street Fire Station.
Two etched signs for Fire Department.
Auto parts and plates nickled for the Fire Department.
Pistol box partitioned and lined for Police Department.
Metal parts for a machine gun made for Attleboro Drill Club.
Large sign made and put up on the building for the school.
The school also made a very handsome plaque which was presented to Mr. A. S. Ingraham at the Lions' Christmas party last year. In addition to the above the students have repaired many articles for themselves and friends, as well as made many useful and ornamental articles both for themselves and the. school.
The Clegg Tool Company gave us the parts for cigarette cases. These were assembled and finished at the school and are to be given out at our Christmas party.
Instructors
At present the State Department of Vocational Education is paying all salaries. The following instructors have been added:
Mr. Curtis Leonard-bench work and hammersmithing.
Mr. Wilbur Kiff-die cutting.
Mr. Warren Cameron-designing.
Mr Harry Goodinson-finishing and plating.
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.