USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1937 > Part 5
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IV Total
62
ANNUAL REPORT
Enrollment at End of Second Week of School in September Since 1925
Center of
B. C.
South
Total
Total All
Year
High
City
D. & H. Attle. Grades Schools
1925
707
2160
433
583
3176
3883
1926
723
2131
410
640
3181
3904
1927
728
2096
409
671
3176
3904
1928
738
2107
435
699
3241
3979
1929
692
2124
410
705
3239
3931
1930
717
2200
421
731
3352
4069
1931.
864
2139
436
746
3321
4185
1932.
966
2143
432
791
3366
4332
1933.
924
2171
402
737
3310
4234
1934.
937
2140
374
724
3238
4175
1935
934
2013
385
661
3059
3993
1936
918
2025
375
638
3038
3956
1937
947
1875
364
592
2831
3778
From this table it may be noted,
1. That in 1937 the High School had its second highest enrollment.
2. That the enrollment of pupils in the center of the city for more than ten years prior to 1937, was fairly constant.
3. That the enrollment in South Attleboro increased rapidly and decreased rapidly.
How will this loss affect the High School?
Since the greatest loss in the elementary grades occurs in the outlying sections, especially in South Attleboro, the answer to this question can best be given by considering the number of pupils attending the High School from South Attleboro over a period of years, and noting what the effect would be if this number was greatly diminished.
High School Enrollment
Number of High. School Enrol. Pupils from So. Attle.
without any pupils from So. Attle.
1927
.728
64
664
1928.
.738
52
686
1929
.692
74
618
1930.
717
74
673
1931
864
114
750
1932
966
135
831
1933
924
121
S03
1934
937
124
813
1935
934
122
S12
1936
918
136
782
1937
947
130
817
If South Attleboro should cease to send any pupils to the High School, the building would still be crowded.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Number of School Buildings (3 portables) .
22
Number of Class Rooms (H. S. 25; Grades 105).
130
Number of Rooms in Use.
120
Year
63
ANNUAL REPORT
TEACHERS
Number of Teachers and Supervisors, Dec., 1937
146
Number of Teachers in High School
32
Number of Teachers in Grades I-VIII
101
Number of Teachers in Kindergartens.
3
Number of Special Teachers
6
Number of Teachers in Vocational School
4
COST OF INSTRUCTION-1937
Valuation of Attleboro, 1937 $23,886,150.00
Tax Rate per $1,000, 1937 $33.90
Expended for support of schools, excluding Vocational School. $304,971.14
Average membership of day schools, Sept., 1936-June, 1937 3824
Expended per pupil based on average membership. $79.75
Cost of books and supplies per pupil . $2.85
HIGH SCHOOL
Total expended for High School, including High School share of general expense .
Average membership of High School, 1936-1937
Cost per pupil . . $92.30
$4.52
Elementary Schools
Total expended .
$224,206.21 2949
Average membership, 1936-1937
Cost per pupil
$76.03
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
$2.35
COST OF THE SCHOOLS
Attleboro's Rank in the State
355 Towns and Cities
Population 21,769, census 1930-rank No. 35 Valuation $25,383,005, 1937-rank No. 41 Valuation per pupil $6,655, rank No. 179 Cost per pupil $82.66, rank No. 263 Average cost for 39 cities, $100.80
Average cost for the State, $106.61
$80,764.93 875
Cost of books and supplies per pupil.
64
ANNUAL REPORT
ATTLEBORO'S RANK IN THE STATE STATE REPORT FOR 1937
Population 21,769 Rank No. 35
Valuation $25,383,005
Valuation per Pupil $6,655
Rank No. 41 Rank No. 179
Cost per Pupil $82.66 Only 92 Cities and Towns lower in Cost Rank No. 263
5 15 25 35 45
55
65 75 85 95 105 115 125 135 145 155 165 175 185 195 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 275 285 295 305 315 325 335 345 355
355 Towns and Cities in the State
65
ANNUAL REPORT
Only 92 towns and cities had a lower cost per pupil last year. The cost for a few neighboring towns was as follows:
Taunton . $84.77
North Attleboro. 81.84
Norton. 81.78
Mansfield.
80.03
DEPARTMENT RECEIPTS
Many people do not realize how much money is brought into the city treas- ury each year on account of the public schools, but which is not credited to the school department. For the benefit of those interested, the following statement is given:
1937
Appropriations
Salaries.
$272,000.00
Other Expenses 46,810.00
Total appropriated.
$318,810.00
Receipts not credited to the department
Teachers' Salaries, State reimbursement
$ 27,741.74
General Vocational School.
3,484.06
Continuation School.
$05.80
Household Arts, High School.
583.23
State Wards, Tuition from State.
573.62
Other receipts, tuition, rent, sales of books, etc.
1,001.09
Total credits.
$ 34,289.63
Appropriations
$318,810.00
Credits
34,289.63
Net cost of schools
$284,520.37
PENMANSHIP
In 1924, we began sending penmanship papers to the Palmer Company for penmanship awards. The matter of submitting papers was left entirely to the teachers, and some teachers sent many papers and some none at all. The results were unsatisfactory because not all the pupils benefited by the plan.
In 1929, we established as a standard that 50% of the pupils in each grade should have the award for the grade. The number of awards increased from 1190 for 1928-1929 to 4433 for 1929-1930. In 1930, we set 75% as the standard, and in 1931, 100%. That we have practically reached our goal is shown by the following figures:
66
ANNUAL REPORT
Number of awards
Percent of pupils having grade award
1932-1933
3306
90
1933-1934
. 3203
91
1934-1935.
. 3032
91
1935-1936.
2736
93
1936-1937.
2933
96
This is about as near perfection as can be expected with so many changes taking place among the pupils who are constantly entering and leaving school. I am proud of this record.
Summary of Penmanship Awards, 1936-1937
High
Bank St.
18
Bliss . .
49
32
30
65
52
30
47
45
350
407
Briggs (
10
11
12
16
20
11
5
85
79
Capron
20
30
16
66
56
Carp. St.
28
28
16
72
63
Dodgeville
6
9
19
12
25
27
10
5
113
82
Farmers.
20
29
16
14
31
13
1
124
119
Finberg
26
22
17
16
13
10
17
9
130
110
Lincoln
19
25
29
33
21
57
51
235
192
Plat.
13
5
4
22
49
Pleas. St
16
17
8
3
3
47
76
Richardson .. . .
32
38
46
63
66
89
79
62
475
416
Sanford St.
23
24
26
83
78
65
73
39
411
311
So. Attle.
20
8
4
16
11
3
62
75
Tiffany
27
46
31
37
48
59
35
40
323
282
Washington
51
24
45
42
46
85
36
14
343
336
Totals
341
342
315
396
426
413
378
322
2933
1936 Totals
304
344
344
42S
378
336
335
267
2736
Gain.
197
Per cent of Pupils in Each Grade Who Received the Award for the Grade
Grade
June enrol.
Pupils holding award for the grade
Per cent
High,
Com'l
24
24
100
VIII
327
313
96
VII
328
308
94
VI
407
399
98
V
412
400
97
IV
353
347
98
III
349
330
95
II
325
315
97
I
364
337
93
Total.
2889
2773
96
S. S.
Button
G. S.
Button
Palmer
Button
Merit
Button
Prog.
Pin
Junior
Cert.
Stud.
Cert.
DONH. S.
~Cert.
1937
Total
1936
Total
27
36
48
47
67
ANNUAL REPORT
THE HIGH SCHOOL
With a new schedule of studies, rotating daily, the High School has lengthened the recitation periods, and is making progress. The report of the principal states in full what the school would like to accomplish and the conditions under which the school is being conducted. In spite of all obstacles, the spirit of the school is excellent, many new ideas have been introduced this year, and the standard of the school is being raised. Under favorable conditions, with sufficient rooms for all the pupils, with a reduction in the size of the larger classes, and with an opportunity to give pupils a better education in the subjects they select, we should not only have a school to be proud of, but one of which we could boast. May that time soon come.
VOCATIONAL AND CONTINUATION SCHOOLS
The Continuation School is made up of minors under 16 who are employed and who attend school one or two days a week.
The Vocational School is made up of minors under 16 who are not employed and who attend school every day the school is in session.
These two groups are together in one building, have the same teachers, and make one school, the only difference being in the days each group attends school. The report of the director gives an account of the progress of the school this year. In the Vocational School, those pupils who find themselves unable to do the regular school work of their grade, are given opportunity to do shop work half the time and to have academic work suited to their needs the other half of the time. The boys attending this school who have been through the seventh grade, have their shop work afternoons at the Jewelry Trades School.
With the program for this school reorganized in September, the school is doing a good piece of work. The school does not pretend to be a trade school, but every once in a while I hear of a boy, who, as the result of the training he received in the use of tools in this school, has secured a good job and is making good.
JEWELRY TRADES SCHOOL
The report of the director gives an accurate account of the progress of this school this year. With the change in admission requirements and the beginning of academic work at the High School afternoons, more serious work is being done. The addition of a few new machines has greatly increased the value of the school. The director's report gives all details.
Financial Statement
Appropriation ($2000 and $3000) .
$5,000.00
Expended: Telephone
$ 42.29
Gas.
68.27
Electric lights
66.08
Power .
341.74
Supplies
1,350.69
Equipment, new
1,317.40
Maintenance and replacement .
311.82
Miscellaneous .
29.93
$3,528.22
Rent .
999.96
Teachers' Salaries
402.38
4,930.56
Balance.
.$ 69.44
The State will not reimburse for new equipment or rent.
68
ANNUAL REPORT
New Equipment. $1,317.40
Total cost $4,930.56
Rent.
999.96
less 2,317.36
$2,317.35
$2,613.20
Credit tuition received or due
1,217.88
$1,395.32
1-2 x $1,325.32 to be received from State
697.66
Tuition
1,217.88
To be credited against cost
$1,915.54
Total cost to Dec. 31, 1937
$4,930.56
Credits
1,915.54
Net cost to City to Dec. 31, 1937 $3,015.02
In addition to the amount expended by the city, the salaries of the shop instructors have been paid from federal funds amounting to $9,550.06. This makes the total gross cost of the school,
Federal Funds
$9,550.06
City Appropriation 4,930.56
Total
$14,480.62
Net cost to the city as stated above .$3,015.02
For 1938, the State will allow Federal funds for one-half the salaries of the shop instructors, and will reimburse one-half the balance of the salaries and other items of maintenance, excepting new equipment and rent. This will make the estimated net cost of the school for 1938, $5,000.00.
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
After long years of talk and persistent efforts by various groups of people, funds for instruments for a band were provided in the school appropriation this year, and a band has started. The services of Mr. Alfred P. Zambarano of Providence were secured as instructor for one day a week, and instruction is given to small groups throughout the day using the stage of the assembly hall as a class room. The band is making good progress and will yet be heard from.
RESIGNATIONS
During the year ten teachers resigned, eight to be married, and two to accept. better positions. Mr. Julius H. Mueller, teacher of mathematics in the High School since October, 1931, was elected to the principalship of the High School in Westford, and Miss Frances P. Crocker, teacher of cooking and sewing in grades VII and VIII was elected to a similar position in Wellesley. The other eight teachers resigned to be married.
69
ANNUAL REPORT
1937
Teacher
School
Reason
February 23
Dorothy G. Mathewson
Capron
To be married
March 15
Dorothy Colby
Tiffany
To be married
June 7
Thelma S. Fultz
Sanford St.
To be married
June 17
Carol E. Chace
Washington
To be married
June 18
Nathalie I. Thibault
Washington
To be married
June 18
Julius H. Mueller, Jr.
High
Westford
June 21
Alice S. Potter
Tiffany
To be married
July 5
Anastasia M. Scanlon
Washington
To be married
August 4
Lois C. Heywood
Richardson
To be married
October 9
Frances P. Crocker
Cook. & Sew. Wellesley
July 20-Leave of absence-1 year. Hazel Huxley, Plat School.
Nov. 24. Leave of absence-balance of school year. Emma J. Lewis, Lincoln.
Retirement
After seventeen years of faithful and conscientious service, Captain Charles T. Crossman, attendance officer and custodian of school buildings, retired on account of illness August 1, 1937. His position has not yet been filled, awaiting action by the Civil Service Commission.
DENTAL CLINIC
As a result of a movement initiated by the P. T. A. of the Bliss School, assisted by generous support from Mr. Joseph Finberg, a dental clinic was estab- lished in the Bliss School in September. As the clinic is under the authority of the Health Officer, Dr. R. P. Kent, I presume his report will contain a summary of the activities of the two dentists and the dental hygienist. Efforts to start a dental clinic were begun in 1925. Since that time several attempts have been made to give the pupils the benefit of a dental clinic but without success. Now the clinic is started, and the pupils' teeth are receiving the attention they need.
70
ANNUAL REPORT
THE SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK Statement December 31, 1937 Dr.
Bal. on deposit Jan. 1, 1937, including int. ($1,359.43). $ 3,873.24
Deposits in First Nat'l Bank from Jan. 1, 1937-Dec. 31, 1937 5,950.33
Interest from November, 1936, to November, 1937. 78.02
$ 9,901.59
Cr.
Transferred to pupils' individual accounts, Jan. 1, 1937 to Jan. 1,
1938 $ 5,783.00
Withdrawn, 1937, from interest to cover expenses. 26.87
Bal. on deposit December 31, 1937, including int. ($1,410.58) 4,091.72
$ 9,901.59
Total amount deposited since October, 1908. $177,929.19
Number of individual accounts opened at First Nat'l Bank from October, 1908 to January, 1937. 6400
January, 1937 to January, 1938. 197
6597
Number of pupils depositing in the school bank Jan. 1, 1938 (est.) . .
1496
Deposits Since the Establishment of the Bank in 1908:
Year
Deposits
$116,362.48 1908-1927 (inclusive)
1928.
8,752.85
1929
8,586.30
1930
7,853.17
1931
8,026.85
1932
5,165.36
1933
3,713.67
1934
3,941.93
1935
4,503.35
1936
5,072.90
1937
5,950.33
Total
$177,929.19
ANNUAL REPORT
71
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
7000
7500
8000
8500
9000
9500
10000
10500
11000
3 MOS.
$2429
4497
4198
4142
3826
4406
4658
3680
4927
5487
3185
5176
10886
7637
6902
827|
7849
8459
.
7366
8374
8752
8586
7853
8026
5166
3713
3941
4503
5072
5950
1908 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
1908 ~ 1937
SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK DEPOSITS
72
ANNUAL REPORT
REPAIRS
Not much has been done in the way of general repairs this year on account of the small amount of money available. The school property is insured for $1,049,900 on an 80% basis. The appropriation for repairs this year was $6,000. Since 1930, the amount appropriated for maintenance has been insufficient to keep the property in good condition. Out of the $6,000 allowed, a reserve of $1,300 was set aside for a WPA painting project which was begun May 14, 1937. Only $764.68 of this sum was used, but it had to be held in reserve till very near the end of the year, to be available if needed.
Under this WPA project the following school buildings have been painted: Outside-Bank Street, Lincoln, Tiffany
Inside-(Basements), Bank Street, Tiffany, Washington, So. Attleboro, Briggs Corner, Capron, Carpenter St., Farmers
There remain to be done:
Outside-Fleasant Street
Inside-Bliss, Plat, Richardson
As a consequence of this painting project, the basements of the buildings look better than they have for years. I hope the next step, in addition to making many necessary repairs, will be the installation of modern toilets in the place of the antiquated latrine system now in use in the Farmers, Capron, Carpenter Street, Pleasant Street, Dodgeville, South Attleboro, and Plat school buildings. If two or three of these could be changed each year, in a few years new toilet fixtures could be installed. The present system in these schools is a disgrace to Attleboro.
The following statement will show the amount expended each year for maintenance since 1908.
190S
$ 3,448.83
1909
3,496.98
1910
3,658.40
1911
3,393.03
1912
3,515.10
1913
3,994.89
1914
4,230.32
1915
5,261.6S
1916
7,841.61
($1,196.38 Tif. Sch .- finished and furnished 1 rm.) ($1,928.49-Special for fire protection)
1917
5,144.88
1918
5,126.30
1919
7,314.06
1920
10,111.35
1921
10,944.15
1922
9,230.38
1923
10,556.08
1924
10,103.27
1925
10,721.29
1926
10,750.26
1927
11,895.13
1928
12,106.60
1929
11,831.13
1930
14,035.69
1931
8,964.04
1932
5,774.00
1933
5,167.69
1934
7,506.89
1935
7,818.98
($7,743.98 and $75.00 special appropriation)
73
ANNUAL REPORT
1936
5,517.75
1936
3,853.81
Furnace repairs
1936
5,843.03
Briggs Corner, Dodgeville and Tiffany heaters
$15,214.59
1937
5,121.22
Regular
1937
764.68
WPA
$ 5,885.90
On account of the very limited appropriations for the past few years, it has been impossible to keep the regular textbooks in good condition, or to attempt anything new in the way of educational practice. This year, however, the appropriation for books and supplies has been somewhat larger than usual, and as a consequence many old and out of date books have been replaced with new ones. Especially has much new reading material been made available, in the effort to correct the reading difficulties so apparent in many classes in the upper grades.
In January 1928, Miss Caroline J. Trommer, of Teachers College, Boston, gave a course of six lessons to more than fifty teachers in the elementary grades on the correction of reading difficulties. As a result of that course, the pupils in each room were divided into small reading groups, books suited to their ability were provided, and much intensive work was done. This was kept up for three or four years. When the depression became acute, money was scarce, extra books could not be secured, and the whole reading program gradually lapsed.
This year another attempt is being made to tackle the reading problem in a much more scientific manner than had been devised ten years ago. There are good and poor readers in every room and class. The range in reading ability in the intermediate and upper classes covers sometimes five or more grades. Poor reading may be due to various causes. It may be inability to learn, eye trouble, or some physical condition. Our plan is to give diagnostic tests, as- certain in what points pupils are failing, and then try to find the cause and apply the remedy. This is a long process and will show results only after years of application. Reading in the first three grades is most important. In these grades pupils are learning to read. In the upper grades they are for the mostpart reading to learn. Unless a pupil has a sure foundation in the first three grades, he is likely not only to be a poor reader but a poor student in all the higher grades. Much emphasis, then, will be placed on reading in the primary grades to make sure the present pupils have a good start, and as much help as possible will be given poor readers in all the other grades, including the first and second years of High School, in an attempt to help them to overcome their reading difficulties and to become better students in all subjects.
The needs of the schools are many. It would not be difficult to make a long list of items that would improve the system. The buildings have not been kept up as they should be, the furniture in many rooms needs attention, much painting and calcimining should be done, and the physical property kept in repair. This is not being done now, but some day it must be done. But regardless of the buildings, the education of the children must go on. A child has only one chance to get an education, and if the opportunity to get a good education is denied him, he suffers the rest of his life. Attleboro has never attempted any educational frills or fancies, but has been content to give the children a strong, sound foundation on which to build a life's career. The teachers for years have done their duty conscientiously, and the results speak for themselves. Yet it is my ambition that the schools may become better, that higher standards shall be attained, and that every citizen in Attleboro shall be proud of the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
Lewis A. Fales
74
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
Submitted below is my second annual report as principal of Attleboro High School.
Present building erected in 1914 for 600 pupils
Enrollment December 1, 1937. . 948
Accommodations in regular classrooms for .662
(15 rooms with 42 seats each and 32 seats in bookkeeping room)
Used also as home rooms and study rooms:
Typewriting room Teachers' room Mechanical drawing room
Freehand drawing room
Household arts room
Science laboratory Assembly hall
These are the simple facts of our badly overcrowded conditions.
What is the situation in terms of educational accomplishment?
I. Do we want to provide in the high school, at public expense, for the education of all boys and girls of high school age, or shall we be satisfied with the education of only a limited number?
Not by any means are all normal young people of high school age in our city attending school. Though the exact number is uncertain, if the percentage estimate for this group in the entire country is taken as true for Attleboro, about 300 boys and girls of high school age in the city are not in school. A few figures from the school's records show that
78 pupils enrolled for high school classes for this year failed to return after completing their work in June.
32 of these were freshmen whose reasons for quitting school at the end of the eighth grade are in most cases unknown.
23 would have been sophomores. 3 of these have moved away. We have definite information concerning only a few of the other 20.
21 would have returned as juniors. As far as is known, only 4 of these are continuing their education elsewhere. This is a high "death rate" for pupils as far advanced as the junior class.
2 seniors left, one of whom moved elsewhere and is attending high school for her senior work.
Since September 33 pupils have left school. 16 of these left without trans- ferring to another type of school or without immediate prospect, at least, of gain- ful employment. As the year progresses more will be added to this number despite every effort to retain them in school. In the main, these young people leave-the majority of them soon after reaching sixteen-because they "don't like school". Put another way, this is to say that we are not offering them the subjects which interest them and from which they will consequently secure the greatest profit. What these individuals are doing with their increased leisure time, and what attitudes and ideals they may be developing as coming voters and taxpayers, raises a serious question. Yet one wonders what would happen if these and others of the approximately 300 not in school were suddenly to demand their right of a high school education and add to our already crowded numbers.
II. Shall we try to retain all pupils in A. H. S. as long as they wish to remain, or are there other types of secondary school open to them which promise to serve better their immediate and future needs?
75
ANNUAL REPORT
Fortunately Attleboro has other types of schools available for those not interested in the regular work of the high school. During the past fall nine boys, apparently getting little good from continuance in high school work, and possibly some harm, have been transferred as follows: 6 to the Jewelry Trades School, 2 to the Vocational School and 1 to the work of the C. C. C. It is earnestly hoped that in these new schools the boys transferred have found the type of training from which they will genuinely profit most. Those who have trans- ferred to the Trades School are continuing a certain contact with the high school through their afternoon work here in the building.
These classes, meeting soon after the dismissal hour of regular high school classes, have resulted in some inconvenience to the teachers and pupils who meet after 1:40 for special help and make-up, but everyone is of a mind to cooperate in the interest of the Trades School work in the hope that it is only a matter of time before adequate space will be provided in a new addition.
For girls not interested in the regular work of the high school there is avail- able the alternative of the Vocational School.
III. In our program shall emphasis be upon the welfare and progress of the individual student or upon these only as they promise a better Attleboro?
We are a social institution, and no better justification of the existence of Attleboro High School can be found than in the promise that its program will turn out graduates better prepared to take their rightful places in the economic, social, and spiritual life of the city. Boys and girls will not be so prepared if they wander aimlessly through a "general" course, finding more of failure then of success, and all because they have not been guided into the type of training for which they were best fitted. In June, with the fine cooperation of all eighth- grade teachers and principals, an attempt was made to study the record and the interests of every eighth-grade pupil and to direct him into the curriculum at the high school for which his talents and ambitions seemed best to fit him. As a result of this personal guidance the number of misfit pupils in the various curricula of the school has been materially reduced, but in some cases it is still apparent that we are trying to "fit square pegs into round holes". The table of figures which follows shows the preference of pupils and their parents in the matter of curriculum, to some extent affected by the advice and guidance of principals and eighth-grade teachers.
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