USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1921 > Part 3
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However, if at any future time it should be decided that this change was desirable, the present building could doubtless be en- larged into a three, or a four-room structure for their accommoda- tion.
9
The new building has all the modern improvements in the way of school equipment, and when the lot is graded, the front lawn covered with grass, walks laid out, shrubbery and flower beds added, this will be a very attractive spot.
I do not anticipate that there will be any difficulty in keeping the building and its surroundings in first-class condition, as the pupils will be as interested in and as proud of their new quarters as their teachers.
An entertainment can be given occasionally to raise money for some really good pictures to adorn the walls, and perhaps some interested citizens may make donations for this purpose.
Later electric lights can be installed in the schoolrooms, as they are already in the basement, and the building be used for community gatherings in the evening.
HIGH SCHOOL
It seems to me that the high school is in very good condition at the present time, and there is certainly a fine class of interested boys and girls in attendance there. The graduating class last June acquitted itself creditably, and deserves the thanks of the town for the very fine picture which it presented to the high school on that occasion. The principal's report, which dwells upon the high school more in detail, follows.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS
On the opening of the schools in September it was found that the seventh and eighth grades numbered fifty-seven pupils, which number was manifestly too large for a single teacher to instruct. Consequently these grades were separated, the eighth grade was transferred to what had been the second grade room, and a teach- er was engaged for the eighth grade. The second grade, and also the first, were transferred to the townhall building, and the fifth grade brought to the central building, where it could have the advantage of being under the supervision of the high school princi- pal. This change has apparently worked out well, and as far as I know. without dissatisfaction to anyone. The greatest need is now for an additional high school recitation room.
Several changes occurred in our teaching force at the close of the school year, three of our teachers going to New Jersey at greatly increased salaries. Experienced teachers being very scarce, the state of Maine was ransacked for new teachers, and three
IO
teachers of experience from that state were hired for the vacated positions. The resignation of one of these has since been received with regret and a new teacher is being sought for this position.
NEW SCHOOL LEGISLATION
A new law compels all towns whose valuation is below $1,000,- 000, to employ a school nurse for a whole, or a part, of the time during which the schools are in session, and Mrs. Thomas Ritchie, a graduate nurse, has been engaged to look after the health of school children in connection with the school physician.
Chapter 277, General Acts of 1919, states that in towns where there are in the public schools ten or more pupils who are three years or more retarded special instruction shall be provided for such children. A communication has just been received from the head of the clinic having this matter in charge, stating that it is ready to examine retarded children for the purpose of giving ad- vice which shall be for the advantage of the schools, the parents and the children themselves. They advise that in the majority of cases of retardation the children be placed under the instruction of a special teacher.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
The school lunches have been provided for all children of the East Douglas schools who desire them since the cold weather began. These are of no expense to the town, as children bring their own food in part, and pay for the actual expense of the hot cocoa, soup, or whatever is served. The serving of school lunches is recom- mended by the State Board of Education, and is strongly urged by social welfare associations, etc.
In conclusion I desire to thank the members of the school committee for their cordial support, the Parent-Teacher Associa- tion for their interest in and generosity to the schools, and all who have contributed in any way towards the improvement of the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
C. L. JUDKINS,
Superintendent of Schools.
February 11, 1922.
II
STATISTICAL STATEMENT.
Assessed valuation, April 1, 1921 $1,553,609
Population, census of 1920 2,181
No. persons in town between 5 and 16 years of age, April 1, 1921-boys 303, girls, 269 572
No. persons between 5 and 7 years of age-boys 39, girls 48 87
No. persons between 7 and 14 years of age-boys. 212, girls 190 402
No. persons between 14 and 16 years of age-boys 52, girls 31 83
Illiterate minors, 16 to 21 years of age-males 10, fe- males 12 22
Total enrollment in all the public schools during school year ending June 24, 1921 503
Average membership for school year 450
Average attendance for school year 423
Per cent. of attendance
94
No. school buildings in use
6
No. teachers required by the public schools
No. special teachers 15
2
No. teachers graduated from normal school
8
No. weeks high school was in session
40
No. weeks grades were in session 38
No. pupils graduated from high school 5
No. pupils graduated from grammar school 24
No. teachers graduated from college 2
Attendance for School Year Ending June 24, 1921.
TEACHERS
SCHOOL
Enrolment
Under 5 years
Between 5-7 years
Between 7-14 years
Between 14-16 years
Over 16 years
Average Membership
Average Attendance
Per cent. of Attendance
No. Tardinesses
No. Dismissals
C. W. Holmes
High. .
29
0
0
0
9
20
24.97
23.86
95.56
92
22
Hazel E. Hill
Marguerite Armstrong .
E. Douglas 7-8. ...
59
0
0
30
26
3
51.25
48.68
95.02
69
39
Hazel B. Butler . . . ....
44
0
0
36
8
0
10.47
38.89
95.93
17
9
Eunice L. Buffington . . .
6.
....
5 .......
46
0
0
44
1
1
41.64
39.06
93.48
80
11
Marjorie Arnold .
·
·
.
.... ..
43
0
0
40
0
0
41.60
39.86
95.52
28
4
May C. Buxton ...
66
2 ......
47
0
17
30
0
0
44.33
41.46
92.77
16
5
Mollie H. Kelley . ... ·
=
1 a .....
1 b .....
30
0
14
16
0
0
28.21
26.34
93.32 102
20
Gertrude M. Smith ...
Douglas Center 4-8
37
0
0
28
9
0
29.16
26.46
90.63
49
9
Edith L. Anderson .. ..
1-3
25
0
7
18
0
0 21.82
19.36
88.36
16
5
Edith F. Fairfield. ...
W. Douglas, Mixed
15
0)
0
13
2
0
12.30
10.61
85.46
30 9
Margaret M. Smith
South “
Mixed
23
0
0
18
5
0)
15.74
14.48
91.99 105
13
Totals
503
0
31 375
63
24| 449.87
423.44
94.13 656 139
. .
52
0
0
49
3
0
47.63
45.82
95.95
33
7
Etta H. Johnson .. ..
53
0
0
53
0
0 50.75
48.56
95.67
19
6
Edith M. Pike .
4 ....
3
Daisy E. Sweet .
12
I3
Rank of the Schools in Attendance and Punctuality
for Year ending June 24, 1921.
Rank
ATTENDANCE
Per Cent. of Attendance
Rank
PUNCTUALITY
Per Cent. of Tardiness
1
East Douglas, 4 66 66
95.95
1
East Douglas,
1-a
.10
2
6
95.93
2
66
66
6
.12
4
High
95.56
4
3
.19
5
East Douglas,
3
95.52
5
Douglas Center, 1-3
.20
7
66
5
93.48
7
East Douglas, 7-8
.38
8
66
1-b
93.32
8
Douglas Center, 4-8
.47
9
66
1-a
92.77
9
East Douglas, 5
.53
10
So. Douglas, mixed
91.99
10
W. Douglas, mixed High
.97
12
Douglas Center, 1-3
88.36
12
1.02
13
W. Douglas, mixed
85.46
13
East Douglas, 1-b So. Douglas, mixed
1.89
Average,
94.13
Average,
.53
Average for State
93.00
2
.10
3
66
2
95.67
3
4
.19
6
66
7-8
95.02
6
11
Douglas Center, 4-8
90.63
11
.71
NOTE-No record of tardiness is kept by the state. A higher tardiness than 1%, however, is regarded as unsatisfactory.
LIST OF TEACHERS, JANUARY 1922.
NAME
SCHOOL
HOME ADDRESS.
GRADUATE OF
When appointed
in town
C. W. Holmes
High
East Douglas
Brown University
1918
Marguerite Armstrong Hazel E. Hill
Ashton, R. I. Milford
Framingham Normal
1920
Maude Styles
East Douglas, 8
7
Castine Normal
1921
Eunice L. Buffington
-
6
East Douglas
Douglas High
1890
Lucy F. Orcutt
Ashland, Me.
Presque Isle Normal
1921
Esther H. Glidden
4
Coopers Mills, Me.
Gorham, Me. Normal
1921
May C. Buxton
Douglas
Worcester
1916
Etta H. Johnson
2
East Douglas
Douglas High
1908
Mollie H. Kelley May E. Ryan
1-b
Millville
Worcester Normal
1921
Gertrude M. Smith Edith A. Dixon
Douglas Cent. 4-8 1-3
Douglas
Worcester Normal
1918
Winifred Sellers
Middleboro
Middleboro High
1921
Roberta Westenberg
Uxbridge
*Lawrence College
1922
Helen P. Duguid
Penacook, N. H.
Inst. Music Pedagogy
1920
Esther Appleton
Drawing
Roxbury
Mass. Normal Art
1921
* Attended without having been graduated.
14
W. Boylston Millinocket, Me.
Keene, N. H. Normal
1921
Blanche M. Gray
5
3
1889
1-a
Middlebury, Vt. High
1900
Douglas
S. Douglas, mixed W. Douglas, mixed Music
1921
15
Report of High School Principal.
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my fourth annual report of the Douglas High School.
In my last annual report I explained two serious obstacles in the way of doing first class work in the high school. One was the fact that the main high school room had to be used for several grade recitations every day; the other that the high school teachers had to do the equivalent of the work of the 8th grade, leaving the equivalent of two teachers only for the high school, while the state requirement for a first class high school is three teachers putting in full time in the high school.
The first of these handicaps was removed when the Committee, early in the current school year, provided an additional room for the grades. The second handicap was partly removed. The hir- ing of an additional teacher for the grades left the high school teachers free to put in all their time in high school work except that the principal and the domestic science teacher now put in three hours a week in the grades,-in manual training and domes- tic science,-respectively, and except that the principal of the high school is also principal of the grades and therefore must necessarily put in a good deal of time in the many administrative duties of that position during school hours as well as outside school hours. One teacher, now, however, works full time in the high school and the other two most of their time. The full time of three teachers is not necessary in a high school of 31 pupils, but could be used to great advantage if other conditions were right to make this a first class school.
16
What other conditions are at fault? One is still lack of room. Since there are only two school rooms, only two of the three teachers can conduct recitations at any one time. One of these rooms is the domestic science room and is used by the grades three double periods or more per week. The main high school room has to be used for laboratory work. The odor of gases from experiments in chemistry or spectacular mechanical contrivances or processes in physics sometimes distract the attention of pupils who are supposed to be studying other subjects, and the work of teachers in preparing for experiments before class is handicapped. These obstacles, however, are not insurmountable, in a school with the present membership. As to the recitation work, any sincere and well qualified teacher will seize the opportunity, during any "free period," for the supervised study and individual help needed especially among pupils in the lower high school classes. By com- bining classes and reducing to the minimum the number of different subjects taken, it has not yet been absolutely necessary for more than two recitations at a time, but the need for another recitation room is urgent, and may become necessary at any time.
May I now state what seems to me to be the paramount ques- tion as to the high school? The demand in the high school for instruction of a college preparatory grade is increasing. The boys and girls in this school have responded to the call that is sounding throughout the country and are enthusiastic in their de- sire to meet the ever increasing demand of the times for higher training. Three Seniors, two Sophomores, and five Freshmen want to prepare for college. All of these have the requisite abil- ity, and those in the Freshman and Sophomore classes have a chance to prepare, in the years remaining for them, if instruction of the right grade is provided.
Is a high school worth while that cannot prepare for college? If it cannot do this, what assurance has the town that the great expenditure for its maintenance is not wasted? What can it pre- pare for? Preparation "for life" is altogether too vague an ex- pression to use to justify the existence of a school if it does not do the grade of work that will enable a pupil to continue his education, if he wishes in a higher institution, where the object is also "preparation for life." Can any one tell us of a high school anywhere that can show any definite results of any kind if it cannot prepare for college ?
The time is ripe for the attempt to make the high school what it should be. There are very good students in the school who are ambitious for higher education. Thorough preparation here would
1 7
enable them to make a record in college which is necessary to place a preparatory school on the approved list. The number of teachers in the high school now is adequate. If three teachers of the requisite training could not help 31 pupils establish a record for their school, they would indeed be lacking in qualifications and should look elsewhere for employment.
The total enrollment in the high school this year has been 31. That is the number that entered in September and it has re- mained exactly the same to the present date, no one leaving school and no one entering after the first week. The average attendance for the present year to date has been 29.
Of the 31 enrolled, 20 are taking as nearly as possible a col- lege preparatory course, including English, mathematics, science, French, history. The rest are taking general or commercial work. History does not appear on the schedule this year because that sub- ject, as well as several others, is given only every other year, this alternation being necessary on account of lack of recitation room.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HOLMES, Principal.
January 25, 1922.
18
DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL.
Graduation Exercises.
CLASS OF 1921
PROGRAM.
March-Gounod's March, Organ
Invocation,
Song, "Morning Invitation,"
Rev. Wm. M. Grandy Chorus
Salutatory, "An Ideal American,"
Mabel A. Murphy
Declamation, "The Sacrifice of Sydney Carton,"
Song, "Clang of the Forge,"
Essay, "Forestry,"
Presentation of Class Gift,
Acceptance for the School,
H. Josephine Simmons Chorus Alberta E. Smith Mabel A. Murphy, Class President George Chester McCartney,
Solo,
Declamation, "The Passing of Arthur,"
Piano Solo,
Valedictory, "True Americanism,"
Presentation of Diplomas,
Class Song, Chorus Benediction, Rev. Vernon H. Deming
Selection, Organ
Class Marshalls, Mary A. Joy,
Otto Martinsen.
CLASS ROLL.
Edith Christiana Dudley Mildred Elizabeth H. Simmons
Mabel Ardell Murphy Helen Josephine Simmons Alberta Ellen Smith
Class of 1922 Helen L. Murphy Mildred E. H. Simmons Margaret B. Brown E. Christiana Dudley Supt. Clarence L. Judkins
19
Report of Supervisor of Music.
Mr. C. L. Judkins, Supt. of Schools, Douglas, Mass.
MY DEAR MR. JUDKINS:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Music in the Douglas schools.
Music is fast becoming a very important factor in the school curriculum of today and we, as supervisors, are working to develop in the child :-
1. A love for good music.
2. A pleasing voice.
3. The ability to read music at sight.
4. The power to interpret and appreciate good music.
Music is not only a source of noble pleasure,-every one ad- mits that at any rate in theory,-it is a form of intellectual and spiritual training with which we cannot afford to dispense. It is not merely a matter of pleasing the ear with successions of beau- tiful sounds or stirring the emotions with vibrating true and poign- ant rhythm; it is just as truly a language as French or Latin.
The same course in music is being followed as last year and in addition we are branching out somewhat to develop new phases along musical lines.
Individual efficiency tests in sight singing have been given in nearly all grades. One test is not a fair index of a child's ability, but when several tests have been given, each child and each class will realize the weak points that need strengthening in regard to time, rhythm, tune, pitch and the recognition of syllable names.
20
The children in grades 6 to 8 have been writing original melo- dies and have been very successful in the attempt.
Owing to the large number of children in each room, more music books should be purchased to supply the need.
It was my great privilege to attend the sessions of the con- vention of Eastern Music Supervisors held in Boston last May. As I heard the music in the different grades and at the meetings of the convention I felt that in some respects the work in the Douglas schools compared favorbly with that of the big city. Bos- ton has problems to solve that East Douglas fortunately has not, but I sighed for the splendid equipments that the schools there have,-grand pianos, pipe organs, and large assembly halls. I returned to my work with new zeal and courage and more pride in the splendid corps of teachers to whom is due the credit for the advance made.
A victrola is sadly needed in the East Douglas school as well as at Douglas. The children would be pleased to give an enter- tainment to partially pay for these and I wish that one (or several) of our public spirited citizens would feel that he (or they) would like the pleasure of supplying the rest of the amount needed.
Music memory contests are occupying some of the time devoted to music, for the purpose of having the children become familiar with the "Forty Permanent Standard Songs." These pieces are played or sung and the children write the title of the songs and in some cases the composer's name.
To each member of the school board and to you whose ever ready interest and willing co-operation have made it a pleasure for me to work with you, I extend my thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN P. DUGUID,
February 13, 1922.
Supervisor of Music.
21
Report of Drawing Supervisor.
Mr. C. L. Judkins, Supt. of Schools.
DEAR SIR :----
At the date of writing this report I have taught drawing in the schools of Douglas and East Douglas for only a few weeks.
I found the drawing taught previous to my appointment had been mostly in constructive work-the making of boxes (paper) and baskets and the applying of some design.
As there has been hardly any drawing of the figure or freehand drawing, I have started the classes with the figure drawing.
I think that any drawing course should have freehand drawing with the design.
The aim in teaching design is to have the pupils see and feel the difference between order and disorder; and in representation the aim is to train the power of observation and the memory; and the ability to see more beauty in nature and in the things about us.
I have planned to teach lessons in design, representation and color. Some of the lessons will be correlated with the work in the geography, history, and English classes, and problems will be given where the holidays will add interest to the work. A Health poster will be made in correlation with the Health Crusade.
I have found the most of the pupils interested in the lessons and willing to work, and I feel that there should be good results.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER A. APPLETON,
Supervisor of Drawing.
January 25, 1922.
22
Report of Instructor in Sewing.
Mr. C. L. Judkins, Supt. of Schools,
DEAR SIR :
The sewing class of last summer was held in August, and numbered 25.
Nearly all of the children were beginners and showed an unusual interest.
The pupils were taught to sew on buttons, mend stockings and made scissors-cases, needle-books, sewing-bags and aprons.
Our exhibition was held in the school-room of grade 2, October 7th, at 3.30 p. m., and at this time awards were made for perfect attendance, good attention and good work.
Respectfully submitted, ETTA H. JOHNSON,
October 7, 1921.
Supervisor of Sewing.
23
Report of School Physician.
Mr. C. L. Judkins, Supt. of Schools.
DEAR SIR:
Following is the report of medical inspection of school chil- dren for year 1921.
Pupils examined 462
Enlarged tonsils 87
Defective teeth 31
Adenoids .
13
Vaccinated
27
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. QUINN, School Physician. February 11, 1922.
24
RESULTS OF THE TESTS FOR VISION AND HEARING.
Number of pupils tested.
468
66 found defective in eyesight.
45
66 66
" hearing 16
parents or guardians notified 50
ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT.
Number of cases investigated
68
absent on account of sickness
34
66
for other causes
20
66
returned to school
2
THOMAS P. RITCHIE,
Jan. 1922.
Attendance Officer.
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES.
Issued January 1, 1921 to Jan. 1, 1922.
Number persons issued Certificates
Number of Certificates issued
Educational (literate) 45
Educational (literate) 45
Educational (illiterate)
2
Educational (illiterate) 2
Employment 16
Employment 19
Summer vacation .
1
Summer vacation .
1
Special home permits.
2
Special home permits
2
Total
66
Total 69
Mr. C. W. Holmes has been appointed by the Superintendent of Schools to issue certificates, and these may be obtained by those en- titled to them by making application to Mr. Holmes.
MEMBERS OF TEACHERS' RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION.
C. W. Holmes, Hazel E. Hill, Edith L. Anderson, Marguerite Armstrong, Maud Styles, Blanche M. Gray, Lucy F. Orcutt, Esther H. Glidden, May E. Ryan, Winifred Sellers, Roberta Westenberg.
66
66 " truancy
2
25
SCHOOL BANNERS.
The School banner awarded for excellence in attendance and punctuality each month has been won for the past year as follows :
Per cent. Attendance
Number Tardinesses
January, High School
96.15.
17
February, East Douglas
1-b
96.52.
6
March,
66
2.
98.37
1
April,
66
4.
99.01
4
May, 66
4.
99.70
7
June,
4.
99.80
1
September, High School
98.03
2
October, Douglas Center 4-8
97.25
3
November, East Douglas 7. 96.26.
0
December, W. Douglas mixed
95.93
7
HONOR ROLL
Pupils neither absent, tardy, nor dismissed for 3 years: Harriet Conrad.
Pupils neither absent, tardy, nor dismissed for 2 years: William Wasanen, Frank Kliseurez.
Pupils neither absent, tardy nor dismissed for one year:
Eva Valliere, Juliette Brule, Edward Jussaume, Wilfred Signet, Annie Aesnickie, Hildegard Williamson, Albert Dansereau, Ruth Hunt, Esther Williamson, Mary Manejak, William Sambosky, Vincent Vecchione, Anna Virotek, Michael Stanik, Niva Penachio, Sidney Merrill.
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