USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1930 > Part 4
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The 500 feet of fire hose voted at the last an- nual Town Meeting has been purchased.
The Central Fire Station has been rewired and new fixtures installed.
The interior of both stations should be painted this year, especially the hall, for there have been no repairs for years.
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TOWN REPORT
There are twenty-five regular men and four substitutes in the department at the present time.
We recommend that the sum of $3,700 be ap- propriated for salaries and general maintenance of the department for the year 1931.
Respectfully submitted,
AARON A. HUME J. ARTHUR OLLIS H. O. BAILEY
Board of Fire Engineers.
ANNUAL REPORT Of the
School Committee
For the
Town of Merrimac For the Year Ending December 31 1930
To the Citizens of the Town of Merrimac :
In accordance with custom and with the acts of the General Court, 1859, Chapter 57, we herewith submit to you the sixty-first annual school report of the Town of Merrimac. It comprises the following items: (1) School Calendar, (2) Directory of School Staff, (3) Buildings and Grounds, (4) Centre School, (5) Merrimacport School, (6) Junior High School, (7) High School, (8) Music, (9) Art, (10) Tuition Pupils, (11) Vocational Education, (12) Re- tarded Children, (13) Problem Children, (14) Pro- motions, (15) 1930 Graduations, (16) Calendar Plan, (17) Transportation, (18) General Items, (19) Superintendency Union No. 59, (20) Playground Projects, (21) Physical Education, (22) Financial, (23) The 1930 School Dollar in Merrimac, (24) The Budget, (25) Health, (26) Patrons, (27) Report of High School Principal, (28) High School Curriculum, (29) High School Athletic Data, (30) High School Graduates, 1930, (31) Junior High School Grad- uates, (32) Scholarship Honors, (33) Perfect Atten- dance, (34) Commendable Attendance.
We hope that this report may meet your ap- proval.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. PAGE, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools.
IRVING M. MANNING, Chairman ANNIE W. HOYT, Secretary HARRY A. PEASE
School Committee.
3.
SCHOOL REPORT
(1) MERRIMAC SCHOOL CALENDAR (Continued from Calendar in 1929 Town Report) March, 1931-March, 1932
March 2, 1931-All schools open for third term.
April 24, 1931-All schools close for Spring vacation.
May 4, 1931-All schools open for Spring term.
June 19, 1931-Elementary schools close for Summer vacation.
June 23, 1931-Junior High Graduation.
June 25, 1931-High School Graduation.
Sept. 8, 1931-Parents' Day-Registration of entering pupils.
Sept. 9, 1931-All schools open for fall term.
Oct. 12, 1931-Columbus Day-All schools close.
Nov. 11, 1931-Armistice ] schools close.
Nov. 26, 27, 1931-Thanksgiving recess- All schools close.
Dec. 18, 1931-All schools close for Christmas vacation.
Dec. 28, 1931-High School opens for Winter term.
Jan. 1, 1932-New Year's Day-High School closes.
Jan. 4, 1932-Elementary schools open for Winter term.
Feb. 19, 1932-All schools close for Washing- ton's birthday vacation.
Feb. 29, 1932-All schools open for third term. Junior High School follows High School calen- ·dar.
Calendar subject to modification by declared holidays, convention, visiting day, and emergencies.
(2) DIRECTORY OF THE SCHOOL STAFF September 1, 1930
Supt. Schools
John C. Page
B. S., Univ. N. H. 1908 Columbia Univ., 1922-1923 Ed. M., Harvard, 1924
Ed., D., Harvard, 1928 20
W. N. H. S. 1920
221/2 mos. 20 mos.
Sec. Supt. Office High School
Prin., Math. and Science
Chauncey D. MacKay
B. S. E., B. U. School of Education 1924
6
2
French and Latin
Barbara Morrell
A. B., Bates 1915
8
4
English
Esther E. Thorin Mary Daniel
Tufts 1929
3 mos.
3 mos.
History
A. B., Radcliffe 1930
0
0
Commercial
Jeanne Dozois
B. S. in Ed., Salem Normal 1930 0
0
Junior High
Prin., Social Science
Westfield Normal 1894
24
8
Bates College, 3 years
15
1
1 summer Bates
1 summer B. U,
Total
Years
Teaching
Years
Service In
Merrimac
Pearl C. Van Houten Myra E. Smith
English and Math.
Margaret R. Sawyer
Centre School Prin., Grade 6
Wilma B. Kingsbury
Castine Normal 1896
1 summer Hyannis Normal 1 summer North Adams Normal 1 summer Fitchburg Normal 15
6
Grade 5
Sarah E. Briggs
New Bedford High School 1905 8
0
Grade 4
Theresa C. Kondrat
1 summer Hyannis Normal Lowell Normal School, 1926 31/2
0
2 summers B. U. School of Education
Grade 3
Sraah B. Titcomb
Salem Normal, 1905 171/2
9
Grade 2
Helen O. Manning
Bridgewater Normal, 1918 5
31/2
Grade 1
Helen J. Kennedy
Lesley School, 1927 11/2
0
Merrimacport
Grades 5, 4
Drawing Supervisor
Sarah L. Carpenter Annie A. Kelly
Plymouth, N. H. Normal, 1927 3
1
Mass. School of Art, 1906
1 summer N. E. School Design
.
2 summers private instruction 221/2 4
Music Supervisor Douglas A. Porell
Haverhill' High School
B. U. Music Supervisor's Cer- tificate 5
4
School Nurse
Jean Badashaw
4 summers B. U. -. R. N., Gale Hospital 1 summer Hyannis Normal M. D., Bowdoin, 1888 16
3
School ·Physician
F. E. Sweetsir
1
6
SCHOOL REPORT
(3) BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
On July 19 the superintendent and school com- mittee made the annual summer inspection of all the Merrimac school buildings in order to check the items among the needed repairs and upkeep which seemed most pressing for such funds as were at its disposal. As a result of the visitation the following work was done:
The Junior High School was painted, new gut- ters were added, the piazza ceiling, and woodwork, were varnished, and 15 new window shades were placed upstairs. At the Centre School the railing to the entrance platform was repaired, a new lock and a new threshhold were added, and an electric horn and base plugs were installed. At the High School an electric bell was installed, 6 window shades were replaced, and 12 steel armchairs and several desk tops were purchased. Throughout the building the desks were varnished, the blackboards painted, and many minor repairs were made.
During the year the chimneys in all the build- ings were cleaned, and two bowlders, long bother- some, were removed from the yard of the Centre School.
Beginning in September, Mr. Charles D. Potter was elected custodian of school buildings and grounds, and janitor at the High and Centre Schools.
(4) CENTRE SCHOOL
During the summer of 1930 there were three changes in the teaching staff at Centre School.
In the first grade Miss Helen J. Kennedy of Winthrop, a graduate of Winthrop High and Lesley
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SCHOOL REPORT
Normal School, was elected to the position formerly held by Miss Katherine Collins. Miss Kennedy did. her practice teaching in a private kindergarten in. Winthrop, as well as in the Winthrop Public Schools. For one month she was a substitute kindergarten teacher in Haverhill. In the Hebrew School in Mal- den she was the first grade teacher for one year .. During the summer of 1928 Miss Kennedy was in. charge of a playground in Chelsea. She has taken. a special course for leadership in this field, as well: as extension work in educational psychology.
In the fourth grade Miss Theresa C. Kondrat of Lawrence, a graduate of Lawrence High and Low- ell Normal School, was elected to the position for- merly held by Mrs. Grace E. Sawyer. Miss Kondrat has had nearly four years of teaching experience; her last three were at Pelham, New Hampshire. For two summers she studied at Boston University, tak- ing courses in educational psychology, elementary education, tests and measurements, and methods of teaching and reading English.
In the fifth grade Mrs. Sarah E. Briggs of West Newbury, a graduate of New Bedford High School with a summer at Hyannis Normal School, was elec- ted to the position held last spring by Miss Sarah L. Carpenter. Mrs. Briggs is a teacher of eight years experience. For the last three years, until the posi- tion was abolished by consolidation, she held the principalship of the Central School, West Newbury.
A harmonious working spirit pervades Centre School, teachers and pupils alike. The new teachers have entered into the work with unusual promise, and the whole organization under Mrs. Kingsbury is yielding better educational returns than the town could reasonably expect from the investment invol-
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SCHOOL REPORT
ved in the running expenses or in the plant itself. As to running expenses, the cost per pupil of education in the Centre School last year, according to the 1930 State report, was the very lowest in the State of any of the twenty-seven towns in Merrimac's class which ran a similar six-year elementary school; as to the plant itself, the following inscription, apropos of 1930, was read by many citizens during the week of tercentenary celebration. It speaks for itself. "First school built in 1802, moved in 1840, front part built in 1869 and used many years as high school, now Centre School."
In absence of any sort of assembly hall, Mrs. Kingsbury has made use of Sargent Hall. Here, for assemblies, she has been arranging for some of the many types of educational features which are avail- able at little to no cost to the the modern equipped school. At the Christmas Carols, December 11, pictures on banana culture were shown. The follow- ing words from Mrs. Kingsbury will explain the mat- ter further :
"The assembly idea has been experimented by the first six grades of the Centre School in the Mer- rimac Town Hall. The reason for this was due to splendid interest shown on the part of the pupils. There has been also profitable gain for each and ev- ery, grade. Four different plays were presented and two different sets of lantern slides were shown by: various grades during short periods on certain Friday afternoons.
The school assembly inculcates respect for authority, as well as embodies and expresses the principles of ethical living.
The children sold the Christmas seals with the usual good success.
9
SCHOOL REPORT
The Christmas entertainment was furnished by the pupils of the Centre School in the Town Hall for the Parent Teachers Association."
Credit should here be given to Mr. John A. Hutchins for his offer to transport Port children to feature general assemblies without cost.
Since 1930 was the year of tercentenary cele- bration it is fitting that the following report concern- ing the Centre School should here be added :
"On May 29, episodes taken from the Pageant Program of the State Book were given at Merrimac Town Hall by children from the six grades of the Centre School.
Episode I-"The Coming of the White Man," was presented by pupils of the fourth grade, Mrs. Grace Sawyer, teacher of fourth grade, directing.
Episode II-"The Naming of the Charles," was given by the sixth grade, Mrs. Wilma Kingsbury, Principal of the Centre School, in charge.
Episode III-"The Reception of Governor Win- throp," was played by boys and girls from Grade V under the direction of Miss Sarah Carpenter, teacher of Grade V.
"The Dame School," was played by the little children of the Centre School, pupils from Grades I, II, and III. Mrs. Irving Manning, teacher of the second grade and Miss Sarah Titcomb, teacher of the third grade, in charge.
By request, "The Dame School" was repeated at the October meeting of the Merrimac Woman's Club."
10
SCHOOL REPORT
. During 1930 the following books and equipment have been added at Centre School :
Arithmetic:
Smith, Luse, Morss
Walks and Talks in Numberland, Grade 2.
Problem and Practice Arithmetics, Grades 4-6.
Fowlkes et al.
Practical Arithmetic Workbooks, Grades 2-6. English :
Scott
The Open Door Language Series, Grades 3-6.
Reading and Literature :
Horn, Cutright and Horn
First Lessons in Learning to Study, Grade 2. Lucia
Peter and Polly in Autumn, Grade 3. Avery
Prose and Poetry (4th), Grade 5.
History and Civics :
Coddington-Long Our Country, Grade 5.
Equipment and supplies : Set Audubon Charts.
Set Compton's Encyclopaedia.
Pupae for Nature Study.
(5) MERRIMACPORT SCHOOL
During the summer Miss Dorothy Noddin, teacher of grades four and five at the Port school, resigned to accept a position in Beverly. The vacan- cy was filled by the transference of Miss Sarah L. Carpenter of fifth grade Centre. Miss Carpenter was already well known at the Port; she had filled
11
SCHOOL REPORT
the same position during the preceding fall, before Miss Noddin.
Beginning November 3, a sixth grade class was added to Miss Carpenter's room. Six girls, who live nearer to the Port school than the Centre School, were transferred to the Port school. Mrs. Kings- bury's room enrollment was thus decreased from 48 to 42, and Miss Carpenter's increased from 10 to 16, a more equitable distribution. The six girls who were transferred are: Dolly Eaton, Anna Foster, Helen Foster, Marian Harvey, Frances Plona, and Lillian Sande. '
A feature at the Port school has been the school Savings Bank, started by Mrs. Davis during the pre- ceding year through the courtesy of the local bank, and doing well.
At the Port school now there are six grades al- together ; downstairs grades 1, 2, and 3 with Mrs. M. Ethel Davis, and upstairs 4, 5, and 6 with Miss Car- penter. 'Graduates of the Port school, therefore, will go directly to the Junior High on Prospect St. Three grades to a room is not a desirable situation, but relief has been given by the purchase of work books which enable a teacher to direct the study of two classes while she is conducting the third orally. Then, too, there are certain factors of compensation. Short distances to school make it easier for the pu- pils, especially the younger ones. Small classes make it possible for a teacher to give more individual at- tention when it is needed. For the older pupils it would probably be better, all things considered, to affiliate with the larger group at Centre school. But when Centre School became filled to overflowing, the added upstairs room at the Port became a neces- sity. All was not loss, however; a neighborhood
12
SCHOOL REPORT
school such as this can help to build a community spirit. It is hoped that the residents at the Port will feel that the Port school is a vital part of their community life, and that the teachers need their friendly helping interest.
During the year the books which have been ad- ded have been practically the same as those listed for the Centre School.
(6) JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
During August, Miss Myra E. Smith of Merri- mac, a graduate of Merrimac High School with three years of training at Bates College and two summer sessions at Boston University, was elected to the po- sition in English, mathematics, and natural science formerly held by Miss Ethel M. Lawrie. Miss Smith is a teacher of fifteen years experience; her recent location was Methuen.
The following words, received at the end of 1930 from Mrs. Pearl C. VanHouten, principal, are of so much interest that they are printed here in statu quo:
"Achievement in junior high school work is often measured in scholastic ratings only and certain results of far-reaching value to the community are overlooked or not understood.
The Junior High encourages democratic parti- cipation and cooperation in social groups, and clubs are vital parts of the program. Self-control and a healthy interest in the civic and social life of the community are encouraged.
The Junior High presents problems the essential completion of which brings great satisfaction. In-
13
SCHOOL REPORT
terests that will lead to profitable use of leisure are introduced wherever possible.
Much has been accomplished toward these ob- jectives during the year. Several clubs have made good progress in science and literature. A school gong was installed by members of the Science Club. Several new books were purchased by the Whittier Book Club. A magazine has been issued by each class at regular intervals. A trip to Boston was financed entirely by the graduating class, the money being earned by various methods. Much practical knowledge of business and banking was obtained. also.
New paint inside and outside added much to the appearance of the school and was much appre- ciated. A small beginning has been made by the stu- dents toward improving the grounds about the building and by planting of shrubs and grass seed.
The class of 1930 observed Class Day and plant- ed an ivy at the school with appropriate exercises, thereby establishing a precedent that will be follow- ed again this year.
There is real need of a school library -. also some equipment for simple experiments in science, such as the Lunt-Haley units that are used in many schools that have no laboratory for such work.".
To the preceding it should be added that Mrs. Van Houten's daily deeds fit her year-end words.
For graduation details see items 15 and 31.
The following books and equipment have been added during 1930 :
English : Scott
14
SCHOOL REPORT
The Open Door Language Series, Grade 7, 8. 1 History and Civics :
Rugg
Introduction to American Civilization, Grade 8.
Equipment and supplies :
Set Audubon Charts.
Pupae for Elementary Science.
(7) HIGH SCHOOL
During 1930 there were three changes in the high school staff.
In March Miss Esther E. Thorin, of Monson, a graduate of Monson High School and Tufts College, was elected to the position in English which had been held during the first part of the school year by Miss Harriot G. Cazneau. In college Miss Thorin ma- jored in English and minored in science. Her prac- tice teaching was in Medford High School. Miss Thorin has had experience in leading literary, de- bating and discussion clubs. She started her work in the Merrimac High School on March 31.
In August Miss Mary Daniel of Reading, a graduate of Reading High School and Radcliffe College, was elected to the position in history for- merly held by Miss Rose Schifino. In college Miss Daniel took the classical course. Her first teaching experience was in the Merrimac High School.
In August Miss Jeanne M. Duzois of Lowell, a graduate of Lowell High School and of the four year course in commercial education at the Salem Normal School, was elected to the position in the commercial department held during the preceding school year by Miss Arlene H. Gow. In June Miss Dozois re- ceived her bachelor's degree. She did her practice
15
SCHOOL REPORT
teaching in the Lowell High Schol. For two summers Miss Dozois was stenographer under U. S. Civil Ser- vice, at Camp Devens.
The report of the high school principal will be found under item 27. See also items 28-30, 32-34.
Herewith follows a list of the books and equip- ment added during 1920:
French :
Fraser and Squair: New Complete French Gram- mar.
Meras and Roth : Petits Contes de France.
Lavisse : Histoire de France; Cours Elementaire. Bazin : Les Oberles.
Mathematics :
Wentworth and Smith: Plane Geometry.
Science :
Laboratory equipment and suplies for physics and chemistry. Pupae for biology. Set Audubon Charts.
History :
Foster's Historical Maps, Part II.
(8) MUSIC
In music, under Mr. Douglas A. Porell, a sys- tematic attempt is being made to work out a course in which there shall be continuity of growth from' year to year. To this end teachers are given outline books of the same series; new work, building defin- itely upon the old, takes the pupil one notch for- ward in each grade. In any subject proper contin- uity is possible only under a supervisor who sees the work as a whole. For this reason all types of sub-
16
SCHOOL REPORT
jects, including the 3 Rs, are under the definite supervision of one head in the newly consolidated integrated West Newbury school across the river.
In the Merrimac Junior High School a study of. the lives and works of the great masters of music is planned in connection with the course in music appreciation.
Music work in the Merrimac schools in 1930 has been helped by the addition of a portable Vic- trola; also by the tuning of pianos during the sum- mer.
(9) ART
During 1930 there have been several exhibits of the art work done in the Merrimac schools under Miss Annie A. Kelly. Posters of the Centre School 'operetta, early in the year, were shown in the store windows; posters for the state contest of the M. S. P. C. A. were shown in the Hoyt Memorial Library, and the work of the Junior High School was shown at the Class Day exercises.
In the spring several pupils won prizes offered by the American Humane Education Society. At the Centre School Mary Waterhouse of the sixth grade won the Blue Ribbon Medal, or first prize. Clyde Frost of the fourth and Muriel Wallace of the fifth won Red Ribbon Medals, or second prizes, while three won Honorable Mention, with a year's subscription to Our Dumb Animals. The latter were Marjorie Fowle, fourth, Shirlie Doucette, fifth, and Vaughn Trenholm, sixth. At the Port school two prizes were won: Anna Marie Foster, fifth, Red Ribbon, and Lillian Sande, fifth, Honorable Mention. At the Junior High School there were six prizes :
17
SCHOOL REPORT
Ada Lawrence, eighth, Blue Ribbon, Elinor MacDon- ald, seventh, Red Ribbon, and Margaret Dow, sev- enth, Pearl Robinson, seventh, Helen Sanuk, eighth, and Leo Dobben, eighth, Honorable Mention.
For Tercentenary Week, the last of July, Miss Kelly made a historical map of Merrimac which was very clever and most interesting and timely. The map, on exhibit at the library, was a history in it- self; it contributed much towards the success of the celebration.
During September the drawing work in the schools was delayed by the illness of Miss Kelly.
For the 1930 Christmas season, pupils in the art department of the schools made two gifts each, from inexpensive material usually found at home.
(10) TUITION PUPILS
Early in the year the question arose concerning the allocation of pupils residing in the Rocks Village section of Merrimac. Two pupils there without the prior sanction of the superintendent the school committee, had attended the Rocks Vil- lage School, supported by the city of Haverhill. It is obviously necessary for the school department to know before hand just how many tuition bills it has to meet, otherwise it could not keep within its ap- propriation, as required. A tuition claim of $165 by the city of Haverhill could not properly be met by the school department anyhow, because the Di- rector of Public Accounts does not authorize the committee to meet any bill not contracted in the year in which it is paid.
At the adjourned meeting in March, $165 was appropriated for meeting the Rocks Village bill
18
SCHOOL REPORT
from Haverhill; the town obviously wishes that pu- pils in this section be allowed tuition in the conven- iently located Rocks Village School. The permission to attend. will gladly be granted by the school de- partment any year that it can do so within its ap- propriation, but prior consent before school begins will always be necessary and the exact location of residence will have to be considered. Funds will then be laid aside for meeting such bills as author- ized. As for the $165 back bill, the town could le- gally meet this and did. The city of Haverhill, any- how had not sent bills, and the school department had no way ,the previous year, of knowing that any of this bill existed.
At the present time one child is attending Rocks Village School, with due authority. If a dozen child- ren should live in this district the school appropria- tion would have to be increased $720 over what it would otherwise be before the school department would have the means for authorization.
(11) VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Unless the town makes some provision for tuition to trade schools through an article in the warrant it is liable to receive bills in 1931 which the selectmen will have to find a way to pay without appropriation. Such was the case in 1930, although the amount was small. One boy has been attending the printing department of - the Haverhill Trade School since September. The tuition to Haverhill Trade School is $200 a year ; to Beverly Trade School it is $150 a year. During 1930 the fact that the
trade schools were already full prevented many tuition bills. Salisbury, in this district, paid voca- tional bills during 1930 to the amount of $986.73; fortunately there was an appropriation of $1,000 to
19
SCHOOL REPORT
meet them, It doesn't seem probable that Merrimac vocational bills during 1931 will amount to over $500; possibly. they will not be half of that. But no one can estimate the amount; one has little basis for even a guess. Whatever the amount the school committee is not authorized to pay these bills out of the school appropriation; it is the ruling of the at- torney general. The amount needed during 1931 will depend upon the number of persons who apply and are able to find an opening in the fall.
Most citizens are familiar with the law, Chapter 74, which compels the town of Merrimac to pay the tuition of any Merrimac citizen fourteen years of age or over who finds an opening in a trade school and who decides (with the parent's written consent in the case of minors) to take advantage of the opportunity afforded. But it must be clearly borne in mind that this expense is automatic under Chapter 74; neither the school committee nor the superintendent has any authority in the matter. On the other hand the expense of vocational education falls only in part upon the permanent resident of the town; half of the tuition is reimbursed later by the state.
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