USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1931 > Part 6
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Shortly before the close of school for the Christmas vacation one of the steam boilers in the Center building broke down and was condemned by the State boiler inspector. As this boiler had been in hard service over a period of many years,
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and had finally reached a condition where it would cost nearly as much to repair it as a new one would cost, it was decided to install a new one. The Committee sincerely regret the necessity of doing this, as it seems very unfortunate to be obliged to spend much money upon this ancient building, but they are able to derive some consolation over the fact that it has proved to be a great help to the heating plant. The Center building has always been an extremely difficult building to heat, and the committee feel that the present janitors success has been remarkable, especially as he has many trying things to contend with there.
There is probably no doubt that most of the voters of the town are convinced that one of the biggest problems in Merrimac at the present time is the school house problem. The center building is absolutely unfit for a school house. It is not large enough in the first place, the ventilation in the rooms is bad, and the light is even worse. It could not be located in a more unsuitable place, and the playground conditions are ridiculous. During the January thaw the mud con- ditions in the school yard became so bad that it was necessary to spread twenty loads of gravel around to try and remedy it. The conditions there are a disgrace to any respectable community. Certainly the voters of Merrimac must be con- scious of their obligations to the school children, and this deplorable condition should not be allowed to continue indefinitely.
The teaching force seems to be functioning in a very satisfactory manner, although there is still much to be desired and undoubtedly some opportunity for improvements, there seems to be no doubt that on the whole we have at the present time the most efficient group of teachers working in the schools that we have ever had. The success of the schools depends more upon the teachers than upon any other one thing, and it would be very unfortunate if anything should happen that would make it impossible to continue to maintain in the future the present stan- dard of the teaching force.
Owing to some additional costs which the school department will be obliged to meet this year it will be necessary to increase the appropriation somewhat.
The committee feel well pleased with the fine athletic spirit shown by the members of the High School. The record of the foot ball team which played their entire schedule last fall without suffering defeat, and also that of the girls basket- ball team which was defeated twice during the season are remarkable. It is hoped that their wonderful success may continue.
The school property is in fairly good condition although the furnaces in two of the buildings are quite old and can not be depended upon to last many years longer, in fact some of them may require extensive repairs before the end of the present winter.
The committee wish to state that the co-operation of our fellow townspeople in allowing us to proceed with our plans without undue criticism is duely apprecia- ted, and we hope to continue to merit their confidence.
HARRY A. PEASE, Chairman, WILLARD T. KELLY, Secretary, ANNIE W. HOYT,
School Committee.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and the Citizens of Merrimac:
Herewith I submit a report for the year 1931. It contains the following items: (1) Financial, (2) Transportation, (3) Centre School, (4) Merrimacport School, (5) Junior High School, (6) High School, (7) Music, (8) Drawing, (9) General, (10) Union Projects, (11) Playground, (12) Health, and (13) Patrons.
(1) FINANCIAL
Any Merrimac citizen who paused to read in the report of the state depart- ment, published November 30, 1931, that Merrimac stood fourth from the top in tax rate among the 109 towns in its class, and 97th in the amount per pupil it raised for support of its schools, will need few further facts to call his attention to the needs of the school department. The school budget should be the last to be cut in times of economic stress; it represents the town's human investment against a better day which is sure to come within the lives of the present boys and girls.
The 1931 budget needed $31,795.07, as printed on page 36 of the 1930 school report, in order to carry voluntary items, such as books, supplies, and maintenance, without cuts below the 1930 figure. A year ago, however, the committee took a cut of 6.2%, or $1,970.07 below the figure it needed; that is, it asked for the same appropriation as in 1930, in spite of the fact that the 1931 budget called for in- creased figures for meeting contracts already in force. The result of the 6.2% cut became obvious. In June, the upper room of the Port school was closed. In the fall, in the high school, the necessary fill-in texts, for classes of large enrollment, could not be purchased until a time came when money could be squeezed out of other items of the bugdet; also, no physics equipment could be purchased. In the junior high there was the same forced delay in respect to new sets of books which were needed. Throughout the elementary schools the usual achievement test had to be omitted in the fall and the purchasing of arithmetic work books had to be proscrastinated many weeks. Such conveniences as hektographs were pur- chased by teachers, out of pocket.
At a special town meeting July 25, an appropriation of $260 was made for transporting children from the Port for the remainder of 1931. The cost of this new service through Mr. John A. Hutchins is an added $65 a month. For the four months from September through December it amounted to $260. The school committee will be glad to continue this service throughout 1932 if it has at its disposal the necessary added $650 for so doing; it is a matter for the town to de- cide. Funds for this purpose are contained in the estimated budget, but not in a budget of $30,105. During January and February, 1932, two months, or $130, will already have been taken out of the regular school appropriation. This should, in all events, be returned by adding.
In December the state boiler inspecter condemned the Centre School boiler. The new one, installed at the beginning of 1932, comes out of the 1932 budget. The $264 which it cost should likewise be added. The same for science equip- ment needed at the High School, $200; likewise for an extra tuition pupil who is expected at Rocks Village: $60 more, or $120. Neither of the two latter are in the published estimate voted by the school committee. Even on $31,000 these items can probably be squeezed out somewhere, but $30,105 would be lived in terms of privation with which parents and all concerned would have to bear. Successful teachers, already engaged at $100 below the market price and the price paid in other towns of the district, would be obliged to go elsewhere to get the re- wards to which their training and experience would entitle them, in spite of the fact that state reimbursement is increased $50 upon their first return and $100 upon their second. These are facts for Merrimac citizens to consider and to de- cide at town meeting.
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$7,437.11 were received from the state in 1931 for assistance in running our schools. The estimate of 1932 receipts is $7,148.84, but an added claim for $725 will be filed under Section F of Part I of the General School Fund, provided the net average membership of our schools for the year does not drop more than a few pupils below its position at the end of 1931. This $7,873.84, or in any event this $7,148.84, should be deducted in the minds of citizens from the amount appropria- ated when they estimate what they really raise. The state checks are not avail- able to the school department; they are sent to the treasurer for reducing the tax rate. Prior to 1920 state checks were available as additions to the school ap- propriation; if this were true now it would make the school appropriation look the size that it really is. The actual amount raised by a town for its schools should be about one-third the total amount raised by the town for all purposes.
(2) TRANSPORTATION
Of the 448 pupils enrolled in the Merrimac schools on October 1 (the date when official counts, state and local, are taken), 103 ,or 23%, were transported. This percentage is less than half of the similar figure of any of the other towns of the district. Of the 241 Centre School pupils, 7 rode with Mr. Staples from the Birchmeadow district, 24 with Mr. Hutchins on his regular trip and 20 on his Port trip. At the Port school, 5 of the 17 children rode with Mr. Hutchins. At the Junior High, 3 of the 84 rode with Mr. Staples, and 22 with Mr. Hutchins, 11 from the Port and 11 from other districts. At the High School 27 of the 106 pu- pils rode with Mr. Hutchins, 11 from the Port and 16 from other districts. Mr. Hutchins route takes in the district including Harriman and Bear Hill Roads and Lake Attitash and Emery Street.
In 1931, rainy day tickets could not be bought; funds were not available on the transportation budget. It was hoped to buy a few, under the estimate, in 1932. Rainy day tickets, when funds make them available, are given out during bad weather to pupils, especially the younger pupils, who live at considerable distance, but still within the transporting distance.
On September 24 and November 23 your superintendent appeared at special hearings at the State House to protest against any compulsory requirements which might further increase the cost of transportation to Massachusetts towns, unless the state were willing to reimburse the added expense.
(3) CENTRE SCHOOL
The status of this ancient building, erected over a quarter of a century before the first locomotive used in America was imported from England, moved to its present location when the amount of the national debt was less than six million, and built in its present form the year the Pacific Railroad was completed, is too well known to citizens to need comment. The time is fast drawing near when citizens will demand better surroundings for their children, in school and on the playground. Better surroundings educate for better homes; stronger eyes, better health, and more happiness are by-products of good window lighting, good venti- lation and proper play space. It is worth the sacrifice. The cost of a modern school house is $8,000 to $10,000 a room, and the present available borrowing capacity of Merrimac is about $61,500. Certainly citizens will think long and well before entering into any other major community project to involve bonds which will tie up and reduce this amount. Ideally there should be a twelve-grade building housing six years of elementary school, three years of junior high and three years of senior high, under one principal, with adequate transportation. This, however, would not be possible within the available borrowing capacity of Merrimac; half would have to be donated. Even if the legislature granted special permission, the burden would be too great. But such a system would permit of a specialist in each field for the whole upper school, junior high students and all. These specialists could supervise without extra cost the work pertaining to their subjects, in the grades, and thus integrate the whole system and smooth out edu- cational progress. All students would have access, when needed, to laboratories
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and to all facilities. A new six-room elementary school, which is within the reach of the town, would be a proper start, under the financial conditions, towards a complete modern system of this sort. Later, if desired, a six-year junior-senior high school could be built beside it, and could be consolidated with it.
The present Centre School is the chief concern of this item. Throughout 1931 this school has retained its same staff of teachers. Two, Mrs. Manning and Miss Titcomb, studied during the summer a course entitled "Methods of Teaching Oral and Silent Reading" given by Professor Charles R. Rounds. With them was Mrs. Davis of the Port School.
In the spring Mrs. Kingsbury was ill for several weeks. During this period Mrs. Emily Mooar was sixth grade substitute and Mrs. Briggs was acting principal.
The fall term opened with an enrollment in the second grade that exceeded by 13 the seating capacity and by 6 the floor space for seats. The problem was met by transferring four pupils to the Port and sending three others ahead. For- tunately for the congested room, the good preparation under Miss Kennedy soon became evident. But a helping teacher is needed, particularly in these earlier grades, for pupils having difficulty, as well as for retarded pupils and problem pupils. Both Salisbury and West Newbury have such helping teachers in the early grades. In the Centre School building, however, it would be difficult to know where to place such a teacher, even if there were funds on the budget for obtaining her.
The number of pupils repeating grades is as follows: Grades 1-5, II-5, III-4, IV-4, V-5, VI-1. The distribution of marks for the whole school at the end of the first bi-monthly marking period was as follows: A's 6.3%, B's 35.0%, C's 43.7%, D's 10.7%, F's 4.3%. The total number of marks was 1430. The school enrollment, after adjustment, was: Grade I-43, II-48, III-41, IV-39, V-40, VI-30.
In September the hours for the first grade were extended to 11.30 in the fore- noon and to 3.00 in the afternoon, to give full time for needed help. In this grade a few pupils were allowed to enter on trial although they were slightly below age; this was possible because of a decreased entering enrollment. It was impossible in September, 1930. Whether it will be possible in September 1932 will depend upon the number who pass their fifth birthday on or before April 1, 1932. Such children are entitled to enter anyhow; others will be considered, upon request, in so far as space is left.
In Grades IV to VI, pupils are working for State Library Reading Certifi- cates. In this project the local library and Miss Susanna I. Sayre have been very co-operative.
For a Thanksgiving project, Mrs. Kingsbury reported the distribution by the children of sixteen baskets. During this work, Mr. Zenas Lovell lent his truck and a driver for 212 hours, and added candy.
Mrs. Kingsbury, in her year-end report, writes: "We have stressed co-opera- tion and service as important factors in good citizenship. In the corridors, on the playgrounds, and in our classes we have found many chances to practice."
(4) MERRIMACPORT SCHOOL
On April 25 the committee voted, for reasons stated under "Financial," to close in June the upper room at the Port. The enrollment there at the time was 17, i. e., Grade IV-7, V-3, VI-7. On May 21 Mr. Gunnar M. Sande, Mr. Andrew Mader, and Mr. Fred L. Regis were given a hearing with the school com- mittee at the town office. Continuance of the room, or transportation, was de- sired. As a result of the hearing an article was put in the warrant at the special town meeting. The $260 appropriation, which passed, carried the necessary $65 a month for the four months of 1931, September through L'ecember. If the 1932 appropriation is sufficient to allow, the whole extra $650 for the ten school months will be carried on the regular school budget.
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MERRIMAC TOWN REPORT
During the summer, following the special appropriation of $1500, new inside toilets and a heating system with Williamson furnace were added. A partition was placed across the room and a fire escape door was built. Since the special appropriation figure was not met, the necessary extra funds were taken from the regular school appropriation.
At present, beside the school, sink drain water from an outside source runs upon the open ground; this should be corrected.
For the fall Mr. Homer Turner was elected janitor; Mr. Charles Colman had resigned.
The fall enrollment included: Grade I-6, II-9, III-2. The distribution of marks was A's 4.0%, B's 38.8%, C's 57.2%. The number of repeaters was 2.
Throughout the year school work has been running smoothly, but the spring attendance was interrupted by chicken pox. Books and materials have been similar to those used at Centre. Parents and friends of the school have been helpful. On May 18, Miss L. J. Crawford gave the children an object lesson in geography on China. In the late fall there was a small fire in another part of the building.
(5) JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
In January Miss Lydia Risi of Bridgeport, Connecticut, began her work in the department of English and mathematics. Miss Risi is a graduate with the A. B. degree from Tufts, 1929. At college she studied education under Dr. Edwin A. Shaw. She did her practice teaching in the Southern Junior High School of Somerville, Massachusetts. For the year following her graduation she substituted in the Bridgeport Junior High Schools, and taught, during the second semester, in the Bridgeport Evening High School.
During the spring there were four active organizations under the direction of Mrs. Van Houten and Miss Risi: The Audubon Society, The Dramatic Club, The Science Club, and The French Society. Three Torridaire Hot Pads and fillers were given to Commander Donald B. Macmillan for the school at Nain, Labrador. On May 15 the 8th grade made an educational trip to and about Boston.
On June 12, the candidates for graduation held interesting class day exercises, with the usual class parts and the planting of ivy by the class president, James Liberty. Posters and drawings, done through Miss Kelly, were exhibited about the rooms. On the evening of June 16, twenty-seven graduated, nine with honors: The address was by the Reverend J. L. McCorison of Haverhill.
For September Mr. Howard G. Patchett of Amesbury was elected principal. Mr. Patchett is a graduate of Ontario (Canada) High School, and of Union Col- lege, Nebraska, from which he holds the B. A. Degree. He has also attended the Atlantic Union College. From Clark University he received the master's degree (M. A.) in history and economics, in 1926. Mr. Patchett has taught in the Beech- wood Academy, Indiana, and in the Claremont Junior College, South Africa. For three years he was principal of the Zulu Training School, Natal, South Africa, and for three more years was principal of the Bethel Training School, C. P., South Africa.
The fall term opened with an enrollment that exceeded by 5 the seating ca- pacity of the 7th grade room, upstairs. Seats had to be added, about the stove. In the seventh grade room there were 47; in the eighth 37. At the end of the first marking period the distribution for the school was: A's 10.5%, B's 32.9%, C's 33.7%, D's 15.2%, F's 7.7%.
There are several needs about the building, e. g., a screen on the South window on the East side, for preventing the breaking of glass during baseball, shelves for books, new curtains, etc.
The following words from the year-end report of Mr. Patchett will be of in- terest :
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"On the part of teachers and students alike, a harmonious working spirit has pervaded the activities of the Junior High School during 1931.
"Students of the Jupior High School age present many problems. They are active and investigative. Among them are children of different nationalities, creeds, and social background. Some of them will continue their studies in in- stitutions of higher learning; others must go to work as soon as the state law will permit. The problem at this age, therefore, is one of guidance. It is the burden of those in charge to place before the student body the right ideals of citizenship and character, the qualities that make men and women successful, and as far as possible to guide the students in their outlook on life.
"In order that the school work may be more efficient, the library is being brought up to the state standard. Books listed in this certificate not obtainable at the Public Library are being placed in the school library. Plans are also being made to strengthen the science work.
"During the year, the school has operated successfully a monthly paper, a French club in which several French songs have been learned, and a dramatic club with weekly programs.
"A good radio and a better system of bells for passing of classes and for fire signal would be assets to the school."
(6) MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL
In 1931 two new members were added to the high school staff: Miss Ruth E. MacDuffee of Cliftondale, Massachusetts, to the department of English, and Miss Roberta C. Annon of Manchester, New Hampshire, to the department of history and economics.
Miss MacDuffee is a graduate of Saugus (Mass.) High School. In 1931 she received from Tufts the A. B. degree in English, with magna cum laude rating. Her work included education, and her extra curriculum activities included dra- matics, elocution, debating and hockey. In the Merrimac High School she is also teaching elementary science, which was one of her minors at college. Miss Mac- Duffee spent the summer of 1931 in the state of New York.
Miss Annon is a graduate of the Central High School, Manchester, New Hampshire, and of the University of New Hampshire, from which she received the B. S. degree in 1931. Her major was history and the social sicences; her scholarship rating was high. Her college work included seven courses in education and her extra curriculum activities included many forms of athletics; she was cap- tain of four teams. For five months she taught in the Orphans' Home at Frank- lin, New Hampshire. At the Merrimac High School she teaches a class in intro- ductory business, in addition to her work in history and economics. Miss An- non spent the summer of 1931 at Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire.
From November 23 to the end of 1931 Miss Bernice H. Lester of Ipswich, Massachusetts, substituted for Miss Annon, who was ill. Miss Lester is likewise a graduate of the University of New Hampshire in the department of history and economics. During the spring of 1931 Miss Lester was teaching in the Nashua junior and senior high schools.
The Merrimac High School is in excellent condition; staff and pupils are working with noteworthy community spirit and loyalty. It is unfortunate that the number of rooms and of teachers is not such that each teacher can confine her- self to her specialty. With a combined junior-senior high school-three years of each,-this would be possible under one principal with no increase of total staff.
Throughout the year there have been many activites, in addition to the ath- letics and school paper of which Mr. McKay will speak. These have included: on February 7 a costume dance, sponsored by the Student Council; on March 14 a drama, Stray Cats, sponsored by the Literary Club; on May 8 a junior promenade and on June 5 a senior promenade; on June 18 graduation (set a week ahead since there had been little interruption of work and the whole required 180 days had been made); on December 11 the senior play, In the Octagon.
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At the end of the first marking period the distribution of marks for the school was: A's 13.2%, B's 26.9%, C's 36.3%, D's 17.4%, F's 6.2%.
Not only in the academic department, but also in the commercial department, there has been the same reach for results throughout the year. In the spring, two seniors, Miss Dorothy Eastman and Miss Arlene Merrill, were awarded the gold "Order of Gregg Artists" honorable mention emblem pins in a contest cover- ing many hundreds of schools in respect to legibility, speed, and general excellence, of stenographic notes.
At the end of the year three pictures were framed: a map of Merrimac by Elsie M.Pease, the Old Frigate Constitution, and the Gilbert Stuart picture of Washing- ton which was presented by Congress.
(7) MUSIC
Mr. Douglas A. Porrell, music supevisor in the Merrimac schools during the past five years, was granted, at his request, a year's leave-of-absence-without-pay, beginning in the fall. Since September, music has been under the supervision of Mrs. Doris C. Currier. Mrs. Currier received her training at the Institute of Music Pedagogy. She comes to us with 912 years' experience in her present work; for the last six of these she has been supervisor of music in the West New- bury schools. During the fall, a combined Merrimac-West Newbury high school orchestra under the direction of Mrs. Currier was formed.
(8) DRAWING
In the fall of 1931 Miss Annie A. Kelly began her sixth year as drawing super- visor in the Merrimac Schools. The following words from her year-end report will be of interest. The Merrimac High School seal referred to was done by John O. Walker of the class of 1932. It has been reproduced in rubber; it contains the words "Truth, Knowledge, Honor," and a Grecian lamp, a quill, and a book.
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