USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1901-1904 > Part 16
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"Fifteen years ago, a law was enacted by the legislature forbidding the employment, while evening schools were in session, of minors over 14 years of age unable to read and write in English, unless said minors were attending an even- ing school. It may be said that the law was vague and indefi- nite in its provisions, but the principle was enunciated that it is the duty of the state to provide means for coping with illit- eracy, which was increasing to an alarming degree.
"The law has been amended from time to time in several respects. Progress is noted with each amendment and addi- tion, although those who have made a careful study of the features are doubtless able to suggest improvements in many respects. The duties and obligations both of school officials and of employers of labor have been more clearly defined in these amendments and additions. Progress is indicated from the fact that public interest has been aroused.
"The law at first merely provided that these minors could not be employed. The employer was the judge of the literary
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qualifications of the employee. It was subsequently decreed that the employer should send to the superintendent of schools a list of minors over 14 years of age unable to read and write in English. The employer in this case was to be the judge of the ability of the employee to read and write. The agent or the overseer at the mill could send a list at his pleasure. He could determine the standard of scholarship.
"The law now in force contains provisions radically dif- ferent from those of previous enactments. The ability of the minor to read and write cannot be determined by his employ- er. While an evening school is in session in certain towns or cities no minor can be employed who does not hold a certifi- cate of ability to read and write in English, the certificate being issued by the superintendent of schools or by authority of the school board. It matters not that the minor thus employed is a graduate of a high school or of a college. The certificate is required in all cases.
"The evening school, in view of existing conditions, be- comes an important factor in the educational system, for it is in this school that provision is made for those who are 'over school age.'"
STATISTICS OF THE EVENING SCHOOL.
Length of term
12 weeks
Number of nights per week .
3
Enrolment: boys, 147; girls, 28.
Total
175
Average number belonging .
90.6
Average attendance .
·
78.2
Per cent of attendance
82.8
Cost of teaching and care
$355.25
Cost of fuel and lights (approximately)
$250.00
Cost of supplies (approximately)
$25.00
Number of illiterates
71
.
.
.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The High school opened in September with a new princi- pal, Mr. John C. Hull, who had been in charge of the High school at Adams, Mass., for seven years. Mr. Hull has shown much tact and good judgment in the management of the
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school and in adapting himself to existing conditions. He has won the respect and confidence of the pupils, and we feel warranted in saying that the school is fortunate in securing his services.
At the annual election of teachers in July, a sub-master- ship was created by the election of Mr. T. J. Murphy to that position. This we think will add character and dignity to the school, besides supplying the much-needed service of an addi- tional teacher. We believe Mr. Murphy to be a faithful, con- scientious teacher. He is already doing good work, which is emphasized by pupils speaking in praise of him for assistance rendered. He is also deeply interested in the welfare of not only the High school, but the schools in general.
The annual, and frequently semi-annual, occurrence of se- curing a new commercial teacher had no exception this year. Before the opening of schools in September Miss Grace E. Harwood of Stafford Springs, Conn., was engaged to take charge of the work in this department. Miss Harwood is a graduate of Bay Path Institute, a Normal Commercial school in Springfield, and appears to be doing very satisfactory work. We hope to have less changes in this department in the fu- ture.
The new course of study adopted before the opening of the present school year is quite a departure from former courses, nevertheless it is looked upon with favor and was even wel- comed by many of the pupils. While it is not an ideal course, it is well adapted to the present needs of the school. 'The ad- ditional subjects together with the range of electives will allow pupils an opportunity to take a much broader course than formerly.
Heretofore pupils have considered it necessary to go out of town to school for a year or more in order to fit for the In- stitute of Technology and other high institutions. This we believe is a thing of the past, as the school is now well equipped to prepare pupils for such institutions.
There seems to be an excellent spirit in the school. Both teachers and pupils are working together in a friendly and
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harmonious manner. This is the true condition, one which is conducive to good results; and we hope to see it continue.
Attention is called to the more detailed report of the principal.
On another page of this report will be found a list of pic- tures and casts already in the High school, and of others that would be desirable to have.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT :-
In accordance with your request, I submit a statement concerning the work of the High school since I have been at its head. I can hardly call this a report of work done, since I must confess that owing to several changes and new condi- tions I have scarcely been able to get acquainted with the pu- pils, much less to attempt the realization of any considerable number of what I personally might regard as improvements.
That some changes have been made is well known to you. I have, however, endeavored to be conservative, and have preferred that teachers and pupils should do as was their cus- tom, until the welfare of the pupil seemed to demand a change. Then the change was made, and I desire to express my appre- ciation of the teachers' and pupils' readiness and willingness to accept the new. In fact, from the beginning of the year, co-operation and patience on the part of all have been charac- teristic of the school. This is the more to be wondered at when it is recalled that at the opening of the year the school was confronted with a course of study entirely new, a teach- ing force one-half of whose members were new to the school, and a membership two-fifths of which was also new.
THE COURSE OF STUDY.
Previous to the opening of the fall term, the committee adopted a single course of study in place of the three hitherto in vogue. This means that the classical, normal scientific, and commercial courses are now things of the past, and instead there is one general four years' course, made up of some re- quired and several elective subjects. This also necessitates
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that hereafter all graduates shall receive the same diploma, with the exception already made by the committee and relat- ing to this year only. All the studies of the former three courses are now included in the one, and in addition some new ones have been introduced, as German, English History, Trigonometry, Astronomy, etc. A copy of this new course of study accompanies this report.
TEACHERS.
The teachers who were here last year are teaching practi- cally the same subjects as they then taught. Mr. Murphy, the new sub-master, has charge of all the Latin in the school. Miss Harwood teaches the commercial branches; while the principal's teaching work is mainly in mathematics.
EQUIPMENT.
Quite a material increase in the equipment of the school has been made. Five large-sized wall maps, mounted on spring rollers and enclosed in dust-proof cases, have been placed upon the walls; a good-sized invoice of physical appa- ratus, with a carpenter's bench and tools, has been ordered for our laboratory ; and a reference library of nearly two hundred volumes has been collected and placed upon the shelves in Room 14. This library is designed as a working library pure and simple, and contains the Standard and International dictiona- ries, a set of the New International encyclopedia, a dictionary of biography, and other less expensive reference books. A new book-case has also been ordered for this room. This ad- dition to the equipment of the school has, of course, come from the purchases of the committee; but in the library many of the books are the gifts of friends in and out of the school. These helps must result in better work on the part of both teacher and pupil.
RHETORICALS.
The teachers and pupils together have introduced a sys- tem of rhetorical exercises, which we believe will be, in time, of value to the school as a whole. The plan is, briefly, to have each term a series of six preliminary contests, and at the
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end of the term the ten or twelve who do best in these pre- liminaries compete in a final contest. The winners in a final contest receive gold medals, which they retain until the next contest, when these medals are again competed for. The medal for the boys was purchased from the proceeds of the contest, while that for the girls was presented by Mr. W. D. Leahy, editor of the Daily News. At the first contest, held December 17, the boys' medal was awarded to Emerson Fletcher Lyford, and the girls' to Mary Lillian Callanan. Some interest is also being manifested in debating, and there is prospect that more will be done along this line in the near future.
DECORATION.
Since September the school has been presented with pic- tures and statuary by the following persons and organizations : E. L. Wires, Social Service Department of the Quinshipaug Woman's Club, Class of 1894, Tourist Club; and from sub- scriptions collected by Mr. and Mrs. Gilfoyle and Mrs. Haley.
To all who have thus aided in adding to the attractive- ness of our surroundings, we extend our thanks.
I trust that in this hurried and unsatisfactory report, I have not trespassed upon space belonging to others. Before I close I desire to express my thanks to you and the committee for your personal interest and assistance, to my associate teachers for their hearty co-operation, and, though last by no means least, to all those pupils who have been of aid in accom- plishing desired results.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. HULL, Principal.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
To MR. C. W. HALEY, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Dear Sir: The aim of instruction in drawing is culture, to lead the child through the study of form and color to an in- telligent appreciation of beauty, the power to produce beauti- ful things, and to reveal beauty to others. Its purpose is to develop and strengthen individual creative ability, and the
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power of visible expression. When we instill into the minds of the children of today a love for true art we will at last pro- duce better designers, more skilled workmen and more taste- ful purchasers. Then it will be that even the most inexpen- sive common utensils of daily life will possess an artistic value. Then, and not until then, will the ideals of every com- munity be so raised that people will construct more beautiful buildings, make more artistic homes, and place nothing in them which they do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful.
An intelligent appreciation of beauty must be largely ac- quired through the study of those elements which unite to make it, all of which may be included under the broad head- ings of structure, enrichment, and appearance, the different phases of the subject of drawing as taught in the public schools. The general trend of the present course has not ma- terially changed from that of the past few years-one which has placed the drawing on a firm foundation, from which we may work slowly upward towards a standard ever rising as we seem to near it ..
Early in the year brush and ink were used for making studies in silhouette and in simple values of flowers, fruits and seed-cases; and a somewhat new feature of this work was introduced and emphasized in all the grammar grades-a care- ful study of leaf perspective with the same medium, which proved to be a very valuable preface to the water color work as taken up later. The plant and vegetable drawing with col- ored crayons in the lower grades still seems to improve, giv- ing a very encouraging outlook for the future nature work in the upper classes.
It has been one of our aims to connect the drawing as much as possible with the interests of the child, and to corre- late it with the other studies taught in the schools. This year we are making attempts at this correlation, and thus far they have proven successful. Our landscape work has been combined with some bit of history or some poem from stand- * ard literature suggesting a picture which could be easily illus-
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trated. The different scenes worked out in harmonious col- ors, and bound with the poem carefully written, formed pretty and interesting booklets.
One of the most valuable aids to the greatest success of the subject of mechanical drawing would be the introduction of the "school drawing kit," consisting of a small drawing- board with accompanying T square and triangles. With this apparatus twice as much work could be accomplished in the same time, while greater accuracy and a better quality of work would be insured. It would be desirable to place a set of these kits in each of the ninth grades for their exclusive use, or to use with the eighth grades.
A new phase of structural drawing has been begun this year. It is the actual development of our structural designs from the flat "tag board" to the forms of the articles them- selves, either in full size or in miniature, as the case may be. The pupils of the intermediate grades were very much inter- ested in making postal-card and stamp cases, and their pro- ductions were very gratifying.
In the High school some excellent landscape and object compositions have been produced from all the freehand classes. The junior mechanical class is also doing good work in machine drawing and orthographic projection.
I desire to express my gratitude to the committee for their generous support, to the superintendent for his aid and counsel, and to the teachers for their hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, CLARA W. POND,
Supervisor of Drawing.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Dear Sir: The work in music this year has been carried out as planned, and the results in many instances have been extremely gratifying.
Tone quality-one of the chief ends for which we are working-has been greatly improved by means of vocalization
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in both exercises and songs. In the lower grades, the manner in which the little people render their vocal exercises is espe- cially satisfying.
In all the grades, a marked improvement has been made as to the phrasing and accent in the rendition of songs. Just here let me say a word as to the use of supplementary songs in the schools. There is a vast amount of material that can be utilized with very good results, collections of pleasing and instructive songs by standard composers adapted to all grades. Every grade should be provided with at least one of these sets to be used in conjunction with its regular work.
The work in tone relation, ear and memory training is progressing, but naturally the progress is not so noticeable as in other branches of the work.
One of the many ends to be achieved this year is quick, light singing. Heretofore the tendency has been toward slow, heavy work. Many faults can be eliminated in no other way than by increased rapidity.
The work in the High school is mainly the singing of com positions by standard composers. To my mind, music in the High school should be elective-the number of pupils per- mitting. Perhaps, because of numbers, it would not be advi- sable to make it so at present in Milford, but I sincerely trust that it may be so arranged in the near future.
I wish to extend my thanks to the superintendent and teachers for their many kindnesses during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER G. O'CONNOR.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
In order that teachers and parents may have a better un- derstanding of the requirements in case of exposure to or an attack of contagious disease, their .attention is called to Sec- tion 6, Chapter 44, of the revised laws found at the end of this report, and also to the following table.
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WHITELEGGE'S TABLE. A guide for teachers and others in the case of contagious diseases.
DISEASES.
QUARANTINE TO
BE REQUIRED
AFTER EXPOSURE
TO INFECTION.
EARLIEST DATE OF RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER AN ATTACK.
Smallpox, Chicken pox, Scarlet Fever,
18 days
When all scabs have fallen off.
18 days
When all scabs have fallen off.
14 days Six weeks, and then only if no desquam- ation or sore throat.
Diphtheria,
12 days
Three weeks, if convalescence is complete, and no bacilli remain.
Measles,
16 days
Three weeks, if all desquamation and cough have ceased.
German Measles,
16 days
Two to three weeks, according to the na- ture of the case.
Whooping Cough,
21 days
Six weeks from the commencement of the whooping, if the characteristic spasmodic cough and whooping have ceased. Ear- lier if all cough be gone.
Mumps,
24 days, Four weeks, if all swelling has subsided.
After a case of contagious disease in a family, children from that house should not be admitted to school without a certificate from the attending physician or the board of health.
VISUAL INSTRUCTION.
I am glad to report the purchase of a stereopticon for the use of the schools. I believe this' can be made the source of much valuable visual instruction, not only for the pupils, but for the parents, in the subjects of geography, history, litera- ture, travels, etc.
It will be necessary, and also advisable, to proceed gradu- ally with the work until a collection of slides can be secured and until we become thoroughly familiar with the outfit and the best manner of running it, then both pupils and parents can be interested and instructed by means of pleasing and in- structive views.
So much is thought of this in New York state that nearly every town of any size has one or more lanterns, and the state
3I
appropriates annually $30,000 for the purchasing of lanterns and slides, to be used in various parts of the state.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Of the many things constantly needing attention in the school department a few always seem to be the most impera- tive. From these I respectfully recommend the following for your consideration :-
That immediate efforts be made to provide additional school accommodations in the Plains and South districts.
That a cement floor be laid over the entire basement at the Park school building, and the cellar wall be thoroughly pointed.
That the basement of the Chapin street school building be drained.
The health of teachers is more or less endangered by ex- posure to drafts in the hallways during the time when pupils are passing in and out of the buildings. I therefore recom- mend: -
That storm porches be built at the Plains, Park, South , Claflin, and Chapin street schools.
That the rules and regulations for the school department be completed and put into effect.
There are days when it is too stormy for the little ones to go out, and I recommend that a separate no-school signal be arranged to apply to the first four grades.
The regularity of the terms has been somewhat interrupt- ed this year because of the enforced vacation of three weeks in January, due to a lack of fuel. This time will be made up by lengthening the winter term one week and the spring term two weeks, as per the school calendar.
Attention is called to the extracts of the law relating to the employment of children, etc., as found on the last pages of this report.
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In conclusion, I desire to thank the committee for their generous aid and support, and the teachers for their co-opera- tion and assistance.
Respectfully submitted, C. W. HALEY, Superintendent.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR.
WINTER TERM .- High school :- Began January 5, 1903. Closes March 27, 1903. Vacation, one week. Other schools :- Began January 26. Close April 10. Vacation, one week.
SPRING TERM .- High school :- Begins April 6. Closes June 26. Vacation, ten weeks. Other schools :- Begin April 20. Close June 26. Vacation, ten weeks.
FALL TERM .- All schools :- Begin September 8. Close December 24. Vacation-High school, one week. Other schools, two weeks.
WINTER TERM .- High school :- Begins January 4, 1904. Other schools :- Begin January 11, 1904.
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High School Course of Study. GENERAL COURSE.
FIRST YEAR.
SECOND YEAR.
THIRD YEAR.
FOURTH YEAR.
Required.
Required.
Required.
Required.
English
4(4) English
3(3)
English
3(3) English
3(3)
Algebra
4(4) |Geometry
4(4)
History
3(3)
Elective.
Elective.
Elective.
Elective.
Latin
· 5(5)
History
2(2)
Latin
4(4)
Latin
4(4)
Drawing
1(12)
Latin
5(5)
Greek
5*(41%)
Greek
5*(412)
Com'l Geog.2(1)
Greek
4(4)
French
4(4)
French
4(4)
Writing {
French
4(4) German
5(5)
Chemistry
5(4)
Spelling
2(1)
Drawing
1(12)
Algebra
4(4)
Trigonom.
Zoology
Bus. Prac.
5(4)
Physics
5(4)
Drawing
2(1)
Physiol'y
5(4)
Com'l Law )
Drawing
2(1)
Coll. Hist.
2(2)
Botany
Phy. Geog.
History I.t
2(2) Stenography 4(3)
2(2) Typewriting 4(2).
Astronomy Geology
Stenography
4(3) Bus. Prac.
2(2)
Typewriting
4(2)
[History I. 2(2)]
[History II. 2(2)]
[German
5(5)]
* 4 Prepared ; 1 Unprepared.
+ Greek and Roman History.
# English and American History, including Civics and Political Economy.
[ ] Studies in brackets will not be given this year.
The figures immediately after each subject indicate the number of recitations per week, and those in parentheses indicate the number of points to be credited to each pupil for the satisfactory completion of the work in that subject.
Diplomas will be awarded to pupils when they have received 60 or more credits, and have otherwise satisfied the requirements of the school.
Each pupil must take sufficient subjects to secure 15 diploma cred- its per year, unless excused by the committee for valid reasons.
Music is required throughout the course, and rhetoricals at least a portion of the course.
Classes in elective subjects will not be formed unless there is a suf- ficient number of applicants,
SolidGeom.
4(4)
Com'l Arith.2(2)
Bookk'p'g
Geometry
5(4)
History II.#
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COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE.
FIRST YEAR.
SECOND YEAR.
THIRD YEAR.
FOURTH YEAR.
English Latin Algebra History
English
English
English
Latin Geometry
History I. or II. Latin
History I. or II. Latin
Greek or French
Greek or French Algebra and Geometry
Physics or Chem- istry or German
COURSE PREPARATORY TO INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY.
FIRST YEAR.
SECOND YEAR.
THIRD YEAR.
FOURTH YEAR.
English
English
English
English
Latin
Latin
Geometry
French
Drawing
French or German
Drawing Physics
History I. or II. Chemistry German Solid Geometry and Trigonome- try
Drawing
MILFORD, MASS.,.
During the coming school year I desire to take those sub- jects which I have underlined.
Signed,
Approved:
Prin.
Parent.
N. B .- This application must be approved FIRST by the principal.
If intending to go to a higher institution, please state what one.
Greek or French
History I. or II. Algebra and Geometry
Algebra History Drawing
Time Schedule of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Odd Weeks.
Even Weeks.
DAY. SCHOOL.
DAY.
SCHOOL.
Monday A. M.
Park.
Monday A. M.
South. Plains.
Monday P. M.
Braggville.
Monday P. M.
Tuesday A. M.
Chapin street.
Tuesday A. M.
Claflin 5 & 6.
Tuesday A. M.
High school.
Tuesday A. M.
High school.
Tuesday P. M. Thursday A. M. Thursday P. M. Friday A. M.
Spruce street. High school. Park 6.
Wednesday A. M. Wednesday A. M.
Friday A. M.
Fountain street. Wednesday A. M. Hoboken.
Wednesday P. M.
Friday A. M.
West street.
Thursday
Friday P. M.
Bear Hill.
Friday
Silver Hill. Purchase gram. Purchase primary. Claflin 1-4. High school. Where needed.
Time Schedule of Music Teacher.
Tuesday A. M.
Tuesday P. M.
Wednesday A. M.
South. Plains. High school.
Silver Hill.
Tuesday A. M. Tuesday A. M. Tuesday A. M. Tuesday A. M. Tuesday P. M.
West Street. Hoboken. Bear Hill. Cedar street. Braggville. Spruce street.
Wednesday A. M. Wednesday A. M. Wednesday A. M. Wednesday A. M. Wednesday P. M.
Purchase primary. Tuesday P. M. Purchase gram. Fountain street. Claflin.
Wednesday A. M. High school Wednesday A. M. Chapin street. Wednesday P. M. Park.
Friday P. M.
Cedar street.
Tuesday P. M.
Plains annex.
GRADUATION EXERCISES
OF THE
Class of'02, Milford High School,
AT TOWN HALL, Thursday Evening, June 19, AT 8 O'CLOCK.
Motto-"Per aspera ad astra." Flower -Jacqueminot rose. Colors-Green and Gold.
PROGRAM.
Orchestra .
Salutatory, "The Nineteenth Century" .
Mary Elizabeth DeLaskey.
.
Essay, "What a High School Means to a Town . James Edward Dempsey.
"Soldiers' Chorus" from "Faust" Gounod
The School. .
Address, "The Public High School of Today" Prof. Paul H. Hanus.
Song, "A Winter Lullaby," DeKoven
Robert Merrill Bisbee.
Valedictory
Bertha Isabelle Snare.
"The Marathon Race" from "Carmen"
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