USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1927 > Part 7
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Your attention is solicited by the committee to the fact that education is suffering for want of sufficient school accom- modations, which it is the public's duty to provide, and espe- cially the attention of the parents of the school children is so- licited in order that their children shall suffer no longer than absolutely necessary for want of these accommodations.
The school board is always desirous of constructive criti- cism, we are simply endeavoring to perform that part of a. municipal government which attends to the education of its youth.
The following budget has been carefully considered by your committee and is deemed necessary for the proper real -- ization of the coming year's work.
BUDGET FOR 1928.
Teachers' salaries
. $142,015 00
Fuel
.
·
8,100 00
Supplies
.
.
·
10,000 00
Care
·
10,050 00
(Janitors' salaries.)
8
Supervision
$5,800 00
(Salaries of Superintendent, clerk and attendance officer.) Incidentals Health
6,000 00
2,500 00
(Salaries of school physicians, school nurse and health supplies.)
Repairs
5,500 00
Transportation of pupils
5,000 00
Transportation of teachers
1,000 00
Evening school
500 00
Continuation school
3,500 00
$199,965
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. LYNCH, For the Committee.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
1926-1927 Jan. 1, 1928
Public schools
68
70
School buildings
20
20
Teachers employed :
High School
21
22
Grades
68
70
Special
7
7
Continuation teachers
2
2
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE-1926-1927
High
Total enrollment :
School
Grades
Total
Boys
273
1269
1542
Girls
266
1243
1509
Total
539
2512
3051
Average membership.
500.2
2448
2948.2
Average attendance.
480.3
2359.65
2839.95
Percentage of attendance.
. 96
96.4
96.2
TOWN OF MILFORD, SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-COST COMPARISONS ON A PERCENTAGE BASIS.
OTHER SALARIES
NON-WAGE ACCOUNTS
Date
Teachers'
Salaries
¡Dental
Clinic
Health
Night
School
Supervision
Continuation
School
Care
Total
Total
Salaries
Supplies
Transportation
Repairs
Transportation
of Teachers
Non- Wage
Total
Wages
Grand
Total
1914
65.
1.
1.5
3.5
6.
12.
77.
6.
6.5
2.
4.
1.
35
23.
77.
100.
1915
65.
1.
1.
3.3
5.5
10.8
75.8
7.
2.1
5.6
1.
3.5
24.2
75.8
100.
1916
66.7
.7
1.2
3.3
5.2
10.4
77.1
6.1
1.9
4.6
.8
22.9
77.1
100.
1917
67.6
.6
.8
3.
6.6
11.
78.6
6.7
8.2
2.
1.7
8
2.
21.4
78.6
100.
1918
66.
.8
.2
2.9
6.5
10.4
76.4
4.5
7.7
1.7
6.7
.6
2.4
23.6
76.4
100.
1919
67.6
.7
.3
2.9
6.8
10.7
78.3
4.4
8.4
2.4
2.3
9
3.3
21.7
78.3
100.
1920
65.8
1.2
.5
2.7
6.3
10.7
76.5
5.9
8.5
2.2
3.5
.7
2.7
23.5
76.5
100. 100.
1922
69.8
1.6
.46
2.8
5.5
10.36
80.16
5.7
5.52 2.1
37
.61 2.21
19.84
20.19
79.81
100.
1924
68.
1.5
.4
2.9
23
5.2
12.3
80.3
4.6
5.1 2.
.7
2.3
19.7
80.3
100.
1925
68.8
1.31
.32 2.85
1.96
4.95
11.39
80.19
5.13|
4.51 |2.46 4.04
75 2.92
19.81
80.19
100.
1926
70.38
1.3
.25
2.73
1.88
4.84
11.
81.38
4.75
4.25 2.59 3.47
.63 2.93
18.62
81.38
100.
1927
70.43
1.27
25
2.9
1.78
4.78|
10.98
81.41
5.19 3.82 2.63 3.45
47 3.03
18.59
81.41
100.
Average
67.89
1.12
.57
2.92
1.99
5.58
5.28
6.21
2.18 3.88
72 2.83
21.1
78.9
10€.
State Aver. 69.0
1.5
3.6
*
4.9
*
2.5
5.7
1.8
100.
O1
1921
71.59
1.19
.48
2.67
5.7
10.04
81.63
4.4
6.1425
2.
.45 2.88
18.37
81.63
80.16
100.
1923
67.88
26
1.58
2.5
2.03.5.2
11.93
79.81
5.7
5.26 1 92 4.32
.75 2.24
5.
* Care, Fuel and Maintenance-State Average 11; Same for Milford 13.26,
.26
11.
5. 9 9. Books and 6.
Fuel
Total
Incidentals
3.5
.36
Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
TO THE HONORABLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MILFORD,
Gentlemen :-
I present herewith my 17th annual report, the 50th of ' such reports in the history of the town.
Our problem for the year under review has been very much the same as in other years,-an ever-increasing degree of overcrowding. The school year opened with 20 more pupils in the High school and 25 in the Stacy school, Grades 7 and 8; largely increased special classes, most unsuitably housed in the High school; boys' Continuation classes with no place for their academic hours; 18 HALF- DAY PLATOONS!
These conditions are having their natural effects in increasing failures and cases of truancy.
STATISTICAL
A comparison of the attendance statistics for the school years 1925-1926 and 1926-1927, reveals the following :- Total enrollment 1925-1926 1926-1927 Increases
High School:
Boys
251
273
22
Girls
249
266
17
Total
500
539
39
Grades :
Boys
1248
1269
21
Girls
1193
1243
50
1
Total
2441
2512
71
Total (High school and
grades, boys and girls) 2941
3051
110
1 2
NEW HIGH SCHOOL
The Committee on School Accommodations appointed at the March meeting a year ago, after a number of meet- ings reported at the recent town meeting plans for a new High school unit illustrated, and described by the archi- tects, in this report. Progress has been made : the need is no longer questioned, the location has been agreed on and plans have been adopted. It only remains to secure legis- lative permission to take the required portion of the town park and appropriate the money. I am aware of no rea- son "in law evidence or common sense" against the real- ization of this project at this time, and there is every reason for recovering the upper section of our school system from the wretched situation in which it has been for four years.
Massachusetts has never furnished opportunity for college or university training without specific tuition charges, but heretofore Massachusetts has provided op- portunity for all boys and girls with an ambition for higher education to fit for entrance to college or normal school. This I still regard as the right of every parent in the State. Owing to conditions in Milford, this right has been seriously impaired in the last four years as a result of double platooning, consequent shortened sessions and the necessitous attempt to do college and normal prepara- tory work in two-thirds to three-fourths of the necessary time allowance for such work. It is hoped that the fathers and mothers of children in the schools will recognize and demand this right; it is to be hoped that citizens without children or whose children have gone through the schools will concede this right to others and that all will secure this right for all by voting the necessary funds to provide us with the modern High school plant described below.
New High School Building
The proposed new High school building is a separate unit, three-story, granite exterior, with flat roof, located directly in the rear of the present High school building;
13
the two connected together, and with slight changes in the present building, both to accommodate the High school. The new unit is T-shaped in plan, 139 ft. front- age facing towards Spruce Street, and a total depth of 144 ft .; and 38 ft. away from the present High school building, connected to it by a 12-foot wide corridor con- nection, two stories and basement high, which is to con- nect with the main corridors of the new unit and of the present building. The new unit has been especially ar- ranged and located for the utilization of the present build- ing in its present arrangement as a component part of the whole project.
On the first floor in the new unit, towards the front are to be four class rooms 24 x 32 ft., and the central en- trance; on the other side of the corridor running length- wise, at each corner two class rooms varying in size from 20 x 20 to 21 x 26 ft .; in the central portion of the rear, off the corridor, the assembly hall 60 x 72 ft., seating 720 and 250 in its gallery, and with stage 32 x 22 ft., and ante rooms on each side. Off the corridor, a teachers' room and three staircases which will go from basement to the third floor, enclosed within fireproof walls; also from this corridor four exits from the building, two for boys and two for girls.
On the second floor in the new unit, towards the front will be provided the new commercial class rooms, four in number, 24 x 32 ft., and one 24 x 46 ft .; the corridor run- ning lengthwise with exits off the same to the three stair- cases and connection to present building and also en- trances to the gallery of the assembly hall, and the four class rooms of varying sizes, teachers' room the same as on the first floor.
On the third floor in the new unit, are to be the new larger chemical and physical laboratories with their in- structor's room, supply and apparatus rooms, and also a dark room; also on this floor a lecture room and a class room 24 x 32 ft., and four smaller class rooms of varying
14
sizes, a teachers' room, and also toilets for both boys and girls.
In the basement of the new unit, on the front, locker rooms at the corner, one for boys and one for girls, each with shower bath rooms connected with the same, a domestic science class room, and lunch room. Under the assembly hall on the first floor will be the gymnasium, 60 x 65 ft., with a gallery off the corridor and instructor's room, with dressing-rooms and store-rooms in the rear. The gymnasium, in addition to separate stairways and entrances for the boys and girls, is to have, towards the rear, a separate entrance out to the park.
In the present building, the principal's office to remain on the front at the left of front entrance, and the present teachers' room is to be used as a reception room. On rear first floor opposite the front entrance, quarters are to be provided for the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee, with a storage room for school supplies in the basement.
The second floor front center class room is to be fitted up as a school library room.
On the third floor, the two present laboratories are to be converted into class rooms, and two other small class rooms are to be made out of the present storage and apparatus rooms. The larger portion of the assembly hall is to be converted into a study room, and the remainder, together with the portion now occupied by the stage and ante rooms, into a drawing room.
A new boiler room is to be provided between the two buildings on the upper side, basement story high, with one heating plant to take care of both buildings.
15
Schedule of Rooms and Seatings
Jan. 1928
No. of No.
Total No. of
Pupils of
Pupils
Accom. Rms.
Accom.
FIRST FLOOR Addition
Class Rms. 3-4-5-6
24×32
35р.
4
140
Class Rms. 9-12
20×24 & 181/2×25
20
2
40
Class Rms. 10-11
21 1/2×26 & 20×20
24 & 16
2
40
220
Present Building
Class Rms. 1-2
25×32
36 & 36
2
71
Class Rms. 7 and 8
20×22
16
2
32
103
SECOND FLOOR Addition
Class Rms. 15-17-18 24x32 Comm. Cl. 35p. (2)
4
70
Class Rm. 16
24x46 Comm. Cl.
50
50
Class Rms. 22-25
20×24 & 181/2×25
20
2
40
Class Rms. 23-24
211/2 x26 & 20×20
24 & 16
2
40
200
Present Building
Class Rms. 13-14
25×32
35 & 36
2
71
Class Rms. 19-21
20×20
16
2
32
Class Rms. 20
18×37
36
1
36
139
(may be div. 2) THIRD FLOOR Addition
Class Rms. 28
24×32
35
1
35
Class Rms. 30-33
20×24 & 181/2×25
20
2
40
Class Rms. 31-32
211/2×26 & 20×20
24 & 16
2
40
115
Present Building
Class Rms. 26-27
25×32
35 & 36
2
17
Class Rm. 29
35×37
100
1
100
Class Rms. 34-35
15×20
8 & 9
2
17
188
35
965
Library
1
Chem. and Phys. Labs.
2
Lecture Rm.
1
Drawing Rm.
1
Domestic Sc. and M. T.
2
PROPAGANDA
A great daily paper recently published an editorial which was a tissue of misrepresentations, exaggerations
16
or perversions of fact. In this maze of glittering mis- statements, two stand out pre-eminent. First, that "the dollar was worth about the same in 1916 as in 1925"; second, that "the school attendance has increased very little in 10 years."
The facts are as follows :-
(1) According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the average retail price of a dozen foods in the United States were as follows: 1916, 18.16 cents; in 1925, 30.5 cents, an increase of 68%. So much for the assertion that the purchasing power of the dollar had changed very little from 1916-1917 to 1925. (World Almanac for 1928, page 381.)
(2) Registration of minors, 5 to 7 years of age:
1916-1917, 116,246
1926-1927, 148,966
Percent of increase, 28%
7 to 14 years of age :
1916-1917, 460,223
1926-1927,
545,200
Percent of increase, 18%
14 to 16 years of age :
1916-1917,
115,585
1926-1927, 139,275
Percent of increase, 20%
(Increase from 18% to 28%.)
Public day schools, Elementary and High :
1916-1917,
601,835
فى قد
1926-1927,
729,529
Percent of increase,
21%
Average daily attendance :
1916-1917, 509,183
1926-1927,
645,565
Percent of increase,
27%
Average membership :
1916-1917,
544,383
1926-1927,
686,296
Percent of increase,
26%
-
17
(Note that while the quantitative increase indicated above was 21 per cent, the qualitative increase was 26 and 27 per cent, that is, of those registered or enrolled, a greater number persisted in school attendance, by six or seven per cent.)
Public day High schools:
1916-1917, 80,116
1926-1927, 125,648
Percent of increase, 57%
(Department of Education, Public Document No. 2, p. 150.)
It will be noted that the percent of increase for public day Iligh schools is more than twice the percent of in- crease of public elementary and High schools taken to- gether and is, therefore, far more than twice the percent of increase of grades taken alone. Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that the per capita cost of educating one High school pupil is about twice the per capita cost for edu- cating one grade pupil, so that the increase in the burden on account of the increase in the number of High school pupils is by that ratio disproportionately great.
So much for the editorial referred to. Now as to the misleading use made of it locally. If every word of the editorial were true, it would not apply with any par- ticular force to Milford for the simple reason that Mil- ford's expenditures for education have never been exces- sive. The costly specialties of education, once regarded as luxuries but now conceded to be among the educational necessities, such as kindergartens, manual training for boys, school lunches, gymnasia for girls and boys, organ- ized play on properly equipped playgrounds, even par- tially supervising women principals, some or all of which will be found in most school systems in towns of any size and standing all about us and all over the State and urban New England, have never existed as a part of our scheme of education. Milford's per capita expenditure for educa- tion for the fiscal year 1926 was $64.16, from all sources,
18
and her State rank is 340th down in the 355 towns of the State. We have no kindergartens, manual training for boys,* school lunches, gymnasia for girls or boys, or or- ganized play on properly equipped playgrounds during the school year, nor a full-time supervising woman prin- cipal in town, and our expenditure for sewing in three grades and cooking in two grades is confined to the trifling amount expended for supplies and the trolley fares for pupil-teachers from the Framingham Normal school.
*The foregoing applies to the public High and graded schools,-all the public schools in town except the small Continuation school classes, in which there is a salaried manual training teacher for boys and a woman teacher of Home Economics and Household Arts for girls, because the Continuation school is a State controlled and fifty per cent State-supported school.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS LEFT THE SERVICE High School
Early in the fall term, Miss Mae E. Birmingham, a commercial teacher in the High school since 1913, re- signed to become Mrs. Walter Mccullough.
At the end of the spring term, Miss Margaret G. Quirk, a science teacher since 1922, resigned to accept a similar position in the Rockland High school.
In the summer of 1927, Miss Catherine M. Dillon, teacher of Latin since 1924, resigned to become Mrs. James Whelan.
Grades
At the end of the spring term, Mrs. Ada M. Lovering, a teacher in the Stacy school, in service since 1916, resigned.
At the end of the spring term, Miss Mildred Littlefield, teacher of the first grade at the Claflin school since 1922, resigned to become a teacher in the model school of the Hyannis Normal school.
19
At the same time, Miss Ida V. Martin, a grade teacher since 1910, resigned to become Mrs. Francis J. McNary.
Continuation School
Miss Frances J. Goodwin, teacher of the girls' Con- tinuation school, resigned at the end of the school year 1926-1927, to accept a similar position in Canton, Mass.
INCOMING High School
Miss Catherine E. Curtin, St. Mary's High school and Bay Path Institute, assigned to the Commercial depart- ment.
Mr. Fred A. Metcalf, St. Mary's High school and Bos- ton College, A.B., to teach Physics and Geometry.
Miss Gertrude M. Cahill, St. Mary's High school and St. Elizabeth's College, A.B., '27 to teach advanced Latin and elementary and advanced Algebra.
Miss Margaret Feige, Milford High school, '23, Boston University, '27, to teach freshman Latin and English.
Grades
Miss Alice Barlow, Milford High school, '24, Framing- ham Normal school, '26, with one year's experience, as- signed to the Stacy school.
Miss Grace Brown, Milford High school, '24, Framing- ham Normal school, '26, assigned to a High school portable.
Miss Blanche Rooney, Milford High school, '23, Fra- mingham Normal school, '25, with two years' experience, assigned to the Hoboken school.
Mr. John Davoren, Milford High school, '20, B.L.I. Emerson College, '26, assigned to the over-age special class.
Miss Esther Gagliardi, Milford High school, '23, Fra- mingham Normal school, '25, assigned to the Oliver Street school.
Continuation School
Miss Ruth M. Wagner of North Attleboro, Framing-
20
ham Normal school, '27, assigned to the girls' Continua- tion school.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Miss Alice M. Carroll, teacher of Grade IV-V, Plains Primary school.
TRANSFERS
Miss Anne Mulligan, Stacy V to Park VI ;
Miss Marie Metrano, Park VI to Stacy VII-VIII;
Miss Mae Miller, Plains Primary I to Oliver Street I;
Miss Evelyn M. Beckett, Plains Primary II to Chapin Street II ;
Miss Ruth M. Edwards, Hoboken I to Claflin I;
Miss Margaret M. Scully, Bear Hill to High school portable V;
Miss Ada DiGiannantonio, special class to Bear Hill.
CHANGES IN TEXT BOOKS
The following new text books have been adopted :---- Music Education series-Ginn & Co., Boston. Literature in the Junior High school-Bolenius, Books I and II, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.
Holmes & Mattern, Elements of Chemistry-Macmillan Co., Boston.
HIGH SCHOOL
A report of progress in the High school follows, sub- stantially as submitted by the Principal :-
Ninety students were graduated from the High school in June. As usual, the graduation exercises brought a crowded hall. In fact, I might say that many could not be admitted. The program was very much the same as in 1926. A complete account of it will be found in another part of the school report. Miss Dorcas Whipple, Super- visor of Drawing, had charge of the beautiful dec- orations of the hall. Miss Helena F. Swift, Supervisor of Music, directed the musical program and as usual all of the numbers were excellently given. Hon. John C. Lynch, Chairman of the School Board, presented the diplomas to the members of the graduating class, spoke eloquently on
2 1
Education and closed with a mention of the crowded con- ditions prevalent in the school system.
The following awards were made after the presentation of diplomas :
Mary Burns, 1928, first prize, $20 in gold for the best Patrick Peace essay on "Should All International Affairs be Settled by Arbitration?" The fourth prize, $5.00 in gold, was won by Myrtle Jeffrey, 1928. The Dr. John V. Gallagher medal, awarded annually to the boy making the "M" at least three times and also obtaining the highest scholastic standing of those eligible for this prize, was awarded to Lloyd Bowen, 1927. Mr. Bowen was closely approached for the honor by Ernest Lombardi, 1927. The special book prize, the gift of the Class of 1917-interest from Liberty bonds, awarded annually to the senior with the highest average in English, History and Latin for four ycars, was awarded to Mary Hardiman, 1927. The second prize for excellence in the above subjects, the gift of a friend of the school, was awarded to James Higgis- ton, 1927. The Washington and Franklin medal, given annually by the Massachusetts Society, S. A. R., to create a greater spirit of loyalty and patriotism by acquainting the youth of America with the history of this country from 1620 through the events and battles of the American Revolution, Civil War, minor wars and World War, was awarded to Joseph Ferrucci, 1927. The medal awarded for faithful service during his membership in the David Garrick Dramatic Society, was awarded to Warren Reid, 1927. The Miss Sadie A. O'Connell Posture Medal was awarded to Edith Robinson, 1927. This medal is given to the student in the Expression A class showing the great- est development in posture during the year. The two medals presented by the National Society, S. A. R., and given on the basis of dependability, co-operation, leader- ship, personal conduct and patriotism, as evidenced by loyalty to and knowledge of the preamble of the Constitu- tion, were awarded to Helen Palm, 1927, and James A.
22
Higgiston, 1927. Miss Palm and Mr. Higgiston each wrote an essay on "How Should I Become a .Model Citi- zen ?" These essays were judged by three local clergymen and the $10 in gold given by an aged friend of our school, was awarded to Miss Palm. Typewriting awards for pro- ficiency in that subject were made to Helen Palm, 1927, gold pin; Carmella Consoletti, 1927, silver pin; Ellen Granholm, typewriting medal; Helen DeVitto, typewrit- ing medal, and Gladys Eldredge, typewriting medal.
With sincere regret is recorded the death of Mr. Henry Patrick, Hopedale, Mass., a very loyal and sincere friend of our school. Mr. Patrick has on several occasions com- plimented the work of the school. For many years he has been interested in the subject of Peace, and annually, at graduation time. offered four gold prizes for the best essay; written by students of Hopedale, Mendon and Milford High schools on that subject. His interest in secondary education has been noted and his death has. brought about a great loss to this community. The en- thusiasm which he had for universal peace and his desire to impress its importance upon the youth of this com- munity has been very marked.
A check-up on the activities of our graduates during the. past several years reveals the fact that over 50% of them have continued their education after they were grad- uated. The rest of the graduates have been found to be employed in different lines of business.
The class of 1928 held its Junior Prom. in the Red Men's Hall in February and was a great success. Several small dances and the annual May dance at the Town Hall were conducted by the class of 1927. The receipts of the dances held by those two classes were turned into their own treasuries.
During the past year the General Science Club, which was established some few years ago in the Freshman class, has been functioning under the leadership of Miss Catherine A. Somers. Within the past few weeks plans.
23
have been made to establish other clubs in the school, in addition to those already formed, in order to arouse more interest in some of the departments of the school.
The Principal notes that Mr. Albert D. Riopel has had charge of the athletic teams during the past year and has done very creditable work in football and baseball, and regrets that more pupils of High school age are not deriv- ing benefits from some form of athletics.
The Oak, Lily and Ivy was published as usual in June. Miss Marion A. Ryan of the English department, was in charge of the literary work and Miss Mae E. Birmingham looked after the business arrangements. Both are felici- tated on their splendid work. From the proceeds sweaters were purchased for the boys who earned the letter for the school year 1926-1927.
The David Garrick Club has had a most successful year and, as usual, Miss Sadie A. O'Connell has been respon-" sible for the excellent results. A public entertainment was held during June and four plays were presented: "The Dear Departed," "The Pie and the Tart," "The Lonesome- Like" and "Not Quite Such a Goose." Miss O'Connell is congratulated for her able direction of the plays, as are those who had parts.
The High school was well represented in the list of hon- ors awarded in the Boston Traveler Eighth Annual Short Story Contest, as announced in the Traveler of June 15. The contest was open to High school students of New England, and over 1,500 stories were submitted. The ten best stories were selected by the editor and the seventh prize of $5.00 was won by Robert Cenedella, a Junior, with his story, "The Musician's Magic." Next were chosen twenty-five stories to be named Stories of Distinction. Three Milford stories appear in this list: "A Mistake," by Phyllis Giacomuzzi, Senior; "The Cynic," by Robert Cenedella, Junior; and "The Emerald Pendant," by Esther Broudy, Senior. The editor then selected one hun- dred stories worthy of honorable mention and seven Mil-
24
ford stories were included in this list: "Such is Life," by Catherine Moran, Senior; "Phantom Success," by Elna Whitney, Junior; "A Dog's Bark," by George Siipola, Junior ; "The League of Youth," by D. W. Reid, Senior; "Power Beyond Control," by Lyman Callery, Senior; "The Curse of the Opal," by Elna Whitney, Junior; and "Such Luck," by Grace Connolly, Senior. Miss Ryan of the English department and the above students are con- Erctulated for their excellent work.
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