USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1920 > Part 5
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· Summer term begins May 9, 1921; ends July 1, 1921.
Fall term begins September 6, 1921; ends December 23, 1921. Winter term begins January 3, 1922; ends February 24, 1922. Spring term begins March 6, 1922; ends April 28, 1922. Summer term begins May 8, 1922; ends June 30, 1922.
OTHER SCHOOLS
Winter term begins January 3, 1921; ends February 25, 1921. Spring term begins March 7, 1921; ends April 29, 1921. Summer term begins May 9, 1921; ends June 17, 1921. Fall term begins September 6, 1921; ends December 23, 1921. Winter term begins January 3, 1922; ends February 24, 1922. Spring term begins March 6, 1922; ends April 28, 1922. Summer term begins May 8, 1922; ends June 16, 1922.
VACATIONS-ALL SCHOOLS
Winter-February 26, 1921 to March 6, 1921, inclusive.
Spring-April 30, 1921, to May 8, 1921, inclusive. Summer-(Grades) : June 18, 1921, to September 5, 1921, inclusive. (High): July 2, 1921, to September 5, 1921, inclusive. Fall-December 24, 1921, to January 2, 1922, inclusive. Winter-February 25, 1922, to March 5, 1922, inclusive.
Spring-April 29, 1922, to May 7, 1922, inclusive.
Summer-(Grades) : June 17, 1922, to September 4, 1922, inclusive. (High): July 1, 1922, to September 4, 1922, inclusive.
HOLIDAYS
Columbus Day, Convention Day, Thanksgiving (with day follow- ing), Washington's Birthday, Patriot's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day.
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Palmer:
Your School Committee presents herewith the com- plete report of the superintendent of schools to it, which reasonably covers the work and aims of your Board in the past year. The action taken by the Town in arranging for increased school accommodation is a needed reponse to the request from your Committtee for more room. This request has been made every year for several years and the response, although much belated, is no less acceptable, and it is earnestly hoped by your Committee that nothing may delay the early addition to our facilities.
Our thankful acknowledgment is given for the usual generous support given by the citizens during the past year and to the teaching force and executives for their faithful and efficient work.
A condensed financial report is attached.
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COMPARISON OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1921
1920
Increase
General Expenses,
$ 6,620.00
$ 4,850.00
$ 1,770.00
Teachers' Salaries,
73,153.06
58,500.00
14,653.06
Textbooks & Supplies,
6,000.00
3,500.00
2.500.00
Transportation,
5,440.00
5,520.00
-80.00
Janitors' Services,
5,890.00
4,450.00
1,440.00
Fuel and Light,
8,650.00
7,000.00
1,650.00
Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds,
2,250.00
2,000.00
250.00
Rent,
425.00
350.00
75.00
Repairs,
3,000.00
1,800.00
1,200.00
Music, Manual Training and Drawing,
3,890.00
2,980.00
910.00
Commercial,
7,110.00
4,820.00
2,290.00
Furniture and Furnishings,
2,000.00
800.00
1,200.00
Other Expenses,
2,765.00
1,530.00
1,235.00
Special:
Heating,
1,700.00
2,000.00
-300.00
Americanization,
3,500.00
0.00
3,500.00
Continuation School,
2,500.00
0.00
2,500.00
Bills Payable,
3,506.94
0.00
3,506.94
$138,400.00
$100,100.00
$38,300.00
AMOUNTS LESS RE-IMBURSEMENTS
1921
1920
Difference
Appropriation,
$138,400.00
$100,100.00
$38,300.00
Less Re-Imbursements,
18,760.00
16,790.00
1,970.00
$119,640.00
$83,310.00
$36,330.00
Less Tuition,
4,650.00
3,550
1,100.00
$114,990.00
$79,760.00
35,230.00
Respectfully submitted,
DR. GEORGE A. MOORE, Chairman, JOHN F. SHEA, DR. JOHN F. ROCIE,
GEORGE L. WARFIELD,
DR. CHARLES H. GIROUX,
HARRY M. PARSONS,
School Committee.
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
Gentlemen :- I herewith present my tenth annual report as Superintendent of Schools in Palmer. This is the twenty-eighth in the series of reports issued by the superintendents of the town.
A COMPLEX ORGANIZATION-THE SCHOOL
The administration of a public school system is, to- day, a complex task. The ramifications that have shot off from the teaching of "The Three R's," once the sole business of education, are so many and varied as to call for knowledge and skill in many lines. Originally, the main requirement was ability to teach. Now, with the recent enactments of legislatures, a school administrator must be not only an educator, a business man, and a diplo- mat, but also a lawyer, a doctor and a psychologist. The man who can perform well in any one of these six callings is a fortunate individual, indeed. A superintendent in a small school system has to attempt to do all of these du- ties because he has no one to whom he can deputize them.
Briefly summarized, these are some of the many du- ties entailed by the incumbency of the office of superin- tendent of schools :- (1) The hiring and supervising of teachers. (No function that befalls a superintendent is more important than this, for it is a truism that the teachers make eighty-five per cent. (85%) of the success or failure of any school system.)
(2) The planning and outlining of the course of study in every subject, grade by grade. (In spite of
9
claims to the contrary, a definite, graduated, and full course of study is an invaluable aid. Without it, no school system can function effectively in all its working parts.)
(3) The wise and economical administration of the business of the school system. (Locally, a budget in excess of $100,000 is expended. Were this amount a generous sum, one ample to supply all the actual needs, the administering would be sufficiently complicated. Where it is not, and, consequently, the needs supplied are arrived at by a process of elimination, the task is not simple, to express it mildly.)
(4) The keeping of those who have the legis- lative power informed of the constantly changing trend of things educational. (A school committee rightly ex- pects its chief executive officer to give them such infor- mation. The manner and thoroughness of such supply can mean much to a school system.)
(5) The handling of all questions that arise in the daily administration of the schools. (These may come from teachers, parents, pupils, and citizens. Many cases arise which call for information as to why this, that, or the other is done, or is not done. The reasons must be given courteously, yet oftentimes firmly.)
(6) The treatment of the public, from the humblest to the highest, if we adopt the strata imposed by the social world, in an absolutely and uniformly fair and square manner. (Where decisions extend over a long period of time, this is "some" task, no matter how good one's intentions may be, because the matter of precedent, the handling of a similiar case at a previous time, must be borne in mind. Even an unconscious and unintentioned variance often spells disaster.)
(7) The compliance with the law, both by the schools and by the parents. (Legislation is constantly increasing which calls for an enlargement of school activi ..
10
ties. For instance, recently the establishment of contin- uation schools and special classes for pupils three or more years retarded mentally are fair samples. The study pre- ceding and the final establishment of such classes of edu- cational work are jobs in themselves. Then, again, the ad- ministering of employment certificates is no mean under- taking; neither is the proper enforcement of school at- tendance laws.)
(8) The administration of a properly function- ing health work. (To-day medical inspectors and school nurses are as necessary, just as necessary, as teachers. Health is recognized as a social, a community concern. The quality of future citizenry is dependent, in no small degree, upon the health of the present generation; the present generation cannot do its own work in the world without proper health.)
(9) The proper care of all children who have any handicaps-physical, mental or moral. (The num- ber of perfectly normal children is not as large as many believe, as all would like to believe. If they have any remediable defects, if they can be placed in a condition where they can be of service to themselves and society, it is the desire of all right-thinking people to bring this thing to pass. Knowledge of the child-his nature, in- stincts, mind, body, etc .- is an absolute prerequisite for successful operation along this line.)
(10) The functioning of many allied activities. some of which are in direct charge of school committees. (Playground work, for example, is generally under school control. Successful work of this nature involves a knowl- ledge of its own peculiar technique. Community work in general, particularly educational and oftentimes recre- ational, is tied up with school departments.)
Sufficiently numerous functions have been men- tioned to show the breadth and variety of school opera- tion. The enumeration is given, simply and solely, to show the complex organization of an up-to-date school
11
system. Nothing is more complex, for, when the last word has been spoken, there is not a thing-animate or inanimate-as intricate, involved, non-understandable, and defying of solution as human nature itself. The school's raw material and finished product are human nature. No thought-direct or implied-of personal reference is entertained in the above statements. The intert is to set forth the varied functioning of a school system in order that all may recognize its place in a com- munity ; that no one may assume rightfully that a public school system is not attempting a "man's job." There is no bigger job. Others may be more spectacular; none is bigger.
THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL
This subject has been dealt with so much and so often in these reports as to become trite. It must appear once more-and we trust finally-for the need that first called forth its appearance is acuter than formerly. The last concession has been made-that is, that can be made in justice to the boys and girls of Palmer-to any and all conditions, whether financial or industrial, actual or fancied. A school must be built and built immediately. If there is still a "doubting Thomas," read this condensa- tion of facts sufficiently slowly to allow complete seepage :
CROWDED CONDITIONS IN PALMER SCHOOLS
I) Comparison of Enrollments Nov. 1, 1910 and 1920.
School
1910
1920
Increase
High
126
216
90
Palmer
396
658
262
Three Rivers
306
593
287
Bondsville
222
372
150
Thorndike
202
349
147
Districts
113
136
23
Total
1,365
2,324
959
12
II). A Few Facts regarding All Schools
Total Number of Teachers, 65
Total Numuber of Teachers with Regular Rooms, 49
Total Number of Teachers without Regular Rooms, 16 Number of Rooms in Use outside Regular Buildings, 8
Number of Rooms Used as "Shift" Rooms, 8
Number of Classes on Part Time,
16
Number of Regular Rooms Needed to Meet Imme- diate Needs, 16
Number of Rooms That Could Be Used to Advantage at Once, 22
Number of Pupils in Outside Rooms, 315
Number of Pupils on Part Time, 594
Number of Pupils, Approximately, without Accom-
modations, 612
Total Enrollment, 2,324
Per Cent. Unaccommodated,
26 %
Per Cent. in Outside Rooms, 14%
Per Cent. on Part Time, 25%
III). Statement of Conditions in Each School High :
Number of Pupils, 216
Number of Teachers,
10
Number of Rooms,
10
Number of Real Rooms,
8
Number of Makeshift Rooms,
2
Accommodations are absolutely lacking for :- House- hold Arts, Manual Arts, Mechanical Drawing, Physical Training, Library, Auditorium, Lunch Room, Science Laboratories, etc. In brief, only a meager curriculum can be provided-merely the susbtance of a real, up-to- date high school course.
Number of Teachers, 16
Number of Rooms, 13
Number of Regular Rooms, 11
Number of Portables, 2
Number of "Shift" Rooms, 3
13
Number of "Shift" Classes, 6
Number of Pupils in Regular Rooms, 453
Number of Pupils in Outside Rooms, 88
Number of Pupils in "Shift" Rooms, 233
Number of Pupils Properly Cared for, 365
Per Cent. of Pupils on Full Time, 64%
Per Cent. of Pupils on Part Time, 36%
Per Cent. of Pupils Properly Cared for, 55%
Eleven (11) regular rooms are now available. There are two (2) rooms in portable schools ; six (6) classes are on part time.
Five (5) new rooms are needed immediately ; seven (7) or eight (8) could be used to advantage.
A new high school would make the present building available for a grade building, giving eight (8) rooms.
A new high school would solve the grade and high school situation at once. It would also relieve the Wire Mill situation by making possible the transferring of Grades 3 and 4 to Palmer.
Three Rivers :
No. of Pupils, 658
Number of Teachers,
15
Number of Rooms,
14
Number of Regular Rooms,
8
Number of Portables,
1
Number of Outside Rooms,
5
Number of "Shift" Rooms,
1
Number of "Shift" Classes,
2
Number of Pupils in Regular Rooms,
329
Number of Pupils in Outside Rooms,
227
Number of Pupils in "Shift" Rooms,
74
Number of Pupils Properly Cared for, 292
Per Cent. of Pupils on Full Time, 87 %
Per Cent. of Pupils on Part Time, 13 %
Per Cent. of Pupils Properly Cared for, 49%
14
The new building will clear up this situation. The new Polish School will, doubtless, take a large number of pupils. Yet, in a few years, the accommodations will not be over-ample.
Bondsville :
Number of Pupils, 372
Number of Teachers, 10
Number of Rooms,
8
Number of Regular Rooms,
8
Number of "Shift" Rooms,
2
Number of "Shift" Classes,
4
Number of Pupils in Regular Rooms,
300
Number of Pupils in "Shift" Rooms,
143
Number of Pupils Properly Cared for,
229
Per Cent. of Pupils on Full Time, 60%
Per Cent. of Pupils on Part Time, 40 %
Per Cent. of Pupils Properly Cared for
60%
Bondsville needs immediately two (2) rooms. If the new high school is built, the two-room portable could be moved there.
Thorndike:
Number of Pupils, 349
Number of Teachers, 9
Number of Rooms,
8
Number of Regular Rooms,
8
Number of "Shift" Rooms,
1
Number of "Shift" Classes,
2
Number of Pupils in Regular Rooms,
307
Number of Pupils in "Shift" Rooms, 79
Number of Pupils Properly Cared for, 270
Per Cent. of Pupils on Full Time, 77 %
Per Cent. of Pupils on Part Time, 23%
Per Cent. of Pupils Properly Cared for, 77%
The one-room portable from Three Rivers, together with the loss that will be entailed by the opening of the Polish School, will solve this situation.
15
Wire Mill :
Number of Pupils,
95
Number of Teachers, 3
Number of Rooms, 2
Number of "Shift" Rooms,
1
Number of "Shift" Classes,
2
Number of Pupils in Regular Rooms, 53
Number of Pupils in "Shift" Rooms, 65
Number of Pupils Properly Cared for, 30
Per Cent of Pupils on Full Time, 31%
Per Cent. of Pupils on Part Time, 69%
Per Cent. of Pupils Properly Cared for,
31%
This biulding should be used only for Grades 1 and 2. Grades 3 and 4 should be moved to Palmer and can when accommodations are provided here.
What is really needed at the Wire Mill is a new build- ing. The present is nothing but a district school with no facilities.
IV). Summary.
A new high school will solve for some time all school needs. This conclusion seems so inevitable that further argument would appear needless. If such is the case, may action based upon this conclusion be immediately forthcoming. The difficulty in the past has not been that of conclusion-forming, but rather crystallized carrying- out of conclusion when formed. May the period of pas- sivity end and a period of activity begin!
Cost
The thought uppermost in everybody's mind the past few years under the regime of high prices has been "the high cost of living." Discususion ad infinitum has been indulged in, but unfortunately this condition has not been an academic matter-it has been a real live fact.
Schools, as well as every individual and business, have been engulfed in the sea of mounting prices. There
16
has not been even the natural ebb tide; it has been one continuous flood tide. The pprices are staggering on all school materials. Note these comparisons based upon actual bills rendered the local school department in 1914 and 1920:
Article
Price, 1914 Price, 1920 % Increase
Arithmetic Paper,
$ .12
$
.60
400 %
Practice Paper,
.1534
.581/2
271%
Composition Paper,
.23
1.24
439%
Drawing Paper (Gray),
.40
1.20
200%
Drawing Paper (White),
.44
1.78
304%
Pencils,
1.75
2.75
56%
Penholders,
1.50
3.50
133%
Pens,
.30
.60
100%
Desks (Stationary),
3.60
11.90
230 %
Desks (Movable),
5.25
14.75
181 %
Desks (Teachers'),
16.50
55.75
238%
Teachers (High),
750.00
1,400.00
87%
Teachers (Grade),
494.00
1,100.00
123%
Coal,
7.50
13.50
80%
Average,
203%
A study of the above comparison plainly indicates what school departments must consider in making out their budget at the present time. It is a safe assertion to say that the purchasing power of two dollars ($2) to- day is far less than that of one dollar ($1) in 1914 in the field of school finance.
A further interesting comparison based on the figures from the three hundred fifty-four towns and cities in Massachusetts gives these facts concerning Palmer :
1913
1919
Average Membership,
1,434
1,900
Total Expenditures,
$39,831.00
$65,270.69
Cost per Pupil,
$27.78
$34.35
Rank in State,
334
339
In brief, while Palmer's total cost has increased markedly in late years, she still maintains her rank as one of the towns which have the lowest cost per pupil in average membership.
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Viewed from another angle, her cost as compared to that in towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts is shown by the results obtained from a recent questionnaire sent out last October, as follows :
COMPARATIVE COST PER PUPIL 1920-1921
Town
Appropriation
for 1920-21
No. Elementary
Pupils
No. High School
Pupils
Total No.
of Pupils
Cost per Pupil
East Windsor,
75,000
670
0
670 $111.94
Windsor Locks,
40,000
400
85
485
82.47
Willimantic,
120,000
1,100
439
1,539
77.97
Westport,
73,300
780
200
980
71.7$
Wallingford
172,000
2,100
340
2,440
70.49
Ludlow,
73,000
1,038
50
1,088
67.09
West Springfield,
170,000
2,142
410
2,552
66.66
Rockville
91,000
1,100
275
1,375
66.18
Ansonia,
215,000
2,780
510
3,290
65.34
Torrington,
264,000
3,583
462
4,045
65.26
Greenfield,
175,425
2,300
416
2,716
64.58
Stafford,
55,600
830
106
936
59.49
Southington,
115,000
1,800
200
2,000
57.50
Westfield,
191,315
3,000
353
3,353
57.05
Derby,
91,725
1,350
280
1,630
56.26
Enfield,
125,000
1,950
315
2,265
55.28
Winsted,
59,940
1,100
0
1,100
54.49
Putnam,
56,000
820
208
1,028
54.47
Ware,
77,000
1,425
130
1,555
49.91
Seymour,
69,000
1,320
182
1,502
45.93
Fairfield,
157,000
3,400
170
3,570
43.90
Palmer,
100,100
2,100
200
2,300
43.52
Northampton,
125,000
2,700
420
3,120
40.06
Average,
$117,800
1,730
250
1,980
$59.41
Palmer's relatively low standing as to cost per pupil is noticeable apparently, no matter what kind of com- parison is made.
18
Education, no matter how costly, is an absolute ne- cessity. It cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be included in the luxury class. No matter what it costs, it must be had. The better the education provided, even though at a larger expense, the better is the economy practiced. The difference between the savage and civil- ized man is largely that of education. The highly civil- ized country is the one where the many-not the few- have a good education. The yearly cost of education is merely the payment of an insurance policy which guar- antees future success and happiness to any community so investing.
EXTENSION WORK
The extension work was broadened somewhat this year. This feature of school work locally is but in its in- fancy. School facilities should be used to their utmost capacity; there should be the widest possible utilization of school buildings for all purposes that make for the good of the community. The use of buildings approxi- mately one thousand (1000) hours per year which repre .. sent an investment of one quarter of a million dollars is poor business judgment. The buildings belong to the ci- tizens of the Town of Palmer and these same owners ought, under proper restrictions, to have the use of their buildings at any time which does not interfere with the regular school work.
The use of school buildings as community centers is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the coun- try. The granting of permission to make such use seems only a matter of wisdom, sanity, and fairness. All new buildings constructed should be planned with community use in mind. The new high school, when erected, should be so planned and constructed as to furnish ample ac- commodations for all sorts and kinds of legitimate use by the public. This means that, as a prime and indispensable adjunct, an assembly hall of sufficient size to meet all
-
19
needs for years to come, together with a gymnasium. should be constructed, both to be placed at the use of the public outside of school hours.
Successful work in gardening was con- Gardening ducted last summer. The percentage of loss from original enrollment was larger than in previous years, not because of lack of interest, but because of the imposition of a different standard, failure to conform to which meant ineligibility or loss of membership.
At the beginning of the year, more than three hun- dred (300) pupils signified a desire to undertake garden- ing work, as follows :- Thorndike, 60; Bondsville, 44; Three Rivers, 94; Palmer, 102; High School, 12; Total, 312. These eliminations were necessary at the outset because of lack of land :- Thorndike, 51; Bondsville, 16; Palmer, 34; Total, 101. After first inspection, a further reduction of 101 was made for these reasons :- (1) Poor soil; (2) very small plots; (3) lack of system. The second inspection caused an additional reduction of 30 for these reasons :- (1) Failure to weed; (2) failure to thin where needed; (3) indifference. A stiff form of final report reduced the numbers to 60.
Final reports were as follows :
School
Pupils
Value
Expense
Profit
High
7
$254.20
$30.90
$223.30
Palmer,
17
586.91
72.07
514.84
Thorndike,
6
66.75
8.16
58.59
Bondsville,
9
151.75
16.90
134.85
Three Rivers,
21
513.95
88.15
425.80
Total,
60
$1,573.56
$216.18
$1,357.38
In view of the stiff standards imposed by the Hamp- . den County Improvement League, the showing was ex- tremely creditable.
20
CANNING.
Excellent results were obtained in can- ning. No extended comment is necessary, inasmuch as these statistics speak for themselves :
Village
No Members
Quarts Canned
Total Value
Profit
Jams and Jellies
Three Rivers,
19
1,3541/2
$697.20
$427.80
184
Bondsville
19
7681/2
385.52
226.57
22
Thorndike,
14
6131/2
281.40
217.92
90
Palmer
12
2461/2
153.20
94.65
7
Total,
64
2,983
$1,527.32
$966.94
303
During the winter, work in home economics was carried on. Some surprisingly good results were
secured, as are here indicated :
BREAD MAKING
No Bak- Hours Baking's No Loaves ings of House Quick
Village
No. Members 7
of Bread 322
Bread 113
work
Bread
Served
Palmer,
930
15
14
GARMENT MAKING
No.
Members
Gar- ments Made
Pairs Stock- House No of ings Darned work
Patches
Thorndike,
18
44
100
3,354
Three Rivers,
6
16
31
934
3
2
Total,
24
60
131
4,288
3
2
A study of these two preceding tables indicates that some of the girls in our graded schools are getting good knowledge and skill in certain features of home-making. The great weakness-and the great pity-is that all are not getting this training. Ninety per cent. (90% ) of all girls become eventually home-makers. They should have · some training during school days in this art, for surely it is no less than art. To employ a much used advertising expression, the phrase "Eventually-Why Not Now?" ex-
Hours
No. of Dress Darns
Village
Meals
Home Economics
21
presses what should be done in this matter. If they are to be eventually home-makers, why not train them now? The influence of the good home-it must be kept well, furnish good food, etc .- is unlimited in its possibilities for making good citiezns.
Last spring a millinery class was con- Millinery ducted under the diretcion of the Hamp- den County Improvement League. The following are the essential statistics :- Enrollment, 26; observers, 5; meetings, 13; number turning in reports, 23; number helped by those taking course, 4; number of hats renovated, 18; number of new hats made, 35; total esti- mated saving, $368.16.
The cost of doing the work in gardening, canning, Cost home economics and millinery is borne jointly by the Town and the Hampden County Improve- ment League, the former contributing money and the lat- ter service.
The financial statement is :
RECEIPTS:
Appropriated by Town of Palmer, $400.00 Contributed by League, 402.56
$802.56
EXPENDITURES:
J. E. Hurley, Garden Supervisor,
$200.00
Mrs. J. J. Burke,Canning Supervisor,
30.00
Lucy Austin, Canning Supervisor,
50.00
Miss Hewitt, Millinery,
36.16
Services and Expenses:
Boys' and Girls' Department, $189.00
Home Demonstration Dept., 86.40
Administrative Department, 21.00
296.40
Office Expense,
190.00
$802.56
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A course in Conversational French French Class was conducted in the high school under the auspices of the Division of University Extension, State Department of Education, last winter. The enrollment was 60; the average atten- dance, 20; the number completing the course, 11. The class started late in the fall and was inconvenienced by extremely bad weather in the winter.
This year the course is being continued with an en- rollment of 30. Those enrolled will undoubtedly finish the course without many defections.
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