USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 34
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The High School has been in session forty (40) weeks and the others thirty-six (36) with the exception of North Street, which was closed at the Christmas vacation, and a room opened in Williamsburg Center to relieve the Pri- mary School there.
We are sorry to say that we overran the appropriation some four hundred dollars, which we explain in this way : We had an old bill of over one hundred dollars from last year, and there is a bill for tuition due from Conway which has not been paid, and the State School Fund was some two hundred dollars less than last year.
NEEDED REPAIRS.
Roof of Haydenville building wants painting and water put into the Purrington, Maple Street and Skinnerville buildings, and metal ceiling on two more rooms in Center building at Haydenville, which would make all of the Center rooms covered with metal.
MARTHA BISBEE, T. F. DUNPHY, H. P. GODDARD.
Superintendent's Report.
To the School Committee of Williamsburg, Mass.
MADAM AND GENTLEMEN : - In accordance with custom the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools is here- with submitted for your consideration and approval. The usual number of schools have been in session during the year and in most of them the work done has been quite satisfactory and well up to the required standard. Wher- ever former teachers have been retained there has been little to criticise either in the matter of discipline or instruc- tion, and the attendance on all has been good.
It occurs nearly every year that some schools are inter- rupted by the prevalence of disease which becomes epi- demic, and the past year is no exception, Williamsburg central schools having suffered most because of this, but, on the whole, we have had rather less difficulty in this respect than usual. In every case where contagious dis- eases have appeared among the school children prompt measures have been taken to prevent their spread, all rooms necessary have been thoroughly disinfected at once and all books used by pupils affected either destroyed or so treated as to make infection from them impossible. The school physicians have carefully examined suspicious cases and, as a result, we have without doubt been saved much illness and great inconvenience and loss. The great value of medical inspection has been amply proved and a continued observance of reasonable requirements in this matter will lead to a practical elimination of the unfortu-
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nate conditions so often existing in the past, because of carelessness in the treatment of suspicious cases of illness.
Several changes in the teaching force were made neces- sary, and, in most instances, we were quite fortunate in the selection of new teachers.
When we consider that the cost of board for teachers has nearly doubled in some localities it is not at all sur- prising that we are unable to secure them as readily as formerly, or that they should not possess in as great degree many of the necessary qualifications for success. It is often true that we are able to obtain satisfactory teachers only because of purely accidental circumstances or the willingness of some individual to aid by boarding at less than customary prices. The wonder is that we are able to obtain so many good ones and have so few failures as we do. So long as we are able to retain the present number of resident teachers and to take advantage of favoring circumstances, so long we may be able to continue our schools profitably, but should conditions change, which event may be imminent, then we could not hope to main- tain anything like the present efficiency without a greatly increased outlay. No great changes in the course of study or special work has been undertaken, as present conditions are not adapted to them, but many are desirable, as will appear later in this report. There appears to be a lessen- ing of ability among the pupils to reason logically, which affects the work in mathematics more than any other, and a close study has been made to determine the causes. There are several possible explanations of this condition, none seems to be entirely satisfactory, among them may be enumerated :- the injection into the classes of a consid- erable number who from lack of opportunity have not had sufficient training along this line and who appear more or less indifferent to educational advantages, are difficult to interest or control, who are able not only to affect their own course adversely, but also that of many others who, released from their influence, would do well ; the require- ments of many schools of higher grade which determine
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the amount of work to be accomplished in the secondary are so exacting and numerous as to force the pupils to engage in the study of subjects beyond their real compre- hension, or to cover more ground in a given time than can be done thoroughly ; the lack of time for continued mental drill which is of great value ; the wrong adjustment of the system which insists upon calling for logical work at an age when the child is least able to do it and when memory studies appeal to him most strongly and are most readily assimilated.
More attention has been given the consideration of cur- rent events in all schools and regular periods are devoted to this. It is found that not only are the pupils interested in this exercise and enjoy it, but that the understanding of events shown is truly surprising. Even the younger ones appear to comprehend the subjects mentioned and willingly take part in reporting or discussing. In fact, this exercise appears to develop many times more real logical thought than the uninteresting problems of the arithmetic.
The resignation of Principal Howard was accepted with great regret, as under his management there had been uniform progress in the High School and the presence of a spirit which insured good work on the part of the pupils.
The school authorities did not feel that they should pre- vent Mr. Howard from accepting a position much more desirable in several ways and which paid a salary so much nearer his real worth as a teacher, and so released him at a very difficult time in which to secure his successor. The immediate results were very disastrous to the school. Un- fortunately there was in the school a disturbing element which had not apparently affected the work under Mr. Howard, but which, on his resignation, immediately mani- fested itself and which, not being promptly suppressed by the authorities, succeeded in greatly injuring the classes and retarding progress. Principal Larkin of Haydenville was finally transferred to the High School, but too late to overcome in the short time remaining the ill effects already produced. As a consequence the class entering the North-
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ampton High School was, as a whole, the poorest fitted of any sent from our school in a long time.
The lessons to be learned from this unfortunate occur- rence are obvious :- we cannot be sure of a satisfactory school until we can pay the teachers sufficient to retain them indefinitely if desired ; where prompt and decided action is plainly necessary in the case of teacher or pupil it should not be delayed or neglected because of mistaken leniency, personal or other considerations, to the manifest injury of all concerned ; that the reputation of a school can be damaged more in one year than it can be improved in many, and all pupils are made to suffer for some time because of this; that injustice is likely to be done the teachers in such cases, which was probably true in this. The effects of these undesirable conditions manifested themselves in many ways and was evident in the creation of a reprehensible class spirit previously foreign to the school, the expression of which degenerated into mere rowdyism.
Miss Damon remained as assistant principal throughout the year, and by her faithful work did much to overcome the ill effects of the unpleasant situation. Fortunately we were able to secure Mr. Larkin as principal for the present year, and under his management, ably assisted by Miss King, the school is rapidly gaining its former good stand- ing, and, so far, we have had a most valuable year, and the evident desire of the pupils to make good in all direc- tions insures excellent results.
We have been equally fortunate in the selection of a principal for the Haydenville school. The pupils never seemed more interested in their studies and show a most commendable spirit at all times. As this school is not large the teacher has had opportunity for broadening the character of the work, and the classes are doing more out- side studying and valuable reference work than usual. It is needless to refer in detail to the work of those teachers who have long been with us and have given the best of
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their lives to our schools. Under circumstances sometimes very discouraging, they have faithfully and courageously continued their efforts and given us more than is often appreciated or than can be measured by a salary.
The out schools have been well conducted, for the most part, and considering the great difficulty in securing capa- ble teachers for them we have been again fortunate in the selections made. This is especially true of the Nash Street School which, in the matter of regular attendance, mini- mum of tardiness and general conduct, is certainly the banner school of the town.
The attendance on the North Street School having be- come too small to warrant its continuance, it was thought best by the Committee to close it and transport the children to the Center, and, as the primary room in the Center was overcrowded, having over fifty pupils in the four grades, the fourth grade was removed, united with the North Street grade, a room hired in the Staab building, fitted as a schoolroom and the combined grades placed in it.
Miss McFarland, the former North Street teacher, has charge of the new room, and, while the conditions cannot reasonably be expected to be perfectly adapted to school work, yet in general they are good and the room is cer- tainly lighter than portions of the regular primary room. So far as can be judged from a short trial, the plan has been to the advantage of all concerned.
There has been rather more criticism of the schools during the year than for some time previously, and, while some of this is of the usual fault-finding sort and based on the ancient proposition that "My child can do no wrong," or a chronic dissatisfaction with home products generally, yet much of it is just and right and should be helpful, as it indicates that the people are awakening to the fact that we are not doing all we should for the majority of the pupils. As more and more of our pupils go to other schools and find themselves constantly at a disadvantage in them because of inadequate instruction in certain branches of study, and that others have obtained in the lower grades
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that which was denied them, they naturally advertise the facts and parents insist more strongly that the common schools shall be adapted to the common children. Again and again has your attention been called to the fact that by our antiquated system of schools we are constantly sacrificing the rights of the majority to the minority, that we fail to make our schools the best possible for our citizens.
Our High School is still making college preparatory work its chief end and aim and compelling all to do it whether they wish for it or not, while schools of like grade about us are giving large consideration to instruction in the natural sciences and industrial subjects which we are forced to omit, simply because our building is not properly equipped and we do not pay sufficient to secure properly trained teachers except for very short periods. The instruc- tion in vocal music has been continued with equally satis- factory and profitable results as formerly obtained. Each year gives additional proof that the money so invested is well spent and productive of lasting and desirable results. Your attention is particularly directed to the report of the Supervisor of Music following this.
Drawing has been continued in the Haydenville schools, and there is little doubt of the efficiency and faithfulness of the instructor, but it may be seriously questioned whether or not the results obtained from this line of work are as valuable as might be secured from an equal outlay in other directions. Teachers' meetings have been held regularly and many subjects of importance discussed in them. It has been very evident in these meetings that the teachers are well aware of the necessity of modifying some of the present methods of instruction and the introduction of new work in order to keep pace with the requirements of modern education. Considerable attention has been given the subject of systematic moral instruction, and it is gen- erally acknowledged that something more than mere inci- dental teaching is needed. There is not that careful dis- crimination between right and wrong that is desirable.
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The introduction into the schools of many whose ethical training has been crude, to say the least, and the increased indifference to direct moral training in many homes has resulted in an increased disregard of the virtues of honesty, truthfulness and justice until it seems that something must be done.
There is such an exaggerated idea of the virtue of con- cealment of facts when a schoolmate is guilty of wrong doing, and this has been so diligently fostered by those most profiting by it, that a few are indirectly assisted in the performance of illegal and almost criminal acts and the welfare and safety of the community is sacrificed to the individual.
All teachers have been furnished with an excellent text- book on this subject and are carefully reading and study- ing it, so it is hoped that some definite plan of systematic moral education may be formulated and prove practical and helpful in operation.
The Committee appreciating the need of healthful and pleasant surroundings for the school children, have fur- nished the Purrington school building and the Haydenville Intermediate room with steel walls and ceilings. This is a great improvement and in the case of the former an abso- lute necessity. It means also a saving of expense in the future, as these furnishings are permanent. All rooms should be furnished in the same way as soon as needful or practicable. The giving out of the furnaces at the Hay- denville Central building occasioned quite a large and unexpected outlay which was unavoidable, and will doubt- less save the purchasing of new furnaces for some time.
Your Superintendent again desires to call your attention to the following brief statement of the changes and im- provements which he considers absolutely essential in order to bring our schools up to the times, insure for our children those privileges and advantages to which they are justly entitled, prevent the waste of public funds and satisfy the requirements of other schools which our pupils may attend. Some of them can be longer delayed only to our great
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disadvantage and loss, others, while needed, may be grad- ually brought about, but with as little delay as possible. Our High School building should be equipped with labra- tory and apparatus sufficient to make it possible to teach the natural sciences and give proper attention to industrial training.
The salaries of the High School teachers should be ad- vanced to an amount which will insure capable and efficient instructors able to remain with us for a series of years, and which will insure against the waste of energy and money made possible by the employment of unskilled and inex- perienced teachers leading to lamentable failures such as are bound to occur while we are compelled to employ the lottery system in such measure in our selection.
Another room should be provided so that we can remove the eighth grade from the High School room and relieve the crowded condition of the Primary room.
As soon as proper equipment of the High School build- ing is provided the course of study should be thoroughly revised and so adapted to the requirements of the State Board of Education that it will be approved by it, and we may secure the additional State aid of five hundred dollars annually for the High School to which we are entitled, and which we have forfeited because of non-compliance with minor requirements, until we have lost thousands of dollars.
Trusty janitors should be employed for all school build- ings in town and paid sufficiently so that they shall be re- quired to keep the houses, yards and outbuildings neat and clean at all times.
Wherever possible instruction in Domestic Science and Industrial Training should be introduced, this to include not only central schools, but all.
Ample and suitable playgrounds should be provided for the central schools.
Every possible attempt should be made to have all re- pairs and additions to buildings so planned as to add to
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their attractiveness, and every room made hygienic and really attractive and beautiful.
Adjustable seats and desks should be placed in the prim- ary and intermediate school rooms at Williamsburg village.
It may seem to some that the above requirements are excessive and even needless, but it is only a question of time when all must come and it is far better to be in ad- vance of the demand than to be forced to unwilling obedi- ence of command. It is so evidently the determined policy of the State to have industrial training in the schools that it will shortly happen that towns failing in this matter will have the State aid greatly reduced in amount. Wil- liamsburg has never adopted a niggardly policy in the sup- port of its schools and it seems certain, when convinced of the real needs, the citizens, will willingly make such in- creased appropriations as are required to satisfy these needs. We are pursuing a wise and commendable policy in the construction of highways and surely our school system should keep pace with such progress. While the tax rate has been increased the past year the appropriation for schools has remained the same.
For the benefit of those who claim that the town is now doing more for its schools than the neighboring towns the following statistics taken from the last State Report are given :
The average cost for the instruction of each high school pupil in the State is $56.38. Williamsburg pays $46.52. The cost per pupil for supplies is $1.00. The expenditure per pupil of amount raised by local taxation in Williams- burg is $14.88; in Easthampton $21.32; in Northampton $23.70; in Whately $19.65 ; in Sunderland $21.77 ; in Ches- terfield $17.93 ; in Conway $19.81; in Worthington $13.77. It will be seen that while we are paying well we are not in advance of our neighbors in this respect.
It should also be remembered that while the wages of teachers have advanced in ten years over twenty-five per cent. our appropriations in the same time for all purposes have increased less than fourteen per cent.
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It has been possible to secure good teachers because of our good fortune in having so many teachers willing to work for less than average pay in order that they may re- main at home, should we be compelled, as many towns are, to hire mostly non-resident teachers our salary expense would be increased by hundreds of dollars annually.
It is hoped that the inference will not be drawn from this report that our schools are not in good condition or doing good work as compared with the past, they certainly are, but the great truth which should be realized is that the in- creased demands and the changed nature of those demands require a reorganization to meet them fully.
A class of nine completed the High School course of study last June and were given certificates. The closing exercises were held, as usual, in the Town Hall, and were excellent. The music was furnished by the pupils and re- flected great credit upon the teachers and supervisor, Miss Grace Larkin, who conducted it. Six of the class are now attending Northampton or other schools of more advanced courses.
In closing the Superintendent wishes to express his ap- preciation of the faithful work done by so many of the teachers and their hearty co-operation in his work and to thank the members of the School Board for their assist- ance and support given, and the citizens for the interest shown and cordial approval shown.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To Superintendent E. W. Goodhue.
DEAR SIR : - During the past year the pupils have made marked progress in music in most all the rooms.
The theory work in about every room is steadily and rapidly improving. The pupils have each a very good knowledge of the theory work marked out for their re- spective grades. Of course some grades apply this work to their song material more readily than others. But in gen- eral the alacrity with which the exercises are sung from the boards and from the books is very gratifying.
In the song material there is a decided improvement. The pupils are ever on the alert for marks of expression and tempo and it is quite pleasing to hear how the knowl- edge of these marks are expressed.
This year the pupils in the sixth grades and upwards are selecting excerpts from musical magazines and reading them to the class thereby greatly increasing the interest.
New books have been purchased for the Grammar school in Williamsburg. The Fourth Reader of the New Educa- tional Music Reader proved to be rather too difficult for the first part of the year. By using this book for a few months each year the pupils will be better equipped to take up the study of the Fourth Reader.
Also in the Williamsburg High School we are using a new song book, which is giving very satisfactory results.
The work in all the rooms in general is very good and especially good in some of the rooms considering the num- ber of grades that are obliged to work together.
There are a great many advantages in music which we have to forego owing to the lack of equipment. This re- fers particularly to the High School. We have had boys' and girls' quartettes and Glee Clubs but is impossible to accomplish a great deal with these clubs owing to the brevity of time. The shortest amount of time required a Glee Club is at least three quarters of an hour. When it comes to requiring the pupils to remain three quarters of
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an hour or a full hour after four o'clock especially those living any distance from the school it is expecting too much of them. So it becomes necessary to deprive the pupils of such privileges. However, there is a great deal accomplished in the regular music period.
The past year the little folks of Williamsburg and Hay- denville presented their annual entertainment which was largely attended and for which they deserve very appre- ciative commendation. The High School pupils also de- serve much credit for their part in the entertainment.
The expenses of this concert were much higher than last year, however the net proceeds amounted to $34.00.
It would be a great pleasure to welcome some of the parents or guardians who may be interested in the work at any time. It would please the children and I am sure the teachers would greatly enjoy having them show an in- terest in the efforts of both pupils and teachers.
In concluding I wish to extend to the pupils, teachers and school officials my sincere appreciation of their interest and ready compliance.
Very truly, GRACE M. LARKIN.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue, Superintendent of Schools.
DEAR SIR : - The work in drawing this year has been in general the same as the outline followed last year.
The chief aim in our work has been to secure good draw- ing, and work that will be of value to the children later on in life.
We are trying to get the very best work of which each pupil is capable. And insisting on all work being well done; the results are much more satisfactory than we have sometimes secured by a great amount of hasty work.
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It seems impossible at times for some pupils to get cor- rect and beautiful drawings, but, even so, they learn to their advantage something of drawing. As I often observe when the class work is up for criticism, the child, who pro- duced only crude work, is very quick to see the good and the faults in the other papers. Such observations tend to develop the brains, the thinking power, the keen observa -. tion and the good taste of every child.
We certainly have made progress along these lines this year.
By the method of art instruction in our public schools today every child should carry to the home a deep appre- ciation of the beautiful, both in form and color.
Again, this year as last we give most of the time in the upper grades, to mechanical and constructive drawing. Making working drawings of the various views, and cross- sections of valves, pillow blocks and cams.
I wish to thank all grade teachers for the interest and co-operation that they have taken in the work, and for their untiring efforts to secure the best possible results.
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