USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1916-1930 > Part 7
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The great scarcity of teachers made it difficult to fill vacancies and, at times the task seemed almost hopeless but, partly by constant searching and partly by sheer good fortune, excellent ones were secured and the ill ef- fects of change are not noticeable. The Fall term of 1918 was so broken up by the epidemic of influenza that it is scarcely possible to determine exactly what has been done and what has been lost, it is evident that little more than
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half the regular work has been accomplished because of the enforced closing and one school, Searsville, had kept less than nine weeks on Jan. 1st. The loss occasioned by this unfortunate interruption can hardly be realized by any except the teachers. Not only do such irregular breaks cause the pupils to lose interest in school duties, but also serve to lessen the desire to attend regularly while the scattering return of so many totally upsets the grade formation and more than doubles the work by at- tempts to again bring together the classes.
It is hoped that a considerable amount of the loss may be made good by temporary division of classes and by extra work on the part of the teachers who are showing a very commendable spirit and giving much additional aid to those behind in their studies, it is, however, very unlikely that all pupils will be able to complete the course and secure promotion.
The following changes of the teaching force were made during the summer :- Miss Taylor transferred to the Williamsburg Grammar School; Miss Warner to Wil- liamsburg First Primary; Miss Goodhue to Haydenville Third Primary and Miss Dunphy to the principalship of the High School. New teachers were engaged for Sears- ville, Mountain Street and Haydenville High Grammar also two assistants for the High School.
The resignation of Prin. Edward Larkin came as a great surprise to all and was finally accepted with the greatest reluctance. Mr. Larkin has taught in the schools of the town continuously since 1909, serving as principal of the Haydenville School for two years and accepting the position of principal of the High School in 1911. His work in the schools has been of the highest character and his influence for good upon the young people of the town cannot be over-estimated. Under his management, the High School won a reputation for thorough work which attracted many pupils from neighboring towns and the
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attendance was doubled, it was also approved by the State Board of Education for certificate admission of pu- pils to the state normal schools and was granted the privi- lege of certificate entrance to the New England colleges. His relations with the pupils were always pleasant and he secured and retained their confidence, respect and esteem. His great interest in and thorough knowledge of athletic sports made him an efficient director of them, and the various High School athletic organizations won an envia- ble reputation among neighboring secondary schools for skill, fairness and gentlemanly conduct. Miss Chapel, who was principal of the Haydenville Grammar School is also deserving of special credit as by her skill as a disci- plinarian, ably seconded by Miss Ryan of equal ability, the school gained the reputation of being one of the most orderly and best disciplined in town. The number at- tending the High School is considerably smaller than last year probably because so many are now engaged in pro- ductive labor under war conditions who otherwise would be in school. It is noticeable that there are very few pupils over sixteen years of age.
Six were graduated in June from the College Prepara- tory Course and seven from the Two Years' Course. The graduating exercises, held on different days, were both good and greatly appreciated by the large number of citizens present, the musical program in charge of Miss Grace Larkin was one of the best and worthy of special commendation. The meeting of the Alumni was well at- tended and an occasion of much pleasure to all and plans for aiding the High School were discussed and accepted. This organization is proving valuable not only because it serves to maintain a spirit of loyalty to the school, to perpetuate friendship and acquaintance there formed but because of the helpful contributions made in various ways. Mr. Bailey, who had served faithfully and effi- ciently as janitor of the Helen E. James School Building
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for several years, and who had by his friendly, helpful and pleasant spirit secured a warm place in the heart of each pupil, was elected to honorary membership at this meeting.
There are now but three out schools in town, all have been in charge of capable teachers and made equal prog- ress with the center schools. The number of children now attending the Mountain Street School is so small as hardly to warrant its continuance.
The instruction in music in charge of Supervisor Miss Larkin has been continued with the usual gratifying pro- gress and each year the value of this work becomes more apparent in the homes, the churches and public entertain- ments. Your attention is invited to the report of the mu- sic supervisor following this. The war spirit has thor- oughly permeated the schools and the patriotism, self- sacrifice, helpfulness and devotion of both teachers and pupils have been marked. The service flag of the High School is known to be entitled to carry forty-five stars and, without doubt, there are former members in the ser- vice who entered from other towns and cities whose names have not been reported. Many of these boys have been on the fighting line in France, some of whom will carry for life the honrable scars of wounds given by the merciless Huns. Nearly all schools were organized as Junior Red Cross units under the direction and supervi- sion of Miss Anna Dunphy and have contributed a large- number of articles as well as a considerable sum of money to the Red Cross work besides helping in many other di- rections. The following partial report of their activities may be interesting :- The pupils in thirteen schools have invested in War Savings Stamps, $943.33, hold Thrift Stamps amounting to $113.35, Liberty Bonds to the value of $2,050. The pupils in seven schools have made and contributed to the Red Cross Society 73 sweaters; 16 pairs of hose; 5 helmets; 15 pairs of wristers; 52 scarfs;
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24 wash cloths; 123 quilt squares; 32 caps; 11 pairs of shoes; 8 pajamas; 4 petticoats; 5 chemises; 71 ban- dages; 10 pin wheels; 18 afghan squares; 1 afghan; 13 pillow slips ; 28 pairs of bed socks ; 6 handy bags; 14 sol- diers' kits; 2 shirts; 8 slings ; 7 unclassified garments, several hundred surgical dressings, and nine schools have contributed $73.53 in cash. Two hundred twenty-nine pupils enlisted in the United States Garden Army, thus pledging themselves either to cultivate war gardens of their own or to assit others in doing so. While a consid- erable number of these failed to keep their pledges, for numerous reasons, yet a large majority did and added materially to the food supply. Plans were made for the usual annual exhibition of the articles raised and made by the members of the Industrial Club which would probably have surpassed in size and variety of articles any former exhibition but, unfortunately all of these had to be given - up in complying with the request of the State Board of Health.
The difficulty of securing teachers has never been as great as during the past year. Hundreds have left teach- ing to engage in government and other war work which paid much larger wages with less personal responsibility and worry. Nearly the whole summer vacation was de- voted by the superintendent to a search for teachers and even then some schools were unprovided with them at the date set for opening. It is very evident that with the great increase in wages and the doubled cost of nearly all supplies the expense of supporting our schools must be still further increased if we desire to continue their pres- ent efficiency. The minimum salary law passed by the last legislature serves to increase considerably the wages paid teachers and, while its intention is undoubtedly to secure fair salaries for all teachers, yet in a town like this, it results in some injustice since the town can pay little more than the minimum salary, while those teachers who have had long experience and worked faithfully in
.
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the schools for a long time receive no recognition of their worth in salaries larger than paid to the new and inex- perienced ones. The Superintendent and teachers have continually endeavored to conserve school supplies, in most instances being willingly aided by the pupils, but there is still far too much of a spirit of wastefulness among some of the children. It will be noticed that the percentage of attendance has decreased somewhat, the chief cause of this, other than illness, is probably that the school authorities on recommendation of the State Board have permitted some of the older boys to work on farms while schools were in session. The immediate effect of war conditions upon educational interests is to emphasize the value of intelligently directed activities, of economy, thrift and helpfulness and of a well-balanced education inclining neither to purely academic or purely industrial. V
We are inclined to consider our school curricula as pretty nearly perfect and quite satisfactory, hesitating to make changes, the lessons of the war have taught us that there is need of much modification of them to meet the changed and changing conditions of society and the ne- cessity of alertness in adopting methods which will more perfectly fit the pupil for the many requirements of good citizenship. We are threatened with economic and po- litical conditions disastrous to civilization but the de- struction of Bolshevism and its kindred will not be ac- complished with guns but with education. Our schools may be depended upon to protect the institutions of civil- ization and save democracy if they are properly adjusted to the times and adequately supported.
Thanking the members of the school committee and the teachers for their hearty and helpful cooperation and all other citizens for the interest and courtesy shown, this report is respectfully submitted.
E. W. GOODHUE,
Superintendent of Public Schools.
SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1918
SCHOOLS
Boys Enrolled
Girls Enrolled
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per cent. of
Attendance
Aggregate Attendance
Williamsburg High .
28
29
47.37
44.12
93.14
8,333.5
Grammar . .
7
16
19.06
18.08
94.86
3,058.0
Intermediate. .
14
13
22.33
20.97
93.91
3,566.0
Second Primary
19
15
25.15
22.90
91.05
3,899.0
First Primary ..
15
16
19.98
17.78
88.99
3,024.5
14
14
23.33
21.02
90.10
3,551.0
Searsville. .
5
7
8.63
8.13
94.21
1,372.5
North Street.
10
1
9.33
7.07
75.77
1,244.5
Mountain Street .
7
9
14.84
13.71
92.39
2,289.0
Skinnerville. .
10
10
17.42
15.57
89.38
2,627.0
Haydenville High Grammar .
18
13
28.02
25.46
90.86
4,299.5
Grammar .
23
19
35.85
29.96
83.58
5,056.5
Intermediate.
11
11
20.16
17.82
88.39
3,011.0
Third Primary ..
12
16
23.54
20.24
85.98
3,437.0
Second Primary ..
23
23
40.40
35.30
87.38
6,070.0
First Primary ..
Totals
216
212
355.41
318.13
89.51
54,838.0
·
·
.
·
..
. .
.
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CENSUS APRIL 1, 1918.
Number of persons five to sixteen years of age, 370
Males 196. Females 174.
Number of persons five to seven years of age, 61
Males 33. Females 28.
Number of persons seven to fourteen years of age, 241
Males 125. Females 116.
Number of persons fourteen to sixteen years of age, 68 Males 38. Females 30.
Number of different resident pupils attending school, 414 Number over sixteen years of age attending school, 8
Number of teachers employed, 17
Number graduated from colleges, 3
Number graduated from normal schools, 7
Number that received normal school training, 4
Number graduated from high school only, 3
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
Superintendent E. W. Goodhue,
DEAR SIR :- The following report contains items rela- tive to the High School which may be of general interest.
Forty-eight pupils entered in September, twenty-two boys and twenty-six girls. Three of the latter have since left school leaving a total of forty-five now attending. The decrease in the number from last year is due, to a considerable extent, to the fact that many boys engaged in farm and other work because of war conditions who, otherwise, would have attended school, several girls also have taken positions in shops, offices and other places for like reason. No marked changes have been made in the curriculum save that the study of French has replaced that of German in the Freshman class and will hereafter be the regular modern language taken.
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Miss Bursley has charge of the work in mathematics and science, Miss McDonnell of that in English and liter- ature while the principal has the languages. The first half-hour of each afternoon session is generally given to instruction in music and penmanship.
Five weeks were lost because of closing the schools at the time of the epidemic of influenza one week of which has been made up.
Many pupils have been absent or irregular in attend- ance owing to illness of fear of contagion but extra assist- ance has been given most of these so that, at the begin- ning of January, all work was evened up, but the entire work is not as far advanced as it should be at this time. It is hoped that it may be possible to gain still more lost ground before the close of the year. Very little has been done in the way of athletic sports, owing to the difficulty in organizing with so few from which to select, the break in sessions, and the great need of improving all time pos- sible in making up work. Both boys and girls are now having some practice in basket-ball playing, the girls under the direction of the principal and the boys under that of Mr. Higgins. While the enforced break in the regular schedule has been detrimental in many ways, yet the spirit of the school remains excellent and there is a very evident desire to make up all work lost which will undoubtedly insure a successful and valuable year!
ANNA T. DUNPHY, Principal.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :
I herewith submit for your approval my report on the Music in our schools for the past year.
A great deal of extra work has been required of the
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pupils in this subject as well as in all other subjects owing to the loss of time made necessary by the closing of schools during the recent epidemic.
Instead of insisting on the pupils covering all the ground required for their respective grades it has been deemed advisable to work more slowly and more thor- oughly, thereby accomplishing a more satisfactory cul- mination to our year's work.
More time has been given to the absolute knowledge and placing of each tone, mastering each and becoming so thoroughly familiar with their sound as to make it much easier to apply the words. The pupils at present are better able to "think tone" that is to hear a song by look- ing at it.
Since this is the ultimate aim of all music, less time is given to the complete mastery of a song by note before taking up the words as heretofore. In the simpler melo- dies, the pupils can sing tunes with words very nearly as readily as the notes themselves.
Alacrity in reading syllables is very well under way. Now, our main object is to apply the tune to the words more quickly. Since the average child usually asks to sing the words first it seems much more to their liking to try "words" as soon as possible even though it does mean a double task to think words and music together. Reading music and words at sight isn't usually taught until pupils have reached the higher grades. However, since starting word singing in the lower grades, I have found that the interest has greatly increased.
Music as we know is the art of arranging tones into forms of beauty or expressions in accordance with certain laws of combination or composition. The effort or joy employed or experienced in obtaining pleasurable results from this study leads directly to an intellectual satisfac- tion in the processes of invention and performance and to an emotional delight in the result.
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The use of Music as a branch of juvenile education is to be most strongly urged, not only because it involves a healthy exercise and growth of the lungs and throat, but because it stimulates both the intellectual and emotional development, in some important respects furnishing a discipline that cannot easily be equalled by another study.
Love for good music is instilled into the child by the careful selection of songs containing uplifting thoughts. Many beautiful nature songs are used in the lower grades also a number of motion songs which are really educa- tional when properly interpreted.
When a child reaches the fourth grade he knows the terms of tempo and expression, is well versed in the knowledge of intervals and can very readily sing words and music together. Having arrived in this grade the pupils begin to sing two-part songs and recognize the beauty in the combination of tones, thus gaining for mu- sic in their hearts a lasting place. Here I might say the fourth, fifth and sixth grades with Miss Riley, Miss Dolan and Miss Ryan in charge are doing splendid work. Miss Damon's third and fourth grades are doing excel- lent work.
Mrs. Page has a band of good little singers whom it is a pleasure to hear sing. For absolute daring in attacking real difficult three-part songs and accomplishing splendid results, Miss Taylor's school deserves considerable praise. The more difficult the composition, the more determined are these young singers to master it. While some pupils may hesitate and sing rather timidly on a new song these pupils never stop to think whether they've seen it before or not.
Miss Goodhue's third grade reads very readily, exer- cises containing any combination of the first three-time motions finding "Do" from all fifteen difficult keys and rendering their song material in a very pleasing manner.
Miss Purringtón always succeeds in having her pupils
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attain the high standard left by pupils going into the second grade where they find in Miss Curry a teacher who is thoroughly interested in her work and accomplishes splendid results both in theory and song material.
Miss Warner's first and second grades in Williamsburg are also doing excellent work. Although the Searsville school has suffered a longer loss of time on account of sickness. Miss Kiley and her pupils deserve much credit for the very good results in this study.
Miss Ogden's school, although small, certainly makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. The pupils here are thoroughly interested in music which is ably mani- fested in the rendering of their song and exercise work.
Mountain Street School is also working hard and ac- complishing pleasing results.
A great deal of praise is due Miss Bursely and the pu- pils in the High School who are so enthusiastically ac- complishing such splendid results. We have excellent material in this class this year and more enthusiasm than in a great many years. We hope to have two good Glee Clubs and a chorus which will surpass many we've had before. Special mention is due the boys who are doing such praiseworthy work. It is a real pleasure to work with teachers and pupils when you know keen interest and a desire to do well is the key-note of their ambition. When this interest and enthusiasm is carried on through- out the week, excellent results are bound to follow. Thus is proven the real need of the regular teacher conscien- tiously carrying out the work left by the supervisor.
In closing I wish to urge the parents and all who are interested in the welfare of the school children to visit us more frequently and while in school ask to hear some of the work in Music.
I wish to thank Miss Dunphy, principal of the High School, all the teachers, members of the School Board and you, Mr. Goodhue, who have always been so ready to
58
comply in every way to any request which I have been called upon to make to you and for your hearty coopera- tion and great interest manifested in this special subject.
Pupils also, while it may have seemd rather strenuous work to keep up our high standard in Music you deserve a great deal of praise and you have my hearty gratitude for your ready response and willingness at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE M. LARKIN.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- I present herewith my tenth annual report as medical inspector of schools.
Total number of children examined, 108
186
Number of cases needing dental attention,
Number of pupils noted as having good teeth,
35
Number of pupils not vaccinated,
21
Number of cases of adenoids and tonsils,
18
Number of cases of pediculosis capitis,
6
Number of cases of scalp disease, 3
Number of cases of diverted septum,
1
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. WHEELER, M. D.
Mr. E. W. Goodhue,
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- Below please find a report of my work as School Physician :-
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Whole number of pupils examined,
190
Number of cases of bad teeth, 22
Number of cases of adenoids and diseased tonsils, 11
Number of pupils not vaccinated, 13
Respectfully submitted,
J. G. HAYES, M. D.
REPORT OF TEST OF HEARING AND SIGHT.
Number of pupils examined, 334
Number found defective in sight, 20
Number found defective in hearing, 7
Number of notices sent parents and guardians, 21
The above report does not include examinations of first grade pupils.
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GRADUATING EXERCISES OF WILLIAMSBURG HIGH SCHOOL.
Helen E. James School Building, June 26, 1918 CLASS MOTTO, Four Years' Course, "Omnia pro Patria." PROGRAM.
Song,
Prayer, Salutatory,
Song,
Class History,
Class Prophecy, Prophecy on Prophet, Song, Valedictory, Presentation of Diplomas, 1 Benediction,
High School Chorus Rev. John Pierpont Meverette Smith High School Chorus Maud Warner Edward P. Dolan Ruth Bramble High School Chorus Maxine Rhoades Supt. E. W. Goodhue Robert E. Life
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CLASS OFFICERS.
President, Edward P. Dolan. Vice-President, Meverette R. Smith. Secretary-Treasurer, Maud E. Warner.
MEMBERS OF CLASS.
* Maxine Asenath Rhoades, Maud Elizabeth Warner, Ruth Doris Bramble,
*Meverette Rose Smith,
*Edward Paul Dolan, Mary Elizabeth Smiley.
Class Colors, Green and White. Class Flower, Red Rose.
*Members of Pro Merito Society.
TWO YEARS' COURSE. Thursday, June 27, 1918. CLASS MOTTO, "We Will Conquer."
PROGRAM.
Song, Prayer, Salutatory, Class History, Song, Class Prophecy, Prophecy on Prophet, Song, Valedictory, Presentation of Diplomas, Benediction,
High School Chorus Rev. John Pierpont Carroll Jenkins Anna Smart High School Chorus Roland Goodwin James Brazil High School Chorus William Ryan Supt. E. W. Goodhue Rev. Robert E. Life
.+ + + . . ...
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CLASS OFFICERS.
President, William A. Ryan. Vice-President, Carroll Jenkins. Secretary-Treasurer, Elizabeth Mathers.
MEMBERS OF CLASS.
William Anthony Ryan, Anna Frances Smart,
Carroll Fordyce Jenkins, James Stephen Brazil,
Roland Gibson Goodwin, Elizabeth Mathers, Alfred Pomeroy. Class Colors, Green and Gold.
Class Flower, Yellow Rose.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR.
1919.
September 2-First term begins.
October 13-For Columbus Day, Holiday.
November 27, 28-Thanksgiving Recess.
December 19-First term ends.
1920.
January 5-Second term begins.
February 23-For Washington's Birthday, Holiday.
March 26-Second term ends. April 5-Third term begins.
April 19-Patriots' Day.
June 25-Third term ends.
Days to be observed with appropriate exercises.
Nov. 11-For Peace Day.
February 12-Lincoln's Birthday.
April 13-Band of Mercy Day. April 30-Arbor and Bird Day.
May 28-Patriotic Exercises.
June 4-Flag Day.
This calendar is subject to change by the School Com- mittee.
Teachers are expected to follow the calendar strictly unless otherwise instructed by the School Committee or Superintendent.
Teachers closing school for an entire session on other than regular holidays, for any reason, will notify the Superintendent of Schools in advance if possible. Do not fail to do so.
REPORTS OF WILLIAMSBURG TOWN OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1919
1
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg
FOR THE
Year Ending January 1, 1920
NORTHAMPTON, MASS. PRESS OF GAZETTE PRINTING CO.
1920
-
١٣٠
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE 1 .- To elect three Selectmen who shall be over- seers of the Poor, one Town Clerk, one Treasurer, one Elector under the Will of the late Oliver Smith, Esq., one Tax Collector, one Moderator, two Constables, two Audi- tors and one Tree Warden all for one year. Also one Assessor, one Water Commissioner, one Library Trustee, one School Committee, all for three years. Also two Sinking Fund Commissioners, one for two years and one for three years. Also to vote on the question: "Shall license be granted for the sale of Intoxicating Liquor in this Town?" Yes or No. All on one Ballot.
ART. 2 .- To choose all necessary minor Town Officers for the ensuing year.
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