USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1925-1929 > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
School Transportation
During the past year, very few changes in fact, none of any importance, were made in connection with the routes of the busses. The committee received a few applications for extensions but felt that they could not, at the present, make any change in the routes as laid out. The present arrangement of the bus routes takes care of the Town as a whole and with the exception of two possible sections, there does not seem to be any reason for making further extensions. Owing to the train arrangements being about the same as that of last year, the pupils going to Concord
117
High School are still being transported by the Waltham Bus in the morning, and brought back by the bus from the Doherty Garage in the afternoon. This arrangement will probably be continued until a satisfactory rearrangement of the train schedule is made. The present arrangement, however, seems to be working out very well.
School Buildings
At the Town meeting in March, a committee was ap- pointed to look into the matter of making certain repairs and alterations to the South School Building. This com- mittee met at the school, examined the building and grounds and made certain recommendations. As no spe- cial appropriation was made to meet the expense in con- nection with this work, the committee's recommendation was submitted to the Selectmen with the result that the necessary funds were provided and certain work done. This work consisted of painting and varnishing the school rooms, making provisions for a teacher's room, making certain changes in one of the heaters, giving attention to the foundation walls, removing the broken concrete and regrading in front of the building, laying of a new waste pipe from the building to the vault at the rear of the lot and rearranging and providing additional toilet facilities.
This work, a much needed improvement, puts the build- ing in very good condition. As yet, however, the heating of the West room is not satisfactory but it is hoped and expected that further attention will be given this matter and a satisfactory result accomplished. During the past year, the electric wire has been extended into the South School but as yet the necessary connections for lighting have not been made but it is hoped that this will be at- tended to during the present year. The Centre School building, outside of a few minor matters that may need
118
attention, is now in very good condition. The septic vaults, however, have been giving considerable trouble and must receive attention in the near future.
In addition to remarks made by the Superintendent on the matter of the attendance of pupils at the school ses- sions, the committee also would call attention to the very great importance and consideration to be given this mat- ter. The attention of the parents is directed and every effort should be made by them to see that the children at- tend regularly all school sessions. This means much to the child as invariably something new is taught in each session and the child absent from this session will surely miss something that he should get and from which he would receive some benefit. Again, a teacher cannot be expected, during the regular session, to devote time in assisting pupils to keep up with those who have been in regular attendance. To do this would tend to retard the work of the class as a whole. The Committee, Superin- tendent and Teachers all realize the importance of this matter of attendance at every session and would ask the parents to co-operate and assist in this respect.
During the past year, the schools have been able to com- plete the full yearly sessions and have been very fortunate in being not obliged to close because of epidemic or weath- er conditions. Very little time, if any, has been lost due to those reasons. We have been very fortunate during the recent epidemic of Typhoid in that but a few of our pupils have been affected. Every precaution has been taken to protect the children and all those who desired were inocu- lated and this without any expense to the parents. Parents should be very grateful for the attention given the children by the school nurse, who has worked consistently and dili- gently and has given her best efforts and attention to the protection of the children and their needs, not only at school but at the home. As to what has been accomplished
119
in this respect, the committee would ask the parents to read carefully the report of the school nurse appended to this report.
School Finances
The committee has been able to keep within the appro- priation made for the carrying on of the schools during the year. Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred where- by it was necessary to expend beyond the amount received by the committee for school expenses during the year. Next year, however, will require a larger expenditure. The reason for this additional amount being due to the number of high school pupils which necessarily carries with it sums for tuition and transportation. The present Junior High Class consists of twenty pupils, all of whom have expressed an intention of continuing on toward a comple- tion of the High School course. As far as can be ascer- tained at the present time, we will lose by graduation only three pupils. This means an increase of seventeen pupils for the High School and necessarily means an increase of one hundred dollars for each pupil attending Waltham High School, and one hundred and twenty-five dollars for those attending Concord, for tuition, with the additional amount for transportation. In fact about all of the addi- tional amount required for the year 1927 will be needed for this purpose. The committee in preparing its budget have very carefully considered all matters appertaining to and in connection with the various items of expense, and have considered an increase only when in their judgment such increase is absolutely necessary. After careful considera- tion, it appears that an appropriation of $34,500.00 will be necessary for the maintenance of the schools for the pres- ent year and such amount is hereby recommended by the committee.
120
Annexed hereto is a summary of the expenses for the year 1926 together with receipts of amounts received by the Town Treasurer on account of schools.
You are referred to the reports of the Superintendent of Schools and the school nurse annexed hereto for more par- ticular information relative to school matters.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTHONY J. DOHERTY GEORGE G. TARBELL EDITH B. FARRAR
121
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES OF LINCOLN SCHOOLS DURING 1926
Salaries
$16,479.99
Supplies
877.76
Books
291.90
Operating Expenses
181.69
Repairs
42.56
New Equipment
189.65
Fuel
798.13
Miscellaneous
212.46
Physician, Nurse
614.87
Local Transportation
5,725.00
High School Transportation
1,892.88
High School Tuition
4,647.30
$31,964.19
Receipts on Account of Schools
1
Lincoln Grammar School Fund Income. $ 57.52
Commonwealth of Mass. on Acc. Supt 241.18
Commonwealth of Mass. on Acc. Vocational Education 750.88
Commonwealth of Mass. on Acc. High School Transp. 1,275.33
Commonwealth of Mass. on Acc. Gen. School Fund
1,900.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Acc. Tui- tion of State Wards 1,267.59
City of Boston Tuition of City Wards 1925 1,554.35
City of Boston Tuition of City Wards 1926
1,944.27
$8,991.12
122
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee of Lincoln:
I hereby submit my first annual report as Superintend- ent of Schools, but my fourth annual report as Principal.
Aim
Every purposeful activity must have an aim or a goal; for without actually striving to attain some end, we are liable to either drift along with the wind or to get off our course entirely. It is therefore wise that we stop frequent- ly to see whither we are bound; then we may learn how much progress we have made toward that goal.
The following objectives of education have been almost universally accepted throughout the United States: 1, Health. 2, Command of Fundamental Processes. 3, Train- ing in Citizenship. 4, Vocational Guidance. 5, Worthy Home Membership. 6, Worthy Use of Leisure. 7, Ethical Character.
Not many years ago, the second objective formed the standard by which schools were judged. Today, the way in which the school meets the requirements of all seven objectives determines the efficiency of that school. Not a single goal may be omitted if we are to properly educate our youth in the present complex civilization.
The establishment of high standards in these objectives depends upon the vision of the superintendent, the enthu- siasm of spirit in the various grades, the teaching art em- ployed in instruction, wise selection of material to be used, some provision for the practical application of knowledge
123
and ideals, and-by no means the least-interest and co- operation of parent and citizen.
During the past year I have sought by precept, attitude and action to develop as far as possible this educational ideal. While I am fully cognizant of the fact that our re- sults are far from the goal of perfection, yet after sober and sane consideration we find that excellent progress has been made.
Teachers
Nothing is so important in our educational system as the teaching force: teachers who have been properly trained, understand children, have high ideals; teachers who appreciate the immensity of their task of guiding and leading the future citizens of our country. Large, costly buildings, finery of equipment, vast amount of textbooks, and all else fades almost into oblivion when considered with the choice of those who are to guide the children in the public schools.
"There is no school until the teacher appears," is the way Superintendent Boynton of Ithaca, N. Y., puts it; "and the kind of school that you then have depends upon the kind of teacher that appears. Neatness in dress and person on the part of the teacher, purity in thought and life, honest, painstaking thoroughness in work, kindness and thought- fulness for others, firmness and justice in matters of disci- pline, accuracy in thought and statement, hopefulness, earnestness, enthusiasm, courage, loyalty to pupils and superiors, these characteristics will reflect themselves in the lives and work of her pupils.
"On the other hand, a dissatisfied, grumbling, gossiping, scolding, irritable, nagging, disloyal, insincere, inaccurate, fault-finding, pessimistic sort of teacher always has a class of intellectual nondescripts, causing her trouble, making
124
little progress in their studies, and reflecting the personal traits and mental characteristics of the teacher."
Lincoln, which a few years ago was noted for the rapid- ity of changes in its teaching force, has now become greatly stabilized. I am very glad to report that only two changes occurred in the teaching staff this last year. Mrs. Geneva Rogers Church was married and Miss Phyllis Bryant re- signed to accept a junior high school position in Arlington.
Miss Thelma E. Goddard of Brookfield, Mass., the fourth grade teacher, is a graduate of the North Adams Normal School. She has had over two years of experience, coming to us from the Lexington schools.
Miss Evelyn A. Wadleigh of Charlestown, Mass., adds greatly to the wealth of training and experience in our Junior High School. She is a graduate of Tufts College and taught two years in Islington.
Thus the standard of the staff has not only been main- tained, but has really been raised this last year. Lincoln should be proud of her teachers, who are co-operating in every way to make the schools of this town foremost in the State.
Buildings
During the summer extensive improvements were made in the South School. The entire inside was newly painted, toilet facilities enlarged and the heating plant altered. The grounds in front of the building were also improved.
Improvements
It is with great pride that we have been able to accom- plish two lines of endeavor for which we have been striv- ing for several years.
With the funds from the School Plays for the past two
125
years and aided by the Bemis Lectureship Trustees, we purchased a combination moving picture and lantern slide machine in the fall. Several assemblies have been utilized in showing educational films dealing with health, history and science. There is an unlimited opportunity of edu- cating our youth by this means.
The second grand accomplishment recently is the pur- chase of a mimeograph for the reproduction of letters, tests or other educational material. With this machine the Junior High School has been able to publish a bi-weekly ยท newspaper or magazine, The Mirror, in which is printed not only the news of interest to pupils and parents, but also compositions, stories and poems which have been written for the English classes. This is a great incentive for better English work; as more time and effort are spent on a theme if the writer knows that perchance it might be printed in the school paper where all will carefully read it.
Membership
This year has been one of general upheaval as far as the membership is concerned. From what records we have, no previous year has had such a large proportion of its membership change as has occurred during the year 1926. During the five months from April 1st to November 1st, in addition to the number in the graduating class, there were 54 pupils who left the Lincoln schools. Fifty-two of these moved away from Lincoln ; two left to enter employ- ment. This number constitutes practically one-fourth of our average membership of about 219 pupils who left dur- ing these five months alone.
At the beginning of the school term in September, 32 new pupils entered the schools above the first grade, mak- ing a slightly lower membership than that of the previous year. The totals for the various grades may be found in
126
the Age-Grade Table of October 1st at the end of this re- port.
Attendance
Two epidemics have unfortunately caused a great slump in the attendance this past year. I feel, however, there is still much needless absence, which can be eliminated only by the firm act of some of the parents. Is it necessary to keep children out of school to go to see Santa Claus? Should children be allowed to remain at home simply be- cause they missed the barge-which is done purposely in altogether too many cases, I am afraid? One of the chief reasons for absence is "headache;" and yet a large propor- tion of such sickness is mental and not physical; for after school has begun or the barge has gone the pupil is entirely well and can go out to play. The nurse has found several of such cases, but the school can do nothing if the parents will not.
Many pupils take great pride in their regular attendance and I am happy to report that the following pupils were not absent a single day during the school year 1925-26 :-
Grade II-Norma Recchia
Grade III-Thomas Coan
Grade IV-Alvord MacRae
Grade V-Thomas Burke
Grade V-Allan Montgomery Grade V-Ruby Poland
Grade V-Natalie Recchia
Grade VI-Virgil Poland Grade VII-Jean Donaldson Grade VIII-Mary Campobasso
Grade IX-Edith Rogers
Grade IX-Nellie MacRae
127
Health
The first and the most important objective of education is health, without which we cannot properly achieve other results. We have endeavored to stress this goal along as many lines as possible.
Regular systematic physical exercises have been in op- eration during the entire year. These are given out of doors whenever possible, using the classrooms only during bad weather. An attempt has been made to have these exercises carry over into the sitting and standing postures of the children in school. While perfection is not in close proximity, we are glad to report progress.
Cocoa was served in both schools from December 1, 1925 to March 19, 1926. The total expense of this project was $148.36 of which the Grange contributed $100, the balance being given by parents and pupils. This form of health work is really indispensable.
The dental clinic is reported under a separate heading.
Under the direction of the State Department of Public Health, a clinic for the Schick test and diphtheria inocula- tion was held from Jan. 22-Feb. 9, 1926. A more detailed account may be found in the Nurse's report.
Epidemics of whooping cough and typhoid fever have visited the schools this year. While neither of these has been severe enough to close school, several classes have been rather seriously handicapped in their work.
For further health information, I refer you to the report of Miss Rudolf, the school nurse.
Dental Clinic
One of the outstanding features of health work this past year was the establishment of a weekly dental clinic from
128
March 12 to June 14, 1926. We were very fortunate to secure the services of Dr. Edward Frye who has had a suc- cessful practice in Boston for several years. Through the aid of friends, a dental chair and other apparatus was pur- chased for use in the schools. The Lincoln Dental Clinic Committee financially backed the clinic and the work was furnished at cost to the patients.
In addition to the cleaning, filling and extraction of the teeth, Dr. Frye gave talks to the various grades on the care of the teeth. Good teeth are vitally essential to the proper educational development of children; and we be- lieve that too much stress cannot be placed, not only on the treatment of defective teeth, but also on the preven- tion of decay. We hope that Lincoln may have a perma- nent annual dental clinic.
Comparison
Are Lincoln schools mediocre? Are our pupils being properly taught and trained? How do the schools in our town compare with those in surrounding towns-or cities?
Without justification, many people are inclined to criti- cise the schools. Taking everything into account, we have tried to compare the Lincoln schools as a whole with schools in other towns. One of the most striking compari- sons was conducted by the superintendent over a period of four months. Using the marks obtained from September to January as a basis, the thirty-two new pupils who en- tered the Lincoln schools in September were compared with those who were in the schools last year. The fol- lowing results were obtained :
3 pupils or 9% were better than the grade
14 pupils or 44% were of the grade average 15 pupils or 47% were poorer than the grade
129
In addition to these facts, testimony by some of the parents of these newer children bears out the truth that Lincoln shows a very favorable comparison to neighboring towns and cities.
Do not be mistaken in thinking we are self-satisfied, as we realize there is ample room for improvement. In fact, we shall never be satisfied until Lincoln schools are the best in the State.
Clubs
Again this fall, three clubs were organized in conjunc- tion with the Middlesex County Extension service: A handicraft club under the direction of Mr. Robbins, a sew- ing club with Miss Elliott as director, and a supper club under the supervision of Miss Parker.
The work of last winter's clubs was on exhibit at the Town Hall on the evening of the April moving picture show. The entire exhibit caused much favorable comment, especially the articles of the advanced members of the handicraft club. The girls gave a little home demonstra- tion play, written and coached by Miss Elliott.
School Play
Before a large audience, on Friday evening, April 16, 1926, the Junior High School presented its third annual play, "Bashful Mr. Bobbs," under the direction of Miss Bryant. The proceeds from the play were used in purchas- ing the moving picture machine for the school. The cast of characters was as follows :
Katherine Henderson, A Young Wife RUTH LENNON Frederick Henderson, Her Husband LESLIE ROLLINS Mrs. Wiggins, the Landlady . GERTRUDE MACFARLAND Obadiah Stump, A Fresh Country Product IVAN JOHNSON Frances Whittaker, an Athletic Girl HARRIET ROBUS
130
Rosalie Otis, a Society Bud
EDITH ROGERS
Mr. Robert V. Bobbs; the Bashful One. EDWARD CORRIGAN Jean Graham, a Delaware Peach. MARGARET LENNON
Mayston Bobbs, Anything but Bashful WARREN FLINT
Celesta Vanderpool, of the "Movies" BERNICE HERSEY
Julie, Her French Maid from Paris, Ky MARY BUCHANAN
Exhibition and Graduation Exercises
The Town Hall was actually packed on Wednesday eve- ning, June 16, 1926, at the third annual Exhibition and Graduation exercises. Regular school work of all the grades was exhibited on tables and walls in the upper hall. Special exhibits of typewriting, cooking, sewing, drawing and manual training drew much favorable comment from the parents.
The graduation exercises given by the ninth grade may be found at the close of this report.
High School
At the present time Lincoln has 45 pupils in high school : 26 in Waltham, 17 in Concord, one in Boston Trade School and one attending the Newton Vocational School. We are very much pleased to see so many pupils striving for a high school education. The entire 24 pupils in last June's ninth grade graduating class went on to high school. This is as it should be, for there is practically no excuse for any Lincoln pupil not going to high school.
Expenses.
The rising cost of education is one of the greatest prob- lems in present-day school administration. If the school population were rapidly increasing, this would not account for the whole increase in expenditure for schools. The real reason is the difference in conception on the part of
131
the people as to what the schools should do. Society is changing; our method of living, of doing business, every- thing, has changed enormously in the last 10 or 15 years. The home has changed. Why then should the school re- tain its old organization? The schools must now prepare their pupils to live in an entirely different age, to meet social and economic conditions never before faced by a youth.
These changes have required more money, especially as the cost of commodities has been rapidly rising. Your superintendent believes just as much as President Coolidge in the strictest economy possible; for extravagance, in my opinion, is one of the greatest curses of the American peo- ple. On the other hand, spending what is necessary for the best education of our youth is really the only economy in the end.
One of the largest factors in the recent rapid rise of the cost of education is the increase in teachers' salaries. Up to the time of the war, teachers were paid disgracefully low salaries. On that account it was almost impossible, to secure adequately trained teachers. Within the last few years the situation has been improving; and it is because of the higher salary schedule adopted by the School Com- mittee five years ago that Lincoln is able to have such a good teaching force at the present time.
Perhaps the citizens of Lincoln do not know that the State aids somewhat in the improvement of teachers by reimbursing towns according to the training and experi- ence of its teachers. This past year the Town of Lincoln received $1,900.00 from the State on its teachers' salaries. I do not wish to be misunderstood here. This amount,- also $1,267.00 and $1,944.27 received by the Town for the tuition of State and City of Boston wards for the school year 1925-26,-goes into the Town Treasury and not into
132
the school appropriation. This decreases by over three thousand dollars the net cost to the Town of educating its pupils. Due to the increase in the number of high school pupils, the amount paid by the Town for tuition and transportation to high school was over $1,400.00 greater in 1926 than the previous year. Here again, however, the State assists the Town by reimbursing the Town for prac- tically the entire amount expended for transportation.
Surely we spend money on education, but is it exces- sive? "Can we afford it?" asks Superintendent Boynton. "We have money to build state roads enough to lay four parallel lines from New York to San Francisco, every mile of which would build a school for 100 children. In 1920, according to federal statistics, the American people spent upon luxuries in one year a sum equal, within four billion dollars, to the entire cost of the federal government from the adoption of the constitution to the declaration of war against Germany. In other words, we spent that year a sum sufficient to build the public school plant of the na- tion and to maintain it on its present plane of efficiency, without a dollar of taxation for a period of years. Now, I am not trying to take the joy out of life. I want state roads. I own one of the 17,000,000 cars that run on these roads. Smoke, snuff, and chew, paint and powder to your heart's content. Spend 22 cents for luxuries, or waste 14 cents, but don't cut down the one and one-half cents for education."
Co-operation
While the school is doing practically all it can in the educating of the children, I cannot stress too strongly that the ultimate responsibility for the conduct and character of our children rests squarely upon the shoulders of the parents. The school does not receive the child until he is about six years of age; and too often by this time habits
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.