USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1946-1950 > Part 17
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The only area where we do not seem to be improv- ing is arithmetic. According to standard test scores, the problem shows up more in the high school than it does in the elementary school. In order to remedy this situation, we are (1) following carefully one of the best arithmetic systems that have been developed in grades one to eight; (2) supplementing this material with additional drill .where necessary; (3) making
162
mathematics required in grade nine; (4) in hiring new teachers, we examined very carefully their qualifica- tions for teaching mathematics. Mr. Hjelm is a spe- cialist in mathematics and will help us considerably with this problem.
Of the twenty full time teachers, eight have taken courses within the past year. Our new salary schedule which is a considerable improvement over the one we had two years ago, makes it mandatory for teachers to take courses or do other activities which enable them to keep up with new practices, in order to get incre- ments after they reach a certain salary level. At the present time, Duxbury pays teachers more than most of the small towns, as much as medium sized towns and cities, but less than the better paying towns and cities in the state. We have made progress although it must be admitted that the general salary level for teachers is still not commensurate with the salaries college trained people get in other fields of work. In general, teachers still get less than our national Bureau of Labor and Statistics claims is necessary for a mini- mum standard of living.
"A Good School System Requires an Adequate School Plant"
We have cooperated in every way with the build- ing Committee in getting the plans and costs ready for presentation at town meeting. Throughout the country, the birth rate has increased more than fifty per cent over pre-war figures. In Duxbury, the increase is greater than that. As in every town, more children will be going to school. Our need for new facilities to accommodate these children is desperate.
163
It was impossible to wait for the new building before engaging in some new construction at the high school The shop facilities have been enlarged so that we now have adequate space to care for the program up to this point. There still should be a solution to the gym- nasium audience situation and our locker and shower rooms are not large enough to handle the problem of showers in physical education classes. As the enroll- ment increases, use must be made of the cafeteria for classroom or study hall purposes.
"A Good School System Requires a Modern Educational Program"
REVISION OF MATERIAL. All teachers are con- stantly working to (1) relate their material more closely to the interests and experiences of the children; (2) apply it to the lives of the children or to events that are happening in the world today ; (3) to find more efficient and economical ways of teaching it. Since we have a small system and usually have only one person doing a given job, we do not have the committee work of larger systems. All teachers know what material is to be covered in their courses either through a basic textbook in skill subjects such as reading, arithmetic, bookkeeping, or through agreement or a series of units in subjects such as social studies. Materials used are up to date. One of our English teachers, Mrs. Bassett, has developed a literature program that was so good that one of the largest textbook publishers in the coun- try has engaged her to put it in book form. This will be used throughout the country.
CLASS SIZE. Our plan was to keep our number of pupils in a class below thirty. We have not succeeded in grades two, three, and four this year. The extent
164
to which we will succeed in the future depends upon the space made available.
TEACHING METHODS. After two years on our plan, there are several evidences of improvement:
1. More deliberate attempts to bring outside ex- periences into the classroom.
2. Use of radio programs which are broadcast for school use.
3. A noticeable increase in pupil committee work and group work.
4. Greater use of reference books and library books.
5. Increased interest in professional magazines and books.
6. More evidence of interest in and use of films, records and other teaching aids.
7. Continued demands for newer materials.
8. More art work and handwork in the classrooms.
9. Greater pupil freedom being carried out with responsibility.
When the Harvard Survey was made, teaching prac- tices were rated on the basis of twenty-five questions or standards. If the same rating were to be made today, it is my opinion that distinct improvement would be shown on seventeen of these and eight of them would be judged as good as they were the last time.
HANDWORK. More handwork materials are being used in the classrooms than before. The number of boys taking shop work in grades nine through twelve has tripled. We are continuing to add to our home economic equipment. The number of girls taking ad- vantage of this program has more than doubled.
165
AIMS. The aims listed in the Three Year Plan are continuing to prevail. Probably our most difficult prob- lem there is an inadequate fine arts program as it is in any small school system. We now have five teacher days devoted to this program instead of four. We are planning an extension of our music appreciation work in the elementary school very shortly, and instrumental work is being done in the schools.
KINDERGARTEN. No progress is being made on the kindergarten and cannot be made until facilities are available.
COMMERCIAL EDUCATION. We have a good pro- gram which prepares students for business work. The business department also gives a course in personal typing which has proved very popular.
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE. We now teach all the courses necessary to enter college. We do not give a third year of foreign language. Occasionally a college will be found which makes this demand. Although we see no way to give it under our present organization, we have not yet had a pupil who was unable to enter college because of this lack.
"A Good School System Requires Efficient Adminis- tration and Supervision"
We are continuing the policy of having a high school principal. The position is being filled very capably by Mr. Walter K. Hjelm. At the present time his program requires that he teach more than half as much as the other teachers. As our pupil load becomes heavier, the necessity for cutting down on his teaching will become greater, but very difficult to accomplish without over- loading the rest of the staff.
166
We now have an excellent system of record keeping for the histories of the individual pupils. This will help us to advise them and their parents more intelligently.
A new accounting system has been installed which enables us to analyze our costs effectively and get the things we need. It also enables us to tell the people of Duxbury just how the money is being spent and for what purpose.
"A Good School System Requires Supplementary Educational Services"
ENTERING EXAMINATIONS. As our first grades get larger, it is more difficult to have them all tested by Dr. Steinecke. Last year she was helped by two qualified testers within the system. It is hoped that we may continue to supplement her work in this way so that the best tests will be given entering pupils.
HOT LUNCHES. Prices have been raised to twenty- five cents because of the high cost of food. Even so, we would be in serious difficulty if the Nurse Associa- tion had not made substantial contributions on two different occasions. If living costs continue to rise, the situation will become more critical. We have taken every step possible to cut expenses.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM. The guidance program is under the direction of Mr. Ralph N. Blakeman and real progress is being made in developing it. The work ex- perience program is still in need of development. Be- cause of the transportation situation, it presents some particularly difficult problems which we expect to work out in the not too distant future.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS. The school physi- cian's office is used for some of the physical examin-
167
ations in order that a more thorough job may be done. Dr. King also examines the teeth so that all the money made available for the school dentist may be spent on actual work. Real progress has been made on this health program.
"A Good School System Requires Adequate Financial Support"
Education is now well supported in Duxbury com- pared to the level of support generally. Our budget is continuing to increase just as all budgets increase where standards are being maintained. Perhaps the reasons for budget increase could be stated as follows :
1. Increasing costs all along the line.
2. Keeping our teacher-pupil ratio at a reasonable level.
3. Furnishing adequate materials (but this is a very small percentage of the budget.)
4. The increasing need for maintenance expendi- tures at the high school.
CONCLUSION
After two years of work on this program, we feel that definite progress can be shown in accomplishing the work we set out to do. Perhaps our outstanding problems at this time could be stated as follows:
1. Space. Apparently we are facing a period of at least twenty years when the school population is going to be large. This is an expensive fact to face, but it cannot be ignored.
2. Teacher Shortage. Teacher shortage still exists although conditions are definitely better. We must maintain and improve upon the excellent quality of service we now have.
168
3. Cost. No administrator likes to see the budget going up continually any more than the people who have to pay the taxes like to see this. How- ever, there is a job to be done and we must make a decision as to whether we are going to main- tain our standards. The situation is complicated by the increase in enrollment. It is interesting to note that although our proposed budget is an increase of thirteen per cent over the 1947 bud- get, on a per-pupil basis the increase is less than three per cent.
In conclusion, I would like to compliment the School Committee on its willingness to face squarely the many problems that are arising in this period of rapid change.
Our teachers are conscientious, alert, and they work hard. They deserve the thanks of all of us Our pupils cooperate well and show a wholesome re- spect for the school buildings and their teachers. It is always fashionable to gaze with horror at the younger generation. In my opinion, the young people of today are no worse than we were at that age and in many ways are a whole lot better. The people of Dux- bury should be complimented as a group for the sup- port given us in our work. Whenever their cooperation has been asked, we have received it. This is a great help to us in giving our young people better educa- ticnal opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. WHITEHEAD,
Superintendent of Schools
169
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I present to you a report containing certain high lights of our program which I feel are steps towards the achievement of our goal; the finest high school possible.
First, for purposes of clarity, I should like to say that the basic philosophy of our faculty is that we are teaching to the whole individual which indicates that we try to determine and satisfy as far as possible his various needs; mental, moral, physical, social, etc.
Academically I would say we have three main di- visions which have common courses in the Junior High and branch out into the variable plan in the high school giving us college, pre-vocational and general courses.
The college course is preparation for further study and the other two courses are terminal in nature, yet foundations for further study, should. the opportunity arise for students who wish to acquire a high degree of skill in any one field. We are quite encouraged to note that a larger percentage of our students are stay- ing in school longer. Our graduating classes will be larger.
170
Changes in Program
We now teach a course in seventh grade science and plan for an eighth grade course next year, thus giving us a course of study comparable to those found in the larger city and regional schools.
Guidance
Because of Mr. Blakeman's extensive knowledge of the community, we placed him in charge of guidance. He is building up an active and capable guidance ser- vice. He is engaged in prognostic and diagnostic test- ing, frequent consultation with the individual pupil and parent in a serious effort to determine the right course of study for the individual and the analysis of the student's problems to prevent maladjustments.
Student Council
Through the untiring efforts of Mr. Bassett we have set up a very effective student council providing for democratic participation by pupils in the school life. I am proud of the job the students are doing. They provide for a marshall system to check corridor traffic and an athletic association which has set up an athletic budget of $900.00, money which they expect to earn through student activity.
Extra-curricular Program
Provision for the extra-curricular activities has been made within the frame work of the school day. At the present time we have Junior and Senior Dramatic Clubs, Photography Club, Press Club, Audio-Visual Aids Club, Boys' Cooking Club, Girls' Furniture-Art Club, Dancing Club, Library Club, and Gym Club.
171
Music-Art Program
Every Thursday is set aside for an art and music program. Every student participates in the music pro- gram. At present we are presenting a music apprecia- tion program through interpretation of the finer works and group singing. We hope to expand this program to glee club, choral work and instrumental organiza- tion.
Audio-Visual Aids Program
The program of audio-visual aids, under the direction of Mr. Wood, is exceptional. We have a very compre- hensive program providing Educational films, guided radio listening and follow-up and oral work. He has trained a group of students to act as operators of equip- ment and technicians capable of servicing the equip- ment.
Problems
In 1944 the total enrollment in the Duxbury Junior and Senior High School was 145. It has increased so that it now stands at 192. We are gaining 38 seventh graders and losing 18 seniors, which will bring our enrollment up to approximately 210. Incoming classes are so large that we must have two divisions for each grade. Since 1945 we have added only one teacher and broadened our curriculum, especially in the Science field. In order to carry on our program next year, we must have at least one additional teacher.
We are also confronted with lack of space. At the present time we are utilizing one basement room and contemplate the necessity for using the lunchroom for class room instruction. If we could use the three rooms now being used by the 5th and 6th grades, the ma- jority of our space problems would be solved.
172
We find the present gymnasium facilities to be in- adequate for a desirable physical education program for the Junior and Senior high school groups. Work Experience
We are developing a plan wherein we hope to pro- vide a one half year's work experience program for the seniors. We will attempt to schedule the seniors so that they will be free to obtain more work experience every afternoon than is now offered.
In closing I would like to say that we are particularly fortunate this year in having a high caliber type of teacher who is cooperating splendidly and has a high professional spirit. We have been able to department- talize our work so that every teacher is engaged in teaching one field or two closely allied fields, such as science and mathematics.
I wish to thank the School Committee and you for your friendly and helpful counsel and guidance.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER K. HJELM,
Principal
173
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :
The new dental health program, reported last year in its infancy, can now be given space as a full-grown and continuing success. Following are figures show- ing work done by Dr. Dyer during the school year 1946-47. These appear in this report because part of the nurse's work was to keep the records of which these are summaries.
Total permissions from parents 94
Total number of visits to the dentist 284
17 children made 1 visit
28 children made 2 visits
15 children made 3 visits
12 children made 4 visits
14 children made 5 visits
8 children made 6 visits
Awarded 100% dental certificates 34
Total money collected (25c per child per visit) $55.00
This money with funds appropriated, and a contribu- tion of the Duxbury Nurse Association, Inc., paid for the work done.
174
Sincere thanks is due all those who assisted with the transportation to Plymouth, both those in the Motor Corps and others.
Appointment of Dr. Henry Messier to carry on as school dentist was made late in the year, but it is hoped that the improvements in the program due to having a dentist in the town will make up for a late start in the work.
All routine activities were carried out as usual. These included monthly inspections in the elementary grades, assisting with physical examinations, follow-up work and other home visits of which there were 98, and the annual preschool roundup at which 25 children were examined by Dr. King, and vaccinated as neces- sary. Two matters of routine need further mention.
In vision testing we have used for the past two years a system of double-checking due to the very sensitive nature of the Keystone tests. Children who fail the vision tests are retested another day, and if they con- tinue to fail, the reports are submitted to the super- intendent for approval, following which notices are sent home that the child's eyes need further attention. Of a total of 390 tested in the schools during the year, there were only 14 notices sent home, 2 of these hav- ing glasses which apparently needed a checkup, and 4 having had defects reported home previously, but no action taken. This left 8 new defects found, or 2 % of the total.
Two talks on the school health program were given to the American Citizenship class, and a dental health talk to the sixth grade, all at the request of the teachers concerned. There have also been conferences with Mr.
175
Hjelm and Mrs. Kapff on the proposed enlargement of the course in health education for the high school girls.
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN E. CARTER, R. N., Duxbury School Nurse
176
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The usual school examinations were held in my office this year. All children received a complete physical examination, special tests for vision, hearing, Tuber- culosis, psychiatric examinations, etc., were made where indicated. The general health of the children was good. As a result of the dental program and den- tal education, the children's teeth continue to show a marked improvement from year to year.
Respectfully submitted,
CONNIE H. KING, M. D.,
School Physician
177
REPORT ON SCHOOL CENSUS
The following report of children in town and enroll- ment is based upon the school census taken on October 1,1947.
5 years and under 7 years under 16 years
7 years and
Number of boys living in Duxbury
54
189
Number of girls living in Duxbury
51
172
Total in residence
105
361
*Public School Membership
55
339
* * Private School Membership
0
17
Not enrolled in school
50
4
State and County Institutions
0
1
Prospective First Graders, 1948 64
* Does not include pupils over sixteen years of age.
* * Does not include private kindergartens.
A Graph Showing the Number of Pupils in Various Classes on January 1, 1948 15 30 45 60
Point I-25
Tarkiln I-29
Tarkiln II-31
Village IIIA-36
Village IIIB-16
Village IV-35
High V-30
High VI-29
High V & VI-23
High VII-44
High VIII-29
High IX-36
High X-29
High XI-28
High XII-17
Totals-Elementary 254. High 183 Total Membership 437.
179
TABLE SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS ACCORDING TO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE*
Number of Classroom Teachers
Years of Experience
0-4 5-9
9
10-14
2
15-19
0
20-24
1
25-34
0
35-39
1
Over 40
2
Total Number of Teachers 20
TABLE SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF TEACHERS ON THE BASIS OF SALARY **
Salary Classification
Number of Classroom Teachers
2100-2199
1
2200-2299
0
2300-2399
0
2400-2499
3
2500-2599
2
2600-2699
3
2700-2799
7
2800-2899
1
2900-2999
0
3000-3099
2
3100-3199
0
3200-3299
0
3300-3399
0
3400-3499
1
Total Number of Teachers 20
* |Does not include part time teachers and principal.
Includes present Cost of Living adjustment which varies with price level.
5
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES 1944 - 1948
1944
1945
1946
1947
Requested 1948
GENERAL CONTROL
$4,069.06
$5,656.92
$3,973.00
$4,025.17
$4,348.00
School Committee Expense
694.32
325.86
325.00
99.34
255.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,547.57
2,940.72
1,825.00
2,125.00
2,150.00
Other Expenses
1,827.17
2,390.34
1,823.00
1,800.83
1,943.00
EXPENSES OF INSTRUCTION
33,277.30
39,705.79
50,617.00
65,328.74
72,062.00
Principals' Salaries and Expenses
3,004.08
3,099.96
6,570.00
7,403.30
7,733.00
High
3,004.08
3,099.96
3,823.00
3,101.40
3,260.00
Elementary
0
0
2,747.00
4,301.90
4,473.00
Supervisors' Salaries
1,728.00
2,629.58
3,290.00
4,655.00
5,230.00
Teachers' Salaries
25,529.68
29,708.85
36,592.00
47,149.43
52,774.00
High
14,137.34
16,576.14
19,133.00
26,435.37
28,431.00
Elementary
11,392.34
13,132.71
17,459.00
20,714.06
24,343.00
Textbooks
1, 495.61
1,425.66
1,600.00
2,239.60
2,100.00
High
652.98
648.03
700.00
1,517.90
1,200.00
Elementary
842.63
777.63
900.00
721.70
900.00
Stationery and Supplies
1,519.93
2,841.74
2,565.00
3,881.41
4,225.00
High
675.50
1,824.46
1,665.00
2,635.25
2,775.00
Elementary
......
844.43
1,017.28
900.00
1,246.16
1,450.00
180
1944
1945
1946
1947
Requested 1948
OPERATION OF SCHOOL PLANT
9,174.84
9,193.95
9,647.00
12,103.72
12,812.00
Wages of Custodians
5,671.47
5,371.98
5,532.00
6,929.03
6,962.00
High
1, 874.63
3,233.76
3,150.00
3,775.01
3,600.00 ,
Elementary
3,796.84
2,138.22
2,382.00
3,154.02
3,362.00
Fuel
2,049.34
1,689.38
2,200.00
2,664.96
3,000.00
High
406.00
1,004.13
1,240.00
1,022.17
1,300.00
Elementary
1,643.34
685.25
960.00
1,642.79
1,700.00
Miscellaneous
1,454.03
2,132.59
1,915.00
2,509.73
2,850.00
High
572.13
1,240.81
1,190.00
1,593.84
1,760.00
Elementary
881.90
891.78
725.00
915.89
1,090.00
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
2,496.19
1,326.62
2,174.00
2,244.60
3,600.00
High
874.00
860.46
1,654.00
2,047.82
3,300.00
Elementary
1,622.19
466.16
520.00
196.78
300.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
9,138.24
9,788.22
10,500.71
11,615.05
13,114.00
Libraries
204.22
188.73
500.00
556.83
650.00
High
107.80
87.35
300.00
310.26
350.00
Elementary
96.42
101.38
200.00
246.57
300.00
Health
988.52
1,020.15
1,030.00
1,283.43
1,300.00
High
294.31
328.96
465.00
589.24
600.00
Elementary
694.21
691.19
565.00
694.19
700.00
181
1944
1945
1946
1947
Requested 1948
Transportation
7,200.00
7,994.39
8,300.00
9,014.60
9,241.00
High
2,040.00
2,579.39
3,030.00
3,190.60
3,357.00
Elementary
5,160.00
5,415.00
5,270.00
5,824.00
5,884.00
Miscellaneous
745.50
584.95
670.71
760.19
1,923.00
High
0
()
496.86
760.19
1,809.00
Elementary
()
0)
173.85
0
114.00
OUTLAY
725.92
5,945.42
1,080.00
3,034.86
1,500.00
COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT
0
0
0
7,762.71
12,564.00
TOTAL BUDGET
$58,881.55
$71,616.92
$77,991.71
$106,114.85
$120,000.00
182
183
DUXBURY SCHOOLS BUDGET FOR 1948
Budget 1947
Expended 1947
Budget 1948
GENERAL CONTROL
$4,153.00
$4,025.17
$4,348.00
School Committee Expense
185.00
99.34
255.00
Office Supplies
5.00
2.00
5.00
Consultant
150.00
60.00
150.00
Professional Meetings and Dues 30.00
37.34
100.00
Superintendent's Salary
2,050.00
2,125.00
2,150.00
Superintendent's Expenses
1,918.00
1,800.83
1,943.00
Secretary
833.00
833.00
833.00
Attendance Officer
50.00
50.00
50.00
Census
100.00
100.00
100.00
Telephone
120.00
177.38
160.00
Supplies, Printing, Postage
500.00
299 84
400.00
Travel
250.00
250.00
300.00
Professional Meetings
40.00
49.45
60.00
Books and Magazines
25.00
41.16
40.00
COST OF INSTRUCTION
65,735.00
65,328.74
72,062.00
Elementary Principal's Salary
2,050.00
2,075.00
2,150.00
Elementary Principal's Ex-
penses
1,008.00
1,026.40
1,110.00
Secretary
858.00
876.40
910.00
Travel
150.00
150.00
200.00
High School Principal's Salary
3,600.00
3,601.92
3,633.00
High School Principal's Ex-
penses
700.00
699.98
840.00
Secretary
600.00
600.00
640.00
Office Supplies
100.00
99.98
100.00
Travel and Meetings
0
0
100.00
Supervisors' Salaries
4,547.00
4,655.00
5,230.00
Salaries of Teachers, Elemen-
tary
21,202.00
20,714.06
24,343.00
Salaries
20,302.00
20,070.06
23,693.00
Penmanship
350.00
350.00
350.00
Emergency
300.00
0
0
Substitutes
250.00
294.00
300.00
184
Budget 1947
Expended 1947
Budget 1948
Salaries of Teachers, High
School
27,558.00
26,435.37
28,431.00
Salaries
26,808.00
26,190.37
28,081.00
Penmanship
100 CO
100.00
100.00
Emergency
400.CO
0
0
Substitutes
250.00
145.00
250.00
Textbooks, Elementary
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