USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1901-1909 > Part 23
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TOWN OF BERKLEY
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1909
TAUNTON, MASS .: THE DAVOL PRESS-SCHOOL STREET. 1910.
School Committee
Term expires
Edwin H. Allen, Chairman, Berkley, Mass.
1912
Noah H. Strange. Assonet, Mass. 1911
Julia R. Burt, Secretary, Berkley, Mass. 1910
Superintendent of Schools John C. Davis, Dighton, Mass.
Truant Officer
Charles Corey, Berkley, Mass.
School Physician Dr. L. E. Butler, Dighton, Mass.
School Calendar
Term
Winter, 10 weeks, Mon., Jan. 3, 1910 to Fri., Mar. 11, 1910
Spring, 11 Mar. 21, 1910 June 3, 1910 Fall, 15 Tues., Sept. 6, 1910 Dec. 16, 1910
Winter, 10
Mon., Jan. 2, 1911
Mar. 10, 1911
Spring, 11
Mar. 20, 1911
June 2, 1911
Holidays
Washington's Birthday, Patriots' Day, Decoration Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
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Annual Report
Financial Statement, 1909.
RECEIPTS
Appropriation for schools
$1800 00
66 " Superintendent 300 00
Interest money voted for repair of school
buildings
64 01
From Mass. School Fund
1218 81
66
State for supervision
250 00
State for high school tuition 489 10
State for tuition State Wards
249 50
Boston for tuition 16 00
$4387 42
EXPENDITURES
Teachers
$2339 05
Janitors
128 05
Fuel
165 40
High School Tuition
519 10
Books and Supplies
217 24
Repairs
223 66
School Supervision
310 00
School Committee
99 50
Miscellaneous
423 04
Total Expenditures,
$4425 04
Overdrawn
$ 37 62
Appropriation for High School Car Fare,
200 00
Expended
77 40
Balance,
$122 60
Annual Report
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The annual report of the School Committee is pre- sented to the parents and citizens of this town for their consideration.
Concerning the work of the schools the superinten- dent has well presented it in his report. We have, as a whole, been fortunate in the selection of teachers, but we cannot raise the standard of our schools unless we are given more money for their salaries, as other towns have advanced and in order to keep abreast with the times we must increase the pay of some of our teachers. Good teachers and good text-books are essential to good schools.
The school buildings are in good repair but No. 1, 3, and 5 we would recommend painting. A driven well at No. 6 has been put in at a greater cost than we expected ; however, under the circumstances we think we were fortunate to get water at all.
The Myricks school is in a crowded condition, having fifty or more pupils and if the school should increase, the committee would be obliged to transport some of the scholars, unless the town votes to put on an addition to the building, which would cost $1,000 or more. The fall term the committee were very fortunate to secure the services of a teacher from Bridgewater Normal school as an assistant at a small expense, and with the present arrangement the teachers are doing good work and the parents are better satisfied. The Superinten- dent held a joint meeting of the committee and teachers of Berkley. Dighton and Rehoboth, in Memorial hall, Dighton, February 26, 1909. Prominent speakers gave addresses on school topics, which were not only interest- ing but profitable to all. Work of the school children was exhibited which showed improvement from former
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Annual Report
years. The school committee of the joint district met in Dighton, April 17, 1909, and organized as follows :- Edwin H. Allen, Chairman; Charles Perry of Rehoboth, Secretary ; John C. Davis was re-elected superintendent for the district for one year at a salary of $1500, the towns paying the same proportion as before.
Our superintendent was called to another district at a greater salary, and sent in his resignation to take effect September Ist. Accordingly the committee of the joint district held a meeting in consideration of the mat- ter in Dighton town hall, July 17th, and voted to increase his salary to $1,650, which he accepted. We would recommend $300 more for schools than previously.
We wish to express our thanks to the people of Berkley for the trust imposed upon us; also, to the superintendent and teachers for their good work, and trust as each year rolls around we can see improvement in all lines of school work.
EDWIN H. ALLEN, JULIA R. BURT, NOAH H. STRANGE, School Committee.
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Annual Report
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Berkley :-
It is my privilege to present at this time my second report as superintendent of schools. The year just closed has been a very busy one, substantial advances have been accomplished along some lines and a united effort has been made not only to maintain but to advance the educational standing of our schools in every par- ticular. We have been handicapped, however, with an insufficient school appropriation which has made it possi- ble for other towns to take practically all our teachers away from us by offering them more lucrative employ- ment elsewhere.
Although our schools for the most part have been progressing as satisfactorily as can be expected under existing conditions, it is my opinion that there are some ways by which their efficiency can be increased. It is my purpose in this report to present a general review of the year's work and to suggest some things which I think will be for the best interests of the schools.
Enrollment.
The total membership in all the schools for the year ending June, 1907 was 182; June, 1908, 200; and June, 1909, 226. This shows a continued increase in member- ship, forty-four in three years. Notwithstanding this in- crease some of our schools have decreased in numbers while others have increased to such an extent that we lack the proper facilities of giving the pupils the atten- tion they deserve.
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Annual Report
Attendance and Tardiness.
The percentage of attendance for the year ending June, 1907 was 90.8; June, 1908, 92.7; and June, 1909, (2.4. While this is not quite so good a percentage as the previous year, it compares favorably with the other towns throughout the state. Let us hope that the pa- rents will continue to have such an interest in the schools that good percentages will continue. The average num- ber of tardinesses for the same three years has been as follows : 1907, 5.2; 1908, 3.7; and 1909, 4.5. When we take into consideration the distances some of the children are obliged to go and the inclemency of some of the winter weather, these percentages are a credit to the parents, pupils and teachers. The greater part of our absence and tardiness comes from a very few families and we hope they can be induced to attend more regu- larly in future.
Age and Schooling Certificates.
During the year three age and schooling certificates have been granted to children between fourteen and six- teen years of age. Except in cases of extreme necessity it is a mistake to take a boy or girl who is doing well in his studies out of school for the sake of the few dollars he may earn. He discovers his error when it is too late and he is ashamed to return to school and take his place in classes with children younger than himself. These cer- tificates can be granted only under the following condi- tions :
I. The child must have reached his fourteenth birthday and be able to read and write sufficiently well to take up the work of the fourth grade.
2. An employment ticket must be presented prop- erly filled out by the person or firm intending to employ the child. Blanks will be furnished by the superinten- cent of schools.
3. A certificate showing the child to be fourteen must be secured from the records of the city or town in
9
Annual Report
which he was born, or of the records of the church in which he was baptized.
4. The child and the parent or guardian both must appear before the one granting the certificate, the child to be examined and measured and the parent or guardian to take oath to the facts stated in the certificate.
High School.
The number of pupils from your town in different high schools has increased to twelve, and you are fortu- nate in that the whole amount expended for tuition is reimbursed by the commonwealth. Since the last town meeting the railroad fare of these pupils has been paid by the town. This is undoubtedly as it should be and it increases the opportunity of the pupils to secure a high school education.
Repairs and Improvements.
During the year the Myricks and Burt's Corner schoolhouses have been painted and the ordinary repairs necessary each year have been made on the other build- ings. A well has been driven at the No. 6 schoolhouse with good results.
I wish to call your attention to the condition of the outbuildings at some of the schools. Some are badly in need of repairs and are not located properly both from a sanitary and moral standpoint. Excepting Myrick's, all our buildings are in need of slate blackboards and mod- ern seats and desks capable of adjustment to the height of the individual pupil. I regret that the school appro- priation would not allow the purchase of some of these seats last year. They are much needed and some ar- rangement should be made whereby at least one school- house can be fitted up each year with modern desks.
I wish to commend the interest some of the teachers have taken in improving the general appearance of the school yards and surroundings. In some cases without outside assistance, bushes have been cut, trees and
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Annual Report
flowers have been planted, and the school yards made much more attractive. I trust this spirit will continue and extend to other schools.
Health of School Children.
The yearly examination of each pupil has been made by the regularly appointed school physician, Dr. L. E. Butler. In addition to the regular examination, he has inspected each school once each term and has been asked to make several special visits in accordance with his con- tract with the town, and when the circumstances seemed to warrant it. The following is the list of cases re- ported :
3I Enlarged tonsils.
I Curvature spine.
I Cleft palate.
18 Head lice
2 Anaemia.
Tests of Sight and Hearing.
The tests of sight and hearing have been conducted as usual. The number of parents notified is growing less each year on account of the attention given by pa- rents to cases reported in the past. Besides the benefit derived by calling the attention of parents to defects be- fore they have become deep seated, it enables the teacher to seat her children and arrange her blackboard work with due regard to the defects of the child, thereby in- creasing his opportunity, though handicapped, of keep- ing up with his grade.
The following table shows the result of these tests:
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7 Total To. l.y
Number tested 38 29 18 7 14
15 44
165 145
Defective eyesight 2 4
6
3
4
7
1 27 55
Defective hearing 0
2
5
0
2
4
0
14 23
Parents notified 0
2 7
2
0
5
1
17 22
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Annual Report
Teachers.
During the year, with one exception, all our schools have had a change of teachers and some more than one change. In our seven schools we have had nine different teachers since the beginning of the fall term. At the close of the school year in June, of our seven teachers, one remained with us; one was compelled to give up teaching, temporarily, on account of illness ; one resigned to take a course at the Bridgewater Normal school; and three resigned to accept better positions elsewhere. We have done our utmost to fill these vacancies with good teachers but have been compelled to make three changes since fall.
It is unnecessary for me to say that these frequent changes have not been for the best interests of our schools. When we look for teachers with the qualifica- tions and personality that we are willing to accept, and the salary that we are able to offer, our task is indeed a hard one. Those who have never tried do not realize how difficult it is. Something should be done at once to make our teaching force more permanent. Personally, I know of no more effective way than an increase in salaries, and I sincerely hope that the school appropria- tion will be made with this in mind. Ten dollars per week is none too high a minimum rate to establish.
Myricks School.
The number of pupils at the opening of the fall term was over fifty and it became necessary to employ an assistant teacher to be in accordance with the statute. We were fortunate in being able to make arrangements whereby one of the Bridgewater Normal school girls comes here for her training and the town pays only her car fare. Thus far, her work has been chiefly in the lower grades. I feel sure that the parents will agree with me, in saying that the benefits derived from having more time for each recitation and individual assistance when needed, is making a decided improvement in the work done.
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Annual Report
But the building is designed for one teacher and while it was well planned for the purpose intended, it furnishes no accommodations for two teachers. In my opinion we should not consider returning to the old plan of one teacher, but should enlarge or rearrange this building so as to provide another room. The educa- tional interests of the children are worth it and it is a proposition which deserves careful consideration.
Consolidation of Schools.
According to the state report, the amount expended for conveyance of pupils for the school year 1888-1889, was $22,118.38; ten years later, in 1898-1899, it was $127,409.22 ; in the last report, 1907-1908, it was $265,574.09. I am quoting these figures because they seem to show the general attitude toward consolidation in the commonwealth.
So much has been said in the past and is being said at the present time for and against the consolidation of schools that it might be well to mention some of the arguments pro and con.
Advantages.
I. It permits each teacher to have fewer grades and consequently fewer classes and more time for each reci- tation.
2. It inspires pupils to do better work on account of the friendly competition existing in larger classes.
3. There is a greater interest and pride in the schools on the part of parents and pupils, and the boys and girls are not so anxious to leave school at the earliest possible moment.
4. It results in better attendance, better teachers, better buildings, better appliances.
5. It affords protection to young children who would otherwise be obliged to walk some distance to school.
Annual Report
Disadvantages.
I. Long rides in bad weather.
2. More hours away from home and eating cold lunches at school.
3. Difficulty in securing proper person to carry chil- dren.
4. Decrease in value of property in the neighbor- hood of a closed school. Unless children can be carried in a proper conveyance, covered and protected from the weather and the team driven by a competent person, consolidation should not be undertaken. In order that they might have the proper kind of conveyance, some towns have purchased their own wagons. When any number of children remain at school during the noon hour at least one teacher should be on duty during that period. The argument as to the decrease in value of property is of doubtful merit. It will depend upon the attitude of a prospective purchaser toward consolidation of schools and his attitude will probably depend to some extent upon the ages of his children. It will depend upon whether he prefers to have his children ride some distance to a graded school or walk unprotected to the nearest rural school. So much depends upon the cir- cumstances connected with each locality where consoli- dation has been accomplished, that conclusions must not be hastily reached. The opinions of those most familiar with the subject are that there is no decrease in property valuation. The customary experience where consolida- tion has been attempted seems to be to meet with resis- tance at first ; but the people who are bitterly opposed at the start are unwilling after a fair trial to return to the old way.
I consider this a subject of great importance because I believe that sooner or later consolidation will take place in your town through the demand of the people for better educational opportunities for their children. A new modern schoolhouse at the Common and transpor- tation from some of our smaller schools would solve riany of our present difficulties. If this is the proper action to take, the sooner it is accomplished, the sooner
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Annual Report
the children will reap the benefits. It is for you and the voters of the town to decide.
Teachers' Meetings.
The usual number of teachers' meetings have been held with a district meeting in February in Dighton. This meeting was well attended by parents, members of the school committee, and teachers. A copy of the pro- , gram will be found in this report. The plan for the present year is for a larger meeting to include some of the adjoining towns at the expense and under the direc- tion of the state authorities who have an appropriation available for such purposes. Notices of the time and place will be sent out later.
Conclusion.
In conclusion I wish to express my satisfaction at the interest shown by the large number of parents visit- ing schools on parents' days and other occasions and the general good sentiment toward the schools. Let us work together without regard to any particular section or locality for what seems to be the best interests of the education of all the children.
For the careful consideration given my suggestions by your committee and your continued kindness and courtesy, I wish to express my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN C. DAVIS ..
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Annual Report
Truant Officer's Report.
To the School Committee:
I have received 12 complaints from the School Com- mittee and Teachers, during the past year.
8 cases from No. 2 4 « 6
Most of them were for tardiness. I looked up each case as reported to me, and found the parents ready to com- ply with the law in regard to truants.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES COREY,
Truant Officer.
Berkley, Jan. 19, 1910.
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Annual Report
High School Pupils.
1909-1910.
TAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL
Grace Haskins
Class of 1911
Earl Hopkins
Class of 1911
Francis M. Chase
Class of 1912
Edmund M Clark
Class of 1912
Josephine E. Francis
Class of 1912
Ruth Howland
Class of 1912
Herbert A. Babbitt
Class of 1913
Madeline H. French
Class of 1913
Muriel Swift
Class of 1913
B. M. C. DURFEE HIGH SCHOOL
Louise H. Chester
Class of 1911
Blanche G. Carey
Class of 1912
Sadie A. Carey
Class of 1913
TABLE A ATTENDANCE STATISTICS 1908-1909.
Enrolment
SCHOOL
Boys
Girls
Total
Enrolment
under 5 years
Enrolment
Enrolment
over 15 years
Enrolment
7 to 14 years
Membership
Average
Membership
Average Attendance
Per cent. of
Attendance
Absences
Number
Av. Number
Number of Dismissals
Number of Visitors
Number of
Supt's Visits
Number One
35
18
53
1
50
2
38
53
37
34.8
94
389.5
98
2.6
26
59
16
Two
14
20
34
0
34
0
25
36
30.9
27.3
88.5|634
283
9.1
40
20
12
Three
15
2
1
20
0
15
24
17.9
16.1
90.1 305.5
66
3.7
13
38
22
Four
7
10
0
10
10
11
7.3
6.7
92.7 89.5
92
12.6
34
22
7
Five
9
18
0
18
16
19
14.5
13.8
95.4 116.
68
4.7
21
8
16
Six
00
18
0
18
0
15
23
16.1.
15.8
95. 149.5
130
8.1
10
40
10
Seven
26
49
0
49
O
32
60
45.2
41.9
92.8 533.5
29
.6
22
76
10
Total
100
103
203
2
199
2
151
| 226 168.9|156.4 92.4
2217.5| 766
4.5
166
263
93
Annual Report
17
of Tardinesses
of Tardinesses
80689
00
5 to 15 years
Total
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Annual Report
TABLE B Rank of School in Attendance and Punctuality 1908-1909
ATTENDANCE
PUNCTUALITY
Rank
School
Per Cent
Rank
School Number Seven
.6
2
Six
95
2
One
2.6
3
One
94
3
Three
3.7
4
66
Seven
92.8
4
Five
4.7
5
66
Four
92.7
5
Six
8.1
6
Three
90.1
6
Two
9.1
7
66
Two
88.5
66
Four
12.6
TABLE C
Changes of Teachers 1909
Registration
School
Appointment
Alton W. Reed
Number One
Ruth Farr
Ruth Farr
One
Rachel U. Cornwell
Rachel U. Cornwell
One
F. Edith Pond
A. Melissa Chase
Two
Isabelle L. Pratt
Annie L. Marshall
Three
Frances White
Frances White
Three
Ruth E. Delano
Sybil L. Francis
66
Five
Marian G. Adrian
Sarah H. Christie
Seven
Maria Legrow
1
Number Five
95.4
1
Av. Tardiness
66
TABLE D TEACHERS, 1908-9
School
Teachers
Where Educated
Elected
Weeks Taught
Number One
Alton W. Reed
Bridgewater Normal School
1906
36
A. Melissa Chase
Salem Normal School
1908
36
Three
Annie L. Marshall
Milton High School
1907
36
Four
Jessie Howland
Taunton High School
1908
36
Five
Sybil L. Francis
Taunton High School
1908
36
Six
Mary L. Corey
Bristol Academy
1901
36
Seven
Sarah H. Christie
Brewster Academy
1906
36
Annual Report
Two
1
19
20
Annual Report
Selected Statistics.
Population 1905
930
Valuation 1908
$392,908 00
Tax Rate Per 1000, 1908
11 00
Total amount raised by taxation and expended for school purposes 2279 03
Total cost to town per pupil
13 49
Total expenditure per pupil
26 66
Average cost per pupil in State, 1907-8
31 53
Average wages of female teachers in State 1907-8 14 90
Average wages of female teachers in Bristol
County, 1907-8
14 11
Number of Schools
7
Number of boys " girls
in town between 5 and 15, 87
66 5 " 15,
88
Total
children 66 66 5 " 15,
175
Number " boys 66 66
7
14, 67
66 " girls
66
66
7 66
14, 68
Total children
Number of illiterate minors over 14 0
Length of school year in weeks 36
Per cent. of attendance 92.4
for State, 1907-8
92
" Bristol County 1907-8 92
Number of pupils attending the high school 12
7
14, 135
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Annual Report
Meeting of the
Teachers of Berkley, Dighton and Rehoboth
Exhibition of Work Done in the Public Schools Memorial Hall, Dighton, February 26, 1909
PROGRAM
10.00 Invocation, Rev. Walter R. Bartlett
10.05 Singing, "The Weather Vane", "The Summer Night", "Daffodils."
Pupils of the South Grammar Room, Miss Dean, Teacher. 10.20 Address, "Some Easton Methods," Supt. Frederic S. Pope, Easton.
10.50 Address, "Language," Dr. John T.Prince, Agent State Board of Education.
11.30 Social Hour and Inspection of School Work.
12.00 Luncheon.
1.00 Singing, "The Slumber Boat", "Where Did You Come From, Baby Dear", "Wynken, Blynken and Nod" "The Teddy Bears' Lullaby."
Pupils of the North Primary Room, Miss Paull, Teacher.
1.15 Address, "Arithmetic," Supt. Clair G. Persons, War- ren, R. I.
1.35 Address, "History," Supt. Arthur W. Smith, Somerset.
1.55 Address, "Reading," Prin. Chester R. Stacy, Weir Grammar School, Taunton.
2.15 Address, "Agriculture in the Public Schools," Prof. Floyd B. Jenks, Mass. Agricultural College, Amherst. 3.00 Inspection of School Work.
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