USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1912 > Part 8
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OVERCROWDING.
In June it was decided that to accommodate the increased number of pupils that would enter grades 5 and 6 at the Jonas Perkins school in the fall, an overflow grade should be formed. The only room available for this purpose was the manual training room. This room was thoroughly cleaned, beaver board placed over the stone facings of the walls, seats installed, and a class room fitted up. This can be but a temporary ar- rangement, as two fourth grades (this year aggregating 56 pupils) are sending pupils to the fifth grade at the Jonas Perkins school each year. Plans for enlarging this school must be considered in the near future.
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ADJUSTABLE DESKS DESIRABLE.
.
The adjustable style of desk is slowly replacing the old rigid style of desks in our schools. The Pond, Penniman, and · Jonas Perkins schools should be equipped with adjustable desks. It is much easier to adjust the desk to the pupil, than to adjust the pupil to the desk with the unrest, inattention, and cramped condition that accompanies the rigid form of desk.
BUILDINGS.
The Jonas Perkins, and High schools need painting, and the roof of the Jonas' Perkins school must be shingled before another winter if the building is to be preserved from leaking, and its resultant damage. The health of the children in the south part of the Town demands that the Pond school should be thoroughly renovated, the old sanitals removed, and a new flush system of sanitals installed.
STUDIES OF THE YEAR.
A part of the study of the year has been directed towards the better adjustment of the school work to the capabilities of our students. The class as a unit has heretofore received too much of the attention of the teacher. If all of the pupils are to have an equal chance, the individuals of the class must be recognized. The timid, the diffident, the backward, and the unusually bright children must be considered in any scheme of education. The recitations are arranged in such a way that some time in each period is given to individual instruction. The teacher completes the work with the class, assigns the les- sons, and then calls to the desk pupils who seem to have been slow or indifferent in response to, or perplexed by the ques- tions of the recitation, and seeks to find the cause of their troubles. Care is taken that help is given wisely, and that the child is led to individual thought in the work.
The time schedules of the upper grades have been so ar- ranged that like subjects come at the same time. The boy or
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girl who can do more work in a given subject, but who is not quite ready for full promotion, can take this subject in the higher grades. If there is need of a review or the work in one or two subjects seems beyond the pupil, this work can be done in the lower grades with no loss to the pupil in those studies in which he is proficient.
The work with teachers has been to study the conditions that make for efficiency in school work, to simplify all pro- cesses, and to eliminate useless material from the school cur- riculum. We have studied the time value for each subject. Stenographic reports have been taken upon the questions and answers of the recitations. These reports have been studied with the teachers as to the value of the questions, and the relevancy of the answers. This has been an interesting and profitable study.
TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. .
The Teachers' Association has been active in securing speakers upon educational and civic topics, and in bringing before the people the best thought of the day. The work of the association deserves special commendation for the esprit de corps that it fosters among the teachers, and for the active part that it takes in questions relating to professional im- provement and progress.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
Through the year both teachers and pupils have been active in preparations for the systematic decoration of school rooms, and the beautifying of school grounds. Several of the schools have started funds for the purchase of stereopticons, and victrolas. The use of these instruments as adjuncts to educational work needs no comment.
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION.
A new interest in school affairs has made itself felt in the increased activities of the Parents' associations. It is a pleas-
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ure to record here the enthusiasm for the schools, and for the educational, physical, and moral welfare of the children that finds expression in their meetings, and the keen inquiry into the whys and wherefores of school management, directed in the spirit of sympathetic co-operation and the desire for a clear understanding of all that pertains to school affairs. We are fortunate that most of our schools are equipped with school halls where a full and free discussion of educational, and civic problems can be held, and where community interest can manifest itself. When the Noah Torrey school hall is finished, all of our schools will offer facilities where the idea of the school house as a civic center can be worked out and where the community can meet together to hear, to learn, and to in- quire into the questions that are before us at the present day.
PHYSICAL CARE AND EDUCATION.
The physical well being of the children is one of our chief considerations. The school physicians have performed their work faithfully and well in determining physical defects, and advising the proper course of procedure and remedy. In other reports we have dealt with this work and the necessity for the co-operation of parents. The proper care and treat- ment of several children has been looked after through the good offices of the district nurse.
Our plan of physical instruction has been further extend- ed, and systematized by the adoption of Nissen's System of Gymnastics for use in the grades.
SEWING.
Early in the fall the question of teaching our girls to sew received considerable discussion. As a result, several ladies volunteered to teach sewing in the grades. Your Committee gladly accepted the services of these ladies. A definite course of study was planned, and classes formed. The children take pleasure in the work, are making useful articles, and best of all are receiving important instruction in one department of home economics.
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SCHOOL SAVINGS.
The plan of savings for schools introduced in April 1912, is meeting with much success. The children are interested, enthusiastic and well started on the road toward habits of thrift. In the short time that the plan has been in use the children have deposited $927.31 and have withdrawn but $1.91. That this is a real saving is evident by the fact that very little of the money has been withdrawn. In this connec- tion it may be interesting to note here that 203 pupils in the grammar schools ranging in age from ten to fifteen years earned in vacation time $2,276.92. This amount was earned in nearly every variety of occupation. Sixty-six earned $1,003.74 by doing some form of farm work. Next come twen- ty-five clerks earning $412.65, while under miscellaneous are grouped all of the odd jobs that would be possible for any boy or girl to do. Under this heading 116 earned $860.57. The lowest weekly wage was fifty cents while the highest week- ly wage was $8.75.
IHIGH SCHOOL.
The opening of the Hollis school released to the High school two rooms formerly used for the grammar grades. These rooms have been fitted with adjustable desks and are in constant use as class-rooms. As a result of this increase in capacity the work in the High school is progressing under more favorable conditions than heretofore. The Commercial Department has adequate facilities for its work and every department has now ample means at its disposal to do its best possible work without overlapping and crowding from other departments. The Braintree High school is trying to do its work unhampered by the dictates of colleges and higher in- stitutions of learning. While in no way neglecting those stu- dents who may wish to go to these higher institutions and while aiding them in every way, we must, nevertheless, face the fact that the great majority of our students do not go to col-
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lege. It is, therefore, our purpose to give to this majority as reliable an equipment as we can to meet with the conditions of life.
VOCATIONAL OUTLOOK.
A studied attempt is being made to place before them the possibilities in the businesses and industries of greater Boston; to collect facts about the openings and opportunities these offer, and then as the characteristics and temperament of the students determine, advise with them as to a choice of vocation. Business men are interested and are inquiring of the schools where material can be found available for training in industries and in the great business houses. In the past year four speakers, leaders in their lines of work, have given of their time to tell of the opportunities in their occupations and to point to some of the fundamental things that lead to success in industrial pursuits. The interest of the students was manifest at all of these addresses. These are to be con- tinued for the present year.
EMPLOYMENT BUREAU.
For students desiring to help themselves while in school, the school maintains an employment bureau furnishing mothers' helpers, clerical assistants, and students for after- noon and Saturday work to such as may desire their services, providing always that the school work of the students will warrant it. It is hoped that our townspeople will make use of this bureau more and more, that our business men will turn to the school for temporary assistance and to the graduates of our commercial department when wishing to employ steno- graphers, typewriters and bookkeepers.
DEMANDS IN EDUCATION.
We need to recognize more fully the new demands in edu- cational thought and procedure. Because of changes in social, and economic conditions, new elements must be introduced
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into our schools to meet existing needs. Cities and towns have established courses in manual training, cooking, sewing, dressmaking, carpentry, in fact, all of the activities that make for a full rounding out in the development of our boys and girls. These opportunities used by the pupils have resulted in an increased power of work and concentration; increased ap- preciation for the usefulness of this work in application to life problems, and in increased pride in their own resource- fulness, and capacity. Questions of prevocational, vocational, and industrial education are large questions in the education- al thought of the day. I simply invite the attention of your Committee to these questions without arguing the advantages that might accrue to our pupils should it be feasible to in- troduce into our schools lines of industrial work.
TRADE SCHOOL.
The organization of the Industrial school at Quincy un- der Chapter 471 of the Revised Laws helps in solving one of the problems in our duty to our boys for industrial training. The Town is responsible for one half the tuition of any boy who is fourteen years old, or over, who is a resident of this Town, who desires to attend this school, and who shows the mental and physical ability necessary for the work. The school is State aided but under the control of the Quincy School Committee.
In conclusion I wish to thank your Committee, teachers, parents, friends, townspeople, and all connected with the schools for the appreciative interest, and help that means so much to the success of school work.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. WIGGIN.
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STATISTICS.
Number of children in town between 5 and 15, Sept., 1911 1602
Number of children in town between 5 and 15, Sept., 1912 1618-
Number of children in town between 7 and 14, Sept., 1911 1137
Number of children in town between 7 and 14, Sept., 1912 1148
Average membership for year ending June 19.12. . 1615.91 Average attendance for year ending June 1912. . 1476.18 Per cent of attendance for year ending June 1912 91.3 Per cent of attendance for year ending June 1911 92.6
Enrolment from Sept. 9 to Dec. 20, 1912 1659
Average membership from Sept. 9 to Dec. 20, 1912 1593.14 Number of regular teachers employed fall term, 1912, 53
Number of special teachers employed fall term, 1912 3
Number of school buildings in use 9
School rooms occupied 44
Number of pupils graduating from grammar schools, June, 1912 87
Number of the above who entered the . High School 74
Total expenditures for the support of the schools .. $50,078.34 Expenditure per pupil based on average member- ship for year ending June, 1912 $31.00
Expenditure per pupil based on average member- ship for year ending June, 1911 32.05
Average expenditure per pupil in State of
Massachusetts 41.97
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RESULTS OF EYE AND EAR TESTS :
Whole number of pupils examined 1585
· Number found defective in vision 171
Number found defective in hearing 41
. Number of parents notified 53
Number of days lost because of stormy weather ..
2
TRUANCY.
Number of cases investigated 94
Number of court cases 3
The Rank of Braintree in the Towns and Cities of the State in the amount appropriated to the support of Public Schools for each $1000.00 appropriated 36
The Rank of Braintree in the Towns and Cities of the State in the amount raised by taxation and expended for the support of Schools 117
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MANUAL OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BRAINTREE, MASS., FOR SCHOOL YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 9, 1912.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Herbert F. Kneeland, Chairman, 92 Hollis Avenue, Braintree.
I. Wendell Gammons, 130 Franklin street, South Brain- tree.
Mrs. A. M. Brooks, 124 Franklin Street, South Braintree. Albion C. Drinkwater, 391 Elm street, Braintree.
Mrs. Carrie F. Loring, 110 Front Street, East Braintree. Benj. Hawes, 516 Middle Street, East Braintree.
SUPERINTENDENT AND SECRETARY.
R. L. Wiggin, 104 Academy street, Braintree. Tel. 273-4 OFFICE HOURS :
On school days except Thursdays from 8 to 9 A. M., in the High School Building. Tel. 76-W.
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEE.
Second Thursday afternoon of each month at two o'clock at the High School Building, Washington Street, Braintree.
DAILY SCHOOL SESSIONS.
High, 8.20 A. M. to 1.10 P. M.
Hollis, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
Jonas Perkins, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
Noah Torrey, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
Penniman, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
Pond, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
Southwest, 9 to 11.45 A. M. 1.15 to 3.30 P. M.
South School, 9 to 11.45 A. M. 1.15 to 3.30 P. M.
The Abraham Lincoln, 9 to 12 A. M. 1.30 to 3.30 P. M.
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SCHOOLS IN SESSION.
High School, Sept. 9 to Dec. 20, 1912; Grammar, Sept. 9 to Dec. 20. 1912; Dec. 30, 1912, to March 14, 1913; March 24, 1913, to June 20, 1913.
HOLIDAYS Nov. 28-31, 1912, Feb. 22, April 19, May 30, 1913
STORM SIGNALS, HIGH, GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY.
On very stormy days there will be no session of the Public Schools. If there is to be no morning session, the signal 3-3-3 will be sounded on the fire alarm at 7.30 A. M. If the weather clears, there will be an afternoon session. In case of continued storm or very bad walking, there will be no afternoon session. This will be announced by 3-3-3 at 11.30 A. M.
No School Signal 3-3-3. If sounded at 7.30 A. M. no school in any school in morning. At 8 A. M. no school in grades 1-4 inclusive. At 11.30 A. M. no school in any school in P. M. At 12.45 P. M. no school in grades 1-4 inclusive in P. M.
TUITION OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS.
High School, $1 a week; grades 5 to 8, 75 cents a week ; grades A and 1 to 4, 50 cents a week.
Non-resident students will not be admitted to any school
without the written permission of the Superintendent.
JANITORS.
High School, John H. Macandrew, 54 West street.
Jonas Perkins, William Orr, 357 Commercial street.
Noah Torrey, F. F. Tupper, Central avenue.
· Penniman, Omer Hollis, Union street.
Pond, A. R. French. Franklin street.
Southwest, Richard Foster.
South, N. E. Hayden, Tel., Pond street.
The Abraham Lincoln, William Jordan, Front street.
Hollis School, Frank Drake, 36 Central avenue.
TRUANT OFFICERS. 1
Jeremiah F. Gallivan, 37 River street, Braintree.
A. R. French, 144 Franklin street, South Braintree.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES of the BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL, Monatiquot Hall, Wednesday Evening, June 19, 1912, at eight o'clock. PROGRAMME.
1 Selection,
High School Orchestra.
2. Girls-
The Night has a Thousand Eyes. J. Belle Boltwood. F., Corder.
Romance,
3. Salutatory, with Essay- "Newspaper Reading." Theron Irving Cain.
4. Essay-"The Evolution of the Ideal of Heroism." Annie Maude Creswell.
5. Boys' Chorus-With Horse and Hound. Alfred Caldicott.
6. Essay-"A Vest Pocket History of Braintree." Henry Hallgate Storm.
7. Address-"Courage." Col. Edward Anderson.
8. Chorus-Build Thee More Stately Mansions. A. Farwell.
9. Essay, with Valedictory- "The World is too much with Us." Louise Eleanor Dennehy.
10. Presentation of Diplomas and Medals, Mr. Herbert F. Kneeland, Chairman of School Committee.
11. Presentation of Prizes given by the Philergians, a. Civil Service Essay. b. Scholarship to Simmons College. Mrs. F. W. McCarter.
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GRADUATES.
Florence S. Adams Anna Loretta Anglim Arthur Lewis Benham John H. Cahill
Mary Josephine Cahill Theron Irving Cain Florence Isabel Carmichael Frances Ada Close Annie Maude Creswell Louise Eleanor Dennehy Luvenia Clark Elliot
Samuel Morrison Ellsworth Helen Louise Frazier George Lee Gogan
Helen Louise Gogan
Helen Agatha Gorman
Florence Marguerite Green
Mary Ellen Griffin Lillian Minerva Hogan Allan Joseph MacDonald Helen Jane Muller Lillian Katherine Ness Pauline Leslie Orcutt Otis Nickerson Randall Mary Whittle Salls Mary Agnes Schlager Clinton John Scollard Mary Van Dyke Shaw Gilbert Thorpe Singleton Selina Ellen Starr Henry Hallgate Storm Sylvia Dean Storrs Marian Louise Thayer Mabelle Louise Trott
The School Committee presents herewith an account of its receipts and expenditures for the past year, expenses hav- ing been kept within the limits of the total appropriation, with a small balance returned to the Town. This has been accomplished only by the most rigid economy compatible with keeping the school equipment in presentable form.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1912
APPROPRIA - TIONS
EXPENDED
REFUND
BALANCE
OVER- DRAFTS
UNPAID BILLS
NET BALANCE
Salaries (T & S) $33,500.00
School Fund
350.00
Dog Tax 927.10
$34,771.10
$34,333.20
$443.90
Janitors' Salaries
4,268.98
4,286.73
$17.75
Text Books and Supplies
3,500.00
3,735.22
$336.29
101.07
$25.75
Incidentals
750.00
936.72
17.25
169.49
14.34
Repairs and Incidentals
1,500.00
1,518.71
18.71
1
19.76
Conveyance of Pupils
1,700.00
2,025.00
346.47
21.47
Hire and Care of Outside Rooms
168.00
168.00
Seats in High School
500.00
555.00
56.50
1.50
Totals
$49,658.08
$50,078.34
$775.22
$567.94
$207.00
$40.09
$314.87
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Fuel
2,500.00
2,519.76
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The most important event of the year was the opening last fall of the new school in Precinct Two. This building. with its ten class rooms and fine commodious hall, is a great acquisition to the school department, and is highly appre- ciated by the citizens of that part of the Town in which it is located. It is fashioned on modern lines, is proving well adapted to the purpose for which it was built, and the wisdom of determining on a ten-room building has already been well established, as nine of the rooms are now occupied, one or two of which are already on the verge of crowding.
In giving it its name, the "Hollis School," the Committee felt that it was not only perpetuating a name for many years most highly esteemed in Braintree, but was also giving due recognition to the generosity of one who was instrumental in securing to the Town a splendid playground for the enjoy- ment and physical improvement of the youth of not only the present, but of future generations as well.
The Committee believes that the educational system with- in the limitations of the Town might be deemed satisfactory in so far as book knowledge is concerned, but is strongly of the opinion that we lag far behind in neglecting to include in our school course Manual Training and Domestic Science. Thanks to public spirited women who are manifesting their interest in this branch in a most practical manner, sewing in the higher grammar grades has been successfully installed without expense to the Town. The Board desires to express here its appreciation of their efforts, and is confident that the Town will unite with it in tendering them its most sincere thanks.
In two schools Wood-Working for the boys has been in- stituted in a very simple form under supervision of the prin- cipals, the results here, as in the teaching of sewing, being such as to fully demonstrate the wisdom of including Manual Training in the school curriculum. The fact that in all towns where this course has been adopted the same experience has been met still further confirms the Board in its opinion.
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A class in Wood-Working for boys has been started in Pre- cinct Two by private subscription, for which the use of a base- ment room in the Hollis School has been extended, and in this way, as in many others, a strong desire for the adoption of Manual Training as a definite part of the regular school course has ben indicated.
The Committee feels that this work, which is now being done by volunteers or private means, should be carried on by special instructors in the future under the direct responsibili- ty of the executive heads of the school department, and, in ad- dition, it wishes to include in the High school a thoroughly practical course of Domestic Science. This it believes will prove attractive to practically all of the young women in the school. and will become an added incentive for taking a com- plete High School course, with the great advantage which must necessarily be entailed thereby.
The Committee, therefore, recommends that the amount of $1570 be appropriated for fitting up the Penniman and Hol- lis schools for manual training work (the other grammar schools being already equipped) and a room in the High school for Domestic Science, for the payment of teachers, and for the small amount of supplies which this course will necessi- tate. This appropriation is not included in the regular school budget, in order that it may be treated by the Town as an in- dependent item, and considered accordingly. The Board feels very strongly the lack of this character of education in the schools, earnestly recominends that a beginning be now made in this important work, and, while hoping for favorable ac- tion, places upon the Town responsibility for the decision.
This Committee desires to record itself as highly appre- ciative of the support, both moral and financial, that it has received, and desires to express to the citizens of the Town its sincere thanks for their confidence.
By a unanimous vote the following appropriations have been recommended for the ensuing year :
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--
APPROPRIATIONS, 1913.
Salaries of Teachers and Superintendent. (Dog
Tax and School Fund not included) $35,950.00
Janitors' Salaries 4,619.00
Text Books and Supplies 3,500.00
Incidentals 1,400.00
Repairs and Incidentals
1,600.00
Fuel
2,500.00
Conveyance of Pupils
1,700.00
Painting of the High and Jonas Perkins Schools 800.00
Shingling the roof of Jonas Perkins School 900.00
$52,969.00
DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND MANUAL TRAINING.
Domestic Science Equipment for High School $650.00
Instruction 160.00
Manual Training Equipment Hollis and Penniman Schools 600.00
Instruction 160.00
$1,570.00
MRS. A. M. BROOKS,
ALBION C. DRINKWATER, I. WENDELL GAMMONS, BENJ. HAWES, MRS. CARRIE F. LORING,
HERBERT F. KNEELAND, Chairman.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Board of Water Commissioners
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
For the Year ending December 31, 1912
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TOWN
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GEORGE W. PRESCOTT PUBLISHING CO. BRAINTREE, MASS.
1913
ORGANIZATION
.
Board of Water Commissioners for the Year 1912
HON. JAMES T. STEVENS, Chairman JOHN KELLEY WILLIAM C. HARRISON BENJAMIN F. DYER, Treasurer · WILLIAM E. MAYBURY, Superintendent W. L. GAGE, Secretary and Collector JOHN W. MULCAHY, Engineer
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WATER DEPARTMENT
In compliance with the By-Laws of the Town and in ac- cordance with established custom the Board of Water Com- missioners of the Town of Braintree submits herewith its an- nual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1912 :
The year has been a busy one and has accomplished much needed and absolutely necessary changes in its equipment and secured much greater efficiency. In the early part of the year the Department was burdened with a large amount of extra work occasioned by the severe cold weather which resulted in the freezing of many pipes and street mains in the outlying localities and considerable time and outlay of money was re- quired to thaw out the pipes and put the system in ordinary working condition.
NEW CONSTRUCTION.
The installation of new machinery at the Great Pond Sta- tion as outlined in the report for year 1911 has progressed as satisfactorily as possible and with the exception of some minor details the plant was ready for operation in November of this year. Pumping at this station was commenced and continued intermittently during December, the regular day and night schedule of pumping going into effect with the new year. The Department has encountered several unexpected and expensive obstacles during the reconstruction of this plant which were unforeseen and which were necessary to remedy, the most important of which were as follows. Entire abandonment of the old intake was found necessary owing to faulty construction and the laying of a new pipe of larger capacity some 500 or more feet into deep water was made un- der contract with The Chas. R. Gow Co., at a cost of about $3,200.
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