USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1913 > Part 7
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200 00
200 00
Fees
100 00
100 00
19 00
Inspection of Plumbing
618 00
48 20
666 20
Vital Statistics
50 00
37 50
12 50
Drain Washington St. and Town
Lands
2,500 00
843 85
3,343 .85
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
Surveyors of Highways, salaries . ·
487 50
487 50
Clerical help and other expenses
175 00
172 20
2 80
General repairs
12,500 00
2,199 88
5,041 00
26,388 44
53 00
Snow
1,000 00
324 73
675 27
Street Lights
5,967 00
5,967 00
CHARITIES.
Overseers of Poor, salaries
487.50
487 50
Clerical help and other expenses
225 00
211 38
13 62
Braintree House, maintenance
1,500 00
657 40
8 19
2,080 49
S5 10
.
Inspector of Animals
124 45
124 45
Inspection of Milk
Fees
19 00
Special Tax 6,700 56
.
Insurance
180 00 500 00
180 00 384 70
115 30
908 49
104 56
5,013 05
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS.
3,000 00
2,445 00
555 00
144 00
144 00
230 00
730 00
School Fund 300 00 Dog Tax 813 41
36,762 76
300 65
Teachers and Superintendent, salaries Janitors
4,619 00
4,619 00
Text Books and Supplies
3,000 00
198 94
3,134 41
64 53
School Incidentals
1,000 00
22 00
17 11
1,039 11
Buildings and Grounds, repairs and incidentals
1,200 00
4 10
22 30
1,226 40
Transportation of Pupils
1,700 00
374 80
2,010 00
64 80
Fuel
2,500 00
178 75
2,678 75
Insurance
611 75
22 63
20 37
654 75
Painting Jonas Perkins School build- ing
800 00
800 00
Shingling roof, Jonas Perkins School building
900 00
900 00
Hall, Noah Torrey School building. . Repairs in Pond School building
1,200 00
1,199 78
22
600 00
600 00
New school building, Hollis School, unexpended balance Jan. 1, 1913 ..
40 23
1,023 49
983 26
New school building, Abraham Lin- coln School, unexpended balance Jan. 1, 1913
169 51
2,283 84
2,453 35
Repairs, and purchase of horse . Outside Relief, including contagious diseases
4,000 00
.
State Aid and Soldiers' Burials Military Aid Soldiers' Relief
500 00
EDUCATION.
35,950 00
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES FOR 1913 .- Continued.
Appropriations.
Credits.
Overdrafts.
Expended.
Unexpended Balances.
No Order Drawn.
LIBRARY.
General expenses
1,300 00
1,300 00
Distribution of Books
150 00
150 00
Janitor
250 00
250 00
RECREATION.
Town Lands
300 00
56 41
356 41
Hollis Playground
500 00
216 45
283 55
Purchase of Playground, Precinct 3
4,000 00
3,902 50
97 50
UNCLASSIFIED.
2,000 00
2,293 89
1 672 00
Miscellaneous expenses
1,000 00
328 00 11
25 18
Memorial Day
200 00
200 00
Abatements of Taxes
1,500
00
1,746 64
3,246 64
Artificial leg for M. Levanegie ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT.
100 00
100 00
Lighting Board, salaries
300 00
300 00
Unexpended income, 1912
33 74
33 74
Depreciation Fund
4,490 75
4,490 75
Construction of Street Lights WATER DEPARTMENT.
386 25
386 25
Construction of Mains .
2,000 00
2,000 00
New Boiler, Little Pond Pumping Station
1,500 00
1,500 00
Plain Street Cemetery
100 00
22 00
9 40
131 40
Sinking Fund
Water Loans
5,120 00
5,120 00
Electric Light Loan
430 00
430 00
-
.
.
319 07
INTEREST.
On Funded Debt :
Water
$11,060.00
Electric Light
660.00
General 900.00
Town Hall
2,567.78
Schools
3,209.38
Playgrounds
170.00
On Temporary Tax Loans 1,900.00
89 27
20,377 89
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS.
J $1,000.00
Water
$1,500.00
2,500 00
2,500 00
Town Hall
3,000 00
3,000 00
Schools
12,500 00
12,500 00
Playgrounds
500 00
500 00
$184,025 79
$5,592 77
$10,463 10
$53,194 65 |$199,886 38
$6,597 44
$46,792 49
Amount of Appropriations
$184,025 79
Amount of Credits .
5,592 77
Amount Expended
$199,886 38
Amount of Overdrafts
10,463 10
Amount Unexpended 6,597 44
Amount of Special Credits and Taxes .. 53,194 65
Amount where no orders were drawn .
46792. 49
$253,276 31
$253,276 31
Bills Receivable Dec. 31, 1913 $683 42
Bills Payable Dec. 31, 1913 (Part estimated) 777 03
Braintree, January 22, 1913.
WILLIAM A. MCKEAN, OTIS B. OAKMAN, C. FREDERICK TARBOX, Auditors for 1913.
.
20,467 16
.
-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
For the Year ending December 31, 1913
Printed by Order of the Town
BR
MA
TT'S.
1640. SSACI
BEE PRINT BRAINTREE, MASS. 1914
EXPENDITURES OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT, 1913.
-
Appropriations.
Expended.
Credits.
Balances.
Overdrafts
Net Balance.
Salaries
$35,950.00
School Fund
300.00
Dog Tax . 813.41
$37,063.41
36,762.76
300.65
Janitors
4,619.00
4,619.00
3,000.00
3,134.41
198.94
134.41
Repairs, Incidentals
1,200.00
1,226.40
4.10
26.40
Incidentals
1,000.00
1,039.11
22.00
39.11
Fuel
2,500.00
2,678.75
178.75
Transportation
1,700.00
2,010.00
374.80
310.00
Shingling Jonas Perkins School Roof
900.00
900.00
Painting Jonas Perkins and High Schools
800.00
800.00
Noah Torrey School Hall
1,200.00
1,199.78
.22
Total
$53,982.41
$54,370.21
$599.84
$300.87
$688.67
$212.04
1
Text Books and Supplies
. .
154
...
155
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TO THE CITIZENS OF BRAINTREE :---
The annual report of the School Committee for the year ending Dec. 31, 1913, is herewith submitted for your consid- eration :-
The Committee met and organized on March 13, 1913. Mr. H. F. Kneeland was re-elected chairman, and Mr. R. L. Wiggin, clerk.
This year witnessed the retirement from the board of Col. A. C. Drinkwater, after twenty-one years of continuous service. At the final meeting of his term of office, Col. Drink- water spoke regretfully of the necessity which compelled him to decline a re-election, but most appreciatively and feel- ingly of the satisfaction he had derived from the work, and of the pleasure he had experienced through his association with the various members who, with him, composed the board during the years of his incumbency.
At the conclusion of Col. Drinkwater's remarks, each mem- ber expressed his or her regret that Col. Drinkwater was no longer to be identified with the work to which he had devoted so much time, and at the following meeting suitable resolu- tions were adopted which were spread upon the records of the board, fittingly recognizing his counsel and judgment in the Committee room, his interest in the schools and all per- taining to them, and his eminent service to the town.
In the summer a vacation school was inaugurated, the High School building being placed at the disposal of a com- mittee of the Philergians for the purpose. One hundred and fifteen girls from the Grammar and High Schools availed
156
themselves of the opportunity afforded them to take a course in dressmaking or cooking, and, while this number diminished toward the end, sufficient pupils remained throughout to dem- onstrate most conclusively to the committee the need of a course of this kind in the regular curriculum of the schools. This committee, therefore, wishes to again call to the atten- · tion of the citizens of the town, its former recommendation for an appropriation for this purpose, and its strong opinion that a great injustice is being done a large number of pupils in failing to provide for them this form of a practical educa- tion.
The board desires to extend its thanks to the ladies of the Philergians and to those who cooperated with them in making this school the success that it undoubtedly was, and hopes that this beginning, although small in itself, toward intro- ducing the study of industrial arts in the schools, may awaken a wider interest throughout the town, which will so shape pub- lic opinion that this branch of education may soon be regu- larly installed as a part of the school course.
The recommendation of the Committee for a ten-room school building in Precinct 2 has been fully justified, and while now in all the schools the children are fairly comfort- ably accommodated, the town will, nevertheless, soon be con- fronted with the necessity of additional quarters in the South and East Districts. The Noah Torrey School is filled, the kindergarten and first two grades being installed in the Pond School, and sufficient accommodations in some of the upper grades have been provided only by the transfer of pupils to the Hollis School, when the change was possible. The crowded condition at the Jonas Perkins School has been relieved by opening a fifth and sixth grade at the Abraham Lincoln School, but this arrangement can be effective but temporarily, and additional rooms at the Abraham Lincoln or the Jonas Perkins School will have to be provided in the very near fu- ture to care for the increasing needs of this part of the town.
The equipment of the schools in the main is in good con- dition, but the desks in the Jonas Perkins School are dilapi- dated, uncomfortable, and ill-adapted to the requirements of
157
the children in all the grades, and the Committee strongly recommends that for the health and convenience of the pupils, these desks should be replaced with those of modern con- struction.
The teachers in the grade schools, through their Associa- tion, are preferring the request that their maximum salaries be raised from $550.00 to $700.00 a year, justifying this by the greatly increased cost in living, and by instituting compari- sons of salaries paid in Braintree with those of other towns of comparatively the same population.
While this Committee heartily sympathizes with the teachers in their efforts to improve their condition, and to receive that additional remuneration for their services which they undoubtedly richly deserve, it, nevertheless, deems it expedient to leave this matter in the hands of the citizens for their decision without recommendation and without comment.
The board desires to extend to all the citizens of Brain- tree the assurance of its appreciation of their continued sup- port, and recommends the following
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 1914.
Salaries, teachers and superintendent (dog tax and
school fund not included) ! $36,590.00
Janitors
4,619.00
Text-books and supplies 3,000.00
Repairs and incidentals
1,500.00
Incidentals
1,000.00
Fuel
2,700.00
Transportation
1,800.00
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS.
Adjustable seats 1,130.00
Covering steam pipes in Noah Torrey School base-
ment 132.00
158
Kalsomining halls and corridors in Jonas Perkins School 360.00
Floor for Penniman School hall 300.00
Total
$53,131.00
I. WENDELL GAMMONS, A. M. BROOKS,
JAMES E. FOLSOM,
CARRIE F. LORING,
BENJAMIN HAWES,
HERBERT F. KNEELAND, Chairman.
REPORT OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE :-
Herewith is submitted for your approval the report of the superintendent of schools for the year ending Dec. 31, 1913. This report is the twenty-ninth in the reports of the superintendents.
GENERAL.
The year has passed pleasantly. The aim in our work has been to study our resources, problems, and materials to get the most from what we have, to simplify, and intensify the work, and to vitalize all facts that should enter into the life of "Young America" to its advantage in future citizen- ship.
Home gardens have found their places in school work, and are a source of delight, inspiration, and useful knowl- edge to their owners.
Interior decorations of school buildings, improvement of physical conditions surrounding children and schools has been a large part of the year's efforts.
A stereopticon placed in the Jonas Perkins school hall, through the efforts of Mr. Taylor, the principal, has added
159
much to the efficiency of the school in presenting geography, history, travel talks, and current events.
The Noah Torrey School has been presented with a Steinway grand piano by Mr. N. Gleason Torrey, who has been much interested in the school music, and who takes this means of honoring the memory of his father and supplies a real need of the school by this beautiful, practical gift.
There is no better method of perpetuating the memory of relatives, friends or organizations than by placing in the public schools, and devoting to the use of children, instru- ments that create an appreciation of the best in music and art. It is hoped that the schools may become the recipients of victrolas and stereopticons, that these newer adjuncts in the field of education may give their help in developing our children.
The Parents' Association, formed at the Hollis School, is in a flourishing condition, giving every indication of that helpfulness to the schools that is the characteristic of the Braintree parents associations. At the beginning of the fall term new courses of study were placed in the hands of the teachers.
HEALTH.
There have been no long continued or serious epidemics, with the consequent interruption of attendance and loss of time. As emphasized in other reports, the health side of edu- cation is one of the school's most important problems. We cannot do for our children in this line of work what many of the richer cities and towns are doing in the way of school nurses, open air schools, baths, etc., but parents can see that the work of the schools is followed out by the home, and that reported defects are given immediate attention. Organized and supervised play is given a prominent part in our school work, and has done much in conserving the health of the children. Thoughtful care is given to the ventilation of rooms. Calisthenic exercises are given at frequent intervals. All of the schools are equipped with sanitary drinking foun- tains, dustless dusters, and paper towels. Disinfectants are
160
constantly used that the danger from germ infection may be as slight as possible. Through the kind offices of the Friendly Aid Society the District Nurse has been assigned to study the health conditions in the So. Precinct, especially to advise with parents, and to follow up reported cases that are neg- lected.
TEETH AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN HEALTH.
It is during the period of elementary school life that dental service is most valuable, because at that time man is most susceptible to dental caries. Malnutrition, anemia, and kindred symptoms are in the majority of cases due to the poor condition of the teeth. Parents are advised to read the Report of the Fourth International Congress of School Hygiene, published by U. S. Dept. Ed., and note the em- phasis upon this subject.
TEACHERS' RETIREMENT FUND.
Among the 'important provisions of this law, which goes into effect July 1, 1914, are the following: The cost of mem- bership to the teachers is 5% of the salary. This amount is to be deducted from the teachers' salaries each month by the Town Treasurer, and sent to the State Treasurer. All teach- ers entering the service for the first time after July 1, 1914, are subject to this assessment. It is optional with teachers now in the service. Amounts are in all cases limited to a minimum of $35, and a maximum payment of $100 per year. A teacher must be at least sixty years old before retire- ment, and must retire at the age of seventy. The amount paid in by the teachers creates an annuity. The State grants a pen- sion as large as the annuity. No teacher is required to pay over thirty annual assessments, although he may do so to re- ceive a larger retiring allowance. If a teacher leaves the serv- ice, or dies before retiring, the assessments are refunded to him or to his legal heirs with 3% compound interest. This is a wise provision upon the part of the State to keep its teach- ers in service, and to guarantee that their old age shall be passed in comfort and security.
161
LAW RELATIVE TO LABOR OF MINORS.
Under the new law governing the employment of minors, all certificates issued before October 1, 1913, are revoked, and new certificates required. In all cases the applicant must of- fer some one of the following proofs of age: (a) birth certificate (attested transcript) ; (b) baptismal certificate (at- tested transcript) ; (c) passport, attested immigration record (attested transcript), other official or religious record; (d) register of school first attended in the State; (e) authorized physician's certificate. In addition, minors under sixteen years of age must present to the superintendent of schools, or to the person issuing the certificates, a school record, and an Employer's Promise to Employ, signed upon the reverse side, by a physician stating that said minor is physically able to do the work, as described in the Employer's Promise to Employ.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The course in Social Science introduced into the High School is making itself felt in the greater interest of the pu- pils in civic problems and general alertness in questions that pertain to this age. The course emphasizes the efforts that are made to better conditions of living, and directs the study of the students to all agencies that make for good citizenship. The High School through the Department of Science could, and should, identify itself with the pure food interests of the town. At a very slight cost, apparatus could be installed that would enable classes in chemistry to give correct tests for milk, vinegar, food adulterations, detections of poisons, etc. The school could thus be of real service to those members of the community who might desire tests of suspected articles.
In recent years an effort has been made to keep in touch with our graduates. Statistics to date show that our grad- uates are in good positions, and making progress in their chosen work. That the school might be better informed as to graduates an Alumni Association should be formed. The school is always glad to hear from its alumni, and as the work-
162
a-day world has sifted out the real from the unreal in their school studies, criticism of the present strength and weakness of the school course is asked and welcomed.
CIVIC TRAINING.
From the fourth grade through the grades the importance of good laws and their observance is emphasized. The interest of the pupils in the activities of the community is being aroused, and many of the current questions of town improve- ment discussed with the special relation of the schools to that improvement. At the Noah Torrey School a modified form of City School Government, that made such a record for the school under a former principal, Mr. Williams, has been re- established. Carefully handled, and approached in the right spirit, I know of no better method of teaching the functions of government, and the relation of the particular individual to the whole of the governing society.
TEACHERS.
There has been a marked growth in the professional spirit among our teachers. During the year, books relating to special features of their work, have been placed in the differ- ent buildings, reading circles formed, and problems studied. Teachers have been industrious in searching out methods and devices for improving instruction, and arousing interest in their pupils.
CONCLUSION.
A good system of schools depends upon the spirit and determination of the community to have good schools, and to give wisely and well of its resources that this end may be accomplished. That this spirit and determination is well de- veloped in the citizens of Braintree is attested by the char- acter of the schools, and the generosity displayed in their
163
support. The attitude of the community regarding the schools has been clearly and 'forcibly expressed by one of our foremost townsmen. Col. A. C. Drinkwater, who served as a member of this board for twenty-one years :-
"These twenty-one years have been the most satisfactory and pleasing years of my life, and I feel that I should step aside for new timber with new ideas. I feel this to be the most satisfactory time to end my connection with the board, as during my term of service the town has made great educa- tional progress. Suitable buildings have been erected in which I take great pride, and while large sums of money have been expended, I would not take back one dollar of it. The Braintree schools have now a fine outfit, the population of the town is intelligent, and the work of the next few years for this Committee should be better than ever."
It is with deep appreciation that I make acknowledg- ment to the townspeople of this civic pride, and loyal support that has made progress in the schools possible.
For prudent counsel, advice, and timely suggestions, I thank this Committee. I cheerfully acknowledge my obliga- tions to teachers and all connected with me in the school work who have faithfully helped in the performance of the year's duties.
Respectfully submitted, R. L. WIGGIN, Superintendent of Schools.
Braintree, Mass., Jan. 22, 1914.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
Two new teachers were placed in the High School in Sep- tember. This was necessitated by Mr. Wales Andrews going to Newton, Mass., and the death of Miss Ruby L. Tuxbury, in August. The new teachers are Louis Foster and Miss Bertha Eaton.
164
The enrollment has remained constant, 198. This small enrollment is accounted for by the fact of a small entering class from the grammar schools. There are 72 in the present freshmen class.
A decided effort has been made to retain the pupils in school and I am pleased to report an increase of 10% in the upper classes.
A new piano has been placed in the School Hall through the efforts of the Class of 1911, the Class of 1912, Miss Taylor, the music teacher, and the teachers of the school. The Class of 1911 gave $55.00, the Class of 1912 gave $32.00, and by means of a cantata and entertainments given by the teachers, the sum of $168.00 was contributed.
We now owe $150.00, which we hope will be cleared up this coming year, by a liberal contribution from the Class of 1914, and the proceeds of our annual cantata.
It is the earnest desire of the Principal that two hours per week be given to drawing, one day to mechanical and one day to free-hand drawing.
We note a constant increase in the patronage of the lunch counter at the High School. This shows us that the parents appreciate the value of a wholesome, warm lunch for their children.
The spirit of the school is excellent and at this time I desire to thank the teachers for their excellent service, and the School Committee and Superintendent for their co-opera- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
L. PAUL CHAPIN, Principal.
165
1
IN MEMORIAM.
MISS MARGARET E. C. BANNON.
A teacher in the Braintree public schools for fifty years. Beginning to teach at the early age of sixteen, she served faithfully and well the children of two generations
Cheerful under all conditions, conscientious, and devoted to her duty, modest and unassuming in manner, respected and beloved by pupils and friends, loyal to the community, she leaves to all who knew and associated with her the mem- ory of a life well spent, and the record of her time filled with good deeds.
IN MEMORIAM.
MISS RUBY LOUISE TUXBURY.
A teacher in the Braintree High School from Sept. 7, 1912, to May 23, 1913.
Though but a short time with us she impressed all by her earnestness, enthusiasm, and intelligent efforts for the good of her department. Courteous, refined, and inspiring, with the best interests of her pupils as her ideal, she gave herself unsparingly to her work.
166
STATISTICS.
Number of children in town between the ages of 5 and 15, Sept. 1, 1912 1618
Number of children in town between the ages of 5 and 15, Sept. 1, 1913 1736
Number of children in town between the ages of 7 and 14, Sept. 1, 1912 1137
Number of children in town between the ages of 7 and 14, Sept. 1, 1913
1200
Average membership for the year ending June, 1913
1559.02
1450.19
Average attendance for the year ending June, 1913 Per cent. of attendance for the year ending June, 1913 93.00
Per cent. of attendance for the year ending June, 1912 91.3
Average membership for the year 1913
1614.0
Average membership for the fall term ending De- cember, 1913 1716.2
Aggregate enrollment for the year 1913 1849.00
Number of regular teachers, 1913 53
Number special teachers, 1913
3
Number of school buildings in use . 9
Number of school rooms occupied 44
Number of pupils graduating from grammar
schools, June, 1913 89
Number of the above entering the High School ..
72
Total net expenditure for the schools $52,869.00
Expenditure per pupil based upon the average membership, 1913 32.75
Results of eye and ear tests :-
Whole number of pupils examined 1598
Number found defective in vision 152
Number found defective in hearing 16
Number of parents notified .
136
167
TRUANCY.
Number of cases of non-attendance investigated 97
Number parents notified to send pupils to school 92
Number of truants reported 6
Number of children returned to school 5
Number certificates issued to minors between ages 16 to 21 270
Number of certificates issued to minors between ages 14 to 16 39
Number certificates issued to minors, illiterate .. 7
168
MANUAL OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BRAINTREE, MASS., FOR SCHOOL YEAR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 8, 1913.
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 Brain- tree.
James E. Folsom, 49 Mt. Vernon Street.
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, South Braintree, Telephone 273-4.
OFFICE HOURS.
On school days except Thursdays from 8 to 9 a. m., in the Town House. Tel. 57-W.
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEE.
Second Thursday afternoon of each month at two-fifteen o'clock at the Town House, Washington Street, Braintree.
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