USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1922 > Part 10
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I feel that we were very fortunate in securing the teach- ers we did, and I hope the good fortune may continue, but I am not at all optimistic about repeating year after year as successfully as I did last year.
The total spent by the School Department during the year was $168,664.17. The Town received on account of its schools, $18,252.84 from the State, $195.11 from the National Government, and $47.52 from miscellaneous sources, making total receipts of $18,495.47. Deducting these receipts leaves $150,168.70 spent on the schools from money raised by taxes. From this last sum should be deducted $5,770.67, which was spent on the Continuation School, leaving $144,398.03 actu- ally spent on our general schools from the money raised by taxes. The following pictures show the distribution of the moneys received and spent by the School Department.
201
Distribution of the Dollar Spent by the School Department for the Continuation School.
Instruction .586
Government
General Control
75
LO
are
Paid by State Reimbursement to the Town 293
.064-
Outlay
* to the
iary
.14
Part
Paid by the State
0
Maintenance
Operation
.08
.06
Town Paid from Taxes 48.3% of the Cost of the Continuation School.
07
Para o Reimburser
A
202
Distribution of the Dollar Spent by the School Department Omitting the Continuation School.
Instruction .70
Gen Control .038
Outlay .012
.034
Auxiliary
.
Maintenance 124.
092
Operating
Town Paid from Taxes 91.8% of the Cost of These Schools
Auxiliary .034
Out General lay Control 012 .038
.124 .. Maintenance
.082
Elementary
High 5
.165
.042
High
.092
Operating
Elementary
Supplies .01
Fuel
.03
Salaries. 038
High .014
Supplies .018 Text Books. 028
Salaries 489
70
Instruction
.535
Elementary
-
Salaries .143
Text Books.008 Supplies .014
.078
the Continuation School.
Distribution of the Dollar Spent by the School Department Omitting
203
204
The State Department of Education collects the statistics from every school system in the State, 355 of them, and ar- ranges the figures into four groups. Group 1., the cities, 38 of them; Group II., towns of more than 5,000 population, 75 of them; Group III., towns of less than 5,000 population, maintaining a high school, 116 of them; and Group IV., towns of less than 5,000 population, not maintaining a high school, 126 of them. Thus it is seen that Braintree is in Group II. The following figures are taken from School Sta- tistics for the school year of 1921-22, and are the latest avail- able. Each town is given a rank in comparison with the oth- ers, the highest being 1. Braintree ranks 25 in population and 24 in valuation; 48 in valuation per pupil, and 57 in expenditure per pupil, with a rank of 24 for its tax rate.
To determine how much is done, we find that our rank of 57 in expenditure per pupil for support is secured by an ex- penditure of $62.94 per pupil for the school year of 1921-22, while the average spent by this group of 75 towns is $73.34 per pupil. This means that 56 towns out of the 75 are pay- ing more per pupil for the support of their schools and only 18 are paying less than Braintree. What is secured is apt to be in proportion to the amount that is paid.
There follows the reports of the Principal of the High School, Attendance Officer, Teachers of the Continuation School, Special Teachers of Music and Drawing, and the School Nurse.
In concluding this report, I wish to assure you that the spirit of our teaching force is excellent and that there is no occasion for doubting the ability to produce results.
To you individually and collectively I wish to express my thanks for the united action and the patience and con- sideration given my recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD FISHER,
Superintendent of Schools.
205
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :- I herewith submit my report for the year 1922.
The close of school last June marked the completion of a fairly successful school year, in spite of the fact that several changes in the teaching force caused the work in some classes to be somewhat broken up. The class of thirty-seven, which graduated, was smaller than the three previous classes, owing . to the fact that this class entered in 1918, at a time when labor was bringing unheard of prices, even for children. Many who ordinarily would have entered High School on the completion of their Grammar School course, went directly to work. Several others who were not fourteen years of age when school opened in September of that year, left as soon as they had attained the age of fourteen, and could get em- ployment certificates.
The present Senior Class is much larger, and should graduate fifty or more. The registration up to the close of school on December 22 had reached a total of three hundred ninety-three, and is divided as follows:
Post Graduates 1
Seniors
56
Juniors 79
Sophomores 110
Freshmen 147
This is about sixty more than the total registration last year, and has brought many problems as to methods of ade- quately taking care of the increased enrollment. Rooms 5A and 8A were used as home rooms at the beginning of school in September. Neither is fitted for such purpose, and 8A was found so unsuitable that chair desks were put into the library, and the home room pupils of 8A were transferred to this room. The library is also used four periods each day for
206
classes, and one period for study, leaving it free only one period each day for the purpose for which it was intended.
Although two additional teachers were secured in Sep- tember to take care of the larger numbers, many of the classes are too large. Some of them contain forty each, and several contain thirty-five. The largest class approved for 'high school instruction, in most cases, is about thirty. In many of the smaller classes it is necessary for other pupils to be present for study periods while recitations are going on. This is not conducive to the best results, considered from either the standpoint of the study pupil or the one who is reciting. The problem is not one of how to find teachers, how- ever, but rather of where to put them, and where to find class- rooms for the pupils. I have not attempted to forecast the registration for next September, but the fact that we have added more than one hundred to our enrollment in the past two years would indicate that we may reasonably expect a substantial increase next year, which will necessitate the use of portables or the two-platoon system.
Much valuable equipment has been added to the school during the past few months, including a considerable amount of scientific apparatus, and a much needed combination safe and filing cabinet for the office. The latter provides a safe and practically fireproof place for the various school funds and the permanent school records. The Commercial Department has been especially well taken care of. We have thirty-two typewriters of three standard makes, a new mimeograph with mimeoscope attachment, a Burroughs tabulating machine, and a Burroughs calculating machine. This Department has four teachers who give full time to commercial subjects, and com- pares favorably with the commercial departments in much larger schools.
Many real improvements have been made in the building. A change in the heating arrangements in the library and lab- oratory last winter changed them from disgracefully cold to comfortably heated rooms. Alterations were also made in 5A and 8A this fall, with some degree of success, but they are still
207
far from comfortable in extremely cold weather. New floors in the corridors, new treads on the stairways, the shingling of the roof, new shades at all windows, the whitening of the basement walls, and the re-tinting in lighter colors, of the classroom walls, have all greatly added to the appearance of the building. These improvements have reflected themselves in increased pride in the school, and a better spirit on the part of the pupils. Electric lights are badly needed in the classrooms, for practically none of them are thus equipped.
Our teaching force has undergone more than the custom- ary change in personnel in the past twelve months. Several resigned during the school year, and others at the close of school in June. At present we have nine teachers who are new to Braintree, two of these being additional to the former force, and the other seven taking the place of those who left in June. If this demoralizing practice is not to continue, some policy must be adopted whereby we can retain the services of satisfactory teachers. A greater degree of stability in our faculty must be maintained before we can expect the best results. On the whole, however, I feel that we are making good progress.
Through the pages of the Town Report I should like to urge, once more, that parents co-operate with us in demanding more regular attendance on the part of their children. The only legitimate excuses for absence are sickness of the pupil or some dire emergency in the home. They should not be allowed to stay out to do errands, go shopping, or for similar reasons. Estimating our average attendance at 93%, this means that the average loss for each pupil is about thirteen days each year. This is a big waste and could be materially reduced if all parents would make sure that each and every case of absence is absolutely unavoidable.
I would like also to urge that parents require more home study on the part of the pupils. The average high school student cannot expect to do good work unless he spends two or three hours daily at home in preparation of the next day's work. The majority of failures in high school can be wholly
208
attributed to the unwillingness of pupils to sacrifice pleasures from day to day in the interest of their school work.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES L. JORDAN,
Principal.
MUSIC TEACHER'S REPORT
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.,
Dear Sir :-
In compliance with your request I present my second report of music in the Braintree schools.
The aim of our music work and a complete plan of the course of study was given in detail in my report for last year.
The primary department in general is doing excellent work. Probably few realize how important is our music work in these lower grades. A large number of the children that enter the first grade are deficient in pitch. Under normal con- ditions it is easy to overcome this defect with short daily indi- vidual drills in about four months. But the older they grow the harder it is to correct this difficulty, and if they go beyond the fourth grade and cannot imitate tones accurately it is almost hopeless because in the higher grades we cannot afford the time for the individual drills that would be needed to train them at that age. Our leaders of vocal music in the public schools all agree that every normal child can learn to sing if he is given sufficient training when very young and that it is merely early neglect when we cannot sing.
In all departments the children's voices are receiving spe- cial attention that we may obtain more beautiful tone in our singing. The most important quality of all child singing is to maintain the habit of using the high flute-like head tone which is at once the charm and the safeguard of children's singing. That no harm shall come to any child's voice through the
209
singing of harsh, strident tones or through other improper uses of his voice is our constant care.
The elementary grades gave several public demonstra- tions of their musical attainments during the past year. Our project in rhythm in the primary and kindergarten was well demonstrated in the form of toy symphonies. The most com- plete was that given by the Hollis School last May. Three operettas of real musical content were presented by inter- mediate and grammar grades, giving them an opportunity to exhibit their attainments in good tone production, part-sing- ing in chorus and duet work, also some solo singing. The pupils studying orchestral instruments under Mr. Lewis also gave several fine performances for one year's work.
There is a steady increase in these classes studying or- chestral instruments, and I regret that Mr. Lewis cannot give Braintree schools more of his time. Through these classes we shall stimulate an interest in the study of orchestral instru- ments and furnish material for school orchestras, which are helpful not only to broaden the pupils' appreciation of music but to promote school spirit and furnish cultural entertain- ment. Three of these pupils have been admitted to the High School orchestra and are doing fine work.
In our High School we have talented pupils who are studying instrumental music under efficient private teachers, and I recommend that we give one credit a year for this out- side study. Generally these students have no intention of entering college and will not need a certain number of credits in academic subjects, and a point a year given for their spe- cial music enables them to continue with their practice and at the same time get the education necessary as the foundation for their special work.
The chorus work in the High School is divided into three groups, as last year, and I wish to make special mention of the Freshmen Chorus, which is making splendid progress in singing octavo music.
We are handicapped in all phases of our work in the grades for the lack of proper equipment. In some schools
210
there are three rooms using the same music books, and if the children kept the books in their desks many odd minutes could profitably be spent in singing and much more could be accom- plished. Then, too, we are badly in need of a supplementary song book in all grammar grades to furnish suitable variety of material. As far as appreciation of music with the phono- graph is concerned, no logical course can be attempted on account of the scant supply of records and reference books for the teachers. Lessons in music appreciation with the phonograph is a vital factor in acquiring a musical education and they give a broader conception of the real scope and mean- ing of music.
In closing I wish to quote one of our educators: "The value of music is simply the value that is in all art, and it is priceless value. It promises to bring to the world moods, broad states of feeling that are aspiring, lofty, pure, un- troubled, unselfish. It promises to bring into education the neglected third dimension, height, in addition to the prevail- ing thickness and breadth; to develop the powers of the indi- vidual so that he will react rightly to the call of far voices that are beyond and above the little world of man. Music holds more power than academic and vocational subjects for the enrichment, purification and uplift of the spirit of man."
I wish to thank the Committee and Superintendent for their prompt support, and principals and teachers for their hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, INGRID E. EKMAN.
211
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir :--
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1922.
The interest in telling something is the motive which in- spires all good drawing. Imaginative drawing or pictorial story-telling, commonly termed illustrative sketching, largely has taken the place of formal geometric and object drawing. Object drawing still exists, but the practical, useful forms learned and memorized, are used to build the illustrative sketch. As the work progresses through the grades the objects and forms must increase in number and must be more care- fully observed and drawn. Most time is spent on this method of representation.
Constructive drawing has its place usually during the winter months. It teaches the necessity of accuracy. Design is not in a class by itself, but finds its place in every drawing lesson. We think of design as harmonious ways of arranging lines and shapes. The same applies to color.
I hope, with the help of the teachers, to make the drawing lessons depend upon other studies. This co-operation will connect drawing with history, geography, arithmetic, etc., making, I believe, a more closely related unit of the courses of study.
Problems for High School pupils of freehand drawing are selected with the view of approaching art through design rather than through drawing. This method builds harmonies, or fine relations, upon Line, Notan (light and dark masses), and Color. Ways of arranging Lines, Masses, and Colors we call "Principles of Composition." We apply these principles to our problems.
Problems for High School pupils of mechanical draw- ing are selected with the view of first, to develop the technical
212
skill of the student, and, second, to train him to visualize and reproduce objects by drawings.
Art work for both teachers and pupils will be more pleas- ing and satisfactory when the High School equipment will be able to provide separate periods for freehand drawing and for mechanical drawing. At present much individual work is necessary, for in each one of the six periods devoted to art are represented both freehand and mechanical drawing pupils from all four years.
In closing I wish to thank the Superintendent and the School Board for their support, and the teachers for their co-operation and willingness in carrying out the lesson plans.
Respectfully submitted,
ATHALIE HOBELL,
Supervisor of Drawing.
-
213
THE CONTINUATION SCHOOL
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree,
Mass.,
Dear Sir :-
I herewith submit my report of the Boys' Department of the Braintree Continuation School beginning September, 1922.
The enrollment to date is 130 boys and 100 girls.
During the summer the walls of the two basement rooms occupied by the Continuation School received a coat of water- proofing which has kept the surface water and moisture from leaking through, a decided improvement over the conditions of last year.
The boys have laid hardwood floors in both rooms, making them warmer and more comfortable to work in, easier to keep clean, and has taken away much of the basement atmosphere.
Besides laying the floors the boys have made many useful articles which are being used in the domestic science depart- ment and other schools in town.
The academic classes resemble somewhat a round table conference, where current events, political questions, and civil government are studied and discussed. Oral English and mathematics are taken up in relation to other subjects and shop problems.
The aim at all times is to make better citizens, and to show the boy or girl that the local, state and federal laws are their servants and not restraints placed on them.
The Boys' Department needs some power machinery : first, a lathe and a combination saw and jointer; in another year I would suggest a power printing press if we are to keep up with the schools of neighboring places.
In visiting the places of employment and the homes of our boys and girls, I find all those interviewed anxious to co- operate with us in our endeavor to make the citizen of tomor- row better than the citizen of today.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD W. JOHNSON.
214
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.,
Dear Sir :-
I herewith submit the annual report of the Girls' Depart- ment of the Braintree Continuation School.
The work began in September, 1922, with a review of the fundamental principles of sewing, and problems in plain sewing, gradually working up to the more complex problems of dressmaking and embroidery.
In our academic work greatest stress has been laid upon the following :
Better English (both written and spoken).
Arithmetic in the Trades.
Hygiene from the Standpoint of Better Health and Sanitation. The Young Citizen at Home and at Work.
I believe that the more individual training given, the better the results obtained; the stronger the personal touch, the more confidence and interest gained from the student ..-
With a well equipped kitchen, we are now looking for- ward to a very practical course in Cooking and Housewifery which will cover the planning, cooking, and serving of well- balanced meals.
The boys have helped considerably in equipping our kitchen with their cabinet making and wood-working.
During the spring months we expect to co-operate with the Braintree Friendly Aid by assisting with the necessary sewing done by the organization.
Respectfully submitted,
GLADYS M. WEBB.
215
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.,
Dear Sir :-
I hereby submit my report as School Nurse for the year of 1922.
Of the nine schools under my supervision, I have made a total of 310 school visits, having made 22,427 individual ex- aminations. I have had to make in connection with them 391 temporary exclusions for the following reasons : parasites of the hair, itch, scarlet fever, measles, ringworm, and impetigo.
In connection with the schools I have also taken eight pupils to the Boston Dispensary for minor operations, such as the removal of tonsils and adenoids, etc.
I have also given 222 treatments at the different schools for cuts, bruises, boils, and other minor injuries.
Once more I would urge that, in the interest of the health of the public school children, a medical examination be made of each and every child, with a written record thereof. These physical record cards passing along with the child from grade to grade would make possible more effective supervision.
In concluding I wish to extend my thanks to the School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools, principals, and the teachers for their splendid co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. BJORKMAN,
School Nurse.
1
216
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
January 2, 1923.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir :-
I hereby submit my report as Attendance Officer for the year ending December 31, 1922.
I have worked in conjunction with the State Board of Labor and Industry, also the Friendly Aid Association and the District Nurse.
I have investigated 886 cases as reported to me and found the pupils absent for the following reasons :-
Sickness 269
Truancy
84
Lack of clothing, shoes, etc.
21
Kept out by parents
106
Found on street and taken to school 53
Left school
7
Non-registration (new pupils placed in school)
14
Found on street and taken home
41
Left town
21
Employment cards
27
Tardy
56
Factories and stores visited
41
Found at home and taken to school
69
Department of Immigration cases investigated
2
Destroying and loss of school property 5
Disturbances at school and on streets
10
Home employment cards granted
6
Taken to court
0
Sent to Wrentham School
0
Reported to Friendly Aid 14
Reported to District Nurse 9
Boys placed under my charge by parents 16
From farm to schools (under 14 years) 15
217
I have investigated all cases of the schools, including the Continuation School and High School, in the interest of par- ents, superintendent of schools, and at all times having in mind the welfare of the Town in general.
Respectfully submitted. C. S. HANNAFORD, Attendance Officer.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL
Town Hall, Wednesday Evening, June 21, 1922, at 8 p.m. Order of Exercises
1. March
2. Song-"The Forest Dance" School Chorus
Targett
3. Salutatory Essay-"America's Foreign Trade" Robert Porter
4. Essay-"The Story of Braintree"' Mary Branley
5. Essay-"'The Meaning of Community Service" Miriam Thompson
6. Song-"White Butterflies"' Lang
Girls' Glee Chorus
7. Essay-"Methods of Communication from Early Days" Annie MacKenzie
8. Presentation of Class Gift
Edward Blewett
Acceptance by Gerald Cleary, Junior Class President
9. Essay-"A Plea for a College Education" Elizabeth Ryan
10. Award of Scholarship Prizes Mr. Elmer E. Abercrombie Chairman of Trustees of Braintree School Fund
11. Song-"Forget-Me-Not"' Th. Giese
School Chorus
-
218
12. Presentation of Philergian Essay Prize Mrs. Elsie Y. Woodsum, President of Philergians
13. Valedictory Essay-"Training for Citizenship" Dorothy Eldridge
14. Address to Graduates, and Presentation of French Medals and Diplomas Rev. Harry Grimes
15. Class Song-Music by Doris Oliver, words by Mary Branley and Franklin Young
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Dorothy Albertena Eldridge Robert Porter
Margaret Mae Heaney Alice Edith Johnson
Mary Margaret MacNeil
Harrison Chandler Macomber
Mary Madelin Branley
Martha Alexander Mallon
Annie Mackenzie
Clifford George Marshman Margaret Rita McGrath Gertrude Irene McGuinness
Edward York Blewett
Myrtle Kendrick Brown
Edward Dugan Cahill
Muriel Frost Nolte Doris Muriel Oliver
Emma Agnes Reardon
Edna Elizabeth Smith
Katharine Spring Wallace Bruce Strathdee
Walter Edward Erwin
Kathryn Elizabeth Sullivan
Lois Penniman Vinton
Franklin Stokehill Young
Vera Mary Hall
Florence Teresa Hickey
Beatrice Rita Hennebury
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