USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1925 > Part 9
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can merely say here that the facts are true, and, fur- therfore, the regular classes have improvd also because of the work of these special teachers. I am sure there is no teacher or group of teachers but what would wel- come the day when every building could have its spe- cial teacher instead of as now having the special teach- er's time divided between two or three buildings.
Regular attendance of pupils has improved to con- siderable degree, and this in no small measure, espe- cially in the High School, is due to the extension and improvement of transportation facilities which have proven most satisfactory. Improved regularity of at- tendance must necessarily cause improvement in the school work done.
All of our schools, except the South and South West, now have electric lights which also means im- proved school work, for previously there were many days when rooms were so dark that it made impossible the regular school work being done, not only in quan- tity but as well in quality.
The Dential Clinic as cnducted by the Friendly Aid Association is another factor which must have an influence for better health and comfort and their in- fluence is great. How can a child study with a tooth- ache? Prevention is better than cure, and if in the first five or six years of public school life a child can be taught through this clinic and his school work, to
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take care of his teeth and prevent decay by cleaning, a valuable lesson has been taught. I believe little ap- preciation of the magnitude of the work being done is known. During the school year of 1924-25 there were 1186 children given attention, 692 cleanings, 272 ex- tractions, 608 fillings, and 4 abscesses treated.
The departmnet had but twelve resignations which is the smallest number we have ever had: one from the continuation school, two from the high school, and nine from the grades of which four were because of marriage, and one for the purpose of returning to nor- mal school for further study and professional advance- ment. Many of our teachers are pursuing their studies at various educational institutions on Saturdays, during the summer, and at other times, as well as by univer- sity extension courses. This indicates a high degree of professional spirit and pride among our teachers which must have its effect on the quality and quantity of work done in our schools. Many of our teachers are working for degrees and even advanced degrees and some have already obtained them.
Because of the introduction of special work for re- tarded children and the growth in the system, although we had but twelve resignations, the department was under the necessity of selecting eighteen new teachers, all of whom have most effectively taken up their work with us.
A careful study of the years of service in this town, and of years of experience in teaching is sug- gestive of an exceptionally high degree of ability in our teaching force as a whole and is, I believe, a rather noticeable fact because of its being so much better than is found in most communities. Over 47% of our teachers have taught in this town more than three years with an average term of over 12 years, and al-
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most 88% of our teachers have had more than three years of experience with an average of 12 years of experience. Ten of the 18 teachers new to our force this year came to us from teaching positions outside of this State which is a most desirable condition, for it means introduction of ideas from other states and no "in breeding." These conditions mean that stag- nation is less likely to exist, and the dangers of a self- satisfied attitude will be avoided.
The innovation of evening classes for dressmaking and millinery was started this fall, and the enrolment for this work was way in excess of my expectations. It was necessary to organize nine classes instead of four as was planned. There are six dressmaking classes : three classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights being conducted in the one room portable at the High School, and three classes Wednesday, Thurs- day and Friday afternoons being conducted in the con- tinuation school room, which is in the basement of the Hollis Schol. There are three millinary classes, Tues- day afternoon, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings being conducted in the one room portable at the High School.
The action of the Town at the last annual town meeting in taking favorable action relative to the build- ing of a new grade school building and a high school building makes the future look much brighter, for these buildings will make possible much more effective work, as the unreasonably large classes can be avoided, especially when the Monatiquot School becomes avail- able for grade use. A high school building is surely much needed, and will undoubtedly be the cause of many a boy and girl deciding to continue his or her education through the secondary school period. The grade school building is fast nearing completion and plans are made to make use of it as soon as it may be ready.
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According to the statistical report of the State Department of Education, Braintree ranks 258 in its expenditure per pupil of $76.20. Since there are 355 school systems in the State one sees from this that there are but 97 systems paying less per pupil than Braintree. In our group of Towns, numbering 74, we rank 44 in our expenditure per pupil, and the average for all the towns in this group is $80.19 against our $76.20.
House Bill Number 103 before the Legislature at this session is something which should be called to your attention, for its passage will necessitate serious consideration and some action by the Town. This bill, briefly stated, substitutes half time school attendance for those boys and girls who now are obliged to at- tend the continuation school four hours a week.
In concluding this report I would call your at- tention to the customary reports following and express my appreciation for your hearty support. The teachers of Braintree should receive in great measure whatever of credit there may be for the creditable work in our schools, and I wish to publicly extend to every one in the School Department my most sincere appreciation of the fine spirit shown and the hearty good will existing.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD FISHER.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
January 2, 1926. Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir : Herewith is submitted the High School re- port for the year 1925.
Our registration to date for the present school year is 409. It is divided as follows:
Post-Graduates 3
Seniors 75
Juniors 86
Sophomores 122
Freshmen 123
Attention is called to a few interesting points in this registration. The sophomore class is practically equal in numbers to the freshman class, which is small- er than for several years, due to the small number of eighth ggrade graduates last June. The senior class is the largest in the history of the school, as is the above- mentioned sophomore class, while the junior class is slightly smaller than last year. Last June's graduating class of 61 was greater by ten than the previous one. Present eighth grade conditions would indicate a marked increase i in the total registration next September.
The attendance to date has been very satisfactory. For the school year of 1924-1925 the percentage of attendance was exactly 94%. For the first four months of the present year it is 96.7%. No doubt several factors enter into this increase, but I feel that it is due
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in a large measure to the new transportation system which went into effect in September, whereby pupils living at a distance of two miles or more receive free transportation for all or a part of the distance. At the present time about eighty pupils are being carried in Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway busses, and about fifty more by trolley. I woud recommend that a third bus be provided for the trolley pupils as soon as possible. Not only would it give better service, but would, I believe, be more economical for the town.
During the past year our teaching force has un- dergone less change than for several years. Two teachers only resigned at the close of school in June. One additionl teacher was hired for this year. This was occasioned by the marked change from the com- mercial course to the college preparatory course. I am glad to report that several of our high scrool teach- ers are taking afternoon, evening, or Saturday courses for teachers in the various institutions in Boston.
Last May we received from the secretary of the New England College Certificate Board notice that we had been placed, for a period of two years, on the list of high schools fully approved for entrance to the colleges represented on that Board. Previous to that time we had had for several years the so-called "Spec- imen Privilege", whereby we were allowed to send pupils on trial, and the recent action whereby we re- ceived classification on the approval list came as a re- sult of the work of the pupils who have been sent from Braintree High School during the specimen pri- vilege period.
Within the past few months a considerable num- ber of very useful and valuable reference books have been added to the school equipment, particularly along the lines of science and history. Since our library has
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to be used five of the six periods of the day for class- es and for a home room, it has been thought desirable to place these books in the class rooms where they are most used, rather than in the library. Recently the long-desired set of New International Encyclopedias has been purchased. This set of twenty-five volumes is thoroughly up to date, and is sure to prove a most useful part of our equipment, particularly for the work in the English classes.
The installation of lights in the corridors and all classrooms has met a long-felt want and is much ap- preciated by both teachers and pupils. The building as a whole is in good condition, but the grounds are in need of attention. The driveway is badly in need of grading. It would greatly improve the surroundings if the vacant lot in the rear could be cleared of bushes and rocks. The space between the main building and the portable should be raised so that water will not stay there after a rain. Conditions are especially bad there in the winter, when the ground is frozen and water cannot soak in, for at that time puddles form to a depth of several inches.
Our athletics continue to occupy their proper po- sition among the school activities,-namely a useful part of our extra-curricula work. In spite of the al- most universal complaint that athletics are over-empha- sized among the schools and colleges, I feel that we can truthfully say that such is not the situation in Braintree High School, for although they are recog- nized as worth while, yet they are only justifiable so long as they are second to academic work. Strict eli- gibility rules are maintained as one requirement for participation in athletics. This applies to both boys' and girls' teams. Our baseball team last spring had a very successful season. The football team, made up of practically all new material, lost most of its games,
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yet was a success in spite of its defeats. There is to be no school basketball team for the boys this winter, but an extended class series will be played, thus giv- ing a greater number of boys the benefit of the sport. The girls will have class teams, and in addition a school team which will play through a limited schedule. For. the first time in the history of the school the girls had a field hockey team during the fall and made a very good showing.
Among other extra-curricula activities debating has rightly won a prominent place and is rapidly be- coming very popular. Two of a series of debates have been held and others have been planned. Arrange- ments are being made for debates with other schools, as well as among the members of the debating club.
The orchestra has awakened considerable interest among the pupils. There are today about thirty ac- tively engaged in this work. Since the opening of school in September a bass viol has been purchased for the school from the Musical Instrument Fund, the. amount to be repaid later by the school. This has. added much to the pleasing effect of the orchestra. During the past year they have played at various pub- lic gatherings and have attracted much favorable comment.
The school paper has been improved and enlarged: upon. The four regular issues each year give oppor- tunity not only for literary expression on the part of the pupils, but also for exercise of business ability and management in financing the paper. It is among the very best which we have had the opportunity to examine.
I have at various times called attention to the need of regularity of attendance, and the importance. of home study, but I believe I am justified in again.
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calling attention to these two points. No pupil can be expected to do good work in high school without the expenditure of a considerable amount of time upon his school work outside of school hours, and a definite pe- riod of the day should be set aside for study. In con- nection with regularity of attendance I wish to express by belief that the no-school signal should not be oper- ative so far as the high school is concerned. We need all the time allowed by the regular school year in or- der to accomplish our work with any degree of satis- faction. Of course there will be days, so stormy, on which it is best for pupils living at a distance from the school and from any transportation line to remain at home. The decision in such a case, in my opinion, should be in the hands of the parents. All pupils, however, should be equipped with proper clothing; such as rain coats, umbrellas, rubber boots, rubbers, overshoes, ect. so that they can attend in ordinarily stormy weather without danger of getting wet and having to sit in that condition for several hours. A single day's interruption in the work, particularly in the middle of the week, is a big handicap. Moreover, it is costing in teachers' salaries and other operating expenses a considerable amount each day, regardless of whether schools are open or not, and the town is entitled to get some return for every dollar spent. Even on the most stormy days, when considerable numbers of pupils might be kept at home by their parents, val- uable work can be done with the smaller classes, es- pecially in the nature of review and individual help for the pupils who may be having difficulties.
It has been pointed out in previous reports that we do not always get from parents the co-operation which we have the right to expect. An example of this is shown by the following: Early in the school year special notices relative to the time of issuance of
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report cards, need for home study, etc., were sent to all parents and guardians of high school pupils. One of the cards required a signature, and to insure their return a self-addressed and stamped envelope was inclosed. In spite of this, and although only a negligi -- ble amount of time would be required in which to sign, seal and post the card, many parents failed to return them, and to date, even after a second request was sent through the pupils, over twenty of these cards are still missing. Failures are bound to occur in many occasions, for not all who enter high school are fitted to succeed, but parents can help us materially in de- creasing the number of failures by co-operating with us in seeing that their children attend school regularly and do their home work promptly. Personal visits on the part of the parents are always welcome, and are solicited. Many times we can give information first. hand much better than through the regular reports, and it is also true that the parents can give us infor- mation about their children which is valuable in help- ing us to a proper understanding of our pupils, their- needs and capabilities. Conferences between class -. room teachers and parents are always worth while.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES L. JORDAN.
REPORT OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL
January 2, 1926.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass.
Dear Sir: I herewith submit my fourth annual report of the Boys' Department of the Braintree Con -- tinuation School.
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The enrolment. to date beginning September 9, 1925, is 56. This is the smallest enrolment I have had in the past four years.
The continuation school enrolment reflects the bus- iness conditions in the local industries, the falling off in the enrolment has been caused by fewer locally employed non-resident minors, while the register shows an increase in the employmnt of local minors.
In woodworking we have made many radio cab- inets, repaired and refinished many pieces of furniture for outside customers.
Part of each school day is spent in the discussion of live topics of the day, personal hygene, and civics. Our aim is to make better, happier, and more resource- ful citizens of the boys and girls who do not complete a high school education.
Respectfully Submitted,
RICHARD W. JOHNSON.
REPORT OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL
January 2, 1926.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools Braintree Masssachusetts.
Dear Sir : I herewith submit my report for the Girls' Department of the Braintree Continuation School ..
The classes began in September with a total en- rolment of 72. The girls, for the most part, are re- gular in attendance and seem interested in the work and eager to learn.
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With the assistance of the citizens of Braintree who furnished material and jars, we were able to do a great deal of canning. This work included jelley, conserves, relishes, and grape juice, as well as the whole fruits and vegetables. Other work in cooking comprises the planning and cooking of practical meals which are served to the Hollis School teachers at cost.
The work in sewing is practical and suited to the needs of the girls. We have completed simple un- dergarments and have drafted patterns for nightgowns kimonos, bungalow aprons, and simple cotton dresses. At Christmas time we made various attractive Christ- mas gifts, which included ribbon flowers. We are to make satin hats in the spring.
In the academic work we study English, Hygiene, and Civics in order to lay a foundation for healthier homes and happy, thrifty citizens. The entire work is of a most practical, directly useful and general im- provement nature.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH P. COBB.
REPORT OF ART INSTRUCTER .
January 2, 1926.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir : I herewith submit my annual report of the art work in the Braintree Schools.
In my report last year I called attention to the new sets of graded art books, for the use of the teach- ers, that illustrated and explained the problems to be taught during the year.
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This year there has been prepared and we are using a more complete and careful outline, or course of study, to go with these books. It covers the work from the beginning of school in September through the close of school in June. In it is given the month, les- son, (one or two as it may be) the correct drawing book, the page on which to find the problem, and material needed. Two lessons are planned for each week in all grades. This has been a great help in keeping the same grades, though in defferent parts of the town, working on similar lessons. Also there is the opportunity for the teachers to glance at the ad- vance lesson. I wish it were more convenient to fur- ther explain these outlines at meetings, especially for the help it might give.
There has been much interest shown this year for the Christmas work. New and different problems have been suggested. They were useful as well as artistic.
I wish to thank the teachers for their help and interest in my work at this Christmas season. Much time and thought must have been needed to complete the work, as the school time was so short between the Thanksgiving and Christmas hoidays.
At the High School we are using two new free- hand drawing books. One for first and second year pupils, the other for advance pupils. The problems are arranged in groups, they progress, are well illus- trated, and the text is very clear and concise. I think the Freshmen show their appreciation and have re- sponded more quickly than in other years to the ne- cessity of direct, accurate, and carefully planned papers.
The use of these books by part of the drawing class allows me more time and attention for the me-
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chanical drawing: The beginners needing the most help. A text book woud be most convenient, but I have not yet found one exactly suitable for our class room use. Usually the probems with dimensions are placed on the blackboard for the pupils to copy. Later they must work out part of a problem alone, then they work from a perspective view, next the most skillful may use the special sets of mechanical darawing in- struments. These sets are new this year and the de- sire to use them has inspired more than one paper to "go over the top."
Gradually I wish to get more art in our lessons. Drawing seems to end with the training of the eye and hand, while art includes taste originality, con- structive ability, and an understanding of color and design. An understanding of the principles of good taste is needed by everyone. Our future town officials need their taste developed if they are to spend our money wisely. An interior painter whose eye for color is untrained can spoil a house.
dressmaker without taste can spoil a dress. A man- A buyer without taste can spoil a business. A ufacturer that turns out goods without well bal- anced design cannot hope to compete with Europe (where art is considered as a foundation for all work) in selilng them. Art must have a place in every life., a part in every piece of work.
In closing my report, I thank all the members of the School Department for their helpful co-operation in making my work most pleasant.
Respectfully submitted
ATHALIE HOBELL.
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REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
January 2, 1926.
Mr C. Edward Fisher, Superintendant of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir: The standard of music developed in the department of instrumental music has attained a degree of progress well in advance of last year.
This is due in no small measure to the recognition and impetus given the work of both vocal and instru- mental music in the Public Exhibition and Concert by the various schools in the Town Hall last year during Education Week.
The proceeds derived therefrom, together with several donations from public-spirited individuals in- terested in instrumental music in our schools, enable many pupils to avail themselves of various musical in- struments necessary to the personnel of the orchestra.
Each school now possesses a school orchestra, in in addition to the classes of beginners and advanced players. To learn, know, and love the best in good music is a means whereby the child is enabled through his own ability and performance to reach the goal and ultimate aim of musical education-"The Appreciation of Music." To this end his own efforts and educational advantages serve not only as a pleasure for himself alone, but as a credit and asset among those with whom he is socially surrounded and a source of pride in his community.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks and grateful appreciation to the principals and teachers to whom
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much is due for their especial interest and sympathetic efforts in making the results of this department a success.
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Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK W. J. LEWIS.
REPORT OF VOCAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
January 2, 1926. Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir: I herewith submit my annual report of vo- cal music in the Braintree Schools.
Music is a vital need in the educational system of today. In this age with its slogans of efficiency and salesmanship ideas, marked by an imposing sign of the dollar and its huge pile of profits, a strong force is needed to lift the baleful influence of mere comercial- ism and the sordid effects of the industrial common- place, and to stimulate a greater reverence for, and a contemplation of, the moral and spiritual influence of life.
Therefore the schools train not only for efficiency but for a liberal culture as well, the means for awaken- ing and ministering to all the higher instincts.
Music is one of the chief educational factors in developing spiritual qualities, the best medium for awakening and developing emotions to a keener sense of beauty. "Man cannot live by bread alone." Beauty is as essential to living as bread, and we need the in- spiring uplifting influence of beautiful music to save us from death in the dust and din of trade.
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Good singing during childhood constitutes the best possible foundation for any future music study in which either the amateur or professional musician may en- gage. Singing is the natural heritage of childhood, and the human voice is the universal musical instru- ment and my experience teaches me by daily observa- tion that nearly one hundred percent of the children in normal physical condition can eventually enjoy sing- ing. And right here I wish to mention the splendid results of the kindergarten and first grade teachers in training the non-singing pupils. In many of the first grade classes every child could sing correctly in concert as early as November.
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