USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1926 > Part 11
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The opening of the Noah Torrey Primary Building in April requirdd some readjustments and increase in the teaching force, which with the opening of schools in September was extended still further because of the necessity of continuing to use the three rooms in
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the two portable buildings located on the school grounds. The increased corps of teachers had to be : still further extended to prepare for the enlarged Pen- niman School. When this building is completed it should be much appreciated by teachers and pupils, for the conditions under which school work is being · carried on there this year are most trying, and yet every one seems to be most philosophical and is "mak- ing the best of it".
Three years ago at this time the School Depart- ment entered the Thomas A. Watson School with 257 children, and today there are 356. This building is now somewhat more than well-filled, and next Sep- .tember it is certain to be seriously over-crowded. Some relief in the future might be secured by enlarging the Abraham Lincoln School, but right here we are likely to find the enlarged building needed in three or four years without any thought of the possibility of secur- ing relief for the Thomas A. Watson School. I most . sincerely and earnestly hope that the lesson is learned . and that the Town may profit from now on by its own experiences as it may well do. If it were not for our new High School, and thus making available for grade use the Monatiquot School next September, a serious condition would still exist at the Noah Torrey School, but the relief thus afford should make the conditions quite satisfactory, but still rather too small for any considerable growth which is apt to come. There · seems to be a little appreciation of the growth in our school membership. We closed school in June with a few under 2,500, and in September we had over 2,800 in our schools. The Town was ranked in population as the 58th largest community, including cities, in the State in the last returns of the State Department of Education, but the average membership in our schools "was greater than two cities in the State, and greater
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than four of the towns having a larger population, whereas but one town, Saugus, with a smaller popula- tion had a larger school membership. The problems in connection with the provision of adequate and suit- able accomodations for school children is bound to continually be before you as a consequence of growing, and procrastination is bound to result in the accumu- lation of a demand to satisfy which will create a large financial burden. Something should be done every year to meet the demands made by growth. Braintree is no longer a small town. Of the 316 towns in this State there are but 18 with a larger population accord- ing to the census of 1925, and it is my opinion that several of those 18 would now find themselves with a population smaller than that of Braintree.
The School Committee has clearly stated and ex- plained the financial expenditures and financial re- quirements for 1927, but a consideration of our relative standing in the State may be of interest and value. There are 355 school departments in the State divided in four groups : Group I, being cities; Group II, towns of over 5,000 population maintaining a high school, Gorup III, same tized towns not maintaining a high school; and Group IV, towns of less than 5,000 popu- lation. There are 39 cities in Group I, and Braintree is in Group II, which has 79 towns. Our per pupil costs for the school year of 1924-1925 was $76.20, whereas for the last school year of 1925-1926 is was $76.01, which shows a reduction in per pupil costs of 19 cents, so that it may be seen that although the necessary expenditures for the School Department may be constantly growing much larger annually, yet by effective planning and management we are conducting our schools from a comparative point of view economi- cally. Of the 79 towns in our group, 52 are spending more per pupil, and only 26 are spending less. The
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average expenditure per pupil for Group :: is $6.71 more than it is here in Braintree. During the last school year while the average in Group II increased $2.53, Braintree showed a decrease of 19 cents.
Out of our corps of teachers there were at the close of the school year in June but 11 resignations, but because of "leave of absence" granted and the necessary increase in the number of teachers, it was necessary to secure 20 new teachers, every one of whom has proven herself most effective in her work, and a congenial co-worker in the department, so that. in no way has the fine spirit of the department been lessened in any degree. I doubt if any school system has a finer spirit or better team work than is shown by the teachers in the Town of Braintree. I hope the citizens will in every way possible show their apprecia- tion of the whole-hearted, earnest and conscientious efforts of their teachers to do the most possible for the best interest of the children with the facilities. placed at their disposal.
Respectfully submitted, C. EDWARD FISHER.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
January 3, 1927.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir: Herewith is submitted the report of the High School for the past year.
ATTENDANCE
The following figures on membership for the present year to date may be of interest:
Post Graduates
Boys 3
Girls Total
1
4
Seniors
24
55
79
Juniors
42
66
108
Sophomores
48
59
107
Freshmen
74
63
137
Totals
191
244
435
The total registration, to date, of 435 is twenty- six more than last year. The size of the present eighth grades would indicate a great increase in the number of freshmen for September 1927. In addition to this, the opening of a new building always gives an im- petus to high school education, consequently it is ex- pected that the registration in September, 1927, will be very materially larger than the present number.
Attention is called to two things in the above classification, namely, there are more in the junior class than in the sophomore class, which, as an enter- ing class last year, was the smallest for several years;
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and the freshman boys out-number freshman girls, which is an unusual situation in the average high school today.
Last year's graduating class of sixty-seven was the largest in the history of the school.
The percentage of attendance for the school year 1925-1926 was 95.36. This represents considerable improvement over the previous year. Instead of an average of thirteen days' absence for each pupil, as of a few years ago, those figures for last year mean an average of about eight days for each pupil. It is felt that the bus service established last year has had a considerable part in this improvement. The bus ser- vice extension last September, to include all East Braintree pupils residing at a distance of two miles or more from the school, has had the expected results. The location of the new high school is such as to re- quire some reorganizations in this service when the building is opened, to correspond with the new two- mile limits.
TEACHING FORCE
At the present time there are four new teachers in our teaching force. Only two vacancies occurred last spring due to resignations, however, for two of those who did not return are on leave of absence and will be back in September. One of those is studying in France.
Through the generosity of the voters of the town we have reached the point where we can pay our teachers enough to hold those whom we desire, ex- cept in the case of the unusual offer from larger places. This situation is as it should be, for the teacher
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who is successful here is worth just as much to Brain- tree as to any other community. A greater degree of stability in the teaching force means better quality of the work done as a whole.
EXTRA-CURRICULA ACTIVITIES
Every year it is becoming more and more accepted as a sound educational policy that extra-curricula ac- tivities have an important part in all schools, more especially those of higher grades. Care must be taken that too great emphasis not be put on such activities, and to constantly keep before the pupils the fact that academic work should always come first. When so defined and accepted, there is no question as to the value of such outside activities as aids in the develop- ment of the characteristics which make for good citizenship.
In point of games won by our athletic teams the past year, the seasons have not been over-successful, but from the standpoint of good sportsmanship and physical development of those taking part they have been. Football, class basketball, and baseball for the boys, and basketball and hockey for the girls, have served as an incentive for a larger number of boys and girls than ever to take part in those sports, and the value of any sport is measured not by the number of games won, but by the number of individuals who take an active and beneficial part therein. In my opinion, however, athletics in many places receive too much attention as compared to other activities. Almost every school has its athletic teams. This is as it should be, but it is only one phase in all-round development, therefore it would seem that the boy or girl who help to publish a successful school paper, take part in an interscholastic debate, or present a musical program
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before the public, is deserving of as much praise as one who helps carry out an athletic schedule. In ac- cordance with this idea, therefore, it is hoped that a system can be satisfactorily worked out whereby those who participate in other activities than athletics may receive credit toward the privilege of wearing a school letter.
The school paper, the "Wampatuck", has had its usual successful season. In the past three years it has won the distinction of twice having been judged the best, and once the second-best all-round paper pub- lished by any of the more than twenty schools belong- ing to the Southeastern Massachusetts League of School Publications. For the past two years, we have also won the first place for the best formal essay pub- lished, in each case one of the Commencement parts.
The popularity of the orchestra work has in- creased to such an extent that it is fast becoming necessary to limit the number for lack of room. At. the present time there are about forty boys and girls who are actively interested in the work. They have played on several occasions before outside organiza- tions, including one broadcast from the Houghton and Dutton studio of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company. The new music books recently purchased have added to the interest in the work, and make it possible for the orchestra to give a complete evening's entertainment of selections not too worn. Selections are as far removed as possible from the modern "jazz music", the idea being to give the orchestra members something worth while, and create in the audience a. taste for the better class of music. The importance of this work can hardly be over-estimated. Whenever we see a group of pupils who show such an interest. in, and responsibility toward any undertaking as have
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our orchestra members, we are sure that something worth while has been accomplished, and that the Town of Braintree must be the better for such boys and girls.
The glee club has also done excellent work. Co- operating with the orchestra, they presented last spring a very successful musical program, open to the public, the proceeds of which went into the Musical Instrument Fund.
The Webster Debating Club is continuing its ex- cellent work of past years. Inter-class debates are held before assemblies, and in February and March each year debates are held with other schools. Last year Braintree lost only one out of five debates, the other four being unanimous decisions in Braintree's favor. The training in public speaking, as well as in logic, is of inestimable value to those taking part.
CHANGES IN. CURRICULUM
The only change in the past year was the intro- duction of a course in business training, introduced primarily for those pupils who do not intend to con- tinue high school for more than one or two years. Very little change in curriculum is anticipated for the coming year. It is hoped to introduce a course in Problems of Democracy, open to the seniors. The work under the physical directors will be wholly new so far as the high school is concerned, each pupil re- ceiving two periods a week in the school gymnasium. To provide for this it is probable that some five-period subjects will be cut to four. In order to provide for a definite period for extra-curricula work without taking it from regular classes it is planned to add an axtra period to one day each week. The school day will also be somewhat lengthened.
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NEED OF PARENTS' CO-OPERATION
Nowhere in the whole school life is the lack of teamwork so apparent as between the parents and teachers of high school pupils. It cannot be due to in- difference and lack of interest on the part of the aver- age parents toward their chindren's work. Therefore it must be due to lack of knowledge as the true situa- tion. There is no time in the school life of the pupil when the parents' help is quite so necessary as during the high school period, especially the first year, when the pupil is forced to completely reorganize his plan all his studies during spare periods of the day, he is forced to give a considerable amount of time to home of work. Instead of being able to prepare practically study. This time varies, depending upon the course he is following, but in no case should be less than two hours daily if he hopes to succeed. The average pupil has only one spare period each day, fifty minutes in length, but even in the case of the pupil who has two, totalling one hundred minutes, it can be readily seen that an average of twenty-five minutes spent on each subject would not be sufficient time in which to prepare them well. We have no single pupil in high school who can do all his work in school hours, and the average pupil can not be expected to do even passable work if he devotes less than two hours a day to outside study. The lack of co-operation on the part of parents is no- where more forcefully illustrated than in the failure this year, as of last, to return the authorized signature cards which were mailed to all parents and guardians in September. At the present time about twenty-five per cent of these cards are still missing.
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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Plans are under way to resurrect the former alumni association. With the opening of the new building near at hand there are many things which an active association of graduates could do. It is . hoped and expected that when plans for the associa -- tion are completed and made known to the graduates . there will be a hearty response.
HIGH SCHOOL BANKING
A school savings bank, to be known as the "Brain -- tree High School Savings Bank", will be put into- operation soon after the Christmas vacation. The ob- ject of this project is to encourage thrift among high school pupils and at the same time provide practical experience in savings bank work for those who conduct . the banking. It is planned to conduct this on as practi- cal a basis as possible, so that our pupils may become familiar with the routine of savings banks and inci- dentally acquire the habit of thrift. An advisory committee, consisting of the Superintendent of Schools,. Principal of the High School, and Head of the Com- mercial Department, will have general oversight of the banking, which will be directly supervised by the Head of the Commercial Department. The officers of the bank, selected from the student body, consist of a president, vice presidents, clerk, treasurer, assist- ant treasurers, and board of trustees. Deposits will be made in regular form during specifiec banking hours. Deposits are to be recorded by capable stu- dents, who will be required to prove their work each banking day. Students who do this work receive prac- tical experience that will be of great value to them in their work after graduation. The Braintree High School Savings Bank will provide a safe, convenient,-
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and practical place for the high school students to start to save money. Money thus saved will provide for expenses which will be incurred in the near future, such as graduation, and later on, for college expenses. Many a high school graduate has been deprived of a . college education due to lack of sufficient funds, an obstacle which could have been overcome by banking some of the money he earned during his high school days. It is also equally as important that the rich man's son learn the habit of thrift and foresight which his parents must have had before him. It is hoped that the parents of the high school students will en- courage them to open savings accounts in the high school savings bank.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
During the past year, as in previous years, a num- ber of graduates of the school have been given help either in securing their first positions or in securing promotions. Incidentally, this service, which is in charge of the Commercial Department, has worked to the advantage of many local and Boston firms. Others will find it of advantage to get in touch with the Brain- tree High School Employment Service when in need of either beginners or experienced workers. Our rec- ommendations are conservative, and we believ that we can save business men the expense of trying out several employees in several cases before they secure the right one for the job. The service will increase in value to the town as the patronage of graduates and business men increases.
SCHOOL LIBRARY
Although there are many respects in which the new high school will be an incentive to education, there is no one thing which will be of more advantage or
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offer more opportunities than the library. For some' time the lack of library facilities has been the weakest: spot in our system. Today it is not enough to limit our study in any subject to one or two formal textbooks. There must be at hand a large amount of ready ma- terial on every subject. Only in this way can pupils: be trained in independent thinking and how to get the most from their courses. The Public Library has always been very willing to co-operate with us, and has many times helped us in unusual ways, such as getting books from the Boston City Library for debates,. etc., but there are a large number of pupils who come by bus who have not the time after school to make use of the Public Library facilities, and who could use the: school library in spare periods. One of the finest aims: of education is the development in every student of a real interest in good books, and a knowledge of how to use them to best advantage. This work can only go on properly under the guidance of a trained librarian.
A list of books has been carefully prepared by the' teachers and from a list recommended by the Depart- ment of Education. We can not expect in a single year to reach the standard set by the State of having" at least four volumes for each pupil registered, but a good start can be made, and it is hoped that the item in the budget calling for an appropriation for library books will meet with favorable action at the hands of the Appropriation Committee.
The following quotation from the Journal of the National Education Association emphasizes the need for literary facilities: "In this struggle for universal education the school library is the first point of attack. It lies at the very root of the new pedagogy of indi- vidual differences. It is the heart of any progress of socialized effort and individual responsibility. The
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new curriculum now being forged in a thousand towns and cities cries for tools of learning which shall be as good in their fields as implements of modern industry are in theirs. If the new urge toward education as a life-long project is to become general, the child must develop in the school library attitudes, habits, and knowledge of intellectual resources which will lead him to use public libraries and to build up his own. As the world advances, the will to learn, and the tech- nique of learning are needed more and more by the masses. In proportion as an individual has or lacks the philosphic-scientific attitude toward knowledge and life, he wins in the struggle to make the most of himself."
Respctfully submitted,
JAMES L. JORDAN.
REPORT OF CONTINUATION SHCOOL
January 3, 1927.
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.
The enrollment from the opening of school in September to date is seventy-nine boys. This is an increase over last year, probably due to the fact that Braintree is growing, also competition is becoming so keen in some industries that more minor labor is being used.
Many of the market gardners are increasing their
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business and give employment to many boys from planting time until harvest.
From questioning the boys I find the majority would like to go into building trades. There are very few opportunities in Braintree for a boy under sixteen years of age to learn a trade, or get into a business where there is any definite line of promotion, conse- quently most of the boys are just holding their present jobs until they become sixteen.
In our school shop the work has been much the same as in previous years. During September we built a twelve foot row boat, which interested the boys a great deal. I find that the larger the project, the greater the interest. Many boys made smoking stands, table lamps, and radio cabinets to take home as Christ- mas presents for some member of the family.
The following subjects are taken up in our academic classes, shop mathematics, English, citizen- ship, and Hygiene.
In closing I wish to thank all those who have co- operated with us in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD W. JOHNSON.
REPORT OF CONTINUATION SCHOOL
January 3, 1927.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir: I herewith submit my second annual report for the Girls' Department of the Braintree Con- tinuation School.
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The classes began in September with a total en- rollment of fifty-three girls. The girls have been more regular in attendance than last year, therefore we have been able to accomplish more.
With the assistance of the citizens of Braintree who furnished materials and jars, we were able to double last years canning. This work included jelly, 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 pupils. We have completed simple un -- dergarments, and have drafted patterns for night -. gowns, kimonos, bungalow aprons, and simple cotton dresses. The girls also made and covered with cre -- tonne, boxes for their sewing supplies. At Christmas time we made various attractive gifts which included rompers for the younger brothers and sisters. We are to make silk dresses 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.
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REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
January 3, 1927.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir: I herewith submit my annual report of the art work of the Braintree Schools.
The art training of the public schools is a practical training, touching closely the needs of the community ; it aims to cultivate taste and apply that taste to the homes, the dress, and the business of those it trains.
A mistaken idea is to hold that art is the business only of the artist. As a matter of fact, pri. ciples of art touch every individual and are used more or less consciously by all. The housewife must decorate her home. She may use the principles of decoration well or ill, but use them she must, in the adornment of her house, in her dress, and even in the flowers which she plants in her garden or hangs in her window boxes.
The business man cannot escape from the use of art's principles for a single day. If he would " dress" a shop window, get up a circular, design a letterhead, or arrange a newspaper advertisement, he must con- sciously or unconsciously use the rules which art has devised in design, color and arrangement.
Art is not for "the few". It is for "the many", for the many have to use it. It is not hela that the training of the public schools will produce artists, but it is held that it will raise the standards of taste throughout the community. We cannot have people with high standards without an effect on trade. People who know better things, demand better things. We
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