USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1929 > Part 7
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Mrs. Emily Lawley, for the past eight years the effi- cient Secretary of this Department and its Superintendent, has also resigned. We shall long remember the faithful, tactful and cheerful manner in which she fulfilled those many perplexing duties which appertain to this position.
The reports of the Superintendent and heads of the departments have been accepted by the School Committee and form a component part of its report. Their problems, as well as ours, are your problems. We greatly appreciate the esprit de corps of our Superintendent, Principals, and Teachers. In conclusion, the Committee wishes to extend to the citizens its hearty thanks for their support and co-operation in its projects.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH B. WOODSUM, Chairman. ALIDA N. STEVENS, Recording Secretary. HENRY D. HIGGINS. DR. FRANKLIN H. MERRIAM. HARRIET B. W. KIMBALL. C. FREDERICK TARBOX.
School Committee.
119 REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
January 2, 1930.
To the School Committee:
I present, herewith, as Superintendent of Schools, my ninth annual report of the School Department.
With the opening of schools in September it was found necessary to increase the corps of teachers by secur- ing the services of three more than we had in the previous school year. We now have 122 teachers, of whom 23 are teaching here for the first time.
The addition to the Abraham Lincoln School is near- ing completion, and with its use some relief to the over- crowded conditions existing in the Watson School will be secured, but not sufficient. It will undoubtedly be neces- sary to place the two-room portable now located on the Monatiquot School grounds on the Watson School grounds to meet the requirements.
The Highlands School, available for use next Septem- ber, will give relief to the Noah Torrey, Pond, and Mona- tiquot Schools, thus offering an opportunity for the trans- fer of a few children from the Hollis School to relieve some of the rooms there, where there are at present too many children to allow the best work to be done.
It would seem wise at this time to present for con- sideration a possible program of future development of this department that economical and effective action may be taken to avoid some of the errors other rapidly growing communities have made, and which are now seen and ap- preciated by them. There are no new questions to us, it is true, as we have for several years been attempting to crystallize definite plans and continually moving forward in meeting situations as they arose with the thought that later on it would be advisable and even necessary to re- organize our school system into a 6-3-3 plan-that is, the construction of Junior High Schools. The necessity for action toward this end has come, however, a few years
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sooner than was expected. There are many factors tend- ing to hasten, beyond any expectation, the rapid growth of the Town, not the least of which are favorable action on a sewerage system, the extension to the south from Boston of rapid transit facilities with the inevitable south- ward trend of population, and Braintree's geographical location in its path. There is undoubtedly plenty of chance for differences of opinion as to how rapid this growth may be, but there cannot possibly be a question but what there is to be growth, and probably more rapid in the next ten years than in the last ten years.
Of the 79 towns in this state with a population of over 5,000, 38 have their school systems organized on a 6-3-3 plan, and of the 39 cities 21 are thus organized. This organization provides for more effective grouping of chil- dren for every activity, and is quite generally recognized as admitting of a more economical and effective building program for meeting the needs in a rapidly growing com- munity.
A large number of small school buildings is much less desirable in every way than a small number of large units, but these units should be so located in a community that there may be the largest possible area of the town accom- modated without introducing the undesirable, from every point of view, necessity of providing transportation. For any municipality with a population of less than one hun- dred thousand to maintain more than one Senior High School is in general a most questionable policy.
The selection of sites for the location of school build- ings is most important if there is any thought given to a consideration of tax rates in years to come-not neces- sarily next year, but ten years from now. If the public would give less attention to the tax rate next year or the year after, and more attention to the rate ten, fifteen or twenty years from now, much more desirable and favor- able conditions would exist in every department, facility and activity of our municipalities. In Braintree it is pos-
121
sible to select today three sites for the construction of three Junior High Schools without occasioning, at any time in the future, the necessity of providing transportation to these schools, provided sufficient area-at least ten acres -for the site is secured, to allow for expansion. In the construction of the building much time, thought, and care should be exercised to so plan that additions may con- veniently and economically be made while schools are in session, and even go so far as to lay out on paper a group of buildings with a central heating plant not under the roof of any educational unit. There should be, too, the lay-out of the grounds for physical training, athletic exhi- bitions, competitive sports and recreational activities, thus providing opportunities tending to give training in the direction of solving the vital problem, it seems likely, of the future, and even perhaps of the day-namely, the effective and proper use of leisure time, of which there is every indication that future generations will have more, and wise use will have to be made of it if the nation is to prosper.
It may be that it should previously have been stated just who the pupils are who would be housed in these three Junior High Schools-one located in East Braintree, one in Braintree, and one in South Braintree. These build- ings would have enrolled the pupils of the present seventh and eighth grades and present freshmen of the High School. The present seventh and eighth grades constitute almost 20% of our grade school enrollment, and it may therefore be seen that this proposed reorganization would increase the effectiveness of our present grade school accommodations nearly 25%. Since practically one-third of the High School membership is made up of freshmen, by placing these pupils in Junior High Schools the effec- tiveness of our High School accommodations is increased nearly 50%. If this proposed plan is not carried out the town is faced with the necessity of continually building additions to all of its present buildings and of constructing
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addtional units, and also of adding to its present High School. An examination of the High School Principal's report which follows shows the undesirable, if not even crowded, conditions which will exist next September. An examination of our present membership in the various grades shows a serious situation facing us in the following year in the way of maintaining a standard of conditions under which to work which is at all favorable to maintain- ing the scholastic attainments which I believe this com- munity desires, and at the present time has in its High School.
The building of additions is extremely expensive, an- noying, and not usually in any way to be chosen except of necessity, for, considering the facilities provided, a sepa- rate building is cheaper, but operating costs, in fact prac- tically all cost distributions, are increased beyond normal or reasonable figures. We are in practically every case, however, forced to adopt the policy of constructing addi- tions because of the limited area of our school sites pro- hibiting the construction of a wholly near and large unit and then tearing down the old. As time goes on the com- munity will ultimately appreciate, I believe, that this will be the best policy, everything considered, and if for no other reason than that alone an increase in the size of our school sites is desirable. Another reason for increasing the size of most of our school sites is the desirability of adequate playground areas about school houses which is recognized by all authorities as an asset in any com- munity to the welfare of the present and future gen- erations. It is not at all likely that as time goes on these areas adjoining school sites can be secured for less money than at present. Relative to school sites, Charles J. Storey of the Russell Sage Foundation says: "An authoritative standard is five acres for elementary, ten for Junior High, and twenty acres for High Schools."
As this community grows, additional elementary school sites will be required in the future, and one will be soon
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and even almost is required now. The one which it now would seem to be first to be likely to be required is in the neighborhood of the so-called Drinkwater development. Two years ago the School Sites Committee had a site the purchase of which it recommended, but favorable action was not taken. Securing of that site, which was an ex- cellent one, now would require the taking of houses which have been constructed, and in addition the value of the land has increased. Postponing the purchase will an- nually, in all probability, further increase the cost of a site and it would seem to be a wise policy to now, as fast as possible, secure those additional school sites for the convenience of school populations for many years to come. The first cost of these sites would not only now be very much less than the probable cost in years to come, but there is also now the opportunity to secure those sites, which would accommodate the largest possible area of the town without the possibility of the unnecessary increase in number of sites with small units for buildings, but we could so plan it as to have the minimum number of units possible, and avoid all transportation to our elementary and Junior High Schools. The interest on the town's in- vestment and the loss in taxes received from these pur- chases by the town would more than be offset by the in- crease in the value of these so as to show a net saving by a purchase now, even if they were not used for twenty years.
As to courses of study for Junior High Schools, they should be that which the public wants and at the same time for which it feels willing to pay. When a community has a population of 20,000 or more, and we will soon have that, it is necessary to have manual training and house- hold arts, but as to whether it cares to go into the devel- opment of a more or less extensive program of pre-voca- tional and trade training remains to be determined. In my opinion the time will come when the public will want it and be willing to pay for it, and at that time will be ap-
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preciated the wisdom of having adequate areas in Junior High School sites and a central heating plant so that it will be practical, convenient and economical to have a group of educational units on each'Junior High School site. Until that time comes the course of study need not be essentially different from the academic course that exists today.
For some time to come it is undoubtedly true that it would be cheaper to pay tuition, as is done at present, for those pupils who want that kind of work and have them go to those schools in our neighboring communities where such courses are given.
Last June, upon request of the School Committee, per- mission was granted by the State Department of Educa- tion to discontinue our Continuation School as the number of boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 16 employed in the town had been less than 200 in each of the two pre- ceding calendar years. If at any time in the future we should find ourselves up to the 200 mark again it will be necessary to re-establish this school.
All of our schools except the small ones are now equipped with electric master clocks and secondaries in all rooms except the Jones Perkins School, and I would most strongly urge that this building be so equipped this sum- mer.
We have tried to have grass plots about our school grounds, but it is impossible to keep them looking well without a curbing to keep autos off them. This is es- pecially true of our High School grounds. There is a tri- angular plot of land south of the grounds and on Wynot road, belonging to the school, which could and should be made into a parking space, and this would not only be a great convenience but would also do much to assist in keeping our driveways from gradually working out into our lawn.
The work of our schools is good, I believe, in every re- spect, and I hope we may be able another year to make it
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better. Many of our teachers are this year burdened with too large classes to allow children to do the best work. A teacher with 49 first-grade children can not possibly ac- complish with those children what the teacher with a group of thirty can accomplish. It would seem that next September, with the Highlands School and the Abraham Lincoln School addition, that we could in many instances get most of our classes down to reasonable figures, but I have seen before similar situations and it almost always seems to be that the growth in our membership uses up immediately our increased facilities. It seems as though we must constantly keep increasing our facilities if we are to satisfactorily meet the demands made by our growth.
I would call your attention to the reports and tables following for details in regard to the various activities of the department.
Respectfully submitted, C. EDWARD FISHER.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
January 1, 1930.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Brain- tree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
Herewith is submitted the report of the High School for the year 1929 :
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
The figures on membership and attendance for the school year 1928-1929 were as follows:
Total Membership
591
Average Membership 533
Percentage of Attendance .93.29
Last year's graduating class of 83 was 11 smaller than that of the previous year. This decrease of 11 pupils is accounted for by the fact that the class was the smallest for several years when it entered from the grammar schools. The entering class last September was approxi- mately the same as the previous year, but the usual in- flux of pupils moving into Braintree during the summer vacation resulted in an increase of 34 pupils over the cor- responding time last year.
Below are the figures on registration for the present year :
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
1
5
6
Seniors
58
52
110
Juniors
67
74
141
Sophomores
90
74
164
Freshmen
102
95
197
Totals
318
300
618
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The above figures show a difference in favor of the boys in three of the four regular classes. The larger number of boys in the Senior Class presents a situation seldom found in this size high school.
Figures for the three lower classes together with the present eighth grade membership of 229 indicates that the building will be practically full in September, 1930, and on the following year serious over-crowding will un- doubtedly be experienced. Next year's program is al- ready presenting certain difficulties of arrangements, with the probability that the Auditorium will have to be used as a study hall for a portion of each day.
TEACHING FORCE
Among our full time teachers three vacancies oc- curred and were filled as follows: Mr. A. D. Chiesa was appointed to take the place of Miss Hobell, who accepted a position in the Milton schools; Mr. G. V. Jones was ap- pointed to succeed Mr. Chapman as Civics instructor when Mr. Chapman was promoted to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Ruth Malone; Miss Ruth P. Strout succeeded Miss Marsh as librarian.
Among the special teachers, Mr. Ellsworth Thwing was appointed as physical instructor for the boys, and Miss Alice Daughraty was appointed physical instructor for the girls. Miss Mary E. Collins was appointed to the position of school nurse.
Miss Thelma Mackenzie, the High School clerk, was promoted to the vacancy in the office of the Superintend- ent of Schools caused by the resignation of Mrs. Lawley, and Miss Kathleen Welch was appointed as High School clerk.
As indicated, three additional teachers will be neces- sary for the school in September, 1930. At the present time many of our classes are over-large and the expected increase in pupils will make an increase in the teaching force necessary.
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TRANSPORTATION
According to our recommendation of last year a fifth bus was added to those already operating for the pupils living in the east part of the town at a distance of two miles or over. Even with the increased number of busses. they are overcrowded, approximately 210 pupils being transported in this way at the present time. In addition to this 24 pupils are receiving transportation by trolley from Braintree Highlands.
The development of the bus service has brought sev- eral problems in addition to the one of cost, especially that of disorder among the riders. Last year the question was raised in the annual report as to whether or not the bus service was enough appreciated to be continued. That question is even more vital at the present time. Frequent reports of broken windows, improper language, smoking and other cases of misuse of the privilege would seem to be sufficient cause for discontinuing the free service.
If it is to be continued, in my estimation, each bus should be manned by two men instead of the driver alone, and if necessary the Town should appropriate additional funds to make this possible.
CURRICULUM
There have been no additions to the program of stud- ies during the year or changes, except in the case of the Choral work which has been made elective for all stu- dents rather than compulsory. It is expected that an im- provement in the quality of the work done in this depart- ment will be evidenced.
Even with the three additional teachers which are asked for, in 1930 there will be no increase in subjects offered.
EXTRA-CURRICULA ACTIVITIES
Such activities properly controlled play an ever-in- creasing part in the up-to-date high school and furnish valuable training for after-school life.
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Of all the extra-curricula activities, athletics is the most commonly found in secondary schools, but is not necessarily the most important. Because of their prev- alence in all schools and the large amount of publicity given to sports it is easy to see why athletics have such a prominent place in the minds of our high school boys. To keep them in their proper place is one of the problems of the administration of athletics everywhere. With us, generally speaking, athletics are on a sound basis. Any difficulties of administration which are presented at the present time are largely due to an infliction of too much newspaper publicity.
Outside of basketball, our athletic contests are con- ducted at a loss, all having to be played on public, unen- closed fields. A recent magazine subscription drive re- sulted in wiping out our athletic deficit, with a good mar- gin to spare. This project, outside of its financial returns, proved a fine undertaking for the school. For a period of a week all classes were united in one common cause, and the results showed what can be accomplished by co-opera- tion and team work. I wish to take this opportunity to express to the citizens of Braintree the appreciation of the school for the courteous reception which our boys and girls invariably received when attempting to make a sale. It is a matter of pride that our pupils made a far better record than that of any other school in the State, regard- less of size.
Our school magazine is again faced with a serious problem of financing, due to the refusal of the majority of local merchants to patronize our advertising section. In the December issue scarcely 25% of the advertisements were secured from Braintree. Quincy and Weymouth con- tributed the greater part of the total.
Due to the evident lack of interest in the project in near-by schools, interscholastic debating for the present year has been suspended. Some inter-class contests are to be held, but there is not the same enthusiasm evidenced as in the case of contests with other schools.
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Several clubs are active. Among the latest to be formed are a rifle club and a model airplane club. These, together with debating, athletics, school paper, orchestra, band, dramatics, science club, and Hi-Y, offer a variety of activities sufficient to meet the tastes of any student.
FUTURE NEEDS
Several needs mentioned in our last report still re- main. A curbing for the protection of the lawn, together with the provision for the parking of automobiles, would save in the end its own cost in loam, grass seed and labor.
The most pressing need is that of immediate considera- tion as to provision for increased numbers. Early action should be taken either toward extension of the wings of the present building or the erection of one or more junior high schools.
PROBLEMS
One of the most annoying problems has to do with the loss of various articles from lockers. In many cases pupils either lose their keys to corridor lockers, or through indifference or carelessness fail to lock them and then wonder why things are not found as they were left. The same thing applies to the gymnasium lockers, except that these are equipped for padlocks rather than keys. Many pupils fail to safe-guard their gymnasium clothing by any lock at all. A pupil may use his own padlock, or may se- cure one of the school combination locks by depositing 75 cents, which is refunded when the lock is returned. In many cases, however, pupils prefer to risk several dollars' worth of gymnasium clothing rather than to pay for a lock or for the use of one temporarily.
In almost every case where loss of material is re- ported it is definitely proved that carelessness was mainly responsible. It is unfortunate that we should have any pupils who would misappropriate another's property, but
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no sympathy can be given to the pupils who carelessly aid in such misappropriation by leaving their property unse- cured.
The most serious problem with which we have to con- tend is that of unnecessary absence. This is in the ma- jority of cases confined to the pupils in the two upper classes, most of whom are sixteen years of age or over, and at a time when they should make the most of their opportunities to get an education. They seem to forget the fact that they themselves are the main sufferers, and that their success in getting positions later, in many cases, depends on their regularity in attendance as well as their school records.
In many cases no telephones are in the homes of the absentees and any attempt to get in touch with the par- ents would require a large amount of time which must be shared with other administrative duties.
It is not uncommon to find unnecessary absentees among the Seniors whose graduation may be even doubt- ful, and who are wasting valuable time which might be spent in putting their graduation beyond any reasonable doubt. There should be only one reason for absence- namely, sickness, either of the pupil or in his immediate family where the help of the student might be required at home. Parents can assist us in reducing the large amount of unnecessary absences by requiring regular at- tendance and refusing to make excuses for pupils' ab- sences for trivial reasons.
Our pupils can best be served, and the Town can get the most from its investment by prompt and regular at- tendance on the part of the pupils. We sincerely urge parents to co-operate with us in bringing about this con- dition in the school.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES L. JORDAN.
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REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
January 1, 1930.
Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith my third annual report upon the work in drawing that has been accomplished in the grade schools in Braintree during the past year.
The year's work is best classed under the two major headings-namely, Representation and Design. The for- mer has for its purpose the development in the child of memory; imagination, and ability to visualize. If a child is to draw an object, he must first build up a clear mental picture of the thing. By observation he notes its form, color, and proportion, thus unconsciously memorizing de- tails and developing imagination through visualization. Design develops the sense of order and arrangement of forms that is so essential in art work. It takes but a sug- gestion to open the child's eyes to the countless illustra- tions of design which surround him in his daily life. In his home, at school, even in the street, he is surrounded by the work of people who have been trained in both Rep- resentation and Design. Rugs, curtains, furniture, dishes, lamps, wall-papers, etc., are all the work of those trained in these principles. Here he may see the application of his work to every-day life. In both Representation and Design we strive for beauty. Appreciation is bound to come from an effort to create beauty, while skill is sure to develop with continued practice.
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