USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1915 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
The number of children at the North and Centre have increased, while there has been a decrease in the other parts of the town during the last two or three years.
At the North Row School there are only eleven pupils with four in the fifth grade. This grade being transferred as usual to the Centre leaves only seven pupils. Now, so far as can be determined, there will be an entering class of only one or two, if any. This will make a very small school and it would seem, in the spirit of economy, best to close this school at the end of the school year. These children can be transferred to the Centre at a cost not exceeding, if as much, what it is now costing for janitor service and fuel at the North Row School. This would clearly be a saving of sever- al hundred dollars.
The Smith Arithmetics, which have been in use for some years, have been replaced with the Wentworth-Smith Essen- tials of Arithmetic in all the schools except at the South school. There the Stone-Millis Arithmetic is being used. The new books seem to be giving satisfaction. They certainly have some features which are very commendable-such as the large amount of drill work, frequent reviews, so-called little examinations and the elimination of much of the non-es- sentials.
The scheme is being worked out to have more formal or technical grammar taught in the upper grades than has been done in the past. It does not seem that much written and oral speech with the frequent corrections of the teacher is sufficient to give the boy or girl a working knowledge of the mother tongue. A considerable drill in definitions and terms is decidedly essential. It is no use debating the matter, the children must learn some things other than by the absorp-
103
tion process. Pupils taking the languages in the high school are decidedly handicapped by not having had a stiff drill in technical grammar.
The geographies now in use ought to be replaced either with the recently revised edition of the same book or by one which has equally eliminated as much of the non-essentials.
High Schools
Some two or three years ago the committee, believing it to be uneconomic to maintain two high schools of the same type, duplicating the same work, adopted a new policy rela- tive to the work offered in the two schools. The one at the Centre was still to maintain the old traditional preparatory course for college, and an alternative course, omitting the classics, called an English course. At the North some of the languages were dropped, French only being maintained, and a commercial and industrial course added. This was done in order to give the boys and girls of high school age a greater variety of courses from which to select than either school could offer. The impression prevailed that the boys and girls who wanted a college preparatory course would go to the Centre and those who wanted a commercial or industrial course would go to the North. The experiment has not worked out just as it was hoped. At present there is one pupil from the west part of the town in the Centre High and two from the centre and one from the south part of the town in the North High. Furthermore, it now seems as if this arrangement would never be workable.
Now, since our schools are largely the product of what the citizens want as expressed in the attitude of the children towards these schools it becomes evident that the Centre High is not offering all that it should. It almost seems as if it ought to offer a commercial and an agricultural course in addition to those now maintained.
The cost of equipment for a commercial course might be placed at five hundred dollars, and the same amount for the equipping of an agricultural course. Now if the work in ag-
104
riculture is satisfactory to the state, the state will pay two- thirds of the cost of an instructor. For instance, if an in- structor cost fifteen hundred dollars the state will pay one thousand dollars of this. Further the state will, to a certain extent, after the first cost of equipment, help toward repairs and incidental costs connected with this department. More- over, it seems quite probable that a sufficient number of tui- tion pupils from the neighboring towns would enter this course in the high school to more than pay the other five hundred dollars of the cost for the instructor. Ten pupils at fifty dollars a year pays the five hundred dollars. With- out being too optimistic it seems as if this work might be offered in our school and eventually cost the town but a few dollars to maintain.
The instructor in agriculture would be on his job the en- tire year, but particularly so during the summer months. He would frequently visit the homes of the boys and girls who were taking this work and there take up with them in their home gardens the various problems connected with their in- dividual cases. Moreover, this instructor should be a man of sufficient calibre and knowledge of agriculture as to become an expert adviser and leader in this line of work in the community.
The writer realizes that at present this work cannot be offered for the lack of room for its proper development. Shall one or more grades in addition to the primary be transferred to some hall or house in order to give the high school a chance to grow and expand as it ought, and to fill its legiti- mate and rightful function in the education of our children ? Shall the grades be throttled in order to let the high school expand? Or shall the high school be throttled in order to let the grades expand? As it now is both are being choked back from making a strong natural development.
The principal at the North High School is calling for another teacher. There is some demand for the restoration of the college preparatory course in the North High. The pre-vocational course if maintained should be further and more definitely developed. These additions would, in the near
105
future at least, need another teacher. Certainly a further in- crease in the number of pupils in the high school would make this imperative in order to comply with the state require- ments for certificate privilege to the normal schools.
In General
The barge and janitor service has been generally satis- factory. On the whole, I believe, we are fortunate indeed to receive the service we do for the money we can afford to pay.
The school physicians have promptly and energetically attended to the hygienic welfare of the schools. Cases re- ported have received their prompt and careful attention. The only trouble has been on the part of some few parents who have failed to heed their suggestions. The law places the sanitary conditions of the school buildings in their care. They have given the buildings a reasonable amount of super- vision. Teachers as well as the child are subject to the super- vision of the school physician. I am not so sure but what they should report to the school physician at least when they have severe colds. Possibly the committee ought to pass rules relative to this.
I want to call your attention to the number of sub-nor- mals in the town as covered and reported by one of the physicians. Without doubt there are at least some in the other part of the town. The schools are not giving and can- not give them the training such as they ought to receive.
Fire drills are frequently practiced in the larger build- ings. The recent holocaust at Peabody sent a wave of horror over the state. In consequence the State Police have become somewhat aroused and their demands for extra exits from school rooms, handrails, changing of doors to swing outward, improved hardware loeks, etc, etc., have been pretty ex- pensive.
I want to commend to your attention particularly the work being done in drawing and music. The two teachers are thoroughly alive.
106
In Conclusion
I want to take this opportunty to express my apprecia- tion of the large hospitality of the people of Chelmsford to both Mrs. Small and myself. We have found the people ex- ceptionally kind and cordial. And, moreover, I want to thank the committee for all they have done to make it pleasant for
us. Certainly a committee could do no more.
Finally, I want to express my pleasure in working for a committee so helpful and kind, and to thank all who have had important or minor parts in making the work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERTO W. SMALL.
107
REPORT ON THE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. A. W. Small, Superintendent of Schools, Chelmsford, Mass .:
Dear Sir-I have the honor to submit my fourth annual report of the North High School for the year ending Dec. 31, 1915.
Contrasts.
During the nine years, from 1903 to 1912, the North High School has graduated on an average of about two pupils per year. One pupil only has entered college during these nine years. Of the 473 pupils enrolled in the North and West Schools in 1911 one pupil was in the senior class and three were in the junior class of the high school, less than 1% of the school enrollment. The average number of pupils in the ninth grade from 1903 to 1912 was 14 pupils.
From 1912 to 1915, 29 pupils were graduated, an aver- age of about ten students per year. Ten of these graduates have entered normal school, two have entered college, one an engineering school in Boston, two are at business schools, four have good positions in offices, one is a draftsman, four are skilled mechanies, two will be trained nurses, and two are at work in local industries.
The high school received an entering class of 38 in Sep- tember. In the two upper classes there are 28 pupils, about 5% of the school enrollment in the North and West schools. The total registration since the school opened in September is 90, an increase of 11 1-9% from last year and of 193% since 1908.
108
Certificates MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF EDUCATION
Ford Building Boston, Mass., May 22, 1915.
Mr. Benjamin E. Martin,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
My dear Mr. Martin-I take pleasure in informing you that the North Chelmsford High School has been approved for the privilege of certification to State Normal Schools for the year 1915, and has been placed in Class A on the ground that, in my judgment, it substantially meets the requirements for high schools in Class A, as given in the enclosed circular.
Very truly yours, CLARENCE D. KINGSLEY, High School Inspector, Massachusetts Board of Education.
School Activities
A play was given by the Senior class last spring in the Town Hall. This called for hard, unceasing work and pa- tient, untiring effort on the part of the students.
Co-operative Vocational Work
Through the courtesy of Mr. Swain of the Sargent Sons Corporation and of Mr. Crysler of the North Chelmsford Machine Company, it became possible to introduce part time vocational work during the past year. This plan has proved so successful that I earnestly recommend its continuance as a part of our school system.
109
Conditions
It is assumed that the average citizen will use ordinary intelligence and common sense in his final judgment of the progress of the school. Such people will realize the difficul- ties under which we have worked and not expect the impos- sible. In 1908 with 31 pupils there were two teachers to as- sist the principal. A commercial department was recently added which takes the entire time of one teacher. Now with double the number of pupils, the principal has the same num- ber of teachers to assist him.
The State Board of Education rules that in a high school with less than 200 pupils to be approved in Class A "Exclu- sive of the principal the number of teachers shall be such that the ratio of pupils in the membership of the school to the teachers does not exceed 25."
The Problem
Any discussion of an educational problem which neglects to place a right value on the nature of the raw material out of which it is to make its finished product can never lead anywhere but to failure and disaster. The recognition then of the fact that boys and girls differ in desires, interests ; that each boy or girl has the inherent right to have that place or niche in life for which he or she is the best fitted, forms the basis on which a "Course of Study" should be or- ganized.
The high school problem in any community cannot be settled offhand by anyone without special training or ex- perience any more than the highly specialized organization of any great industry can be successfully conducted by an out. sider who knows nothing about the raw material or the pro- cess of manufacture.
When the average parent does not understand his own boy or girl what will you say of him who would lead into paths of success the many kinds of boys and girls with whom he is in contact daily ? Who will define the future of our high school? Does it mean equal opportunity for all, or spe-
110
cial consideration for the few at the expense of the many ? Does it mean the making of good citizens? If it does, what is a good citizen? However we solve the problem, let us re- member that the raw material, the boys and girls we have in abundance; that the pupils in the high school are the part- ly finished product, and that unless we can hold more than a few in the upper classes the community is paying too much for its finished product and our high school is an economic and social failure.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. TRUBEY.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1915 OF THE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
"Striving to Win" On Friday Evening, June 25th, at Eight o'clock, Town Hall, North Chelmsford
CLASS POEM
Passing years have quickly brought us 'To our Graduation Day ; Faithful study, steady toiling, Pushed us onward day by day. Put aside your mathematics, And your French, too, out of sight, For the time is past for study- This is Graduation night,
Joyous hours we've spent together Since as pupils first we came To the dear old village High School Where we started to make fame. Life's bright future lies before us, Mem'ries fond the heart will cheer; Still a thought of sadness lingers,
As we part from those grown dear.
111
Fare ye well then, O dear classmates, Friends and teachers, fare ye well, For we may no longer study, In the school we love so well. Fare ye well, beloved class-room, Now the parting time is here, And we now no more shall enter At thy doors we love so dear. -Leroy Lakin.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
SELECTION
Orchestra
INVOCATION
Rev. F. H. Reeves
THE OPENING DOOR
John Henry Valentine
THOUGHTS IN A THEATRE
May Jessie Brown
VICTORY Chorus Hayes
THE MANUFACTURE OF INNER TUBES Warren Fletcher Prince
BASEBALL vs. BULLETS
Willis Leonard McComb
THE HOUSEWIFE OF COLONIAL DAYS Josephine Margaret Higgins
THE JUSTICE OF THE JURY Arthur Robert Nystrom
(a) THE ARMORER Nevin
(b) THE BELLS OF SEVILLE Jude
Chorus
HOW SOME OF THE PEOPLE ARE FOOLED ALL THE TIME
Herbert Carl Reis
112
THE DREAM OF AN IMMIGRANT CHILD Betty Annette Nelson
OUR NATION'S EMBLEM
Pauline Willoughby Worden
THE MAKING OF A CRIMINAL Leroy Taylor Lakin
CLASS SONG John H. Valentine
PART TIME CO-OPERATIVE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION Harold Bradley Hodge
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY
Clara Anderson
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Supt. B. E. Martin
BENEDICTION
Rev. E. T. Schofield
SELECTION
Orchestra
CLASS SONG
To-night our hearts are saddened,
Schoolmates, we soon must part, On life's mysterious ocean, Friends, we must now embark ;
But where e'er our ships may take us,
Whether it be far or near, Sweet memories we'll always cherish, Of happy school days here.
CHORUS
Principal, teachers and schoolmates, We bid you now adieu, We hope our future lives, Will bring honor back to you. To-day we are united, To-night we meet to part, Farewell we'll say forever, Tho' with a loving heart.
113
In future we'll ask God's guidance, In paths where we can stay, E'er mindful of duties to others, As we journey along life's way ; With flag we love upholding, In all we do that is right, We'll say good bye, my classmates,
Our school days end to-night. -John H. Valentine.
CLASS ROLL
MAY JESSIE BROWN, Pres.
WARREN FLETCHER PRINCE, Vice-Pres.
WILLIS LEONARD McCOMB, Sec. HERBERT CARL REIS, Treas.
CLARA ANDERSON JOSEPHINE MARGARET HIGGINS
BETTY ANNETTE NELSON
PAULINE WILLOUGHBY WORDEN
HAROLD BRADLEY HODGE
LEROY TAYLOR LAKIN
ARTHUR ROBERT NYSTROM JOHN HENRY VALENTINE
Motto Striving to Win
Colors Green and Gold
Flower Daisy
Ch
114
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD CENTRE HIGH SCHOOL
MR. ALBERTO W. SMALL,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
DEAR SIR :-
I herewith submit a brief report of the Centre High School for the year ending December 31, 1915.
The work of our school for the past year has been character- ized by an earnest effort to overcome, as far as possible, adverse circumstances and to bring about higher standards of scholarship. No countenance for sham and untiring conscientious work has been the watchword of teachers. Results we feel may safely be left to speak for themselves.
Several much needed changes have been made as regards accommodations, course of study, and additional teaching force, thereby affording temporary relief to our badly crowded con- ditions.
While disclaiming any intention to instruct the citizens of Chelmsford as to their duty in regard to a new building, I feel it incumbent upon me to call attention to what, in my judgment, is a very serious danger-the unsanitary condition of our base- ment. Were the facts more generally known, I can but feel that immediate steps would be taken to remedy the matter. Because unseen, the danger is none the less real.
Thanking teachers, superintendent, and Committee for their hearty co-operation, I remain
Yours respectfully,
C. A. HOLBROOK, Principal.
115
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE CHELMSFORD CENTRE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1915
PROGRAMME
GRAND MARCH. Flag of Victory Von Blon
MINER'S ORCHESTRA
PRAYER
REV. WILSON WATERS
SONGS. Song of the Armorer Nevin
The Bells of Seville Jude
HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS
SALUTATORY ESSAY. The Story of the Gas Light
ANTOINETTE E. VON LAHM
ESSAY. The Making of Men
JOHN ADAMS HOLBROOK
ESSAY. Pictures
EVALYN RUSSELL
SELECTION from High Jinks Frinl
ORCHESTRA
ESSAY. The Old Housekeeper and the New
MARIE CHRISTINA REARDON
ESSAY. A Dream in My Library
EDWARD PERCY BOULTER
ESSAY. A Few Rare Flowers of Chelmsford HORTENSE KINGSBURY KNOWLTON
SELECTION. Girl from Utah Kern
ORCHESTRA
116
ESSAY. Good Citizenship
FLOYER EARL WHITTEMORE
ESSAY. The Red Cross Society
MAY ELIZABETH FILES
ESSAY. The Passing of the Woodshed RALPH ARTHUR BERG
SONG. The Hawthorn Tree GIRLS' CHORUS
VALEDICTORY ESSAY. My Air Castle FLORENCE MARION WILKINS
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Superintendent BENJAMIN E. MARTIN
SINGING CLASS SONG. Words by Ralph A. Berg
BENEDICTION
REV. CHARLES H. ELLIS
FINALE. The Conquerer Fiske
ORCHESTRA
CLASS POEM Words by E. Percy Boulter
Too soon has come the Festal day When from our schoolmates we must part; Whate'er our duties, ever may We conquer wrong with upright heart. Oh, may our High School's cherished name Inspire in us some worthy thought; Let future classes guard her fame And keep her honor as they ought. On paths pursuing different ends, We must these happy moments fleet, And feel the farewell to our friends Fortells the duties Life will meet. Then may the eve of schooldays find Us always eager, come what will, Would that to us the Fates be kind As at the dawn we're conquering still !
117
CLASS ROLL
RALPH ARTHUR BERG, Vice-President
EDWARD PERCY BOULTER, President MAY ELIZABETH FILES JOHN ADAMS HOLBROOK HORTENSE KINGSBURY KNOWLTON
ANTOINETTE E. VON LAHM MARIE CHRISTINA REARDON
EVALYN RUSSELL, Secretary-Treasurer FLOYER EARL WHITTEMORE FLORENCE MARION WILKINS
SCHOOL COLORS-Blue and White
CLASS COLORS-Old Rose and Silver FLOWER-Rose
CLASS ODE Words by Ralph A. Berg
School-days now are over, happy days good-by ;
Swiftly, Oh! how swiftly, they did fly.
Now our school we leave thee, with our hearts so sad,
Fare thee well forever days so glad.
The memories of our school-days dear Are lingering with us now,
When from the friends that are so near We gather here to part.
The jovs of youth we leave behind, As from our school we go;
The cares of life we soon shall find, Though promise shines so clear.
The unknown paths we now must tread With steady purpose sure,
And by His kindly hand be led In safety to the goal.
We leave and trust thy blessing dear Will ever on us rest As conquering on, we part from here To conquer evermore.
118
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. A. W. Small,
Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir-The following is a brief report of the public school music in the Chelmsford schools.
Someone has said, "Music is one of the greatest forces in human life. It is as real in its service to humanity as the multiplication table. It is a serious factor in the mental, physical and emotional development of the child."
I believe that the importance of public school music is too often underestimated by pupils and teachers.
The general plan of the work has not changed greatly from that of last year, however a teacher is ever seeking bet- ter ways for presenting different phases of her subject. Time is studied in a new way this year, that is by means of time motions.
All the schools are visited once a week except East Chelmsford and North and South Row. I go to these every other week. Next year the East school will be visited every week. It is impossible in the time allotted me to give les- sons in all the schools every week.
I shall be pleased to explain the work more fully to pa- rents or any one interested in the music.
In closing, I wish to thank the Committee, Superintend ent and teachers for their co-operation.
Very respectfully,
M. MARION ADAMS,
Supervisor of Music.
119
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Alberto W. Small,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass. :
Dear Sir-During the year that has just passed the course in drawing has been much the same as in the preced- ing year.
We have advanced from simple work in the lower grades, up through the more complex work of the high schools, tak- ing the same general subjects in their various forms, and in logical order.
I have made the drawing as practical and interesting as possible, that the pupils may unconsciously use it as a nat- ural mode of expression, both in school and at home.
I have tried to correlate the drawing with the other school studies, because an illustrated page gives a clearer and more lasting impression, and is always more interesting than a plain one.
Home decoration and personal adornment are both im- portant factors in everyday life, and are pleasing or unat- tractive, according to our training or ability. These things should be impressed upon our minds, and practiced in a small degree, even in the first grade, and then continued, up through the high school, and on through life.
Mechanical drawing is elective in the Centre High School, and I have endeavored to give the class the fundamentals, and necessary practice to fit them for work in a draughting office, or making practical working drawings at home.
120
The boys in the seventh and eighth grades at the Cen- tre have a short period for manual training offered them. This is also elective, and individual projects are worked out. My aim has been to make the drawing course practical and useful, as well as enjoyable, in the life of every child. I wish to thank the Committee, Superintendent and Teachers for their untiring efforts to help me to attain this end.
Respectfully submitted, JESSIE ATWOOD,
Drawing Supervisor.
121
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Mr. A. W. Small, Superintendent of Schools, Chelmsford, Mass. :
Dear Sir-I have to make the following report of the school inspection for precincts one and four.
Adenoids 7, anaemia 2, acute poliomyetitis 1, chronic chorea 1, defective hearing 1, defective mentality 1, defective speech 1, disease of heart 1, enlarged tonsils 10, haemipligia 1, keratitis 1, strabismus 1.
A large number of diseased teeth were noted.
Otherwise than a small epidemic of whooping cough that occurred at South Chelmsford, but one case of diphtheria oc. curred in a child attending school. Not a case of measles or scarlet fever arose during the school year.
Very respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SCOBORIA, M. D.
Mr. Albert W. Small,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass. :
Dear Sir-I have the following report to make of my annual inspection of schools in Precincts Nos. II. and III.
Number inspected 487
Diseased teeth 120
Pediculosis 44
Defective nasal breathing 44
Enlarged tonsils 61
Anaemia
4
122
Condition sub-normal
22
Impetigo 5 Adenoids 9
Cardiac disease
1
Mental Deficiency
37
There are such a large number of children who are men- tally defective that the time is near at hand when some meth- od should be employed to educate these children other than in the regular school. They need special work done with them.
Yours respectfully,
FRED E. VARNEY, School Physician.
123
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
I .- GENERAL EXPENSES
Expenses of the School Committee :
Geo. H. Wilson $4.00
Parkhurst Press, letterheads 1.50
S. G. Coggins, re-posting bills 10.00
Wright & Potter, account book
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.