USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1918 > Part 6
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 | Part 7
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. Merrill, in his report, has given a resumé of what has been done in the High School during the year 1918. The enrol- ment has been very encouraging and I did not expect that the school would reach the 150 mark because of the conditions of the labor markets and the demand for juvenile labor. I look for a total of at least 180 pupils next September and shall base my estimates upon that number.
A very pleasing feature of the work, and one that shows the true results gained in any high school, is that so many of the graduating class have gone on with their studies. We do en- courage every pupil to make the most of his opportunities and educate himself to the very limit. Parents, we urge you to "carry on" with us and help us to make the pupils help them- selves. Encourage a right and true spirit of work for work's sake and the pleasure that comes in right working. We are here to aid in every way every pupil without favor or prejudice, and if you have any questions regarding your son or daughter's future educational possibilities, do not hesitate to come and talk with us.
I commend Mr. Merrill and his assistants for the work they have done during the past year, and I trust that the present teaching force may not be broken by changes for a long time.
I would call attention to the needs as outlined by Mr. Merrill in his report, especially as to the business course. I believe that we have the nucleus of a practical course of study that will fit pupils to be the equals of graduates of any business course. Now let us give them the material with which to work. We need typewriters and I would recommend the purchase of four new machines and the replacement of two others that are prac- tically worn out. Continuing the practice of renewals we can replace three each year and soon have our machines in the best
11
of condition. At present we have almost twice as many pupils as we have machines for accommodation and this is a serious handicap.
I would also recommend the purchase of more laboratory equipment to conform to the policy suggested last year to your committee of purchasing a definite amount each year. We ap- preciate the fact that we now have a well-governed scientific course and just now our needs are for some more physical appar- atus for experimental work to cover courses outlined.
MUSIC.
Miss Adams' report is brief and to the point. Music is not to be neglected and our supervisor has given us faithful service during the past year in her work. Our needs in music are mainly in the line of books for replacement of worn out copies in various grades. No new system is to be recommended and no new course outlined. We shall go along in the same lines with good results.
DRAWING.
We have no supervisor of drawing at the present time, but I expect that shortly there will be one to take the place of Miss Atwood, who resigned at the very last of the summer vacation. Therefore, there is no supervisor's report to present, but I wish to commend the teachers for the way in which they have carried on the work independently of the supervisor.
MEDICAL ATTENDANCE.
Appended are the reports of the school physicians. I can add little to what they have reported except to say that this has been one of the busiest years for physicians that has been known. The influenza epidemic caused a great deal of alarm and our schools were closed by order of the Board of Health for a period of five and a half weeks, in the fall. We were glad that the re- currence of the epidemic was not considered serious enough to cause a second closing of the schools.
MINOR REPAIRS OF BUILDINGS.
I have outlined the needs of several of the buildings. In addition I would suggest that curtains be put in at the Center, West, Princeton, Golden Cove, East and South Row schools, as soon as prices will allow. I have hesitated to recommend so
12
many because of such advanced cost; but in each of these build- ings the curtain need is great and should be attended to as soon as possible.
At the West school, the roof needs repairing and new shingles will probably have to be put on before another winter sets in. The ell of the Princeton Street school, old building, also needs shingling badly.
South Row needs something done in repairing the floor and a new stove. The roof has been repaired and is now satisfactory.
The steps and platform of the Golden Cove school need at- tention, as well as blinds and cellar windows repaired.
At the East school, the bell system is sadly in need of re- newal and there are a few minor repairs to be done. The worst problem there is in the toilets, and considerable should be out- laid there.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion I wish to again extend a most cordial invita- tion to all parents and friends to visit the schools early and often, and thus keep in touch with actual conditions; and my thanks are given to the Committee, teachers, and parents for their hearty cooperation and support of the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER K. PUTNEY,
Superintendent of Schools.
13
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
Mr. Walter K. Putney,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
It is a pleasure to be able to record in the second annual report of the Chelmsford High School a successful year and con- tinued progress in the first term of the present year, in spite of the serious interruption of sessions during the epidemic of influ- enza, and the great amount of time lost by individual pupils since schools reopened on account of severe colds, and the need of exercising extreme care to guard against dangerous develop- ments.
The enrollment this year is 163, a gain of two over the enrollment at the same date last year. Before school opened, the complete list of pupils who might be expected to enroll was only 154, and there was some fear that the actual number would be less on account of the great temptation some pupils were under to continue their summer work at the unusual war wages offered. However, only six prospective pupils did not appear, one having removed from the town and two having gone to other schools, while fifteen, who were not expected, entered, nine of whom were new residents. But the long period during which the school was closed on account of influenza did affect seriously the membership, and at this date twenty-one pupils have left school, seventeen of them to go to work.
Thirty pupils are enrolled in the Classical Course, twenty- seven in the Scientific Course, sixty-nine in the Commercial Course, and thirty-seven in the General Course, a normal distri- bution. The Commercial Course is the most popular, but is not too large as compared with the combined preparatory courses. As this course grows stronger, it may attract even a greater pro- portion of the pupils. It is by no means an easy course and requires as much time and hard work as any other to earn cred- itable standing and a diploma. In order that the requirements may be accomplished according to schedule, and this department maintain as high a standard as the preparatory department,
14
more typewriters are needed. At present only eleven pupils can work at one time, whereas twenty could be supervised easily by one teacher.
The school is rated in Class A on the approved list of the State Board of Education. It also has the privilege granted by the New England College Entrance Certificate Board of sending pupils of high scholarship for admission upon the principal's certificate to the colleges listed with the Board. Five of the graduates of last year and two post-graduates have entered col- leges by certification, two going to Boston University, two to Jackson College, one to Simmons College, one to Massachusetts Agricultural College, and one to Lowell Textile School. Al- though the establishment of war programs and subsequent read- justment has made the work of these students unusually difficult this year, we have no doubt of their ability to surmount obstacles and go "Over the Top-To Victory." Two members of the class were sent upon certificate to Lowell Normal School, and one to the Normal Art School in Boston. One has entered Harvard College, one the New England Conservatory of Music, and two have continued their commercial studies in special schools. To all these and to the other members of the class who have entered directly upon life's activities, the best wishes of the school for a successful year and many more to follow are heartily extended. One thing that these young people have doubtless already learned is that never again will demands upon them for work and more work be so light as they were at school. The demand for from two to four hours of home study may easily be doubled at college, and the ability to concentrate the mind upon study for long periods should be gained in high school and such mental appli- cation should become habitual. At college studying is done in two places, in the student's room and in the library. The high school is open every afternoon of a school day until four-thirty o'clock, with some teachers present, to give the best opportunity possible for study under library conditions. Teachers are pres- ent upon a regular schedule and may be consulted by parents and pupils to great advantage during these afternoon sessions. Particular attention is given to pupils who are having difficulty in keeping work up to standard, and only in cases where the afternoon opportunities are neglected should there be any danger of a pupil's failing to advance in grade with his class.
School spirit is very good, but may be still improved or bet- ter balanced. Some pupils seem to think that school or class
15
spirit must be expressed chiefly through social functions, in- signia, or athletic activities, failing to see that the real spirit of a school is best found in the work of each and every student in maintaining as high a standard of scholarship as possible. No pupil, therefore, who cannot personally maintain a good class standing in studies feels competent to represent. school or class in any other activities, and the desire to exercise natural abilities in social leadership or athletic contests becomes a strong incen- tive to make good in the fundamental requirement of standard scholarship.
The social activities of the school have been moderate and very pleasantly carried out. The Class of 1918 gave two pres- entations of a very successful entertainment, one at the Center and one North, which were so generously patronized that the Class, after all expenses of graduation were paid for, was able to present a Liberty bond to the school as a class gift. The graduation exercises were held at the Center, the reception and dance given at North Chelmsford. This year the functions will alternate. The graduation will be at North Chelmsford, and the reception and dance at the Center. It has been established that this alternation will be carried out year by year, and that all the social affairs of the school also shall be given alternately in both places. The service of the motor barges has been of great value on these occasions and made it of little consequence to pupils and friends where a social was held, as transportation from one part of the town to the other was so convenient. It is also an estab- lished understanding which ought to be mentioned at this time that, while the social parties of the school will be invitation af- fairs as a rule, they are not exclusive and parents and members of the Alumni Association will be always welcome.
In athletics the school made a modest but a determined start in baseball. A town nine was defeated in a hard-fought game and then series of games were played with the Howe High School of Billerica and with Mitchell's School. Both series were lost with honor, and friendly relations of rivalry were estab- lished that will call for some very interesting contests in the coming season. We shall be rather awkwardly situated as to arranging home games unless some development of the play- ground is possible this year. We have the ball players, friends, reputation, and a good coach, the new member of our faculty, Mr. Hylan. We lack only good home grounds.
16
The war spirit of the school has never been spectacular but always very earnest. Having no assembly hall in which to get together and give vocal expression to patriotism in exercises, the school has got right down to work on every call, bought Liberty bonds, gone over the top for the Red Triangle, canvassed the town for Red Cross memberships for 1918, bought War Savings Stamps and Thrift Stamps, and on the last call pledged 100 per cent. strong for United War Work, a total of $500.50.
The school has received during the year a number of gifts expressing the kind interest of friends, which have been greatly appreciated. A popular subscription raised the piano fund to a point making possible a purchase of a very fine instrument, which has added much to the success of the classes in singing. A large exhibition cabinet was presented by the Chelmsford Grange and installed in the corridor on the study hall floor. Miss Anna Sheehan of the Class of 1918 gave the school as a graduation gift a beautiful water color painting of a Venetian palace, an expression of her own talent as an artist. A copy of the History of Chelmsford and one of the Proceedings at the 250th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town were pre- sented to the library by Rev. Wilson Waters. By subscription the baseball nine was uniformed and supplied with bats, balls, and other equipment, and Mr. R. D. Barbour gave basket ball goals which were set up upon the grounds.
The addition of another member to the faculty of the school has made possible a better distribution of the work on depart- mental lines. Our new teachers have taken up their work with energy and enthusiasm and are working well together on the problems of adjustment which remain this year in the consolida- tion of classes which have had separate experiences in their early years. Adjustments should be completed this year so that with the opening of school, next September, all irregularities may be eliminated. With sincere appreciation of the co-operation of teachers and parents and of the assistance, advice, and encour- agement of Superintendent and School Committee, this report is respectfully submitted.
EVAN W. D. MERRILL,
Principal.
17
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Mr. Walter K. Putney, Supt. of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
School work has been much interrupted the past year by en- forced vacations, however we have endeavored to cover as much of the schedule as possible.
In May, a new piano was purchased for the High School. Previously the Center High and graded schools had a piano fund of $100. By means of the Piano Campaign last April we raised one hundred and twenty-five dollars. The town contributed twenty-five dollars, enabling us to buy with the two hundred and fifty dollars a piano that had been used a very short time. The majority of the pupils were interested in getting it and I believe that they were fully repaid for their efforts. It is a much needed addition.
Last year we had a High School orchestra, composed of three violins, a clarinet, flute, trombone and piano. The orchestra fur- nished music for the graduation and for two High School enter- tainments. Three members of the orchestra have graduated and two have left school. We have not reorganized this year be- cause of limited time, but we hope to do so.
The Easter Music Supervisors' Conference was held in Bos- ton last May. I attended the Conference and heard prominent people connected with Public School Music. Many questions in regard to teaching school music were discussed.
In this awful war music has received a great impetus. It has been found that music is an essential. Why ? Because it gave to our soldiers such a morale. General Pershing says, "Music is as essential to the soldiers as food and sleep." Hc called for larger bands and the best song leaders in the same message in which he called for more food and munitions. E. W. Newton, composer and lecturer says, "Now that peace has come, do you believe that the civilian and soldier will forget the good that music has done during this terrible war? No, for music is as much an essential in times of peace as in times of war."
Respectfully submitted,
M. MARION ADAMS,
Supervisor of Music.
18
K REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
Mr. W. K. Putney,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
For the past year the health of the school children has been excellent until December, 1918. During the influenza epidemic of September and October very few children were sick. In this second epidemic which is still raging children have been particu- larly susceptible to the disease.
Many mothers are very sensitive and indignant when re- minded of contagious diseases and pediculosis. Year after year the children of certain families attend school with their heads inhabited with lice. Their minds are distracted from their work in their effort to scratch a path for the constantly increasing number of animals who often seek new environment in the heads of other children. Many are awakening to the benefits received from the removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. The changed condition of those operated upon is apparent. It is my earnest desire to help in every way possible and you are expected to suggest and demand such things as seem necessary to you.
Respectfully,
FRED E. VARNEY, M. D.
Mr. W. K. Putney,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
On account of the pressure of the influenza epidemic only a partial inspection of the schools has been made, with the follow- ing results : Mental, 1; Adenoids, 11; Tonsils, 16; Otitis Media, 2; Strabismus, 4; Blepharitis, 3; Rickets, 1; Ring Worm, 1; a few cases of pediculosis. Many children have been inspected individually.
Very respectfully,
ARTHUR G. SCOBORIA, M. D.
19
GRADUATION EXERCISES, CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL.
Class of 1918 Motto : "Over the Top to Victory." Class Colors : Pink and Green. Class Flower : Mountain Laurel.
Program
Grand March-"Over the Top" Deshon HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA.
Invocation
REV. WILSON WATERS, B. D.
"The Star Spangled Banner"
Salutatory Essay-"The War Savings Plan and Chelmsford's Part In It"
EDWIN HERBERT WARREN.
The Clang of the Forge Rodney HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA.
Essay-"Woman's Part in the War"
HELEN M. QUIGLEY. Hadley
Columbia
HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS.
Presentation of Class Gift
RALPH GATES BOYD, President 1918.
Acceptance ETHEL E. TETLEY, President 1919.
Selection-"Butterflies"
Clements
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA.
Valedictory Essay -- "'Revaluation in Ideals" MARION ELIZABETH BRENNAN. Conferring of Diplomas
SUPT. WALTER K. PUTNEY.
Class Ode
WORDS BY RUTH E. MONAHAN. MUSIC BY HELEN J. BENSON.
Address
JOHN G. THOMPSON, Principal Fitchburg Normal School.
Benediction
REV. GEORGE H. NICKERSON.
Selection
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA.
20
CLASS ODE.
Gone is the sunshine of school days, Into the realms of the past, But long o'er our hopes and our future Will linger the brightness it cast. 1
The dreams and the hopes that we cherish, The pleasures and triumphs we know, The lofty desires and ambitions, Fond Mem'ry will ever renew.
CHORUS. What measures of worth and success Await us on life's stormy sea, We'll strive for both glory and honor And go Over the Top-To Victory.
Our fond high school days are now over, The glad golden days of our youth Where side by side we have struggled For Love and for Faith and for Truth.
This last ling'ring hour we must sever The friendships we formed fall in twain. We follow where Destiny leads us, Till years do unite us again.
-Ruth E. Monahan.
21
CLASS ROLL. CLASS OFFICERS.
Ralph Gates Boyd, President.
Helen Margaret Quigley, Vice President. Ruth Evangeline Monahan, Secretary. Anna Gertrude Sheehan, Treasurer.
CLASS HONORS.
Marion Elizabeth Brennan
Edwin Herbert Warren
Helen Margaret Quigley
Viola Byam
Beatrice Hallett Armstrong
Margaret Rose McEnaney
Helen Josephine Benson
Eunice Cartwright Scoboria Annabel Tucker
William Frederic Berg
Elizabeth Henderson Brown
Daisy Carlson
Gladys Lillian Tucker Ruth Marie Ward
Stella Adora Malorey
Evelyn Hutchinson Webb
Katherine Antoinette McDonald Joseph Arthur Woodhead
ROLL OF HONOR. 1918 Neither Absent Nor Tardy for Year. Frank Michaloski Marion McCarthy Frederick A. McElroy
Jane McEnaney
Paul Dunigan
Kenneth Billings
Not Absent for Year. Charlotte Park
Esther Fox
In Memoriam. ARTHUR GORDON ELLIS Member of the Class of 1919. Died August 16, 1918.
22
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS.
BY AUTO TRUCKS
PRINCETON STREET SCHOOL
High School
From
Grades
I
II
III-IV
V
VI VII-VIII Total
Tyngsboro Line
7
5
5
2
4
1
24
4
Ayer Line
3
3
6
2
3
0
17
3
11
8
11
4
7
1
41
West Chelmsford
11
North Villages
53
-
Pupils attending the Princeton Street School, as above outlined, have the privilege of riding to school in the morning and are given car tickets for the afternoon home journey.
CENTER SCHOOL ROUTES
BY H. S. AUTO TRUCKS
High School
From
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Grades VII VIII Total
South Row District
2
1
1
3
3
10
1
East School District
5
2
1
8
3
Billerica Street and
Turnpike.
14 .
4
5
5
4
8
1
41
1
Westlands
10
5
8
2
25
8
North Road
1
1
1
3
2
Totals
17
4
5
5
16
19
13
8
87
15
Total number accommodated by H. S. Auto Trucks: Grades, 128; High School, 86.
OTHER CONVEYANCES TO CENTER SCHOOL
High School
I
II
III
IV
V
VI VII VIII Total
Mr. Whitcomb
3
3
1
4
2
1
2
1
17
5
Truck No. 1, North Row District
Truck No. 2, South and Littleton Street .
2
1
4
2
2
3
9
23
11
Mr. Sullivan, East
2
2
1
5
1
1
12
6
Totals
3
5
4
10
5
8
6
11
52
22
-
71
SCHOOL STATISTICS. YEAR ENDING June 21, 1918. FALL TERM ENDING Dec. 20, 1918.
SCHOOL
Aggregate
Attendance
Average
Daily
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Percent of
Attendance
SCHOOL
Average
Daily
Total
Average
Membership
Precent of
Attendance
High Center:
24223
134.57
161 145.02
92.79
137.68
163 149.78
91.91
Į
4229
24.16
38
28.52
84.71
I
28.96
44
36.31
79.75
II-III
5810 5
33.2
46
38.53
86.16
II
22.61
28
26.74
84.54
III-IV
6178.5
35.31
45
40.02
88.00
III
22.87
30
26.9
85.02
V.
6748.5
38.56
57
44.18
87.27
30.54
36
34.28
89.09
VI
5088.5
29.07
39
32.84
88.51
VI
40.97
47
45.1
87.03
VII
4749.5
27.42
40
30.34
90.37
VII
33.04
42
38.22
86.95
VIII
5990
34.23
46
37.55
91.15
VIII
33.78
40
38.6
87.51
Total
38794.5 221.95
311 251.98
88.08
238.09
301 275.93
86 38
Princeton St .:
I
4621.5
26.41
37
30.72
85.97
I.
33.1
45
38.61
85.70
II
4163
23.78
30
25.86
91.95
II-III
36.32
46
40.43
89.60
III-IV
7149.5
40.80
56
45.94
88.81
III-IV.
34.22
41
39.89
85.78
V.
5229
29.88
37
32.84
90.98
V
22.29
27
24.09
92.53
VI
3987
22.78
27
24.24
93.97
VI
31.18
35
34.15
91.30
VII-VIII
4827
27.58
38
29.73
92.76
VII-VIII
37.93
43
40.42
93.83
Total
29977
171.23
225 189.33
90.04
195.05
237 217.59
89.64
Highland Ave .:
I-II
6857
38.96
51
43.71
89.13
I-II
38.4
45
41.7
92.08
III-IV
5162
29.32
32
30.92
94.82
III-IV.
28.11
31
29.23
96.16
V-VI
5086
29.34
37
31.89
91.00
V-VI
31.18
34
33.16
94.02
VII-VIII
3894
22.12
25
23.21
95.73
VII-VIII
21.76
24
23.66
91.97
Total
20999
119.74
145 129.73
92.28
119.45
134 127.75
93.50
West :
I-III
3733.5
21.27
28
24.59
86.49
22.5
26
23.86
94.30
IV-V
2457
14.04
16
14.91
94.16
12.52
17
13.49
92.81
VI-VIII
3648.5
20.86
24
22.21
93.92
21.86
24
23.49
93.06
Total
9839.0
56.17
68
61.71
91.01
56.88
67
60.84
93.49
East :
I-III
6262.5
35.87
60
42.04
85.32
36.62
44
42.81
85.54
IV-VII
4543
26.03
37
28.25
92.13
25.72
32
29.43
87.39
Total
10805.5
61.90
97
70.29
88.06
62.34
76
72.24
86.29
South :
I-IV V-VII
4054
22.90
32
25.17
90.98
I-IV V-VII
21.36
30
26.03
82.06
2034
11.49
16
12.42
92.51
12.26
16
13.06
93.88
Total
6088
34.39
48
37.59
91.48
33.62
46
39.09
86.00
Golden Cove: I-IV
4375.5
24.57
38
32.89
74.70
I-IV
24.93
32
31.68
84.37
South Row: I-V
2954
16.78
25
19.63
85.48
I-VI
21.53
31
24.60
95.69
TOTALS . .
148076
841.29|1118 938. 17|
89.16
889.55 1087 999. 18
89.02
Room Record for Year Ending June 21, 1918-Highland Avenue, VII-VIII-95.73%. School Record for Year Ending June 21, 1918-High School-92.79%.
Room Record for Fall Term Ending Dec. 20, 1918-Highland Avenue, III-IV-96.16%. School Record for Fall Term Ending Dec. 20, 1918-South Row-95.69%.
25.32
34
29.78
85.08
IV V
Attendance
Membership
·
I-III IV-V VI-VIII
I-II III-V
Attendance
24
TEACHERS DURING YEAR 1918.
Note -- This list shows teachers in present grades, except in cases of those who have left the service.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Began Service
Ended Service
Evan W. D. Merrill, Principal
Sept. 4, 1916
Chas. A. Holbrook, Sub-Principal
Feb., 1912
Malcolm C. Hylan
Dec. 31, 1918
Neda B. Freeman
Sept., 1914
Sept., 1918
Eleanor Berg
Sept. 25, 1916
Sept., 1918
Janet D. Currie
Sept. 10, 1917
Sept., 1918
Winifred F. Jewell
Sept. 10, 1917
May 17, 1918
Constance Tenney
Nov. 5, 1917
Sept., 1918
Anna S. G. Costello
Jan. 14, 1918
Gertrude F. Roughsedge
Sept., 1918 May 28, 1918
Helen M. Nutter
Sept., 1918
Lucy T. Phillips
Sept., 1918
Adrienne Fitts
Sept., 1918
Alice J. Fairbanks
Sept., 1918
CENTER GRAMMAR:
VIII Susan S. McFarlin
April, 1879
VIII Hazel M. Stevens
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.