USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1921 > Part 6
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ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars with which to purchase a new truck to transport the school children of the town; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars, or what other sum, for the purchase of a site for and the erection of a fire station at East Chelmsford ; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to report at the next annual town meeting what action, if any, should be taken by the Town to provide for future high school accommodations; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Dollars, or what other sum, for the purchase of fire hose; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Fire Engi- neers to sell two hose reels, one harness, two wagons, and a small building located near North Chelmsford Town Hall; or act in rela- tion thereto.
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ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will authorize the use and storage of the fire apparatus and other property in charge of the Board of Fire Engineers, from time to time in such part or parts of the Town as said Board may think advisable; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars, or what other sum, for the collection and removal of ashes and rubbish; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 26. To see if the Town will vote to rename the Princeton Street School as a memorial to Lieutenant Egbert F. Tetley, a World War soldier who lost his life in the service, said school to be known as the Egbert F. Tetley School; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to rename the West Chelms- ford School as a memorial to Corporal George R. Quessy. a World War soldier who lost his life in the service, said school to be known as the George R. Quessy School; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 2S. To see if the Town will vote to rename Stevens Corner, so called. at the North Village, as a memorial to Private Alberton W. Vinal, a World War soldier who lost his life in the service, said corner to be known as the Alberton W. Vinal Square; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 29. To see if the Town will vote to erect at an expense not exceeding Three Thousand Dollars a granite monument to the memory of the men and women of Chelmsford who served in the World War; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 30. To see what action, if any, the Town will take to secure the payment of taxes within one year after October first of the year in which they are assessed; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 31. To see if the Town will increase the number of Constables, and if so, to what number; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 32. To see if the Town will vote to take out insurance against employer's liability, so-called, in the Highway Department and the Moth Department, or either of them; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty-nine Dollars to cover deficiency in settlement of land damage case of Dennis J. and Rose Mccluskey and expenses; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars for State Aid; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum to be determined at the meeting, sufficient to purchase a flag for the Centre Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 36. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from money already in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of Fifty Dollars with which to pay Hector Clough a balance for services rendered the Building Committee of the Westlands School during the year 1921; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to be determined at the meeting for the purpose of establishing and maintaining sidewalks in the Town under the general direction and control of the Selectmen ; or act in relation thereto.
AND YOU ARE DIRECTED to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Post Offices in the Centre of the Town, South Chelmsford, North Chelmsford, and West Chelmsford, and at the School House, East Chelmsford, seven days at least before the time appointed for holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, and make return of this Warrant. with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk. at the time and place of holding the first meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and twenty-two.
GEORGE W. DAY. WILLIAM E. BELLEVILLE, GEORGE RIGBY, Selectmen of Chelmsford.
A true copy. ATTEST :
FRED I. VIÑAL
Constable of the Town of Chelmsford.
.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF CHELMSFORD, MASS.
For the School Year Ending December 31, 1921
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SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR ALL SCHOOLS
WINTER TERM, 1922-14 Weeks-January 3, 1922-April 7, 1922. VACATION-ONE WEEK.
SPRING TERM, 1922-10 Weeks-April 17, 1922-June 23, 1922. VACATION-TEN WEEKS.
FALL TERM, 1922-16 Weeks-September 6, 1922-December 22, 1922. VACATION-ONE WEEK.
WINTER TERM, 1923-Opens January 2, 1923.
HOLIDAYS FOR ALL SCHOOLS
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, September 4, October 12, November 30, December 1.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
Signal given at 7.15 A. M. calls for no sessions during the day, and consists of six blows repeated twice, thus IIIIII-IIIIII.
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Report of School Committee
To the Residents of Chelmsford : 1
In accordance with the usual custom, your committee submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1921.
In spite of many changes, we feel that the past year has been one of satisfactory achievement, and in some respects a little progress. Through- out the year a spirit of unity has always existed between the committee, superintendents, teachers, and all others engaged in school work. Neither can we forget the co-operation we have received from parents and citizens, all of which has helped to lighten our task. We, therefore, take this oppor- tunity of expressing our gratitude.
Our new superintendent, Mr. Roscoe G. Frame, is doing excellent work, and we recommend that parents and citizens, especially parents, become acquainted with him at their earliest opportunity.
Next September we expect approximately 100 pupils in high school from the north village, which sooner or later must bring up the question of a high school in that vicinity.
There are many pressing needs of which we are fully aware; an en- largement at north, the finishing of our high school athletic field, grading of some of our school grounds, a thorough cleaning of the interior of nearly all our buildings. But alas! the bogey of a high tax rate, like the poor, is ever present and makes us feel that the present is inopportune.
Our watchword has been, and will continue to be, the strictest economy with necessary efficiency. We, therefore. ask only your consideration of the absolute needs of the present.
Thanking you for your generous support in the past, and trusting you for a continuance of the same in the future.
Respectfully yours,
HERBERT WATERHOUSE, CHARLES H. ELLIS, M. EDWARD RINEY,
School Committee.
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Report of the Superintendent
Chelmsford, Mass., Dec. 31, 1921.
School Committee, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit this my first annual report as superintendent of schools for the town of Chelmsford.
As my work has been for much less than a year the scope of this report must necessarily be limited to a statement of conditions now existing, rather than a record of accomplishment.
A very good idea of the efficiency of a school system is the per cent. of attendance. There are two main reasons for absence from school; sickness and unsuitable weather. School attendance is the right of every child and the duty of every parent. Absence from school for any reason other than absolute necessity, deprives the individual child of an advantage which may never be regained. Continued absence very often results in loss of promo- tion, with the consequent repetition of the grade. While not apparent, this results in a higher per capita cost of the schools. Parents should regard school attendance in the same light as though it were a position in the busi- ness world. Every absence from work means a loss in money. In school, it is the same, although the loss is not felt as directly.
School marks are largely relative in value. They have to be tempered with judgment and understanding of the individual pupil on the part of the teacher. No pupil ever receives a low mark because the teacher wants him to fail or be obliged to repeat the course. On the other hand, many times it is the judgment of the teacher that a particular pupil is doing the best he can, that to repeat the grade would be of no advantage, and that some- thing of value would be obtained from the work of the next year. There are many pupils each year who are promoted for this reason alone. No teacher likes to give a low mark. Her own work would be easier and far more pleasant if all pupils were able to do satisfactory work. A low mark on a report is a danger signal. When the child brings home one of these, a conference between the parent and teacher should be arranged as soon as possible. Often individual peculiarities may be the cause, physical defects which may be remedied or helped, or at least a mutual understanding of the difficulties will result. "The School and Home should work together for the good of the Child."
The salaries of the teachers, in comparison with other towns of this size and smaller, are low. While we are able to secure teachers at the price offered, it does not mean that we are paying them a just wage. Many of the teachers live at home, and for that reason are willing to accept less penalized. A low initial salary is not so much to be avoided as should be the low maximum. The value of a teacher's work increases from year to
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year, and if they have to take advantage of a better salary in some other place, they take with them the valuable experience and skill they gained at the expense of the town. It would be more profitable to pay them enough to retain their services, rather than act as a training school for more prosperous places. The superintendent of a large manufacturing con- cern has estimated that it cost the firm $200 every time a new name re- placed an old one on the pay roll. It is impossible to give figures which will show the cost of giving a young teacher experience. Usually some other community receives the benefit of this investment.
Teaching is no longer an occupation. It is a profession. We are rapidly approaching the time when as much technical and clinical training will be required for entrance into teaching, as is now required as preparatory for law and medicine.
The schools of any community will never be better than what that community desires. On the other hand, they will be just as good over any given period of time, as the people want and are willing to pay for. Times and conditions have changed even in our own generation, and what may have been a desirable and necessary part of the curriculum must now be enlarged or changed. We must approach all subjects from new angles, and often furnishı new motives. The success of the old red school was often in spite of, rather than because of its limitations. Often the worth of the work in the old days is given weighted value due to contemporary comparison and the elapsed time. Judging by the old records, the schools came in for much harsher and more pointed criticism than at the present. Every subject in the course of study has a definite reason for its place. No longer are subjects assigned because they are difficult and therefore ought to be a subject of study. Everything is tested by its utilitarian value, and the use- less is discarded.
As was explained in the report of last year, the state has fixed a mini- mum wage for all teachers in the public schools of the state. Beyond this they pay a bonus for higher salaries, dependent upon the training and expe- rience of the teacher. This year the town received about $8,000 on this account. For next year, due to an amendment to the original act, this amount will be increased to nearly $10,000. In order that there may be no misunderstanding, it should be understood that all money received on account of the School Committee or the department is credited to the general treasury of the town, and not to the funds available for use for the schools. The immediate effect of this is to make the appropriation for school purposes appear unusually large, while in reality the appropriation which must be raised by taxation is reduced by the amount received.
In the lower grades, especially the first, throughout the town it was found that a large number of children at five years of age were unable to do the work of the first year, due to immaturity. In September, 1921, the age for entrance was set at five years and three months, and in September, 1922, all children who enter must be five years and six months on or before the first day of September. This action was taken for the benefit of the children. If it were possible for us to provide kindergarten training, work suited to their needs could be offered.
It has been found that a limited number of children are in the schools who have never complied with the law in regard to vaccination. In Septem-
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ber, 1922, all pupils who cannot furnish evidence of vaccination or a certi- ficate from a practicing physician that for cause vaccination would be dan- gerous to the health of the child, will be denied admission. These certificates of exemption are valid one year from date, and must be renewed on expira- tion.
To the School Committee, who by their kindly counsel and support, to the teachers, who have given most hearty loyalty and enthusiasm, and to the parents and citizens of the town, who, by their interest and co-operation in the works of the schools, have made the duties of your superintendent very pleasant, grateful appreciation and thanks are extended.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSCOE G. FRAME,
Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Roscoe G. Frame,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit a report and present a very brief statement of con- ditions in the Chelmsford High School as I find them at the present time.
I am restricted to a limited description of the work of the school. Those definite and far-reaching processes of education with which the administra- tive and teaching forces of a school are continuously concerned with cannot be very well described through the medium of a conventional report. There is placed upon us the obligation, with its manifold duties and responsibilities of forming and shaping those most important elements of a democracy- namely, its citizen. Our task is to impart needful information; to train in correct methods of thought and action, and to insist upon a proper respect for and obedience to law and the established ideals of good citizenship.
There are no definite measures of this kind of work. It is only as the graduates of a school demonstrate their ability to assume their proper places in the community and perform their work with a broad outlook on life and with a proper contribution to useful citizenship, that a school can be said to have failed or succeeded. How well we are trying to do this work can, to some extent, be ascertained by visits to the school and becoming acquainted with the aims, ideals, and the work of the teaching force. It is my earnest desire that all who are interested in the school shall visit the school and see it at work.
During the past two years I have insisted that the pupils, at all times, keep in mind the necessity of making their school work their chief business. A careful attention to the matter at hand and a faithful performance of duty lead to success. In the mastery of lesson assignments there must be a realization that the work must not be interfered with by the many interests of home and community life. The teachers are helped very much in their work by the intelligent interest shown by the scholars and by their apparent eagerness to make the most of the opportunities afforded them for securing
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an education. A spirit of endeavor and a desire to do the best they can, seems to impel the pupils to co-operate with the teachers in a manner that is very gratifying.
A large part of the work of a high school must, of necessity, be done outside of school hours and under the supervision of the home. I feel that most parents feel this responsibility and are endeavoring to co-operate with the teachers. However, my observations lead me to conclude that there is a growing number of parents who do not realize their responsibility in this matter. I should like to ask these parents what they have done or what they contemplate doing in regard to some of the following particulars, such as visiting the school to inquire about their child's progress and deport- ment ; supervising his activities and health so that he will be rested and fit to study ; interesting themselves in his work, aims, aspirations, amusements, and friendships; and in general doing all that they can to help the school help their children.
Last spring I made application for the certificate privilege of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. An investigation was made by the officers of the college. A representative of the faculty visited the school. A short time ago a letter was received stating that the school would be placed on the approved list for two years. The school is again approved by the State Board of Education as a Class A School for certification to Normal Schools.
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The class of 1921 graduated with 16 pupils. The honor students, the first four in order of scholarship, were : David Brown, Laura Ferne Richard- son, Helen Louise Linstad and Mary Louise McKennedy. Six of the grad- uates are continuing their education in other institutions of learning.
The interest in the various school activities described in my last report is as strong as ever and is very gratifying to me as the principal and to the teachers who act as advisors. A radio club has been organized this fall. About thirty boys have shown their interest in this activity. It is planned to link the work of such an organization quite definitely with the regular school work in the scientific courses.
Last spring, for the first time, a musical concert was given by the school. The Girls' Glee Club, the Boys' Glee Club, the school orchestra and the school chorus, under the supervision of Miss Marion Adams, presented a program which was well received by the community. It is planned to make this concert an annual event and a regular feature of the school work.
I have introduced this year the plan of having an Honor Roll for scholarship endeavor. This list distinguishes pupils having four A's in full unit subjects. Honorable mention distinguishes pupils having at least two A's and two B's. The two A's must be secured in full unit subjects.
The total enrollment of the school is 181 pupils, 79 boys, 102 girls. The total membership by classes is as follows : Post graduates, 1; seniors, 17; juniors, 38; sophomores, 52; freshmen, 73.
In closing, I wish to express to the School Committee, the superintend- ents of schools and all others who are contributing to the support and advancement of the Chelmsford High School, my sincere appreciation of their work in its behalf.
Respectfully submitted,
LESTER F. ALDEN, Principal.
Jan. 3, 1922.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Roscoe Frame,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I respectfully submit the following report of work done in the Chelms- ford schools for the year ending December 31, 1921 :
The work done in the High School has shown a marked improvement over that of the previous year. It has included both freehand and mechani- cal drawing. The freehand drawing has had to be kept on a commercial basis, such as printing, poster work, applied design and color study, owing to the fact that class room accommodations do not allow for other work.
I would recommend that a drawing room with movable chairs be pro- vided. If this were done, group work could be carried on, so that each student could develop whatever talent he possessed. More of the upper class students could continue drawing. As it is now, drawing is practically con- fined to the freshmen class, except in a few cases where a small group of juniors and sophomores are continuing the work.
The work in the primary and grammar grades has been much the same as the previous year. The results have shown more proficiency in the hand- ling of material. The exhibition held last June spoke more clearly of the work done by the pupils than anything I might say now.
This year I have introduced applied design in the seventh and eighth grades. The results have been very good and the interest shown by the students and the teachers has been very gratifying.
I would be very glad to have the parents visit the drawing classes at any time and see the children at work.
I thank you and the teachers for the co-operation you have given.
Respectfully submitted,
LYDIA M. DESORMEAUX,
Drawing Supervisor.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Roscoe C. Frame,
Superintendent of Schools,
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
The high school pupils gave a concert last April. The Girls' Glee Club, the Boys' Glee Club and the high school Orchestra each gave several num- bers. A cantata entitled, "The Landing of the Pilgrims," by Louis Adolphe Coerne, was sung by the entire school. We are preparing for a similar concert to take place in the early spring.
The glee clubs, the High School chorus and orchestra contributed num- bers to the High School graduation program.
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A grammar school orchestra was organized at the Centre last year and played very acceptably at the Centre grammar graduation. The grammar school pupils from the various schools sang at the grammar school gradua- tions at North and the Centre.
We hope the public school music is improving both in the grades and in high school and that each pupil may, through music, gain something which will make him a better citizen.
Respectfully submitted,
M. MARION ADAMS, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Chelmsford, Mass., Jan. 6, 1922.
Mr. Roscoe Frame,
Superintendent :
The inspection of the children in the schools for 1921 showed cases of enlarged tonsils, adenoids, strabismus, rickets, pediculosis, blepharitis, and decayed teeth.
Much more attention is being given to these troubles and much general improvement is shown.
Very truly,
ARTHUR G. SCOBORIA, M. D., School Physician.
Mr. R. G. Frame,
Superintendent of Schools, Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sir :
The school children have had excellent health for the past year.
There has been no prevalent contagious disease with school attendance.
Mothers are again urged to watch their children for contagious diseases and pediculosis before sending them to school.
Very truly yours,
FRED E. VARNEY, School Physician.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES, CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1921
Town Hall, No. Chelmsford, Wednesday Evening, June 22, 1921.
Class Motto : "There's More Beyond." Class Flower : Rose. Class Colors : Dark Blue and Gold.
PROGRAM.
March-On to Plattsburg Lowe
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Invocation
REV. E. AMBROSE JENKINS
Music-a. La Czarine Ganne Czibulka
b. Moonlit Meadows HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS
Salutatory Essay-The Athens of America
LAURA FERNE RICHARDSON
Essay-The Monument of Life
MARY LOUISE MCKENNEDY
Music-When the Leaves are Turning Gold Donizetti GIRLS' GLEE CLUB Violin Obligato-M. MARION ADAMS
Essay-America and the Immigrant
HELEN LOUISE LINSTAD
Selection-In the Starlight
Huerter
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Presentation of Class Gift FLORENCE ELIZABETH ELLIS, Vice President 1921 Acceptance IDA EVALYN PAIGNON, President 1922
Music-For the Flag and America Dennee
BOYS' GLEE CLUB
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Valedictory Essay-The Twentieth Century Knight DAVID BROWN
Address
PROF. MARSHALL LIVINGSTON PERRIN, PH. D., Boston University
Conferring of Diplomas
HERBERT WATERHOUSE, Chairman of School Committee
Selection-Gavotte from "Iphigenie en Aulide" HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Gluck
Class Ode
WORDS BY FLORENCE ELIZABETH ELLIS MUSIC BY ISABELLE VIOLA WARREN
Benediction
REV. JOHN H. PARKER
CLASS ROLL
David Brown, President. Florence Elizabeth Ellis, Vice President. Helen Louise Linstad; Secretary. Laura Ferne Richardson, Treasurer.
CLASS HONORS
David Brown Laura Werne Richardson
Helen Louise Linstad Mary Louise McKennedy
Allan Howard Adams David Brown Ralph Russell Cole Robert Archie Dunstan Florence Elizabeth Ellis Pearl Charlotte Fiske Helen Louise Linstad Mary Louise McKennedy
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