USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1919 > Part 6
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Music played an important part in the war; and even after its close our school children were requisitioned for so many pa- geants and drives and celebrations that a good part of their time was necessarily devoted to singing the popular music of the day. And their work was well done, as many who heard them can testify.
With the return of peace, our musical director has, during the past year, devoted more of his energies to musical notation and part singing in the grades and has, at the same time, brought out a fine chorus from the student body of our high school.
I am pleased to note the interest in chorus work of an in- creasing number of our high school boys-an indisputable evi- dence of a growing music appreciation in our schools-the end and aim of all musical instruction.
An operatic performance is shortly to be given by our High School Chorus, and we predict that all who attend will be pleased and gratified with the results of our work in music.
For a further statement of plan and progress of this work, you are referred to the report of the supervisor to be found on another page of this report.
A cabinet of stereopticon slides has been added to our equipment. These are to be used by all the schools as an effective supplement to the work of the teachers, and to visual- ize and drive home the instruction gained from the text book. It is said that seven-eighths of all our information comes through the gate of the eye, and we feel assured that both the quantity and the quality of our instruction will be greatly increased by this acquisition. But its scope will not be confined to the rou-
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
tine work of the schools. It can be used to illustrate topics of local and national interest and to assist very materially in mak- ing our schools important community centers, where all can learn with least effort what is being done in the world about them.
Best of all, by its compelling interest it will secure the co- operation of the pupils themselves. In connection with our oral language work, the pupils will take a new interest and a greater pride in their work, as all will wish and will be required to have a part in these illustrated "lectures" or "talks."
A beginning has just been made in this line of work; but the results, meager though they may be, fully justify our predic- tions, We regret that the Burley School lacks the necessary electrical connections to allow the use of the lantern in that im- portant group of schools. This can be remedied, we under- stand, at a very small expense. If so, it should be done at once.
Last July Miss Blaisdell, the former drawing teacher, left us to accept a position in the Newburyport High School. Her work there is confined entirely to the High School. It is her home town, and the salary is larger than we have been paying in Ipswich. Against such powerful factors there was but one course to follow, viz: surrender-gracefully, if possible-but surrender. Miss Blaisdell was an excellent teacher. She knew her subject thoroughly, had a plan in her work and she followed it with a fidelity and persistence that was unusual. She was a good disciplinarian. The pupils knew what was expected of them, and it was generally ready for delivery upon demand. She got more work and better work from the schools individ- ually and as a whole than any of her predecessors have been able to obtain. The work in drawing attracted a large share of attention at the School Exhibition last June. We were indeed
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
very sorry to lose Miss Blaisdell, for we felt that our schools sustained a great loss by her going.
On the suggestion of Mr. McCann, the union superintend- ent of Georgetown and Rowley, we were induced to interview Miss Anna Nason who was doing good work in the schools un- der his jurisdiction, and she was persuaded to come to us on a part time basis. Miss Nason is with us the first three days of each week and is doing excellent work. She has endeared herself to teachers and pupils alike, and the harmonious rela- tions existing between them and every phase of school work is most gratifying. We esteem ourselves as fortunate in securing the services and the personality of so worthy a successor to Miss Blaisdell, and bespeak for her a year, at least, full of good works.
DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT.
John Ruskin's advice to girls, sound and sensible at all times, should appeal to us with a new force and suggestiveness in these times of excessive prices. Let me quote a few lines as an introduction to a report on our Domestic Science Depart- ment:
"Resolve to do every day some work that is useful. Learn first the economy of the kitchen: the good and the bad quality of every common article of food and the simplest and best mode of its preparation. When you have time, help in cooking and learn how to make everything as nice as possible. Learn the sound qualities of all useful stuffs, and make everything of the best you can get. Every day, some little piece of useful clothing sew with your own fingers as strongly as it can be stitched, and embroider it or otherwise beautify it moderately with fine needlework, such asa girl may be proud of having done."
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
I hope to see the day when every girl will be compelled by law to take this course. The supervisor's report may be found farther on in this report.
MANUAL TRAINING.
We are extremely fortunate in retaining Mr. Arthur W. Gould as supervisor of Manual Training. He is a skilled me- chanic; economical in the use of material; works on a well- thought-out plan; willing to work for and with his pupils in sea- son and out; a good disciplinarian; absolutely fair in his treat- ment of special cases; and, best of all, exacts from every boy the full amount of work, well done, that is assigned to him day by day.
There is no loafing in this department. Every boy is re- quired to do his best, and every completed article or piece of work bears evidence to the painstaking care given to that work. The boys are taught not only the uses of the different tools, but they are taught how to use them and to use them properly. Most of the pupils enjoy the work and take special pride in their efforts. I consider our pupils unusually fortunate in the opportunities which this department affords.
PERCENTAGE OF UNDER-WEIGHT PUPILS IN VARIOUS SCHOOLS.
Last December I requested the school nurse to give me a percentage list of the under-weight pupils in each of our schools. The following list is just as it came from her hand; and, I must confess, that the showing staggered me. I make no comment. The figures are eloquent enough to tell their own story, and they should be significant enough to demand our most serious consideration.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
-
An account of the work of the school nurse will be found in another part of this report.
PERCENTAGE OF UNDER-WEIGHTS LISTED BY SCHOOLS.
High School.
Freshman
33.9 per cent.
Juniors
22.33 per cent.
Sophomores
30.77 per cent. Seniors 39.12 per cent.
Winthrop School.
Grade VIII,,
Class 4
59.
per cent .
3
52.
VII.,
2
55.55
66
VI.,
Miss Anderson
39.13
66
Mrs. Fisher
36.58
V.
Miss Willcomb
50.
Miss Ladd
39.53
66
. IV.,
Miss Bell
36.58
66
Burley School.
Grade V.,
38.46 per cent.
Grade III.,
34.21 per cent
IV.,
22.50
II., 46.51 66
Portable School.
Grade I.,
Miss Archer
41.18 per cent.
I.,
Miss Stanford
42.86 " 66
Payne School.
Grade III., Miss Bowlen Miss Trussell 41.30
26.47 per cent.
" I. and II.,
1
40.54
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Dennison School.
Grade III., Miss Wade 66 II., Miss Kimball
36.11 per cent.
56.25
I.,
66
43.75
Cogswell School.
Grade II., 37.13 per cent.
Grade I., 41.66 per cent.
Wainwright School.
Grade II., 41.18 per cent. Grade I., 38.46 per cent.
Candlewood School.
Grades I. to VI.,
17.65 per cent.
Linebrook School.
Grades I. to VI., 5.26 per cent.
Whole number examined, 962. Average per cent. of un- der-weight pupils, 38.14 per cent.
The rural schools make the best showing. The Linebrook School had but one pupil that was under-weight.
SCHOOL EXHIBITION.
The annual exhibition of school work was held as usual and the consensus of opinion is that, in respect to the quantity and quality of the work displayed, it superseded all previous exhibitions. The afternoon was devoted to viewing the samples of work from the various schools, aud the physical exercises and folk dances by the pupils of the first eight grades. In the eve- ning a new feature was introduced, which proved of special in- terest to those present. "Government Ownership of the Rail- roads" furnished the subject of a debate given by pupils
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
from the High School. The whole exercise was carried out in a highly creditable manner and gave evidence of the careful preparation made by the contestants. The attendance here, al- so, shows a growing interest of the parents in the work of their children.
FIELD DAY.
For the first time in the history of the Ipswich Schools, Field Day exercises were held on the School Playgrounds, the 18th day of last June, from 2 to 4 p.m., and drew a large attend- ance. This was simply an exhibition of the work in physical training attempted daily in all our schools, and gave those who witnessed the events a clearer idea of the educational value of such training. The exercises consisted of competitive relay races, setting up drills, folk dances, etc., etc. Some of our busi- ness men acted as judges, and prizes were awarded for the performance of both individuals and groups.
Not the least of its advantages is the fact that it brought to- gether a far greater number of the friends of the schools than could be assembled by any other educational device. It gave them an opportunity to form a correct judgment of the kind of discipline we are trying to maintain in our schools, and to form for themselves some mental estimate of the work and worth of each teacher as evidenced by the work of the individual clas- ses.
The expense of putting the grounds into condition, paying for the services of the band, etc., was almost wholly met by the receipts from the sale of cake, candy and ice cream. To Mrs. Harry K. Damon and Mrs. M. C. McGinley, who had full charge of this part of the program, and to their corps of able assistants, our thanks are especially due. Upon their energy and good
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
business sense the success of the enterprise depended in largest measure.
RURAL SCHOOLS.
There has been but one change in teachers of these schools this year. Miss Archer was transferred from the Linebrook School to the first grade in the Portable School, and Miss Ruth Joyce was placed in charge at Linebrook. Miss Cunningham and Miss Jewett retain their old position at Candlewood and Grape Island.
The same activities have been carried on in these schools as in preceding years. They have the privilege of the Public Library, and are visited regularly by the different supervisors. With the exception of the Manual Training, they enjoy all the advantages of the larger schools in the central part of the town.
With the same type of instruction and supervision, I see no reason why the work of these schools should not compare fa- vorably with that of the graded schools. As a matter of fact, these schools do as well or better. - The attendance is fully as good; the conditions of child growth much more favorable; the distractions from real school work fewer by far.
The rural schools outside the State are coming into their own again and are receiving more consideration from school authorities. This we believe to be a step in the right direction, all things considered; and we would not hesitate to recommend the establishment of two more within our borders were the school population in these districts a little larger.
NIGHT SCHOOL.
The night school has been continued as usual with dimin-
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
ishing numbers each succeeding year. Every inducement is offered to the young people of the town to improve these edu- cational opportunities, but the response has been somewhat disappointing.
We have used every advertising device with which we are familiar, and have supplemented these with the direct personal appeal, but all to no effect. It would seem that our young peo- ple are absolutely indifferent to such appeals; that they lack vision as well as appreciation, and have no desire to improve their present condition nor to advance themselves to a higher intellectual and social plane. The conclusion is forced upon us, repugnant as it may seem to all right-minded people, that where the element of legal compulsion is lacking, favorable re- sults are not to be expected in night school attendance. There have been, and still are, some few exceptions to this general rule, but the native born furnish no part of these exceptions.
There are on file in this office something over six hundred labor certificates issued within the last few years. Over half of these are for children between fourteen and sixteen years of age. Under the old law, if a pupil had completed the work of the fourth grade he could demand a certificate when he became fourteen years of age, and it is in this class that too many of these applicants are to be found. The new law requires the completion of the work of the sixth grade which will be a dis- tinct advantage; but even then these boys and girls need far more educational training before they can have any adequate knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
Night school or continuation school attendance should be required by law of all pupils who leave school before the senior year in the high school; and then, perhaps, we might say that our schools had made America safe for democracy.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
Repairs during the past year or two have been limited to ,such work as was actually necessary to prevent damage or loss. Material in many instances could not be obtained at any price. Stock ordered last September has not been received at this writing.
This policy has forced upon us a large amount of necessary work which cannot longer be postponed. Desks must be resur- faced, walls and ceilings in many of the rooms must be tinted, and the floors of the Manning Building need to be relaid in order to save unnecessary expense later on. The trimmings of the Burley School should be painted during the coming sum- mer, and the Portable School should be put in thorough re- pair.
Frequent complaints as to the unsanitary arrangements of the Payne and Cogswell Schools have been made this year, and we are of the opinion that this matter should have our imme- diate attention if the town wishes to avoid expensive legal pro- ceedings.
The line-fence running parallel to Manning Street has fallen still further into decay and must be replaced by a new fence as soon as men and material can be had at a reasonable price. The grading of the grounds at the rear of the school buildings on Central Street has not been completed as yet, and รก few more shrubs are needed in the central plot before this project can be considered as finished. But these last can give place to others that are more pressing, and which for strictly economical reasons must receive prompt attention.
In this connection, it might be said that many of the black- boards in the Manning School are hardly usable. Pupils can- not do good work upon such broken surfaces. These should be replaced by slate as soon as possible.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
SALARIES.
From the viewpoint of a Superintendent, the question of salaries looms big and black on his horizon at the present time. He fully realizes, on the one hand, that in the transition period from an occupation to a profession teaching, or the calling itself, has received but partial and tardy recognition, and the teacher has been overlooked and too long neglected. Her claims are just and should be generously met.
But, on the other hand, he must sincerely regret the evi- 1 dent tendency to the employment of propaganda and industrial methods to secure an end which at best can be but temporary. If the great body of school teachers wish to adopt the devices of unskilled laborers, then they must accept that classification. But let it be remembered that it was self-imposed and will in the end defeat the attainment of that- purpose for which so many of our best educators haye struggled so long. Action and re-action are equal. - If teachers wish their salaries to be gov- erned by the economic law of supply and demand, and to fluc- tuate between the same wide extremes as labor and general com- modities, then these propagandists are pursuing the right course.
But if they wish to secure for themselves a sure. foundation for professional advancement; one that is not to be disturbed by industrial conditions, nor shaken by political prejudices, then let such foundations be laid in the confident esteem of the com- mon people, and salaries will take care of themselves.
A few words from Dr. E. S. Evenden, who spent eight months in collecting and organizing material for his report, may not be out of place here. This is what he says:
"Teachers must insist upon adequate pay in order that the work of education may meet its present-day obligations; but it is no longer necessary to wage campaigns for increased salaries solely upon the basis of sentiment or justice to an oppressed
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
class. The case can be presented on its merits, and where cam- paigns have been vigorously made on the principle of educa- ting the community on matters concerning the school to the point that they are able to recognize needs, they have almost always been successful."
By this method the teacher secures the end sought, estab- lishes herself in the community, and sets an example which others would do well to follow.
It gives me no small degree of gratification to say that, with a single exception, our salary adjustments have been made with the individual teachers, and I hope to their satisfaction.
Of course, it is understood that any further increase of sal- ary is conditional upon the exceptionally good work of the indi- vidual teacher. Effort and results should be the controlling factor here as everywhere. The teacher who is doing poor work in any subject- as writing, for instance .- is not entitled to consideration except for a reduction of both rank and salary. The merit system is the logical one that should maintain here, if we wish to befair to teachers, pupils, and taxpayers.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Most of the changes recommended last year were held in abeyance, as both labor and material were not obtainable. These should be taken up as soon as conditions will permit, but no extraordinary expenditures should be undertaken at present. Only the most pressing, those that are forced upon us by necessity and by law, are to be considered at the present level of prices.
The law going into effect next September in reference to special instruction for delinquent children will necessitate the employment of an extra teacher for this class of pupils, and we recommend another teacher for the backward pupils of the
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Winthrop School, as that school is overcrowded at the present time.
PENNY SAVINGS.
There has been a little falling off in the receipts from pen- ny savings this year especially in the upper grades, which I hope may be due simply to a temporary lack of enthusiasm. This is too important a part of child training to be overlooked or neglected, and we hope the parents will do all in their power to encourage thrift. Not what we earn but what we save, gives us the found- ation upon which to build. e
The method of collection has been the same as in former years. Mr. Tozer visits each room once a week and receives from the teacher such sums as she has collected from the pupils. Where the amount from a pupil is sufficient to buy a thrift stamp or a war savings stamp, the pupil buys the stamp or stamps di- rect from Mr. Tozer. When the individual prepares to take out a new Savings Bank book or to make additions to one al- ready in his possession, Mr. Tozer attends to the business for the pupil.
Value of thrift stamps sold
$ 221.00
Value of war stamps sold 1940.00
Total $2161.00
Number of New Bank books opened 37
This does not represent the total of savings by any means. Many of the pupils have purchased both thrift and war savings stamps from other sources, and of these we have no account. Of course no account of the money deposited on old books is attempted, as it would involve too much book-keeping.
Miss Annie P. Wade's school leads all other schools in the amount of money saved during the year.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
GENERAL.
I wish to call the attention of both parents and teachers to a few things that militate decidedly against the best interests of our schools. And first among them is the exploitation of our school children by those well-meaning persons who do not stop to consider the limits of child endurance. After every drive or fair or other entertainment, the fatigue of the children is very noticeable. Teachers complain that their children are inatten- tive and give every indication of loss of sleep. Futhermore, it would seem that everybody was trying to foist his pet project- for which he is fully compensated-upon the school. This is unfair to the teacher as well as to the child, and should not be tolerated by the parents.
Unless these outside attractions are kept within reasonable bounds, the progress of such pupils will be impeded to such an extent that they will drop back in their grade and the work will have to be repeated. If the schools could be left severely alone and allowed to resume and continue their proper and legitimate work, results would be more satisfactory and there would be less cause for criticism. As it is at present, even the three R's are in danger of being crowded out. A little more co-operation between the parent and the teacher would help amazingly in this matter, with a resulting gain in both health and scholarship, and would tend to diminish that intermeddling by outside in- terests.
We are receiving not a few complaints in reference to after- school work. Let me say right here that if a pupil is required to remain after school to make up work, it is proof positive that he was not attentive in class or failed to prepare his lesson at the proper time. In either case there is but one alternative; He must make up his work after school or drop back into the grade below. A little pressure brought to bear right here, often es-
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
tablishes correct habits and saves a boy for larger usefulness. We are continually striving to have the pupil abandon his plan- ning to "get by" and to get the viewpoint of honest work. And this idea cannot be too strongly enforced. The academic ac- quirements which the pupil gets from the school will be of little value either to himself or to society unless he puts this know- ledge to some practical use. In fact, he must be made to realize that the real function of the school is to furnish him with an equipment for his life work; that the more of it he gets the more useful he may become, and the greater his chances of success.
But along with this he should be impressed with the nobil- ity of labor-real, honest, hard work. Parents wish their child- ren to succeed in the world but are they equally as willing that their children should work hard for success? The two things must go together or the larger success can never come to them.
It is often said that education tends to laziness and inclines its possessor to despise work. If this indictment is true then we are working upon a false basis and our curricula need revision. But it is not true. Education alone will not make a man either good or great; but it can help him to become both. Let our pupils understand that there is no "royal road" to an education, that it means work, and that its value depends upon its use, and they will have the right point of view. The worlds greatest and most successful men have been the greatest workers and the greatest seekers after knowledge, and let these be the ex- amples for our sons and daughters to follow.
Some one has said:
"Life's master word is work. With this magic word in one's heart, all things are possible. It is the touch-stone of progress, and the key to success."
My reasons for emphasizing this feature of school life so strongly is the fact that we have nearly a score of young people started for college and we are desirous that they should perse-
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
vere to the end. Any distraction at this stage of their progress would result disastrously to their prospects, and turn them from their purpose-something we wish to prevent if possible. If but half of this number succeed in securing a college diploma it will be the greatest honor that has come to our school for some time. Not a few of our pupils are pursuing their studies in higher in- stitutions of learning at the present time and this fact is exerting no small influence upon our present student body. Let us strive in every way to impress upon all our pupils that knowledge and labor beget wisdom, and that true happiness is the offspring of service.
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