USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1920 > Part 9
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Let us hope that this community will give immediate recog- nition to those teachers who, through a long term of service, have given indisputable evidence of high and noble purpose and gen- uine worth. We have many of them, and we wish to keep them.
IN GENERAL.
The task of administering the affairs of the schools of to- day is larger and more complex than ever before. The extreme classification in nearly all lines of industrial activities and the highly specialized work in all departments of human effort have brought to the serious attention of school officials everywhere, a multitude of problems whose significance has never been equaled, and whose consideration demands the highest type of intelligence and ability. When you add to this the enlarged scope and vision of modern educational effort growing out of the recognition of individual differences in pupils, and their ab- solute right to a common share in the advantages and benefits of public school instruction, you will understand why the work
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of the schools has become more specialized, and why the prob- lems confronting school officials are more intricate and pressing than ever before. And then, too, the noble purpose which per- meates the whole organized endeavor to give to each individual, without distinction of class, such particular and all-round train- ing as will secure for him, through service, the respect of his fellowmen and his own happiness, brings an element of deepest concern and responsibility which these officials cannot escape or evade.
These are all general problems, common in their applica- tion to all communities. But there are local ones as well that are more insistent in their demands, and upon whose wise and intelligent solutions the vitality and progress of the commmunity absolutely depend.
And so it will be seen that in order to secure and maintain the greatest efficiency in the educational and morale uplift and. influence in the schools, and in the community as well, it is ab- solutely necessary that we have the fullest and most hearty co- operation of every up-standing, broad minded, intelligent citizen of our town; and his or her true value as a citizen will be in direct ratio as his efforts and influence are employed to this end.
Our teachers are working hard. Most of them are working overtime, and with little or no thought of reward, pecuniary or otherwise. But they deserve it and should have it. And so if your child has been taught to read in three months time, as most of them are, a word of appreciation, it should be gratitude, would greatly encourage them, and establish them in the thought that their work was being appreciated and might be, after all, fully worth-while.
And so it is throughout the whole range of our school ac- tivities. Our teachers are trying to impress upon the minds of our young people the supreme value of their present opportun- ities and to have a more sober and serious-minded view of
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their possibilities in life. I feel that they are doing more in this respect at the present time than they have ever been able to ac- complish before. A fuller recognition of this effort by the par- ents, and the closest kind of co-operation between them and the teachers, will do much towards starting the boy on the right road to a larger usefulness. I feel very strongly in reference to this point, for failure here is nearly always attended by the most dis- astrous consequences. We seldom realize it until after the door of opportunity is shut.
I have in mind at this moment the case of fully a half-dozen boys, who, having started upon the commercial course, expressed a desire later on to change to the college course that they might pursue their studies beyond the high school. In every case where the change was permitted, these boys lost from one to two years time; the others, by reason of the time already spent in school, felt obliged to graduate with their class, and, in all probability, will never reach their desired goal.
Two others I have in mind whose entire college expenses would have been met by interested friends had these boys been prepared to enter college upon graduation from the high school. But they had not taken the college course, and their educational career ended right there: Such a record makes shameful reading; and it is entitlen to a place in the catalog of high crimes and misdemeanors. But the sorrowful part of it, the extremely re- grettable part of it, is that it was wholly preventable.
" For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these, it might have been."
May I ask then, in view of these facts, that when the cards upon which the choice of course is to be indicated are again sent home, that the parents, both if possible, come to the school and after full consultation with the principal, make deliberate choice of that course which offers the largest possibilities with - in the pupil's intellectual reach. Under no consideration should
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a matter of such vital importance be left to the impulse, the whim, or the caprice of a mere child.
In order to forestall and prevent as far as possible any rep- etition of such unsavory occurrences, the study of algebra was made compulsory with the entire freshman class last September. This will strengthen the mathematic courses, enable pupils who desire to change courses, to do so with least expense of time, and, we hope, greatly increase the number of those who are preparing for college.
To relieve the supposed financial difficulties which beset the path of the worthy student about to enter college it is pro- posed to establish an Alumni Fund, whose upkeep should be considered a major activity of the school, and whose manage- ment should be under the special care and control of represen- tatives chosen from the membership of all graduate classes. This movement should be productive of much good over and above the contemplated assistance to deserving students. This Alum. ni Association needs some such worthy object as an incentive to promote its own development and to strengthen its organiza- tion. It would aid materially in building up a fine school spirit. and become an increasing power in leadership and community improvement. It would have large possibilities in many useful and necessary undertakings, and I hope soon to be able to an- nounce that this tentative plan has at last become an accom- plished fact.
Right here I should like to make use of a paragraph that has recently come to my notice, that I may convince some parents of the larger opportunity that comes to the college-trained man.
" The man who graduates with high scholastic honors, in- stead of being unfitted for success by his extra " book-learning " is about seven times as likely to become a distinguished man as the " all-round men " taking their diplomas with him. As com- pared with the average college student his chances are 20 to 1;
-
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compared with the average high-school student 200 to 1 .; and with those having only a common school education 5000 to 1. In this age of mind, as never before, Knowledge is Power, and the man who knows is the man who leads."
" To the lazy and self-indulgent, to social dudes and over- grown children, to all who long to study less and play more, the old theory was as fascinating as poisoned candy in a kindergar- ten. It not only excused the neglect of duty but crowned the loafer as a man of far-seeing wisdom."
" The truth is that those who out-strip their indolent or brainless competitors in school or college continue to do so when school days are over, and to win high scholarship honors in a first-class college is almost a guarantee of success in life."
I am pleased to say that there is a very noticeable change in the attitude of our pupils towards their work; and, if nothing unforeseen happens meanwhile, we shall send one of the young- est graduates from our high school to Harvard College next fall.
Plans for a lecture course have been under consideration for some time; but owing to the engagements of the speakers for the early part of the season, the matter was postponed. These lectures are under the auspices of the school and are managed directly by a committee of teachers. The lecturers are men of national reputation and are deserving of full houses. We trust that our people will respond generously as the net proceeds are to be turned into the Alumni Fund already mentioned.
The entertainment or amusement feature of our school work has not been overlooked, as most of our high-school pupils will gladly testify. Heretofore the popular dance was too much in evidence, and some of the pupils held to the idea that it was the only source of rational enjoyment. But that illusion has been dispelled. Principal Whipple and his teachers have provided some of the most enjoyable and common-sensed entertainments
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that we have ever had, both for the school as a whole and for the individual classes. In every instance an abundance of clean, wholesome fun was provided, and the avidity with which it was enjoyed was a pleasure to behold. The "County Fair", with ev- ery feature and attraction of the original reduced to miniature, will remain in the memory of these young people long after the school-room door is closed for the last time. I feel that our young people are beginning to realize that there is no enjoyment like that which is well earned, and that good, clean, wholesome fun is better, by far, than any other kind.
There have been some complaints in reference to "staying after school." There are but two situations from which this condition can possibly arise; - one, where the pupil remains to get help; the other, where he is compelled to do so in order to make up his work, or to pay the penalty of misconduct. One is voluntary, the other involuntary; but neither could be forbidden without resulting in injury to both the pupil and the school. Assignments of lessons are reasonable, in the main, and are fit- ted to the average capacity or ability of the class. Some pupils "get" their lesson in one-half the time, or less, than some others in the same class; some need to do no home work, others need to do much of it. But this is no disparagement of the plodder if he is in earnest. He may have the higher "intelligence quo- tient" and become the more successful man.
The trouble lies, in some degree, in the traditional method of grading, and under that method results have been all that could be reasonably expected. Mr. Whipple and myself are planning to "try out" some of the standard test for intelligence measurements, and possibly we may find something here that will give us the basis for a more rational method of grading and so relieve the situation.
So many of our younger pupils leave school to attend the commercial schools of Salem or Lynn that I feel in duty bound
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to call this matter to the attention of the parents of such pupils. Let me say at the outset that I have nothing but words of com- mendation for both the schools themselves and for the corps of excellent teachers in each of them. They have a well deserved reputation for square dealing and successful accomplishment, and I would not, even were it within my power, for any consider- ation, attempt the slightest detraction from the high standards which they have so successfully maintained. I am on the most friendly terms with each, and recommend our graduate pupils to attend these schools.
Were all such pupils full-fledged graduates of our high school there would be no occasion for this paragraph. But they are not, and most of them lack the educational background nec- essary to secure the largest benefits of these schools. In too many cases, I am led to believe that the whim of the pupil him- self dictates such a procedure, expensive both to himself and to his parents.
This department of our high school is well equipped and solicits for its senior pupils such clerical work as our business men are willing to intrust to the care of the school. Pupils will be sent to the offices or place of business of such persons upon application to the Principal, and the stenographer's notes their made will be taken to the school and typewritten. A pledge of secrecy is given, and the work will be done in a satisfactory manner, free of all charges except for stationery used. The pur- pose is to give these pupils the benefit of practical office work, along with the theory.
In closing this section I wish to remind the people of the town that the schools are a vital and inseparable part of the com- munity, and are affiliated with all the activities and agencies that make for the educational, social, and moral uplift of all, without distinction of race or creed. It is the one great source of democracy where each and all may receive equal advantages
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and assistance freely and in full measure. Its doors are always open, and no one who enters in the right spirit will be denied.
I have repeated this statement in the interest of those people who are temporarily out of work, and we desire to make use of this opportunity for self-improvement. A few have availed themselves of the privilege but there are many others, especially among our young people, who should do likewise. It may mean a great deal to not a few of them and furnish the turning point in their lives. Places may be found in many of the regular classes, and I feel that their time could not be more profitably employed. The Principal will arrange the best possible sched- ule to suit their convenience and by earnest effort and applica- tion they will secure some knowledge that will be of great value. May we not see many more seeking that help which the school is abundantly able and willing to give?
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BUDGET.
The budget may be considered as the resultant of two for- ces, - the welfare of the schools on the one hand and the well- being of the taxpayer on the other. Any injustice shown in the consideration of either party is bound to be reflected in the unsettlement of those equitable and harmonious relations which should always exist between every department of service and the general public.
At best and under normal conditions, this is a difficult task, but when confusion reigns, and when the best of minds confess to an inability to gauge the situation correctly, then it is that budget-making is no pastime.
The same condition of uncertainty surrounds us at the pres- ent time as in the past two or three years. We have repeated the statement " that the peak of high prices has been reached " so many times only to be disappointed, that we have gone over to the other horn of the dilemma and declare that the salary of good teachers - and we want no others - is still climbing and that we have the greatest difficulty in securing them at going prices.
More than this our teachers did not receive, except in a few cases, the average salaries paid in other places, and are fully entitled to some consideration this year. We do want to retain the present organization if a possible thing, and have therefore asked for an increased appropriation.
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BUDGET. (Continued)
General Expenses
$ 4625.
Teachers' Salaries
51000.
Evening School
500.
Textbooks and Supplies
2000.
Paper and Blank-books
1000.
Drawing Material
100.
Manual Training
200.
Domestic Science
250.
All Other
600.
Tuition
125.
Transportation
3100.
Janitors
3300.
Fuel and Light
4000.
Buildings and grounds
1125.
Furniture
50.
Insurance
650.
Diplomas and Graduations
100.
$ 72725.
Returns. From the State:
On salaries of 34 teachers at $200.
6800.
= 11 5 150.
750.
=
n Part time teachers
220.
Minor State wards
200.
Tuition, Beverly Industrial School
125.
Tuition, Town of Rowley
3400.
$ 11495
Net
$ 61230
About $1000 of this amount will be needed to liquidate unpaid bills of last year.
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The several amounts of the return items are estimates based upon data from the most reliable sources obtainable. If a bill for doubling the apportionment from the School and Bank Tax Funds becomes a law, this item will be more than doubled, and will in itself exceed the total returns of this year by $2000.
The number of pupils from Rowley will doubtless be con- siderably larger another year, and this item also will show quite an increase. The amount coming from Minor State wards may be smaller than the estimate, but it will be so small as to be con- sidered a negligible quantity. The net amount therefore that will be used in the actual running of our schools will not be ex- cessive.
Whatever the outcome of all these bewildering conditions may be, I trust that the general confidence in the ability and in- tegrity of your school officials will assure the good people of our town that no single dollar of the appropriation will be need- lessly expended.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
On behalf of the schools we wish to make acknowledgment of the many favors in the form of gifts and service received dur- ing the past year.
In the early summer Rev. Robert B. Parker presented the High School four large steel engravings. These were already framed and so were hung at once. They have added much to the attractiveness and home-like appearance of the rooms, and show in striking contrast with the bare walls which they adorn. Pictures are something more than ornaments. They exert an an influence in the development of a refined taste which cannot be easily measured. These certainly were a very valuable gift.
Then, too, our old contributor, Mr. J. A. Huckins, presented
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a valuable book to the Junior High School. Our thanks are also due this gentleman for favors and various services rendered on many occasions. His continued personal interest in the appear- ance of the school grounds is beginning to have a noticeable effect. The shrubbery and hedges are thriving better than ever before, and in the course of a few more years will become thor- oughly established. The winter coverings of leaves which Mr Huckins has so generously supplied are largely to be credited for this result. We have not lost a single mountain laurel shrub in the last two years, though these winters were unusually severe.
But the largest and most valuable service is to be noted in connection with placing the danger signals in the neighborhood of the school yards. A little thing in itself perhaps. but attended with tremendous possibilities in view of the hundreds of auto- mobile accidents that are brought to our notice almost everv dav. The mothers, at least, will appreciate this effort to prevent accidents to their children.
For the last two or three years a dental clinic has been maintained at the Cable Memorial Hospital for the benefit of the children of the town. This is one of the departments of the Ipswich welfare work that is being done here and is under the charge of the local dentists.
This work, while almost wholly for the benefit of the school children. has been of no expense whatever to our department, and no word of commendation, so far as my knowledge goes, has ever been tendered to these men for whose generous service we are greatly indebted. To Dr F. W. Kves, the dean of the faculty, especially should our thanks be extended, and to Dr. Ernest J. Smith, his efficient colaborer. as well, Dr. Charles D. Broe is a recent addition to the staff but is doing his share in.a necessary work which we shall more fully appreciate as we be- come more acquainted with the closer relation of good, sound
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teeth and bodily and mental health.
To all these men this acknowledgment, belated and long overdue, comes as a sincere expression of our appreciation of their work and a just regard for the fine spirit which prompts it.
The Chief of Police and his force of men should be regard- ed in the same generous spirit for the unfailing and continuous assistance which this department has rendered during the past year. Not only by co-operating with the Attendance Officer in keeping the boys in the schools, but in so many other ways has these two departments become so closely correlated that we have come to think of them as one. To Chief Leavett and his men the teachers and officials of the schools tender these ex- pressions of their appreciation.
The Woman's Club has given four sets of scales to be used in weighing the children of the schools. These have been dis- tributed among the smaller schools of the town and save much time and travel in carrying on this important work. A more useful gift could hardly have been selected. By the records of weight and measurements that are now conveniently tabulated, the parents are informed of any physical tendencies that should require the advice of a physician. We feel that the benefits to be derived from this generous gift, both at present and for years to come, demand that our sincere thanks be tendered to the donors.
To my teachers who, by their loyalty, co-operation and de- votion, have raised the standards of our schools to their present level, l cannot sufficiently express my thanks. The harmonious and cordial relation of friend to friend that exists among us has been an inspiration and a benediction, and will always remain as a priceless memory. To the School Committee and parents, I extend this token of esteem for their unfailing support and assistance. To all those whose helpfulness in uplifting and pro- moting the higher standards of right living in this community, I
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offer the full measure of gratitude.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH I. HOR TON, Superintendent of Schools.
MANNING HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Sir :--
I herewith submit my first report of Manning High
School.
In the class of 1920 the following were given diplomas and have found their places as follows:
Name. Mabel G. Anthony
Nathaniel Archer
Louis Bean, Jr. Warren E. Brown Beatrice Connor Helen Chapman
Alice M. Davis Cleola Davis Mary Gordon
Present Employment. Salem Commercial College Atlantic & Pacific Corp. Harvard College Salem Commercial College
Office, George Hayes Salem Commercial College At home Beverly High School
Boston University
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Permilia Gould Ellen M. Herlihy Henry Hills Franklin Hulbert
Ipswich National Bank Salem Commercial Salem Commercial Upland Farms
Barbara James Elcy Mackinney
At home
Mary Nourse
At home
Hazel Rogers
Post Graduate Salem Commercial
Rosamond Scahill
At home
Bernard M. Sullivan
Shipyard, Quincy Mass.
Raymond M. Sullivan
Boston College
Bernice Whittier
Essex Agricultural School
It is evident that many of last year's graduates were inter- ested in commercial branches; but few had the courage or prep- aration to start on definite work. Some are studying now that which they could have learned in Manning High School, others to be sure are taking advantage of their preparation and are doing advanced work.
Only three of the class are actually doing College work. This in itself seems evident that we cannot put too much empha- ยท sis on the question of preparation for college. The fact remains, however, that Manning High School is equipped to prepare an earnest hard-working pupil for college. We are just as well equipped to prepare pupils for Normal School, any branch of higher education, and for ordinary office work.
We must realize that many end their formal schooling with the High School graduation. This group of pupils is the least inclined to do good work, failing to have a definite goal for which to work. I believe this lack of interest could be somewhat overcome if the pupil could be given an opportunity to apply his training in actual work. I recommend that seniors in our com- mercial course be given credit for the hours of actual experience they may be able to acquire as stenographers or book-keepers
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in local offices.
We are justified in demanding that a pupil who spends four years in high school shall obtain a preparation for either of the lines of work he may wish to take up. For college he must be able to pass college examinations: for Normal School he must have obtained a rank of 85 or over or pass examinations, and surely we should not graduate a pupil to meet his life work di- rectly unless he has at least as sound a foundation as the pupil going to college.
I find it difficult to lead the pupil to realize that punctuality is the first essential in the accomplishment of any work, and even though the attendance at school during the fall term shows much improvement over the record of last year. I am convinced that very little of the absence is absolutely necessary. Tardiness, al- though sometimes due to a just cause. is simply an expression of the careless attitude of the pupil. I make an effort to accept a reasonable excuse.
In general I have found the administration of the school a pleasure. I have found a corps of teachers, willing and well qualified for the work given them. ready to enter any move for the best interest of the school. I have found an active interest in all classes and I feel sure that each teacher is definitely re- quiring the pupil, in so far as is possible, to do his work each day. In order to do this it is necessary to ask the pupils to re- main after school and I find teachers remaining every after- noon to help those who need help.
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