USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1921 > Part 6
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It should be remembered that these certificates are not a- warded on the decision of any of our local authorities, but by disinterested persons whose basis of judgment is a carefully standardized scale of excellence in use throughout the country.
Through the generosity of Mr. Herbert W. Mason, the chairman of the School Committee, we were enabled to offer money prizes for the best specimens of penmanship produced in any of thé grades below the Senior High School. Five of the best specimens were taken from each of the rooms competing and these were submitted to a committee composed of Boston School teachers, business men, and an expert penman. Each paper was carefully examined and marked according to the val- ue given it by a majority of the committee, who unanimously declared that all the work was very satisfactory.
The following is the list of the pupils who received prizes:
Grade VIII.
Jennie Shulako
$ 5.00
VII. Bolka Klopotoska
2.50
VI. Corrina Bourque
2.50
65
VI. Margaret Michon
5.00
V. Mary Sourouvec
2.50
V.
Peter Gonis
2.50
66
IV.
Mary Klos
5.00
Comments are unnecessary; we offer our congratulations to those pupils who by persistent effort have secured these prizes.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
School Exhibition.
For an account of the work in music, drawing, domestic science, and manual training, I refer the reader to the special reports under their respective headings. Suffice it to say that all these departments are showing a healthy growth and that the teachers manifest an enthusiastic and painstaking disposition towards their work. In each and every case they are giving much of their time and strength towards helping those pupils who have been irregular in their attendance, or who are behind in their work from other causes. While the work of these depart- ments is usually considered as subsidiary, or outside the major divisions of the curriculum, these teachers are making a most commendable effort to hold each pupil up to his work, and there is little or no shirking. In confirmation of this view I would call to your mind the quantity and quality of the work displayed at the last School Exhibition, where each and every article bore witness to the amount of painstaking care bestowed upon the work submitted. It was an exhibition of work in process, as well as of the finished product; and those present were favor- ably impressed with what they saw.
Health Promotion.
I wish also to call attention to the reports of the school Physician and the School Nurse.
This department of our school work demands our most thoughtful consideration. It has the sanction of the best public sentiment and the authority of the law. Nothing is of deeper public concern than the promotion of health, and it is here in
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our schools that the work of building strong bodies must be begun. Indeed, of so much importance to the general welfare is this matter considered by thinking men and women in every walk in life, that Harvard University has just created a School of Public Health; wherein are to be brought together the latest at- tainments in scientific knowledge and the co-operation of the foremost institutions of this and other lands. Our larger indust- ries are beginning to recognize the economic value of physical betterment, and are making large expenditures of time and mon- ey to secure the desired results. We are coming to realize as never before, that as a matter of public economy alone, it is much cheaper to build our weakling children into strong and sturdy men and women by providing proper care and nourish- ment, than it is to care for the multitude of invalids who become publtc charges through our neglect. The whole question has long since passed the theoretical stage, and the public as well as the individual may now look for practical returns. I could give many concrete examples of this fact; but let this one suf- fice: A pupil in one of our schools was losing in weight, was growing listless, not caring for her books, and becoming weary on the least exertion. Her family history, so far as bodily vigor was concerned, was not good, and marked tendencies towards tuberculosis developed. Upon the advice of a physician she was taken to "Our Hospital" -- notice the capitals -- where she received the proper food and care. In ten days time she had gained four pounds and a little later was discharged from the institution.
Yes, I could site other instances; but charity forbids.
Although the schools are meeting the requirements of the law, they should go much farther than this if genuine and per- manent results are to be attained. The percentage of under- weights has been reduced somewhat during the year, but there is much work to be done. No determined effort to combat this
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evil has yet been made; but the duty and the obligation are still ours nevertheless.
Provision should be made whereby the majority of the pu- pils of all our schools might partake of a mid-morning lunch. This might be brought from home; or it could be furnished by the school at a nominal cost. The item of expense, for the food itself, would be eliminated, as the pupil would pay the bill. This at first sight, might seem to be a mercenary project, and liable to work hardships to a great many pupils; but such would be far from the real fact. Anyone at all familiar with the spendthrift habits of most of our boys and girls at the present time, is quite convinced that the amount spent for candy, chewing gum, etc. is more than ample for all school lunch requirements.
A cup of hot cocoa or soup, or a glass of milk, or a sand- wich of some kind, during the morning recess. would conduce greatly to a better physical and mental development, that would show itself in many ways.
Arrangements for carrying out this plan could be easily made, so far as the Burley and the Central Schools are concern- ed. But the other schools are so scattered and are so lacking in ordinary conveniences, that it is next to impossible to install any system that will deal impartially with all the children of the town.
Still, this subject is so vitally important. is so fraught with tremendous responsibilities, that we should not rest until our object is fully accomplished.
With such a system well established there would be a clo- ser correlation with the physical training, and from such a com- bination larger results could be confidently expected.
Before leaving this subject, I wish to refer to the dental clin- ic which was established a few years ago for the benefit of the children of the town. The names of the men engaged in this noble work are, well known to all, and need no commendation
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from me. Their work speaks for them, and the appreciation of their worth will grow with the passing years. My object here is to point out to the citizens of our town this one grand fact, viz: That there is no child in this community, no matter how poor he may be, but what can receive the best care and treatment, free of cost or nearly so, for every bodily defect or ailment. Even his parents cannot abuse him, for the agent of the S. P. C. C. co-operates with the school authorities and brings down upon the heads of all such offenders the well-merited severity of the law. Here is something of which we may all be proud, and that fully justifies our best efforts towards its support and maintenance.
Cadet Teachers.
Considerable trouble has been experienced in the past to find capable substitute teachers in case of need. The source of supply is extremely limited; and even when found, the probabil- ities of having been away from school work for so long, made their value to the class, as a general thing, more apparent than real. Moreover such notices come with little warning, and it is only under the most favorable conditions that such vacancies can be filled without considerable loss of time. Application to out-of-town sources of supply is equally uncertain and the loss of time greatly increased.
Last September it was decided to try a new plan, whereby we could be assured of someone who would be thoroughly fa- miliar with the work and be ready at a moments notice. Accord- ingly two of our former high school pupils who had just received their diplomas from the Salem Normal School were appointed as Cadet teachers in the Winthrop and Burley Schools.
Fortunately for these individuals, but unfortunately for the
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system just inaugurated, both secured positions in other schools at a larger salary. We succeeded in employing one such teach- er for the Burley School, where the plan has worked to our complete satisfaction.
Let me say by way of explanation, that such teachers are under the control of the principal of the school to which they are assigned, and are mostly engaged with the backward pupils of the different rooms, when not doing actual substitute work.
This also will become the testing ground for those teachers who desire positions on the permanent list. If these assistants show an aptitude and a love for the work, are progressive, and exhibit a good degree of those qualifications essential for a good, all-round teacher,the problem of the school authorities will be greatly simplified, by having such a source from which to make selection.
Circumstances have not permitted us to carry out our plans as originally intended, but from what we know of it, we feel jus- tified in making it a permanent feature of our school program.
School Libraries.
There is positive evidence that a majority of our children in the grades do little or no outside reading. They are wholly unfamiliar with what is going on in the world about them, and show a deplorable indifference towards the information furnished by the various papers and magazines of the day.
Part of this igorance may be excusable as a large number of these pupils come from non-English speaking homes, and rarely or never see a paper or magazine that is printed in the English language.
This condition however only emphasizes the need of more outside work in this line of effort. Accordingly a daily paper
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
and one or more magazines have been furnished in some of the rooms, but not in all of them as yet.
We have also revised a list of books, adapted to each grade, that may be had from the Public Library, for home reading. This is not simply a suggested list, but one which the pupils are re- quired to read, and then to give a summary of what they read.
This may seem to be rather drastic for outside work but anything short of it is time wasted. Suggestions bring few re- returns; requirements and compulsory demands even yield far less than we have a right to expect.
As there is considerable uniformity in cataloging and ar- ranging books in all libraries, we plan to teach the outline of lessons on the use of books, and libraries as furnished by the State Department.
There should be the nucleus of a library in each of the three larger schools, so that the pupils may become familiar not only with the standard arrangement for all libraries, but also to have access to a few standard books and acquire the taste for good literature. Books should be added to these libraries each year, and even the youngest pupils should be encouraged to make use of them, while he has the guidance of an older person, in the formation of the reading habit.
Intelligence Measurements.
In conjunction with the teachers and superintendents of Newbury, Newburyport, and Amesbury, Mr. Whipple and my- self undertook some work along this line under the direction of Professor Shaw of Harvard University. Some of us continued the course under this instruction after the class had disbanded, and attended many conferences where the subject was fully discussed.
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This movement was given a new impetus during the war when it was necessary to grade and sort men for specific lines of work. It still claims the attention of employers and educators by reason of what it accomplished during that struggle. it makes a special appeal to school officials and teachers, as it holds the promise of a more rational and comprehensive method of sys- tematic grading than is possible under the single one in use at the present time.
Each pupil must be given that place to which by natural endowment he is best fitted. and class distinctions and favora- tism will be largely eliminated by its use. And right here is the danger point. Up to the present time the system has registered so many damaging disclosures of incompetency among the so- cially elect, that I fear for its popularity. On the other hand it has often discovered some very bright minds where we least expected to find them.
It has not been perfected and simplified sufficiently as yet to warrant its exclusive use by all laymen in grading school pupils. But we still have faith in the principle per se. and shall await its development with genuine interest.
The pupils of the Junior and Senior High School have been tested by this system of measurements, and the records are on file in my office.
Project Method In Geography.
This method has made decided advances in popularity and appreciation among both teachers and pupils during the past year.
Its strong points are: - Intensive work by all the pupils; de- velopment of individual and class initiative. thereby developing
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
the group spirit, or co-operation; multiplies the sources of infor- mation; conduces to thoroughness; gives exercise to the various faculties of the mind, as judgment, taste, etc .; and furnishes a tangible reward for the work accomplished.
This work was taken up last year with some of the classes with a fair degree of success, We are planning to enlarge the scope of the work this year, with a larger number, if with not all the classes.
Biography.
"All history easily resolves itself into the biography of a few stout and earnest persons."
We are beginning to recognize the truth of this statement. If you know the men who have influenced and shaped the con- duct of the masses, you can predict what that conduct is likely to be; and the recorded facts of history will give fullfillment to your prophecy.
We are stressing this feature in our study of history this year as we feel that it shows a closer relation of cause and effect, and gives the pupil the right viewpoint. The chidren are the greater gainers from this deeper knowledge of the great characters of history; they see the man back of the event, and his character and his conduct inspire them as the bare outside facts can never do.
Night School.
Owing to lack of funds the opening of the night school was postponed for nearly two months. The laws of the State com- pel us to have such a school. But we are free to confess that it
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
was more in obedience to the laws, than to any settled convic_ tion as to the practical usefulness growing out of such procedure that the work was undertaken.
The initial enrolment was about fifty five, and courses in reading, penmanship, business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and typewriting were offered. The pupils were enthusiastic, and we hoped that the whole term would be marked by the same spir- it. But such was not the case. The attendance became irregular and fell off to such an extent that we were obliged to drop the courses in typewriting and bookkeeping and the teachers were dismissed.
We are happy to say that the school at last has come to that irreducible minimum where each pupil shows a seriousness of purpose and a determination to take full advantage of his opportunities. At the present time there are three classes in the school, one for foreign women, one for foreign men, and a mixed class of American men and women, nearly all are adults. All are happy in their work and making fair progress. They are responsive, and their eagerness to learn outranks that of the day pupils in many instances. It is a real pleasure to teach them and we are safe in predicting a very profitable season's work with these deserving people. It is here, through the school, that the work of Americanization must be done, and school author- ities and the general public as well should insist upon utilizing these opportunities to the limit of their ability.
Professional Improvement of Teachers.
The importance of this subject is receiving the recognition and the attention of an increasing number of teachers and schoolmen generally. Standards are being raised all along the
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line. Entrance examinations are harder to pass than formerly, and normal schools have lengthened their courses from two to ihree and four years time. Many of our cities and towns are requiring courses in professional work from their teachers and salaries are regulated, in a measure, upon this basis. The time is near at hand when all engaged in teaching will be required by law to do a specific amount of such professional work.
This work was undertaken by our teachers previous to the war, and one or two courses were completed. But since that time, and, owing chiefly to press of school work due to our over- crowded condition, the matter has been held in abeyance.
Such work is essential to progress in any line, and especially so in teaching. It is something the teacher owes to herself and to the school.
As soon as conditions can be made more favorable for its prosecution, this work will be resumed.
Lectures.
This method of imparting knowledge has stood the test of time and still finds favor with all classes as a successful mode for giving instruction. With the coming in of the stereopticon and the moving picture machine, the value of this educational agency has been increased many-fold. We therefore endeavor to make all possible use of this factor in our work, and quite a few very instructive and valuable lectures have been given. Others are under consideration.
we wish this time to tender our most sincere thanks to all those who have given so freely of their time and talents in mak- ing this feature of our school work so interesting and successful.
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School Prizes.
As an incentive to better scholarship, the School Committee has awarded prizes to those pupils in the High School, ranking highest in each class.
The following list gives the names of those receiving prizes last year.
SENIOR CLASS.
First Prize. Miss Hilda Scales
Second Prize Miss Irene Atkinson
JUNIOR CLASS.
First Prize Miss Ruth Marr
Second Prize Mildred Mackinney
SOPHOMORE CLASS.
First Prize Miss Helen Kimball
Second Prize
Master Wilfred Dunn
FRESHMAN CLASS.
First Prize Miss Margaret Hunt
Second Prize Miss Edna Peabody
THE SONS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION MEDAL. For Highest Rank In
UNITED STATES HISTORY Was Awarded To WILLIAM FRANCIS HAYES
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Hereafter prizes are to be awarded to those pupils only who maintain a rank of 90, or over, throughout the year. The faculty and the committee are in full accord with this plan, as it establishes a definite standard, or goal to be reached, in order to secure a prize.
The old plan was indefinite and did not call forth the pupil's best effort; neither did it assist in standardizing the school. While the old plan so far has given fairly satisfactory results, in as much as advantage has never been taken of its inherent weak- nesses, still the temptation was there, and might have led to a genuine decline of scholarship. The new regulation will remove this possibility and we shall look for a better quality of work in the future.
Penny Savings.
The same general plan of collection has been continued this year. Mr. Tozer calls at each school every week, collects the money received by the teacher, and gives his receipt for the same. Small sums are held until the amount is sufficient to open a bank account. A bank book is then taken out in the owner's namo. After this the owner of the book makes the deposits himself.
During the year there has been $ 204.97 collected and 34 new bank-books taken out. This does not represent all the money that has been saved by the pupils; for many of them are are interested in the purchase of savings stamps. The amount deposited by the owners of bank-books is never made known to us. We hope it may be a considerable sum, as the habit of
.
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thrift formed while young is a great help to success later on. We are urging all of our schools to take a deeper interest in this matter.
In General.
The grading in our lower school has been somewhat de- moralized since the opening of schools in September.
Owing to the lack of accommodations we were obliged to ignore all considerations of fitness, for the time being, and sim- ply devote our energies to the work of housing the unexpected number of children presenting themselves for admission to our schools. Repeaters were pushed ahead, older children who, on account of their inability to read English, were obliged to begin in the lower grades. These have been given the opportunity of rapid promotion, repeaters are finding their level, and we are hoping for a full return to normal conditions very soon. This confusion may, after all, lead to beneficial results as we were compelled to seek out the brighter pupil and place him where he was capable of doing the work. without waiting for the arrival of the regular promotion period. In every instance, so far, these pupils are fully up to the average of the class to which they have been promoted.
The Junior High School has the largest enrolment that it has ever had, and is seriously handicapped for room. One of the corridors is used regularly for class-room purposes, and the settees have to be moved from one room to another as the re- quirements of the schedule demand. This makes confusion and would lead to considerable demoralization if the pupils were not held under the best kind of discipline.
Serious attempts are being made at the present time to en- rich the course of study for this school, in the hopes of encour-
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aging more of these pupils to continue such courses in the Senior High School.
For the first time during my term of office, I feel fully war- ranted in commending the work of our Senior High School to your favorable notice. Not but what the work of previous years has been satisfactory and has shown improvement in quantity and quality; but sufficient time had not elapsed to fur- nish the indisputable evidence of such assertions even had we chosen to make them.
But the evidence is all in, the real facts are before us and are of such a character that we can successfully challenge the skepticism of the most prejudiced. The school has made good, and no one can deny it. The class of 1921 was a banner class, and has set the pace for succeeding classes to follow.
It may be profitable for you to review the evidences of our faith, and, if so, I refer you to the report of Mr. Whipple, the principal of the school. But we must not stop here. There is sore need of more work of this character in this community and we feel sure that the school is capable of doing its share in that work. If we have gained the confidence of the community, we must have its co-operation also. The enrolment of this school should be doubled within the next few years, in order to bring the educational standards of the community up to the level of many other places.
We have a corps of good teachers, -earnest, capable, and willing to assist at all times. The pupils are showing an interest and are happy in their work. The evidences of discontent are wholly wanting, and that finer school spirit is growing more no- ticeable and pronounced. A larger number of the children of foreign parentage is to be found in the upper classes; and the parents themselves are manifesting a deeper interest in this school than at any time previous.
The outlook for our high school is most favorable; and
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with the full assistance and sympathy of the parents, its mem- bership should be increased to two hundred or more resident pupils within the next few years.
The Budget.
This subject has received that serious consideration from the school authorities that its importance demands, and each item of the account has been investigated with the utmost care.
The question of salaries is still unsettled. Whether they will maintain this present level, go higher, or lower, is still a matter of doubt and uncertainty. The output of our normal schools does not meet present needs and will not do so for two or more years to come. College graduates prefer other calling, and little relief can be expected from this source. The best opinion is that the present scale will remain and that the best teachers will demand higher pay and get it.
We shall need three additional teachers this year, hence the increase in the amount of this item.
Textbook and Supplies called for additional funds this year. Many of the books in use to-day are in such a dilapidated con- dition that replacement is the only alternative. More than a year ago some of these books were collected, and boxed up for shipment, but owing to lack of funds, the boxes were re-opened and the books distributed again for further use. But there is an end to all things; and the continued use of these books has al- ready resulted in a loss of time and money far in excess of the price of exchange. The schools need reference books and charts. The need of blackboards is imperative, and they should be of slate. The work of many of our schools is greatly hin-
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