USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1921 > Part 8
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
Athletics.
1
We were fortunate this fall in securing Robert Conary, as a teacher in the school and coach of athletics. School athletics first of all should mean regular exercise and training under the supervision of a man who has the qualities of true manhood himself. I want to say that Mr. Conary has fulfilled our hopes, and even though we can not claim a great deal, so far as foot- ball scores go, we can say that we had a foot-ball team which was a credit to the school and town. The squad at best was of less than fifteen boys, but those few worked earnestly, were in good physical condition, and for the most part learned the fun- damentals of the game. There were but few experienced play- ers and the hope of getting a team at all looked small.
Some work in track was undertaken, in the way of cross country running. A meet was arranged with Danvers High School, and St. John's Preparatory School. The boys of Manning High School showed better training and won the cup.
There seems to be a desire for basket-ball but with no place in which to play, it is useless to organize a team. ·
A hockey schedule has been arranged and weather permitt- ing, we hope to get some outdoor work during the winter.
Last spring we had material for a good baseball team but due to lack of coaching and regular practice we lost some games that we should have won.
The treasury is low, but we have thought it best not to ask for money until the school itself becomes interested, and then we hope we may receive the patronage of the people at the games. Money has been raised however by candy sales at re- cess, and we have succeeded in paying all expenses, including
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those of taking a track team to Boston last spring, the purchasing of new equipment and during the fall term we paid about thirty- five dollars for a shower bath fixture. Mr, Patterson very kindly offered to install the bath so our only expense was the material.
The " M " was awarded last spring in baseball to -
Fred Witham
Nicholas Kalaboke Maynard Whittier Leo Dondero, Capt. Wilfred Dunn
Ross Whittier
Gardner Brown
William Hayes
Philip Ewing
Harold Chase
James Burke
Chester Swasey
And in hockey to -
William Hayes, Capt.
Gardner Brown Clarence Gould Philip Ewing James Burke Wilfred Dunn Albert Spyut
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
Nicholas Kalaboke Fred Witham
The " M " was awarded this fall in foot-ball to -
Nicholas Kalaboke
Harry Saunders George Porter Ross Whittier
Robert Kent
Jonathan Hall
William Martel
Clarence Gould
Leo Dondero, Capt.
James Burke
Philip Ewing
Julius Bean
William Burke
Wilfred Dunn
And in track to -
Nicholas Kalaboke
James Burke Ross Whittier John Callahan
Charles Denningham . Raymond Bowen
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The school letter is a symbol of earnest work in athletics, and I wish to add that our athletic teams during the last year have met the requirements of the State Athletic Association. A pupil first of all must do his school work and even though ath- letics aid in better school work there is a danger of school work becoming secondary, -- we are endeavoring to make school work first.
In conclusion, I wish to express to you Mr. Horton, my ap- preciation for your timely advice and assistance; I wish also to express my appreciation to our janitor for his patience and ex- cellent work; and the teachers, pupils, and parents for their sincere support and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. WHIPPLE 1 Principal.
THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Sir :--
The work in the Junior High School this past school year has progressed steadily along the same general lines of work as in former years.
The enrolment of one hundred eighty pupils is the largest since the adoption of the junior high plan. We have three class- es in the seventh grade and two in the eighth grade. The seat- ing capacity of our four rooms is taxed to the utmost to accomm- odate these pupils. Each of our teachers has forty-two pupils in several recitations. It is impossible to grade the classes ac- cording to ability and scholarship as we are obliged also to accommodate the numbers of boys and girls to the capacity of the manual training and domestic science rooms. The hall or dressing room is used as a recitation room all day on Monday and at least two periods on each of the other days.
To accomplish the best results pupils should receive much individual help and attention, but this is impossible with large classes. The work obviously is mostly class instructions. We have tried to make it as departmental as possible. The English work is under the supervision of one teacher; The history and
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
geography is in charge of another teacher. Formerly a part of the English was taught by each teacher as this subject means a very great amount of outside correcting. Since oral composition has been substituted some-what for the written work, some cor- recting has been eliminated.
Each year we regret the loss of some of our good teachers. Fortune seems to favor us, however, as their places are being filled very efficiently by their successors.
Last June, for the first time our graduation was held in the evening. Many more relatives and friends of the class attended the exercises than in previous years, which is due, no doubt, to the graduation being held in the evening. The class was the largest ever graduated from the school. This year's class bids fair to surpass last year's in number.
In September a number of the pupils from the fifth grades were promoted into the seventh grade. These people with very few exceptions, are making good in their new grade. At the end of the first quarter it was found that one boy of the seventh grade was much in advance of his classmates and being old enough was given a chance to try the eighth grade, where he is now doing very good work. Thus we try to promote a child whenever it seems to be for the best interest of the individual.
Promotion by subject, which should be one of the chief ad- vantages of junior high organization is impracticable to a large extent as our corps of teachers is too small to arrange a workable program with so many classes.
Oral composition has its place on our program as formerly but this year we are also making use of the socialized recitation in other subjects. The socialized recitation signifies something a little different to every one. To some it means lack of restraint in the class room; to others it means pupil conducted recitation, etc. in using the socialized recitation, the teacher directs the thinking and works for the development of power, which is one
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of the primary ends of school training, rather than merely the acquisition of knowledge. We find that the child contributes more from his experience, than under the old form of questions by the teacher and answers by the class. Any method of class room activity that encourages greater self-reliance on the part of the pupil and turns over much of the work to the initiative of the child is a socialized recitation.
In the history department the teacher uses the biographical method. The plan is, to weave the great events of American history so around the lives of our American Men and women, that the boys and girls may not only know why America is the great nation that she is to-day, but also who has made her such. History is divided into periods, for example, - the Revolutionary period from 1775-1783. There each step toward America's in- dependence is studied in connection with the life of the man who did most to make that step possible. A note book is kept by each student in which he notes the name of the man and any important act or saying of his. Pictures and clippings are also added to the notes. In connection with the text book, li_ brary stories and biographies are also read and studied. This method seems to hold the interest of the class and good results are being obtained.
The aim of the new geography used in the seventh grade is to teach the young people human geography, - more about · people than things. The book has excellent topical paragraph divisions and each subject is followed by problems and review questions. The maps and map studies furnish splendid material for supervised study. The old command of the teacher, " Chil- dren, close your books and we will have our geography lesson" has been replaced by the new command, "Children, open your books for your geography lesson." Study and discussion by pupils and teacher follow. Maps and brief essays on special topics are prepared by each pupil to illustrate the continent
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
which he is studying. The geography of the eighth grade is a practical review of grammar school work, placing particular em- phasis on production and commerce. It is also planned to use lantern slides in connection with the geography. Many gram- mar schools to-day are being criticized for the lack of attention given to geography. We have always given geography a prom inent place on our program.
In the literature classes the poems and prose selections are carefully read, the stories told and written, and selections learned. The historical setting of each has been reviewed and the lives of the authors given. The required list of poems for each month have also been learned.
The aim of the work in commercial English is to give the pupils a practical working knowledge of the most common busi- ness form, with which they come in contact. The work covers a study of business and friendly letters, bills, receipts, checks, en- dorsements, postal and express money orders, registered letters, business spelling and abbreviations, capitalization and punctua- tion. Discussion in class is followed by written work from each student applying principles studied in class.
Physical training is conducted along the lines laid down by the supervisor. Occasionally competitive drills are held. The contest between the boys and girls is generally very close. Lead- ership through leading and directing their school mates and cit- izenship through co-operating with leaders are the aims sought in our school. This is especially so in physical training. Through student co-operation in our school government we are trying to lead our pupils to become self-disciplined, increasing the power of self-control and self-discipline.
English grammar, arithmetic, penmanship, spelling and civ- ics have had no special mention in this report as these subjects are excellently handled by their respective teachers and no great change in their treatment has been made since last year's report.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
Miss Stuart, the school nurse, has continued her excellent work of previous years with all the hygiene classes.
Last year we held a monthly visiting afternoon on the last Friday of the month. On the preceding day the children wrote invitations which they took home to their parents, and friends. These invitations were quite generally accepted and many people responded each month. This year we have made a change in time. We propose to hold these visiting afternoons on a differ- ent day each month. We hope to accommodate those who found it inconvenient to call on Friday.
Our major aim this year has been to make the pupil more adept in attacking his lessons and in perfecting himself in prop- er methods of study. This growing confidence and power of the pupil should make possible an increasing amount of inde- pendent study. We always try to give credit to an honest and sustained effort. The school has a right to expect at least an honest effort from each and every pupil.
At present we have an unusually strong corps of teachers in the Winthrop building. They have a genuine interest in each child. They are teachers of experience and their work shows tact and enthusiasm. They command the respect of their pupils. They always show a disposition and ability to co-operate with others in carrying out constructive plans of work.
We hope that another year conditions will be such that we shall be able to do much more individual work and extend pro- motion by subject.
Respectfully submitted,
KATHERINE F. SULLIVAN.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
COOKING.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Sir :-
The course in cooking is planned to give the girls a knowledge of food material and its preparation. They study the origin of food used in class, its composition and use in the body.
At the beginning of the course much time has to be de- voted to the general routine of the work. Each girl has her own utensils in a drawer and she is held responsible for the cleanli- ness and order of these at the close of each lesson. Two girls cook together and wash dishes together. They take turns in do- ing the general duties of housekeeping as sweeping, putting away supplies and washing dish towels.
The girls prepare the simple dishes used for breakfast, such as serials, cocoa, eggs and quick breads. Table setting is studied and then a practical review lesson is given. The girls set the table, prepare and serve the meal. It is rather difficult to do this in large classes.
After the work on breakfasts simple and nutritious dishes for supper are made. Vegetables are studied and cooked in various ways. Bread, pastry, and foods cooked in deep fat are
.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
made. At Christmas time the girls take much pleasure in study- ing sugar and making candy.
They are able to classify all kinds of food. They know the foods which build up the body, those which give heat and en- ergy and the bone building foods. This helps the girls in making good, balanced nerves.
In the fall the townspeople send in fruits and vegetables to be canned. They furnish all materials and the girls do the work. This gives the girls a practical knowledge of canning, preserving and jelly making.
This course aims to make the girls capable and helpful in their own homes.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION E. BROWN.
SEWING.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Sir :--
The work in the sewing course begins in the fifth grade. The child learns the fundamental stitches on a practice piece and then applies them on some useful article. All the sewing in this grade is done by hand and it is remarkable how well some of these little girls only eight or nine years of age can do. A mothers encouragement in this work, as in any other line of work, helps wonderfully. Sometimes a child comes without work because she cannot afford to buy the material but more often because her mother lacks interest.
In the sixth grades the girls are taught to use the sewing ma- chines. It takes much time and patience, also considerable rip- ping before they can stitch straight. The girls make any gar- ment they wish provided it is not too hard for them. They furnish their own material so cannot be required to make things they do not need. Underclothes of all kinds and aprons are made. The girls meet with more difficult problems on these garments. They are taught the use of commercial patterns but on account of such large classes much of the actual cutting of garments has to be done after school.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The girls have more time for sewing in the seventh grade. They make their cooking outfit consisting of an apron, cap, tow- el and holder. It has been very pleasing to see the great im- provement made in machine stitching in these seventh grade classes. If the cooking outfit is completed before the second half, underclothes are made. Patching and darning is taken up.
In the eighth grade the work is more advanced. This past year several of the girls made their graduation dresses very suc- cessfully. They were very interested doing this and I wish every girl might be required to make her own dress. Various other articles of clothing were made.
The girls make many new garments from old material. This is a very practical phase of dressmaking. The townspeople are earnestly urged to send in cast off garments which can be made over. This would help to clothe many children who do not have warm enough clothing for winter. The people have always been kind to send in material during the canning season and they could also help us in our sewing classes.
This course aims to teach the girls to make and repair their own clothes. They are interested in the work and the results obtained from the majority of them are very gratifying.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION E. BROWN. 1
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Sir :---
In submitting my annual report as supervisor of music in the Ipswich public schools, may I suggest that an outline of the work in music in every grade may prove to be more accept- able than a report of what has been accomplished during the past year. There are, however, certain features of the course which I feel should be brought to your attention.
We have, at the present time, a chorus in the Senior High School, of which your supervisor feels justly proud. Four part singing is taken up once each week for a period of forty min- utes. Not only are the more modern compositions rehearsed but the old familiar songs as well. This, of course, serves a two-fold purpose. And the spirit shown by the pupils at their rehearsals would indicate that music in our High School is at last reaching the condition for which we have been so long aiming.
We also have a Girls Glee Club of forty-five voices in the Senior High School. This chorus is arranged for three part singing. When one realizes that the rehearsals of this club are held after school hours once each week, it would seem to
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
show that there must be rather more than the usual amount of interest in the organization. We have sung our Christmas carols at the hospital, at the Community Christmas Tree and at va- rious points of the town. We are asked as an organization to take an active part in the programs of the Community Service. We have given during the past year and hope to give in the near future, an operetta of the highest type. All. of which should prove the inestimable advantage to the school and community as well, of maintaining, supporting and encouraging such an organization.
It is regretable that no provision can be made for an or- chestra. This is simply owing to the scarcity of pupils who play the various instruments necessary for forming such a club. If money be raised whereby the different instruments of the or- chestra could be procured, owned by the town and loaned to the pupils, I feel that many of our boys and girls would avail themselves of the opportunity of private instruction. Is this not worth considering?
In order for the parents to fully appreciate the work is being done in our chorus and glee club, it is necessary that they visit the schools while the classes are in session. The chorus rehear- ses on Wednesdays 8.45 to 9.30. The glee club on Thursdays at 3.45. May I extend a cordial invitation to the parents and friends of our school children to be present during these rehear- sals. In this way only can a definite idea of our. aims be found.
And now for the work in the grades, which is preparatory to what we are doing in the Senior High. Below will be found the course of study which is in practical operation in the Ipswich schools at the present time. Necessarily many of the details are omitted, as our course of study, explained in full, would consti- tute a book in itself.
Here again, in order to fully appreciate our music, one must come to the class room and view for himself our system while
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
in active operation. May I suggest that the week of March 20th or any others agreeable to you, be set aside as visiting week for music, in order that the parents make a special effort to visit the schools while the supervision is in the classroom. I trust that this matter will receive your favorable consideration.
I think it is only fair at this time to mention the fact that Mrs. Tozer acts as my accompanist at all my chorus and glee club rehearsals. This not only takes up a great part of her time, . for which she receives no compensation, but adds greatly to the work as a whole.
Below is given the Course of Study. Individual work is giv- en every child in every grade. Examinations in music are given every quarter. The supervisor visits the lower grades once in two weeks, and the upper grades every week. If schools are closed during the holidays or vacations, he cannot visit the low- er grades but once each month, the dates for visitation are made out for the year. This would explain his absence in certain schools during the Thanksgiving and Christmas recess.
If, in the following course of study, there are any questions as to detail, your supervisor will gladly answer them upon request.
Course of Study.
GRADE I.
Rote songs
Individual work with monotones
GRADE Il.
Breathing Exercises Scales, descending only Oral dictation
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Board dictation Music reading Rote Songs.
GRADE III.
Breathing Exercises
Scales, ascending and descending
Tone work More difficult oral work
Board dictation
The use of the quarter, half and dotted half notes in exercises from the board and book.
Rote Songs Individual and classwise instruction.
GRADE IV.
Breathing Exercises
Vocal drills
Music reading. This includes sight reading of any key using the quarter, half, dotted half and whole notes in 2-4, 3-4, 4-4 time.
The process of " Finding Doo " Songs from books Individual work
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT
GRADE V.
Breathing Exercises
Vocal drills
Music reading. This includes in addition to the review of Grade IV work, exercises using the eighth, quarter and dotted quarter note in 3-8 and 6-8 time. Also the eighth and dotted quarter note in 2-4, 3-4, 4-4 time.
Music appreciation
Musical interpretation
Songs
The majority of the work in Grade V. is taken from the music readers.
GRADE VI.
A review of the work in Grade V. In addition chromatic tones and two part singing.
Also the sixteenth note is introduced. It may be well to state at this time that every individual voice is tested for part singing.
Songs
Musical interpretation and appreciation
GRADE VII - VIII.
In these grades, three part singing is introduced.
Also, a review of everything that has been given before. In addition - - the key names and the names of the lines and' spaces.
Of course, the more difficult exercises and songs are taken up.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The above may give you some slight idea of the work being accomplished in music. I sincerely trust it may meet with your approval.
Sincerely yours, ARTHUR HAROLD TOZER
Supervisor of Music.
١
PHYSICAL DIRECTOR'S REPORT.
To the Superintenden of Schools,
Ipswich, Mass.
Dear Mr. Horton :-
It gives me great pleasure to report that physical education is making much progress in the schools of Ipswich. This is most noticeable in the upper grades in the Junior High School and particularly in the Senior High School. The credit belongs to the masters, principals and teachers. They have worked faithfully in developing pupil leadership, and this is by far the most valuable work they have done in behalf of better physical, mental and social hygiene. In time this will be felt very decidedly in the community because we are training self contained and devoted leaders, greater loyalty and strong-willed citizens. It is being felt already in our older pupils and will grow beyond the school life.
The annual field day was noticeable on account of a more general participation in athletic contests and the fine sportsman- ship shown by our boys and girls.
The splendid sympathetic interest of the head master of the High School and the fine and tactful leadership of the Faculty Coach have already brought about decided improvements in the' psycho-physical attitude of the students of the High School.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The interest of the people of Ipswich in the Field Day de- serves most careful consideration, for it is this interest of the parents and the general public which in time will demand and support more adequate provisions for physical training, sports and games. I desire to record my personal gratitude for the help and the support of the many people who worked with us to make this field day a community festival. An annual repiti- tion will be a strong factor in the growth and development of community health and habits.
Last year I pointed out the psycho-physical and social sig- nificance of pupil leadership. I should like to call attention now to the great influence of physical training upon mental health.
A snappy setting-up drill, even between school desks, will raise the morale of every child a hundred per cent.
We are not only training conduct, we are not only raising daily the physiological tone, but we have daily reminders of what education for morale means.
"Morale is keeping body and mind in tiptop condition."
Setting-up exercises are not unlike a daily prayer for health.
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