USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1922 > Part 7
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164
161
180
210
212
198
II.
117
121
144
159
201
199
184
III.
123
110
117
127
140
144
174
IV.
87
114
120
83
130
136
147
V.
81
80
104
133
107
166
134
VI.
65
93
75
94
134
111
148
VII.
77
60
63
82
90
117
131
VIII.
66
68
49
53
55
87
IX.
80
80
75
64
52
69
71
X.
58
43
37
39
47
37
52
XI.
37
36
27
32
25
33
32
XII.
34
27
28
26
25
21
32
Post Graduate
3
3
Totals
975
996
1000
1072
1219
1307
1390
Annual Increase
21
4
72
147
88
83
26
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The table of enrollment found on the preceding page may be of interest to those who care to follow the trend and tenden- cies of our school population. This covers a series of years and shows at a glance the relative position which the schools occupy numerically at the present time.
First. Take the totals found in the last line of the table and you see at once how much the schools have grown within the last seven years. From 975 to 1390 is quite an advance; and this last number would have been larger by 25 or 30, had not the French school reopened its doors.
Second. Notice how the numbers indicating one hundred or more, extend farther and farther down the columns, as the years go by. In 1916, the last number above one hundred stops with the third grade; in 1917, at the fourth; in 1918 and 1919, at the fifth; in 1920, at the sixth; and in 1921 and 1922, at the seventh.
This shows most conclusively that the pupils, at the present time, are passing through more and higher grades than at any other time during the given years. This condition is not due to chance or circumstance alone, but is the direct result, or work- ing out, of the compulsory element embodied in the law which raised the grade limit for leaving school from the fourth to the sixth grade. The gain is so strikingly apparent, that one would be justified in maintaining that the limit should be raised still higher. Would it be presumptuous should one attempt to fore- cast the result were the grade limit raised from the sixth to the eighth? Would that be too late to turn our boys and girls loose upon society, just at the peak of those physical and mental dis- turbances due to adolescence? If good citizenship is the goal to be reached by our schools, then the grade limit should be raised still higher. The law should permit the change to be made gradually, and discretionary powers should be given local school authorities to meet exceptional cases.
27
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
If there is ever a time in the development and training of our youth when they need, above everything else, the leader- ship of some strong and virile mind, when they should be under the control and guidance of a firm and steady hand to set their feet in right paths, it is during this adolescent period from eleven to fifteen years of age. In these degenerate days the school is the only remaining agency that even pretends to exer- cise control of any sort. And unless the school life of these youth can be prolonged sufficiently to cover this period of dan- ger, our schools will be robbed of their richest opportunity for constructive and enduring work, and society itself will be the loser.
There is another feature to be noted in this connection, and that is the terrible inroads upon our High School made by the war. For four consecutive years the high schools of the whole world suffered from this blighting influence; and, as yet, the re- covery is not complete. Taking the last four grades, which comprise our High School, you will notice how the enrollment fell off, almost uniformly, until 1920, when the low point was reached. Since then the recovery is almost as marked.
A proper analysis of the enrollment table affords a consid- erable degree of satisfaction. It shows, as stated before, that our schools are making a rapid growth; that the pupils are re- maining in school for a much longer time; that the parents them- selves are taking a new interest in educational affairs, and are more appreciative of the larger opportunities for their children that the schools provide. This is as it should be, and is, doubt- less, a source of pride to all our citizens.
But there is another side to the shield. No man can serve two masters with equal zeal and fidelity. If the burden of our thought and an excessive proportion of our time is spent in the transfer of pupils and the distributions of classes among the va- rious schools simply for the purpose of housing them, then this
28
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
work is likely to become our chief concern, to the detriment of other and more important elements in our educational program. The major and the minor change places, and confusion is bound to result. We can make brick without straw, but we cannot guarantee the quality.
We decline to mention any of the annoying and irritating conditions with which our work has been beset, simply on ac- count of lack of room. We need larger school accommodations, and it is going to be difficult indeed to maintain a high standard of efficiency under such restrictive conditions. A proper system of grading is well nigh impossible; repeaters are pushed ahead simply to make room -a proceeding that tends to demoraliza- tion and that is wholly indefensible except in an emergency; pupils cannot be held to a proper responsibility; and both teach- ers and pupils are working under a severe handicap. Let it be understood that this is not written in any spirit of complaint; it is not. All are willing to work, and to work hard, for the ad- vancement of our schools. But for the enlightenment of our citizens, we realize that a plain statement of facts should be made.
The birthrate for the last few years holds no promise of re- lief in this direction, The very opposite is the fact. Accessions to our schools by children coming from out of town were never so large as they have been this year. The normal increase this year, as seen from the table, will fill two extra rooms. Should the revival of industrial activity call for additional factory build- ings, as has already been rumored, the influx of new families would tax our school accommodations to the breaking point. Provisions for enlarging our school accommodation should be considered at once, and these should be adequate for future as well as present needs.
We feel certain that our townspeople will do all in their power to remove any obstacle that is detrimental to the interest of the
29
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT ..
schools, just as soon as they are made aware of the actual.con- ditions.
ATTENDANCE.
School attendance is not as regular as it should be. The Attendance Officer's report shows that altogether too much of his time is occupied in bringing back to school both boys and ;girls who are old enough to realize that the loss of a day from school is not so easily made up. A slight indisposition or un- favorable weather conditions will not be accepted as an excuse when the young people get out into the world. Neither should it excuse them now. The habit of punctuality will be invaluable ato them later on, and they should be urged by both teachers and parents to acquire that habit now. A little attention to this mat- ter on the part of the parents will be very helpful and result in lasting good to their children. We are trying to arouse a greater interest in this matter of attendance by presenting a ban- ner at the end of each month to that class, in any grade, whose average attendance is highest.
FIELD DAY EXERCISES.
Unfortunately the day selected for these exercises was ex- tremely hot, even for that season of the year, and was the source of much discomfort to the smaller children.
The program consisted of the usual setting-up exercises, games, competitive races, and folk dances. Under the direction of Professor Hermann the full program was carried through in his usual energetic manner and to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. The work of the class leaders was worthy of all
.
30
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
commendation, and gave evidence of the time and patient work necessary to bring these activities to such a degree of perfect- ion. Professor Hermann himself, than whom no more com- petent critic can be found, was loudest in his praise of these young leaders and the exceptional excellence of their work.
The only criticism that could be made was that the program was too long. This was due to the introduction of several new features consisting of athletic games, etc., by the Senior High School pupils under the direction of Miss Blodgett and Mr. Conary. The good work of Kalaboke, Callahan, and Burke is deserving of special mention.
The selecting of the judges was entrusted to the care of Mr. Oscar Ewing, who for some years past has had full charge of this matter and has shown a commendable interest in this branch of our school activities.
Mrs. Fred Nason kindly accepted, for the second time, the post of financial manager. With the help of a score or more assistants a remarkable record was achieved. Mrs. Harry K. Damon, Trustee, and Mrs. M. J. McGinley had charge of the sale of tickets,
Contributions of cake and candy were more generous than ever before. This fact, in itself, is an indisputable evidence of the interest which the friends of the school have consistently shown towards making these exercises a financial success, and proves, beyond doubt, the general approval given to this gen- uinely community undertaking.
For the benefit of those who may not be familiar with the purpose of these activities, let me say that the real objective is the beautifying of our school grounds and thus adding year by year to our incipient park system. Considerable has already been accomplished, especially in and about the grounds of the Manning and Winthrop Schools. An extension of the work upon these grounds is planned for next year. The New Burley
31
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
School grounds will receive also their share of attention. The grading of these grounds has already been done. Grass seed will be sown and a few shrubs and vines will be planted as soon as the season permits. This will complete the improve- ments to be made at this school and will give the Town a school building and a setting for the same of which our citizens may well be proud.
In closing, permit me to express my appreciation of the con- tinued interest and efforts which the friends of this movement have shown towards making our town more attractive and beau- tiful through the agency of the schools. It is a work that will endure and continue to exert an influence for good far beyond our belief or appreciation. It will develop civic pride, and be- come a source of pleasure and satisfaction to generations to come.
The account of Mrs. Harry K. Damon, Treasurer of the Association, may be found on the following page.
IVIKS. HAKKI N. DAMON, TRUSTEE,
Dr.
IN ACCOUNT WITH'SCHOOL GROUNDS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
Cr.
1922
1922
June 15. C. Leary & Co., tonics $43.00
15. Ipswich Ice Cream Co. 39.85
15. Lathrop Bros., ice .50
15. Tickets
.70
15. Lopez Bros., badges
17.25
15. C. A. Glover, band
27.50
22. Athletic Association 10.00
6
22. S. C. Gordon, labor
10.70
Nov. 29.
E. Wile, labor and loam
80.00
" 29. Canney Lumber Co. 8.38
Dec. 31. Balance in Bank
114.08
$351.96
$351.96
-
1923 Jan. 1. To Balance in Bank $114.08
Respectfully submitted,
MRS, HARRY K. DAMON, Trustee.
Jan. 1. To Balance in Bank $117.75 June 15. To Receipts from Field Day 234.21
33
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
SCHOOL EXHIBITION.
The chief purpose of the School Exhibition is to bring the pupils and parents together into a closer relationship with refer- ence to the work of the schools. To this end, at the suggestion of many of the parents, the time devoted to these occasions has been extended so as to include two full afternoons and even- ings. This gives an opportunity to those parents and friends who are unable to attend during the daytime, to inspect the work the pupils are attempting to do; and not only the work alone, but the methods of teaching the various subjects.
This entails some expense and a deal of hard work for the teachers. But if the parents will continue to show an interest in the efforts of their children by this closer and more critical ex- amination of the work presented, both teachers and pupils will be encouraged to do more and better work.
One pleasing feature of the exhibition, aside from the dis- play of work, is the fact that every grade, from the lowest to the highest, is represented with some degree of completeness. This is especially noticeable in the amount and quality offered by the Senior High School during the last two or three years. Previous to this, there seemed to be a disposition to hold aloof from the other grades. Whether this were actually the fact or not, we will not discuss. But how the pursuit of such a policy could in any degree increase the general interest in, or raise the public estimation of, this portion of our school system, is beyond my comprehension. Exclusiveness within certain limits is right and proper; but it has no place in a public school system, and, like everything else, can be overdone.
On the whole these exhibitions are attracting more pa- rents each year, and thereby accomplishing the purpose for which they were designed.
34
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The evening school closed the last of February, and in point of numbers, general interest, and percentage of attend- ance, was one of the best terms the evening school ever en- joyed. An unusual feature of the school was the proportion of adults included within its membership. They represented s x nationalities, and most of them had but little knowledge of Eng- lish when they entered the school. Nevertheless, their minds were mature, they came for a definite purpose, took a deep in- terest in their work, were responsive, and were well pleased with what they accomplished.
We are firmly convinced that the evening school of 1922 was one of the most satisfactory, and most productive of good will and mutual and sympathetic interest, of all the night schools we have held. There seemed to be a thorough understanding between the teachers and the taught; each approached the task with the right attitude of mind, and work was a pleasure. Ex- pressions of regret at the close of the term were general and sincere.
For the fall term we had planned an ambitious program. In addition to the subjects usually taken up in evening school, we had arranged with the University Extension Department of the State Board of Education for a course in English for the local teachers, and another in the Gasoline Engine for the ben- efit of owners, or prospective owners, of automobiles.
The general shortage in the supply of fuel must be held responsible for the failure of the undertaking. Postponement for the opening followed from month to month until at last we were compelled to abandon the idea altogether. This is the more to be regretted, as many personal and unsolicited ap- plications were made for membership in the various classes
35
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
and the work of Americanization has been halted, possibly until next fall.
PENNY SAVINGS.
Mr. Tozer has had full charge of this work for the past year, and has followed the usual plan of making collections and deposits. We have adopted an additional safeguard for these funds by requiring each teacher to check up her accounts with those of the collector at the end of each year. In this way we are in hopes to reduce individual losses, due to loss of cards, etc., to a minimum and to encourage and establish the habit of thrift.
We have also tried to interest the official of the Savings Bank in the installation of a stamp machine, a device for saving, so popular in many of our large city schools and mercantile es- tablishments.
Much could be said, and should be said, in reference to forming this habit of saving by our young people. Their pros- pects in life are largely conditioned by their ability to save; and they should be urged by both parents and teachers to lay aside a reasonable proportion of the money that is given them as spending money. Incidentally it would teach self-control, and help them to withstand the temptation to purchase everything that pleases the fancy, provided they have the means.
Mr. Tozer's report of the amounts collected and deposited is as follows:
Amount collected $361.04
Deposited 341.00
New Books taken out. 30.00
Balance in Bank 131.76
36
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Many of the pupils take charge of their bank books as soon as issued and thereafter make their own deposits. Others bring their books to Mr. Tozer who makes the deposits for them. Not a few of the children have accounts in excess of $100. each; ninety per cent. of all the depositors are children of foreign pa- rentage.
MANUAL TRAINING.
This department has outgrown its quarters and needs more room for its normal expansion. The room contains but twenty- three benches and there is no space for additional ones. Some of the classes have numbered twenty-six and twenty-seven pu- pils each. So our problem has been to exchange the surplus of boys for an equal number of girls, and then distribute them among the different buildings in such manner as to give a class of required size. This entailed no slight inconvenience upon the boys and girls involved in this exchange. Many of them were obliged to pass right by the school where they properly belonged and to travel considerable distances in order to secure the proper numerical adjustment of pupils to a class. They have done this with little or no complaint, and are measuring up to the standard of work required in this rocm.
Early in September it was found that the number of classes had increased so rapidly that it became necessary to exclude the entire fifth grade from this department. Unless additional room can be provided for this department, it will become neces- sary to eliminate the entire sixth grade. We are not favorably disposed to putting any of these classes on half-time, as many of our pupils leave school on the completion of this grade and would derive little or no benefit from such a limited course.
37
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS.
The old idea of teacher preparation is rapidly passing, and anyone now engaged in the work must needs revise his theories and practice if he would retain either position or salary as a permanent condition or state.
Multitudes of teachers and schoolmen of every type and rank, are awakening to this fact, and are taking measures to fortify themselves against the demands of a growing public and professional sentiment. This is something that every teacher owes to his pupils, to himself, and to the teaching profession; and he should be ready and willing to rise to the full measure of the responsibilities of these obligations. Neither should these increased qualification requirements be regarded as obligations solely. But rather as golden opportunities for elevating a cal- ling, to which the idea of servitude has frequently attached, to the rank of a recognized and full-fledged profession-the equal of law, medicine, or theology. This is the goal which the wide- awake, progressive, and thoughtful teachers have set for them- selves, and thousands and tens of thousands of them are strug- gling to attain it.
Never before in the whole history of education has there been so large and so general enrollments for summer courses at Normal schools, Colleges, and Universities, as during the past year. Accommodations at many of these institutions have been taxed to the limit. Columbia University was thronged with applicants. The enrollment for Pennsylvania was above the 22,000 mark. No one, no teacher especially, will deny the deep significance of this movement. The tide has set that way, and few will be able to resist it and live.
We are pleased to report that some of our own teachers are taking advantage of these opportunities for professional im- provement. Miss Stanford, Miss Trussell, Miss Bowlen, Miss
38
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Whittemore, Miss Damon, and Miss Ferguson took courses at various Normal schools or at Boston University. During the fall term all the teachers of the first three grades, joined the Beverly teachers in a course in reading. As said before, a course in English had been planned for all the grade teachers, but was given up on account of the fuel shortage. This may be at- tempted later on, if conditions warrant the undertaking. More work along this line of effort must be done by our local teachers if their rank and standing is to be maintained.
REPAIRS.
Repairs of all kinds have been confined strictly to those cases prompted by necessity. Few or none of any importance have been undertaken.
The old fence about the Payne School yard has been re- placed by a new one and the passage leading directly into Lord's Square has been closed, as a measure of safety.
The windows in the Winthrop and Manning Schools have been redrawn, and snow-stops have been distributed about the roof of the first-named school to prevent accident to the chil- dren by falling snow and ice. The wiring of both the Manning and Winthrop buildings has been completed.
The greatest tax upon our efforts was found in an attempt to divert the stream of water that constantly flows about the foundation walls of the Winthrop building from forcing its way into the boiler room. To all appearances, this has been accom- plished, but at such a cost of time and money as to make a rep- etition of the task as undesirable as the complete success of the work is uncertain.
While dealing with matters pertaining to this building, it may be well to bring to the attention of your Board certain
39
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
pertinent and obvious facts as to the physical conditions in and about this building. In the first place, there are thirteen windows, originally intended to furnish light and ventilation to the basement, whose lower sills are from fifteen to eighteen inches below the surface of the ground. Secondly, the ground on the northein side of the building does not have sufficient slope to carry the water away from the building into the drains. Consequently, after nearly every heavy rain, when the surface is clogged with snow and ice, the water finds its way through these window casings into the basement. On three several oc- casions during this present month, the floor of the manual training room has been flooded to such a depth that classes could not be held.
It should be said, however in this connection, that your Committee asked for an appropriation last year for the con- struction of areas about these windows, and the Town granted the same; but this money was used in keeping the water from the boiler room, as already stated.
During the high wind of a few weeks ago, the iron smoke stack was blown down and demolished by its fall. It will be necessary to replace it, as a temporary necessity, for the winter season, as the original chimney is of insufficient draft to insure a proper combustion of fuel or to carry the smoke above the ad- joining building.
Both of these items should have immediate attention, and, as soon as the season permits, repairs of the most substantial kind should be made.
The roofs of the Cogswell and Dennison buildings need to be reshingled. Troublesome leaks in both these buildings have been in evidence for some time. The several attempts which have been made towards repairs have been unsuccessful. It is the unanimous opinion of reliable carpenters, who were asked to investigate and suggest some practical remedy. The work
40
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
required to be done to insure these roofs against leakage would cost about $1000.
MID-MORNING LUNCH.
By glancing at the report of the School Nurse, it will be noted that too many of our school children are underweight. This in itself may have but little significance, as a great many factors are to be considered in connection with the weight of individual pupils, beyond the story told by the scales. But when children give substantial evidence of malnutrition, have little appetite, are spiritless, and show a decidedly anaemic con- dition, it becomes necessary to make some attempt to over- come these tendencies. Bringing a lunch from home by the school children has been advocated for some time, and has
met with some response. demands of the situation. But it has never been equal to the It was therefore decided to provide a supply of milk so that each pupil who desired to do so might have a jar of milk during the morning recess. The movement has been a success from the beginning, and the various schools are now receiving between three and four hundred half-pint jars of milk per day. The expense is met by the individual pupils. Up to the present time, the generosity of friends has provided for those who are unable to pay.
It is too early as yet to make any statement as to the ben- efit derived from these lunches, but we feel assured that the work now begun will result in great and lasting good to hun- dreds of boys and girls.
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