USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1922 > Part 8
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THE SCHICK TEST.
What the Schick Test is and what it is expected to accom-
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
plish may not, as yet, have become generally understood. Briefly, it may be stated that the specific object of this test is the driving out, or the "eradication of diphtheria from the per- manent population of the State."
A quotation from a pamphlet issued by the Department of Health will make the subject more clear: "We have now at our disposal, in addition to the antitoxin treatment, not only a re- liable method for determining the susceptibility of human beings to diphtheria, but also a simple and safe procedure for render- ing susceptible individuals im mune to this disease."
When we consider that there are about 8,000 reported cases yearly of this dread disease, having a mortality of nearly 8 per cent., and when we realize the anxiety, the suffering, and the loss of time, money, and dear ones which the disease entails, such a declaration as the above should be hailed as an abound- ing joy. It should be difficult to understand why death from this disease should be permitted at all.
Let this introduction suffice. My purpose in bringing this subject to the attention of parents is to prevent, so far as in me lies, the occurrence of any of these d'read happenings within the homes of this community. An opportunity has been given, as will be seen by the report of the School Physician, for both parents and guardians to avail themselves of the advantages of one of the most beneficent agencies of modern times.
THE BURLEY SCHOOL.
The recommendations of your Board last year were adopt- ed, and the Town appropriated the sum of $45,000 for additions to the Burley School. Plans were drawn in accordance with suggestions made by the State Inspector of Buildings, and, after some slight revision, were adopted. The firm of Andrews,
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Rantoul & Jones of Boston, was selected as the architects, and the general contract was awarded to William H. Cann of Bev- erly, Massachusetts. Work was begun on July 12. Notwith- standing all the delays incident to scarcity of material and trans- portation difficulties. one wing of the building was ready for oc- cupancy when the fall term of the school opened on September 6-just eight weeks from the time the first shovelful of earth was thrown out. From that time on the work of construction and of education went along side by side, without conflict or interruption. The building was completed in record time; otherwise uncounted troubles would have followed.
The Town is to be congratulated on the good fortune that attended them in the selection of the general contractor. The work was always up to schedule; there was no fuss or bluster at any time. Everything proceeded in a quiet, orderly fashion and gave continual evidence of the efficiency and skill of those in charge of the work.
In another respect the Town is to be congratulated. That is, on the possession of a substantial, up-to-date ten-room school building with nearly every modern appointment. The site is one of the finest in the town. Extended views may be had in nearly every direction, which impress the beholder with the simple beauty of a quiet Ipswich landscape The building it- self is practically new and fireproof. The walls and ceilings have been tinted a uniform color, and every attention and care has been given to the arrangement and appointments of the rooms with reference to the welfare and safety of the children. There are six different exits from the rooms and a steel fire- escape has been installed at the rear of the old building. A two-inch standpipe, with a fifty-foot length of hose on every floor, extends from the basement to the top of the building. Every room is furnished with electric lighting, and all the upper rooms have been provided with receptacles which permit the
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use of the lantern in the upper grades. All the rooms have slate blackboards, new fixtures, and new curtains. The build- ing throughout is heated by steam, and all the sanitary arrange- ments are of the approved type. A concrete sidewalk extends the entire length of the building. The grounds have been prop- erly graded and provision for lawns and tree planting has al- ready been made. The building is completed, every bill is paid, and a balance has been turned back to the Town. This balance would have been larger had not the fire-escape been installed. This was done at the request of the State Inspector of Buildings, at a cost of over $1100.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The enrollment of a High School may be considered as a fair gauge of the estimation, or appreciation, of the advantages of education by the community in which such school is located. Generally speaking, where the enrollment is large in compar- ison with the total population, you would say, other things being equal, that that community placed a high value on the educa- tional advantages offered by their High School. Where the op- posite conditions prevail, your opinion would undergo a cor- responding change.
Of course, circumstances alter cases. There are in every community conditions so peculiar to itself that it would be ex- tremely difficult to formulate any single principle as a basis for a fair and just judgment. But on the whole, it must be ad- mitted that there is, at least, a modicum of truth in the general proposition stated above, although it does not give the full measure of comfort and pleasurable feelings we would desire.
How about our own High School? Is the enrollment as large as it should be for a town of this size? Does the enroll-
-
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ment compare favorably with that of other towns of equal or even smaller population? Is the community doing its utmost to assist our High School to function as completely as it is able and willing to do?
The enrollment of our High School is not what it should be, nor what it rightfully deserves to be. It is doing a good work and is entitled to a larger share of your confidence and support than it is now receiving. To be sure, the school is growing, both in numbers and influence. But it is not doing all that it is capable of doing. We simply wish to hasten that growth to the maximum of its efficiency and usefulness, to the end that more of our boys and girls may benefit by the advan- vantages offered.
We should have an enrollment of fully three hundred pu- pils, and this figure might easily be reached if the full co-oper- ation of the parents could be secured. Were the legal grade limit raised from the sixth to the eighth; or, barring any legal requirements, if the parents would insist that their children re- main in school for a longer time; our High School would grow very rapidly, and a much larger number of our boys and girls would profit by their longer school opportunities in preparation and training for a better and more intelligent citizenship. We look to this school for leadership and influence in shaping the affairs of the community. In a few years these young men and young women will be taking an active part in matters of public concern, and they should have that broad, practical and thor- ough training which this school is giving to all who attend. We wish to urge this upon the attention of the parents for two reasons :-
First, because most of the pupils leaving school before com- pleting the course, do so in response to an impulse or whim common to most pupils of this age. This could be checked in a majority of cases and the individual saved from an experience
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of lifelong regret.
Second, the voluntary admissions of so many of our youth who have become disgusted with the "blind alley" job, compels us to a sympathetic attitude towards this large and unfortunate class of boys and girls. They are immature, physically and mentally; and lack that background of knowledge and intel- lectual training so essential to the larger possibilities of useful- ness and success. These should have remained in school until some stability to the habits of mind was more fully established. When too late, they see their mistake; for the graduates of our High School are giving a good account of themselves. We wish their number might be increased, for upon such as these depends the future, not only of this community but of the na- tion itself.
And right here I wish to add a word of heartiest approval and commendation of the conduct of our college boys during the last summer's vacation. Nearly every one of them went to work upon the neighboring farms. They were not ashamed to engage in honest labor. Not one of them showed the slightest sign of that false pride which is the easily besetting sin and proves the ruin of so many of us. Here is a sturdy young man- hood of which we may well be proud. They have the right view-point of life. They honor themselves, their school, and their college. They assure their own success.
A school that turns out such a quality product should be filled to the doors. Let the parents see to it that this school has the enrollment it deserves, and thereby meets an obligation that this community owes to itself.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
In summing up the controlling elements of school adminis-
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tration for the purpose of budget making, the matter of salaries is one that cannot be overlooked. Contrary to general expect- ations, salaries and wages have not declined, nor are they likely to do so for the present at least. As our schedule is below that of many places having the same population and wealth, it would be unwise in considering future needs to make use of any lower basis than the one already in effect. Good teachers-and those are the only ones you can afford to employ-are in strong de- mand; and it is cheaper and better to retain the services of these than to suffer the loss and demoralization in school work which results from too frequent changes. The principals of the smaller schools, too, should have some recognition by reason of their increased responsibilities. A few changes are likely to occur this year, and three additional teachers for the incoming classes will be needed.
The item for text books will be larger than that of last year. Classes will be larger and many of the old books will need to be replaced; the primary grades need new reading material, and the upper classes of the grammar school should have dic- tionaries and a few books of reference. A larger amount for this item should be appropriated this year. Mention has al- ready been made of the necessary repairs at the Winthrop and Manning Schools. These should have attention during the sum- mer vacation, if the larger expense of more extensive repairs later on is to be avoided. The expense of building an addition- al length to the chimney at the Winthrop School should also be considered.
Lastly, some constructive policy or building program should be adopted by your Board, as you have already suggested and submitted to the Town for consideration. As already men- tioned, school accommodations are altogether inadequate, and some relief for the overcrowded condition of our schools, as well as provision for our growing school population, should be
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taken under consideration at once. Another year will find our school rooms filled to their utmost capacity, and it would be an extremely shortsighted policy that would permit such a contin- gency to materialize without having made due preparation for handling it.
As your Board has already made some suggestions relative to this important matter, any further reference to the same is unnecessary here.
The itemized budget submitted by your Committee will be found on another page.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
To the School Committee, teachers, and janitors, to parents and friends of the school, I wish to acknowledge my indebted- ness for the many expressions of sincere loyalty and devotion to the great work in which we are engaged. To each and all I tender my heartfelt thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH I. HORTON,
Superintendent of Schools.
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In Memoriam.
Happily the duty to record the passing of a fellow-teacher and friend comes but infre- quently. After an illness of ten long weeks
Eva Adams Willcomb
went out from among us Feb- ruary 27, 1922.
For more than twenty-six years she taught in the public schools of Ipswich.
Though she never er joyed that degree of popularity to which, by a strict measure of work, she was justly entitled, her attachment to the chosen few was strong and enduring. To these she was loyalty itself.
Her burden of grief and anx- iety, as well, she carried alone.
At last she found peace and rest, and heard the Master's ap- proval:
"She hath done what she could."
MANNING HIGH SCHOOL ..
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
It is with pleasure that I submit to you and the citizens of Ipswich my third annual report of the work in the high school.
Since the last report another class has gone out from the Manning High School and we have reason to feel proud of our graduates of last June. The class was small in number, but we should have difficulty in finding a class making a better show- ing as a result of its high school training.
From the following you will see that the members of the class are improving the opportunities given them.
NAME
COURSE
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Charlotte Ames
College
At home
Hortense Jewett
n
Boston University
Mildred MacKinney
Nicholas Kalaboke
=
Boston University
(College of Business Administration)
Rosamond Reilly
Salem Normal
Walter Callahan
General
Normal Arts
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John Clasby
General
General Electric Co. Colby College
Wilfred Dunn
=
Ross Whittier
=
Seward Tyler
Dartmouth College
Kathaleen Harrigan
Commercial
Salem Normal
Alcie Harris
Burdett College
Dorothy Hills Ruth Marr
Salem Normal
Bernice Narkun
C
Mill Office
Katherine Pierce
=
Millinery
Palmer Perley
=
At home
Myrtle Sheehan
Training for a nurse (Salem Hospital)
Beatrice Smith
Salem Normal
Esther Webber
General Work
I wish to call your attention to the fact that of the twenty graduates from our school last June, fifteen are continuing their definite training for positions of leadership and responsibility, two have very satisfactory positions in commercial work, and of the three not at present continuing definite school training, one is needed at home and the other two, either because of poor health or lack of funds, are planning to continue their training at a later date.
In addition to the graduates of last June, five of those who graduated the year before entered higher institutions of learn- ing this year as follows: Gardner Brown, Dartmouth College; Richard Hodgkins, Harvard College; Muriel Russell, Emerson School of Oratory; Emma Haley, Salem Normal.
If you will refer to the report of last year you will find that this leaves but three graduates of June, 1921, who have not either continued definite school training or put to definite use
Burnham's Trad. Post
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the results of high school training.
The above record of our school is good in so far as we consider the graduates themselves, but when we consider the number of pupils who entered the first grade twelve years be- fore or even the number who entered the high school four years ago, we must admit that even though the opportunity for a college or normal school preparation exists, there are only a few who come to the realization of the value of such a prep- aration.
Pupils leave school for one or more of the following reas- ons: Failure to appreciate the value of a high school training until too late; lack of initiative; lack of encouragement from others; continued and unnecessary absence; outside interests; copying of work; failure to make up work lost by absence. The boy or girl in high school can do the work if each task is done at the time it is supposed to be done, but if he allows work to accumulate he will become discouraged and drop out.
School opened this year with the largest enrollment in re- cent years, namely 183 classed as follows: Seniors 31, Sopho- mores 49, Juniors 32, Fresman 71.
So far only six pupils have left school, two of those leaving because of ill health, two to attend an industrial training school, one has moved out of town, and another has left to go to work. The membership of the school is not much changed, however, as we have had eight enrollments. There has been no radical change in the policy of administration and I believe the school is showing a steady growth in spirit and activity as well as in numbers. Most pupils are interested in the work and getting good results, but as always in any school we have a few failing to do the work.
The pupils entering the school during the last two years have shown a much better preparation in the fundamentals, es- pecially in English grammar. I find the greatest number of
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
failures in mathematics and allied subjects and these are inva- riably due to careless work in arithmetic. This group of pupils fails to use the knowledge already gained.
We were very fortunate in having but one change in the faculty this year. Miss Mann, teacher of Latin here for the past three years, resigned to accept a much better position in Port- land, Maine. We were fortunate in securing Mrs. Lord, an ex- perienced teacher, for the position and the work has gone on with no appreciable break.
All teachers are conscientious in their work showing defi- nite daily preparation and plans. They are always ready and willing to stay at the school building to give special help to those willing to make the effort to receive it. I can honestly say that the spirit of co-operation between teachers and between teachers and pupils is all that can be desired.
During the year honors have been awarded to members of the school for general scholarship as follows:
1
HONORS.
Those having a rank of 90 or over. Two prizes allowed in each class. 1 st $5.00. 2nd $2.50.
The following received prizes: Graduates-Ruth Douglas Marr 95 per cent., Mildred Elizabeth Mackinney 92. 1923- Helen G. Kimball 91, Dorothy P. Shaw 90, 1924-Edna Carle- ton Peabody 91 (no other having sufficient rank.) 1925-Angie Wile 94, Kennard Damon 90.
The Washington-Franklin medal, given by the Sons of the American Revolution to the pupil showing the greatest gain in American History was awarded to Ruth Marr.
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Three prizes given by the Woman's Club were awarded as follows: 1 st, Evelyn Bamford; 2nd, Rosamond Reilly; 3rd, Howard Dunn.
Two prizes given by M. Moseley: 1st, Ruth Marr; 2nd, William Burke.
TYPEWRITING.
Nearly all the upper class typewriting students received either medals or certificates from the various typewriter com -- panies; and for the first time in several years, three beginning typewriting students earned forty-word certificates in June.
Those receiving awards are as follows: 1
Class 1922: Ruth Marr, bronze medal and forty-word cer- tificate. Catherine Ryan, bronze medal. Beatrice Smith, forty- word certificate. Dorothy Hills, Bernice Narkum, Beatrice Smith, Esther Webber, thirty-word certificates.
Class 1923: Mary Richardson, bronze medal and forty-word . certificate. Elsie Marr, forty-word certificate. Dorothy Shaw, forty-word certificate. Bernice Connor, Anita Daniels, Arnold Hamilton, Robert Kent, Mary Richardson, Beatrice Tufts, Al- thea Whittier, thirty-word certificates.
Class 1924: (one year training). Nathan Adelman, forty- word certificate (June.) Lillian Brown, forty-word certificate, (June), thirty-word certificate. Madeline Chase, forty-word cer- tificate, (June), thirty-word certificate. Hazel Smith, forty-word certificate, thirty-word certificate.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
There are various school activities outside of regular class
1
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
work which I believe essential. The same general plan with these activities has been carried out as in previous years.
The school paper has continued, the senior class has pre- sented a play, the Glee Club presented a public entertainment, and this year an orchestra has been organized.
Much time and work are devoted to these interests, but at a time not conflicting with other school work.
Athletics have steadily improved under the direction of Mr. Conary. They are entered into as a part of the school work, first of all as a training for the individual participating. Our aim is to develop athletics in the interest of the greatest number possible.
We have been represented in interscholastic athletics dur- ing the past year by teams of which we are justly proud. First of all, they were made up of boys who had learned to work, to think, and to co-operate, boys who were honestly representative of the school.
We had but few athletes this year who did not "play the game" in every way. Only a very small number was disqual- ified because of failure to do passing work in school, and this number did not seriously affect the team.
The following have been awarded the school letter during the last year:
HOCKEY-Clarence Gould (Capt.), Nicholas Kalaboke (Mgr.), James Burke, Jack Callahan, Philip Ewing, Leo Dondero, William Martel, William Burke, Walter Callahan, Albert Spyut, Caswell MacGregor.
BASEBALL-Clarence Gould (Capt.), Wilfred Dunn (Mgr.), Chester Swasey, Philip Ewing, Elwin McCarthy, Leo Dondero, John Wilders, John Callahan, Robert Hills, Ross Whittier, Wil- liam Martel.
TRACK-James Burke.
FOOTBALL -- Leo Dondero (Capt,), John Callahan, William
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Burke, Julius Bean, Robert Kent, Guy Reedy, Harry Saunders, Wilmot Hall, James Burke, George Christopher, Robert Hills, Philip Ewing.
The work of the past year has been pleasant and harmo- monious in every way, and whatever degree of success we have met is due to the hearty co-operation of everyone making up the school organization.
Much can yet be gained by more personal interviews be- tween parents and teachers, and well founded criticism brought directly to the school would help to gain better results in the work of the school.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you for your friendly advice and interest and to express my appreciation for the hearty sup- port of all those interested in the school.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. WHIPPLE,
Principal.
-
FORTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF THE . MANNING HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1922 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1922
Program
Defend America.
Hadley
CHORUS
Invocation. Rev. Carl H. Raupach
Salutatory --- "Opportunity" MILDRED ELIZABETH MACKINNEY
Essay :-- "The Radio Era"
ROSS HORTON WHITTIER, Class President
Bella Napoli
Boscovitz
CHORUS
Essay --- "The Effects of the War on the United States" WILFRED COGSWELL DUNN, Honor in English
Valedictory -.. "Vincit qui Partitur" RUTH DOUGLAS MARR
Ciribiribim
Pestalozza
CHORUS
Address --- "Education and Power" REV. MARKHAM H. STACKPOLE, D.D.
Presentation of Prizes
Presentation of Diplomas HERBERT W. MASON, Chairman of School Committee
The Star Spangled Banner CHORUS
Benediction
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES.
COLLEGE COURSE.
Charlotte Ames Nicholas Louis Kalaboke
Phebe Hortense Jewett Mildred Elizabeth Mackinney Rosamond Reilly
GENERAL COURSE.
Walter E. F. Callahan
John James Clasby
Wilfred Cogswell Dunn Ross Horton Whittier
Seward Scotton Tyler
COMMERCIAL COURSE.
Helen Kathaleen Harrigan Alcie Harris
Ruth Dorothy Hills
Ruth Douglas Marr
Bernice Elizabeth Narkun
Katherine M. A. Pearce Palmer Smith Perley
Myrtle Teresa Sheehan
Alice Beatrice Smith
Esther Odlin Webber
CLASS OFFICERS.
Ross Horton Whittier, President. Helen Kathaleen Harrigan, Vice President. Bernice Elizabeth Narkun, Secretary. Ruth Douglas Marr, Treasurer.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
A very brief report of the Junior High School is herewith submitted.
This past year has again shown a very great increase in the number of pupils in the school. In September it was found necessary to take over one of the sixth grade rooms to accom- modate our large enrollment of two hundred and eighteen pu- pils. At present there are seven classes in five rooms. This, of course, obliges us to use the dressing hall almost constantly as a recitation room. Certain periods on Monday when the Drawing Supervisor is present, it is found necessary to place two classes with their teachers in one of the larger rooms. We are again very much overcrowded during the music periods when we must accommodate in one room the entire seventh grade.
Even with our crowded conditions we have tried to keep the main claims of the Junior High School constantly in view. The teachers, as a whole, have willingly co-operated and have done most excellent work. In addition to our regular teaching force we have one part-time teacher who gives a large portion of her time to the sixth grade, when the regular sixth grade teacher, who is Physical Training Director, is teaching else_ where.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
We have tried to continue the work of the socialized reci- tation this year. Some of the teachers have done considerable along this line. Club work of all kinds, tending towards social- ization, has been our special feature. The classes elect their officers, choose a motto, draw up their constitution and by-laws and take charge of the recitations. Sometimes committees cho- sen by the class have carefully planned a program and later carried it out during the recitation period. This work is done by the pupils under the direction and guidance of the teacher in the health club, bird club, wild flower club, oral composition club, literature and dramatic club, science club, social club, civic club, and glee club. We trust that this kind of work will lead to a more contented, honest, and interested citizenship.
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