USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1915 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
The objects is to teach the children thrift by giving them the opportunity to make weekly savings of small amounts if they so desire. The work of keeping the accounts is done largely by the pupils of the eighth grade, under supervision of the teachers, which adds an educational feature to the matter which is in every way desirable and beneficial. The system is approved and recommended by the Bank Commissioner. Each child, when he makes his first deposit, is furnished with a card showing credit for the amount he puts in the bank and all subsequent deposits and withdrawals are likewise entered thereon. A ledger account is kept at the school with each child who opens an account. The money is deposited in a regular Savings Bank in the name of the school. At stated times the accounts of such children as have saved to the amount of a dollar or more are transferred to accounts in the regular Sav- ings Bank and regular Bank Books are issued to them. They .
5
SCHOOL REPORT
may continue to dpeosit in the school bank and their savings will be transferred as above indicated, whenever they have again reached the prescribed amount, and added to the Bank Account which they already have.
This School Savings Bank entails no expense whatever on the Town as all the necessary stationery and blank forms are provided by the Bank. The money of the Middleton School is deposited in the Salem Savings Bank which conducts similar banks in the public and parochial schools of Salem.
School Building and Grounds
The School Building is in need of some repairs on account of a defect which has developed in the gutters and conductors which has allowed rain water at times to leak down into the interior of the building which would in time cause damage.
The system of disposal of sewage has given considerable trouble by the occasional overflowing of the cess pool. This, if allowed to continue, might become a serious menace to the health of the children and the Committee is considering some changes which will overcome the difficulty.
Before long there will have to be new seats in one of the school rooms.
The foregoing matters have led the Committee to ask for a somewhat larger sum from the Town than they have had in some previous years but it is felt the people of Middleton de- sire that their children be provided with proper accommoda- tions and their health and safety in every way protected.
6
SCHOOL REPORT
The Committee, in closing, would again express its appre- ciation of the good work of the Superintendent and Teachers in maintaining the already high standard of the Middleton Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK S. PERKINS GEORGE W. EWING ANSEL P. TYLER
School Committee.
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to submit herewith my fifth annual report of the Middleton Schools.
As one sits down to the task of writing the annual report, . he is confronted with the inconsistencies arising from trying to make such a report in the middle of the school year. The data at hand are largely for the year which closed six months ago and which is now of only passing interest to most people.
Changes in teachers usually occur during the summer vacation and at this time the new ones have not had time to show results that can be passed upon with any degree of fair- ness to them or to ourselves.
A school report made in June or after the school year had closed could cover the work of one unbroken year, and one making such a report would be justified in tabulating and com- menting upon the results of such work. Combined with a report made in the summer could be a manual of the school department, giving much information that would be of value to parents and teachers throughout the year following. I be- lieve this plan is worthy of serious consideration.
There were but two changes of teachers at the opening of present year. Miss Fannie C. Hinckley of Beverly, was secured for the third and fourth grades and Miss Paula Lang Clough of Greenwood, Mass., was elected drawing supervisor.
These teachers entered heartily into the spirit of the Middleton school and have already given evidence that we were fortunate in securing their services.
(7)
8
SCHOOL REPORT
Concerning the work the school is doing in the "practical arts," woodworking, sewing, basketry, etc., I have but to call attention to other parts of this report, the report of the prin- cipal and the lists of prizes from the Topsfield Fair, awards in penmanship, etc.
In the interest of the health of the children, especially the care of the eyes, and on account of the increasing activities of the school, requiring much better accommodations than are now possible, I believe that the town should very soon give attention to some plan for improving the school building. According to the accepted standards of lighting school rooms, not one of the rooms in this building is lighted as it should be. They either have cross light, or the light comes directly opposite from what it should. In both of the rear rooms, in spite of what has been done to improve conditions, the light is insufficient in clear weather and it is almost intolerable on dark, cloudy days. This must result in many headaches for the children and the premature necessity for wearing glasses. Again, with the interest shown by the boys and girls in manual work, it would seem advisable that they have some place other than a small hallway in which to carry on such work.
We should like very much to have in the schools cooking for the girls, but it is out of the question until some place is provided for the work. All these activities are very valu- able in connecting the school with the home by giving the boys and girls opportunity to apply regular school work in the activities of the home and of the community
The opportunities for this school to increase its efficiency for the boys and girls, and for the community as a whole, depend upon conditions that make for good health, and upon the chance it is given to enlarge upon the scope of work it is now doing so well.
.
9
SCHOOL REPORT
It is in the interest of the children that these suggestions are made for future consideration.
Following are the special reports which are approved and offered as a part of this report.
In closing, I wish to record my sincere appreciation of the. hearty co-operation of all who have been connected with the schools either directly or indirectly.
Respectfully submitted,
HARVEY R. WILLIAMS.
Superintendent of Schools.
January 19, 1915.
Principal's Report
Mr. Harvey R. Williams.
My dear Mr. Williams :
As you requested, I have reviewed and outlined the manual work during the four years since its establishment.
In the beginning the most elementary work, both in sawing and whittling, was done by the pupils of the last four grades. All the needed tools and materials were furnished by the pupils.
The following year, the work was broadened along all lines. More constructive work was accomplished by the boys of Grades VII and VIII because they had been supplied with tools. The enthuiasm and industry of the classes have made possible the successful results. .
10
SCHOOL REPORT
Last year for the first time, the girls were aided in sewing by a teacher who was devoting all her time to that subject, and the results were noticeably much improved ; but accord- ing to that plan, they had a lesson of one hour, only every two weeks. This was found to be inadequate for the best results. This year we are fortunate in having Miss Hayward with us for a two hour lesson every two weeks, and both teachers and pupils thoroughly appreciate the advantage.
This leaves the room teachers their entire time for the boys' manual work, and this arrangement is most satisfactory to all.
Whittling is begun in Grade V and the boys' beginning with the most simple problems, work on to those completed in Grade VI, where original designs are used in many models.
Originality in plan and design, and tool work form the basis of the course in Grade VII, although much time is spent with the sloyd knives and coping-saws. In Grade VIII, the problems planned have been, first, practical, and second, con- structive. Some plans have been original, and some adapted from working drawings of others.
As a rule the smaller models are purchased by the makers, but the larger ones are left in the building.
At present we have there, a dictionary stand, book-cases, umbrella stands, book-shelf, and table.
In addition to this, the girls have accomplished splendid results in basketry, which have been taught for one hour on alternate weeks.
In answer to the question, "Does not the regular work suffer?" I wish to say the impetus, gained by this change in routine, more than counteracts the time devoted to it.
Respectfully yours,
C. Alice Manning.
11
SCHOOL REPORT
Report of the Music Teacher
Topsfield, Mass., January 9, 1915
To the Superintendent of Schools, Middleton, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I am glad to report that the results of the year's work are gratifying. The course of study has been continued along the same lines as before. Two part songs are sung in the third and fourth grade. The Grammar grades have done splendid work in sight reading : at all times our aim is for good tone quality.
Folk dances and singing games are used in the lower grades, and with good results. They help as physical culture, and develop a grace of pose and gesture. They represent and give to us much of tradition and lore of all ages.
I have worked hard to create, in the pupils who have come under my charge, an attitude toward music, which considers it not so much an accomplishment to be mastered, as something to be attained for the pleasure there is in it. I have always held that the Supervisor could make the study of music a com- pulsion or a pleasure.
Interest and enthusiam seem to continue in all the grades which is helpful to all.
I believe there is no study in the school curriculum that has a greater influence on the moral character of a child, than music. So I believe a love for the best in music should be created in the schools.
It is encouraging to pupils and teachers to have parents and friends visit the music classes.
I hope the course in music will give the pupils a lasting knowledge and love of good music that will prove its success in the community. In the church choir, in the public day
12
SCHOOL REPORT
.
celebrations, in the fostering of patriotism by singing our National songs ; and in many ways that reflect the early train- ing. Written work is given and proves helpful.
We are glad of the new books for use in the fifth and sixth grades, as supplementary work.
Spencer says : "Music ranks as the highest of the fine art, as the one which more than any other ministers to the human welfare."
I wish to express my appreciation to the Superintendent and School Committee for their counsel and support, and to thank the teachers for their co-operation.
Respecfully submitted,
GENIE FULLER KIMBALL,
Supervisor of music.
Report of the Drawing Teacher
1 To Mr. Harvey R. Williams, Supt. of Schools:
I herewith submit my first annual report as teacher of Drawing for the Town of Middleton.
It is a well known fact that a change of special instructors is always a trying time not only for the teachers but also for the scholars : as a new line of work and entirely different methods of presenting the subject are often introduced. How- ever it is a pleasure for me to say that we learned very quickly to work together with interest and enthusiasm.
Perhaps it would be well to state in the beginning just
13
SCHOOL REPORT
what we wish to do for the children. Drawing in the elemen- tary schools is to be considered from the utilitarian point of view rather than from the aesthetic standpoint. It is our desire to develop the children in perception, powers of reason- ing, muscular reaction and appreciation of the beautiful, and above all to help them to reason and act independently. We try to keep this last thought in mind constantly, so as not to err in pushing the workmanship to a high standard for results only. Where this is done children may execute very excellent work while under the guidance of the teacher, but when left to themselves, realize that they are unable to go on, and often those words, which are so dangerous to the spirit of the school- room, "I can't" are heard.
Outlines have been provided every month for the teachers. This does not mean that a rigid, stereotyped course has been planned out for all the various schools, but it is used in order that the four topics under the subject of Drawing may be given due amount of time during the year, and also that the work may be carefully graded. In many cases the lessons have been varied to meet the special requirements of the different schools.
The work has been divided into representation, which includes object and nature drawing, design, including color theory and printing, construction and constructive drawing and picture appreciation. In design we have tried to arouse a feeling of order and 'neatness and to stimulate an interest in improving the common objects and surroundings of their daily life. All the work given has been practical and every design has been studied for its adaption and application to specific objects.
In construction work accuracy and constructive planning are emphasized throughout the lessons. We are about to start on vellum work and elementary book binding. This will be a very important subject, for if the children become interested
14
SCHOOL REPORT
in recovering and repairing books, they will be better acquaint- ed with the proper care and use of books. Wherever possible drawing should be correlated with the other school subjects, so that its need and use may be realized by the children.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the teachers for the hearty co-operation and interest, which they have shown in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
PAULA LANG CLOUGH.
January 11, 1915.
APPENDIX
Calendar for 1915-16
March 26, 1915, Schools close for Spring vacation. 12 WEEKS IN TERM
April 5, 1915, Spring term begins.
June 18, 1915, Schools close for the Summer vacation. 11 WEEKS IN TERM
Summer vacation 11 weeks
September 7, 1915. Fall term begins.
/ November 24, 1915, Thanksgiving Recess.
November 29' 1915, Schools open.
December 23, Schools close for Christmas vacation. 16 WEEKS IN TERM
15
SCHOOL REPORT
January 3, 1916 Winter term begins.
March 24, Schools close for Spring vacation of one week. 12 WEEKS IN TERM
Penmanship Record
September 1913 to June 1914, Grades VII and VIII.
Diplomas
James H. Hood
Fred L. Currier
Ethel L. Eaton
Alice M. Powers
Gladys Currier
G. Stewart Barnaby Myrtle M. Perkins
Leon N. Soper
Archie L. Jones
Evelyn M. Brown
Improvement Certificates
Paul H. Young
Alfred M. Perkins
One Hundred Drill Pins
G. Stewart Barnaby
Fred L. Currier
Mrytle M. Perkins
Leon N. Soper
Paul H. Young
Alfred M. Perkins
Evelyn M. Brown
Aldene C. Gardner
Raymond O. MacKenney Guy E. Evans
Nellie A. Hudon
Marguerite G. Kelley
Lucy L. Ritchie
16
SCHOOL REPORT
Twenty-Five Drill Button Frank Q. Currier
Penmanship Grades V and VI
Buttons
Lynnwood Hatch
Charles Fraser
Pins
Ellsworth Russell
Roy Osborne
Mildred Norton
Isabell Durkee
Improvement Certificate
Serena Russell
Diploma
Vera Soper
Topsfield Fair Prizes
Pearl Jones, Canned fruit, jelly, pickles
and baked beans
$7 00
Ethel Kelley, Poultry 3 00
Mary Whiting, Baked Beans, Nasturtiums
1 50
Isabelle Durkee, Baked Beans
50
Benjamin Evans, Potatoes
1 00
Albert Berry, Dahlias
75
Roy Osborne, Bantams
50
17
SCHOOL REPORT
Raymond McKenney, Pullet 1 00 Stewart Barnaby, Potatoes 2 25
Paul Young, Umbrella stand Archie Jones, Squash, Manual work
75
1 00
Center School, Grades V-VIII
Penmanship-first
5 00
Drawing-first
3 00
Basketry-second
2 00
HONOR ROLL
Figures indicate the number of terms pupils have not been absent and stars indicate that they have not been tardy for the same time.
GRADES VII-VIII
3* Evelyn Brown 2* Gladys Currier
2 Marguerite Kelley
2* Marion MacDonald
2* Arthur Gould
2* Leon Soper
1 Georgia Frolick
1* Pearl Jones
1* Grace MacDonald 1* Ester Norton
1* Marion Peabody
1* Alfred Perkins
1 Aldine Gardiner 1 G. Stewart Barnaby
1* Paul Young
1* Fred Currier
1 Raymond McKenney
.
18
SCHOOL REPORT
GRADES V-VI
2* Linwood Hatch
2* Mildred Norton
2* Mary Sheehan
1* Clarance Richardson
1* Dean Hosmer 1* Percy Lewis
1* Donald Henderson
1* Bernard Bent
GRADES III-IV
3* Howard Hood
3* Jennie Stevens
2* Raymond Berry
2* Fred Maynard
2* John Reilly
2* Earl Robinson
2* Lillian Hatch
2* Annie Sanford
2* Mary Tynan
2* Maurice Tyler
2* Ruth Soper
1* Charles Farrington
1* William Roberts
1* Margaret McCall
1* Grant Morrison
1* Fred Tynan
1* Roger Peabody 1* Fletcher Whiting
GRADES I-II
2 Elliot Powell
2 Josephine Tynan
1 George Groce 1 George Soper
1 Denisa Pillizari 1 Bertha Grady
1 Lillian Richardson
Results of Eye and Ear Tests
Whole number examined 134
Found defective in eyesight
13
Found defective in hearing
1
Parents or guardians notified
13
2* Cecilia Kelley
2* Gertrude Powell
2 Callie Douglas
1* Isabelle Durkee
3* Ida Douglas
19
SCHOOL REPORT
School Ceusus, September, 1914
Number between the ages of 5 and 7
Boys 19
Girls 9
28
Number between the ages of 7 and 14
Boys 62
Girls 36
98
Number between the ages of 14 and 16
Boys
5
Girls
6
11
Total
173
Illiterate minors over 16
1
Registration and Average Age by Grades September, 1914
Grade
Regisration Boys
Girls
Av. Yrs.
Age Ms.
I
15
5
5
7
II
9
3
6
9
III
11
8
7
10
IV
11
5
8
11
V
9
8
11
5
VI
12
9
12
5
VII
6
9
13
2
VIII
5
9
14
7
78
56
Total Registered 134
20
SCHOOL REPORT
Pupils in the Danvers High School
SENIORS
Carolyn Henderson
George Merrill
Willis Hood Myron Wilkins
JUNIORS
Eleanor Boomhover Frank Johnson
Ethel Fuller Myrtle Peabody
SOPHOMORES
Minnie Bryer Camilla Newton
Ruth Tyler
Edward Dwyer Alice Richardson Ruby Richardson
FRESHMEN
Raymond Bradstreet Gladys Currier
Marion MacDonald
Alfred Perkins
Evelyn Brown Archie Jones
Esther Norton Myrtle Perkins
Alice Powers
Pupils in the Agricultural School
Arthur Fuller Fred Currier Stewart Barnaby Ellen Rice
Arthur Gould L. C. Bousley Mary Bent Ellwood Merrill
21
SCHOOL REPORT
Middleton Grammar School-Graduation Exercises PROGRAMME
Cello Solo, "Mazurka"
G. Stewart Barnaby
March, "Rough Riders" Ethel L. Eaton, Esther R. Norton
"Summer Fancies" Chorus
Prayer
.
Rev. Alfred Manchester
"Antony's Speech" Fred L. Currier
"The Great Commoner" Esther R. Norton
"Song of the Armorer" Solo and Chorus
Basses
G. Stewart Barnaby, James H. Hood, Fred L. Currier Leon N. Soper, Archie L. Jones, Alfred M. Perkins Arthur P. Gould, Paul H. Young, Raymond C. Eaton Frank Q. Currier, Raymond McKenney, Guy E. Evans Selection from "David Harum" Arthur P. Gould, Alice M. Powers
Composition, "An Electrical Review" Alfred M. Perkins
"Mrs. Candle's Umbrella Lecture" Evelyn M. Brown
"Sing a song of Sixpence" Chorus
Adaption of "Courtship of Miles Standish"
Myrtle M. Perkins, James H. Hood, G. Stewart Barnaby Marion J. MacDonald, Alfred M. Perkins, Leon N. Soper Group of Songs Chorus
"The Prophecies of the Class, Supt. H. R. Williams
Presentation of Diplomas,
Frank S. Perkins, Chairman of the School Committee "Over the Hills at Break of day Chorus
Music under the direction of Genie Fuller Kimball, Supervisor of Music Ethel L. Eaton, Pianist
22
SCHOOL REPORT
1
Graduates
George Stewart Barnaby
Evelyn May Brown
Fred Loren Currier
Gladys Currier
Ethel Louise Eaton
Arthur Porter Gould
James Herbert Hood
Archie Luther Jones
Marion Jessie MacDonald
Esther Ruth Norton
Afred Manchester Perkins
Myrtle Mildred Perkins
Alice May Powers
Leon Nelson Soper
Paul Henry Young
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS, YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1914
Schools
Length of
Year
Enrolled Number
Boys
Girls
Enrolled
Average
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
Number between
5 and 15 years
Number under
Number between
7 and 14 years
Number over 15 years
First Grammar
9-2
34
16
18
28.8
27.9
96.5
25
0
15
9
Second Grammar
9-3
38
19
19
32.2
30.6
94.4
36
0
35
2
9-3
38
23
15
38.9
37.1
95.4
38
0
38
0
Intermediate Primary
9-3
33
20
13
25.8
22.6
88.3
33
0
13
0
Average and Totals
143
78
65
125.7
118.2
93.7
132
0
101
11
TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, JANUARY, 1915
NAMES
SCHOOLS
APPOINTED
GRADES
SALARY
EDUCATED
C. Alice Manning Caroline Knight
1st Gram. Prin. 2nd
1912
V-VI
507
Salem Normal
Fannie C. Hinkley
1914
III-IV
507
Salem Normal
Elizabeth Henderson
Intermediate Primary Music
1913
I-II
507
Salem Normal
Genie F. Kimball
1912
150
Holyoke
Paula L. Clough
Drawing Sewing
1914
80
Normal Art, Boston
Fannie Hayward
1914
Somerville High
1902
VII-VIII
$585
M. D.
.
5 years
Enrolled
Membership
FLINT
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.