USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1925 > Part 3
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We wish to state at this time that the school committee is compelled to keep very accurate accounts of all expenditures, according to the system that is required by the State Board of Education in all schools. We must know at all times where and how your money has been spent. According to January figures from the State House, the cost of living in Massachu- setts since 1914, has increased 73 per cent. This cannot help but be reflected in costs of operating your schools.
We submit the details of our budget needs for 1926 :
Superintendent of Schools, salary
$600 00
Expense
140 00
Supervisors, salaries
520 00
Principal, salary
1,400 00
Teachers, salaries
4,850 00
Text Books
300 00
Supplies and Miscellaneous
500 00
Janitor, salary
850 00
Fuel
450 00
Miscellaneous operating expenses
80 00
Repairs
550 00
Health
350 00
Transportation, elementary
2,720 00
Transportation, high
1,160 00
72
SCHOOL REPORT
Tuition, high New equipment Total
$3,800 00
130 00
$18,400 00
(Signed) ARTHUR E. CURTIS, Chairman MRS. M. W. BERRY ALBERT W. DOOLITTLE, Secretary
Report of Superintendent
To the Middleton School Committee :
Madam and Gentlemen : Subscribed please find my Second Annual Report as superintendent of school for the town. Cov- ering as it does a fiscal or calendar year it necessarily includes parts of two school years. Ordinarily this fact is not signifi- cant, but in the past year it is of decided importance due to differences in conditions in the two school years.
For the part of that school year ending in June conditions and progress were a continuation of the excellent record re- ported last year. With the opening of the school in September we were faced with different conditions of grave importance by no means anticipated at the outset.
The element of prime importance was the change in the teaching staff due to the superior financial inducements Dan- vers was able to offer Miss Knight and Miss Hooper. The loss of Miss Knight was most keenly felt because of her long years of service and her acquaintance with the peculiar difficulties presented in her room. With Miss Hinckley she had formed the basis of a most excellent team under the leadership of Miss Manning and adequately completed by Miss Hooper who, although with us a much shorter period, had fitted perfectly into the organization. The loss of a good teacher is always a drawback to a school because of the knowledge of individual
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SCHOOL REPORT
differences in children gained by association with the children themselves and that other information gained from close con- tact with teachers who have already taught these children.
In the case of Miss Knight there was peculiar significance due to the unusual gradations of ability found in the grades she was to have taught, and also because of the large number in the class. An additional element of difficulty was in the fact that Miss Knight's resignation came well along in the vacation after the superintendent had gone to Maine, comfortable in the belief that all was in readiness for the fall session. At this time of year the experienced teachers were mostly placed for the next year so that no little difficulty was met in finding anybody adequately prepared to assume the duties of directing the work of the fifth and sixth grades. It was a difficult situ- ation for an old campaigner and it is to the credit of Miss Noyes that she has met the situation as well as she has. She had had but one year of experience and that in a different type of situation, and she was wholly unacquainted with the individual peculiarities of her pupils.
In the room which had been presided over by Miss Hooper an unexpected infiux of new children presented further diffi- culty. The first grade was very large for this school and new members appeared for the second grade, so that Miss Conners, as her first experience, found a group too large for any teacher to handle efficiently. In fact the number soon became so great that strict observance of the law required another teacher. Even had the number remained inside the legal limit, the size of the first grade would have rendered really satisfactory work for both grades impossible.
Miss Hinckley also had a room full almost to overflowing, with several problems in unequal mental development to add to the difficulty. The situation here was like that in Miss Noyes's room only less aggravated ; a condition bearable but not conducive to good work.
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SCHOOL REPORT
In short a crisis had finally been reached in a situation which had been at least annoying, precipitated in the end by an unprecedented influx of new pupils. It was evident that quick relief was imperative to restore the wonted tone of the school. The only possible relief was an increase in the teach- ing force.
The situation called for a teacher of peculiar attainments. She must be able to do most of the routine work with the sec- ond grade and act as a helping teacher, doing a kind of tutorial work, in all of the other grades up to the seventh. It also called for a person of tact in dealing with retarded pupils and those who found difficulty in understanding the work already taught by their room teachers.
The committee was quick to see this necessity and author- ized the superintendent to find the best possible person avail- able for the work. This accounts for the addition of Miss Pearl Clarke to the school teaching corps.
Miss Clarke was very well prepared for this type of work, being a teacher of extensive experience in the primary grades as well as the possessor of a close knowledge of the require- ments of the middle grades. Her strong belief in the necess- ity of drill in the fundamentals and her practice of her belief gave promise that she would meet the situation adequately. This promise has been fulfilled.
Such are conditions at the close of this fiscal year. We have a school with three of its four rooms with a twenty per cent overload, and this in those grades where the foundation is laid for the successful education of the children of the town. This fundamental work is the real big job of our schools. If it is not well done the rest of the educational structure is as a house built upon sand.
Frequently people talk of the supreme importance of the Junior High School, but it is certain that if supreme impor- tance is to be ascribed to any section of a child's school life it
75
SCHOOL REPORT
is in those years wherein he acquires the actual tools of educa- tion. Given the ability to read efficiently, to combine numbers automatically, and to express his thoughts in clear and legible English the rest of a normal individual's education is bounded chiefly by his will to secure it. Guidance makes its acquisition simpler but is not wholly indispensible. On the other hand, slipshod reading habits, carelessness and slowness in handling numbers, and inability to express thought in decent language are the stumblng blocks which have ended many a student's school days.
We are now working under an emergency solution of a present difficulty. As a permanent method of procedure it is open to criticism. If the next school year is to bring any in- crease in numbers to this school in the lower grades, other than the normal entering class, something must be done to increase the seating capacity of the school plant.
Since the future is so uncertain and in the absence of in- formation usually secured by the school census in April, it does not seem wise at this time to take steps looking to the addition to the building ; but it should be in the minds of the voters that it may become necessary to call on the town later for funds to meet such construction.
SALARIES
During the year increases in salary were granted all of the teachers. This however did not prevent the loss of two excel- lent teachers. The things towns like Middleton have to face is this annual loss of good teachers because other towns will pay more.
These towns where a teacher has more than one grade must come to a realization that it requires a better grade of teacher to handle two grades efficiently than is required by the single grade organization. Now there is but one way to get quality and that is to pay what it costs, and when necessary
76
SCHOOL REPORT
meet the bid of the other fellow. Middleton must make it possible for its committee to pay the market price and help make the positions so attractive that it will require an unus- ually attractive offer to take the teachers away.
It is a mistaken idea that the teacher's compensation is out of proportion to the service rendered. Ask any mother of two lively youngsters how she would like to have forty-five more to keep busy for five hours a day, to say nothing of teaching them. And it must be remembered that something more than the mere elements of learning has to be accom- plished. We have now an Americanization problem.
Ten years ago there were in the schools of this town but thirteen children of foreign born parentage. This was but 7 per cent of the total enrollment. Five years later there were twenty-six or 17.7 per cent. Today forty-nine or 28.6 per cent of the children come from homes where in a great many cases English is not spoken. This is a difficulty the teacher has to counterbalance. In many cases the future out- look of an American citizen is dependent on the skill of our teachers. It surely pays to be sure that we have the type of teacher who has the vision to carry on this important civic life insurance.
HEALTH ACTIVITIES
Activities is a fitting caption for this department of our school program. Under the direction of Dr. Nichols and Mrs. Roundy things have been very active for a small town.
The vaccination inspection was very efficient, the weigh- ing and measuring was done carefully and promptly, eyes, ears and throats received attention and in many cases were remedied on notice to parents. The underweight were given clinical attention and examinations were conducted under direction of the State Department of Health. This examination included X-ray tests and the Von Pequet skin tests.
77
SCHOOL REPORT
Through the co-operation of the Red Cross and The Mid- dleton Grange a very successful Dental Clinic was held in the school building. Dr. P. S. Murray spent several weeks on this work after the examination had been made under the direction of Dr. Gobie. Of the 150 children examined 112 received treatment and another good piece of work had been done.
In November the Schick Test was again given, and where necessary the immunizing treatment was given with the con- sent of the parents.
PENMANSHIP
Under Miss Manning's leadership a drive for better pen- manship has been carried on and awards won from the Palmer Method by many pupils all the way from the fourth grade up. Those winning awards for progress are as follows :
Buttons for Twenty-five Drills
Newton Maxwell, VII
Frederick Lang, VII
Angelina Menesale, VII
Albert Roberts, VII
Stanley Felix, V
Amy Morgan, V
Albert Doolittle, V
Alfred Phaneuf, VI
Justin Green, V Richard Anderson, V
Gordon Perfect, VIII
Florence Dale, VII
Conjetta Menesale, VII
William Kelley, V
Amelia Phaneuf, V
James Goodale, V
Ursula Busineau, V
Lillian Ogden, V
Nathalie Butler, V
Charles Lord, V
Mellicent Goodrich, V
Henry Jankoski, VIII
Elmer Rogers, VIII
George Godbout, VII
Allen Morrison, V
Lois Allen, V
Fernald Hillman, VI
James Ryer, VI
Elizabeth Doolittle, V
Rosamund LeCalst, IV
Caesar Rossi, IV
Allen Wennerberg, IV
Ernest Perfect, IV
Doris Duncan, IV
Victoria Jankoski, IV
Roger Philbrick, VII
Rosalind Gould, V
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SCHOOL REPORT
Progress Pins for One Hundred Drills
Wilma Butler, VII
Anne Green, VI
William Klosowski, VIII
Ruth Maxwell, VII
Adelaide Robinson, VII
Conjetta Menesale, VII
Mary Lang, VII
Florence Dale, VII
George Godbout, VII
Terence Klosowski, VII
Roger Philbrick, VII
Angelina Menesale, VII
Allan Marshall, VII
Stella Klosowski, V
Improvement Certificates
Addie Hurlburt, VIII Goldie Ogden, VIII Conjetta Menesale, VII
Final Grammar School Certificates
Ruth Maxwell, VII Adelaide Robinson, VII Dorothy Ogden, VII
(Roman numerals denote grade of pupil)
AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION
5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12
13
14 15
16
T
U. A. % 0. A. %
I
7 |14
4
25
7
28 0 0
II
1
| 9
6
5 1
22
1
5
6
27
III
3
13
6
3
25
3
12
3
12
IV
4
3
9
3 1
20
4
20
4
20
V
3
5
3
3 2
16
3
19
5
31
VI
7
7
6
231
26
7
27
6
23
VII
1
7 2
1
11
1
9
1
| 9
VIII
4 9 6
1
20
4
20
1
5
7
15
16
23
17
25
14
21
15 9 2
1
165
30
18
26
16
79
SCHOOL REPORT
This tabulation requires little comment other than to state that the basis of tabulation is actual membership in the school on December 31. This does not equal the total enrollment on that date. There were probably five or more children who were enrolled who because of absence had automatically be- come non-members. Non-membership is recorded when a child has been absent ten consecutive days from any cause, even though he return to school on the twelfth day.
The age distribution throughout the school would fall into a normal curve of distribution. This is deceptive however and does not indicate actual conditions in the school from the standpoint of actual scholastic accomplishment. Tests to be given later will show this beyond possibility of question.
THE SCHOOL PLANT
Since the summer vacation the school building has been in much better condition than during the earlier period of the year. The money for repairs was well spent and well appor- tioned. The ceilings are now safe and the walls clean and bright making the rooms much lighter and more cheerful.
The exterior presents a pleasing and well kept appearance. It a credit to the town, showing that the people take a pride in their public institutions and are thrifty in caring for them. This is a good advertising for any town. Towns like people can be judged in some measure by their care for their appear- ance.
Mr. Richardson has taken his usual pride in keeping things clean and comfortable for the little folks and their teachers. We who come in close contact with schools know how important a part good service like this can play in the school life. It is especially pleasing to note the excellent relationship shown between Mr. Richardson and the children.
CONCLUSION
With no intention of fulsome flattery, I wish to commend
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SCHOOL REPORT
to the town the very good service of your School Committee. In co-operation they have been unfailing and because of the small part of my time given to Middleton they have necessar- ily had to do work which would ordinarily be handled by the Superintendent. They have also been very considerate in tim- ing the monthly meetings to the best advantage for me. For their kindness and co-operation I wish to express my appre- ciation.
It a pleasure to have an opportunity to thank the local Red Cross and the Middleton Grange for their interest and help during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN.
Somerville, Mass., December 31, 1925.
Middleton Pupils Graduating from Danvers High School, Class of 1925
ELEANOR RICE ERNEST GOULD WILLIAM MEADE SEWELL PETTINGILL
Beverly Industrial School, Class of 1925
MAURICE TYLER
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SCHOOL REPORT
Middleton Grammar School, Class of 1925
PRISCILLA LOUISE COLTON RICHARD GILMORE FLOYD ADDIE MARION HURLBURT WILLIAM ANDREW JOHN KLOSOWSKI
MARY ELIZABETH LANG
JEAN KATHARINE McSHEEHY
GOLDIE PEARL OGDEN
DOROTHY EMERSON PAGE ROBERT DOUGLAS PARMENTER
GORDON ROBERT PERFECT
EVELYN VIOLA PHILBRICK
ELMER NEWTON ROGERS RICHARD HOOD SANBORN
School Enrollments, 1925-1926
Danvers High School
34 pupils
Peabody High School
3
Beverly Industrial School
3
Essex County Agricultural School :
Agricultural Department 6
66
Home-making Department
4
Grammar School, Middleton
170
Total
220 pupils
High School cost per pupil, 1925 (including Danvers, Peabody and Beverly schools) approximately $127 00
Grammar School cost per pupil, 1925, approximately $75 00 Cost elementary transportation per pupil, approx- imately $20 00
١٠
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
TOWN WARRANT
AND THE
BALLOT
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON
MARCH, 1926
PART III
Recommendations of the Finance Committee for the Year 1926
TOWN OFFICERS' SALARIES
Selectmen
$300 00
Town Treasurer
250 00
Town Clerk
200 00
Town Accountant
300 00
Tax Collector, 1 per cent of amount collected 350 00
Assessors
500 00
Registrars
30 00
Moderator
25 00
Inspector of Slaughtering
25 00
Inspector of Cattle
150 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
100 00
Constable
35 00
Overseers of the Poor
100 00
Superintendent of Burials
15 00
Water Commissioners
30 00
Cemetery Commissioners
30 00
$2,440 00
Janitor of Town Hall, 35 cents per hour.
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police
$800 00
Building Fires
150 00
Forest Fires
500 00
Firemen's Wages
65 00
$1,515 00
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
Tree Warden
$500 00
Moth Department
481 36
To set out trees
100 00
$1,081 36
(85)
86
FINANCE COMMITTEE
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES
Highways and the Selectmen be authorized to
apply to State Highway Dept. for aid $4,900 00 Sidewalks 200 00
Snow Removal
Bridges
300 00
$5,400 00
EDUCATION
Schools
$18,400 00
Tuition and transportation of pupils
to vocational schools
1,000 00
Library
500 00
$19,900 00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Board of Health
$100 00
Essex Sanitarium
319 27
$419 27
POOR DEPARTMENT
Poor Department
$1,800 00
Soldiers
84 00
$1,884 00
UNCLASSIFIED
Contingent
$1,200 00
Insurance
710 00
Town Hall
800 00
Memorial Day
225 00
American Legion
110 00
Cemeteries
800 00
Interest
1,500 00
Municipal Indebtedness
1,800 00
Middleton Electric Light, including depreciation
1,500 00
Tool House, to be re-appropriated
and transferred from reserve
500 00
$9,145 00 J. WARREN OSBORNE, Clerk of Fin. Com.
Town Meeting Warrant
Essex, ss. To Will A. Russell, Constable for the Town of Middleton, in the County of Essex:
GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Town, on
Thursday, the fourth day of March, next
at 7.30 o'clock P. M., for the following purposes :
ARTICLE 1. To authorize the selectmen to appoint such other Town Officers as are required to be chosen annually.
ARTICLE 2. To see what action the Town will take in regard to defraying the Town expenses for the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year, and expressly made payable therefrom by this vote.
ARTICLE 4. By petition of B. Frank Phillips and ten others, to see if the Town will appropriate one thousand dol- lars, ($1,000) to gravel East Street from Locust Street to the Boxford line.
(87)
88
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 5. To see what action the Town will take in regard to a better water supply for Highland Road, by request of George O. Stimpson and Lorenzo W. Lovelace.
ARTICLE 6. To see what action the Town will take in regard to a bill signed by the Governor, in reference to paying the assessors six dollars, ($6.00) per day.
ARTICLE 7. By petition of Arthur T. Page and sixteen others, to see what action the Town will take in regard to accepting Rules and Regulations drawn up by the Cemetery Commissioners.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, one at the Town Hall, one at the Cen- ter Post Office and one at store at Howe Station, in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting aforseaid.
Given under our hands this 23rd day of February, 1926.
MAURICE E. TYLER, E. STIMPSON HUTCHINSON, WILLIAM H. SANBORN,
Selectmen of Middleton.
FLINT
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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