USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1917 > Part 11
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, (Grades 1-6)
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, (Grades 7-9)
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, (Four years)
The elementary schools include the special school for non- English speaking children, the special school for over-age chil- dren and the special school for those between the ages of four- teen and sixteen who intermittently pursue work at the school and at the factory.
The establishment of the Junior High School necessitates additional expense for transportation but this is offset by the educational advantages offered to the pupils attending. More- over, the girls and boys of grades seven, eight and nine now pass to the cooking and woodworking rooms respectively instead? of going from the several school buildings, in all conditions of weather, to the Cooking rooms at South Street or Manual Train- ing rooms at the Cornish buildings as formerly. Much time is saved and the children are under cover.
Various agencies have been at work for the improvement of the school department. The following results are not to be credited to the superintendent nor to the school board exclu- sively but to other officials, former school boards, special com- mittees and citizens. as well.
-247-
What Plymouth Has Accomplished in Half a Decade.
1. Completely reorganized its school system on the six-two or three-four plan.
2. Increased its appropriation for school maintenance from $68,000.00 to $102,500.00.
3. Increased its teachers' salary list from $44,270.00 to $65,- 700.00.
4. Increased its number of teachers from 70 to 86.
5. Appropriated $35,000.00 to enlarge Senior High School Building.
6. Opened four additional school rooms at the Hedge School Building ..
7. Opened four rooms at the new Nathaniel Morton Build- ing.
8. Purchased automobile for use of superintendent, school board, and teachers who give instruction in the outlying schools.
9. Maintains automobile for use of school nurse.
10. Employs clerk for the executive branch of the school de- partment.
11. Bought suitable office equipment, such as typewriter, filing cases, etc.
12. Installed Cooking and Sewing department, with full equipment and special teacher on full time, at the Senior High School.
13. Offered fully equipped Agricultural Course at the Senior High School.
14. Furnished one room at the Senior High School with full equipment for Drawing Classes.
15. Furnished Senior High School with Reflectoscope and Lan- tern ; also opaque shades for windows, thereby making the fore- going adaptable for daylight use.
16. Awards diploma credits to High School pupils for specific and systematic outside work.
17. Opened special school for over-age pupils.
J
-248-
18. Opened special school for non-English speaking children. 19. Opened special school for pupils between 14 and 16 years of age who must by law attend school when not working.
20. Practically fulfilled policy of discarding non-adjustable furniture.
21. Put playground at Cornish School in good condition.
22. Thoroughly revised courses of studies for Elementary and High Schools.
23. Enlarged the four-room Nathaniel Morton building to one of fourteen rooms.
24. Organized a modern Junior High School.
25. Offered courses in Cooking for all grades in the Junior High School and the pupils in the special schools.
26. Offered fully-equipped courses in Sewing under special teacher for all Junior High School pupils and the special schools.
27. Offered courses in Typewriting and Bookkeeping to pu- pils of the Junior High School with full equipment, including twenty typewriters, and special teacher on full time.
28. Began State-aided Vocational work offered practically to every woman in Plymouth, free of charge-Dressmaking, Mil- linery, Canning and Cooking.
29. Appointed a Primary Supervisor.
30. Initiated successful Home and School Garden movement.
31. Granted outdoor recesses to pupils above the third grade, i. e. to all pupils.
32. Introduced Folk Dancing and Organized Play and as a consequence practically every building has bought a Victrola.
33. Introduced Dental Inspection and treatments.
34. Employs School Nurse on full time.
35. Installed telephones in all the larger buildings.
36. Reduced school board to the smallest possible number by law, and abolished all standing committees.
-249-
SALARIES.
The most efficient teachers in our elementary schools are re- ceiving a maximum salary of $700.00 a year. Teachers less efficient are receiving the same pay. There is no justice in such a plan. It is time now to advance materially every teacher that has loyalty, efficiency and professional spirit. A general increase based on mere length of service, or high cost of living, would only continue to work injustice to teachers of superiority. $700.00 a year equals $2.23 per working day. At this rate there seems to be no premium on education, and no financial incentive for procuring one. Is it any wonder that the teach- ing profession is losing its best talent! An appropriation ade- quate to increase our efficient teachers is strongly urged.
The following table shows how generous Plymouth has been the past few years. At the same time it is believed that the citizens still consider the salaries paid their teachers too low.
-250-
A comparative summary of the teachers' pay rolls follows :- 1913-1914 1917-1918
Number of Teachers
receiving
Annually
Total
Number of
Teachers
Receiving
Annually
Total
15
$625.00
$9,375.00
43
$700.00
$30,100.00
13
600.00
2,800.00
10
650.00
6,500.00
S
575.00
4,600.00
6
550.00
3,300.00
6
500.00
3,000.00
5
850.00
4,250.00
5
550.00
2,750.00
4
1,200.00
4,800.00
1
800.00
3,200.00
-1
1,000.00
4,000.00
3
200.00
2,100.00
3
800.00
2,400.00
3
525.00
1,575.00
3
750.00
2,250.00
2
1,000.00
2,000.00
3
600.00
1,800.00
1
2,000.00
2,000.00
1
2,200.00
2,200.00.
1
1,100.00
1,100.00
1
1,500.00
1,500.00
1
900.00
900.00
1
1,300.00
1,300.00
1
850.00
850.00
1
900.00
900.00
1
750.00
250.00
1
400.00
400.00
1
475.00
475.00
1
450.00
450.00
1
$25.00
425.00
1
400.00
400.00
1
360.00
360.00
1
160.00
160.00
-
70
$44,270.00
86
$65,700.00
-
-251-
A Summary of the Janitors' payroll follows :-
Number of Janitors
Receiving Annually
2
$1,200.00
Total $2,400.00
2
900.00
1,800.00
1
850.00
850.00
1
720.00
720.00
2
300.00
600.00
1
264.00
264.00
120.00
600.00
1
50.00
50.00
2
30.00
60.00
$7,344.00
HOME AND SCHOOL GARDENS.
The Public Safety Committee made it possible for the school department to carry on this work throughout the summer. Mr. Fred L. Shea was appointed Inspector of Home and School Gardens and made visits to the various plots about town. At the close of the season an exhibition of the fruit and vegetables was held at the South Street Engine House. To the commit- tee above mentioned and to the Inspector appointed belongs the credit for this successful enterprise.
STATE-AIDED VOCATIONAL EDUCATION.
At the last annual Town Meeting the sum of $2,500.00 was appropriated for vocational education. This vote enabled the school department to open an agricultural course under an in- structor, primarily nominated by the State Department of
-252-
Education. This department is well equipped for its work and its importance to the community should be invaluable and far- reaching.
The law requires a school department maintaining a state- aided agricultural course to appoint an advisory committee. The appointment was made, and by virtue of their recommen- dation, an instructor was engaged to begin work August 17th last.
The members of the advisory board are :--
Mr. James W. Hazen Mr. Edwin P. Bartlett
Mr. James B. Leonard,
Mr. James H. Nixon
STATE-AIDED PRACTICAL ARTS COURSES.
During the summer of 1917 a course in Canning was offered and about eighty women availed themselves of the opportunity.
Since the middle of October, courses open practically to every woman in town, free of charge, have been offered in Cooking, Dressmaking, and Millinery. These classes have been well at- tended.
The enrollment in the various courses has been as follows :--
First Unit Second Unit 14
Millinery (afternoons)
Millinery (afternoons)
12
Millinery (evenings)
15
Dressmaking (afternoons)
10
12
Dressmaking (evenings)
10
10
Dressmaking (evenings)
9
9
Cooking (evenings)
16
14
Cooking (afternoons)
10
9
The advisory committee for this branch of work is composed of the following members :-
Mrs. Charles E. Bittinger
Mrs. William C. Whiting Mrs. Harry W. Whiting
-253-
THE NEXT STEP FORWARD.
The addition to our High School building, which took place in 1914, undoubtedly making that institution adequate for High School needs for a decade, and the addition of ten rooms to the Nathaniel Morton building, have been items of considerable expense to the town, but have added materially to the chances of educational efficiency. There is one more project which, if carried into effect, would unquestionably be of great advantage to Plymouth and would meet the approval of any who care to make a survey of our school system.
A building of at least six rooms located somewhere between the Knapp and Cornish schools would be the solution to several problems. To forestall any misinterpretation, let it be distinctly understood that this suggestion is not made with the desire to levy upon the town purse any additional strain, but that the plan may be considered and acted upon only when the town can afford and has the inclination to undertake the task.
Such a move would eliminate the necessity of using the Alden Street School, the Cold Spring School and the South Street Engine House. The destruction of the Allerton Street School demands accommodations for about 40 pupils. At the present time these pupils are attending the Cornish School, which is, in many instances, too remote from the homes of the children. The Alden Street schoolhouse is a cellarless ill-lighted, stove-heated building, which sorely needs modern sanitaries at considerable cost. The Cold Spring School is another of the old-type schools improperly lighted and which needs sanitaries at much expense.
The advantages of a new building would be:
1. Employment of a janitor who would be required to be on the premises when school is in session, this more surely assuring us of protection in case of fire.
2. The means of transfer of any temporary excess school population no matter where existing.
-254-
THE DEPARTMENT OF COOKING AND SEWING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The girls at the High School are 182 in number. Of these 64 are pursuing the course in cookery, distributed as follows :
1914-1915
1915-1916
1916-1917
1917-1918
Seniors,
16
13
1
Juniors,
11
12
Sophomores,
22
24
21
28
Freshmen,
36
30
30
35
Total,
85
79
65
64
Fifty-seven girls elected the course in sewing as follows :
Seniors,
1
6
2
8
Juniors,
8
8
3
9
Sophomores,
18
10
12
18
Freshmen,
18
2
28
22
Total,
45
26
45
57
Camp Cooking,
15
HOUSEHOLD ARTS (Junior High School)
The total number of girls in the Cooking classes arranged by grades follows :
Grade 9,
31
Grade 8,
76
Total, 107
Of these nine pursue the subject three times per week (41/2 hours).
The total number of girls in the Sewing classes follows : Grade 7, 99
Of these 49 pursue the subject three times per week (41/2 hours).
-255-
The following grades in the Elementary Schools receive in- struction in Sewing : Mt. Pleasant School, Grade 6 19 Cornish School, Grade 6 38
Knapp School,
Grade 6 42
99
ATTENDANCE AT THE SUMMER SCHOOL.
Grades
Number entering,
42
21
45
30
17
Number enrolled at end of two weeks,
44
26
44 28
19
Number enrolled at end of four weeks,
39
24 40
26
18
Number enrolled at end of six weeks,
38
24 38
28
16
Number unconditioned,
5 12
6
0
0
Number promoted conditionally,
34
6 37
28
18
Number not promoted,
5
8
2
2
1
Number conditioned in one subject,
16
5
6
4
5
Number conditioned in two subjects,
16
10
15
18
11
Number conditioned in three subjects,
4
9
11 6
2
Number conditioned in four subjects,
0
3
4
0
0
Number taking arithmetic,
27
23
41
19
14
Number taking geography,
3
11
12
9
1
Number taking history,
4
6
0
9
2
Number taking language,
18
17
27
18
11
Number taking grammar,
0
12
12
18
12
Number taking spelling,
6
3
1
0
0
Number taking reading,
6
2
1
0
Average age in years and months,
4
5
6
8
10-4 12-8 12-6 12-11 14-2
-256-
EVENING SCHOOL.
A summary of the record of the evening schools for the full session from October 16, 1916 to March 22, 1917, follows:
Knapp School.
Number of males enrolled, 49
Number of females enrolled, 31
Average number belonging,
64.11
Average evening attendance,
54.37
Per cent. of attendance,
84.80
Cornish School.
Number of males enrolled,
6
Number of females enrolled,
5
Average number belonging,
7.85
Average evening attendance, 6.02
Per cent of attendance, 76.68
The record of the evening schools from Oct. 15, 1917 to Jan. 17, 1918, follows :
Knapp School.
1st 2nd 3rd Month
4th
Month Month
Month
Number males enrolled,
52
48 52
48
Number of females enrolled,
27
30
30
25
Average number belonging,
73.75
74.2
75.4
72.36
Average evening attendance,
69.25
79.5
62.9
55.65
Per cent. of attendance,
93.89
93.40
82.23
76.9
Cornish School.
1st 2nd Month Month
Number of males enrolled,
3
4
Number of females enrolled,
2
2
Average number belonging,
2.75
4.18
Average evening attendance,
1.83
2.73
Per cent. of attendance,
66.54 65.07
Sessions at the Cornish School were discontinued after the second month.
SCHOOL GARDEN
Harold and Paul Prince.
Henry Bodell.
HOME GARDEN
Doris Macmann.
SCHOOL GARDEN
Arthur Fihelly.
HOME GARDEN
SCHOOL GARDEN
Walter Lyons.
Robert Watson.
HOME GAARDEN
-
Milton Perkins, HOME GARDEN
George Banker.
SCHOOL GARDEN
SCHOOL GARDEN
Beever and Gunther.
Alfred Muthig.
SCHOOL GARDEN
SCHOOLS A PAYING INVESTMENT FOR THE STATE
MASSACHUSETTS SPENT $13.889.83800. OR $ 38.55 PER PUPIL. ON EDUCATION.
TENNESSEE SPENT $1.628.31300. OR $468 PER PUPIL. ON EDUCATION DURING THE SAME YEAR
THAT YEAR MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS PRODUCED ON THE AVERAGE $ 144 EACH MORE THAN DID TENNESSEE CITIZENS. OR A TOTAL OF $403. 969, 82490 MORE THAN TENNESSEE.
IF MASSACHUSETTS GIVES 12 MILLION DOLLARS MORE TO SCHOOLS AND HER BETTER EDUCATED CITIZENS PRODUCE 403 MILLION DOLLARS MORE PER YEAR, HOW MUCH PROFIT DOES THAT STATE MAKE ON HER INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION?
EDUCATION IS NOT A CHARITY
BUT THE BEST PAYING INVESTMENT
EVERY DAY SPENT IN SCHOOL PAYS THE CHILD NINE DOLLARS $9.02
HERE IS THE PROOF: UNEDUCATED LABORERS EARN ON THE AVERAGE $500 PER YEAR FOR FORTY YEARS. A TOTAL OF $ 20.000
HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATES EARN ON THE AVERAGE $1000 PER YEAR FOR FORTY YEARS. A TOTAL OF $.40.000
THIS EDUCATION REQUIRED 12 YEARS OF SCHOOL OF 180 DAYS EACH, A TOTAL OF 2160 DAYS IN SCHOOL.
IF 2160 DAYS AT SCHOOL ADD $20.000 TO THE INCOME FOR LIFE, THEN EACH DAY AT SCHOOL ADDS $ 9.02
$9.02 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $9.02
THE CHILD THAT STAYS OUT OF SCHOOL TO EARN LESS THAN $9.00 A DAY IS LOSING MONEY, NOT MAKING MONEY
$9.02 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 9.02
· DISTINGUISHED MEN OF AMERICA AND THEIR EDUCATION
WITH NO SCHOOLING OF 5 MILLION, ONLY 31 ATTAINED DISTINCTION
1 WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLING OF 33 MILLION. 808 ATTAINED DISTINCTION
WITH HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OF 2 MILLION. 1245 ATTAINED DISTINCTION
WITH COLLEGE EDUCATION OF I MILLION. 5768 ATTAINED DISTINCTION
THE CHILD WITH NO SCHOOLING HAS ONE CHANCE IN 150,000 OF PERFORMING DIS- TINGUISHED SERVICE, WITH ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. HE HAS FOUR TIMES THE CHANCE. WITH HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION.87 TIMES THE CHANCE: WITH COLLEGE EDUCATION, 800 TIMES THE CHANCE.
WHAT IS YOUR CHILD'S CHANCE?
-257-
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES.
Statistics for the Year Beginning January 1, 1917, and ending December 31, 1917.
Number of minors
receiving certifi-
cates
Number of certifi- cates issued to minors
Employment certificates for minors be- tween 14 and 16 years of age,
137
219
Educational certificates for minors over 16 who can read, write and spell in the English language in accordance with the requirements of the comple- tion of the fourth grade, 367 473
Educational certificates for illiterate minors over 16 years of age,
80
91
Home permits, for minors between 14 and 16, 30
30
Every employed person between the ages of 14 and 21 must have a certificate. Such person must prove his age by a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or some other satis- factory evidence.
If he is under 16 years of age he must attend day school until he is able to fulfill the requirements of the completion of the fourth grade. If he is over 16 years of age and cannot meet the above requirements he must attend the evening school.
Minors between the ages of 14 and 16 must either be employed or attend day school. In order to work he must present a physi- cian's certificate of health, the employer's promise to employ, and a school record.
A new certificate must be obtained every time he changes his place of employment.
Employers must return to the superintendent of schools the
PLYM. SEVENTEEN
-258-
certificate of minors leaving their employ, within 48 hours after employment has ceased.
Practically all who are granted Home permits are required to attend one session daily, a school at which individual work is the predominating, feature.
The number of buildings and rooms are as follows :-
Number of buildings in use.
Number of Rooms.
Containing 9 class rooms,
1
9
Containing 8 class rooms,
2
16
Containing 6 class rooms, 1
G
Containing 4 class rooms,
1
4
Containing 2 class rooms,
4
8
Containing 1 class room,
10
10
53
Senior High School,
1
Junior High School,
1
21
SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS
The tests of sight and hearing have been made by the teachers, as required by law.
2,454
Number of pupils examined,
209
Number found defective in eyesight,
Number found defective in hearing, 46
Number of parents or guardians notified, 68
-259-
SCHOOL CENSUS, 1917. (April 1).
5 to 7 years, males 227
5 to 7 years, females 235
462
7 to 14 years, males, 926
7 to 14 years, females, 793
1,719
14 to 16 years, males, 164
14 to 16 years, females, 243
407
2,588
Illiterates, 16 to 21 years,
males, 88
females,
38
126
· The three charts showing the value of education are taken from Bulletin, 1917, No. 22, published by the Department of the Interior Bureau of Education, Washington, D. C.
Attention is directed to the appended reports of the High School Principal, the Primary Supervisor, the Inspector of Home and School Gardens, and the Attendance Officer.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES A. HARRIS,
Superintendent of Schools.
-260-
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Charles A. Harris,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
I wish to submit my seventh annual report for the Plymouth High School.
The total membership is 321, 11 more than last year, divided as follows: 52 Seniors, 66 Juniors, 88 Sophomores, 113 Fresh- men, 2 Post-graduates. The growth has been small, but it has been along right lines. The loss in the different classes be -. tween June and September grows less each year, because the large majority appreciate the advantages which the school af- fords, and realize as they never have before that the business world today demands of its employes at least a High School training. A more scholarly attitude is apparent in the school, a greater interest in the work is shown, and a greater self-ro- spect is manifest. The study class, inaugurated last year for those who did not spend enough time in Home study, has dwindled from a daily average of about 40 to less than 10. When parents and pupils fully realize what our High School ought to mean and does for the community and for those who attend it, its efficiency will be largely increased.
Parents are urgently invited to visit the school as often as possible, and in this way keep in touch with their children's work. If this is impossible, telephone to the school or to the teachers at frequent intervals, ask for weekly reports, or call on the teachers at their homes. In this way they can cooperate with the school and ensure a far better training for their chil- dren.
-261-
There have been several changes in the corps during the past year. Miss Ellen A. Kimball, teacher of German and French, resigned and Miss Paulyle W. Flavell, who did some work in the Senior High School last year, was elected to this position. Miss Mary L. Lowden, head of the History depart- ment, who has done very efficient work during the past two years resigned to be married, and Miss Ruth O. Hamilton, a graduate of Colby College in the class of 1912, was elected in her place. Miss Lucia M. Richardson who has successfully taught Mathematics for several years resigned to accept a posi- tion in the Salem High School. John A. W. Pearce, a gradu- ate of Brown University in the class of 1915 succeeds her. Miss Lida M. Bassett, who did some substitute work last year and who was elected to teach Spanish and Bookkeeping, re- signed in September to take up Red Cross work in Washington. It was found impossible to find a teacher who could teach these two subjects, therefore Miss Helen J. Beadell, a graduate of the Salem Normal School, with several years successful experi- ence, was elected to teach Bookkeeping and Typewriting, and Miss Amanda E. Collette, a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1917, was elected to take the Spanish. Both of these teachers take work in the Senior and Junior High Schools. Mr. W. I. Mayo, Jr., a graduate of the State Agri- cultural College in the class of 1917, was chosen to take charge of our new Agricultural Course.
We have today a conscientious, hardworking, and efficient corps of teachers, whose entire interest is the welfare of the school, and who unselfishly devote their leisure time to looking after the interests of their pupils. The decision to increase the number of men in the school, we now have four instead of two, if continued, will, in my opinion, result in extending its usefulness and influence.
The introduction of Agriculture into our curriculum has been one of the most important steps taken in recent years. There has been an increasing demand for Agricultural instruc-
-262-
tion in Secondary Schools not only by the farmers but also by those who are not immediately connected with it as an indus- trail pursuit. The State through its County Farm Bureaus and the Extension Schools furnished by the State Agricultural College has done a great work in bringing certain kinds of Agricultural instruction almost to our very doors. But the experience of the past year has proven that not only should our youth, who have decided to devote their lives to this kind of work, have systematic training in Agriculture, but that every community should have an expert to whom everyone, farmer and amateur gardener alike, can go for help and advice. It is the desire of those who are responsible for this new depart- ment in our school that its influence should be felt throughout the entire community.
Our Agricultural classes have already had practical experi- ence in picking, grading, and packing apples, in harvesting and storing vegetables, and in setting out fruit trees for dif- ferent farmers and householders in town.
Mr. Mayo has proven himself to be the right man in the right place, and I feel very sure that Plymouth people who are fully alive to the necessity of making every available piece of land do its part in winning the war will find in him a sympathetic and helpful adviser.
The influence of the world war has been felt in our school life especially since the United States entered it. There has been in evidence a seriousness of purpose, and a desire on the part of everyone to do his bit. Over 90 of our alumni are serving their country either on the field of battle, in the Navy, or in the training Camps. I do not believe there has been a school in the country that has been more patriotic or has done more in proportion to its means than the Plymouth High School. At each call for aid there has been an eager -. ness on the part of everyone to help. $17.50 was raised for the Soldiers and Sailors Library fund; 18 Christmas boxes at a cost of about $35.00, were sent to our boys in France; 4
-263-
boxes of food were sent by our Camp Cooking class; our pu- pils have taken out "73 Liberty bonds, many of them being. paid for by what they earn from week to week; 54 have taken thrift stamp books; 2,850 Red Cross seals were sold; we have 79 members of the Senior Red Cross, and 100 per cent. mem- bership in the Junior Red Cross.
Our girls have knitted 89 sweaters, 82 mufflers, 32 pair of wristers, 41 helmets, 18 face cloths, 20 pair of socks, 9 nurses mits, 7 bandages, and 1 sleeping cap.
All of this work has had a splendid influence upon our boys and girls and will result in a better and higher type of citi- zenship.
'The demand for a longer school day and supervised study is rapidly increasing in this country, and I wish again to urge you and the School Committee to take means to bring this about in the Plymouth High School. The influence of: our study class has shown that this would bring about better- work and a higher grade of scholarship. This can be done as: soon as a lunch room is established in our building. In clos- ing, I wish to express my appreciation for the cordial support given me by the School Committee and yourself, and for the loyal co-operation of my associates in making the year a suc- cess,
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.