USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1922-1923 > Part 15
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Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. MARSDEN, Principal.
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GRADUATES OF PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL. CLASS OF 1922.
Class Motto : Deeds not Words.
Anderson, George Gleason
*Harris, Katherine Ross
Anderson, Russell Waldo
*Houde, Lawrence Jessie
Arthur, Doris Lee
Hutchinson, Olin George
Axford, Clarence Albert
Johns, Flora Bell
Barke, Paul Theodore
Barrows, Gordon Doane
Barrows, Vera Alice
*Bates, Frances Gillingham *Borghesani, William Hugo Boutin, Edith Margaret
Boutin, Frances Dorothy Bradley, Gertrude Frances . Brown, Beulah Gertrude Brown. George Porter
*Carletti, Elizabeth Amelia +Cash, Maurice Henry *Christofori, Lino Anthony Cole, Sadie Forrester Corkum, Gladys Ann Cortelli, Enas Mary
Deans, Katherine Elizabeth
Dennehy, Raymond Augustin
Dennehy, Rita Margaret
Dittmar, Frederick Willard Downie, Fred Wilson Ellis, Amelia Louise
Sykes, Esther
* Turner, Fredrica Vande Carr Vassar, Carl Irving Walsh, William Francis
Weimert, Herman Peter
Weston, Kenneth Leslie
Whitely, Francis Edward
*Wright. Alice Manning
Hall, Caroline Bates
Johnson, Lucy Burgess *Lang, Katherine Jean Lichter, Abraham Manter, Mary Hastings
*Manter, Ruth Petronella McDermid, Helen Louisa McGoff, John Joseph McLean, George Richard Peck, Evelyn Louise
Pierce, Beatrice Carol
Pitkin, Beatrice Grace Robbins, Ethel May
Rose, Henry Frederick tRuprecht, Maurice Charles Sampson, Bernard Patrick Serwatka, Alice Elizabeth Sturkes, Gladys Amy
Engler, Nellie Rose Chent. Dorothy
Girard, Doris Mary
* Honor Pupils.
t In excellent standing to date, their agricultural projects cannot be credited until harvest time. Their diplomas will be signed at this time.
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
Mr. Horace F. Turner,
Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass .:
Dear Sir-At the close of the present year in June, the school will have completed its tenth year of organization. Although organized in 1913 to contain the eighth and ninth grades, it was not until 1917 when the newly enlarged building was completed that the seventh grade was intro- duced.
Nine hundred sixty pupils have graduated from the school, beginning with the class of 1914, numbering ninety- six to the class of 1922 inclusive, numbering one hundred fifty-five.
In its organization the emphasis was placed upon "the attempt to help the pupil explore his own aptitudes and to make at least provisional choice of the kinds of work to which he will devote himself." It should be noted that many pupils become fourteen years of age during the eighth school year and are legally free to leave. As a proof of the holding power of the school, the records show that the per cent. of pupils leaving has been due almost wholly to eco- nomic reasons at home. There has been a steady increase in the number remaining to finish their course and enter High School. Fewer eliminations have taken place in the ninth than in any other grade and the percentage of girls leaving has been higher than that of the boys.
Pre-vocational training, a part of the regular course of study, has been one of the strongest holding powers. The
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number of boys electing manual training varies from one- third to two-thirds of all the boys. Besides the opportunity to acquire information and knowledge with some degree of skill, the course also gives the application of arithmetic, mechanical drawing, design, and free hand drawing, and stimulates individual initiative.
The girls also have practical home tasks such as the the- ory of cooking, meal planning, table setting and table serving. In the sewing classes not only is the time given to the making of garments but also to the study of textiles. These two departments give the girls a chance to test their aptitudes.
Commercial training begun in the eighth grade is pre- vocational for both boys and girls. For those who do and those who do not intend to enter High School, it gives the opportunity to learn both typewriting and bookkeeping.
Provision is also made for those wishing to take an aca- demic course by allowing a choice of either French or Latin. At the end of their Junior High School course pupils can, in most cases, know their aptitudes.
The fact that the purpose of the school is to train for intelligent and efficient citizenship has not been neglected. The qualities for these are acquired in history, civics and English, and by the observance of days of special import- ance. Ten selections of classic literature besides forty choice thoughts are memorized each year by all pupils.
I cannot speak too highly of the interest shown in the Library Club. This is evidenced not only by the number belonging in this school, but also by those boys and girls who, although now in High School, still keep up their mem- bership and take an active part in its program.
Boys and girls who have left school for economic reasons sometimes return after the lapse of five or six months or even a year. This happens when the shop or factory has
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a dull season. In a few cases, they have returned to grad- uate. This spirit should be encouraged and, if a sufficient number of such pupils return, the policy of the school should be to arrange a program so that while here they may make the best possible use of their time.
More and more I see the necessity of utilizing all the ac- tivities of the school for those who may wish to continue an education, interrupted perhaps by conditions in the home. The Library Club could expand its program so as to admit those who have a leisure hour or two in the afternoon and who could profitably spend that time in wholesome reading.
There should be inaugurated some kind of a follow-up- system to enable one to learn to what extent the training given actually functions.
The school has always been active in both national, state and community service. The records kept during the war show to what extent it responded to the Red Cross, Victory Boys and Girls, and in buying War Savings Stamps. It has participated in community activities both by pageants and plays, in patriotic exercises and by contributions to commemorate the soldiers and sailors.
A summary of what the pupils past and present have purchased for the school through their entertainments are : The piano, victrola and all records, pictures that adorn the walls, reflectoscope with 300 slides, all the flags in the build- ing and books for supplementary use. To beautify the ex- terior they contributed all the evergreen shrubs and paid for their setting out.
The following requisitions are suggested :
A coping of some kind around the roof to prevent snow slides.
A fire signal bell.
A program clock.
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In closing this report, permit me to express my apprecia- tion to all who have shown an interest and have been a help in the work of the school,-to the School Committee, the teachers, and the townspeople. It is only through the co- operation of these that the work can be successfully car- ried on.
Respectfully submitted, KATHARINE A. O'BRIEN, Principal.
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EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF PRINCIPALS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
CORNISH DISTRICT.
"The introduction of physical training and organized play has met with hearty endorsement and co-operation.
The policy of sending pupils to a higher grade, whenever it has been found to be an advantage to them to have this advancement without waiting for the regular time for promotion, has been followed. Several pupils will thus be able to gain a year. Several over-age pupils have also been transferred to high grades that they might be associated with pupils of more nearly their own age.
There seems to be an imperative need that some way be found to provide for the over-age pupils in this district. There are, at present, 22 pupils who are 14 years of age or over. It is desirable that these be given an opportunity to receive the special instruction they need. Their removal from the regular classes would make it possible to provide a room and an instructor at no additional expense except the necessary equipment."
KNAPP SCHOOL.
"The separating of the sub-normal and much retarded pupils has been a decided advantage to the work of the various rooms. Likewise has it been an advantage to the pupil himself.
In the Overage Room at the Knapp there is need of much more along the line of Manual Training. At present the girls are given sewing once a week for one hour. This might
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well have much more time. A bench and a few tools, where a boy could use his hands in really making something, would be decidedly an advantage.
The appointment of a Physical Director for the past year has brought many good results. The playground work has been carried on and has shown steady improvement.
The school is well equipped for visual instruction, having 800 stereographic views. Late last Spring a new Balopti- con and 300 glass slides were purchased. This last repre- sented an expenditure of over $200. The entire amount as well as more for records and other things has been raised through the efforts of the teachers and pupils. This equipment greatly aids the work, especially in geography and history. The manner of obtaining it makes the pupils appreciate more than ever its value. We hope soon to obtain the rest of the set of slides.
We have had an orchestra during the past year which has met regularly after school. They have been able to play several numbers at the two entertainments given in the Cordage Auditorium this past year."
HEDGE SCHOOL.
"We have emphasized obedience to the law, the principles of democracy, and the duties of citizenship. Our School Club, which was organized early in the year, proved a val- uable aid in this direction, but specific teaching is neces- sary and we need good text books for that purpose.
Much interest in the care of the teeth has been aroused under the direction of the dental nurse. A large percent of the pupils have bought tooth brushes, and the installa- tion of dental apparatus in the building has made it possible for more children to receive treatment. Heretofore car
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fares and the long distance to the dental clinic prevented many from getting much needed help.
The recent appointment of a physical director, who has charge of all physical training, is a decided help in the ad- vancement of the health movement, and good results are already noticeable. With our fine health department and the sincere co-operation of the teachers much should be accomplished.
Our non-English speaking class continues to be a success, giving the children who would be handicapped in the grades on account of lack of knowledge of the English language a chance to advance with greater rapidity, and, at the same time inculcating high ideals in regard to Ameri- can citizenship."
MT. PLEASANT SCHOOL.
"The school is in very good condition, the standard high, a fine corps of teachers who are ever ready to co-operate with each other, the principal, and the superintendent for the advancement of education.
Much improvement in reading through dramatizing has been accomplished.
There is decided improvement in composition and letter writing. One prize composition on 'Organized Play' was published in the 'Old Colony Memorial.'
Much has been done for the physical health and happi- ness of the child in this branch. Proper exercises and games are taught for the development of the body, and or- ganized play has been established which still further per- fects the child physically, gives every one a chance to have a good time and prevents indulgence in harmful games and pastimes. Some apparatus for the playground would ad- vance this good work.
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In arithmetic practical problems have been taught,- making change, oral and written drills on the fundamentals to develop accuracy and speed.
An inestimable work is done by the school physician, nurse and dental hygienist to improve the health of the pupils, keep them well, teach them habits of cleanliness and prevent the spread of disease and vermin."
PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
Reports from the various schools indicate satisfactory progress of the work in physical education organized under a special supervisor. Since this is the first year the work has been conducted in this manner a large part of the re- port of the supervisor is given revealing the plan and scope of this branch of educational activity.
"One twenty-minute period a week is given to each room in most of the schools. All others, with the exception of Cedarville, are visited every two weeks and a longer period given.
The work taught consists of gymnastics, games, folk dancing and rhythmic work. Believing correct posture has much to do with health we have emphasized this point.
By teaching co-ordination of nerves and muscles, power of concentration, a sense of rhythm, ability to think and act quickly, this work does much toward training mind as well as body.
At the beginning of the school year one playground had organized play. It is hoped to have such on all school grounds before the end of the present school year. Stories written by the children show they much prefer this method to the old because they are taught many new games and there is less chance of accidents. Nowhere do children
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learn more about self control and fair play than while playing games.
Because this recess period belongs to the children they are being taught to have entire charge of their play. A cap- tain, first and second lieutenant are chosen by the children from each room. When there are more than one room playing together they take turns choosing games. The elected officers take charge. Teachers are always on the grounds and help when needed. By this method children learn to work together, respect laws made by their democ- racy, the school, and in this way are being trained for good citizenship.
Improvement in the surfaces of the playgrounds would be much appreciated. The Hedge and Knapp have many low places which are too wet for use after stormy weather .. This greatly reduces the playing area so that many chil- dren cannot play as they wish. The Cornish ground is in very bad condition. I would strongly recommend the im- provement as outlined for the larger playground by closing Russell Street. At present there is not enough room for- all the grades so the two fourth grades have no outdoor recess in the morning. This should not be and could be: remedied by having a larger playground. Most of the grounds are very dusty and should have something done to prevent this. The oil does not seem satisfactory.
Much credit is due the teachers in the schools for their splendid co-operation in this new work. I consider it a great pleasure to be the one to start this work in our town and I wish to express my appreciation to the superintendent and committee for their co-operation and support."
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STATE-AIDED PRACTICAL ARTS COURSES.
Evening and afternoon classes in practical arts were con- ducted at the High School. Women taking the courses were enrolled as follows : Dressmaking, Millinery, 72 56
Total Enrollment, 128
The classes met for two lessons a week for twenty-four weeks. The courses were arranged to best meet the needs of those who came for instruction. They were open to all women in the Town.
One-half of the cost of instruction was paid by the State.
AMERICANIZATION AND EVENING SCHOOLS.
The work is set forth in the report of the director of Americanization and evening schools as follows:
"Adult classes in Americanization have been carried on during the past year for a period of twenty weeks.
One Beginner's Class, two Intermediate Classes and one Citizenship Class have been in session three afternoons each week at the Cordage Company's plant. The men assemble in Harris Hall, immediately after the work of the day, and the session lasts from five to six o'clock.
Classes in Americanization are conducted both at the Knapp and Cornish Evening Schools, a Women's Class at Spooner Street School, and a class of men at the Portu- guese National Band Club on Standish avenue. These Americanization Classes differ from the regular Evening School in that they are composed of adult men and women who are in the classes through their own initiative. The zeal manifested by these groups is most praiseworthy."
Citizenship Classes were organized last year using the
Plymouth Twenty-One
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new State Course for the first time. The number of men in those classes compared most favorably with towns and cities larger than Plymouth. This year these classes are still larger. No man in any of the classes last year failed to pass the Educational Test given by the Federal Examiner, which shows the excellent work done by the men and the patient, sympathetic work of the teachers.
The men in the Citizenship Classes are not only given the class instruction but are aided in the making out of De- clarations of Intention, the sending for Certificates of Ar- rival and in any of the complications which many times arise.
Since the change in the Naturalization Laws, which took effect last September, the wives of alien citizens must go through the same process of Naturalization as do the men. Citizenship Classes for women will be necessary in the near future.
Three Intermediate women's classes are now in session. Two of these are held at the Knapp School and one at the Spooner Street School. All of them are obtaining excellent results.
The Class at the Portuguese National Band Club has con- tinued its study three evenings a week, the same as last year. One-half the teacher's time is given to Beginners and the other half to Citizenship. This arrangement is to benefit members of the Club who wish both and is very satisfactory.
Plymouth is most fortunate in having a group of teach- ers for both Americanization and Evening School Classes who have received special training and have also had suc- cessful experience. The majority have State Certificates, given as a result of special training for this work. The
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work requires patient, sympathetic as well as careful pre- paration. This I feel we have had.
The record of the Evening Schools from their opening in October until the present time is as follows:
KNAPP SCHOOL
Number of males enrolled 65
Number of females enrolled 18
Average number belonging 83
Average evening attendance 62.45
Per Cent. of Attendance 75.24
CORNISH SCHOOL
Number of males enrolled 35
Number of females enrolled 4
Average number belonging 39
Average evening attendance 21.72
Per Cent. of Attendance 55.72
The Americanization and Evening School Work is far reaching and is an opportunity which is being taken ad- vantage of more than ever before."
SUMMER SCHOOL
Classes were conducted at the Cornish and Burton Schools five days a week for six weeks. The hours were from half past eight to half past eleven.
Pupils were enrolled as follows :
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Grade
Membership
IV
23
V
23
VI
33
VII and VIII
27
Total Membership
106
The purpose as stated by the principal is "to help those pupils into the next grade, who, in the judgment of the regular teacher, were not ready for promotion in June." Pupils who failed to be promoted have the privilege of attending, but must return to the same grade in September. On the other hand, ambitious pupils who were promoted may come if they wish.
The largest attendance is usually in the sixth grade, due no doubt, to the fact that those pupils are preparing to enter Junior High School. Membership is smallest in the eighth grade. Last year none were conditioned from Junior High to Senior High. The eighth grade pupils who attend- ed were preparing for ninth grade.
The work in the seventh and eighth grades is departmen- tal. For that reason best results have been obtained when regular mathematics and English teachers have been in charge. .
SCHOOL CENSUS, 1922.
Males
Females
Total 419
Persons 5 to 7 years
202
217
Persons 7 to 14 years
820
870
1690
Persons 14 to 16 years
219
188
407
Illiterate Minors, 16 to 21 years
26
13
39
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SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS.
The tests of sight and hearing have been made by the teachers, as required by law.
Number of pupils examined 2484
Number found defective in eyesight 263
Number found defective in hearing 29
Number of parents or guardians notified 217
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES.
During the year 1922 certificates were issued as follows : 102 First Certificates to minors 14 to 16 years old.
23 Subsequent Certificates to minors 14 to 16 years old. 191 First Certificates to minors 16 to 21 years old.
136 Subsequent Certificates to minors 16 to 21 years old.
Laws have been enacted from time to time in relation to child labor to the end that there shall be safeguarded for the child his rights in education and physical development. The liability is placed upon the employer.
There are several requirements to be observed by any in- dividual or corporation employing a person under twenty- one years of age :-
1. An employer must require and place on file a cer- tificate issued by the superintendent of schools or his rep- resentative. The certificate must be obtained before em- ployment begins.
2. The employer must return the certificate to the su- perintendent of schools within two days after the minor has left his employ.
The rigid observance of these two requirements make it possible to account for minors in relation to school atten- dance and employment.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Mr. Horace F. Turner,
Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass. Dear Sir :
A more thorough physical examination has been given each pupil during the past year than ever before inasmuch as the routine examination of the child has been made to include the use of the stethoscope which heretofore had been em- ployed only on those whose condition had in some way suggested it.
The more thorough the examination can be made, the greater the number of defects which can be brought to light without doubt, but there are practical considerations which limit the scope of our investigations. The ideal examination would require the removal of the clothing at least to the waist and this most medical leaders in school health work urge as of the greatest importance, although it is done in only a few wealthy communities. Moreover the presence of the parent is very desirable during the examination as his or her in- terest and cooperation are thus assured in the correction of those defects which may be disclosed.
Dr. Merrill E. Champion, Director of Division of Hygiene, Massachusetts Department of Health who urges such ex- aminations in conference with the parent, tells us that they should take about twenty minutes for each individual, i. e. about three pupils could be examined in an hour. That one part-time physician with 2500 pupils to examine cannot de- vote 20 minutes to each pupil is evident, however desirable it might be to do so. Fortunately it is usually possible to get a very fair idea of the condition of the heart and lungs in
1
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most cases without removing the clothing. The apices of the lungs, the portion first attacked by tuberculosis, is almost always readily accessible, and the sweater, the garment which offers the most serious obstacle to further ausculta- tion of the lungs and heart may readily be pulled up out of the way.
Admitting that such an examination is not the most satis- factory but submitting that it is the only practical one for us it has yet been possible to detect a large number of defects. In a number of instances where a more thorough examination seemed essential the consent of the parents has been obtained for it.
Statistics given out by the Secretary of State November 23rd and covering the first six months of 1922 show that more than twice as many people died of heart disease as died of tuberculosis during that period, the exact figures being heart disease 4,741, against tuberculosis, 2,053.
The latter disease has been feared as the greatest scourge of civilization and a very effective offensive waged against it but now we have another enemy taking the lead. For the purpose of studying heart disease and fighting it a society of the leading heart specialists in the country called the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease has been formed. This society has suggested five classes under which all those who have heart symptoms or might be ex- pected to develop them may be grouped for the purpose of study. The classes are as follows :
Class I. Patients with organic heart disease who are able to carry on their habitual physical activity.
Class II. Patients with organic heart disease who are able to carry on diminished physical activity.
Class III. Patients with organic heart disease who are unable to carry on any physical activity.
Class IV. Patients with possible heart disease.
Class V. Patients with potential heart disease.
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Dr. Harry B. Schmidt under whose direction 148,000 children in Detroit were examined says: "When we con- sider that more than 2,000,000 people in the United States suffer from heart disease, and that a large proportion of these people give a previous history of rheumatism or chorea, it can be seen that great benefit will be derived from measures adopted toward prevention of these two diseases, which are so common in childhood and adolescence.
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