USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1922-1923 > Part 30
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The Town having authorized bond issues for a Town Hall, a building for the Legion, and a new wharf, its borrowing capacity under the law was reduced to $99,000.00 at the time, obliging the School Committee to choose which of the two schemes it would present to the Town.
The Hedge School addition was decided the more urgent need and at a special Town Meeting on August 4th, 1923, an appropriation of $115,000.00 was made for that purpose, $16,000.00 being put into the 1923 tax levy and $99,000.00 provided by a bond issue.
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The necessary land was purchased from Mrs. Mary A. Brown for $2,300.00 and the Town assumed the cost of mov- ing a building standing on the lot. This latter expense was $325.00.
Contracts have been let as follows :-
General construction to J. Nicholson & Son, Boston for $73,088.00; Heating and Ventilating to Stone-Underhill Heating & Ventilating Company of Boston for $24,348.00 and Plumbing to Michael D. Welsh of Plymouth for $3,200.00.
The heating and ventilating contract covers a complete new heating plant, as before mentioned, and the heaters now in use will be discarded.
The difference in cost over a plant to take care of the addition only, and the present heating plant for the old building, is approximately $9,000.00. This extra cost may seem large, but in view of the unsatisfactory experience of the town with a multiplicity of heaters in several of its school buildings the Committee was unanimous that the additional expense was justified. We believe that more efficient, satisfactory and economical service will be had and hope that the Town will approve our action.
There may be some salvage from the old heaters.
It is expected that the building will be ready for use by September 1st, 1924.
The Committee feels strongly that the Cold Spring and Alden Street buildings should be replaced with a suitable structure. The former was originally a one room school but was made into a two room building some years ago by running a partition lengthwise of the building, resulting in two very poorly lighted school rooms. The building is heat- ed with a hot air furnace. Toilet facilities are only fair.
The Alden Street Building while a good room has no cellar, is heated by a stove and has only the old time outhouse for toilet facilities.
The situation as to the several authorized bond issues has not changed since last year and the borrowing capacity of the Town on January 1st, 1924 was about $15,000.00.
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We understand there is more than a possibility that the issue as between the Town Hall and the Legion building may develop so that a definite plan for one or the other will come before the Town at the next Annual Meeting.
Should the Town act decisively on one of the propositions the vote authorizing the bond issue for the other could, and, presumably, would be rescinded; thus releasing that much borrowing capacity.
With this in view the Committee will have the necessary articles in the warrant to bring before the Town the question of a new building in the vicinity of Cold Spring.
The School Department offices in Town Square are much in need of complete renovation, nothing in the way of paint or paper having been done for years. The floors and ceilings too are in bad condition. Removal of the large chimney in the middle of the house would make one good, commodious office room out of what are now two rather inconvenient and very shabby rooms.
We are therefore requesting $1,000.00 in our budget for 1924 to be used for this purpose.
The State refund in 1923 was $20,784.77, based on the Town's expenditure for educational purposes during the year from July 1st, 1922 to June 30th, 1923. This, like all other receipts, goes into the general account.
It seems desirable to dispose of at least two of the unused school houses, one at South Pond and one at Ship Pond.
Two dozen 21/2 gallon chemical fire extinguishers have recently been installed in the school houses and a fire blanket in each of the domestic science rooms at the High and Junior High Schools.
The items of Fuel and Transportation in the Budget are very much outside of the control of the Committee.
In the first case it has been a question mainly of getting coal at any price for two or three years, as we all know. The buildings and heaters are not planned to burn soft coal to the best advantage, although an increased quantity is being used this winter. For some months now it has been avail- able freely and at a price much below anthracite; the latter being at top prices yet.
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The State law provides that pupils living more than two miles from school shall be furnished Transportation. The Committee thus have no choice in the matter.
FIRE PROTECTION.
The committee felt that it would be quite desirable to have a competent inspection of the school-houses, in the light of present knowledge, in order to determine what fire hazards existed, not only as endangering the buildings, but more especially to be sure that such protection as is possible be given the children. The committee feels that it was parti- cularly fortunate in securing Mr. Percy Bugbee, Executive Assistant of the National Fire Protection Association to make this inspection, and takes this opportunity of extend- ing its thanks to Mr. Bugbee for his voluntary service.
Although the time did not permit of as detailed an ex- amination as the inspector desired, nevertheless his report is quite comphrensive, and will be of great assistance. The date of inspection was January 21, 1924, and the recom- mendations are summarized below.
Inspection. It was suggested that some regular fire inspection was quite desirable, and that this might well be done by the Fire Department. The matter has already been taken up with the Fire Commissioner who is very willing to cooperate in this direction.
Drills, Fire Regulations, etc. The necessity of seeing that both children and teachers are thoroughly familiar with the proper course of action in case of fire was mentioned. These matters are all being checked up, and if any changes are found to be desirable, they will probably have been made by the time this report reaches the citizens.
Exits. This passage is quoted in full: "Modern safe school construction calls for the enclosing of stairways in smoke- proof towers. There is not an enclosed stairway in any school in Plymouth. The chief danger of the open stairway is in the fact that it acts as a flue so that a fire starting in the basement could spread rapidly up to the roof. It is most
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advisable to at least cut off the basement by enclosing the stairway and providing a fire door at the entrance. A large proportion of school fires start in the basement and if there are no openings to the floor above the chances of confining the fire are much greater." (It may be noted that the Hedge School Addition, now under construction, has its stairways enclosed.)
Fire Extinguishers, etc. Certain additions to the number of extinguishers and hoses were recommended, as was an inspection of the older electric wiring.
The recommendations above are the general recommend- ations. In addition, the report takes up specifically the larger buildings, individually, calling attention to the need of additional basement exits, wire glass in the windows under fire escapes, larger water supply pipes, and in some cases recommending the automatic sprinkling of portions of the basements.
Knapp, Cornish and Burton Schools. These three schools are not well regarded. We quote from the report: "Knapp School. This building is of decidedly inferior con- struction and should be replaced by a more modern structure as soon as possible."
"Cornish School. This 'school is of very inferior con- struction and would burn rapidly."
"Burton School. This school is of inferior construction and would burn rapidly."
The committee does not feel that the Town would look with favor upon a proposal to replace these schools at the present time, especially with the building program now under way or proposed. This situation must however, be met at some time.
Meantime, such precautions as can be taken, both in these buildings and in the others, must be taken. To neglect such things is a responsibility the committee does not care to assume, and there is provided, therefore, in the 1924 budget, an additional item of $5,000. which will at least make a be-
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ginning toward correcting the most dangerous conditions.
Your attention is called to the report of the Superinten- dent of Schools for which we ask your careful consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
F. D. BARTLETT HELEN F. PIERCE
E. R. BELCHER .
B. H. COREY
E. W. BRADFORD
E. W. BREWSTER
School Committee.
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FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
Appropriation March for 1922 bills $2,729 45
Appropriation March 214,285 00
Income from Trust Funds
18 48
- $217,032 93
PAYMENTS.
General Expenses
$6,296 94
Teachers' Salaries
139,787 88
Text Books and Supplies
9,004 16
Transportation
11,954 63
Janitor Service
11,356 21
Fuel
14,180 71
Repairs
9,369 77
Equipment
2,176 93
New Grounds and Buildings
239 71
Medical Inspection
5,846 17
Tuition
1,867 19
Miscellaneous
2,013 23
$214,093153
Unexpended Balance
$2,939 40
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR 1924
General Expenses
Superintendent
$3,400 00
Clerk
1,300 00
Attendance Officer
300 00
Printing, Postage, etc.
450 00
Telephone
60 00
Traveling Expense
400 00
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Automobile Expense
500 00
Freight and Express School Census All Other
250 00
150 00
300 00
Teachers' Salaries
Day
140,000 00
Substitutes
2,000 00
Evening
1,300 00
Summer
450 00
Americanization
1,750 00
Practical Arts
700 00
146,200 00
Text Books and Supplies
Text and Reference Books
4,000 00
Paper, Blank Books, etc.
3,000 00
Industrial Training Supplies
400 00
Domestic Science Supplies
1,000 00
Typewriters
600 00
9,000 00
Transportation
Carfares
3,500 00
Automobiles
9,500 00
13,000 00
Support of Truants
50 00
Janitors' Services
Day
10,500 00
Evening
225 00
Fuel and Light
Coal and Wood
15,000 00
Gas and Electricity
700 00
Maintenance
Painting
6,000 00
General Repairs
Flags and Flagstaffs
200 00
Janitor's Supplies
1,400 00
$7,110 00
10,725 00
15,700 00
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Telephones
175 00
Ashes Removed, etc.
400 00
All Other Renovating Office
1,000 00
12,175 00
Furniture and Furnishings
1,000 00
Tuition and Transportation (other towns)
1,400 00
Diplomas and Graduation
150 00
Medical Inspection
School Physician
1,500 00
School Nurse
1,500 00
Supplies and Expenses,
250 00
Dental Clinic Maintenance
750 00
Dental Nurse
1,400 00
Dentist
800 00
Auto Expense (School Nurse)
500 00
6,700 00
Fire Protection
5,000 00
Total
$228,210 00
3,000 00
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee of Plymouth:
Following is my second annual report as Superintendent of the Plymouth School System.
At the last annual town meeting the citizens of Plymouth voted to entrust with us the expenditure of the largest ap- propriation ever made by them for school purposes. For the first time in several years the School Department did not find it necessary to ask for an additional appropriation be- fore the end of the year but returned a balance.
I believe the people have received what they paid for. It has been our constant aim to secure the best teaching and the most serviceable materials and equipment avail- able at the price we could pay. The money spent for school purposes is invested in the future of Plymouth. It provides a better chance for our children to grow up into reasonably healthy, physically fit and intelligent citizens. The future of the town and whatever we may accumulate is bound up in them,-in their intelligence, in their ideals and in their citizenship. Any boy or girl passing through the schools must accept his education as charity unless he plans to give in return his service as a citizen for the welfare of the com- munity.
The need of bringing into closer contact the work of the schools with the life of the people is one that interests every one engaged in educational work. Attracting patrons to the school and extending the influence of the school to the homes are the means of fulfilling this need.
There has been encouraging progress in the effort to meet the general expectation of a more practical fitting of boys and girls for life's duties. How to meet this expectation in the best way with the means at hand is a problem which cannot be solved at any one time, but requires continuous, intelligent and faithful effort.
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The manner in which work is carried on in the schools to-day may not be understood by those whose idea of a good school is one in which the pupils obey their teacher, sit still and get their lessons.
The fact that there is more freedom and play in education than there was a generation ago sometimes carries with it the belief that the results educationally are less effective than they were at that time. That this is not true is made plain by an understanding of the principles of instruction underlying the work of the school room and of the results obtained.
Formerly the correct school room was one in which the teacher was dominant, the pupils in perfect order and able to recite verbatim lessons which had been assigned to them. The school was an institution into which children must fit and were moved on from one grade to another according as they passed or failed certain examination questions in the subjects which had been taught them.
The good school to-day is a changing situation in which there is a constant attempt to anticipate the needs of the children. The teacher is there to set the stage, surround the children with opportunities to follow up the interest which she has aroused, and to guide them in constantly improving work.
It has been found that those things which are acted make a deeper impression than those which are only read or recited. The visitor may find pupils moving about more than former- ly, but without confusion. This principle is applied in the teaching of reading in the primary grades. In the past much of the work in reading apparently was for the purpose of producing public readers since it was done orally. At the present time the emphasis is on silent reading for under- standing the printed or written page. The children read certain incidents and then act them out. This tends toward developing an ability to understand that which is read and to translate it into action. The subject matter is selected according to the pupils' ability in order that they may form
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the habit of success. It is planned and given in such a way as to awaken their interest and a desire to look for more out- side of the school. There is encouragement to do things.
The comparative results of these two policies in education are shown by recent investigations. The same examina- tions which were given to pupils more than fifty years ago in the upper grades have been given recently to pupils in the same grades. The age of the latter pupils is about two years younger. It is found that the children of half a century ago excelled slightly in matters which were strictly memory tests. The pupils to-day showed marked improvement in their ability to meet questions which involved new situations. Their awakened interest impels them to remain in school beyond the compulsory school age. While there has been an increase in the enrolment in our elementary schools in the past ten years of ten per cent, the increase in that of the high school has been seventy per cent.
In these results is found an indication of the change that is taking place in education. The aims are based upon the needs and interests of the boys and girls and the community. Among the changing conditions of living they will be called upon to think in meeting new situations and not depend upon memory alone.
They are encouraged to form habits of self-directed ap- plication and self-control. A superintendent has expressed it well in these words, "The chief aims of our schools are to train children to become self-controlled, self-directed, self- supporting, intelligent citizens."
VACANCIES
Twenty-three teachers have left the school system since my last annual report. By readjusting some of the work it has been possible to maintain the same standard of work by employing twenty-one teachers to fill the vacancies. The names of these teachers are marked (*) in the List of School Department Employees.
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The new teachers who have been received into the homes, churches and other social relations in the town are disposed togive their best in return to the children and the community.
"The greatest factor in education is the teacher, the great- est inspirer of the teacher is public approval."
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
A teacher may call for a substitute on the occasion of necessary absence. Since there are more than ninety teach- ers in Plymouth, there is rarely a day when all are teaching. In order to avoid the necessity of closing any school-room because of the absence of a teacher, a substitute teacher was employed on full time with sufficient training and experience to enable her to take charge of any group of pupils from the primary grades through high school. She began work at the beginning of the school year and taught continuously with the exception of two days, to the close of the fall term on December 21st.
When not busy as a substitute her time is given to helping backward children or in giving tests.
STATE REIMBURSEMENTS
In order to raise the standard of teaching and encourage education in subjects not otherwise provided for, laws have been enacted which make provision for return of money to the towns from the state treasury.
The largest reimbursement is for teachers' salaries. The amount is based upon their training and experience as follows:
Two hundred dollars for each teacher who is a graduate of a normal school or college and has taught at least two years.
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One hundred fifty dollars for each teacher who has had one year of normal training and has taught at least three years. One hundred dollars for each of the other teachers employ- ed.
Plymouth received in 1923 over twenty thousand dollars on account of :
Teachers' salaries
$17,337 50
Agriculture
1,907 72
Americanization
1,005 00
Evening Practical Arts
531 88
Smith-Hughes Fund
224 30
Total
21,006 04
This money is paid to the town and is not available for school purposes. For this reason the annual budget and appropriation is made to cover the full amount of the expen- ditures of the School Department.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer classes were held at the Burton School for retard- ed pupils in grades four to eight.
The purpose is to help into the next grade pupils who in the judgment of the regular teacher were not ready for pro- motion in June.
Membership
Grade
IV
26
V
21
VI
28
VII and VIII
32
Total
107
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STATE-AIDED
EVENING PRACTICAL ARTS COURSES
During the year 1922-1923 more than a hundred women of the town took advantage of the lessons in Dressmaking and Millinery which were given in the Evening Practical Arts Courses. These free State-aided Classes are conducted twice a week for twenty-four weeks of the school year and are free to all women over sixteen years of age. The instruc- tors are trade-trained and proficient, hence the courses offer an unusual opportunity for any who wish to learn to make clothing at home.
The program for the year was as follows:
Dressmaking
Millinery
Unit I. Children's clothes Unit I. Velvet Hats
and Remodeling
Unit II.
Renovation and
trimmings
Unit II. Sport clothes
Unit III. Plain and fancy evening dresses
Unit III. Silk and satin hats
Unit IV. Straw hats
Unit V.
Crepe, maline and
horse-hair hats
Unit VI. Sport hats
Total number enrolled 121
Dressmaking 52 Millinery 69
At the end of the course an exhibit was held in the High School Assembly Hall. Many visitors came to inspect the dresses and hats made by those who had taken the work.
Advisory Board Mrs. J. H. Standish Mrs. H. W. Whiting Mrs. E. T. Kelley
Elizabeth H. Sampson, Director
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AGE-GRADE DISTRIBUTION CHART SCHOOL GRADE
1
2
3
4
5 6 7 8 9
10
11 12 Ttl.
6
157
23
180
7
114 110
5
229
8
47 113
81
2
243
9
20
21
19
10 25
76
64
58
13
257
7
4
13
44
44
77
40
4
3
236
1
12
21
37
53
69 37
27
2
259
1
3
4
18
39
43
48
60
22
241
2
2
8
11
18
23
25
48
34
10
1 182
5
1
3
9
28
22
31 27
23
77
18
12
7
14
33
19
1
3
4
20
1
2
3
21
1
1
2
Total 377 340 311 336 229 251 194 125 175 109 76
55 2578
5
2
272
10 11 12 13 14 15 17 CHRONOLOGICAL AGE 16
54 107
67
2
250
63 109
53
11
11
110
1
2
8
16
This chart shows the number of pupils in the several grades of the public schools arranged according to age.
The figures in full-faced type indicate the largest number of pupils of the same age in any given grade.
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EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFI- CATES
During the year 1923 certificates were issued as follows: 97 First Certificates to minors 14 to 16 years old.
36 Subsequent Certificates to minors 14 to 16 years old. 255 First Certificates to minors 16 to 21 years old.
171 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 individual or corporation employing a person under twenty- one years of age :---
1. An employer must require and place on file a certifi- cate issued by the superintendent of schools or his representa- tive. The certificate must be obtained before employment begins.
2. The employer must return the certificate to the superin- tendent 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 attendance and employment.
SCHOOL CENSUS, 1923
Males Females Total
Persons 5 to 7 years
195
176
371
Persons 7 to 14 years
811
809
1620
Persons 14 to 16 years
202
207
409
Illiterate Minors, 16 to 21 years
30
21
51
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SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS
Number of pupils examined
2200
Number found defective in eyesight 252
Number found defective in hearing 32
Number of parents or guardians notified
197
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HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Horace Turner, Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass.
My dear Mr. Turner;
During the past year many of the recommendations speci- fied in the last high school report have commenced to function. The policy of the present administration has been to initiate a new course of study, yet to accommodate the transition to needs of individual pupils.
The four year English Course has been the recipient of a detailed investigation. The work has been revised, a- bridged, and supplemented in accordance with modern de- mands.
American productions and recent classics occupy a fore- most place in the plans for additional literary equipment. The outline for English also requires a yearly program of oral work designed to stimulate thought among the pupils. The work in the later years is differentiated to meet the varied needs of pupils with college, commercial, or trade aspirations.
The primary aims of this reconstruction are to raise the standard of accomplishment and to assist the pupils in pre- vocational preparation for living or later education.
As first steps in the achievement of the afore-mentioned aims, it became necessary to adopt a set of curricula which contained many elective subjects but nevertheless required concerted work in successive years. The old plan which fostered incongruous and ill advised combinations was rele- gated to the past. Specific recommendations were incor- porated.
The commercial department was the principal beneficiary. Courses in introductory business, penmanship, spelling, salesmanship, and advertising have been added to the com- mercial subjects offered. The innovation of a course in
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salesmanship and advertising has already vindicated its adoption. It has vitalized and broadened the entire com- mercial department. The addition of office practice and a course in filing for girls would make our commercial opportuni- ties and commercial equipment commensurate with a similar department of any high school.
A change has been made in the household arts work. The scheduled program of this department is offered only during the first two years. Special emphasis is placed on clothing during the first year. During the second year the study of food values is stressed. Individual instruction or project lessons will be given to girls who need advanced study.
The agricultural department has been organized on a two year basis. The project work of the pupil during the first year is mainly gardening. In the second year the raising and care of poultry and the production of eggs are the prim- ary work activities of the pupils. If boys wish to continue the agricultural work, individual instruction will be given in animal husbandry and fruit growing. The department maintains a shop where farm carpentry is practiced. The agricultural library is comprehensive and up to date. During the present school year the instructor teaches academic subjects for a part of each day.
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