USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1924-1925 > Part 13
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Weather strips have also been installed on some of the High School windows at a cost of between $500.00 and $600.00.
The result of these expenditures is a marked gain in the efficiency of the High School heating plant and consequently in the comfort of the occupants of the building.
Last year the Committee proposed a new school building for the Alden Street district, so-called. No appropriation was made for this purpose except for the necessary land which the Town authorized the Selectmen to take.
The desirability and need of this building are as apparent to the Committee as they were a year ago and we had intended to renew the recommendation at this time.
Careful consideration of the present bonded debt of the Town as compare dwith Jan. 1st, 1924, now leads us to defer the matter until next year, when it is planned to submit the proposition to the Town again.
Fire Protection
In the last annual report the attention of the Town was called to the need of taking all reasonable precautions against loss of life and property by reason of fire, and an item of $5,000.00 for this purpose included in the budget for 1924. A beginning has been made, but much remains to be done. It will never be safe to view this subject with complacency. Structural changes must be made and physical safeguards installed as their need appears, but most important is a realiza- tion of the fire hazard and of the need of all precautions. Particularly is this true of our older school buildings which would require prohibitive changes to make them really safe. The best that can be done with them is to remove or reduce
8
the worst of the hazards, and to emphasize the need of eternal vigilance.
Certain general precautions have been taken, such as the standardization of the fire alarm signal in all schools, the in- stallation of extinguishers, etc. The Fire Department have co-operated most helpfully in inaugurating periodical inspec- tions, and in instructing in the proper handling of extinguish- ers, hose, etc.
The budget of $5,000.00 was exceeded by about $300.00. The specific changes and safeguards which this expenditure made possible are outlined below.
At the High School, the exits from the lunch room in the basement, where most of the pupils are at lunch time, have been increased and enlarged and made safer. There have been provided direct exits from the basement. All the stairways from the basement have been closed off with fireproof con- struction and with fire-doors. Panic-type bolts have been placed on all exit doors.
At the Mt. Pleasant School, a direct exit from the basement has been put in, and the coal bin fire-proofed with wire lath and hard plaster.
At the Burton, Cornish and Knapp Schools the windows under the fire escapes have been changed to metal sash and wired glass. The number and safety of the basement exits have been increased. Panic-type bolts have been installed on all exit doors.
At the Morton School, a wooden coal bin has been fire- proofed with wire lath and hard plaster.
At the Hedge, Mt. Pleasant, Cornish, Burton, Morton and Knapp Schools the fire alarm signal apparatus has been gone over, additional horns and buttons installed where necessary, and old and unsafe electric wiring renewed.
As has been said, much more remains to be done, and there- fore the Committee have included the same amount, $5,000.00 in the budget for 1925, in order that the work may be con- tinued. There are a good many small things to take care of
9
and some large, notably the starways and exits and water supply pipes at the Morton School, and the exits at the South Street School.
FREDERICK D. BARTLETT
FANNIE T. ROWELL ELLIS W. BREWSTER EDWARD R. BELCHER BURT H. COREY EDWARD W. BRADFORD
School Committee.
10
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Financial Report
RECEIPTS
Appropriation March
$228,210 00
Income from Trust Funds
19 41
$228,229 41
PAYMENTS
General Expenses
$7,938 45
Teachers' Salaries
140,626 07
Text Books and Supplies
11,041 83
Transportation
12,904 24
Janitor Service
11,054 49
Fuel
10,730 02
Repairs
19,131 35
Equipment
1,690 01
New Grounds and Buildings
932 17
Medical Inspection
6,016 98
Tuition
1,122 25
Miscellaneous
2,434 74
225,622 60
Unexpended Balance
$2,606 81
11
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR 1925
General Expenses
Superintendent
$3,500 00
Secretary
1.400 00
Attendance Officer
300 00
Printing, Postage, etc.
450 00
Telephone
60 00
Traveling Expense
400 00
Automobile Expense
500 00
Freight and Express
250 00
School Census
200 00
All Other
600 00
$7,660 00
Teachers' Salaries
Day
143,000 00
Substitutes
1,000 00
Evening
1,000 00
Summer
450 00
Americanization
1,700 00
147,150 00
Text Books and Supplies
Text and Reference Books
5,000 00
Paper, Blank Books, etc.
3,000 00
Industrial Training Supplies
400 00
Domestic Science Supplies
1,000 00
Typewriters
600 00
10,000 00
Transportation
Carfares
3,500 00
Automobiles
9,500 00
13,000 00
Support of Truants
50 00
12
Janitors' Services Day
Evening
10,500 00 350 00
10,850 00
Fuel and Light
Coal and Wood
12,000 00
Gas and Electricity
1,000 00
13,000 00
Maintenance
Painting
? S
10,000 00
Flags and Flagstaffs
200 00
Janitors' Supplies
1,000 00
Telephones
200 00
Ashes Removed, etc.
500 00
All Other
6,100 00
Furniture and Furnishings
1,000 00
Tuition and Transportation (Other Towns)
1,500 00
Diplomas and Graduation
150 00
Medical Inspection
School Physician
1,500 00
School Nurse
1,600 00
Supplies and Expenses
250 00
Dental Clinic Maintenance
700 00
Dental Nurse
1,500 00
Auto Expense (School Nurse)
400 00
5,950 00
Fire Protection
5,000 00
Total
$233,310 00
18,000 00
General Repairs
13
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Plymouth :
Following is my third annual report as Superintendent of the Plymouth School System :
The work of the Superintendent which has most far- reaching effect is that which has to do with the formulating and directing of the educational policies, which, with the approval of the Committee, are to operate in the school system. The whole organization is set up by the people for one purpose,-the educational development of their chil- dren. It is essential that this be accomplished in a manner which leaves nothing out that will contribute to this end. As in business, so in school administration, the whole is carried on in a spirit of good-will and confidence.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The elementary schools are and will continue to be the foundation of the school system. In them are more than two-thirds of the children at one time. In them the boys and girls acquire the tools of learning and establish the habits without which higher education and intelligent living would be impossible. The constant improvement of the quality of teaching is of vital importance. Courses in sum- mer schools and on Saturdays at the University, profes- sional reading, sympathetic supervision over their work by principals, discussion of their problems in teachers' meet- ings and visiting other schools, are some of the influences that are contributing to the advancement of the teachers and the betterment of their teaching. This professional im- provement while teaching, together with the employment of the ablest teachers to fill vacancies, will continue to pro-
14
vide a high quality of educational leadership for our chil- dren.
It is a matter of common knowledge that more subjects are taught in the schools today than formerly. Too fre- quently this fact has led to the conclusion that teaching is not so thorough as it was then. It is not so well known that it has been made possible to teach more in less time by means of economizing time through improved methods of instruction in public school education. Constant study and discussion of practical problems that arise from the read- justment of educational programs to living needs, have made it possible to accomplish more in less time.
HEALTH
The general health of school children in Plymouth is on a high level. Through the persistent, tireless efforts of teachers, physician, nurse, dental hygienist and dentists with the support of parents in the homes there are being built up in the lives of the boys and girls those habits that, without morbid attention, are making more healthy citi- zens. The Individual School and the Fresh Air School are providing schooling for those who require special attention which cannot be given with the larger numbers in the ele- mentary schools.
The employment of the School Physician on a time and salary basis instead of fees for individual examinations has made possible a broader program of health education. The details of health work in the school system are given in the report of the School Physician.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The need of supervised physical activities and physical education in the schools has been recognized to a greater
15
extent with the broadening of health education. While state law places indoor and outdoor games and athletic exercise among the required subjects in the public schools, entire freedom is given for the working out of our local program.
For three years a supervisor of physical education has been at work with the pupils and teachers in all of the ele- mentary schools. Activities which provide the right kind of exercise through play interest are carried on regularly indoors and out. Teachers are on the playgrounds during recess periods to supervise and secure freedom for the chil- dren to play the games they have chosen. The auditorium- gymnasium in the new Hedge Building is the first provision made by the School Department for handling large groups indoors. It is so constructed that its constant use does not interfere with quiet study in the classrooms.
Conditions in the High School which made necessary the employment of another teacher presented an opportunity to gather the physical education activities, including ath- letics, of the Junior and Senior High Schools under one head. A trained and experienced director was employed.
It has been emphasized that skillful playing and ability to win games are not of first importance. Athletics are justified as a part of our educational program when they become the medium for development of character and the elements of citizenship. Instinctive pugnacity, competition and desire for self-expression find an outlet in games.
That which is of greater importance than athletics is a physical education program which provides for the right development of all pupils in the schools. A physical exam- ination has been given pupils in the High Schools by the School Physician and Director in order to determine the needs in physical training. A program is in operation which provides for group exercises and athletic games out- doors when the weather is fair and in the auditorium and corridors when conditions make it necessary.
16
An able and enthusiastic leader of girls' activities was employed to fill a vacancy at the High School. The same standard of work as before has continued with the girls at the Junior High School.
We have the organization and instructors necessary for an adequate program of physical education. They are making use of whatever facilities and equipment they find available. Their work of necessity is limited by lack of space. Setting-up exercises which may be carried on be- tween rows of seats and desks are not a satisfactory substi- tute for free natural exercise of large muscles in games and other recreational activities that call out spirited interest and rivalry.
Excellent room has been provided at the Hedge School. With little expense the portable building at the Knapp School can be put in condition to greatly enlarge the pos- sibilities for physical education. There are nearly eight hundred pupils in the two high schools. A gymnasium lo- cated between these two buildings would show returns on the investment in the lives of all pupils who remain in school above the sixth grade. I believe it is good business to provide means for obtaining the greatest results from the leadership which is employed.
UNDER-AGE CHILDREN
Each year applications come to the School Department for admission to the first grade of children whose ages do not meet the requirements of the established age line of five years and eight months. Their parents are convinced that these children are as well qualified to do school work as those who have reached the necessary chronological age.
During the first week in September, 1924 a plan of admis- sion was put into operation which was intended to meet the situation in a manner best suited to the interests of each child. A notice in the paper brought the matter to the at-
17
tenion of parents. Appointments for examination were made through the Office. The Stanford Revision of the Binet-Simon Individual Test was given by an expert psy- chologist to those children whose ages were just under the required five years and eight months. Of this number those were admitted to the first grade who showed an ability to do school work equivalent to that of the children who were up to the age requirement. Of forty-five children brought in by parents for examination, seventeen gave evidence of a mental age of five years and eight months or over. Six- teen of these entered school.
At the close of the fall term of sixteen weeks their teach- ers were asked to indicate the standing of these pupils com- pared with all others in their grade.
Four were found in the first or upper quarter, nine in the second quarter and three in the third quarter.
From these facts it appears that thirteen or 841/4 per cent are in the upper half of their grade, and that all of those admitted, with one exception, are maintaining a rank suffi- ciently high for promotion to second grade at the close of the present school year.
The one exception is in a room of three grades. During the twenty-four weeks left in the school year it is possible that the one exceptional case may make more rapid ad- vancement.
RETARDATION
A dismal chapter in the history of practical education is that dealing with the children who are required to remain in a grade for more than a year. The shifting of emphasis in education from organization, teaching of books and prep- aration for higher schools to development of boys and girls for better living has brought the problem of retardation more prominently into the field of investigation.
18
The causes are too numerous to treat here or even to classify with a fair degree of accuracy.
Thirteen per cent of the pupils in the first six grades in Plymouth are repeating their school work this year-enough if gathered into one school to fill five rooms, requiring the full time of five teachers and costing about fourteen thou- sand dollars. Added to the cost in money is that which is of greater importance- fixing in the children's minds the false idea that they are inferior to eighty-seven per cent of the children in the school. In some cases this idea goes into their mental equipment and permanently influences their lives.
The problem can be lessened by dealing with it nearer its source. The regular teacher in a classroom cannot ig- nore the rights of thirty-five to give special attention to five, yet the five need special attention if they are to con- tinue with their grade.
During the present school year an experiment is being tried which is producing satisfactory results. A full-time substitute teacher, when not engaged in substitute work is assigned to the Cornish School as a coach. Pupils who are failing in their lessons are sent to her for help adapted to their particular needs. Sometimes it is more expedient and less embarrassing to the pupil to give assistance at his own desk, and this is done.
With one substitute teacher in a system employing about ninety teachers it is evident that her time for coaching is quite broken and limited. On some days four teachers are needed for substitute work. The employment of another full-time teacher for substitute work and coaching would help lower the per cent of retardation.
OVER-AGE PUPILS
The discontinuance of the State-Aided vocational agri- culture course at the High School made it possible to trans-
19
fer the services of the instructor for five afternoons a week to the South Street Shop. Groups of boys from Spooner Street School have instruction and practice in woodwork four afternoons, those from the Individual School one after- noon each week. They develop there ability to use tools and carry through a piece of work to completion.
PART TIME EDUCATION
It is the aim of our educational system to bring our boys and girls into closer contact with the world in which we are living. Manual training is provided during the two or three years of the Junior High School Course. There is no manual or industrial work offered to boys at the Senior High School. To equip shop rooms, secure instructors and meet the cost of maintenance would call for an increase in the annual appropriation apparently out of proportion to the educational returns.
A way out is offered by a part time plan which is operat- ing successfully in several school systems. According to arrangements made with a garage, machine shop, textile mill or other industrial plant the boys spend part of the time of a course in the class-room and part of the time in the plant gaining practical experience.
Plymouth is the home of a large number of industries. A plan of co-operative affiliations between the High School and some of the industrial plants would have superior ad- vantages over a manual training course wholly within the school.
It would offer more diverse courses; they would provide real situations; and would facilitate the change over from school to occupation for many of the pupils.
MUSIC
Instruction and practice in vocal music has been carried on in all of the schools under a superior quality of super-
20
vision. Appreciation and enjoyment of good music as well as a knowledge of technique are an important part of the educational development of children.
Instrumental music is receiving more attention than has been given it in the past. Orchestras in the High Schools are receiving careful training. After-school classes for be- ginners with the violin are conducted in some of the ele- mentary schools. The persistence of these beginners in at- tendance is an evidence of their sustained interest. A class of about fifty brass wind instruments in the Junior High School is making rapid progress. All of the work in instru- mental music except the leadership of the High School or- chestras is self-supported.
The live initiative and skilled leadership of those immedi- ately responsible are making music a part of the lives of the pupils in the schools.
During the first week in May, National Music Week, spe- cial musical programs were held. About two thousand children participated. Parents and friends attended.
The Vannini Ensemble, a group of thirteen players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, came to the High School under the auspices of the Teachers' Club. An afternoon program was arranged under Mrs. Shaw's direction which included several numbers studied by the children in their music memory work. Each instrument was shown and the descriptive numbers were explained. About four hundred pupils were present. This concert with the one in the eve- ning for adults provided instrumental music of the highest educational and cultural value.
HEDGE SCHOOL
The completion of the addition to the Hedge School gives to the Town an excellent elementary building. There are 433 pupils in twelve classrooms,-two rooms for each of the first six grades. The auditorium meets the needs of physi- cal education, chorus work, dramaties and assembly pur- poses.
21
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS
1923 1924 First Subsequent First Subsequent
Certificates to minors between
14 and 16
97
36
54
47
Certificates to minors between
16 and 21
255
171 93
151
A comparison of the figures for the past two years indi- cates a sharp decline in the number of boys and girls who have left school for other employment. Of those under six- teen years of age the number is fifty-five per cent less in 1924; and of those over sixteen, thirty-six per cent less. In the relation between opportunities in employment for finan- cial gain and the holding power of the schools the balance is in favor of the schools. The increased enrollment at the High Schools is a result.
22
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
TOTAL NUMBER OF PUPILS IN EACH SCHOOL AND GRADE DECEMBER 31, 1924
Grade
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
115
88
97
76
376
220 160
31
411
Junior High Hedge
41
41
35
36
41
35
33
36
39
36
31
29
433
Knapp
40
42
39
42
30
26
36
35
28
318
Cornish
41
41
32
42
29
26
28
239
Burton
32
41
45
42
160
Mt. Pleasant
36
28
40
39
41
38
222
Cold Spring
25
34
59
Oak St.
24
13
15
14
66
Lincoln St.
17
16
33
Manomet
11
7
8
7
9
7
Wellingsley Cliff St.
3
8
4
3
2
4
24
Russell Mills
7
6
4
3
20
Chiltonville
5
3
3
2
3
4
20
Cedarville
5
3
4
3
2 2
2
19
Alden St.
39
39
Overage
1
9
11
21
Individual
25
25
Fresh-Air
1
3
5
5
3
17
Total
373|277 |306|288 |284|259 |222 |160 146| 88 97 76 2576
10
11
12
- Ttl.
49
9
7
5
4
25
High
23
AGE-GRADE DISTRIBUTION CHART
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX
X XI XII Ttl.
JHS HS
10
41
2
43
6
165
29
4
198
7
115 102
29
3
249
8
18
91 116
26
2
253
9
9
37
11
40
69
92
25
2
241
11
1
9
11
43
79
93
19
255
12
1
6
13
44
72
35
21
192
13
5
4
6
34
47
88
63
3
6
1
2
259
14
1
2
2
14
30
51
47
8
17
12
13
15
1
4
1
10
9
22
24
14
56
36
33
6
197 216
16
1
2
1
3
7
5
25
27
27
14
112
17
1
1 10
6
12
31
61
18
4
6
13
23
19
1
3
1
8
13
20
4
4
ยท
Total 352 288 259 276 295 276 220 162 31 119
85
94
76 2573
CHRONOLOGICAL AGE
Grades of pupils are indicated by Roman numerals.
Ages of pupils are indicated by numbers at extreme left. Normal pupils in age and grade are indicated by numbers in full-faced type.
Under IX pupils are listed separately for Junior High School and High School.
The information is from the enrollment on December 31, 1924; the ages are as of September 1, 1924.
The 34 pupils enrolled at the Individual School and 20 at the Overage School are included.
81 111
19
258
10
2
24
SUMMER SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Horace F. Turner,
Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass.
Dear Sir :
A six week's summer session was held in the Burton School for retarded pupils in Grades Four, Five, Six and Seven. It was the aim of this session to so help those who were not ready for promotion in June that they might con- tinue with their class in September.
During the summer of 1924, one hundred fourteen pupils were enrolled. Of this number eighty-one were promoted. The reason for this is not alone with the work of the teach- ers and the course of study. In most cases the boys and girls who were enrolled in the summer school were regular in attendance and sincere in their attempt to make up the work that they had lost through absence, carelessness, or lack of individual attention.
But I recommend that normal-age pupils whose work is seriously defective should not be sent to summer school. Such pupils cannot be permanently helped by a six week's course, and they interfere with the progress of the rest of the group. Pupils of this type would make greater gains by a wise use of their vacation period away from the school- room and repetition of the year's work.
The aim of this session, its results, the attitude of the boys and girls who attend it,-these things make me believe that the summer school is of definite value in the educa- tional system of Plymouth.
Respectfully submitted, (signed) MIRIAM A. JOHNSON.
Principal.
SCHOOL CENSUS, 1924
Males
Females
Total
Person 5 to 7 years
231
210
441
Persons 7 to 14 years
820
817
1637
25
Persons 14 to 21 years
238
211
449
Illiterate Minors 16 to 21 years
28
14
42
SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS
Number of pupils examined
2588
Number found defective in eyesight
279
Number found defective in hearing
37
Number of parents or guardians notified
251
26
High School Report
Mr. Horace Turner, Superintendent of Schools, Plymouth, Mass.
My dear Mr. Turner :
During the scholastic year that closed in June the per- sonnel of the faculty remained intact. At the expiration of the year one resignation was received. Since the reopen- ing of school in September the regular teaching force has not changed. This retention of teachers has been parti- cularly advantageous. The increased utility of an instruct- or in the same school for a period of successive years with a similar program is immeasurable.
In September an excellently trained instructor of physical education for boys was added to the corps of teachers. The development of the physically backward boy is the main problem of the department. A thorough physical examination has been given to every boy in school in order that thru corrective exercises and activities this problem may be solved.
regular colleges : Bates, Boston University, Brown, Harvard, M. A. C., New Hampshire State, Simmons, Wellesley and Wheaton. The records of the college entrants during their first semester in college have been filed at the office. These reports are indicative of the standing of the school in col- legiate circles. Twenty-one different studies were elected. Fifty-four different marks were obtaind. Five marks were of the first rank. Twelve were of the second rank. Twen- ty-seven marks were of the third rank. Eight marks were of the fourth rank. Two marks represented temporary conditions. The conditioned marks were not obtained in
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