USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1926-1927 > Part 15
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These forty pupils of the sixth grade include most of the pupils already retarded two years or more, but do not include many somewhat less retarded. A similar condi- tion exists in the fifth and fourth grades, although not as many pupils are involved.
Here, then, is an exceedingly serious situation involv- ing from twenty to twenty-five percent. of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. The training of these children should not be confined to text books but should include much manual training, such as practical sewing and
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cooking for girls and varied types of manual training for the boys. A definite program is not given at present as many different local factors are involved. For the present, it is sufficient to realize that these pupils are not receiving the type of training suited to their needs. Our aim should be to let each pupil experience honest success in some activity and go forth with the feeling that he is good for something. These should become just as intel- ligent and worthy citizens as any of the others.
The average cost per grade pupil is approximately $80. In one sense the cost of every pupil who has to repeat a year's work is money lost. Viewed from this angle the town is spending several thousands of dollars annually without any adequate return. Other than the initial cost for equipping rooms for special work, these type classes would not cost much more than the ordinary class.
CONDITIONS IN THE RURAL SCHOOLS
Plymouth is one of a very few towns in Eastern Mass- achusetts that retains rural one room schools. Kingston has already consolidated, and Duxbury is completing con- solidation this year. Is consolidation for the best inter- ests of the rural children in Plymouth ?
There are four typical rural schools, Cliff Street, Russell Mills, Chiltonville and Cedarville. Wellingsley is not in- cluded, as it is under closer supervision by a principal and its problems are not as difficult. Cedarville has grades I to VI, Chiltonville grades I to VI, Russell Mills I to IV, Cliff Street I to V. With few exceptions the result of the standard tests were not as high as in many of the other schools. In some cases the results were much lower. There is every indication that the pupils are not as well prepared in the rural schools as in the better graded schools. Frequently, too, the records show that the pupils drop back a grade, or are retained a year when they reach the higher grades.
The following quotation from the annual report of the
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School Committee of 1840-41 is as true today as then.
"The committee cannot forbear to repeat the sugges- tions of their predecessors, that the union of small dis- tricts increases the facilities of education, and furnishes the means of separating the older from the younger scholars, by which all are profitably taught."
It is not possible under present day conditions to keep a good teacher more than one or two years in a rural school. Salary is no inducement, as most teachers prefer the com- forts and attraction of town or city homes.
Every pupil ought to have an equal opportunity to get the best training possible for his life. The broader training cannot be given in the rural schools, nor are the results in the fundamental studies as high. Consolida- tion will give the equal opportunity not only in studies pursued but in contact with the best teachers.
CONCLUSION OF SURVEY
There are four major problems that confront the town :
1. The meeting of the special needs of the large num- bers of retarded pupils in the intermediate grades.
2. The need of more adequate facilities at the Junior and Senior high schools.
3. A broader program of studies to meet the needs of a large group of boys and girls in the high schools.
4. The consolidation of the rural schools.
These problems are all closely related and involve some type of building program.
Just what is best, I am not ready to recommend, until a more careful study of local factors is made.
COMPARATIVE COSTS
It may be of interest to know what Plymouth's relative costs are, compared with that of surrounding towns and with the state as a whole. The accompanying table gives interesting data :
STATISTICAL COMPARISONS
Plymouth Whitman Rockland Weymouth
Bridge- water
Middleboro Abington Wareham
Bourne
Falmouth
Valuation of 1925 per pupil in net average membership end- ing June 30, 1926 ...
$9,804
$5,632
$5,459
$9,206
$3,400
$5,707 $4,092
$8,969
$13,298
$13,040
Rank in towns 5,000 population or over (79 towns) .
11
58
62
14
78
53
75
19
16
17
(Group III)
Expenditure for school support from Local Taxation, year ending Dec. 31, 1925, per 1,000 valuation
$8.45
$10.37
$11.46
$7.19
$14.76
$9.11
$7.85
$7.44
$8.45
$8.34
Rank in Group II ..
62
40
25
71
6
52
67
70
86
83
Rate of total tax per 1,000 val- uation 1925. .
$24.00
$31.70
$29.70
$21.50
$35.80
$28.40
$29.00
$21.20
$25.20
$29.45
Rank in Group II.
71
27
46
76
12
51
49
77
86
54
(Group III)
Expenditure per pupil from lo- cal taxation.
$82.86
$58.39
$66.14
$66.14
$50.19
$51.98
$72.28
$66.69
$109.43 $108.74 (Group III)
Rank in Group II. .. .....
13
70
55
55
75
74
37
52
13
14
Expenditure per pupil from all
sources
$90.17
$71.06
$70.30
$72.13
$65.95
$64.92
$83.14
$77.55
$118.31
$117.57
Rank
18
66
68
63
73
74
33
50
21
22
Expenditure for support High School-exclusive of general control
$108.65
$99.94
$96.83
$99.31 $110.91 $90.36 $122.81 $122.42
$261.54
$258.12
·Rank in Group II ..
53
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From these figures it is clear that in terms of per pupil valuation the town is rich, standing 11th in a group of 79 towns with a population of 5,000 or over; in tax rate it is low, being 71st; in terms of amount raised for school purposes it is low, being 62d; in terms of per pupil cost it is low in the high school being 53d, but much higher in the grades, being 18th.
While the average cost per pupil is higher than that of some towns, I am confident that the extra cost has been well spent as shown by the high standard of results ob- tained in all the well-graded schools and by the splendid morale of the teaching force.
That Plymouth has always been willing to spend lib- erally for its schools is shown by the following extract from the report in 1843-44.
"Our town has, for several years, held an honorable standing as it regards appropriations for their support. We are gratified to be able to state that but twenty-three towns in the Commonwealth pay more for the education of each child between the age of four and sixteen, than is paid by this town."
TO THE PARENTS
A full and hearty cooperation of all parents will ma- terially aid the schools. Many complaints that come to the office are due to misunderstandings or false impres- sions gained by too much dependence on the pupils' ver- sion or on hearsay. I would respectfully request every parent to visit the teacher and principal who is working for the best interests of his child at least once a year, even though there be no cause for complaint. The better each understands the other the better for all concerned. Constructive criticism and suggestions are always wel- come.
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CONCLUSION
The Plymouth schools have a splendid reputation in the state. The results secured in the tests warrant it. The unusually fine spirit in the teaching force and the desire of the School Committee to give the pupils the best educa- tional opportunities that the town can afford, assure the citizens that the future results should be of equally high order.
In closing I bespeak the hearty cooperation of all who are interested in the educational welfare of Plymouth.
Respectfully submitted, ANSON B. HANDY, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
February 7, 1927
My'dear Mr. Handy :
I am pleased to submit to you my fifth annual report as Principal of The Plymouth High School.
There have been few changes in the administration of the school during the past twelve months. Several modi- fications in the program of subjects of teachers have been effected with the cooperation of the teachers involved. There was only one replacement in the personnel of the regular faculty.
The courses of study established in nineteen twenty- four have been maintained intact. This program of studies remains in accord with modern educational prac- tice in schools of similar equipment.
The aim of the school during the past year has been a continuation of the aim of previous years, namely ef- ficiency. The school aims toward the maximum develop- ment of each child ;commensurate with his previous training and his physical and mental maturity. The de- gree of success toward the goal is dependent not only upon the quality of our teachers, the time and equipment at their disposal, but also is dependent upon the attitude of the pupils and parents, and the careful individual prac- tice at home of lessons taught at school.
"THE PILGRIM," a school publication that was revived four years ago, has been the recipient of enviable honors during the year. The magazine was awarded a prize as the best school publication in Southeastern Massachu- setts. For the second successive year the school also won the prize for the best poem published. The school paper has stimulated a keen interest in original literary work. The interest was so manifest last June that the Seniors published a book of verse of their own production.
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The Senior Class developed two projects for gradua- tion. The projects were in the form of plays. The ideas for the plays were evolved by the class. The plays were written, the scenes designed, and the projects pro- duced by the students with solicited counsel.
The girls of the school have organized a High School Girls' Club. The organization embodies the features of the Plymouth Woman's Club. It embraces all of the extra-curricula activities of the girls. It is a very well constituted and managed organization. Every girl has the opportunity to participate actively in wholesome, civic, cultural, and educational recreation.
An educational and vocational guidance program has been offered. Each pupil in school has an annual inter- view with the guidance committee. Many pupils seek an unlimited number of interviews each year. The pur- pose of the guidance program is to stimulate, encourage, and advise students in their high school studies, to assist and direct pupils in preparation for continued education, to reveal to pupils the varied vocational opportunities, and to analyze and evaluate the personal qualifications required for each vocation.
The school has engaged in interscholastic athletic con- tests in baseball, football, basketball, and field hockey. The availability of the auditorium of the Plymouth Me- morial Building for physical work has enabled the school to secure physical recreation for at least one-third of the school. The keen interest this year warrants more exten- sive development next year. I recommend regularly or- ganized classes on Saturday mornings and Saturday afternoons. Equipment of horizontal and parallel bars, horses, mats, et cetera, could be provided at low expense.
The enlargement and improvement of the school li- brary is somewhat dependent upon the library quarters. The library equipment is accessible to all students, but in other respects it is not ideal. The present limited
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accommodations of the building would not justify a li- brary room separate from the large study hall. In ac- cordance with a recommendation of the Massachusetts State Department of Education, I approve an annual substantial allowance in the school budget for the pur- chase of books for the school library. Provision must be made in the future for a separate, spacious, well-equipped library accessible to all departments.
The high school building was erected nearly forty years ago. Modifications and additions were made later. The edifice has been kept in good condition for a public build- ing that has received so much usage over such a long period of years. The student body of the high school has slowly, but very constantly, increased in size during the past two decades. The school building is housing a disproportionate number of pupils in comparison with other schools. The maximum point of accommodation has been reached. More students cannot be accommo- dated unless a two platoon system is adopted. The two platoon system is merely an unsatisfactory and tempor- ary arrangement to bridge the gap of inadequate facili- ties. I recommend an immediate survey of the present accommodations. I believe this survey should include a study of the growth of the school in the past decade, the probable growth in the future, the utilization of present facilities, and an investigation of adequate equipment in the buildings of modern, comprehensive high schools.
For several years the gross school day has been five hours. An unsuccessful attempt was made several years ago to prolong the daily session in Plymouth. The school day is too short. The exigencies of the present day de- mand more hours at school. The larger high schools are requiring longer sessions. Only a few schools adhere to the traditional five hour day. I believe an extension of one hour in the school day should be adopted for the ensuing school year.
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Your attention is invited to the first semester record of Plymouth High School graduates who were college freshmen last year. Sixty-one marks were received as follows :
Grade A 11 Grade C 24
Grade B 24 Grade D 2
One of the D grades was a passing mark. The other was a conditional grade that was changed within one month.
Twelve pupils who graduated in 1926 and four pupils. who had graduated in former years entered colleges in September. Eleven graduates entered normal schools. Many others have gone either to private or special schools, or have returned to high school for post-graduate work.
Twenty-four examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board were taken by Plymouth High School pupils last June. Seventy-two percent. were marked sixty or above. During the past five years sixty-two per- cent. of all C. E. E. B. examinations taken by high school and private school pupils were marked sixty or above. The record was remarkable and worthy of intel- ligent commendation. The ages of these students were from one to four years less than the median age of the entire group who took the examinations. The record of one girl was outstanding. Of three thousand eight hun- dred thirty girls who took the final examinations last June, only two were fifteen years of age. One was an applicant from Plymouth. She was accepted at college and the school received very favorable comment on the quality of her examinations. This case was exceptional. In general the maturity of Plymouth students must ap- proach the median maturity of competitors in order to cope successfully with college examinations. In 1926 the median age of boys was nineteen years, the median age of girls was eighteen years. Of the Plymouth candidates two were fifteen years of age, three were sixteen years of age, one was seventeen years of age. In the future college
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preparatory pupils below a normal age should not be rushed into high school. Meanwhile preparation for col- lege entrance examinations should not be permitted to dominate high school instruction.
The supervisor of music recently began instruction at the high school. The chorus is receiving direction and leadership from both the supervisor and a regular mem- ber of the faculty. Rehearsals have been started on the light opera Pinafore, which will probably be ready for production in May. The new musical project has evoked much enthusiasm among members of the school chorus.
I wish to express my gratitude to you, the school com- mittee, the teachers, the parents, and all who are cooper- ating in an attempt to provide our young people with good educational opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. MARSDEN.
Plymouth Twenty-One
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REPORT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Dear Mr. Handy :
The attendance during the current school year has been regular. With a few exceptions, the different class- es have maintained a high percentage, which no doubt is due to the uniform interest the parents have taken in the education of their children. This fact illustrates the ex- cellent spirit of cooperation existing between the school and the homes. There are now seven seventh grades and four eighth grades in classrooms filled to their maximum capacity.
One feature of the Junior High School is the right kind of guidance, both educational and vocational. This policy we have endeavored to carry out, whenever it is possible, by changing the course for which a pupil is unfitted to one in which he can work to his greatest capacity. This reasonable attention to the pupil's needs causes fewer failures in school work.
Since September the following tests have been given: The National Intelligence Test, The Wilson State-Wide Test in Arithmetic, The Monroe Reading Test, and the Spelling Test. These show the varying degrees of ability existing among the pupils and prove helpful in guiding them in the selection of their courses.
Leading the Junior High School pupil towards a more worthy use of his leisure time is one of the objectives of the school. For this reason the extra curricular activities have been introduced. One of these has been a Junior Safety Council whose purpose is to save life. We were fortunate in having Miss Greenwood from the State House organize this new activity. Every pupil has some form of activity in which he participates. Once a year the pupils publish their Junior Journal under the direc- tion of the English teachers. There is a wholesome spirit
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of rivalry among the various classes to see which class contributes the best articles. The value of this paper is inestimable. It unifies the whole school. Its influence is far-reaching as it enters the homes and interests the parents in the life of the school. It is also read by chil- dren to those parents who cannot understand English. These things alone would make its publication worth- while.
An interesting experiment was tried on the evening of November when parents were invited to an evening ses- sion of the school which consisted of the regular daily school program. The assembly was held from 8.30 to 9.00 o'clock. Two physical training groups gave their demonstration of the daily Setting-up-Drill. The boys' drill was conducted by two of the boys. A very large number of parents, exceeding four hundred, were present and much interest was manifested by them in the school work and physical training groups.
There were two changes in the teaching corps. One teacher accepted a position in the Woburn High School, the other was married. One additional teacher was add- ed to the corps. We have found this a satisfactory ar- rangement.
Recommendations :
A Program Clock.
A Gymnasium would be an asset to a school of this size. During the winter season the physical training is carried on in the corridors which is neither satisfactory to the physical instructors nor to the classroom teachers.
In closing my report, Mr. Handy, I wish to express my appreciation to you, the School Committee, and the teach- ers for the cooperation given me in carrying on the work of the school.
Respectfully submitted, KATHARINE A. O'BRIEN,
Principal.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Dear Mr. Handy :
The fall activities at the High School and Junior High have been greatly aided by the improved conditions of the Lincoln Street athletic field. The raising of the level of the north half of the field has improved the drainage considerably. This has permitted the use of the field soon after a severe rain storm, and has not confined the program to a corridor at the Junior High School.
The 400 boys in both schools have been taught the fun- damentals of Soccer Football. A seventh grade and an eighth grade league was organized and played their games after school. Next fall it will be possible to arrange Soc- cer games with outside schools and pioneer a game in this vicinity which has been enthusiastically adopted by the schools of Greater Boston.
Plymouth won six football games and lost four. There were no serious injuries, and the few minor injuries re- covered quickly. Eighteen boys earned their letters, having participated in at least the ten quarters necessary to receive the emblem. The daily average attendance at practice was fifteen.
The indoor class work at the High School includes : First Aid to the Injured, elementary anatomy, bandaging, boxing, tumbling, pyramid building, wrestling, football, basketball, track, and baseball theory, talks on personal hygiene.
Mass Drill for every boy and girl is carried on daily at the Junior High and, weather permitting, at the High School.
Athletics for the girls of the High School, outside of the daily ten minute calisthenic period, have been divided into two activities; Field Hockey and Basketball.
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All girls interested and physically eligible are allowed to play at practice games. Only those girls scholastical- ly eligible (passing 12 periods or the equivalent of 12 credits) are allowed to play in scheduled games.
Field Hockey practice was held daily at Stevens Field from 3 to 4 in the afternoon. Six inter-scholastic contests were held and Plymouth won 4, tied one, and lost one. The daily average attendance was 25 girls.
The girls basketball was confined to intra-mural games, and held their practice at Memorial Hall, Mondays 2.30 to 4 in the afternoon.
The class work for the girls at the Junior High is divid- ed into instruction on correct posture, marching, folk dances, and games. This year a project was given to all eighth grade girls whereby each one made her own gym- nasium bloomers in the Sewing Department. All eighth grade girls are now required to appear in gymnasium cos- tume the day on which they have Physical Education.
The use of Memorial Hall Auditorium for daily basket- ball practice and games has been a decided help. A bask- etball elimination tournament with 70 boys enrolled on 12 different teams has given these boys the opportunity to use Memorial Hall also. The inter-class championship games were hotly contested, and the ample playing space and seating capacity made the games more enjoyable. Regular inter-scholastic basketball games have also been played every week by the first, second, third, and Junior High School teams.
A gymnastic team composed of representative boys from the elementary schools, Junior High School and High School have given several exhibitions at Memorial Hall between the halves at the basketball games. The preparatory practice was held in the corridor at the Jun- ior High School.
At the close of the basketball season, the activities for the girls are divided into three parts: Tennis (with a
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tournament), Track (with a Track Meet for High School girls only), and Baseball.
The Physical and medical examinations of every boy in the High School revealed that out of 182 examined only 24 are 100 percent. perfect. Fifty-one have defective teeth, 38 are undernourished, 64 have defective tonsils, 21 en- larged glands, 31 flat and pronated feet, 115 defective posture, 5 curvature of the spine, 18 defective eyes, 4 defective ears, 3 rupture, 6 obstructed nose, 2 lung defects, 5 heart defects. Many of the defects as shown by the examination are being corrected by individual instruction in oral hygiene, diet, posture, proper exercises for flat feet, and curvature of the spine. The parents have been notified in all cases where the defect is serious.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. SMITH.
Supervisor Physical Education.
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REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
My Dear Mr. Handy :
The importance of Physical Education in the elemen- tary schools systems of the country is growing as con- sistently as its value to the child is being proven. The plasticity of the mind of youth, makes these years ideal for character training-teaching of fair play, good sports- manship, loyalty and honorable conduct. Certainly it gives to those children whose school days stop beyond the sixth grade the training in outdoor sports and healthful recreational activities which they would otherwise never have, and to those who go into High School a background that should help to make their future education of higher value.
With the idea of bringing supervision to the largest number of children, the classes of the Mt. Pleasant, Bur- ton, Cornish, Knapp and Hedge schools have twenty min- utes with the Director every week, other schools a half hour or more every two weeks, and the Cedarville group a monthly class. Outside of this time the teacher takes her class outdoors or to the room used for exercises at least one other period a week, and uses the other three days for activities in the school-room. Further time is given through the organized or supervised play at the regular recess periods. New games, dances and exercises are taught by the Supervisor and then with the aid of printed directions carried on to completion by the teacher.
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