USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1930-1931 > Part 33
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The teachers realize keenly the effect of depression upon the children and are not unmindful of their duty. They have contributed generously to a fund of about $1,000 to be used for needy school children during this year. Other contributions to Christmas and Valentine celebrations in various forms undoubtedly add mater- ially to the above amount. Whatever more is needed for the children for clothing or milk will be cheerfully con- tributed.
"Teachers, today, are on the firing line. They are in a position better than any group to help America lift it- self from present conditions to a higher and fined type of life. Anyone who visits the schools soon realizes that teachers feel the responsibility. They are working harder than ever."
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The question of reduction of salaries is a serious one. Will the parents and citizens stand behind the teachers in the tremendous problems that confront the schools and give them every bit of encouragement possible? No other laborer today whether in a profession or not, has as great a responsibility for the welfare of tomorrow as does the teacher. They need the hearty and sympathetic support of all concerned.
7. Suggested Reductions.
Instead of a decrease in salaries let there be an in- crease in the number of pupils to the teacher within rea- sonable limits.
From very recent experiments made in regard to the effect of the size of classes upon educational results, there is nothing to show that a class of 25 in some sub- jects in a senior high school can be taught any more ef- ficiently than a class of 35. Some changes can be made in the elementary grades in September as explained ear- lier in this report. Other changes in the Senior High School must await increased educational facilities. These changes will bring about a reduction in costs with no de- crease in efficiency.
THE CHADWICK CLINIC FOR TUBERCULOSIS
During October and November the State Board of Health examined nearly 2,000 pupils for tuberculosis The results are printed in the report of the School Physi- cian. The permanent results lie in the home where great care must be taken to prevent further development of the disease in the few individual suspects. The following extract from a letter from Dr. Paul Wakefield, M. D., Chief of Cadwick Clinics, is of interest.
"Now that we are finishing up at Plymouth, I want to take the opportunity of thanking you for the wonderful cooperation that we have had from the entire group there.
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It is useless to attempt to mention by name those who have been so very kind. Miss Macdonald's work and spirit was throughout gratefully appreciated. The way others stepped in and help was most unusual, and we want to express our thanks to them through you. The spirit that I found in the schools, and the report of the whole staff in the schools where I have not been, has been very fine.
The routine of testing the children and giving the X- Rays is rather a spectacular piece of work, and I trust that you and your staff will see that the quiet work that is done among the doctors by the last final group is, after all, the most important part of our work. While the public does not see it, and it is best that it should be done quietly, it really takes much more time and skill than that which appears on the surface. It will take some time yet in visiting the doctors and arranging for the proper care of the children. I assure you this will be carefully and thoroughly done."
The schools will cooperate with the home in every way possible to give these children special rest and care at school.
HEALTH PAGEANT
At the request of the State Department of Public Health, a health pageant was given in Memorial Hall, to which were invited school officials from all the towns in this section of the state. The preparation of this was assigned to the Cornish-Burton School District under the direction of Miss Helen M. Riese, the principal. The State Department expressed its appreciation for our co- operation and splendid work.
EXHIBITIONS
During the year exhibits of all phases of school work were held. The Junior High School, Senior High School, and Individual School displayed their work at Memorial
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Hall for three days, during which time several thousand visited it. In June the elementary schools held their ex- hibits in their respective schools. All these were of a very fine standard and were highly praised by parents and by educational authorities from out of town.
The Individual School displayed its work again at the annual state conference of special class teachers at Bridgewater. The work of the Drawing Department was shown at the annual meeting of the Plymouth County Teachers' Association. Visitors commended very highly all the work of each exhibit. The town may well be proud of the work being done in its schools.
A SAFETY MEASURE
An amendment to the town by-laws should be adopted which would forbid the passing of hand bills or other advertising material to school children on their way to or from school. Occasionally as pupils are lined up on the sidewalks for dismissal some one appears and passes out bills. Immediately the child's attention is distracted and he thinks no more of crossing the streets in safety but of the contents of hand bill. Frequently it also means strewing the streets with papers. On two occasions the police have quickly helped the situation. However, some definite regulation should be adopted to prevent possible accidents.
INCREASED WORK OF ATTENDANCE SUPERVISOR AND SCHOOL NURSE
During the past year the attendance supervisor has made more than twice as many investigations as last year. The causes of absence lie not so much in sickness as in the financial inability of parents to meet the needs of their children for proper clothing and food. In many cases the parents should have sympathy, help, and en- couragement. To a greater extent than ever before local
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relief agencies and the school teachers have cooperated to remedy these conditions by giving shoes, clothing, milk, and food. Much extra work has fallen upon the at- tendance supervisor and the school nurse to determine the cases of real need. Valuable constructive work of a social nature has been accomplished by them.
THE CORDAGE KINDERGARTEN DISCONTINUED
In September the Plymouth Cordage Company dis- continued the kindergarten which it had maintained for several years. The training given many hundreds of children under school age was exceedingly valuable, es- pecially for those children with a foreign language handicap. Such kindergarten training brings about an adjustment of the child to school work and permits more rapid advancement in the first grade. The schools are deeply grateful for this contribution. When Plym- outh recovers from its present depression, it should es- tablish kindergartens as a part of its school system.
INCREASED FACILITIES NEEDED AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Full reports of the needs of the Senior High School have been explained in previous school reports. Such conditions as exist are exceedingly deplorable. Defi- nite plans and actual figures of cost will be ready in the near future. The town should make every reason- able effort to remedy these conditions at once for the sake of the children who are being deprived of ade- quate educational facilities.
CHANGE AT CEDARVILLE SCHOOL
In September the several pupils in grades five and six were sent to the Sagamore Grammar School. Some of these pupils go from Long Pond and some from Cedar- ville, but at no added expense for transportation. The additional cost is for tuition. It is impossible for any
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teacher to teach 30 pupils in six grades as has been the case in the Cedarville School with as much success as a teacher who has only one or two grades. The change meant that the teacher can give 75 minutes to each grade instead of only 50 minutes. The school has shown some improvement and should show even more by the end of the year. The pupils at Sagamore have teachers with only one grade so that they receive much more individual help and are making much better progress.
At the present time about twenty pupils are trans- ported from Long Pond to Cedarville and Sagamore. Some parents would like a school in Long Pond. This would mean two small schools with six grades each, which is undesirable. Some parents would like to have their children brought into the town. This would be pos- sible, but the roads in the winter and spring are apt to be bad. Some parents would like a two-room school built so that each teacher would have only three grades. Such a building would be excellent but would be an expense which cannot be justified at present. Wherever placed there would be transportation needed.
While there are some drawbacks to the present solu- tion, it is the best from an educational and economical standpoint.
MISS KATHARINE A. O'BRIEN RESIGNS
In December Miss Katharine A. O'Brien submitted her resignation to take effect August 1, 1932. For forty-six years she will have given her services unstintingly to the school children of Plymouth. Too much credit cannot be given to her for the faithful discharge of her duties. Her record and her achievements are set forth in the set of resolutions adopted by the School Committee and printed elsewhere in the report. The superintendent has had full confidence in her ability to discharge her duties with unusual efficiency. She has been not only a skilled
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teacher of teachers but the real friend of every boy and girl in her school. Her heart has been in her work.
CONCLUSION
I wish to express my appreciation to the several town departments who have given their hearty cooperation: the Fire Department for its services in checking the schools for fire hazards and the efficiency of the school fire drills, the Police Department for making the streets safer for the children, the Engineering Department for making several surveys, and the other departments for their services. The Public Library and Cordage Library are invaluable.
To the present members of the School Committee and to Mr. Frederick D. Bartlett, formerly chairman for sev- eral years, and to Mr. A. Perry Richards who retired in March, I wish to extend my thanks for their deep inter- est in the work of the schools.
It is impossible to carry on the school work in these days of depression without the whole-hearted support of every principal, supervisor and teacher. Their will- ingness to sacrifice for the welfare of the children has been noteworthy. It is with renewed faith in this spirit of service, that we shall "carry on".
Respectfully submitted,
ANSON B. HANDY, Superintendent.
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REPORT OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The predictions made in last year's report have been more than fulfilled. The increase in enrollment in the three upper classes is greater than anticipated. Instead of 40 more pupils than we had a year ago there are ap- proximately 60 more. The following table will indicate the membership of the school as of December 23, 1931.
Class of 1932 110
1933
139
1934
191
1935
189
Total 629
The only way to accommodate the larger number of pupils was to convert the sewing room into a class room seating 32 pupils. This necessitated crowding the sewing tables and other equipment into an already cramped cooking room where both the light and ventilation are poor. Also the situation was relieved by having three classes meet from 12:30 to 1:10 daily, and by forming 12 over-size classes which are really too large for good work. Furthermore two teachers are each carrying an extra class. Every available room is used every period of the morning session except a small typewriting room which is vacant one period only. By having the Freshmen use lockers in the assembly hall we can provide home room stations for each pupil although there is some crowding.
Educationally our present state is worse than that of a year ago, for in addition to the abbreviated time schedule described in my report of a year ago we have considerable more difficulty in meeting the needs of indi- vidual pupils because of the large classes mentioned above. One must bear in mind that a teacher must first teach and then re-teach those who failed to comprehend the subject when first presented. Both of these pro- cesses are very much hampered by the restrictions of space and time.
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There have been no important changes in the curricu- lum during the past year. A few changes in the teach- ing force occurred. Two teachers were transferred to the upper school and four new teachers secured, two as replacements, and two to provide for classes made neces- sary by an unusually large school. In spite of the ad- verse conditions under which we are working, I can say without fear of contradiction that the spirit of the school is excellent. There is an atmosphere of work and coop- eration which is very gratifying. I base my assertion not alone on my own observations but also on the com- ments of both pupils and teachers.
Classroom visitation, supervision of teaching, confer- ences with teachers and pupils have been carried on more intensively than ever before. We are all constantly striving to improve professionally by study, reading, dis- cussions in faculty meetings, and some by taking college courses.
We have given more careful attention to testing and grading in an effort to measure a pupil's work as accur- ately as possible. We are using the objective type of test quite extensively. The essay type of test has not been eliminated, however, for we realize that it has place and serves a useful purpose.
I feel that we should have a different type of diploma. The wording of the diploma now used is not properly de- scriptive of the purpose for which it is given. I believe that some provision should be made for distinguishing the curriculum studied, the quality of the work done, and that reference to conduct should be omitted. I suggest that this matter be investigated by a qualified committee or person and a change made before the graduation of the class of 1932.
Preparation for college entrance examinations began about October 1. Any candidates are required to do addi- tional work afternoons under the direction of the sub- ject teachers. Some are attending classes in subjects
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which they have already taken in order to "brush up". All will be required to pass several College Entrance Board Examinations of former years before the school recommends them for this year's tests.
The stage in the assembly hall has been refitted with suitable curtains and lights, making possible its extended and more satisfactory use.
I am sending out bulletins of information for parents with the report cards. The purpose is to secure better un- derstanding of our aims and problems. Reaction has been favorable. I am sure that when the general public understands the actual accomplishments of education, there will be more sympathetic cooperation with the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
WAYNE M. SHIPMAN, Principal.
REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
I herewith submit my final report of the Junior High School, after fifteen years as its principal.
There has been a noteworthy increase in the daily at- tendance, due, no doubt, to the continued good health of the pupils. Looking back over the years before medical inspection was introduced, one realizes how beneficial this department is to a school today.
By means of the physical and dental examinations con- tagious diseases have been checked, physical defects cor- rected, unhealthful conditions in teeth removed, and ad- vice given on the necessity for cleanliness, proper nour- ishment, rest, and pure air.
To the follow-up work of the school nurse and dental hygienist, the school owes its splendid attendance, and
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today pupils have no excuse for absenting themselves from school except for extraordinary reasons. Outdoor exercises daily, and rest periods for those unable to take strenuous exercises contribute also to the health of the school. Surely, children these days have much to be thankful for in the changed environment of the school, which combines study and exercise.
Perhaps the most outstanding change between the school of today and that of former years is the change in teaching methods. Formerly, it was education of the class, today it is the education of the individual. Before the introduction of Intelligence Tests, Achievement and Inventory Tests, the teachers' judgment was the sole criteria for classifying pupils. Today, classification takes place, in nearly all cases, by scientific methods. This makes the work in the classroom not only more helpful to the pupil but affords him the opportunity to work to his greatest capacity.
The modern school has broadened its program of study so that it includes a number of subjects not formerly taught. There are fewer failures, because all have the opportunity of taking some subject which they appreci- ate and which is adapted to their abilities. Manual train- ing is one subject that has proved its worth.
Formal discipline has given way to pupil participa- tion. Today we have pupils trained for leadership. These cooperate in maintaining good order in the school and outside. Their aim is social service in creating a de- sirable school spirit. A guidance program gives boys and girls an outlook upon life outside the school, and a chance to think about their vocation. While the school of the Past had its fine ideals of service, the school of Today moves ahead, and fits every individual to a program adapted to the needs of the boy or girl.
In closing, I desire to express my appreciation to the School Committee, to you, Mr. Handy, to the teachers
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past and present, for the loyal and consistent cooperation given me in carrying on my policies in the school. Respectfully submitted,
KATHARINE A. O'BRIEN, Principal.
REPORT OF HEDGE SCHOOL
It has been the custom in our schools for several years to choose one subject as a basis for a cooperative unit of work in order that all of the grades could arrange their activities around one central idea. Our subject for this year was "Our Town" from 1620-1931. A complete de- scription is impossible on account of limited space.
Much thought and time were given to the compiling of these units in order to make them valuable to the boys and girls, to provide situations so that they would ac- quire a knowledge of the town adequate for their ages, to correlate all school subjects with the study of Plym- outh, and to present the work in such a way that it would be of vital interest to the children. Extensive research work was done by both teachers and pupils, resulting in collections of valuable data.
During the year the children visited the places of his- torical interest, banks, fire-engine house, stores, post of- fice, public library, and other public buildings. When visits were not feasible they wrote letters to the heads of departments for information. In both instances they were treated with the greatest kindness and courtesy.
As a culmination of the activities the year's work was displayed in the assembly hall of the school in June to give parents and friends an opportunity to see what had been accomplished. Extending entirely around the room was a frieze, two feet high, which was drawn in
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color by the fifth and sixth grade pupils under the direc- tion of the classroom teachers. The scenes portrayed il- lustrated the various topics in the outline making a fitting border for the posters, booklets, and handwork which were exhibited.
These general outcomes were derived from the activity as a whole. (1) A fair knowledge of the town, (2) An appreciation of what the early pioneers endured and suf- fered in building up the town, (3) A desire to become good and useful citizens, (4) Enriched experiences through observation and study, (5) Skill in finding need- ed material and organizing it, (6) Improvement in writ- ten and oral English, (7) Increased vocabulary, (8) Bet- ter penmanship, (9) Development of leadership and cre- ative power, (10) An appreciation of the contributions made by other nationalities, (11) A closer relation be- tween school and home.
The Chadwick Clinic showed the desirability of ar- ranging for special care to be given several of our pupils. On a small scale a Rest and Nutrition Class has been formed. An opportunity is given for two rest periods a day and milk is provided. So far it has proved success- ful, nearly all of the children in the class having gained a little in weight, and one, especially, has shown a marked improvement in scholastic ability.
The evening session on November the ninth met with the general approval of all. One hundred twenty-five parents and friends visited the teachers in their respec- tive classrooms at that time, and, as the children were not present to claim the attention of the teachers, there was ample time to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The Hedge School Citizenship Clubs continue to be a strong force in the school. Classroom clubs meet once a week to discuss ways and means of improving the school and the school club has a meeting once a month when the councillors from all of the clubs report what has been done in their rooms and show samples of their work.
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Classroom inspection for health and the Health News- paper play an important part in the betterment of the school as in the past.
The Hedge School is fortunate in having teachers who are not only professionally able to carry out extensive units but who are willing to give the amount of time outside of school hours necessary for the successful com- pletion of such undertakings. They do this with one thought in mind, the best for the boys and girls entrusted to their care.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH H. SAMPSON, Principal.
REPORT OF CORNISH-BURTON DISTRICT
One of the major aims of public school education is to teach the value and care of strong healthy bodies. The boys and girls of the Cornish-Burton District had this emphatically impressed upon them last spring through their participation in a Health Pageant. The perform- ance given under the direct supervision of the State De- partment of Public Health was a demonstration of what the public schools are trying to teach boys and girls about health and the protection given them through such agencies as the doctor's examinations, dental work and nurse's inspections.
Through an exhibit held at the Cornish School last May, we tried to show the type of work we are attempting to accomplish in our district. A great effort is being made to stress not only the essentials of subject matter and to raise the scholarship standards which we believe vitally important but also to develop social and personal quali- ties which we know to be essential toward better citi- zenship. Each teacher is making a special effort to know the ability and handicaps of each individual child in her
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group. Children, like adults, learn in different ways- some by hearing, some by seeing, and a large number by doing. To meet this need it is necessary to adjust the methods of teaching to the child.
We also feel that teaching children how to study and where information may be obtained especially important factors.
The enrollment of the Cornish and Burton Schools has been increased somewhat through the transference of bus children to this district. This also made it necessary for approximately fifty-five children to remain on the school grounds for lunch and through the noon hour. A teacher is in charge of this group each day and it is possi- ble for these children to have a hot drink with their lunches served at a minimum fee.
We are continuing the piano classes conducted by Miss Susan Bowditch and feel that the children taking advan- tage of these lessons are receiving very good foundation in piano instruction.
Several sixth grade boys contributed their bit toward Christmas cheer by repairing and painting toys brought in by children in the school. These toys were put in sev- eral Christmas baskets.
We were especially pleased that so many parents made the effort to come to our schools the evening of Novem- ber ninth. The teachers and principal felt that the per- sonal conferences played an important part in bringing about increased effort and achievement on the part of many pupils. We appreciate this cooperation and would like to express our desire to talk with parents at any time concerning the welfare of their children.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN M. RIESE, Principal.
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REPORT OF KNAPP SCHOOL
In the fall before Education Week, invitations were written by the pupils and taken home, asking parents to be sure and visit the regular classroom sessions some- time during the week. There was considerable response and a goodly number of visitors came. It is regrettable that more do not visit the schools and see for themselves what is going on at the regular sessions rather than waiting and coming when special programs are being given and conditions are not quite normal.
On one evening of Education Week the teachers were all in their classrooms to meet and discuss work of indi- vidual pupils with their parents. I believe the results of this evening were far superior to that of former years-where pupils came and classes were conducted.
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