USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1930-1931 > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
During the week of June 1st an exhibit of pupils' work was held in the assembly room. We aimed to show actual work done by pupils in as large a variety as possible, trying to have all subjects and types illustrated. There were a large number of visitors during the week, who seemed well interested.
A school orchestra was started early last fall, using the Harlow system; Mr. G. Herbert Clarke being the in- structor. Our greatest difficulty is lack of instruments. There are at the present time a number who would like to join but in the present period of business depression find the purchase of an instrument impossible. Real progress has been made, however, by those who have been able to join.
The old rigid discipline of the school room is now a thing of the past. Pupils are taught to plan, think, and execute for themselves either individually or in groups. Much project and group work has been undertaken this past year - thus the work being made more vital to the pupil as it becomes a part of his life. A much better spir- it of cooperation and citizenship is thus developed under the newer methods.
-41-
Standard Tests have been given at different times dur- ing the year and the results compared very favorably with those of other towns and cities. Best of all, how- ever, teachers are making careful use of the results and giving remedial work where it has been shown to be necessary. Much group work has been developed as a result of these tests. Without this, follow up tests are of far lesser results.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM I. WHITNEY, Principal.
REPORT OF THE MT. PLEASANT SCHOOL
Again this year the teachers have strongly emphasized and excelled in their definite work to differentiate in- struction for the stronger and the weaker pupils or the gifted and less gifted pupils.
The work along this line, last year, progressed so well and so pleasantly that it seemed as though we had made but a beginning in our methods and our study before the year came to a close.
It is most interesting to note the possibilities that one discovers for all pupils both by classification and differ- entiation of instruction so as to carry each up to the top level of his ability.
The results of the achievement tests given earlier in the year have proven gratifying and have afforded some very definite material with which to work.
The teachers' enthusiasm and interest in professional books show that they are professionally alert, progres- sive, and eager to fit themselves to be of the greatest service to Plymouth and its children.
Of great interest to the children in the intermediate grades is their correspondence with children in other sections of the United States. This has been carried on most extensively. Correspondence of this kind not only means to the pupil that a two cent stamp has made new
-42-
acquaintanceship but that this new friend's locality, filled with its own pleasures and discoveries, never dreamed of before, has been brought closer to him. These letters, too, freqently lead to map study and acquaint the children with such problems as are outlined in their own grade curriculum, thus making a most appealing introduction to new required subject matter for the teachers.
There is a very appreciable spirit and much improve- ment in the daily health habits on the part of everyone as an outgrowth of some new material in the form of month- ly health slogans prepared by Miss Macdonald.
The school orchestra, containing violins, cornets, clari- nets, and a guitar is of goodly size in proportion to our school enrollment. The classes in piano, which we began last year, were discontinued for the remainder of the year because of the small enrollment. We have again under- taken this with another group this year, having a larger number. Excellent work is being done in these groups.
John Dewey has said: "What the best and wisest par- ent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children." It is evident that we have a district with that desire and may we express our appreci- ation for the cooperation given us by the parents.
Respectfully submitted,
SIGNE L. JOHNSON, Principal.
REPORT OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
The function of the Individual School, in relation to the community, is to promote constructional development to the greatest degree possible, in children who are slow in acquiring knowledge.
By recognizing individual needs in emotional re- actions, in physical abilities, in home life, in heredity and social opportunities, we develop the best in each child.
The world can never get along without unskilled work- men to carry out the directions of leaders. The laborer
-43-
who does his work well is of economic value to a com- munity. A child of slow mentality can be trained to fol- low directions with mechanical skill. In other words, it is our chief objective to train these children to carry out instructions faithfully and with their maximum degree of intelligence. We stress training in practical skills with drill in academic instruction commensurate with their ability.
The two exhibitions of the work accomplished in the Individual School during the year, may be accepted as proof of the foregoing statements.
At a conference of special class teachers, held at Bridgewater Normal School, March 15, 1931, the work done by the special classes of several towns was ex- hibited. The children of the Plymouth Individual School were highly praised for the excellence of their workman- ship.
During the week, beginning May 4, 1931, the results of our creative and academic work were placed on exhibi- tion in Memorial Hall of this town. The public at large was given a chance to see what can be accomplished with mentally retarded children if they are given intensive, individual instruction.
This demonstration of pre-vocational experiences in a variety of lines, including sewing, cooking, woodwork, weaving, homemaking, arts and crafts, penmanship, arithmetic, spelling and other subjects proved to the people of Plymouth that these children, by learning to do their work well, by establishing habits of success for habits of failure, by developing correct physical, moral and mental habits, may in time give to the town young men and young women well fitted for citizenship.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. JACKSON, Principal.
-44-
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mrs. Frances H. Buck, Supervisor of Music, reports :
The aim of music in the schools is three-fold: first, that music shall make the child happier and act as a so- cializing force; second, that the plan of study shall offer teachers and parents an opportunity to discover latent capacities and interests of the child; and third, that or- ganized musical experience shall set up influences which will serve the child as recreational, cultural and voca- tional guidance in the development of his ultimate rela- tionship with music.
Music in the elementary schools adheres to a carefully graded course of study and continues the policy of adapt- ing the music to the child.
Instrumental classes are being conducted in the schools throughout the town and results are still prov- ing very satisfactory. The continuance of this instruc- tion assures material for the orchestras of the Junior and Senior High Schools.
At the High School, chorus work with the three upper classes was discontinued because of crowded condi- tions. A glee club has been organized with a satis- factory percentage of the school enrolled. The members of the club are studying a light opera to be presented later in the year. A double quartette of boys is a new feature of this year's work and each week finds them re- hearsing earnestly. The entire freshman class has chorus singing and continues to uphold the reputation of freshman choruses of previous years. The State Depart- ment of Education is advising a four-year course of music for high schools that will meet the new admission credit in music for State Normal Schools which becomes effective in September 1932. Many high schools have incorporated this music course, and it seems advisable to
-45-
give the matter serious consideration because of the in- creasing number of students who are interested in music as a vocation.
Music in the Junior High School should have the pres- ent time allotment increased considerably. One 40- minute period weekly for each class offers little oppor- tunity for developing the many phases of music educa- tion so necessary for the adolescent; namely, chorus work, glee clubs, music appreciation and musical assem- blies.
The South Street School continues with the same policy of adapting the subject to the child's needs. Songs are used for chorus work which are a natural part of every person's musical experience - folk and student songs, Christmas carols and patriotic songs. Rythmic training and development should have an important place in the work at this school but until some of the nec- essary equipment can be obtained, this type of instruc- tion must be neglected.
Piano instruction is being given to the children of the Manomet School and the interest of all concerned is grat- ifying.
REPORT OF SUPERVISORS OF DRAWING
Miss Faith C. Stalker, Elementary Supervisor of Draw- ing, reports :
We are attempting more correlation of art with other studies, for example, history and literature, which can be enriched by use of drawing. An instance of this was a project which was carried through twelve weeks in two sixth grades. Greek friezes were executed on strips of Upson board four feet high by twelve feet long. Each pupil contributed one figure. To produce these pictures they studied proportions of human face and figure, Greek
-46-
costume, historic ornament, perspective, use of color and composition. The project gave the pupils great satis- faction and held their interest. Other sixth grades again competed and won prizes in the Annual Poster Contest of the Massachusetts S. P. C. A. This, also, is an activity that covers several weeks and gives the children valua- ble experience.
A number of merchants of Plymouth have offered the use of store windows and will contribute prizes for a window trimming contest open to High School and freshmen students. This will give a few of these pupils practical experience in one of the many uses of art in the business world. In December a group of twelve firms gave prizes and paid for the printing of some Christmas greeting folders which were colored by pupils in the fifth and sixth grades, Junior and Senior High Schools.
Miss Virginia Dowling, Supervisor of Drawing in the Junior and Senior High Schools, reports :
Aside from the regulation work carried on in the Art department, such as the study of color, design, and free- hand drawing, special attention is being given to project work. The study of marionettes has been taken up, cov- ering the history, making and working the marionette, building the stage, designing the scenery, and writing the play. Although this was worked out primarily for a High School assembly program, the work was so suc- cessful that eighteen performances were given, visits being made to all the schools in the system.
In the High School we have made some gain in num- bers over last year's enrollment, though, owing to the crowded schedule and short periods many pupils who are interested are unable to register for the course. Out of last year's group two pupils have gone on with their art work, one in Boston and the other in New York. Both are doing good work. From this year's class there are three who plan to enter art school in the fall. For this reason we are planning in the near future a trip to Boston where
-47-
visits will be made to various exhibitions and art schools so the students will gain a better knowledge of what is being done by others in this field.
Another point of interest in both Junior and Senior High School Art has been that of outdoor sketching. Students showing particular talent or the desire to join the group were taken out. This has led, we have learned, to a number of students continuing work of this kind during the summer months. From this group has devel- oped a Junior High School Sketch Club made up of six eighth and six seventh grade pupils showing considerable talent. Meetings are held twice a month and special attention is given to freehand drawing.
"Art, like other subjects, has received this critical ex- amination and the conclusion is that the techniques of drawing and painting are not of major importance. The most important thing is to gain an appreciation of beauty wherever it may be found. Comparatively few persons will ever be called upon to express their ideas graphically ir their daily work, but every person will find aesthetic satisfaction in the power to choose those things which are beautiful and harmonious."
"The schools do not aim to turn out artists in the sense of technical skill and knowledge, they only hope to im- plant a feeling of beauty and harmony in the selection of things which surround them. The true artist is he who walks with beauty."
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The chief emphasis in physical education has been upon posture. Mr. J. H. Smith, Director of Physical Edu- cation, reports :
Individual attention has been given to the pupils need- ing instruction in body mechanics. Correction of poor posture requires conscious and persistent daily effort and
-48-
a desire on the part of the pupil to improve his or her posture. The school physician's lists of below standard pupils have been given special class work. These pupils meet twice a week and are given instruction and exer- cises, which if followed daily will improve their condi- tion. This requires the cooperation of both home and school.
The fall athletic activities, football, soccer, and girls' field hockey enjoyed successful seasons. The numbers participating increased over previous years. Additional schedules were arranged for freshmen and second team members.
The junior high school inter-room soccer leagues re- ceived the enthusiastic support of all the boys. This sub- stitute for rugby football in the junior high school has provided a real means of outdoor recreation and devel- opment of motor skills, with a minimum of physical con- tact.
Mrs. Beatrice E. Garvin, Elementary Supervisor of Physical Education, reports :
There have been three special aims during this past year of work as supervisor in the elementary grades. First, the continuance and cooperation of the department in the posture work. Posture grows definitely worse as one grows older, hence the importance of improving the attitude and body mechanics of the child while still in the first school years. It is a problem that needs the co- operation of all influences with which the child comes in contact-doctor, home, teacher, etc. The necessities for 'results must be a favorable mental attitude-desire; physical knowledge-how to take good posture; physical ability-muscular coordination to hold it. The second is particularly the problem of the physical director, and that is the point toward which the corrective program is aimed. Second, the work planned for the teachers in lesson outlines is aimed to teach children skills based on traditional seasonal activities-soccer, basketball, base-
-49-
ball. The child's natural life is active so that the school time may well concern itself with skills taught through modified activities, which will lead to participation in major sports in later years. The team formation is used for all lessons, with captains responsible for scoring, equipment and delegating of responsibility.
At least ten hours a week has been given to work with the High School girls-hockey in the fall, basketball in the winter, track in the spring. The freshmen now have instruction in game skills and should be more interested in continuing sports than formerly, when they joined a squad of upper classmen who were proficient in a game totally unfamiliar to them.
REPORT OF SUPERVISORS OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE
Miss Ruth E. Cummings, Instructor in Household Arts in Senior High School, reports :
The aim of the Home Economics Department is to teach pupils to become better citizens by studying subjects deal- ing with the home from which influence radiates to the community, nation, and world.
Realizing the importance of this matter the course at the Plymouth High School has been made much more comprehensive in the last four years. No longer are just cooking and sewing taught. Instead of cooking just one dish at a time, a girl learns how to select the proper foods and serve them attractively. Instead of making just a dress, a girl learns, as well, how to buy more wisely, to dress becomingly and suitably, and how to care for her clothes after purchasing. Other phases of home life are also stressed. How to plan a home, make it attractive, and manage it are units dealt with. The value of family relationships and family finances are important topics which are studied.
Plymouth twenty-two
-50-
As boys are as much a part of the family as girls, the opportunity for them to take up the phases of home life was given to them this year. It was welcomed with a hearty response and they are proving to be interested students of the problems of the home.
Realizing that the artistic element of the home is im- portant as well as the practical side, one period a week is given by the art teacher in correlation to the work being taken up.
The real value of the work of the department will carry over with the normal home life of the communities of tomorrow.
The department has not grown rapidly due to the lack of equipment which should be as near like a home as possible and to the very crowded conditions under which we work. Considering these two set backs the department has done well to maintain its own and to show a slight growth. With proper equipment and room in which to grow the pupils will show a greater interest in this vital subject. Since every individual makes a contribution to home membership and citizenship the subject should be made compulsory rather than elective.
Miss Amy Hammond, teacher of foods classes in the Junior High School, reports :
We have felt it desirable to emphasize in our program ways of spending more wisely. Economy has been stressed in the following ways :
1. More work in canning, preserving, and jelly mak- ing, has been provided. Many girls brought surplus fruits and vegetables from their own gardens and preserved these for home consumption.
2. The use of left-overs, and the preparation of cheap and nourishing foods have been emphasized.
3. Understanding of necessity of including milk, fruit, and vegetables in even the most restricted budget, has been developed.
In those eighth grade classes which are allowed addi- tional time for home economics work, a course in family
-51-
relationships is being given. This course aims to give the girl a greater appreciation and broader understand- ing of her relation to her family, and to develop in her a desire to cooperate in her home. Some of the topics dis- cussed are: the cost of financing the home, helping mother with the housekeeping, caring for younger chil- dren, making home friendly and entertaining, the rela- tion of the home to the community. These are prelimin- ary to a broader study in the Senior High School as ex- plained in Miss Cummings' report.
Miss Grace Blackmer, teacher of sewing, reports :
As it would be very difficult for all pupils to buy new materials for their clothing work this year, a new plan was adopted. Instead of making clothing for themselves, the girls made garments for younger children. In this way, less material was required and, in many cases, the garment was "made over" from dresses belonging to old- er people. Whenever possible, these dresses were made for smaller sisters, cousins or friends of the girls in the classes ; but if a pupil had no particular child for whom she wished to sew, her garment was given to the Frag- ment society.
MANUAL ARTS IN JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
Mr. Deane E. Eldridge, Head of Manual Arts Depart- ment, reports :
Manual training has been taught as a part of the school program in Plymouth since 1891, during which time many improvements in equipment and accommodations have taken place.
In order that the work may proceed along definite lines, the following objectives for industrial arts have been set up.
-52-
(a) To teach a boy to make and do things.
(b) To train in the common skills.
(c) To furnish the boy with try-out experiences.
(d) To train for resourcefulness.
(e) To strive for creditable workmanship.
(f) To prepare for shop management.
(h) To train boys to love and respect work.
Every accomplishment must meet these aims in order to be worthy of a place in the course.
The time allotted to this type of work varies with the type of pupil taking it. Each boy is required to have at least two periods a week. A greater number is given to those who elect the special shop course, or who may not possess the ability to master the regular school subjects as quickly as others. This group will undoubtedly be the future tradesmen and will benefit greatly from this extra training.
Much time and thought has been devoted to the selec- tion of suitable projects. The result is that no project is undertaken that has not been previously planned and analyzed by the instructor. Each project must provide as many new experiences and technical skills as is possi- ble to combine in one project. The instructor believes that the making of these well-designed, worthwhile arti- cles goes far toward minimizing the disciplinary problems which are coming in many school shops.
The shop is available in the afternoon for those fresh- men who wish to continue this work one more year. A course in mechanical drawing is taught in connection with the shop course, the two being closely correlated. The students in drafting learn to read working drawings, make quick freehand sketches, make simple working drawings, and to understand the language of the drafting trade. This course in shop work and drafting has proved very popular as is evidenced by the continual requests from upper classmen to be allowed to continue. Our chief regret is that we are so handicapped by lack of
-53-
room that we are forced to abandon a work which we feel is well begun.
Even though we are proud of the work done by the boys, there are many things which can and will eventual- ly be accomplished within this department. A few of the problems which are still in the early stages of develop- ment are :
(a) A satisfactory method of testing shop skills and ac- quired information to determine how much has been learned.
(b) A lending library of tools to encourage the making and repairing of articles at home.
(c) A sample of each project to serve as a model for pupils and as a permanent display for all visitors.
(d) A method whereby the repairing and refinishing of articles from home will be encouraged.
(e) A program of industrial visits to acquaint the boys with their local industries.
(f) A more extensive use of the public library in all matters pertaining to shop work and other boy ac- tivities.
There is too great a tendency to measure the success of a shop course by the type of projects turned out. Too little concern is paid to the experiences of the boy while making that article. Was the boy happy ? Did he become discouraged ? Did he master each new situation ? Could he make another project like the first one in less time and improve upon it? We do know that the boys who take manual training are interested in their work, that they develop habits of work by working, and learn a great many things which they heretofore did not know.
-54-
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF AMERICAN- IZATION AND EVENING SCHOOLS
Mr. William I. Whitney, Director of Americanization and Evening Schools, reports :
The Americanization and Evening School Classes are in session on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for a period of twenty weeks beginning the last week in October. Classes are conducted at the Knapp and Cornish Schools and the Plymouth Cordage Company's Plant.
At the present time one hundred twenty-one are en- rolled in these classes. Of this number seventeen are illiterate minors, who are required by law to attend an evening school until the work of the first six grades shall have been completed.
Regular attendance in all these classes is very import- ant. In all Americanization Classes the pupil must have attended at least fifty hours to obtain a State Certificate for work accomplished. Our attendance in these classes has been excellent. The men and women, who comprise them, being fully aware of the advantages they offer and wish to make the most of them.
Americanization cannot be imposed from without. It is best handled when the immigrant becomes assimilated through his own efforts and a lively desire. Citizenship is a goal to be prized and sought after-not to be forced.
Since our first Citizenship Class ten years ago, how- ever, no person enrolled and certified by teacher and di- rector has failed to pass the required educational test of the Federal Naturalization Examiner.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.