USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1934-1936 > Part 13
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In September, Miss Susie Macdonald, the school nurse for the past twenty-one years, resigned because of ill health. Miss Macdonald's work has been out- standing for many years. She was unusually efficient in dealing with the under-privileged children, in whom she took a real interest. Her work was taken up by Miss Hilda Swett, a graduate of Brockton City Hospital, who has had ten years of superior experience as a nurse in hospitals and homes.
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Miss Elizabeth Hendry, who had given excellent service in the home economics work at the Senior High School for the past two years, resigned in September to go to Medford High School. Her position was filled by Miss Kathleen McNerny, who graduated from Simmons College with an excellent record.
In June, Mrs. Emma H. Anderson resigned as teacher of the Wellingsley School, where she had given excel- lent service for the past six years. Miss Muriel G. Bradford, a graduate of Wheelock Training School, with one year in private school work and one year as a cadet teacher at the Mt. Pleasant and Cornish Schools, suc- ceeded her.
Miss Frances M. Fowler resigned her fifth grade at the Hedge School because of poor health and was suc- ceeded by Miss Elizabeth Quartz, the cadet teacher at the Hedge School. Miss Fowler was a very valuable teacher.
Three new elementary teachers were appointed. The two cadets are Miss Dolores Guidoboni at the Hedge School and Miss Louise Tosi at the Mt. Pleasant School, both of whom graduated last June from the Bridge- water State Teachers College with records which placed them in the upper half of their class. Miss Dorice A. Knowles, a graduate of the Perry Kindergarten School, was chosen because of her fine record, for the sub- primary position at the Hedge School.
Owing to the large classes at the Junior High School it was decided to return one of the two teachers recent- ly eliminated as an economy measure. Mr. David P. Matthews, who received his master's degree from Bos- ton University in June specializing in English and Vo- cational Guidance, and who has had excellent experi- ence in private school work, was added to the faculty. He also devotes some time to guidance courses at the Senior High School.
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In October Miss S. Claire Downey, after four years of very satisfactory service, resigned as teacher of grade five at the Mt. Pleasant School because of her approaching marriage. Her position was filled tempor- arily by a substitute and later by the transfer of a teacher.
F.E.R.A. IN EDUCATION
The Federal Government has continued its appropri- ation to put unemployed, qualified, needy adults at work in certain lines of approved activities. The persons applying for educational work submitted their ques- tionnaire with respect to their financial conditions to the F.E.R.A. headquarters in Boston. There those with the necessary educational qualifications were placed in one of three classes: Class A, persons who met the requirements of the department in regard to need; Class B, those whose need was not so great and who could be employed when Class A in the whole state was exhausted; and Class I, those ineligible because of rea- sonable financial conditions within the family. Of the local A group, two men were placed in adult recreational activities for twenty-four hours a week, at a salary of eighteen dollars a week. A part of the work was car- ried on in Harris Hall, through the courtesy and cooper- ation of the Plymouth Cordage Company, a part at the State Armory, and a part at the Plymouth Boys' Club. Two other men, one a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College and the other of Michigan University, were given groups in adult education, consisting of English, Arithmetic and Civics. Some of those who enrolled wished commercial studies but these could not be taught, the requirements being that commercial edu- cation may be "provided for unemployed adults" and "in the daytime only." The subjects offered could only be given as an "opportunity class," that is, on an indi- vidual basis, rather than in the usual manner of class instruction. Under these restrictions only a small number maintained their interest.
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In these days of increased leisure there should be a field for the development of a broad field of adult edu- cation. This, however, would require a trained admin- istrator and competent leaders in varied fields, academic and recreational, the latter including music, art, dra- matics and games. The expense should not be borne by a real estate tax.
PER PUPIL COSTS
Year Ending Dec. 31 1935
Year Ending June 31 1931 State Plymouth
State
1933 Plymouth
State
1934 Plymouth
1934 Budget Proposed Budget
General Expenses
$3.84
$3.39
$3.53
$2.80
$3.30
$2.72
$2.84
$2.85 **
Teachers' Salaries
69.92
66.80
65.27
59.06
63.05
49.36+
57.85
59.40
Supplies
5.68
5.38
3.79
3.37
4.17
3.79
3.74
4.08
Operation
10.85
9.60
9.61
7.74
9.65
8.04
7.68
8.43
Maintenance
5.08
4.72
3.12
3.00
3.06
4.22*
2.68
2.81
Health
1.64
2.84
1.46
2.53
1.46
2.35
2.58
2.53
Tuition
1.03
48
1.10
.31
1.05
.51
.25
31
Total without Transportation
$98.04
$93.21
$87.87
$78.81
$85.75
$70.99
$77.62
$80.41
Transportation
2.72
7.60
2.52
5.15
2.46
6.84
6.38
6.42
Total Cost
$100.76
$100.81
$90.40
$83.96
$88.21
$77.83
$84.00
$86.83
i Decrease larely due to adoption of 12 monthly payment plan.
* Increase due to installation of vacu-drafts and materials for C. W. A. projects.
** Above based on 2570 pupils, the average attendance of June and December 1934. The total school enrollment in December 1934 was 2628.
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PER PUPIL COSTS
On the opposite page are given the per pupil costs in Plymouth as compared with those of the state. The costs in the state are those for the year ending June 30, while the costs in Plymouth are given for the year ending June 30 and for the calendar year ending December 31. In June 1931 the local cost of $100.81 was practically that of the state, but in June 1934 the local cost was $10.38 less per pupil than the state's. The element of teacher cost was greatly reduced for that year due to the beginning of the twelve monthly payment plan in the previous September. The budget figures for the year ending December 31, 1934, give a a more accurate basis of comparison. This shows a de- crease of $4.21 per pupil under the state cost. Based on the 2570 pupils, the average membership for the year, it means a saving of a little over $10,500 in the local budget as compared with a budget based on the state per pupil cost. The per pupil costs locally will be a little higher in 1935, due to increases in coal costs, supplies, and a slight increase in the total salaries due to annual auto- matic increases to teachers not on the maximum and to one additional teacher. Similar increased costs will also affect the state costs, so that there will still be a difference of approximately four dollars per pupil in 1935.
The above figures should clearly indicate that the School Department has done its part in reducing local costs to a minimum if the present efficiency is to be maintained.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORTS
Instead of being separated, the reports of Miss Eliz- abeth H. Sampson, Principal of Hedge and Mt. Pleas- ant Schools; Mr. William I. Whitney, Principal of Knapp School; Miss Helen M. Riese, Principal of Cornish and Burton School District; and Miss Elouise Ellis, Principal
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of Manomet School, have been combined into a joint report.
A. Grade Enrollments
"The Cornish and Burton School District has an en- rollment of 562 pupils. There is an average member- ship of 40 children in each classroom. The Oak Street and Cold Spring Schools average 32 pupils in a room. As most of the pupils transported in the town are brought to this district, there are about 80 boys and girls who bring a lunch and remain at the Cornish School during the noon hour. These pupils are cared for and have organized play under the direction of a cadet teacher."
At the Mt. Pleasant the fifth grade numbered over fifty as an unusually large number entered from the Wellingsley School. The transfer of a few pupils to the Cornish School was necessary. Another year the sixth grade will be large, but the other grades will be about as usual.
The number of pupils per teacher at the Hedge and Knapp Schools are less than in the above schools, but no further reduction of teachers is desirable, owing to the large number who are handicapped by coming from homes with a foreign language.
B. Pupil Participation
More and more pupils are thinking of their relations with others in terms of good citizenship. Citizenship clubs or organizations function in several schools.
Knapp School-"Taking advantage of conditions as they occur daily in school, the pupils are led to under- stand behavior problems and take part so that self- reliant, helpful, loyal, and more efficient citizens for tomorrow may be developed. The spirit of cooperation between pupils and teachers is excellent. It forms a working together for a common aim, during which the
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pupils are developing more than ever efficient and right practices of thinking, planning, and working."
"The Mt. Pleasant School has organized a school citi- zenship club and classroom clubs as a major activity. We anticipate success as much time and thought are being given to the work and already good results are evi- dent. Besides this project for the school as a whole, the teachers are planning shorter units of work sur- rounding the social studies of their individual rooms."
Cornish and Burton District-"By means of class or- ganizations and a group of council members made up of representatives from each grade, we are trying to em- phasizes the principles of good citizenship, character- training and safety education."
Hedge School-"Special attention is given to the development of desired character traits and, as hereto- fore, our school citizenship club with the clubs of the individual rooms are the major factors in this very important phase of work."
C. Activity Programs
Many teachers are developing some type of an activity program correlating the various subjects in her grade. One of the outstanding illustrations is the school project carried on in the Hedge School the past year under the direction of Miss Elizabeth H. Sampson, Principal, who describes it as follows :
Hedge School-
"In these days, when children have so many outside interests, school work must be made more and more at- tractive and presented in such a way that it appeals to them and makes them realize its importance. The teach- ers at the Hedge School who have devoted much time to the study of child welfare have solved this problem by having each year a cooperative activity - a year's plan based upon some subject of current interest in which
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the whole school participates as one body. From thirteen years of experience with this type of teachnig we are convinced that it is the best solution. The activity is organized with certain definite objectives in mind:
1. To secure the child's whole-hearted participation in his own education.
2. To provide situations both for group cooperation and for individual freedom.
3. To supply the children with a mastery of the tools of learning.
4. To furnish specific purposes for the formal sub- jects.
5. To arrange a program that will fix desired knowl- edges, habits and skills, attitudes and behavior."
"One of the greatest benefits derived from work of this kind is its socializing influence on the school for teachers as well as pupils. The teachers plan the work together, exchanging helpful ideas and materials. The pupils have the privilege of visiting all of the rooms to observe the progress of the unit, and assembly programs are given by the various classes to acquaint all with the work that is being done. All are working together for the good of the whole. Last year's activity, "The Profit- able Use of Leisure Time," the outline of which was given in my report for that year, surpassed our expecta- tions in its development and results. When it was com- pleted, the work was displayed in the classrooms to give the parents an opportunity to see what had been accom- plished. In connection with this, Humperdinck's Oper- etta, Hansel and Gretel, was given by the school, The singing of the choruses was the culmination of the work of the Glee Club for the year, the upper grade girls helped to make the costumes, the boys in manual train- ing made the scenery and many of the properties, and the dramatic work offered a fine chance to develop the latent talents of those included in the cast. The activity
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received considerable recognition outside of our own sys- tem. A part of the exhibit was displayed at the Barn- stable County Teachers' Convention and an account of the correlation of health teaching with the project was given. Slides of the work were shown at a conference of graduate students at the State Teachers College in Bridgewater accompanied by a description of the com- plete activity."
Cornish School-
Another project, which won very favorable comment at the Massachusetts Dental Convention held in Boston last May, was a primary unit of work developed at the Cornish School and supplemented with work from the Hedge and South Street Schools, correlating the dental program with other school subjects.
Manomet School-
"In our teaching matter we are attempting to make the subjects real, and therefore of great interest to each child. In our geographical and historical work we feel that our own town of Plymouth should be emphasized. In the fifth and sixth grades an intensive study of Plym- outh was started in October. The pupils in the fifth grade put their factual knowledge into an interesting moving picture of the early Pilgrims. The sixth grade visited all points of interest in Plymouth, ending with a very instructive visit at the Harlow House. There, the early industries were received with such keen interest that some were immediately re-enacted in the school room. Hand woven rugs and bayberry candles were made."
"These pupils then replied to letters sent them from pupils in Plymouth, England, giving them much of the history of Plymouth with illustrative postal cards, a hand woven mat, and Indian arrow-heads. Snapshots were also sent of a Pilgrim village made by the pupils of
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both grades, portraying the first Thanksgiving. These were placed inside two portfolios made by boys of the manual training class.
"Through this international intercourse the pupils have become interested in the Junior Red Cross. With this contact with the local chapter and the natural bureau which we are establishing, we hope the pupils will have a wider outlook and more sympathy in national and inter- national activities."
D. Visits by Parents
The principals report a fine interest on the part of the parents as a result of the parents' night held in Novem- ber.
Knapp School-"A large majority of the parents came and met the teachers during education week and dis- cussed work of the individual pupils. Such visits are always most beneficial to all and make for a better understanding between the home and school. It is urged that parents visit the schools during the regular sessions and confer with the teachers at any time."
Cornish District-"Much of the success of our work is dependent upon the cooperation of parents. We do appreciate the excellent spirit shown by such a large number and invite all to visit and talk with us at any time."
Hedge and Mt. Pleasant Schools-"It was very grati- fying to have so many parents attend the evening ses- sion to talk over mutual problems. We should be pleased to have them visit during school hours to see the chil- dren at work and to become familiar with methods used."
Manomet School-"Each noon during the cold months hot soup or cocoa is served to each child desiring it. This is a large item, in that the greater percentage of the enrollment of the school stay for lunch. We are
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indebted to parents, friends, and members of the Man- omet Benefit Society in contributing to this."
E. Instrumental Music.
Instrumental music in the elementary grades has been carried on as formerly with pupils paying the cost of the lessons. The principals report as follows :- "The number would be much larger but for the difficulty pupils find in obtaining instruments."
"Much interest in the instrumental classes and in the glee clubs has been shown in the schools. The classes are smaller this year for financial reasons and much fine talent is being lost. Many more pupils could have the advantage of this training if it could become a part of the regular school work, thus eliminating the cost of weekly lessons, the pupils furnishing their own instruments as they have previously done."
The ability of children to handle musical instruments should be developed as it has so much "carry over" value into later life. The town should assume the small cost of instruction in the near future.
F. Rest Classes
The rest classes at the Cornish, Hedge, Knapp and Manomet Schools continue to show, by gain in weight and by classroom response, that the rest periods are very beneficial to those who attend. The rest and nutrition class at the Cornish School reaches only a small number of pupils. If the nutrition class is to be continued more parents, whose children are underweight, should take advantage of this opportunity. The cost of the food is low and in the case of some families there has been no charge. This has been made possible by the generous contributions of individuals and societies, to whom the school extends its sincere appreciation.
Manomet School-"Perhaps one of our greatest health aids at the school has been the starting of a rest class.
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Through the efforts of Dr. Hayden, cots were procured and placed in the rest room where eight underweight children rest for a half hour daily. All of the children have gained in weight, one child having already gained more than the required number of pounds."
G. Geographical Moving Pictures
"Real interest has been shown in a series of geograph- ical moving pictures which have been shown to the fifth and sixth grades once a week. This type of visual edu- cation is a great aid in teaching." These pictures have been secured at a low cost from the Division of Uni- versity Extension, a branch of the State Department of Education.
H. The Work of the Principals
The success of the schools depends to a large extent upon the professional background and leadership of the principals. Plymouth is especially fortunate in having in all the schools principals with a broad educational back- ground, leaders in their profession and teachers willing to follow them.
"Accurate knowledge of a given amount of subject matter is not sufficient preparation for teaching. The teacher must know something of the growth and devel- opment of children and be prepared to adapt her pro- cedures to meet their needs mentally, physically and socially."
"The general outline has been intelligently carried on with continued improvement in the technique of teach- ing through the study of education as given by the best educators in their books and in professional magazines. Upon the teacher depends the success of the school, and it is only those teachers who keep up to the times in edu- cational procedures and whose interests are centered upon the child who can adequately fulfill their mission."
"Steady progress has been carried on during the past
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year. The teaching has been carefully planned, system- atic, and results carefully checked. Fundamentals in education have been stressed, yet presented according to modern methods, and nowhere neglected. The results of the Standard Achievement Tests the past year show that the teaching has been both conscientious and ef- ficient. Much diagnostic material has been used, the pupil's weakness discovered and remedial lessons given."
"With the close cooperation between parents, teachers, and pupils of the Manomet School we are trying, and I feel succeeding, in keeping up the high standards of the Plymouth Schools. The teachers desire to give definite, lasting help to every child, promoting the good of all."
I. Assemblies
Cornish School-"Due to a lack of room, we are limited in holding many school assemblies. For the past two years it has been necessary to use the assembly room at the Cornish School for a classroom. This does restrict a valuable part of a school program."
Knapp School-"Assemblies are held frequently which the pupils not only plan but conduct. Occasionally a speaker from outside is brought in. Just previous to the Christmas hoidays a Cantata, Santa's Substitute by Yale and Hall, was given by the fifth and sixth grades, who had prepared the same as a part of their music work."
Hedge School-A splendid program for the year is planned under pupil leadership, forming a very vital part of the school program.
The Mt. Pleasant School and Manomet School are lacking the advantages of an assembly hall. Entertain- ments or moving pictures are held in a classroom or in the basement. Many pupils sit two in a seat while others stand.
1
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J. Playground Facilities
At the Knapp and Mt. Pleasant Schools the playground facilities would be greatly improved by building a hard surface while those at the Hedge and Cornish should be enlarged. This work was recommended as an "E.R.A." project but was not acted upon favorably as the material cost far exceeded the labor cost. Work was begun on leveling and improving the playground in the hollow be- hind the Mt. Pleasant School. This should make a fine playground for the younger children.
CONCLUSION
Economies in supplies, limited facilities and increased teacher loads have made it difficult to maintain high standards. In spite of these handicaps, however, the teachers have responded to the challenge of present day conditions and have secured excellent results. Their spirit has been splendid.
The fine cooperation of the other town departments and of local civic and social agencies has been a real factor in the success, especially in remedying the physi- cal needs of many under-privileged children.
The parents have frequently made valuable sugges- tions and have worked with the schools for the best interests of the children. Their constructive criticisms and hearty cooperation are appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
ANSON B. HANDY,
Superintendent of Schools.
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SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS
A. Physical Education
Mrs. Beatrice E. Garvin, Elementary Supervisor, reports :
"Physical Education is the teaching division of edu- cation that is concerned with big muscle activities, vigor- ous total body activities. In the elementary grades the program involves material which calls for fundamental movements and many different body coordinations. Selection is made of games which may be used in many types of situations, those related to a testing element, and challenges with individual interests."
"From the first grade through the sixth, each class is divided into squads or teams with a leader for each group. Except for a short winter period activities are based on the playgrounds with skills developing toward soccer, basketball, and baseball. For the playroom pro- gram rhythmic work, progressive group games, and stunts are planned. It is essential that children be given a wide range of activities and that they will be so selected that success is within the range of possibility. The supervisor's lesson is the instructional period-when teaching is largely by means of participation but special emphasis is placed upon instruction. The classroom teacher's work follows this with mimeographed plans into the laboratory periods-when emphasis is on partic- ipation but at the same time there is some instruction. The child must be given long years of opportunity for the participation in coordinations, if a skilled coordinated body is to be the product. Skills on this level lay the foundation of many of our leisure time activities. We do as recreation that which we do well and from which we get satisfaction. The keynote of the program is "Joy"
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for its place is being recognized as essential both to normal growth and to development in the child. Joy is a sign that growth and development are proceeding har- moniously."
"The cooperation with the Health Department toward better Posture has been emphasized this year. Health is a by-product of wholesome living. Physical Education activities are close to the want of the child and hence become the most powerful means of producing desirable behavior changes. After the first posture conference of supervisor and teacher a poster award was made to each grade with the highest percent. Children who seemed farthest from the standard set are listed with possible reasons for this deviation, and every effort will be made to help them toward individual improvement."
"In the High School sports more girls have joined activity groups than ever before. In the spring the most worth-while baseball and track program closed late in June. Hockey led toward ten intra-mural games before the inter-school schedule, with fifty girls receiving credit toward school numerals or letter. The basketball squad of over sixty girls has been divided into three groups, each group having two practise periods a week. Intra- mural games are played in January and a short inter- school schedule in February. Every effort is made to have each girl feel that the activity is for her joy in participation and improvement, rather than for a fav- ored first team group."
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