USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1934-1936 > Part 14
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Mr. J. H. Smith, Supervisor for Junior and Senior High School, reports:
"The Roger's test as outlined in last year's report was continued and the check up showed decided improvement Whether this improvement is due to natural causes or the result of follow up work it is impossible to say. The "D" group requiring special attention for flat feet and poor scores in the strength tests were reduced from 24 to 8 boys. The girls in the "D" group were reduced from 38 to 14."
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"A closer tie up of this department and the doctor and school nurse is developing this year. Follow up work in malnutrition cases, teeth, eyes, ears, and posture is being carried on.
"Twenty-four pupil leaders have successfully con- ducted the daily calisthenic period. The training in poise and leadership has been worthwhile to the leaders and beneficial to the other pupils. Two mass assemblies were held out-of-doors with judges selecting the room demon- strating the best results in leadership and execution of exercises. A posture shield is awarded each week to the room showing the best results."
"The second annual Junior High School Field Day was held in June. Every boy and girl participated in some part of the program. Mass athletic contests featured the beginning and end of the filed day. Every boy and girl was given a try out for the individual activities."
"At the Senior High School the intra-mural program in soccer, touch football, basketball, track, and baseball continues to develop an enthusiastic following and gen- eral participation. An extensive schedule in the above activities was carried on in both Junior and Senior High Schools. The interest and enthusiasm displayed in all intra-mural games is not only a great educational force, but is also a great power for happy and successful living and growth."
B. Drawing
In cooperation with the Massachusetts School of Art the course in drawing will be revised during the ensuing year under the direction of Miss Virginia Dowling, who has been absent for the past year. She will be assisted by Miss Hazel Bates.
Miss Hazel Bates, Elementary Supervisor, reports :
"The art department has this last year suffered a loss in the death of Miss Faith C. Stalker.
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The outstanding work of the year was the excellent performance of puppets and marionettes enjoyed by a large number of townspeople as well as Junior High pupils. These productions were under the direction of Miss Stalker.
During the year, the State Supervisor of Art, Mr. C. Edward Newell, visited the schools. and held confer- ences with executives, giving help and constructive criticism to those who desired the same.
The supervision of the elementary grades has included a visit to every classroom once in two weeks to teach methods and principles of art work. Our biggest prob- lem is the meaningful application of these principles by correlation of art work with other subjects. Teachers' meetings have been held at which monthly outlines have been presented and discussed.
The great help given by the Public Library in supply- ing pictures for art appreciation lessons is much appreci- ated.
At the Junior High School some classes have but thirty-five minutes a week which includes time neces- sary to pass to and from classes and to get materials and put them away. Two classes have to be held in the cooking room. This is very inadequate.
Because there is much leisure time for many, it is important that each individual has some means of self expression at his command. A means of self expres- sion brings contentment and growth where too often discontent exists. It is the purpose of the department to help the boys and girls find and develop that means of expression as well as to appreciate and desire to emulate the best that art has to offer. With these facts in mind a plea for provision for more craft work is presented. Through this channel many a child will find the life work for which he is best fitted.
The loyal cooperation and fine spirit of the teachers is
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bound to make the art work a source of pleasure to the boys and girls and a lasting influence in their lives.
C. Music
Mrs. Frances H. Buck, Supervisor of Music, reports:
"During the past school year, in addition to the regu- lar classroom instruction, glee clubs and choruses have added considerably to the musical experience of the pupils."
"At the Hedge School, the opera "Hansel and Gretel" was performed by members of the glee club. The splen- did cooperation of teachers and pupils resulted in an excellent production that gave genuine pleasure to the hundreds who witnessed the performance."
"At the Junior High School, the seventh and eighth grade glee clubs have been organized as usual. Last May, the seventh grade glee club participated in the Plymouth County Song Conclave at the State Teachers College in Bridgewater. The club, composed of seventy voices, gave an excellent performance."
"At both the Cornish School and Mt. Pleasant School, glee clubs have rehearsed regularly and have provided music for the assemblies throughout the entire school year."
"At the Knapp School, the chorus of grades five and six gave a very fine performance of the operetta, "Santa's Substitute." It was presented for the pleasure of pupils of the school and their parents, as part of the Christmas time celebration."
"The musical development of the South Street School is being accomplished by the singing of many songs- patriotic, folk and community. Under the careful guid- ance of their teachers, the pupils have acquired an excel- lent repertoire and the chorus period is always an enjoy- able feature."
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"At the Senior High School, a newly organized choral club has furnished the musical portion of programs for Armistice, Thanksgiving and Christmas observances. This same group, augmented by many voices, is rehears- ing the music of Gilbert and Sullivan's opera, "Pina- fore." The production will be given during the latter part of the spring term."
"It has been impossible to meet the pupils' requests for advanced work in Theory and Harmony because of the short school day. There is urgent need of a more extensive music course for the High School, embodying such subjects as Theory, Harmony and Music Appreci- ation."
"The instrumental and piano classes are being conduct- ed in all of the school districts. Because of economic conditions, it has been impossible for many pupils to con- tinue the class work. Without doubt, provision should be made within the school system for more complete instru- mental instruction, as well as orchestral and band supervision."
"The outstanding instrumental achievement of the school year, is the Junior High School Band, organized by the Principal, Miss Mary M. Dolan. About fifty pupils are receiving instruction in brass, woodwind, and per- cussion instruments, as well as ensemble playing. Sev- eral of the larger instruments have been purchased by the school and are assigned to pupils showing musical aptitude. A competent instructor, especially trained in instrumental organization, is directing the work. It is a highly useful and valuable project and deserves the sup- port of the entire community."
D. Summer School
Mrs. Miriam A. Raymond, Principal of the Summer School, reports as follows:
"During the summer of 1934, 133 pupils were en- rolled for group and individual instruction in arithmetic,
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oral and silent reading, oral and written language, and spelling with the following distribution: Grade four, 20; grade five, 20; grade six, 33; grade seven, 46; and grade eight, 14."
"This year the summer session presented to eighth grade pupils who were deficient in one or two subjects the opportunity to obtain further drill in fundamentals before entering High School. I recommend the con- tinuance of this policy."
"A project called "The Word Shop" was used in the teaching of oral and written English with satisfactory results. In this connection the joining of the summer reading contest sponsored by the Plymouth Public Li- brary was encouraged."
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REPORT OF THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
December 14, 1934, marked the twentieth anniversary of the organization of the Individual School.
This adequate, educational provision for the mentally limited has proved a sound public policy in the lessening of social burdens and liabilities to the town.
In retrospect, it seems to me, that our first problem was complete re-adjustment of school work to the nature and needs of individual pupils as to use of text-books, methods, marks, industrial and social endeavor.
Then, too, subject matter had to be made so elastic that its contents or methods of presentation could be altered to meet either individual or small group needs. This flexibility of program allowed for short memory span of attention, slow adjustment of mind to any new phase, individual abilities and differences; for repetition and drill necessary to make mental reaction automatic, and afforded opportunity to supplement to physical activ- ity to aid in the training of mind and body.
Because typical children are creatures of habit, it is obligatory to help establish good habits at the earliest possible age. For all children, the most important habits seem to be those of health and safety.
For various reasons it is not easy to make school training carry over into daily life. We teachers, how- ever, follow up our health activities in as many situ- ations as possible. Besides emphasizing the regulations as to cleanliness, food, rest, work and play, we super- vise the daily preparation of a hot drink for the chil- dren's lunch at noon. This year we were enabled to do this through financial aid received from the American Legion Auxiliary; the Public Health Committee of the
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Woman's Club and the Red Men's Benefit. Consequently on "Health Day," we had a very fine health record. To these organizations, we send our appreciation and grati- tude.
Through physical activities, games and exercises, the children receive training in co-ordination of mind and muscle, and sense training through dramatized tests.
We try to give to each child the opportunity to develop some particular aptitude, and to every child the priv- ilege of some supporting usefulness.
Step by step, sometimes very slowly indeed, we move towards the goal of self-support for these children.
Two elements must be recognized as basic to good living:
1. Man should live by his own labor.
2. Every child should be given the ability to support himself in adult life.
Mentally slow children must necessarily hold jobs with repetitive processes or those requiring minimum skill. Therefore, we train these children in alternative skills so that they may move effectively from one kind of work to another.
Manual, industrial or handicraft training is a great factor in special class work because of the close relation- ship between mental and physical development.
The use of tools and materials secures immediate in- terest and attention, providing mental and motor activ- ity. This training allows the child to begin at his own level of development and affords, through problems of increasing difficulty, opportunity for growth and self- expression and, because it is concrete, the child may test his own work in terms of utility.
We try to select for each child manual problems involv- ing basic principles the child may engage upon leaving
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school. Especially is this necessary for the very slow children because they require the longest time to learn and have the greatest difficulty in being self-sup- porting. Thus, manual-industrial work for subnormal children is really educational therapy.
The manual work in our school includes problems in wood, block-printing, sewing, paper and cardboard, bas- ketry, crocheting, knitting, darning, weaving, chair- caning, leather-work and the fundamentals of home economics.
Every year we endeavor to introduce some new type of work, since some of our pupils stay in the school a number of years and demand some new skill to retain their interest. This year we are experimenting with hand-painted trays and pottery and have made some very good models.
Mentally limited children usually succeed to some degree in manipulative skills but have few original ideas or initiative. Therefore in our drawing lessons, we find they are pattern re-acting and even when supplied with much illustrative material, they require constant guid- ance and encouragement, learning largely by imitation and successive experiences.
Musical training in our school consists chiefly of ap- preciation and rote singing. We endeavor to give them a love for music through physical response, instrumental music and quiet listening.
It is our aim to augment our musical equipment every year. Last year we obtained instruments for a primary orchestra. During the past year, we were fortunate in being able to purchase a radio with money we had earned.
It is generally assumed that children assigned to the Individual School are never returned to the grades. To our many problems is added that of the socially handi- capped child. To these malajusted children, remedial educational treatment is given until their particular bar-
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rier to progress has been overcome or removed. When adjustment has been made, we feel that these children are justly entitled to a second chance in the grades.
It was our pleasure, this year, to return three boys to the elementary schools in grades we thought suited to their capabilities.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. JACKSON, Principal.
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REPORT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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In the Junior High School conditions remain some- what the same-limited space and increasing enrolment. Classes have increased in size until they are now too large for the most satisfactory work, and it is impossible to give the individual attention which children need. The mentally-retarded groups which should be small have be- come oversize. Next year a substantial increase in the enrollment is expected. The employment of another teacher may be imperative, although accommodating the extra group will be a problem.
The corridor on the lower floor, where ventilation cannot be properly controlled, serves as an assembly hall. During exercises and chorus work all pupils meet in this hall and must stand during the entire program. Many children find this hard to do, and although the exercises are seldom longer than ten or fifteen minutes, illness and fainting are common occurrences. When there are mov- ing picture programs, the upper hall may be used and the children may sit on the oily floor with a newspaper to protect their clothing! The fire laws prohibit the use of chairs. Assemblies are a vital part of the school work and the need for a hall in this school is a serious one. Dramatic clubs, the school chorus, the glee clubs, the orchestra, and the band have not adequate space now but would be well provided for in an auditorium.
On stormy days, during very cold weather, and when the grounds are muddy, physical training classes must be conducted indoors. Since there is no other space the corridors must be used. This is at best a makeshift since there is no gymnasium equipment and because of the proximity to classrooms. Sometimes a room is available
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for a group but no proper physical training work can be done in a furnished classroom. A gymnasium is needed.
The woodworking room which is shared by two teach- ers and both high schools, is never unoccupied. Built for twenty-four pupils there are classes numbering thirty- six held in it - too many boys for a class in this subject and for one teacher to direct. There should be two shops.
There is no room in the building especially reserved for art work and no longer a special place for sewing. Both these departments must be housed in one room which serves also as a classroom. This is far from satis- factory and work must be done as best it can be under trying conditions. There should be a studio and a sewing room each properly equipped and separate from all other rooms.
Lunch room facilities are inadequate. There is no rest room for ill and underweight children. The medical and dental departments must occupy a teachers' rest room. Some of the cooking classes are now too large for proper accommodation in the kitchen. Each eighth grade class receives instruction once or twice a year at the Public Library by Miss Haskins, the librarian. This helps im- measurably but does not overcome the need for a well- equipped library to which pupils would have constant access and where they would work regularly. The school has no library.
This year, instead of being an elective, general lan- guage is required of every 8A pupil, a plan which should make for better adjustment in the ninth grade. Mathe- matics is now given four times a week instead of five and business training two periods weekly to each eighth grade pupil. Most of the latter work was included in mathematics under the old plan. Now overlapping is eliminated and each pupil recognizes business training as a subject apart, a knowledge which will help him with his electives for grade nine. Instead of being decreased
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en be he Ice the ble
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from five to four periods, work in mathematics has actu- ally been increased to six.
A well-balanced school band was organized the first of January. An exceptional instructor has been found in Mr. Arthur P. Hauck, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, the Ithaca School of Music, and experienced in the organization and conducting of school bands. He is capable of teaching all wind and percus- sion instruments and spends an entire day at the school. In the morning private instructions are given to all beginners and in the afternoon the entire band has a one-hour lesson. Expenses for lessons are borne en- tirely by the pupils and the purchase of the large instruments is being financed through the school fund. Drum major work is in charge of Mr. Charles W. Potter. It is hoped that this branch of instrumental music will prove itself worthy of a permanent place in the activities of the school.
The teachers of the school deserve a special word of commendation. It is only because of their loyalty and cooperation at all times that the fine work of the school is accomplished and that the special projects are suc- cessful.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. DOLAN, Principal.
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REPORT OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The enrollment of the Senior High School, as of De- cember 21, 1934, is as follows :
Grade 9 189
Grade 10 177
Grade 11 167
Grade 12
123
Post Graduates
17
Total
673
There are 114 separate classes, varying in size from 6 to 42, with the following numerical distribution :
Fewer than 20 in class 23 classes
From 21-25 in class 15 classes
From 26-30 in class 39 classes
From 31-35 in class
33 classes
From 36-40 in class 2 classes
Over 40 in class
2 classes
Total 114
A few years ago the total enrollment was 685 and there were 115 classes. One small class in Household Arts for Freshman girls has been given up. Other classes are small either because they are composed of pupils taking advanced subjects or because they are overflow classes using small rooms.
Other conditions in the school remain unchanged. The building is being utilized to its fullest capacity and the Lincoln Street building provides for five classes per day in academic subjects in addition to classes in free hand
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and mechanical drawing. Six teachers are meeting six classes each per day. The handicaps of the last seven years are with us yet coupled with the problem of how to meet the needs of the increasing number of boys and girls who are motor-minded and have little or no interest in pursuing the traditional high school subjects in ac- cordance with long established methods and objectives. The Plymouth High School is making whatever necessary and proper adjustments it can in order to meet new conditions but the program, though improved, still leaves much to be desired. The obvious remedy is a modern and adequate school plant.
A class of 130 was graduated last June. An unusually large number of them have continued their education. Fourteen have entered colleges, three State Teachers Col- lege, four preparatory schools or junior colleges, and five special training schools. Mt. Holyoke, University of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts, Oberlin, and other schools of similar type have accepted without question admission certificates based on scholastic records and accompanying recommendations of the prin- cipal instead of entrance examinations. The reports that come back to us from these schools demonstrate anew the ability of the Plymouth High School to prepare pupils to carry on college work successfully.
A few changes have been made in the curriculum. Bookkeeping I is omitted this year but will be reintro- duced next year as a Junior subject and Bookkeeping II will become a Senior Subject. Business Organization, formerly a full course offered in the Junior year, has been made a half-course given in the Sophomore year. A new half-course in Economic Geography is correlated with it. Advanced General Science, formerly a full course, is now composed of two half courses-one in Physics, and the other in Chemistry.
The offering of so many half courses necessitated a change in the number of ranking periods in order that
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the close of ranking period might coincide with the end of the first semester. Therefore, in place of five ranking periods we now have six, each one being approximately six weeks in length. Other reports are made as required to both pupils and parents.
Another important change is in the manner in which scholastic attainment is to be recognized. Our plan, en- dorsed by the School Committee, is to differentiate be- tween work of such quality that it is worthy of a diploma and that for which a diploma cannot be awarded but which does represent the best effort of the pupil and is therefore worthy of a certificate. This is a revival of the practice in vogue in the school some years ago. The in- flux of so many pupils in the last few years who do not find academic work agreeable or appealing complicates the situation and we feel that, if the standards of the High School as an educational institution are to be main- tained and a diploma is to signify that those standards have been met reasonably well, a distinction must be made. Therefore, after careful consideration of the problem, the faculty recommend that the school diploma be awarded only to those who have earned the required 80 credits by actually passing the various courses with a mark of at least 70%. Certificates shall be awarded to those pupils who fail to gain the 80 credits in the way described above, but do work which, in the opinion of the faculty, represents their best effort and for which they receive the mark X. This means that they receive numerical credit toward a certificate, but are not per- mitted to continue advanced work in the subject in which the X is received. Receiving an X would not, however, prevent a pupil from receiving the school diploma pro- vided 80 credits are earned in the prescribed manner. All doubtful cases are to be considered by the entire faculty and all decisions will be made by them. Marks of D and F cannot be counted for either a diploma or certificate. These letter grades represent a mark below
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70%. The pupil known to be capable of doing passing work but who fails through neglect is not entitled to the certificate. Pupils failing at any time shall not be priv- ileged to make up back work that is more than a month in arrears unless the deficiency is caused by illness or other excellent reasons.
We have had some exceptionally fine assembly pro- grams this year. Some have been financed by the Student Activities Fund, others have been presented by pupils under teacher supervision. The ventilation of our as- sembly hall is so inadequate and the difficulty of darken- ing it so great that illustrated lectures or motion pictures are almost out of the question. Consequently many edu- cational programs and opportunities must of necessity be omitted. Twice our school has united with the Junior High School in giving an educational movie at the Old Colony Theatre through the splendid cooperation of the manager, Mr. Paul Kunze.
In spite of short periods and days, we feel that some provision for preparation for the worthy use of leisure should be made by the school. Therefore we are insti- tuting this year a club program, clubs to meet once in two weeks, in school time, under teacher supervision. Re- quests from the pupils have come for the formation of such clubs, as Aviation, Camera, Classical, Junior Press, International Correspondence, Knitting, Spelling, Sports, Drawing, Harmonica, Dramatic, and others. It is our expectation that these clubs will be very worth-while. They are positively educational in their purpose. The Student Activities Society is sponsoring the plan.
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