USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1940 > Part 14
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Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR J. MONGAN, Principal
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REPORT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The Junior High School has an enrollment this year of 581 pupils. Of these, 22 boys and 8 girls in Grade 9 are non-resident pupils; 21 from Carver, 9 from Plympton. The present ninth grade is unusually large and is divided into seven classes instead of the customary six.
Last year there were 33 girls in the state-aided voca- tional arts classes. Of these, 12 continued the work in the Senior High School.
So many senior high school boys have expressed a de- sire for further work in the shop that it has become a problem to this administrator. The shops are continu- ously in use and the teachers fully occupied. To be of value to those applying, the work should be more ad- vanced than that already covered in this school. To place older students doing advanced work in with groups of younger boys doing elementary work is not only unwise but pedagogically unsound. These shops are not adequate to care for the two schools. Establishment of a vocational school should help to solve the problem, however.
There is, today, much discussion of and reference to democracy in the schools. It might be of interest to cite a few instances wherein democratic principles are part of life in this particular school.
In every homeroom each child is trained in the rudi- ments of parliamentary law. Class officers are elected by ballot, school problems freely discussed, and action taken upon them. Pupils are trained to respect the rights of the minority, and to work together for the common good whether on the winning or the losing side.
The ninth grade, or upper class, not only benefits from the smaller class meetings, but meets as a unit and puts the training of the earlier years into operation in a broader way. It also sponsors school activities and, by committee
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work and student cooperation, carries them to successful conclusions.
The Safety Patrol is an organization built upon demo- cratic principles. Members are admitted upon applica- tion after passing a "civil service" examination. The suc- cessful candidates serve the school in every way possible. Their principal duties are the supervision of passing to see that order prevails, that the interests of safety are observed at all times, and to direct calmly and intelli- gently in emergencies. There is a constant rotation of officers; the retirement of old and admission of new mem- bers so that the greatest possible number may share the benefits of such training in leadership.
Intra-mural games are democratic. Each child may participate if he chooses. In home economics, art, and woodworking classes the student has a voice in deter- mining what he shall make. In the social studies classes democracy, as such, is studied and world problems dis- cussed openly.
In all classes and in all homerooms responsibilities are shared. Civic responsibilities are developed in co-opera- ting for drives for Red Cross, sale of Christmas Seals,, Jordan Hospital, Children's Crusade for Children, and so on. The band, orchestra, drum major corps, and glee clubs participate in community programs.
Owing to world conditions and the realization that we may have taken too much for granted the rights and liberties enjoyed by the residents of these United States, special emphasis is being placed on patriotism which is also the theme of this year's school paper, The Junior Journal.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. DOLAN,
Principal
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REPORT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
One of the most significant and certainly most difficult problems facing educators today is that of planning a program of public school instruction that aims directly at the perpetuation of democracy. For years we have been interested in the task of making better citizens but only recently have we sensed all that education for citi- zenship in a democracy really means and includes.
Our forefathers who established this nation upon foun- dations of equality, freedom, and justice, saw in the com- mon school the surest way to safe guard government. People learn and grow by assuming responsibility for their own welfare. It is upon this principle that the modern elementary school program is based. In the school of yesterday the child memorized facts and was promoted or failed according to his ability to remember those facts. Today the child is learning the same facts not through memorization but in relation to his living situation.
The philosophy upon which the best teaching in our elementary schools of today is based can be expressed by the saying we learn to do by doing and we learn most effectively when there is a felt need in the mind of the pupil for the specific learning which is to take place.
"To hold that the majority of people should be trained only to take orders and to conform is to deny the basic assumption of democracy which is respect for the person- ality and the most complete development of each indi- vidual. The only kind of education consistent with this ideal is one which respects each child for what he is and what he may become."
The teachers in today's elementary schools do not teach school subjects alone, they must teach children how to live together effectively, happily and tolerantly.
In order to develop these ideals of democratic living, children must be given an opportunity to share in the
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responsibilities of their school, to cultivate their own re- sources and to make and carry out their own plans.
In Plymouth Elementary Schools we attempt to meet these requirements by adapting a procedure of teaching which offers opportunities for pupil planning, leadership, cooperation, initiative, and judgment. The work in social studies lends itself best and the development of these qualities and for this reason is of major importance. Much of the class work is carried on through committees which are formed according to pupil interest and ability and definite undertakings assigned to each. These groups search out information, illustrate, construct objects which will make meanings more clear, and present the results of their findings to the entire group. Each individual in the class however is held responsible for certain factual information.
Additional training in citizenship is carried on through organized club work, where meetings are conducted by officers elected by class. These meetings are conducted in parliamentary procedure and matters pertaining to safety and proper conduct are discussed. Our purpose is to make a sincere attempt to practice the democratic way of living, so that the principles on which our country is founded may be perpetuated when these children are ready for adult life.
What is a finer way than this to make the school a grow- ing, living institution in which all have a voice in the management? The children are not taking over the man- agement of the school, but are surely and gradually learn- ing to have a voice in managing themselves with the help of all other groups concerned. Isn't this real education and fundamental democracy?
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM I. WHITNEY HELEN M. RIESE HELEN S. MANCHESTER ELOUISE E. ELLIS
Principals
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REPORT OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL
This school has endeavored during the past year to ac- cept the challenge presented to it. The considering of each pupil as an individual case and the satisfying of the needs of that pupil has been our aim. In order to bring this about, close cooperation between teachers and pupils and between teachers and parents has been promoted.
Various forms of motivation have been used which tend to stimulate the interest of the child and which show him the value and the utility of the subject matter studied. As individuals are largely the children of habit, right habits have been fostered. Skills which are necessary in the normal pursuit of endeavor have been developed. In all these developments of habits and skills much guidance is needed and the teachers have tried to do this in all their work.
The school hopes to make self-supporting persons of each and every pupil. This increases their value to the community and develops their self-respect. To do this, responsibility is encouraged. Pupils are assigned certain duties which tend to develop orderliness and industry. Although the extent of these duties depends largely on the ability of the individual pupil, all are employed in various phases. As a result, each one learns that he is capable of doing certain things well.
Vocational guidance is brought about through the study of various forms of employment that are open to indi- viduals of this type. The advantages and disadvantages of different forms of employment are discussed. Certain of the pupils are employed in supervised part-time jobs.
Correct habits of health are taught as it is realized that a healthy body tends to develop a healthy mind. The proper type of lunch that will bring about a well balanced diet is advised. Milk is provided for each and every pupil.
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As the majority of the subjects taught in school depend on the ability of the child to read, reading is emphasized. The reading difficulties of each child have been carefully analyzed and reading material which has an interest level several grades above the vocabulary level has been in- troduced.
' The social studies have been invigorated by a study of Current Events. They have been motivated by the use of maps, newspapers, and the radio. The end in view here has been the teaching of democracy as opposed to the "isms" of many other nations. The principles of democ- racy provide an excellent foundation for the future voter to build upon.
During the coming year it is planned to use certain educational moving picture films and radio programs as aids in the teaching of certain subjects.
As many of the children will take up industrial or mechanical pursuits on leaving school, the manual and domestic arts have been stressed. The majority of the older boys have the benefit of two periods a week of wood working in the Junior High School. The girls have had instruction in sewing, elementary household duties, and the making of curtains and tablecloths. Handicrafts have been stressed and Christmas decorations of wood and paper, lawn ornaments, and many other useful arti- cles have been made. This fall block printing was per- formed and the children made their own Christmas cards and envelopes.
Respectfully submitted,
LORING R. C. MUGFORD,
Principal
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REPORTS OF SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS
Music
The music department in its work for the year has tried to fulfill its two aims, namely: first, the steady develop- ment among all pupils of an individual appreciation and ability in music in both vocal and instrumental fields, and second, a practical utilization of this knowledge and ability in service to the community.
To stimulate interest and participation in choral and instrumental groups, there must be activity. Four grade school glee clubs provide opportunity, for those who wish it, to sing in picked groups. Each of these groups, com- bined with an instrumental group, gives a spring concert to culminate its year's work, besides furnishing music for various school enterprises.
Junior High School glee clubs combined with the or- chestra last May to present a spring concert. The glee clubs offered this past November the operetta "The Pirates of Penzance", the proceeds of which were used for the benefit of the school as a whole. The annual cornplant- ing, a puppet-show for the entertainment of County Health Association members, a carol broadcast at Christ- mas time-all these and more called for music services which the various groups gladly rendered.
Senior high glee clubs again joined with adults to par- ticipate in the Thanksgiving pageant at Memorial Hall. The girls' glee club performed jointly at a Sunday con- cert with the local Philharmonic Orchestra in one of its series of three concerts. In June both boys' and girls' groups joined with adults once again to pay tribute to the firemen dead at the annual Memorial Service held by the Fire Department. The Christmas season offered an- other opportunity to both clubs to serve by means of a carol broadcast. Plymouth was represented at the May- flower Choral Conclave, held in Marshfield this past year,
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by the Cornish School glee club and both high school glee clubs.
In the field of vocal work, a new venture this year has been the formation of a girls' sextet, to create interest in smaller vocal groups and develop the special ability for this sort of singing that some students possess. This sex- tet has sung at the annual meeting of the Plymouth Wo- men's Civic League and at a meeting of the Woman's Alliance of the Unitarian Church. Several other engage- ments are already on their calendar.
Under the splendid direction of Mr. John Pacheco, the Junior and Senior High School bands have worked hard and served generously. On several occasions they have appeared in parades. Joining forces with the Drum Major Corps of the Junior High, they offered a splendid band concert at Memorial Hall this past spring. The dedication of the new wing of the Jordan Hospital, many of the foot- ball games held both locally and out of town, the memo- rial exercises for firemen, the annual Street Fair, the Christmas Kiddies' Party-these are some of the events for which the school bands have donated their talents. Both bands attended the State Festival for 1940 held at Wellesley and gave a fine account of themselves at that affair.
String instrument pupils in the grades are being han- dled by Melquezideque Perry, and the teaching of the piano classes is again in the hands of Miss Susan Bow- ditch. A very fine recital last June by the members of the piano classes, bore witness to the fine work of Miss Bow- ditch.
The cooperation of all teachers and principals is most appreciated in the work that the music department is trying to carry forward. Without their earnest efforts, it could not be done.
Drawing
The work of the art department of the Junior and
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Senior High schools for the year has been briefly as fol- lows:
The Junior High School made colored shadow puppets for the production of "The Boyhood of Johann Sebastian Bach." This performance was given in correlation with the music department in March at a Junior High School assembly and again in the evening for a meeting of the County Health Association.
Two stage settings for the operetta "Pirates of Pen- zance" were designed and made by these classes in con- junction with the woodworking department.
The most important project in High School during the last term was the drawing and painting of fourteen large murals for the graduation decorations. These illustrated the evolution of printing from the earliest times until now.
A new activity for one class in Junior High School was the arrangement of display shelves in Cooper's Drug Store. The girls in the home decoration course finished their notebooks showing color schemes and plans for each room in a house. This year they have worked on the se- lection and surroundings of the home and are now plan- ning interiors. Two new and practical problems have been to design and make their own dressing tables and design small hooked rugs which were afterward made in the sewing department.
Craft work in the Junior High School consisted of painted decoration on trays, bowls, and boxes, carved and painted plaster placques, hammered metal bowls, etched metal bracelets, leather belts and hand tooled purses. High School craft work was along the same lines except that the problems were more advanced. The every day art classes in High School designed and printed their own Christmas cards with linoleum blocks. One new probem was the designing of patriotic covers and posters with American emblems. The regular lessons in color, design, life drawing, illustration, and poster work have
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been carried on in both schools in addition to these special projects.
The aim of the art department in the elementary schools this past year has been to discover, foster, and develop that valuable trait called initiative. Initiative has been described as the ability to do the right thing without being told to do so. Without initiative the arts are dead and life becomes drab and dreary. "Our field is concerned with underlying human values that can give shape, rich- ness and direction to the activities of the individual seek- ing to live a life, as distinct from merely earning a living."
The sincere and interesting work which results from fos- tering initiative was shown in the puppetry exhibit sent by the Hedge School to the Third New England Puppetry Institute held in Boston, at Curry, in November. It was sent at the request of Mrs. Mary Deans, the founder of the Institute, who kindly gave us demonstrations of her work here in the elementary grades in the fall. This exhibit was comprised of work done during this past year and was shown to demonstrate to members of the Institute the possibilities and value of puppetry as an educational agent.
Within the year the Supervisor of Art of our state, Mr. Gordon Reynolds, has honored us with two visits. Besides giving constructive criticisms of work observed, he chal- lenged us to make every deed, every action, a result of some desire or belief-to make work purposeful.
This year for the first time at Mr. Reynold's request, the department engaged in the activities of the American Artists Professional League when it celebrated its National Art Week. During this week all the schools in one way or another correlated their art work with other subjects, writing essays, writing articles for the Old Colony Memorial, and aiding in a greater knowledge of and fine appreciation of the art which is all about us. I would like to call attention here to the article in the Old
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Colony Memorial on Cyrus Dallin's statue of Massasoit which was written at this time by a student of the Mt. Pleasant School. The program of the week was held at the Hedge School under the sponsorship of Miss Florence Corey whose students during the fall had been studying about present day works of art in New England. To add to the interesting work of the pupils, Miss Priscilla Nye, the head of the Art Department of Bridgewater State Teachers College, kindly gave a talk to grades four, five, and six on Massachusetts Art, bringing with her fine illustrations of work past and present. Miss Nye was enthusiastic over the exhibit of Plymouth Art kindly loaned us by members of the Black and White Club. We also owe Mrs. Arthur Holmes a debt of thanks for her history of the Black and White Club which she so kindly contributed.
Before I close this report I would like to congratulate those who worked so hard with such splendid results on the Birds' Christmas Trees which were exhibited by the schools at the Garden Club Christmas exhibit. May the fine results of those who have dared, encourage others to take the initiative and prove the truth of the proverb, "Where there's a will there's a way."
Physical Education
A. Junior-Senior High School Boys.
The popular conception of good health is primarily one of physical soundness. True health is much more than this, it is the incorporation of a sound and healthy body and a sound mind. Invariably the pupils who make the best grades in school are those who are the most phys- ically fit and take part in more extra-curricula activities.
We, of the physical education department, try to improve the body physically so that the students will be in a more receptive mood to learn the academic subjects.
The characteristics that are necessary in true citizens are present more often in the gymnasium and sports field
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than in any other part of the school curricula. Physical coordination, cooperation, good sportsmanship, and disci- pline are all learned by the boys who are our future citizens and community leaders.
There are three major phases of the physical education program: intramural sports, varsity sports and class work.
Every boy in the schools is given a complete physical examination by Dr. Abate, one of the school physicians, at the beginning of the school term in September. This examination determines whether or not the boy is to be allowed to participate in the physical education classes.
Each boy must then take a physical fitness index test. This consists of a battery of tests which show lung capac- ity, arm, leg, back, and grip strength. These tests are not competitive tests. They show the amount of physical power the boy has and this is compared with a norm that shows the normal amount of physical power that a boy of the same age, weight, and height should have. After comparing the two we know whether or not the boy needs special attention in building up any deficiencies that might be retarding his physical condition. This is done by individual attention to postural faults and corrective procedures that is done with parental and physician's cooperation and advice.
The regular gymnasium activities are calesthenics, marching, apparatus gymnastics, tumbling, games par- ticipation, and stunts.
In the major varsity sports approximately sixty boys turned out for football, forty-five for basketball, and fifty are expected out for baseball.
For the second year the boys were given the privilege of taking out Athletic Insurance at the cost of one dollar per year which gives partial coverance in all sports. This insurance is handled by the New England Headmasters' Association and is run solely for the benefit of the boys.
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Intramural games are an opportunity for all boys to participate in games regardless of ability or skill. In the fall the intramural program is mainly touch football and volley ball. In the winter the basketball leagues operate and many stirring contests are played. There are both Junior and Senior High School leagues with a regular schedule continuing throughout March followed by a tournament to decide the league championship. In the spring the intramural sports are baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and horseshoes.
B. Junior-Senior High School Girls.
The physical education program has its contribution to make to the general and basic objectives of the educa- tional program. Through the many vigorous activities included in the program, organic development becomes one of the foremost objectives. Inclusion of a variety of experiences and coordinations results in greater skill and a feeling of satisfaction and confidence resulting from improved performance. Interpretive development increases as the individual repeatedly comes in contact with new situations, requiring adjustment to different personalities, to different kinds of apparatus and tools, to opportunities for leadership and fellowship. It is in the physical education program that dynamic situations occur in which the individual may be guided to act in desirable ways, developing impulses which bring about changes in attitudes, ideas, and desires. Activities are filled with opportunities to make choices, to make decisions, and to act upon them. As a physical education program con- sists of "doing" there are continuous opportunities for the development of standards.
Class work is organized through squads which allows for an efficient attendance check, rotation in activities, competitive interest in scores, opportunities for lead- ership. To stimulate the development of large muscle groups in an effort to increase the ability to maintain
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more efficient posture, all periods include a short vigorous period of exercises. These are followed by team games, skills, rhythmic work, relays, and some apparatus play.
All girls are given equal opportunities to enroll in the program of sports-field hockey, basketball, badminton, bowling, table tennis, softball, Red Cross life-saving. An interschool schedule is still retained in field hockey, but in other sports intra-mural and inter-class games are followed by play day contests with other schools. In this way the girls make new contacts, plan for refreshments, decorations, awards, and officiating.
Pottery Vocational School
The Plymouth Pottery School has carried on a fifth year of active class work with sixty-seven workers regis- tering. Of this number two have been made Guild mem- bers. The work of the Guild has been shown at the Street Fair and for a week at Burbank's. The potters were represented at the National Conference of Craftsmen at Penland, N. C., in September by the instructor.
Americanization Classes
Americanization classes are one definite answer to the fifth column workers who find many of their converts among those who do not understand the aims and work- ings of our democracy. The greatest common defense the American people have erected or can erect is a system of public education adequate to meet the problem of this democracy. Today Americanization classes are even more important than previously. There is a vital necessity for thinking citizenship; for teaching ideals as attitudes. The alien who does not know the English language will never understand America as well. They need to be able to read our papers, magazines, mingle with American society, and discuss questions of the hour.
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