USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Rutland > Town annual report of Rutland 1924-32 > Part 19
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1,553.94
Levy of 1922
356.25
Levy of 1927
218.90
5,592.06
Revenue 1928 (Appropria-
tions) .
$63,167.00
Less estimated receipts
collected
8,350.21
54,816.79
$104,365.08
$104,365.08
DEBT ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
. .
LIABILITIES
$35,000.00
Maple Avenue Loan
$5,000.00
School House Loan
.
11,000.00
Water Loan 1924
10,000.00
Water Loan 1925
1,000.00
Water Loan 1925
8,000.00
$35,000.00
$35,000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds -- Cash and Securities ..
Horace H. King Library Fund
$305.00
$406.88
David F. Putnam Library Fund 101.88
$406.88
$406.88
103
Report of the Auditor
January 25, 1929.
I hereby certify that I have examined the books of the departments contained in this report and have found them to be correct. ALBERT J. THOMAS,
Auditor
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
OF THE
TOWN OF RUTLAND MASSACHUSETTS
NDED
FEB. 23, 17/3
3+
Q
NOME OF RUFUS PUTNAM . 1781-1788
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 1928
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
George N. Lapham, M. D. Chairman James F. O'Herron, Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth H. Maynard
Term expires 1929 Term expires 1931 Term expires 1930
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS James R. Childs. Tel. Holden 209
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN A. M. Kimberly, M. D. Tel. Park 3400-W
SCHOOL NURSE Mildred Givan, R. N. Tel. Holden 209
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Mark Reed
JANITOR
Earl Griffin
3
Report of the School Committee
The schools of the town have been carried on with uniform success this past year.
The High School had the largest enrollment for years and while the teachers have carried a heavy burden the work done has been of high grade and the discipline has been ex- cellent.
The Center School still .labors under the same handicaps as for the previous year-the difficulty of proper heat for all the classrooms in cold weather necessitating the discon- tinuance of sessions at times, and also the inconvenience re- sulting from transfer of pupils back and forth from West Rutland. There appears to be no relief in sight until the town provides increased school facilities at the Center.
Your committee is very much pleased at the marked interest shown by the High School teachers, in particular, in extra curriculum activities. Prize speaking and dramatics have been carried on with success, and the renewed interest in school athletics under the direction of Mrs. Kelsey and Mrs. Lacord has been most gratifying and created a very commendable school spirit which is much appreciated by every one interested.
The discontinuance of the North Rutland School and the transportation of the pupils from that vicinity to the
4
Central School was necessitated by the closing of the North Rutland mill and the removal of a large part of the popula- tion elsewhere. The plan has worked out satisfactorily.
It seems very desirable to have an additional teacher in the High School to provide for a much needed couse in house- hold economics and give assistance in lightening the work of teachers. Provision has been made for such a teacher in our present budget.
We wish to call attention again to our need of a new High School building. Increased facilities are greatly need- ed, and better instruction could be given in many courses with an enlarged equipment. We trust the town will take some definite action in this matter in the near future.
Through the courtesy of the West Construction Co. the West Rutland school house has been reconnected with the water main, so a plentiful supply of pure water is assured for the pupils.
In spite of recent installation of new boilers, the heating system in the Center School is still most unsatisfactory. Ap- parently nothing short of steam heat can ever be satisfac- tory. At present the lack of sufficient heat on cold days not only results in discontinuance of some school sessions but is actually a menace to the health of the scholars. This is in no way any reflection on the work of the janitor as he does the best he can under the circumstances. The early installation of a more satisfactory heating system is one of the most urgent needs at present.
GEORGE N. LAPHAM ELIZABETH MAYNARD JAMES F. O'HERRON
School Committee
5
Report of the School Committee FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1928
For attendance by schools and terms see statistical table in the Superintendent's report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Town appropriation $24500 00
TOTAL EXPENSE FOR MAINTAINING SCHOOLS General Control
Superintendent's Salary $823 02 $823 02
Instruction
Teachers salaries $12753 38
High School books 154 02
Grade Books 240 18
Supplies 346 47
13494 05
Operation of School Flant
Janitor West and North schools
$282 50
Fuel West and North
schools 371 96
Janitor and fuel Center
school 2470 48
Janitor's supplies 37 69
3162 63
Maintenance
Repairs
$90 15
New Equipment 310 35
400 50
6
Auxiliary
Transportation
$6081 85
Health
511 50
6593 35
Miscellaneous Expenses
Tuition
$115 00
Insurance
123 20
Incidentals
112 93
351 13
24824 68
$ Over drawn $324 68
DR. GEO. N. LAPHAM JAMES F. O'HERRON ELIZABETH MAYNARD
School Committee
7
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
Holden, Mass., Jan. 1, 1929.
To the School Committee of Rutland :
I have the honor to present my eleventh report, the twenty-ninth in the series since the formation of the present union.
In spite of the problem referred to in the report of the Committee last year, that of suitable and permanent housing and equipment for our school population, the year just closed has been a successful one. Much credit for this is due to the careful study of the situation that has been made constantly by the Committee, the splendid loyalty and cooperation of our teachers, and the patience of the parents. It is our de- sire to find a solution of the school problem that will most benefit our boys and girls and enrich the curriculum to meet present day demands, and yet not be too great a burden on the taxpayers. The moving of the mill from North Rutland resulted in a decrease in membership in that school and in the best interests of economy as well as of the pupils, the school was closed and transportation furnished to West Rut- land and the Center. The situation at West Rutland was complicated by the fact that we had some 20 children of em- ployees of The Metropolitan Water System to care for, so all pupils now in Grades I to VI are housed at the Center and Grades VII and VIII are using the building at West. If
8
there were more room at the Center it would be possible to keep the upper grades there and use the West building only for those in that vicinity. This would save a good deal of transportation, and it is a question of whether or not the present arrangement is cheaper and more efficient than to erect a portable at the Center or build an addition to the present building. It makes a long day and some long trips, especially for the younger children and for those who ride to the Center and then transfer to West Rutland.
The following table shows the increase in membership during the past ten years, gives the distribution by grades, and explains in part the increase in the cost of schools.
Gr.
1
2
3
1
5 6 7 8 9
10
11
12 Total
Dec. 1918
19
19
16
23
2.4
12
21
19
9 2 6
3
173
Dec. 1928
30
33
29
18
20
20
22
23
13
12
8
10
238
It was necessary to separate Grades III and IV this fall and the high school recitation room was equipped for Grade IV. This of course increased the handicap under which the high school is working, and I want here to ex- press my appreciation of the fine cooperation of Mr. Kelsey in "loaning" his only good class room. The needs of the grades have thus been met for the present but Grades V and VI will need to be separated before long if the present en- rolinient continues.
Some time ago the Committee was asked by the Town to investigate the high school needs, and they have put a
9
great deal of time and study into this. Plans for a proposed new building have been prepared and if such a building were erected we could take care of the grades for some time to come. If at any future time the West building was closed or sold, an addition to the Center building would comfort- ably house all the grades. This arrangement with a separate building for the high school would be the ideal arrangement if the high school is to be continued. Another possibility is an addition large enough to take care of both high school and grades but it is much better to have them separated. From time to time the suggestion to transport the high school pupils to other towns has been made. If this were done, part of the expense of tuition and transportation would be ยท borne by the State. This is not being written as a recom- mendation but it is one of the alternatives that should re- ceive consideration. It would be less expensive than the present arrangement. To carry on a high school program that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the needs of any mixed group of students we must introduce more than the purely academic subjects. Commercial training even as lim- ited as it now is, has proven of great value, and practical arts for both boys and girls should follow. According to the report of the United States Commissioner of Education, nearly three times as large a proportion of city children go to high school as rural children. Rural schools are failing to meet satisfactorily the needs of rural life largely because of their failure to offer a flexible and diversified program. "Rural dwellers cannot hope to compete advantageously with urban dwellers so long as their educational equipment is so generally inferior." The following considerations are sug- gested by Schorling for secondary education. 1. Establish- ing desirable health habits; 2. Fixing recreational interests that will carry over into adult life; 3. Practice in good citi- zenship; 4. Recognition of the fact that high school pupils
10
like to work at worth while tasks; 5. Stop trying to teach pupils things which they cannot learn or do not wish to learn; 6. Recognition of the fact that nearly all disciplinary troubles are due directly to our inability to find proper tasks for the pupils; and 7. Making the pupil aware of the com- plexity of life in its varying needs, abilities and interests, and guiding him to adjust himself to this situation so that he may become a positive contributing factor to society.
Much of the success of our work this year was due to the fact that there were no changes in teachers in high school and grades. Miss Hamer remained at North Rutland until June when the school was closed. This terminates an ar- rangement that we have had with the Lowell Normal School for a period of about sixteen years, whereby the school was brought under rather direct oversight of the Normal School and selected teachers were sent to us each year from the special three-year group. Any disadvantage in the yearly change was more than offset by the high quality of service rendered. Mr. W. E. Riley of the Normal School. himself a teacher of unusual understanding and skill, had an inti- mate acquaintance with local needs and. kept in close touch with the school through frequent visits. It was with regret that we accepted the resignation of Mrs. Cunningham who had been School Nurse for two years and who had been most. devoted to our schools. Miss Mildred Givan of West Somer- ville, a registered nurse with special training at Hyannis for school work, was appointed to carry on the health pro- gram. The Music and Drawing Supervisors resigned in June and we were fortunate in securing Miss Mary R. Spof- ford of Haverhill for Music and Miss Doris L. Potter of Wilton, N. H., for Drawing. Their enthusiasm is contagious and we are finding the pupils and teachers very responsive to the programs presented in these subjects.
11
At the district Spelling Bee held in April the four towns of this union and Hubbardston were represented, with Rena Alinovi, Helen Carroll; Gertrude Loverin, Anna Morasky, Evelyn Smith and Grace Wheeler spelling for Rutland. No prizes were won but the experience was of value.
In the Poster Contest conducted by the Mass. S. P. C. A. we had three medal winners, Rena Alinovi, Germaine Jul- Sonnet and Wilburt Locke. Nora Clem and Grace Wheeler received Honorable Mention and a subscription to the mag- azine published by the Society.
Child Health Day was observed with games, contests and a program under the direction of the teachers and Nurse. Tags were presented for correct posture, normal weight and attention to teeth. Such observance is encouraged by the State Departments of Education and of Health and by the American Child Health Association. I hope it may become one of the special occasions of the year.
There was a Prize Speaking Contest in May held in Holden with the high schools of six towns competing. Jean Somers won the first prize for girls and brought credit to herself and to Rutland.
An interesting program was presented by Grades VII and VIII under the direction of Mr. Meserve and Mrs. Kel- sey on the last day of school. Certificates were granted to thirteen eighth grade pupils and this number entered high school in the fall.
The reports of the Principal of the high school, the Supervisors, the School Nurse and the School Physician fol- low and merit careful consideration. I am very grateful for the loyalty and devotion to duty shown by our teachers and
12
for the interest and support of the Parent-Teacher Associa- tion. I appreciate especially the friendship and backing of the committee.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. CHILDS, Superintendent of Schools.
-
13
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent :
A year ago the enrollment of the High School was thirty- six, while at the present time the number of pupils enrolled is forty-five, and every desk in the room is occupied. Since there are twenty-two pupils in the eighth grade conditions would seem to indicate a still larger enrollment next year.
It is the desire of the Principal and members of the fac- ulty that the work in the High School continue to be such that the eighth grade pupils will want to enter and that those al- ready enrolled will be loyal and enthusiastic to graduate. We feel that the aim of Rutland High School is to provide an opportunity for the young people of this community to pre- pare themselves for a richer and fuller life, for more efficient citizenship, and for entrance to institutions of higher learn- ing. The accomplishment of these aims and the keeping up of interest and enthusiasm among the students is brought about through a suitable program of studies, extra curricula activities, and the maintaining of good equipment.
The program of studies offered at the present time is divided into three curricula, Classical, Commercial, and Gen- eral. Little needs to be said about the Classical course be- cause the subjects in this course are sufficient to take care of those students desiring to continue their education. Not many students, however, are in a position to go to college. The majority of them are interested in the Commercial and General courses. The Commercial course has grown to be popular and the subjects taught in it are enough to maintain its popularity and its efficiency. Some of the subjects in- cluded in this course are, Gregg Shorthand, Bookkeeping,
14
Typewriting, and Office Practice. If any improvement is to be made, the General course is the one to be considered.
The addition of such subjects as cooking and sewing for the girls, and manual training for the boys are all that is needed to complete a suitable program of studies. They are of practical value and would appeal to many students who do not expect to continue their studies beyond the High School. The addition of these subjects, however, would re- quire another teacher since the present teachers have a heavy schedule as it is. The three teachers teach a total of twenty subjects. Music and drawing are two other subjects taught by special teachers. The work in these subjects this year is very satisfactory. The development of an orchestra by the music supervisor opens up an opportunity for those pupils interested in playing musical instruments.
The extra curricula activities comprise, athletics, dra- matics, prize speaking, and social events.
In regard to athletics, considerable progress has been made during the past year in the development of teams. Lacking in experience a year ago, they can now make a cred- itable showing against other schools. All work in athletics is under the supervision of the Principal. Miss Mildred Secord of the faculty, however, has charge of all teams in which girls are members. Problems concerning athletics are handled through the Athletic Association with the assist- ance of the Principal. An important problem, of course, is the matter of raising money to purchase equipment and to pay traveling expenses. A year ago there was practically no equipment but the Association raised $150.00 to equip a girls' basketball team, a boys' basketball and baseball team. The officers of the Association this year are, President,
15
Myrtle Bigelow; Secretary and Treasurer, Helen Jameson. In order to raise funds for this year's espenses, the school is now working on an operetta, "Polished Pebbles," to be pre- sented the first week in February. This operetta is under the direction of Miss Spofford, assisted by the faculty.
Dramatics as an extra curricula activity is under the supervision of Miss Ruth Snitseler. During the year a play will be presented, the proceeds of which will be for the benefit of the Senior Class.
Prize speaking has been a part of the school work now for several years and the last year Rutland High School made a fine record. At the contest held in Rutland, Jean Somers won first prize while Margaret Keenan won second. The prizes were cups donated by Rutland Grange and the Parent Teacher Association. At the first annual Northern Worcester County Prize Speaking contest held at Holden, Jean Somers won first prize for Rutland against five other High Schools.
A few words might be said concerning needs in the line of equipment, rooms, and playgrounds.
The equipment in the Science Department is fair but needs attention from year to year. Chemistry is being taught this year and the supplies on hand are enough to complete the term but when physics is taught next year, a few more supplies would be of great help. In regard to Biology, a compound microscope would be a great help in making that subject interesting. The Commercial Department is some- what handicapped by a lack of typewriters, since there are a dozen or more pupils taking typewriting with only three typewriters to use. I am sure, however, that we appreciate
16
these three typewriters.
Heating some of the rooms in the winter is a problem. The main room in the High School and the First Grade room suffer from the cold quite frequently. If this situation could be remedied it certainly would be a relief. Due to the large number of pupils in the building, Grange Hall is used con- stantly and the fact that it can be used is appreciated.
In regard to the playground in the rear of the building, an important need is drainage. During hard rain storms, surface water from both ends of the building flow down across the grounds causing a muddy condition after the storm. This situation is more noticeable in the spring when it takes a long time for the playground to become dry. Plans are under way to install playground apparatus and the Par- ent-Teacher Association already has funds toward some of the equipment.
I should like to acknowledge at this time my apprecia- tion of the cooperation of the Teachers, Superintendent, School Committee, and the Parent-Teacher Association.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND D. KELSEY,
Principal.
17
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The school music in Rutland is progressing satisfac- torily. In the grammar school, the children sing well and enjoy the music period. In the High School, we are prepar- ing the operetta, "Polished Pebbles," which will be pre- sented in February.
We are planning to have percussion ensembles, or toy bands, in the first and second grades. The percussion en- semble develops rhythm which makes it a valuable addition in the school. It also gives the child such a happy experi- ence in ensemble playing that he will usually study an in- strument and join the school orchestra, when he is older.
Our school orchestra, which was organized in the fall, now consists of 4 violins, cello, cornet, drums and piano. It should be much larger considering the size of the school and I am sure it will grow in the near future because the parents seem very much interested and anxious to help.
I wish to thank the teachers for their willing coopera- tion.
MARY R. SPOFFORD.
18
REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
All the children love to make pictures of things with which they are familiar. Therefore we began our fall work with a study of the fall flowers, grasses, fruits and vege- tables; using a variety of mediums, pencil crayons, water color and ink according to the experience and development of class with which we are working.
Lettering alphabets have been studied to be kept and used as a basis for all projects requiring lettering through- out the year.
Holiday projects have been worked out at appropriate times. Posters cut and drawn freehand have been made in- volving proportion spacing, and composition. Subjects for posters have been taken from reading history and hygiene.
The work for the next term will include color study, design, perspective, proportion, object drawing and illustra- tive drawing, to be developed by cutting and crayoning of mass, in lower grades; pencil, crayon and water color in upper grades.
Picture study and recognition of well known master- pieces will be given.
Designs were developed from nature drawings in the High School, which were applied to tea tiles. Other designs from same sheet will be used in other projects during the year. Interesting results were obtained in block printed Christmas cards, advanced perspective lettering and color study will be taken up during the next term.
19
A review of principles taught and developing originality will be given throughout the grades near the end of the year. We hope to have an exhibition of typical work done in the schools sometime during the year.
DORIS L. POTTER.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
This report covers the period from September, 1928 to January, 1929.
MEDICAL INSPECTION
Our annual medical inspection required by law was con- ducted by Dr. Kimberly during the autumn. Not only is the medical inspection made in order to discover defects or dis- eases already contracted, but to prevent the spread of dis- ease among school children and the contracting of diseases due to improper posture or to misuse of the members or senses of the body. We should be very proud of our method of examining our pupils. This method warrants a more complete examination and keeps our town well to the fore- ground in the progress of health education.
Number of children examined 220
Number with tonsil and adenoid defects 42
Number with defective teeth 12
WEIGHING AND MEASURING
The children were weighed and measured once during the autumn. Those weighing 10% or more below normal
20
are given special attention, advice, and weighed monthly. Underweight or failure to gain, may be the first sign of tuber- culosis or other disease. Every child needs a reserve, first, to build new tissues of growth, second, to repair waste, and third, to be prepared for the loss due to a possible future illness.
CLINICS
The Clinic carried on by the State Department of Public Health continued its "Ten Year Program" which was held at both the Center School and West Rutland in October. The results of the examination are as follows :
Children examined 11
Cases of Hilum Tuberculosis 8
Cases of Suspects 3
Cases improved 5
Cases unimproved 6
Cases of diseased or enlarged tonsils 3
In October Dr. Kimberly conducted a clinic for immuniz- ing against diphtheria. The treatment was offered for school and pre-school children. Many had availed themselves of this great privilege last year.
Number of children to receive toxin-antitoxin 31
It has been a pleasure to give health talks in the schools as well as to visit in the homes from time to time and to experience genuine cooperation. I wish to sincerely thank the parents, the teachers and the pupils for the way in which they have helped to make my work effective and pleasant among them.
MILDRED GIVAN, R. N.
School Nurse
21
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Medical work is a good deal like the management of a progressive business. Each year sees improvement or expan- sion in some department. Each year as we go through the physical examination of the children we find a considerable group of defects that have been corrected. It may be tonsils that have required notices for the past three or four years that have at last been removed, or it may be dental work that has been given attention. There has been a noticeable improvement in posture among the school children, doubt- less due to the instruction and training they have received.
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