USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1920-1922 > Part 19
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We need a physical director whose duties shall comprise supervision of the grade work and the actual training of the student body at the high school.
Americanization
At a special town meeting held last spring the sum of $400 was appropriated for establishing demonstration classes in Americanization.
At the opening of the present school year in September plans were made for carrying forward this work and Mr. Harry Johnson was appointed as its supervisor and director. We are more than pleased with the results secured thus far. Our plan, however, is not sufficiently extensive to meet the needs along this line since it confines our work to the eastern portion of the town and, consequently, does not extend proper advantages to the foreign-born element residing in Cliftondale, Saugus Centre and other parts of the town.
This important educational plan should, not only be continued, but should be so broadened that the entire foreign-born popula- tion throughout the town may have proper facilities for becom- ing American citizens. In connection with this work our acknowledgments are especially due to Mrs. Pauline R. Peck-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
ham, as well as to Mr. Johnson, for a large amount of pioneer work necessary for its establishment.
Mr. Johnson is submitting a report to which your attention is respectfully called.
The Housing Situation
A study of the table showing the registration in the various schoolrooms throughout the town shows no improvement as to congestion in certain sections. It is bound to become more acute-in fact, we hardly see how we can possibly accommodate the number of pupils who will be entitled to registration next year in several schoolrooms in and around Cliftondale. Steps should be taken without further delay looking toward relief in this direction. Our Central Junior High will be, also, very much overcrowded but this condition may be partially relieved by opening another room at the Ballard Junior High School and extending the boundaries of the section served by this school. Such a step will incur an expense of about $1,200 a year as an additional teacher would be required, but it seems inevitable.
` `High School
Saugus High School continues to be a distinct credit to the town. Both principal and teachers are doing their best to advance the standard and prepare those under their charge not only for meeting such educational tests as may await them but, also, for becoming self-reliant citizens of high ideals.
Your attention is respectfully called to the report of the principal, Mrs. Norris.
Ballard Junior High
As in the Central High, so here we have a process of charac- ter-building, the real value of which will be seen and felt when the boys and girls take their places among the busy activities of life.
Your attention is called to the report of the principal, Mr. Johnson.
Manual Training
It was thought best to restrict the scope of this department to regular work with members of the Junior High, and thus reduce expense. In accordance with this idea, beginning with the new school year in September the entire work of this depart-
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ment was given to its director, Mr. Corthell. Miss Lee, who had proved a very valuable assistant, was transferred to the High School as teacher of drawing. The excellent service rendered by these two educators is too well known to need com- ment. We sincerely hope that they will remain with us.
Your attention is respectfully called to Mr. Corthell's report.
Domestic Science
At the close of the year Miss Ida Walkey who, for one year, served very efficiency as head of this department resigned to accept a much more lucrative position and, after consideration of several candidates, we secured the services of Miss Gladys Carney. We are pleased to note that Miss Carney is carrying on the work in a highly satisfactory manner.
Sewing is still being taught by Miss Mildred Costellow who proved her value along this line last year. She is assisted by Miss Marjorie Buck who devotes part time to this work.
We have only words of commendation for those engaged in this department.
Your attention is respectfully called to the report of Miss Carney.
Supervisors
Last year we mentioned the need for better equipment for carrying forward the work in music - also, for a more definite course of study in drawing. These needs have been met so that now we have strong courses in music, drawing and penmanship.
We believe that there never was a time when this special ser- vice was more ably rendered than is the case at present.
Reports are being submitted relative to these three lines of work and to these reports we respectfully call your attention.
School Nurse
In accordance with legal requirements we employed a school nurse to care for the physical welfare of the children through- out the town and, thus, make more effective the work of the school physicians.
We believe this to be a long step in the right direction and will lead, not only to better health and physical strength, but a more uniform and higher standard of scholarship.
Miss Florence Harrison has been secured for this work and she is carrying it on in a highly satisfactory manner.
Your attention is called to Miss Harrison's report.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Recommendations
Of the eight recommendations made in our last report, three are being carried out, viz. :
A more rigid enforcement of the truancy law.
A definite health program (somewhat restricted. )
A definite program for Americanization (somewhat restricted. )
We would still call your attention to the following :
I. Plans for continuing the schooling of minors between the ages of fourteen and sixteen years who work in Saugus.
2. Much more attention to school grounds.
3. Sufficient appropriation by the town for the support of athletics.
4. Plans for winter sports and gymnastic exercises.
5. Consistent support of a definite building program.
6. Extension of school grounds.
7. An extension of the work in Americanization.
8. A revision of the salary schedule for teachers.
Extension of School Grounds
One of the crying needs for school children to-day is more space for physical exercise. In Saugus we may not be so badly cramped in this respect as is the case in some other towns but we could make use of larger grounds than we now have to the physical advantage of our boys and girls. We certainly cannot afford to lose any parts of playgrounds now in use. We should, therefore, secure options without delay on any vacant lots adjoining our school yards and thus insure playground privileges for all school children or at least prevent any further restriction thereof.
As a case in point, we would call attention to a large lot located in the rear and adjoining the Felton School ground. This lot may be sold at any time for the erection of one or more dwelling houses and, as our school playground now extends but a few feet in that direction, the loss of the adjoining plot would prove a very serious handicap. We would suggest that special and immediate attention be given to this important matter.
Why We Are Turning Back Four Thousand, Three Hundred Thirty-nine Dollars and Fifty Cents
At the time we made up our budget for 1921, we figured on a sixteen-week term before the end of the fiscal year. Later, it was thought best to close the fall term on December sixteenth,-
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making its length fifteen weeks. It was, also, thought best to employ one, instead of two teachers, for Manual Training.
The shortening of the fall term transfers to next year's expenditure an amount necessary to pay our teachers for one week. This sum is a trifle more than $2,500. The saving on manual training teaching accounts for $600, making a total of $3, 100 which we would feel in duty bound to turn back to the town. The amount that we have paid our school nurse and which was not provided for in our last budget represents a saving in the amount expended for janitor service at the high school during the summer vacation.
Had we maintained school this fall for sixteen weeks, con- tinued our regular teaching force in manual training and allowed one and one-half tons of coal additional for each school- room throughout the town, our entire appropriation would have been exhausted notwithstanding the fact that rigid economy along all lines has been practiced.
In determining our appropriation for 1922, we should bear in mind that, with the exception of the small manual training item, the amount returned December 31, 1921, does not consti- tute a real saving, but simply a transfer of school expenditure from 1921 to 1922.
In General
We feel that the past year has been one of advancement. Teachers have done honest, faithful, efficient work and to them should be given the credit for the large measure of success that we have enjoyed. Among the forward steps taken we would name the beginnings of an English education for our foreign- born residents, special attention to the physical welfare of the child by the employment of a school nurse and the institution of a dental clinic,-the latter, however, not being supported by town appropriation. We have made an exchange of textbooks in geography for Grades V and VI, also, in music-thus insur- ing up-to-date and effective work in these important branches.
For co-operation of teachers, support of the School Com- mittee and friendly attitude of the citizens of Saugus, I express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, JESSE W. LAMBERT, Superintendent of Schools.
SAUGUS, January 16, 1922.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of School Physician
Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Saugus Schools :
I respectfully submit at this time the annual report of the condition of pupils in the schools assigned to me in this district and find the following defects :- Pediculosis, 19 ; decayed teeth, 17; conjunctivitis, 3 ; strabismus, 2; defective vision, wears glasses, 13; cleft palate 1 ; chicken pox, 3; whooping cough, 8; tonsils enlarged, 5; nasal catarrah, 3; cervical glands enlarged, 4 ; disease of scalp, I ; impetigo contagioso, 6; lame- ness, result of infantile paralysis, 2.
I have carefully examined all the pupils in the schools of my district and have, also, examined them at my office when sent to me by the teacher. -
PUBLIC STATUTES OF MASSACHUSETTS Acts of 1898, Chapter 496, Section II Providing for the exclusion of certain children from the Public Schools
No child who is a member of a household in which a person is sick with smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever or measles, or of a household exposed to contagion from a household as aforesaid, shall attend any public school during such sickness or until the teacher of the school has been furnished with a certificate from the board of health of the town or city, or from, the attending physician of such sick person, stating in a case of smallpox, diphtheria or scarlet fever, that a period of at least two weeks, and in a case of measles a period of at least three days has elapsed since the recovery, removal or death of such person and that danger of the conveying of such disease by such child has passed.
Very respectfully, GEORGE W. GALE, M. D.
Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
Herein I submit my annual report as school physician.
I have carefully examined all the pupils at Oaklandvale, North Saugus, the Roby School and the Junior High. I found thirty-eight cases of adenoids, forty-two cases of diseased tonsils, five running ears, eleven cases of deviating septum, thirteen cases of scabies and twenty-two hundred and five untreated carious teeth.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
Sanitary conditions are satisfactory except at Oaklandvale where there is much to be desired.
The advent of a school nurse and a dental clinic is a very great event, their value will be recognized and appreciated abundantly.
I found conditions at North Saugus much improved and am much pleased to report that I found very few children there this year in need of dental or other special care.
Very respectfully,
M. H. DAVIS, M. D.
CLIFTONDALE, MASS., January 5, 1922.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I have the honor of presenting to , you my third annual report for the year ending December 31, 1921.
As School Physician, I have carefully examined all pupils in the following schools :
Armitage, Cliftondale, Felton and Lincoln. I found :
Adenoids
2
Tonsils .
ยท 89
Decayed teeth
.
106
Scabies .
I
Impacted cerumen
60
Pediculosis
I7
Impedigo contagioso
I
Chronic otitis media
I
Deflected septum
Total number examined .
I 636
The general health in the schools should be much improved this year, with the aid of school nurse. Already some valuable work has been done in following up cases and keeping those out of school who would probably spread disease.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) LEROY C. FURBUSH.
Report of the Attendance Officer
SAUGUS, December 29, 1921.
It seems well that the term "Truant Officer" is no longer used. The title of " Attendance Officer " gives the business of that office its true name.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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I find after one year and a half of service in this capacity that the number of real cases of truancy are small for twenty-four hundred children.
Truancy seems to be, when the truant is subjected to a close observation, a disease and the only cure, in my estimation, is the training school. No country has a better one than our Essex County Training School, giving as it does the home environment , together with the most excellent training. The commitment of such cases to the training school accomplishes two important features, the training of the child, and placing the truant where he cannot tempt others to acquire his habits. Two boys have been committed this year.
My recommendation of last year that lectures on attendance be given at the schools has not been adopted, but a very effective plan has been used with gratifying results by co-operation with the teacher. Children who have shown a tendancy to be care- less in attendance have been called to the corridors by the teacher and the officer has tried to show them the importance of regular attendance and the punishment for failure in this respect.
The usual excuses has been given, such as " no shoes," and " sickness " and "to perform household duties." Sickness is the only one considered by the attendance officer as valid, and this is followed up by the school nurse. Shoes are supplied where there is actual need, through different sources, when the officer upon investigation is satisfied that the parents or guardians not in a position to supply them. The housework excuse is seldom genuine and never of sufficient importance to be a sub- stitute for a child's education.
The more I see of our schools the more proud I am that in spite of what seems to be a high tax, we do not stint in preparing the next generation for citizenship that will reflect credit on the Town of Saugus.
Respectfully, CHAS. E. LIGHT, Attendance Officer.
Report of High School Principal.
Mr. Superintendent :
The public wants to know about its High School ; (1) the character and ability of its teaching force ; (2) its rating among other schools-how they compare with others and how they measure up to proper standards ; (3) the quality of preparation
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1921]
given for higher schools ; (4) the social life; (5) the problems and (6) the needs. Such miscellaneous matters as these cannot be told effectively in an annual report ; space forbids more than a mention of them and such a skeleton is devoid of interest ; the principal urges patrons to visit the school during regular sessions and judge for themselves.
The High School is the most expensive part of the school system ; it is the part of the system that is most under fire; it is scored by some parents because it does not prepare their chil- dren for college ; it is criticized by many because it is unpracti- cal ; by some taxpayers because of its expense. No one of the above complaints is fully grounded ; some of the criticisms are quite without foundation. The High School is the central agency in American education ; it offers opportunity for develop -. ment; it is the social instrument for general distribution of knowledge-such knowledge as will give to the poor as well as rich, to the working as well as the leisure class, an opportunity to reveal the powers with which they are gifted by nature.
(1) Considering the changes necessary thru limitation of funds, our teaching force will compare favorably with that of other towns; Mr. Wheeler is opening the eyes and minds of the ninth graders to science in four large classes every day. These same pupils are having a fine course in civics under the direc- tion of Mr. Evans; the commercial pupils are having a good course in all branches; more are taking Ancient History (a college and scientific's school requirement ) than ever before ; Spanish and French classes are full and doing good work.
(2) Pupils from our school moving to other communities enter the new schools without loss of standing.
(3) Over 21 per cent. of the graduates from the Saugus High School for the past three years have entered standard colleges and normal schools and have been able to do creditable work there, while seven pupils have won exceptional honor to themselves and the school. Twenty-eight out of ninety-three of the class of 1921 have entered standard schools and passed the first term's work. Not all failures can be avoided. A strong pupil may fail and yet increase his strength by proper thought about his failure ; an equal opportunity is offered all -- all are "exposed" but all do not "take."
Study during the periods in school is most excellent; the atmosphere is conducive to concentration but many fail to see the importance of regular hours for study at home every day. To meet the college entrance requirements (which each year
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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make greater demands on the entrants) the pupils must not just get by ; it is necessary for certification that they have earned a grade of at least 85 per cent. in each one of the sixteen studies taken in the High School. The majority are doing well but they are not doing their best.
(4) The social life of the school has been met by the various class functions, parties, dances, picnics, as well as participation in the assembly periods. There have been speakers from our own town and outside who have given inspirational messages to the school at the assemblies.
The athletic situation is no more satisfactory here than in other places. It is unusual to find any correlation between the athletic activities and the other work of the school, mainly because there is no provision in the course of study for regular physical education and because for lack of opportunity for proper standardization of athletic activities. In spite of the handicaps, our teams have been successful in competing with other schools in baseball and football. The athletic association is out of debt. The expenses have been met by membership dues, tag days, subscription, and last but not least by a drama under the able direction of Mrs. Baker, one of our teaching staff. The drama offered an opportunity for the pupils who took part to show their skill in oral expression, and was a splendid chance for growth in personality and poise.
The exhibit last June of the various departments was ex- ceptionally fine and afforded patrons of the school a chance to see what was being done in the regular school work.
The high school attendance is on the increase. The enroll- ment a year ago, by grades was : 7-185 ; 8-144 : 9-136; 10-84; II-65 ; 12-79 ; post graduates 2. Total 695.
This year : 7-173 ; 8-164 : 9-194; 10-92: 11-60; 12-42 : post graduates 4. Total 729. The withdrawls the past four months have numbered thirty-four against fifty-two in the same time last year.
(5) Serious problems confront the High School : the lack of teachers trained in practice teaching or professionally ; the holding of the pupils after the ninth or tenth grade; the home study ; the adjusting of the seventh and eighth grade pupils to the course of study or the course of study to them ; if the latter, a need of more teachers and class rooms as well as a wider range of subjects. How to hold these pupils in the High School is a big problem. The High School must draw and keep many more pupils to efface the criticism that "America is a nation of sixth graders."
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
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(6) Among the needs, mention may be made that there be smaller classes in the Junior High School ; a larger sewing room ; a specially fitted room for the commercial department ; film picture lessons to supplement and illustrate-not take the place of the text book ; grouping of pupils on basis of mental ability so that the bright ones do not learn lazy habits, for it is a fact that some learn five and six times as rapidly as others, then the slow pupil will have a chance to learn the vital points without being hurried along to catch up with the others.
In his farewell address, Washington enjoined the promotion of institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge that "in proportion as the structure of government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion be enlightened." The development of the High School pupil is the great aim ; if he or she becomes thru the formation of habit as well as the acquisition of knowledge a good citizen, a producer with appre- ciation of a real home, and state functions then indeed we shall have a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."
I desire to thank you, Mr. Superintendent, for your helpful guidance, the committee for its interest, the teachers for their spirit of co-operation, and the taxpayers for their support.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIE MEARS NORRIS,
January, 1922.
Principal.
Report of East Saugus Junior High School Principal Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my second annual report as principal of the Ballard Junior High School, East Saugus.
With the opening of the school year in September, the con- gestion in the eighth grade was a problem which was met by making a large number of transfers to the High School. Extra seats were placed in all the first floor rooms, and the work has continued very satisfactorily, the eighth grade enrolment totaling 42 pupils, that number being the utmost seating capac- ity of any of the rooms. This congestion would indicate that an additional room will be required next September. The entire enrolment in the building is somewhat larger than last year.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Since the opening of the school term we have followed the practice of changing classes at the end of each period in place of a change of teachers as was the arrangement last year, this, with the Junior High division on the lower floor being factors which have made for the convenience of both teachers and pupils.
There have been three changes in the teaching force ; Miss Perry came to one of our fifth grades, Mrs. Hughes succeeded Miss Betts transferred to the High School, and at the opening of school in January, Miss Brown, a teacher of considerable experience filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Perry.
To the principal, one of the most apparent gains of the year has been the manifestation of a better school spirit among the student body.
There has been shown a greater respect for the rights of indi- viduals, for school property, and an increased desire for the most part, to accede to the wishes and aspirations of the teaching force. It has been found that when pupils have been given to understand what is expected of them, why they should do or not do certain things that they have responded generously and whole- heartedly.
The work in the grades, I believe, will compare most favor- ably with any school in Saugus or elsewhere, and I think this belief will be sustained by our supervisors to whom a large degree of this efficiency is due. The room teachers too, have liberally co-operated with these special teachers, and their work has been constant and efficient.
Supervision of the playgrounds has been successfully main- tained this year, two teachers being on the recreation field dur- ing the recess period. This has resulted in the eradication of nearly all friction between pupils, and has worked out exceed- ingly well. Our school is fortunate in being admirably located with respect to situation, but few schools having the freedom of so much space for recreation purposes.
In the Junior High section departmental work has been main- tained under an efficient teaching force, and here too, the gain has been gratifying. A rather strenuous program is carried out with but few spare periods, necessitating a close application to lessons and some home work preparation. Geography has been continued in Grade VIII, although not in the prescribed course of study, but such an excellent background was attained last year that it was deemed advisable to give an additional year to this most important subject,
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