USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1920-1922 > Part 20
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I73
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921 ]
In mathematics and English the most practical essentials have been majored, for when it is considered that many pupils leave school at the completion of the eighth grade, it is apparent that which will best fit them to meet the problems which will con- front them is the duty of the school. It is being insisted as never before that each subject and each item in the subject justify itself ; or negatively, that no subject be retained in any curriculum unless its value viewed in relation to other topics and to time involved, can be made reasonably probable. No longer should the force of tradition shield any subject from this scrutiny. A better insight into the conditions of social welfare, and the many changes among these conditions, alike make inherently probable a different emphasis upon materials in the curriculum, if not a different selection of actual subject matter.
The socialized recitation and project method has been to some extent followed along the different lines of work.
This year the principal is hoping to develop dramatization in some of the classes, realizing that this sort of play is an unques- tioned element of value, developing the child's imagination, spontaneity and initiative. From this standpoint dramatization is of paramount importance, and I believe the way to teach it is to let the pupil incorporate it into his own life by making it reflect his own thoughts and feelings.
Every child delights in "making believe," he is naturally an imitator, and this medium should prove invaluable in history and English. Such dramatization may be developed in the language and reading lessons, and much of the really valuable constructive work may be brought about during the regular recitation period.
Realizing that there is a close relationship between the home and school, a Parent-Teacher Association was organized last year, and this is continuing to meet monthly in the school build- ing. Topics allied with home and school welfare have been discussed by eminent speakers, and much interest has been derived from the gatherings.
Our school participated in the annual Junior Red Cross Drive, and has endeavored to keep abreast of the times through a socialized study of events of current interest the world over. Armistice Day was observed by special exercises, with an address by a World War veteran who related personal experiences on the battlefields of Europe.
It has been my privilege to work in perfect harmony with the local department of education, to whose members I am most
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grateful for their support and cordial interest. The teachers of the school have not been found lacking in encouragement and co-operation.
To conclude, with the words of President Harding in an address given at the College of William and Mary, Williams- burg, Va., last October : "Teaching is one of the great human activities which will never strongly attract those who merely seek the substantial rewards. There are rewards real and highly gratifying for those who engage in it, but they are not found in accumulations, wealth, and the indulgences which wealth makes possible. Summed up, they are the consciousness of service well rendered."
Respectfully submitted, HARRY A. JOHNSON,
Principal.
Report of Household Arts Department 1921-1922
To Mrs. Lucie Norris, Principal of Saugus High School :
The work of the Household Arts Department commenced September sixth with the following enrollment :
Elementary Sewing, VII and VIII . ISO
Dressmaking, XI and XII
19
Cookery, IX, X . 65
Household Management, X IO
Home Nursing, XII . .
3
In Cookery we aim to prepare all girls by actual experience (a) to save perishable food products by drying, canning and preserving or pickling, (b) to cook and serve wholesome food that is practical and economical, having due regard for the cost involved, (c) to prepare suitable food for infants and invalids and (d) to teach only so much of the so-called science of die- tetics as can be made use of in an intelligent selection and combination of food materials.
Household Management : This course helps to establish and maintain standards that make for good living conditions in the community. An appreciation of home making and the enjoy- ments of the efforts necessary to secure good homes is instilled.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
Our aim in Home Nursing is to give pupils experience in (a) preparing cooling drinks and nutritious, easily digested foods for sick and convalescing people, (b) caring for the sick room, (c) first aid in the home and (d) proper treatment of our bodies.
The lunch room is carried on entirely by the classes in cookery and is self-supporting.
Pupils can obtain nutritious food at a very small cost, thus enabling them to do better work the latter part of the session. The pupils are growing both physically and mentally and require a great variety, as well as quantity of food,
Sample menus are :
Corn chowder, 05 ; Cheese and olive sandwich, 03 ; Devilled meat sandwich, 03; Tapioca cream, 05 ; Cookies, O1 ; Cocoa- milk, 05.
Scalloped potatoes, 05 ; Salmon salad sandwich, 03; Veal loaf sandwich, 03; Apple pie, 05 ; Cocoa-milk, 05.
Special menus are prepared for teachers. This is beneficial not only to teachers but, also, to pupils. It tends to give the girls a greater responsibility as girls are appointed each week to attend certain teachers.
This report is followed by that of Miss Costellow who has charge of the sewing and dressmaking.
Respectfully submitted,
GLADYS M. CARNEY.
Sewing Department
Sewing and Home Economics have as their aims the training of girls to be better able to assume their duties and responsibili- ties through the study of textiles, and by the comparison of the cost of home-made and of ready-made garments. These open up to the student the vital questions of "sweat shop" labor and the responsibility of the consumer.
Content of Sewing Course.
Seventh Grade-Fundamental stitches and their application to articles as dusters, sewing cases, aprons, underwear and simple dress.
Eighth Grade-Brief review of hand sewing, advanced work- use of sewing machine, making of cooking aprons, caps, hold- ers, underwear, middy blouses, smocks and dresses.
Eleventh Grade-Dressmaking. Review of hand and machine sewing on aprons and underwear. Advanced work-drafting of simple patterns and making garments from patterns drafted,
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the choice, interpretation and use of commercial patterns, also, the planning and making of children's and misses' dresses. Mending, sample work, embroidery, stitches, crocheting, tatting, the study of textiles and current events are included in this course.
Respectfully submitted, MILDRED S. COSTELLOW, MARJORIE I. BUCK.
Report on Manual Training
Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
The Manual Training School opened with an enrolment of 280 pupils ; comprising the boys from the High School and the Ballard Junior High.
In order to get the best results we deemed it advisable to make Manual Training compulsory in the seventh and eighth grades ; and elective in the ninth and Senior High.
In the seventh and eighth grades a regular course is laid out which takes in, first, models involving the simplest exercises, going from the simple to the complex ; and later on in the year, the more advanced pupils select their own models; these, of - course, not to involve to difficult exercises.
The models used in the seventh and eighth grades are the same as last year with few exceptions. 1
The course laid out for the ninth grade takes in the different joints, these with few exceptions are made up in concrete exer- cises such as the taboret, medicine cabinets, boxes, etc. Wood turning is, also, taught as far as time permits.
The time allowed for Manual Training this year is the same as last year. The seventh and eighth grades come once a week,-they have eighty minutes. The ninth grade comes twice each week, making one hundred sixty minutes in all; the time is short to accomplish very much.
At the beginning of the year Miss Lee was transferred to the drawing department of the High School ; this change, of course, brings an added amount of work on the director ; also, makes the classes necessarily large. By taking one class of the Ballard after school hours I have been able to carry on the work without assistance.
As heretofore we have done quite a lot of repair work, a large cabinet is now under construction for the Chemistry Department. We are always glad to do these things because
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
it is good experience for the boys, and also saves expense of hiring.
The attitude of the pupils is of a pleasing nature. While the pupils are developing accuracy and skill, they are, also, devel- oping the minds at the same time.
If the models that the boys make in the shop were the only thing that he got out of it, his time spent there would be a failure. Our aim is to develop the whole boy.
Respectfully submitted, NAPOLEON B. CORTHELL,
Instructor.
Report of Supervisor of Americanization
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintent of Schools, Saugus :
DEAR SIR,-As Americanization is essentially a problem of education logically belonging to the public school system, it would seem that Saugus has taken a vastly important step in the organization of classes for the education of the foreign-born within its gates.
If one bears in mind that the success of democracy depends upon the worth of the human conscience and its insight into the duties of citizenship, it becomes evident that this work has a special sphere in the field of actual duty and in the approach to present day problems, that each may bear its share of the bur- den just as in any other enterprise engaged in for mutual bene- fit. Ordinary common sense dictates the necessity that those who shape and carry out vast public policies shall do so with knowledge and forethought. With this in mind, the assimila- tion into our citizenship of the immigrant people who have come from all countries of the world to partake of our democ- racy, it is a duty which must not be neglected if we are to attain that unity of purpose and harmony of execution which are necessary to the smooth working out of public affairs.
Briefly, the object of Americanization is five-fold :-
. To make English a common medium of speech.
2. To establish better relationships between all Americans.
3. To preserve the best contributions brought from the Old World and unite them with the best ideals of the New.
4. To prepare aliens for citizenship.
5. To make a united people loyal to America.
Following a conference attended by the Superintendent of Schools, members of the school board, and the supervisor, classes
12
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fOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
were organized in the Ballard Junior High School, East Saugus, early in October, and these have met weekly since that time except during the Christmas recess. From the outset, the interest has been keen, the original enrolment having materially increased from time to time. While the attendance has not been large, since the problem itself is not so complex in Saugus as in many Massachusetts towns, the work has been steadily going on. Frequently the pupils have expressed a desire for more than the prescribed three evenings of school weekly. In many cases the men and women after attending a few nights have brought some new recruit to school with them, some relative or friend or neighbor newly arrived in this country. The fact alone indicates that the pupils value and appreciate the instruction and advan- tages they are receiving in this school.
The method of teaching followed is the so-called direct method authorized by the Division of University Extension, Massachu- setts Department of Education. The standard State leaflets have been in use, supplemented by approved text books from various publishing houses.
The theme or lesson material, has to a considerable degree, been drawn from the experiences of the immigrant, this objec- tive language, augmented by much subjective language used by the teacher encouraging the pupil to give expression to his own ideas. After the theme has been thoroughly assimilated, variants are introduced which greatly increase the pupil's vocabulary.
The usual procedure is to divide the lesson period of one hour and one-half into three divisions :- oral expression, board work and writing, with some time devoted to phonics and spelling.
The enrolment has ranged between 45 and 50, with the men predominating. Seven nationalities have been represented in the classes.
Saugus has been fortunate in having certified teachers engaged in this work, two having certificates from the State Normal School at Hyannis where the course was instituted. Mr. Mahoney, in one of his Americanization letters writes :- "In the final analysis the major part of the burden of Americani- zing the immigrant rests on the shoulders of the teacher. Her task is a meaningful one, and she should approach it as one who engages not for hire. She must, wherever born, be an Ameri- can one hundred per cent pure. She must be sane and sympathetic, and able to see things whole. She must be able to give and give, and reckon not the return. But the return will come, if she remembers-that she may not give over giving."
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
It would seem advisable to form classes in other sections of the town if there is sufficient demand, and I would especially suggest the formation of an afternoon class for women, to be held at a time when it will least conflict with their home cares, and meet- ing if necessary, in the home of some member. I am also certain that many more recruits to the classes might be secured if the supervisor's time would permit a regular follow-up system, the value of which all Americanization workers realize. How- ever, the amount of time which the supervisor must at present devote to class teaching makes impossible that thorough-going follow up which is of paramount value in the success of any school work.
I am anxious that the people of Saugus should know that the members of the Americanization classes are most appreciative of the fact that this opportunity is being given them.
They are ready and anxious to learn, keen of perception, and are anticipating the time when they may become full-fledged citizens of our great republic.
In conclusion, I would express my appreciation of much valuable help from Mr. Mahoney, State Supervisor, and his assistants, Mr. Herlihy and Miss Guyton, with whom I have had many conferences during the past few months. I am grateful to the teachers, both of whom are affiliated with the Mass- achusetts Association of Americanization Teachers, to you, sir, and to the members of the School Board who have co-operated in the fullest measure possible.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. JOHNSON, Supervisor.
Report of the Supervisor of Music.
Superintendent J. W. Lambert :
I herewith submit my second report as Supervisor of Music in the public schools of Saugus.
Work was started in the fall very easily, on account of the systematic training of the previous year. We were not handi- capped for lack of material as supplies had been ordered during the summer.
Last year the whole system was built up, dwelling on note reading and rhythms. This year rhythm has been enlarged upon in the first grade, while word reading is being perfected in the third and fourth grades.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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Rhythm work in the first grade consists of the children listen- ing to a selection played, counting the time and showing their correctness by clapping their hands in time with the music. Some of the primary rooms can readily distinguish two beat, three beat, four beat and six beat measure. Two first grade rooms have started rhythm orchestras. Here the ingenuity of pupil and teacher is called upon. Every available object is used from horse shoes and nails to toy drums.
In the fourth, fifth and sixth grades the rhythm work took the form of tapping and picturing rhythms. This calls for both eye and ear training, and required concentration, an essential lack- ing in the higher grades as shown by the ranks recently received in a test given the grades. The highest class averages were as follows -fourth grade, North Saugus School, 76 per cent ; fifth grade, Roby. School, 29 per cent; sixth grade, Ballard School, 36 per cent. This simply shows ear and eye training have been neglected in the past.
In connection with the primary work I would like to say the teachers are handicapped by lack of instruments, - a victrola or piano should be found in each low grade room. Nearly all buildings have one piano, but all are badly out of tune. These are, also, placed where they are of no use in primary work.
The schools have not sung in public many times. The Bal- lard Junior High sang for the Woman's Forum and at an exhibit given in May. A picked chorus from the sixth grade of two hundred voices furnished part of the entertainment at the exhibit in High School Hall.
The Ballard Junior High work has not progressed as it should have, with the fine material at hand, to work with. There was an understanding in June that the extra room in the building should be used as a music room this year. With this in mind a a course for appreciation, glee-club and current events was laid out. This had to be abandoned, as the piano at present stands in a corner of the upper hall. Choruses singing disturb the children in the rooms near at hand. A chorus of one hundred, standing in a small floor space, is not conducive to good order, nor is it easy to discipline children who are required to stand during a music period. Hence, the ordinary routine of last year is being carried out. I feel this is an injury to the child. When talent and willingness are[both at hand for use, it is a great mis- take not to take advantage of it.
When the Centre High School was added to my schedule in October, some time was spent in testing voices and making
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
seating plans for the Junior and Senior Choruses. The Junior Chorus numbers 172, the Senior Chorus, 100.
A small Junior Orchestra has been formed and played at the School play.
Interest in music at the present time is decidely low. There is plenty of talent but no concentration or effort made by the children, as a whole, to produce music worthy of the High School.
In closing, I wish to thank you, Mr. Lambert, with the School Committee for the willingness shown in furnishing material call- ed for, also, the teachers and children who are keeping the same high standard of work as last year.
Sincerely, LAURA E. CRAM.
Report of the Supervisor of Penmanship.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
Zaner says, "Good writing is more than an accomplishment ; it is a modern need, the passport to good business positions. No one has a moral right to write illegibly, for it means a waste of time and effort to both writer and reader."
Good penmanship, like elocution or music, is an accomplish- ment that is always in demand.
Of late years, more time has been devoted to the development of good writing in the public schools. By establishing freedom in arm movement in the early grades, pupils are enabled to be- come efficient business writers.
Arm movement means better health than is possible in the slow, cramped writing of the past years. Under the modern systems, the children are taught to keep healthful posture. The body is erect so as to grow straight : the lungs have a chance to expand, and the hand is held in a comfortable as well as natural position.
Besides this, arm movement means more written work in less time, because the pupils are taught, not only to write legibly, but rapidly as well.
The main essentials to good writing are begun in the first grade. These are : first, a healthful position ; second, plainness of form, and third, arm movement. By carefully carrying out these essentials through all the grades, success may readily be secured.
.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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The Palmer System of Arm Movement is still being carried on throughout the town. The progress in all grades is marked, having had the previous year as a start. Many classes are above the standards of writing for their grade, which gives great credit to both teacher and pupils in those classes.
The pupils of the present age, unlike those of the past, enjoy the penmanship lessons and look forward to them with great pleasure.
Contests have been established among the different schools to arouse the spirit of competition.
The Civic League, as in previous years, is again offering prizes at the end of the year, both for good writing and improvement in writing.
The work as a whole is progressing rapidly, the credit being greatly due to the patient effort and earnest co-operation shown by all the grade teachers.
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET CAMERON.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR, -- A very encouraging beginning has been made with the hand work of the grades this year. There is so much foundation to be laid in all the grades that progress may seem slow at first.
The work of the first grade is extremely important for it is here that the little hands are first taught to use tools such as pencils, crayons, scissors, paper and paste. In this grade sim- ple proportion is taught by means of symbols ; for example, a rabbit's body is round, so the symbol will be a circle. Its head is smaller than its body, so we will trace a small circle for the head and a large circle for the body. Then the children will decide where the ears are and if they are taller than the head. By the same method a cart is oblong and a tree triangular.
In the second grade proportion is carried a step forward and action is introduced. Animals and people are doing things of common interest to boys and girls.
The third grade is still illustrating, but with more detail.
The fourth grade puts equal emphasis on illustration and construction. This is the age when boys and girls are begin- ning to get interested in how things are put together and made.
-
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1921]
The fifth and sixth grades are at the age when they are gathering information. The drawing course is planned accord- ingly. In these grades measuring and lettering are two impor- tant subjects for the benefit of accuracy and technique.
The seventh and eighth grade age is the time when discrimi- nation develops so the rudimentary principles of design and color are taught. Poster work is a most interesting subject which gives drill in a broad variety of design and color principles.
Thus far, the course has been rather too limited to the super- vision of drawing alone, but I sincerely hope we will be more and more able to work into hand work of many kinds as recom- mended by my superior authorities,-Harvard, Normal Art and Pedro Lemos. The children are willing and capable and with the co-operation of all concerned the possibilities are almost unlimited.
Respectfully submitted, LILLIAN D. TINKHAM, Supervisor of Drawing.
Report of School Nurse for Months of November and December
Number of schools visited, 33 ; home calls, 106; exclusions for pediculosis, 66 (53 followed up) ; returned, 61 ; still excluded, 5 ; exclusions for whooping cough, 8; returned, 1 ; exclusions for impetigo, 4 ; returned, 3 ; still excluded, I ; defective vision, 4 ; defective vision treated at Lynn Hospital Clinic, 2 ; defective vision corrected at Lynn Hospital Clinic, I ; pnuemonia, I ; castroduenitis, I ; appendix (inflamed), I ; grippe, 2; rheuma- tism, I ; swollen glands, I ; kidney trouble, 2; scarlet fever, I ; diphtheria, I ; bronchial asthma, I ; discharging ears, 1 ; blood poisoning, I ; croup, 2; favus, 2 ; uncleanliness, I ; mentally deficient, 3.
All other cases, colds, coughs, sore throats, truant, etc. Owing to so much work to be done it is impossible for the work to progress as rapidly as we would wish. Our aim is to attain a standard of efficency in good health in our schools.
Respectfully submitted, FLORENCE M. HARRISON.
School Nurse.
From November 1, 1921.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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SCHOOL STATISTICS
Number of public day schools based on the single class room as a unit
66
Number of public school buildings in use 13 .
REGISTRATION OF MINORS, APRIL 1, 1921.
A. Persons between 5 and 7 years of age, boys 244, girls 198, 493
B. Persons between 7 and 14 years of age, boys 904, girls 928, 1,832
C. Persons between 14 and 16 years of age, boys 230, girls 195 ; 425
D. Persons between 16 and 21 years of age, boys 412, girls 380, 792
Total number of minors, April 1, 1921, males 1,790, females 1,701 ,
3,49I
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFIED AS TO AGES, APRIL. 1, 1921.
A. Pupils between the ages of 5 and 7 years . 231
B. Pupils between the ages of 7 and 14 years 1,830
C. Pupils between the ages of 14 and 16 years 276
Number between 14 and 16 years of age given certificate of employment 39
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