USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1920-1922 > Part 29
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25
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
I have found the following defects : Adenoids, 4; enlarged tonsils, 6; decayed teeth, 37; conjuctivitis, 3 ; defective vision requiring glasses, 14 ; cleft palate, I ; nasal catarrah, 6 ; chicken- pox, 3 ; whooping cough, 8; pediculoses, 12; convulsions, I ; enlarged glands, 7; paralysis, 1 ; impetigo, 12 ; blindness one eye, I.
Very respectfully, GEORGE W. GALE, M. D.
To Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
Herein I submit my annual report. I have carefully examined all the pupils at North Saugus, Oaklandvale, Roby and Junior High.
Sanitary conditions are excellent except at Oaklandvale.
Parents and guardians of children are now so well informed and alive to the importance of early and adequate care of the teeth that it seems unnecessary to urge anything further in that line.
In most cases of diseased tonsils and troublesome adenoids proper treatment has been or is about to be given.
I find conditions coming under this department very satis- factory.
Respectfully submitted,
MYRON H. DAVIS, M. D.
To Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
I respectfully submit my annual report as school physician.
After making careful examination of the pupils in the follow- ing schools, Armitage, Cliftondale, Lincoln and Felton I found decayed teeth, 33 ; wax in ears, 64; adenoids, I ; tonsils, 63 ; pediculosis, 23; impetigo contagiosa, 2; nasal growth 1 ; enlarged gland, I.
When our new Armitage School house, with its modern sani- tary conveniences, is occupied by the pupils I feel there should be a marked improvement in the health of the children in that district.
Very respectfully,
LEROY C. FURBISH, M. D.
26
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the Attendance Officer
There has been an increase in the duties this year on account of a special effort to keep children in more constant attendance, who have been absent on account of carelessness. There is now a decided improvement in this direction.
No child has been committed to the Training School this year, although there are a number who have been truant and will be candidates for the Training School if they do not show a more decided improvement. I feel that we are getting a better co-operation than previously with the parents, which is encouraging, considering the increase in the number of school children, the attendance average is improving. My activities are more often called to the Junior High School than elsewhere. There seems to be a tendency at this age when the boys reach the High School building to feel they are through, and need not be so constant in attendance. We have put extra stress on this situation as we feel it the very important part of the child's work.
In order to stimulate co-operation, I would advise that parents of children that show irregularity in attendance be given a report of the child's absence, at least once a quarter. This would be a check on the frequency of absence beyond the knowledge of the parents.
CHARLES E. LIGHT.
Report of High School Principal
SAUGUS, MASS., January 15, 1923.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools ;
DEAR SIR,- I respecfully submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1922.
In the report which follows I shall endeavor to give the most important things which would seem to me ought to receive the most attention at the present time in the Senior and Junior High School of Saugus.
We have this year in the High School three post graduates : Fifty-three, twelfth graders; eighty-one, eleventh graders; one hundred sixteen, tenth graders. In the Junior High School we have one hundred ninety-seven, in the ninth grade; one hundred forty-seven, in the eighth grade ; and two hundred nine, seventh graders. This makes a total of eight hundred six in the Junior and Senior High School.
27
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
To show that we have very little room left to accommodate an increased student body which we will have another year I can now give you the vacant seats. In the twelfth grade room, we have sixty-five vacant seats. In the eleventh grade rooms there are only three vacant seats. In the tenth grade, ten vacant seats ; in the ninth grade rooms, thirteen vacant seats; in the eighth grade room, twelve vacant seats and in the seventh grade rooms, five vacant seats. This makes a total of one hundred eight vacant seats. We must, however, bear in mind that it is impos- sible to fill the building to its total capacity and be able to have room enough for the classes to meet in their respective class rooms.
At present we are using in the High School building every class room that is available for classes, five periods out of the six. Three periods out of the six we are using the Assembly Hall for classes also. This takes into account the new class room, num- ber 23, which is on the second floor ; this room was made by clearing out two closets, and is large enough to seat twenty-four students. It should be equipped, however, with arm-chairs and a blackboard so that it can be used for small classes.
The leading educators in the country claim that the size of the classes should range from twenty-two to twenty-eight. Under these conditions better work can be accomplished by all the pupils. In the Senior High we have several classes which number as high as forty-two. In the Junior High at the pres- ent time practically all classes have from thirty-eight to forty pupils, which is far too many for the pupils to get the most from their studies.
Looking over the sixth grades in the other schools that will furnish our next year's seventh grade in the Saugus Junior High School, we find that there will be, without doubt, two hundred more pupils than we have at the present time. How they can be handled will be some problem. There is the argument that a large number of pupils drop out of school, this, no doubt, is true, but since school has opened in September we have lost twenty-one pupils and received fifteen new pupils. This leaves us at the present time only six less than we had at any time so far this year.
The course of study that is being used in the Senior and Junior High schools is the same as the last few years. It seems to me that with the changing views in education and in the country at large that there should be some changes in the
28
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
program of studies in the Junior High and also in the Senior High School.
The modern Junior High School is not the old seventh and eighth grade in the different buildings but means the seventh, eighth and ninth grades grouped together, if possible, in a sep- arate building with an entirely new program of study and far more elaborate equipment than the old seventh and eighth grades formerly had. The present tendency in the Junior High School is to offer the young people as wide a variety of subjects as possible in order that they be able to find that trade or profession which they are fitted for, or like best, for a life work, we should then, if possible, give such courses as manual training, metal work, machine shop practice, printing, civics, commercial and regional geography, in mathematics, we would suggest, arithmetic for the seventh grade, elementary algebra and constructive geometry for the eighth grade and in the ninth grade a more thorough training in algebra. There are other changes in the Junior High School program that could be made which would better fit a pupil so that when he leaves school at the end of the ninth grade he would be a better citizen.
In the Senior High I would recommend, in the commercial course, that economics and commercial law be given as one course in the Senior year, and in the Junior year a course such as
salesmanship and office practice. These two suggested courses are being offered in some of the leading commercial schools, and have proved to be of great value to students doing commercial work. It would not be necessary to change the college course for that remains practically the same from year to year.
Owing to the fact that the colleges and business schools are making their requirements for admission greater each year, it falls upon the high schools that intend to keep pace with them (so that their pupils may enter these schools without difficulty) to keep improving their standard.
To improve the standard of the school it will require the untiring efforts of both teachers and pupils. Teachers may work hard to make the standard better but accomplish little if the pupil does not attend school regularly, or if he does not study enough at home, or if he gives very poor attention in class. This age seems to be an age of (let someone else do the hard work). We are all trying to get along as easy as possi- ble. We fail to realize that most of us will have to work hard
29
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
for what we get in this world. In a one session school it is impossible for any pupil to get all of his studying done during school hours. All Senior High pupils should be expected to do at least two hours outside study each day. If this is not done it will be found that the pupils will be getting very low rank or failing in their studies.
Physical exercise is at present being given to all students in the seventh and eighth grades, two periods per week. This is essential for the physical condition of the growing boys and girls. There are several classes in the Senior High School, but it is impossible to give all the students physical exercise unless each teacher should give some form of physical exercise for a short time each day in their home rooms. During the fall term many of the Senior High boys got ample exercise in football practice. A word of praise is due the football squad for the remarkable record that was made this fall in the games played. There is one thing, however, that should be provided the students who take part in athletics, and that is shower baths and lockers for their use in the basement. Other teams come here expect- ing these conveniences and our own boys should have them.
During education week we issued invitations to the parents of the pupils in the school to visit the school and see the work as it is conducted daily. As reported, we had thirty-six different visitors who visited one hundred twenty-one different classes and observed the students in their respective classes.
We have twelve new teachers in the Junior and Senior High School out of a total of thirty-three teachers. With as large change as this each year in the teaching force it prevents the school from accomplishing its best work.
I find, however, that the co-operation among the teachers is very good, that each and all are striving to give the school the best that he or she can.
I wish at this time to thank the parents and teachers for their faithful co-operation, and the school board and you, Mr. Lam- bert, for your assistance at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT R. WEBBER
30
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of Ballard Junior High Principal
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus :
DEAR SIR,-In accordance with the usual custom, I am sub- mitting my annual report of the Ballard Junior High School, East Saugus.
With the introduction of a ninth grade last September, the demands upon this school have become three-fold ; high, junior high and intermediate grades, seemingly a rather unusual com- bination to conduct and maintain harmoniously in the same building, yet the problem has apparently worked out well, with little or no friction which might naturally be expected with such a variance of ages. The plan of maintaining a ninth grade in East Saugus met with favor of both parents and pupils, and with only one additional teacher, was easily perfected.
In the departmental work, several changes of teaching sub- jects were made at the opening of the school year. The hours were also changed, adopting the one-session plan, another inno- vation which gave special gratification to the student body. The seven-period day follows a 15-minute interval utilized for devotions or general assembly, the latter usually being held on Monday mornings with a patriotic program conducted by the teachers in successive order.
In all the major subjects, good progress has been made, the basis thoroughly laid by teachers who have remained with us during the past three years being largely responsible for the con- tinuance of effective work, unhampered by any change of method or instructor.
The socialized recitation, supervised study, project work, and other phases of modern education have characterized the various subjects in the curriculum, to the end that our boys and girls may go out into the world able to place dependence upon them- selves, and prepared to cope with the responsibilities of life.
Most satisfactory too, has been the plan followed this year whereby sewing is taught in our own building, instead of send- ing the classes to the Central High. I would like to see a similar plan in effect as regards manual training, as parents and pupils complain of the long walk to Saugus Centre, especially in inclement weather.
There has been well-founded interest in the study of French, and it is hoped that our present eighth grade may be able to con-
3I
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
tinue it next year, although the time given in our building by the French teacher must of necessity be extended in order to do this.
All of the elementary grades have done satisfactory work. Three new teachers joined our staff in this department in the fall, all Normal graduates with good teaching experience. These grades operate on the two-session plan, school opening at 8.30 o'clock and continuing until noon, with an afternoon ses- sion from 1.30 until 3 o'clock. The additional half-hour in the morning has resulted in a closer application of subjects studied at a time when the child is the least fatigued. It has also given the special teachers added time for instruction.
I am hopeful of establishing departmental work in these grades, believing that such an arrangement would result in a more gradual transition leading to our High and Junior High Schools.
The principal is fortunate in having the cordial co-operation of his entire teaching force to whose members he is grateful for sincere and sympathetic effort.
The spirit of the school is constantly improving, and with the concerted effort of school officials, supervisors, and the friend- liness of parents, there has been a harmonizing correlation of home and school interests.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. JOHNSON, Principal.
Report of Supervisor of Americanization
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus :
DEAR SIR,-A report of the classes in adult immigrant edu- cation during the past year is herewith submitted :
The work of Americanization, started in Saugus last year, has continued quietly yet effectively. Although there has not been a large enrollment, due perhaps to some extent to the scattered area of the town, the three classes organized in Octo- ber, 1921, have met two evenings each week, and pupils who have attended regularly have made very gratifying progress. Some of the men were much pleased upon securing their first papers, and others are preparing for the subseqent steps in the naturalization process. In every instance, there has been a
32
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
closer application upon the part of the students, and some have progressed to a phenomenal degree.
More women have been in attendance this year, and it is planned to organize an afternoon class for them.
The State leaflets which, by the way, have now been nation- ally adopted a signal tribute to the pioneer work in immigrant education upon the part of Massachusetts, have been used as outlines in the beginners' and intermediate classes. In the advanced class, two different textbooks have formed the basis of study, with considerable dictation work, and much class discussion as variants.
In December, National Education Week was fittingly observed by our classes with an open meeting which included addresses by school officials and friends of the work.
In each of these, service was the dominant note emphasized, reference being made to the Old World heritages which are being fused into, and assimilated with our democrcay of America.
The Supervisor gratefully acknowledges the co-operation of Saugus school officials and the teachers engaged in the work. He has had the loyal assistance of Mr. Herlihy and Miss Guy- ton of the State Department at various times, and has attended numerous conferences dealing with the education of the alien.
"Americanization is more than the mere process of natural- ization of the foreign-born person, and the teaching of English and civics ; it is also an honest effort to teach them how to adapt themselves in new environment, so that the highest interests of all may be achieved. This can only be done by individuals and communities where the true American ideals of democracy, liberty and the square deal are practised in all walks of life by all Americans, old and new."
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY A. JOHNSON,
Supervisor Alien Immigrant Education.
Report of Household Arts Departments
To Mr. Robert Webber, Principal of Saugus High School :
The Household Arts Department opened September sixth with the following enrollment :
Cookery IX, X, XII 88
Household Management 34
Home Nursing XI, XII I2
I34
33
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
This is an increase of fifty-six over last year's enrollment.
The aim of cookery is to prepare each girl by actual experi- ence (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 dietetics 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. As appreciation of home making and the enjoy- ment of the efforts necessary to secure good homes is installed. Each girl is planing, decorating, furnishing and learning to care for an "Ideal Home." Meal planning and household accounts are also given due consideration.
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 (d) proper treatment of hair, skin, eyes, teeth, etc., (e) personal hygiene and (f) care of children.
The lunch room is carried on entirely by the classes in cookery and is self-supporting besides purchasing all necessary equip- ment.
Nutritious food can be obtained at a very small cost.
Sample menus are : Clam chowder, .05; Ripe olive sand- wich, .03 ; Jelly and nut sandwich, .03 ; Chocolate blance mange, .05 ; Cookies, .o1 ; Cocoa-Milk, .05.
Special menus are prepared for teachers. This is beneficial to both teachers and pupils as it gives the girls a greater respon- sibility besides the preparation of a greater variety of food. The lunches are served on trays in the teachers' rooms by the girls. This tends to give the girls some experience in serving.
Respectfully submitted, GLADYS M. CARNEY.
Report of Supervisor of Manual Training
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith have the honor of presenting you my report for the year just closed.
34
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
This department of our school opened in conjunction with the other schools, with an enrollment of 296 pupils, 46 from Ballard Junior High, 43 from Senior High, 170 from the Junior High.
The classes in the Senior and Junior High are arranged about the same as last year.
The seventh grade from the Ballard Junior High come Friday at 8.30 and stay until 10 o'clock; the 8th and 9th grades come at 12 o'clock and stay until 1.30. By this plan they only lose about 30 minutes of school time.
The subjects taught are the same as last year with few exceptions.
No improvements in the equipment.
As I recommended before, it would add greatly to our equip- if we could have one small machinist-lathe, a drill and one or two vises.
Owing to the large number of pupils from the Senior and Junior High and Ballard Junior High, a telephone is very much needed.
So far this year we have not done much in the line of repair work. Two new tables were made for typewriters and a music cabinet for the High School.
An exhibition of our work was held in the High School Hall last June. Quite a variety of work was shown at that time. These exhibits are well attended by parents and friends.
Respectfully submitted,
N. B. CORTHELL, Instructor.
Report of Supervisor of Music
Superintendent J. W. Lambert :
I herewith submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Music in the public schools of Saugus.
For the past two years both children and teachers have been working diligently to bring the music of our grades up to stand- ard. This year the children have been given the chance to use their knowledge in class work. As little help as possible has been given by the teacher. It is a difficult matter to make chil- dren do their own thinking. But, after some discouraging lessons, it is possible to see better concentration in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.
35
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1922]
The work in the Ballard Junior High has been particularly good. For the first time it is possible to have the eighth and ninth grades classes seated in a room with a piano. Our classes are small enough so that the alto, tenor and base boys receive individual attention. This is needed just at this time with the change in the boy's voice.
We are also very fortunate in having two music periods a week.
The school music classes have been given the opportunity to work with the associations of the town. The pageant given by the Roby Parent-Teachers Association called for a Roby School chorus. The D. A. R. extended an invitation to a Ballard School chorus to sing at their Americanization meeting. This invitation was accepted. The earlier a child realizes how to work for the public the better citizen he makes later.
The school music exhibit of last June gave the parents and teachers a chance to see standardization of the music in the grades.
With only one rehearsal five hundred children were able to participate in this event. The children were taken from the classes where high class work was done during the year.
It is difficult work to keep all grades and schools up to standard. Particularly in the outlying districts where the weather makes it impossible for a supervisor to reach the school.
The chromatic tone test brought out the following marks above 70 per cent.
North Saugus, 95 per cent ; Fourth Grade, Oaklandvale, 91 per cent ; Felton, 76 per cent.
Roby (4th and 5th) 100 per cent ; Roby, 5th, 78 per cent ; Fifth Grade, Felton, 85 per cent.
Roby, 97 per cent ; Felton, 78 per cent ; Sixth Grade, Ballard, 72 per cent.
School music until recently has been considered wholly a singing proposition. Now comes the question of Music Appre- ciation and instrumental classes. North Saugus is the only school to have started a music appreciation class. The parents and pupils raised the money to buy the Victrola records. This work can be combined with English and Geography. Nearly every town now has its instrumental classes in piano, violin and cornet. This is splendid for the children in the schools, as the class instruction cost so much less than private lessons.
It also brings the school music into the homes. Most children
36
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
buy their own instruments, but some towns purchase the instru- ment and place it in the hands of the child.
Now that the singing outline in the schools is nearing the standard, it seems time that some of the other activities should be considered.
Not every child can sing but he might express himself through an instrument.
These instrumental classes in the grades form the necleus around which is built the High School, Sunday School and Community Orchestra.
Saugus Schools have just laid their foundation in school music. Let us hope next year to see this field enlarged.
In closing I wish to extend my thanks to teachers, school committee and Superintendent who have worked so willingly with me.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURA E. CRAM.
Report of the Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my second report as Supervisor of Penman- ship in the schools of Saugus.
The Palmer System of Arm Movement is still being carried on throughout the grades. After three years of supervision the progress is marked. Practically, every grade is above the Palmer Standard given for each.
Last year's first grades covered the entire alphabet, both large and small, and were able to write any short sentence given them.
It may be interesting to note that in September, when the specimen test was made, every second grade pupil was able to write the test legibly unless he came from an out-of-town school.
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