USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1920-1922 > Part 8
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Changes in Teaching Force September, 1919 to September, 1920
RESIGNED
NEW TEACHERS
Senior High
Senior High Mrs. Rachel Baker
Dorothy Bailey
Marion Bottomley.
Elizabeth Richards
Percy Evans
Tullia Richardson
Ethel Gilpatrick
Delbert Wheeler
Rachel Spaulding
Elizabeth Marsh Hazel Marison
George Clark
Rena Wiggin
Lillian Tinkham
Alice Partridge
Ida Walkey
Mrs. Martha Beckwith
Mildred Costello
14
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
Junior High Margaret Cole Edna Miller Katherine Moynihan Annie Nash A. Louise Stetson
Junior High Dorothy Kirk Annie Rhodes
Vera Wentworth Alice Willis
Roby School Grace French
Helene Perkins
Miriam Bryant
Felton School Hazel Stackpole Nellie Sullivan
Ballard School Mrs. Clara Ferris
Emerson School Mildred Flockton A. Mae Glidden
No. Saugus School Mary Cherbuy
Lynnhurst School Josephine Powers Rilla Kellam
Roby School Marian Elmer Margaret McDermott
Felton School Viola Kenerson
Ballard School Elsie Betz' Josephine Neenan Marjorie Platt
Emerson School Mildred Hale
M. Hazel Fogg
No. Saugus School Rosabel Fairchild
Lynnhurst School Grace Cavanaugh Maurine Dudley Oaklandvale School Vestella Gould.
Given Leave of Absence-Nellie K. Bishop, Mrs. Florence Martin.
Transferred-Evelyn Stevens from Ballard to Junior High.
Mrs. Elsie Foster, from Ballard to Felton.
Margaret Cameron, from Oaklandvale to Junior High.
Katherine Falvey, from Junior High to Supervision of Penmanship.
Additional Teaching Positions and Teachers-East Saugus Junior High-Harry Johnson, Principal; M. Eckless Ney, Esther Lane. .
Supervisors-Katherine Falvey, Penmanship; Laura Cram, Music ; Josephine Malone, Drawing.
Of the twenty-five teachers listed as resigned, eight resigned to be married, one because of illness, one to prepare for the ministry and fifteen to accept better positions.
15
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Of our present corps of teachers, now numbering eighty members, only twenty-three were with us three years ago and only fifty-three previous to September, last.
These facts give some idea of that constant changing of teach- ers that constitutes, in most cases, a distinct injustice to pupils and a decided drawback in the general progress of educational interests.
As you know, a teacher in a Massachusetts town is placed under tenure after three years service in that town. According to our records, we now have fifty-seven teachers not yet under tenure. How many of these would we like to retain for three years or more? Judging from the past, how many of the suc- cessful ones shall we be able to retain ?
We are optimists, not pessimists, but if we allow our optimism to lull us into a false sense of security, we shall be making a wrong use of a very excellent human characteristic.
Every reasonable effort should be made to retain our best teachers. We should not be deceived by the report that teachers are coming back, for, if such a report be true, we need look for no surplus of efficient teachers within a period of several years at least. The Normal Schools are not meeting the demand.
Two articles from a sheet published by the Bureau of Educa- tion, Washington, are so pertinent to this subject that we sub- mit them below and ask your careful consideration of the same.
Questions for Teachers to Ask and Communities to Answer.
Practically every teacher must necessarily think about salary as the prime factor in compensation for his services. This obtains as a matter purely of self-preservation. The best teachers, however, attach a great deal more weight to other attractions toward service in a particular place, than compensa- tion.
These teachers are inclined to ask such questions as the following :
I. What opportunity for whole-hearted service does this position offer me?
Support of Superintendent and Parents.
2. Will the superintendent and school committee support my efforts to do vigorous and efficient work?
16
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
. Will the parents of the community give me honest, whole- hearted support and co-operation ?
4. May I expect to be invited to and welcomed in all the homes in the community ?
5. `Will my working conditions be adequate and attractive ?
6. Will the social life of the community be open to me that I may associate with the brightest minds and the best characters therein ?
Are Answers Satisfactory in Your Community?
Because satisfactory answers like these can so seldom be given is one of the reasons why it will be difficult to find for the com- ing year a sufficient supply of teachers.
Why not set forces to work that will tend toward making your community one in which the right kind of 'answers can be given to pertinent questions a prospective teacher might ask ?
See to it that your school committee, chamber of commerce, grange, and clubs realize their duties in this regard .- Connec- ticut Schools.
Teacher Shortage Remedies
So organize your work and crystallize public opinion in your town that to the successful teacher are offered :
I. Attractive working conditions.
2. Genuine hospitality.
3. Social advantages which her position warrants.
4. Association with the brightest minds and finest characters.
5. A salary which will attract and retain.
6. A salary which places a premium on efficient service.
7. A salary which provides for advancement in such man- ner as to emphasize improvement or growth in service.
As a matter of wise public policy the best teachers should be held in the professions and the most capable men and women should be induced to take up teaching as a career.
How can this be done ?
There is but one answer to this question, and that is by mak- ing the salaries, the living conditions and the working conditions of our school teachers as inviting as the salaries, living condi- tions and working conditions in other vocations and professions.
In the end, so-called economy in teachers will bring far more disastrous results to the public than to the teachers themselves. -Connecticut Schools.
Can we compete successfully with other towns ? The answer is found in the following table :
1920]
Salary Schedules in Effect October, 1920
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Dept. Heads (Max.)
Reg. T. Women
Places
Principal
Men
Women
Minimum
Maximum
Membership
Minimum
Maximum
Natick
$2,300
$2,000
$1,400
$900
$1,400
420
. .
.
·
.
·
·
·
1,200
1,700
389
1,100
1,600
Braintree
2,700
1,900
1,700
1,200
1,500
300
1,000
1,300
Belmont
3,000
2,350
1,850
1,400
1,750
340
1,200
1,500
Winchester
3,250
1,200
1,400
Athol
3,000
950
1,400
No. Attleboro .
2,400
1,700
1,600
· .
1,550
237
1,000
1,300
Palmer
2,500
1,800
1,800
1,200
1,500
214
850
1,200
Milton
3,100
2,300
1,700
480
1,000
1,550
Middleboro
2,900
2,000
1,400
1,300
225
1,000
Andover .
3,100
2,050
1,650
1,375
1,625
230
750
1,350
Wellesley
3,000
2,200
2,000
1,200
1,800
168
1,000
1,500
Concord .
2,600
2,400
1,800
·
·
·
.
. .
1,500
Westboro .
3,000
1,600
1,500
1,400
130
1,000
1,100
Saugus
2,200
1,800
1,500
1,000
1,400
364
850
1,200
·
·
.
1,150
1,350
171
$950
1,150
Amesbury
2,750
. .
.
·
·
. ·
.
· .
.
·
·
·
.
.
.
·
· · .
.
.
GRADES I-VI
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
17
·
·
1,200
1,600
287
1,600
362
$1,250
Easthampton
.
·
1,800
400
·
3,000
18
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
School Attendance
Daily attendance throughout the town has been good but not good enough. Our attendance officer has been kept busy for a comparatively large portion of his time, endeavoring to protect a small number of children from evils resulting from the ten- dency of their parents to place their own convenience, comfort and pleasure above the welfare of their offspring. Are we too lenient in such cases ?
Would not a more radical policy, resulting in a fine or two or a few jail sentences, give better results?
The cause of education should be pushed in every legitimate way. We must finish what our soldier boys began; and, if we are to be counted worthy as they are, if we are to do our duty as they did, then, as school officials, we must take whatever measures are most effective to prevent any desertions from our little division of that "army behind the guns"-the public school.
Your attention is respectfully called to the attendance officers' report.
Does Education Pay?
Under this heading your superintendent can do no better than to call your attention to the following article which appeared recently in the Wisconsin Educational News Bulletin.
Education Is the Nation's Bulwark
Because-
I. It is a financial investment that yields the highest dividends.
2. It results in safe and sane citizenship.
3. It increases the ability and desire to serve others.
4. It adds to the appreciation and happiness of life.
5. It multiplies the chances of success in life.
Education Fits for Service
With no schooling the child has only one chance in 150,000 of rendering distinguished service.
1
With elementary schooling the child has four times the chance of the one without it.
With high school education he has 87 times the chance.
With a college education he has 800 times the chance.
19
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Fewer than one per cent. of Americans are college graduates, yet that one per cent. has furnished :-
Fifty-five per cent. of our Presidents.
Fifty-four per cent. of our Vice Presidents.
Forty-seven per cent. of our Speakers of the House.
Thirty-six per cent. of our members of Congress.
Sixty-one per cent. of our Secretaries of State.
Sixty-seven per cent. of our Attorneys-General.
Sixty-nine per cent. of our judges of the Supreme Court.
Physical Training.
This work has just begun, consequently the progress is not, as yet, sufficient to form a basis upon which to report.
We have no doubt, however, but that this is an important step in advance and that results will fully justify a much greater expenditure than is now being made.
To make such training effective, it should be begun in the lower grades under direction of a health officer, school physi- cian or school nurse. In other words, we should have a distinct and scientific health program to reach every boy and girl in town with physical education including training as one of the leading features.
By keeping our school children strong and well, we shall not only prevent suffering and expense in their homes, but shall probably reduce the number of repeaters, a duty we owe to the children themselves.
By a new law, education is compulsory, with slight varia- tions, through the first six grades. We have more than sixteen hundred pupils in those grades. Even if we promote ninety- five per cent. of these (a very good record), we shall still have eighty or more pupils taking at least, one extra year.
It costs us from thirty-five dollars to fifty dollars a year to educate one pupil ; the expense entailed by such repeaters would be more than three thousand dollars a year, theoretically.
In practice, the monetary factor would not be as large as indi- cated, since the extra burden would be distributed over the entire town; but, whether expressed in dollars or in over- crowded school rooms, repeaters are expensive.
We are, therefore, not only justified in making a drive for a liberal health program but should be regarded as remiss in our duty to child and to town should we close our eyes to the great advantages accruing therefrom and remain content with present conditions.
20
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Americanization
Here we have a problem which, although of less magnitude in Saugus than in many cities and towns, is, nevertheless, of sufficient importance to claim a share of our attention.
There is no doubt but that a very large part of the social and industrial unrest of this country is due to the fact that so large a percentage of the so-called foreign element has not, as yet, been taught what it means to be an American Citizen.
The more progressive employers are investing large sums to bring about a higher degree of intelligence and a more co-oper- ative spirit on the part of their workmen.
They are realizing as never before that success is not secured by use of materials and machines alone, but that the human element is by far the biggest single factor and therefore should have the most careful consideration.
Aside from the economic and social benefits accruing from educating the immigrant, we feel that teaching the ideas and ideals of democracy is not only our patriotic duty, but should be hailed as a privilege, in that it supplements, vitalizes and makes more real that vision that led our boys across the Atlantic, into the trenches and on to victory.
As the Commonwealth pays one-half of the total expenditure for this work, there seems to be very little reason why it should not be carried on.
Continuation School
Some provision should be made to aid the few minors between fourteen and sixteen years of age who are now employed within the limits of the town, so that their education may be continued.
Not having two hundred of such minors, the town is not com- pelled to establish a continuation schocl although it may do so.
We have only about ten per cent. of the required number, but the educational welfare of that ten per cent. is worth consider- ing. A night school might solve the problem.
The Housing Problem
Because of inadequate room in our Central Junior High, we opened three additional rooms in the Ballard building. This plan has worked out very well, although some lines of work are carried on with difficulty by the East Saugus members as the equipment for such work is found only at our central plant. In
2I
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
winter it is not always pleasant to continue a program in two locations separated by a distance of one and a half miles or more. Loss of time and energy occasioned thereby can be afforded only by those who have more than ordinary physical and mental capacity.
The plan, therefore, should not be regarded as a permanent solution of the Junior High School housing problem.
Your Superintendent is not heartily in favor of one Junior High School in a town with population so scattered as is the case in Saugus, but it is far better than two or more unless each can have the accessories and equipment necessary for carrying forward all courses successfully. Plans should be made either to enlarge our present plant or to establish a similar one near the growing end of the town.
Relative to the Cliftondale housing problem there is no need for a report here, as a special committee now has that in charge.
A Broader Educational Policy
These are days of reconstruction. Education is forging to the front. Teachers are coming into their own. Employers are cooperating as never before for a higher type of labor and citizen- ship, the American Legion and other national, state and local organizations are alive to the need and endeavoring to reduce it.
A bill now before Congress provides for the establishment of a National Department of Education with a cabinet member. Education then is being recognized as a distinct local, state and national issue.
Let us not forget our share in this forward educational move- ment, but rather take the broader view and put into active oper- ation the means for bringing about health education with physical training, Americanization and other evening school work where needed.
These are not fads. We don't want any. But we do want the broadest educational program and the highest type of education.
If there are any leaks, let us stop them, but let us not forget to make constant use of every proper means of power whereby the educational machinery may be kept at top speed through its entirety, thus insuring as a product, the highest type of American citizenship.
22
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Conservation of Fuel
We are doing what we can to reduce the fuel consumption.
With modern systems of heating and ventilating, there should be but little, if any need for open windows excepting where rooms are overcrowded. With fuel at present prices the cost of heating even a small additional number of cubic feet of air in each school room during the winter may easily run into hundreds of dollars.
We shall continue to make special effort along the line of fuel conservation.
TOTAL COST OF EDUCATION Comparative Expenditure for Three Years
1918
1919
1920
General Expenses
$3,741 43
$3,682 24
$4,393 04
Teachers' salaries
47,969 88
58,990 00
87,194 44
Text books and Supplies
High and Junior High,
2,012 83
2,338 48
5,326 29
Elementary
3,116 30
2,306 0I
4,131 04
Manual Training
Supplies and equipment,
405 56
352 45
653 91
Commercial Department
Supplies .
5 70
6 16
*910 43
Domestic Science Department
Supplies .
78 58
94 63
Tuition
Tuition
589 07
647 41
812 50
Transportation .
77 00
184 95
Barge
880 00
1,240 00
1,375 30
Support of Truants
Essex County
143 86
123 57
108 56
Janitor's Service
High
1,819 46
2,121 76
2,592 45
Other
3,839 67
4,258 73
5,528 86
* Includes ten new typewriters,
Fuel and Light
High
2,484 15
2,178 50
3,532 51
Other
6,010 06
4,581 57
5,156 14
23
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Buildings, interior
repairs
2,730 91
3,001 79
4,818 93
Outside repairs .
·
1,390 97
2,448 17
465 58
Furniture and Furnishings
High
727 09
34 75
+1,072 70
Other
.
2 25
112 15
195 93
Janitors's Supplies
High
29 68
117 05
57 53
Other
·
.
183 97
118 31
87 21
Other expenses .
.
843 77
552 45
1,334 44
Cost of chimney extension at High School is not included.
Unpaid bills of previous years are not included.
Total for expenditure, $78,996 19 $89,288 55 $130,021 37
In connection with the above comparison it is well to note that the amount received from the state through the income tax distribution for the school year, 1919, was $14,320 or over $4,000 more than the total increase in the regular school expen- diture of 1919 over that of 1918.
The 1920 income tax distribution now due is, according to our records, $21, 168.75 or more than 50 per cent. of the entire increase in the regular school expenditure over that of 1919.
As we must appropriate the money and expend it before we can claim reimbursement from the State, the appropriation for schools is of necessity larger than the amount representing the town's net expenditure. In other words, the schools seem to cost the town more than is actually the case.
¡New desks and seats for Ballard Junior High
Office Clerkship
This position was rendered vacant at the close of the fiscal year by the resignation of Miss Edith Pilling who has served us very faithfully and efficiently for several years. Miss Pilling was chosen as clerk in the office of the Water Board at a salary far beyond our reach.
We congratulate her new employers in that they need have no fear as to the continuation of a careful and efficient service.
Miss Helen Graves has been secured for the work in our office. She is taking it up carefully and bids fair to meet our need in a highly satisfactory manner.
24
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
High School
The fine spirit of co-operation together with a high grade of teaching now obtaining in Saugus High constitutes a source of pride and a hopeful outlook for those who have at heart the edu- cational interests of the town's greatest asset-its boys and girls.
This school, made up as it is, from nearly every section and comprising nearly one third of the entire school membership of the town, presents an unusual opportunity for doing steady con . structive work on a large scale.
But this can be carried on only through broad conceptions, liberal appropriations, mutual confidence and whole hearted cooperation.
All these can be secured, they must be secured, if we, as officials and citizens, are to do our full duty by those to whom we owe our best service.
For Special Consideration
The grounds should be beautified and proper approaches established.
A room with shower baths and lockers should be furnished in the basement for the athletic squad.
We should teach visualization either by means of a stereopticon or in some other manner. Eighty-seven per cent of what is learned is said to be gained through the eyes.
More laboratory equipment is needed so that broader courses in laboratory work may be established. We learn to do by doing.
The work of centralizing the heating plant should be extended as circumstances warrant, but, as our special heating engineer, Mr. Gibson, is submitting a report on this matter no further words are needed here. Your attention is respectfully called to Mr. Gibson's report, also that of the Principal, Mrs. Norris.
A Very Sad Loss
As we are nearing the close of our report (January 13) news is flashed to us of the death of Miss Dorothy Kirk one of our most successful and popular teachers in the Junior High. Miss Kirk accepted a position with us in September and in the few months that she had been with us, she not only proved her great value to the school, but secured the friendship and admiration of those with whom she came in contract.
Her loss to Saugus is, therefore, not only professional but personal.
25
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Manual Training
We were very fortunate to retain our teachers for this line of work.
Efficient management and training stands out prominently, we also note special economy in the use of materials.
Your attention is respectfully called to the report of Director Corthell and Miss Lee.
Domestic Science
At the close of last year Miss Partridge, who had served with marked efficiency, decided not to return. This vacancy was not easily filled, but, finally, Miss Ida Walkey was prevailed upon to accept the position. Under her management the work has been carried forward steadily and efficiently. She is ably assisted by Miss Mildred Costello who teaches the sewing.
Miss Walkey is submitting a report to which your attention is respectfully called.
Supervisors
Last year we recommended a larger expenditure for super- visory work ; as a result, we now have penmanship, music and drawing under direct supervision and a greater interest in these subjects is noticeable.
We need better equipment for carrying forward our plans for the work in music; and in drawing a more definite course of study.
Steps are being taken to supply these.
Recommendations
I. A more rigid enforcement of the truancy law.
2. A definite health program scientifically carried out.
3. Plans for continuing the schooling of minors between 14 and 16 years of age who work in Saugus.
4. A definite program for Americanization.
5. Much more attention to school grounds.
6. Sufficient appropriation by the town for support of athletics.
7. Plans for winter sports and gymnastic exercises.
8. Consistent support of a definite building program.
26
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
In General
A healthy growing interest is noticeable in all our schools. Teachers are giving of their very best; pupils in general are responding nobly.
Interest along some lines is especially strong, in penmanship particularly in which prizes have been offered by the Women's Civic League of Cliftondale and by a certain public spirited woman.
These prizes are offered for greatest improvement and for best penmanship, respectively, and the contest is open to grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
We are making a drive for better foundation work. While we do not discourage devices in teaching, we feel that much of the old time " everlasting and eternal drill " is necessary. Some people, in their horror of getting into a rut, wandered so far afield that they lose sight of the goal.
School conditions are favorable for good work and steady growth.
In closing I would express my appreciation for constant loyalty and cooperation on the part of the teachers, the cordial support of the Committee and for the marked degree of friendliness accorded me by the citizens of Saugus.
Rsspectfully submitted, JESSE W. LAMBERT, Superintendent of Schools.
SAUGUS, January 20, 1921.
Report of School Physician
Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I respectfully submit the following annual report : I have visited all the schools assigned to me in this district, and have carefully examined all the children, and at various times during the year have examined them at my office when sent to me by the teachers. We have had no epidemics of contagious diseases in this section of the town, and the general health of the children has been exceptionally good.
I find quite a large number of cases of pediculosis and decayed teeth, especially in the lower grades. There seems to be no need of this if the parents would pay strict attention to the printed instructions furnished them by the teachers. In the cases of
27
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
decayed teeth, this can be remedied by a strict compliance with the rules of dental sanitation, preventing several serious diseases incident to decayed teeth. Examination reveals the following : Adenoids. 3 ; blindness, I ; conjunctivitis, 4 ; decayed teeth, 30 ; enlarged cervical glands, 5 ; heart disease, 2: impetigo, 9 : mumps, 6; nasal catarrh, 4; pediculosis, 19; tonsilitis, 4 ; whooping cough. 9; ivy poisoning, 3; mental deficiency, I : wear glasses, II.
Very respectfully, GEORGE W. GALE, M. D.
To the Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herein respectfully submit my annual report as School Physician.
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