USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1920-1922 > Part 9
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I have carefully examined all the pupils at the Oaklandvale, North Saugus, Roby. and the Junior High Schools.
I have found 32 cases of adenoids and have recommended them for treatment, also 43 cases of diseased tonsils, 7 cases of pediculosis, 2 of scabies, 5 of impetigo contagiosa, 13 cases of impacted cerumen and 2,022 untreated carious teeth. I found 12 decayed teeth in one child and in several children from 7 to IO carious teeth. In many cases I found small untreated abscesses (gum boils). I found 5 cases of running ears. The sanitary conditions are very good at all except the Oaklandvale School.
MYRON H. DAVIS.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR, - I respectfully submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1920.
As School Physician, I have carefully examined all pupils in the following schools : Armitage, Cliftondale, Felton, Lincoln and found I case of scabies, 26 cases of pediculosis, 68 impacted cerumem, 191 cases of decayed teeth, 60 cases of tonsils, 3 cases of adenoids.
We are very much in need of the services of a School Nurse and I would strongly recommend that one be employed during the coming year.
Respectfully yours,
LEROY C. FURBUSH, M. D.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Attendance Officer's Report (Sept. 6, to Dec. 31, 1920)
To Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
Have had 158 reports by card, 31 by telephone and 5 rush or chase cases. The latter generally means a long trail to a circus or fire.
Leniency or neglect on the part of the parents is a large factor in the child's absence from school. In too many cases the parents' ambition seems to be the earning capacity of the child against its fitness for life as an adult. In some cases when unable to secure the required working certificate, they have detained the children at some home industry, or obliged them to keep house while they themselves worked. In one case a boy of 13 was working while both the parents remained at home. In these cases the children were returned to school and the parents lectured as to their duty.
There are deplorable conditions where boys at the tender age, when play is so tempting, have not the home conditions to create the proper environment. Parents work while every evidence goes to show that the almighty dollar has more attrac- tion than the care and culture of the child. Then there are large families, under-nourished, with sickness in their home a great part of the time, so that as soon as the oldest reaches the vital and interesting part of school life, he has to remain at home to help bear the burdens of the mother. There are some real cases of sickness, lack of proper footwear and long distances to travel in stormy weather.
One case has been brought into court and the child placed on probation.
I have found no instances where, in my opinion, the teacher has been at fault. The majority of cases are faulty parents. A backward child needs tuition at home instead of placing the blame on the teacher for lack of interest in that particular child. An interview with the teacher in such cases is highly beneficial.
Unfortunately there is no Continuation School in Saugus, so that a child between the ages of 14 and 16 armed with the proper working certificate and employed in Saugus has not the advan- tage of this training.
The duties of the truant officer, like all public duties, show us such extremes in human nature that the responsibility is all the more apparent. In order to bring the next generation into
-
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
their best we must meet these conditions and find means to improve, if not cure, them. It would seem that a lecture on attendance, its benefits and profits, would be a help in this direction as would a campaign for the education of parents on thrift and economy show that, for each dollar the child brings in, they are throwing away two by mismanagement.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. LIGHT, Attendance Officer.
Report of Principal of High School
Mr. Superintendent :
At a crucial point in the nation's life, Lincoln remarked, "If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do and how to do it." With this in mind, Mr. Superintendent, I shall try to show where Saugus High is, that its patrons may see the ultimate aims as well as the immediate needs.
Notwithstanding the fact that three rooms were opened for the Junior High at the Ballard school this fall, the membership of our Junior High was on January 1, 1921, 465, distributed as follows : VII, 185; VIII, 144 ; IX, 136.
In the Senior High, X, 84; XI, 65 ; XII, 76, with 3 post graduates-228.
The total enrollment of the school is 757, with representa- tives of 13 different nationalities.
The course of study in the Senior High remains much as last year, but in the Junior High technical music twice a week in each room of the VII and VIII grades has been added as well as scientific reading, for pupils need to be taught how to interpret the printed page intelligently ; how to read silently and rapidly to get the content. Already the benefit is noticeable in other studies because of this reading.
(Note the course of study.)
In the State of Massachusetts, the average number of pupils in a high school class is 23 ; in our Junior High it is 37; this is far too large for the best results.
There are 18 home rooms and 23 recitation rooms with 32 teachers. There are three periods in the day when there is not a single room available, all are occupied.
30
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Among the activities of the school may be mentioned the institution of a school bank in which from November to June, the deposits amounted to $559.82.
The exhibit in May of Domestic Science, Manual Arts and Penmanship reflected credit on instructors and pupils. These school exhibits are one means of informing parents and citizens of work of the school. It is to be hoped more will avail them- selves of these opportunities to see the work of these departments.
Four fine pictures have been hung on the school walls : one, a steel engraving of Lincoln, was the gift of Miss Susie Hall, an alumna of the school; the others, from the proceeds of an art exhibit. The class of 1920 presented an oak settle for the assembly hall platform.
The military drill for the boys in May enabled them to make good in the line of march on Decoration day.
The physical condition of pupils is very important during school days ; these boys and girls need to get enough sleep each night, at least nine hours ; they need physical training in school, not the few in the various athletic squads but all; they need some out-of-doors play each day, and since many have no specific place at school or home for play, there is need of a playground. If the good people of Saugus want to honor the memory of the boys who served in the World War, it seems to me there could be no better nor more fitting memorial than a playground with a building on it for baths and lockers.
"Every child delinquent in body, education or character is a charge upon the community as a whole and a menace to the community itself. The children of sound physique, of sound education and character are the army with which we must march to progress."- Herbert Hoover, October, 1920.
Too long the individual differences of children have been neglected. There has been a struggle for uniformity of teaching, of discipline, of courses of study -- a struggle to meet the needs of the average child but such a child does not exist. All children are different in capacity, in interests, in power of application, in the outcomes of effort. There are two main causes of the elimi- nation of pupils from school-one, the economic pressure of the times ; the other, the failure to find the course of study which best suits the capacity and interests of the child. This latter one, may be remedied by smaller classes and a more varied list of studies made vital as presented to the pupils. This would require more skillful teaching. As the work of the Manual
31
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Training department appeals to so many of our pupils, may I / suggest that it would save time and energy if the building could be placed on the High School grounds. At least 15 minutes is lost in transit and more might avail themselves of this line of work if the building were nearer.
Teachers and schools are often criticised for their failure to work what would be nothing less than miracles. The equip- ment of the school is above the average; its teaching force is professionally trained, alert and in earnest ; yet, complaint has come that Saugus High does not fit for college. All that the teacher can do is to develop and strengthen the powers within the pupils ; the teachers cannot create these powers for the child ; the trouble is, that the pupils do not fit themselves ; their interest is but half-hearted. The class of 1919 had twenty-four members, three of these went to college directly from high school and two were honor pupils in their first year's college work. From the class of 1920, six of the sixty-nine went directly to college, while seven went into one business office in Boston and every one is " making good."
During my administration, I have had in mind three main objectives ; to maintain good discipline by winning the confi- dence of the pupils ; to instill habits of punctuality and regularity ; to encourage habits of honest work and study. The pupils, for the main part, seem to want to do the right thing in school ; the number on the tardy and absent list is constantly decreasing ; ' the pupils study well in school but there is not enough home study, and here I plead for the co-operation of the parents, that they see that their children have a time and place for at least two hours of home study a day. Study involves thought; it is not enough to read the lesson over or get the answer, any more than it satisfies the hunger just to sit down to a table. It is not enough to just pass ; it is not enough to do a bit ; the pupil must get the habit of doing his best.
"Schools are the price we pay for being a great, prosperous and free nation. Without them, we would be a Russia or a Mexico."
"It is good to know ; it is better to do ; it is best to be." This quotation seems to embody the entire scope of education in its relation to human conduct. The end toward which we work is our chief concern. The characters of these children twenty years hence-that's the end to be achieved.
Respectfully submitted,
(MRS.) LUCIE M. NORRIS, Principal.
32
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Course of Study-Saugus High COLLEGE-GRADE VII
English 4
Practical Arithmetic
4
Geography .
3
U. S. History
2
Penmanship
3
Spelling
5
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE VII
English
4
Practical Arithmetic
4
Geography .
3
U. S. History
2
Penmanship
3
Spelling
5
GENERAL-GRADE VII
English 4
Practical Arithmetic
4
Geography
3
U. S. History
2
Penmanship
3
Spelling
5
COMMERCIAL-GRADE VII
English
4
Practical Arithmetic
4
Geography
3
U. S. History
2
Penmanship
3
Spelling .
5
ELECTIVE-GRADE VII
Music
I
Domestic Science
2
Manual Training
2
Drawing
I
French
4
Spanish
4
Sixteen to twenty recitations per week.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
COLLEGE-GRADE VIII
English 4
Practical Arithmetic 4
U. S. History 3
Penmanship 3
Physics and Nature Study
3
Spelling
5
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE VIII
English 4
Practical Arithmetic
4
U. S. History 3
Penmanship
3
Physics and Nature Study 3
Spelling
5
GENERAL-GRADE VIII
English
4
Practical Arithmetic
4
U. S. History 3
Penmanship
3
Physics and Nature Study 3
Spelling
5
COMMERCIAL-GRADE VIII
English . 4
Practical Arithmetic
4
U. S. History
3
Penmanship
3
Physics and Nature Study
3
Spelling
5
ELECTIVE-GRADE VIII
Music
I
Domestic Science
2
Manual Training
2
Drawing
I
French
4
Spanish
4
Seventeen to twenty-one recitations per week.
lii
34
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
COLLEGE-GRADE IX
English 5
Algebra
5
Latin I
5
Community Civics 3
Or Science
5
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE IX
English 5
ยท Algebra
5
Latin I
5
Community Civics
3
Or Science
5
Drawing
I
GENERAL-GRADE IX
English
5
Community Civics
3
Science
5
Algebra
5
Elect Two Studies
COMMERCIAL-GRADE IX 1
English . 5
Commercial Arithmetic and B. Pr.
5
Community Civics
3
Or Science .
5
Penmanship
2
Algebra
5
ELECTIVE GRADE IX -
Algebra 5
Latin I
5
French I
5
Commercial Arithmetic and B. Pr. 5
Drawing
I
Penmanship
2
Chorus
I
Twenty to twenty-four recitations per week.
1920]
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
. 35
COLLEGE-GRADE X
English II
5
Geometry
5
Latin II .
5
French I or II
5
Ancient History
4
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE X
English II
5
Geometry
5
Latin II
5
French I or II
5
Drawing
2
GENERAL-GRADE X
English II .
5
French I, or Spanish
5
Elect Two Studies
COMMERCIAL-GRADE X
English II
5
Bookkeeping
IO
Commercial Arithmetic
5
Commercial Geography
2
Penmanship
2
Elect One Study
ELECTIVE-GRADE X
Latin
5
Geometry
5
French
5
European History
5
Bookkeeping
IO
Commercial Arithmetic
5
Commercial Geography
2
Penmanship 2
Drawing
2
Chorus
I
Spanish
4
Twenty-four to twenty-six recitations per week.
36
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
-
COLLEGE-GRADE XI
English III Latin III
5
5
French or Spanish 5
Algebra and Geometry
5
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE XI
English III 5
Algebra and Geometry
5
French or Spanish 5
Drawing
5
Physics *
5
GENERAL-GRADE XI
English III
5
French or Spanish
5
Elect Two Studies
COMMERCIAL-GRADE XI
English III 5
Stenography and Typewriting 10
C. History and Economics 5
Bookkeeping 5
ELECTIVE-GRADE XI
Latin III
5
French
5
European History 5
Spanish
5
Physics 5
IO
Bookkeeping
5
Chorus
I
Twenty-four to twenty-six recitations per week.
COLLEGE-GRADE XII
English IV 5 U. S. History 5 Latin IV 5
French III or Spanish . 5
Stenography and Typewriting
37
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920
Electives :
Physics
5
Solid Geometry and Trigonometry ( Ist half year) 5
Comprehensive Mathematics (2nd half year) 5
SCIENTIFIC-GRADE XII
English IV 5
French III .
5
Chemistry 5
U. S. History
5
Solid Geometry and Trigonometry ( Ist half year) 5
Comprehensive Mathematics (2nd half year) 5
GENERAL-GRADE XII
English IV
5
U. S. History
5
Elect Two Studies
COMMERCIAL-GRADE XII
English IV
5
Stenography and Typewriting IO
Commercial Law
2
U. S. History
5
Elect One Study
ELECTIVE-GRADE XII
Latin IV 5
French III .
5
U. S. History and Civics 5
Spanish 5
Stenography and Typewriting IO
Commercial Law
2
Advanced Bookkeeping 5
Chorus
I
Twenty-four to twenty-six recitations per week.
Choice of Studies :
In making up a program of work for any year, pupils may choose studies from the list of that year, or from the list of any preceding year, as the arrangement of the daily program for the school will permit. No pupil will be permitted to take studies
38
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
which conflict with each other, or with the daily program of the school. No pupil will be permitted to take a study for which his previous studies have not prepared him. A language once begun should be continued at least two years, and a longer time is advisable. No change of studies will be allowed during the year except for urgent reasons, and then only by permission of the principal. The selection of all studies shall be subject to the approval of the principal.
The Classical Course requires four years of Latin. The branches named in each course must be pursued by all pupils taking that course. No student will be enrolled as a Senior if he lacks more than one credit at the opening of school. Not less than three nor more than five major subjects can be carried by any student, unless by special permission of the principal and superintendent, 5
Passing Mark and Promotion :
To receive the diploma credits given for any study, a pupil must maintain in that study an average of at least C on the year's work.
College Certificates :
College certificates will be given only for those studies in which a pupil gets at least an average of B.
Diplomas :
To receive a diploma of graduation, a pupil must gain at least sixteen diploma credits, according to one of the prescribed courses.
Eligibility :
To represent the school in any athletic or inter-school event, or to hold any office in class or school, a pupil must maintain an average of not less than C in every study in his program and be satisfactory in conduct.
Co-operation of Parents :
To succeed in their school work, High School pupils must do much of their studying at home. Not less than two hours a day should be given to this home study. Parents should see that the pupils observe these hours regularly. and free from inter- ruptions. Parents are urged to visit the school frequently and keep in close touch with its work.
Figures at bottom of subjects indicate the number of recitations per week.
All students will be required to take part in rhetoricals or physical culture at discretion of the principal.
39
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
Report of the East Saugus Junior High School Principal Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-A brief report of the Ballard Junior High School, East Saugus, is herewith appended.
Although to some degree experimental as must reasonably be expected, there is indication that the work of this school has been growing in scope, and that this gain has been steady and constant.
With the opening of the fall term and the organization of Junior High classes, departmental work was immediately established, with a course of study as intensive as time would permit. In all classes special stress has been laid upon English and training for citizenship, with mathematics, geography and history as major subjects. In addition each class has had two or three weekly periods in music with some ensemble and much chorus work, drawing, penmanship and physiology. The use and importance of daily current events as relate to the progress of the world has been emphasized in all classes, and in all of the grades manual training and domestic science have been pursued, these subjects though optional, being liberally attended, although the distance from the centres of instruction has prevented others who had inclination toward the subjects from attending the classes.
In the Eighth grade, the study of geography has been main- tained in addition to civics, as it was believed the class needed a better understanding of this vitally important subject.
In all classes, pupil participation has been one of the chief aims in view, and through this socialized recitation it is apparent that pupils are learning to think out the problems confronting them instead of relying entirely upon their teachers or some brignt member of the class.
As must necessarily be expected in an industrial town, or one in close proximity to manufacturing centres, the work of many pupils has been seriously impaired by frequent changes of resi- dence, as only by close and continuous application can the desired results be obtained.
Early in September, Monday morning assembly in the upper hall was inauguratad, this occasion affording one opportunity during the week when the entire pupil body is gathered together. Scripture readings, usually some appropriate Psalm, the repeti-
. 40
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
tion of the Lord's Prayer, the pledge to the flag, and patriotic music feature each of these gatherings. During the holidays, music appropriate to the Christmas season was included in the program.
Believing that every child should have adequate training in the duties, obligations and rights of citizenship and that the develop- ment of character and the teaching of correct moral principles are essential to such citizenship, considerable time has been devoted to this instruction throughout the school curriculum.
A vital need for greater care of school property, sanitation, thrift, and economy, and more regard for the rights of others is apparent, and every effort to compel each pupil to realize his obligation to the community is being made, that the boys and girls of to-day may effectually and intelligently fulfil their roles as citizens of the future.
During the year enrollment has varied but little, but indications would lead one to believe that the school will be materially larger by another year.
By the presentation of "Mayflower Town" in which each class participated, the Pilgrim Ter Centenary was appropriately observed in December. The school also had a part in the Junior Red Cross Drive, and has endeavored to keep abreast of the thrift and other movements from time to time.
I desire to acknowledge the generous co-operation of the Superintendent of Schools whose counsel has been most valuable, members of the board, the special supervisors who have always shown a willingness to conform to each and every request or sug- gestion made, and of the faculty of the school with which I am daily in contact.
Respectfully submited, HARRY ALDEN JOHNSON, Principal.
Report on Household Arts Department
To Mrs. Lucie Norris, Principal of Saugus High School :
The work of Household Arts Department for the year 1920- 1921 commenced September 6.
The enrollment is as follows :
Elementary Sewing, Grade VII-VIII, 222 ; Cookery, Grade IX-X, 52 ; Dressmaking, Grade XI, 17; Household Manage- ment, Grade XII, 12.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
1920]
The lunch room is carried on entirely by the classes in cookery.
Two aims are constantly kept in mind.
I. To supply nutritious food at the least possible cost.
2. To cover thoroughly a well defined course of study in the theory of cookery, and to make every laboratory lesson illustrate the lesson taught. ri
We believe in teaching our girls the " why " as well as the " how," and in developing a sense of responsibility.
The first month of school was devoted to canning and jelly making and the products are now being used in the lunch room. Sample menus are :
I. Cocoa-Milk, .05; Tomato bisque, .05; Minced ham sandwich, .03; Date and raisin sandwich, .03; Chocolate blanc mange, .05.
2 Cocoa-Milk, .05; Shepherd pie, .05; Celery salad sana, vich, .03; Peanut butter sandwich, .03; Baked custard, .05.
So far, the department has just cleared expenses.
Receipts October 14 to January 1, $440.18.
This report is followed by that of Miss Costello who has charge of the sewing and dressmaking.
We extend our appreciation to Mrs. John H. Parker for the new vitrolete table tops which have so improved the appearance of our vitriolite laboratory.
Respectfully submitted,
IDA B. WALKEY.
Sewing Department
Sewing is presented from the theoretical as well as the prac- tical standpoint. Throughout the course, the study of textiles and the practice of patching and darning are taught.
The fundamental stitches and their applications, also simple embroidery stitches are taught in the seventh grade. The articles made by hand in this grade include pin cushion, bag, underwear and a simple dress. In the eighth grade the stitches are reviewed, the use of the sewing machine is taught, and cro- cheting is introduced. The garments made in this grade are cooking uniform, collar and cuff set, underwear, middy blouse and dress.
The course in dressmaking includes drafting, the choice and
42
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
interpretation of commercial patterns, also the planning, cutting, fitting and finishing of the garment. That we may better under- stand the conditions affecting the prices of textiles, current events have become a part of the required course in dressmaking.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED S. COSTELLO.
Report on Manual Training.
J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Saugus Schools :
The Manual Training department opened with a total enroll- ment of 313 pupils ; comprising not only the boys from the High School building, but also the three classes from the Ballard School.
The younger classes, namely those who have had no Manual Training at all began with the smaller models, such as the pencil holder, broom holders, plant stands and other models that required careful work ; and which embraced many exercises and yet did not use up an exorbitant amount of wood. Later as they became more proficient, various other models were given which were more difficult to make such as the bread boards, glove and handkerchief boxes. In this way the pupil gradually worked on until he reached the stage where he began to think about the construction of costumers, mahogany trays, medicine cabinets, tables, lamps, boats, and numerous other projects.
The time allotted each class for the study of Manual Arts is of necessity short because the classes are numerous, and the crowded conditions make it almost impossible to become thoroughly acquainted with each individuals work.
Aside from the regular class work much repair work has been done through the efficiency and co-operation of the Manual Training Department. Early in the year, sixteen footstools were made for the school at North Saugus; a sand table was con- structed for one of the Grammar schools, many of the desks and chairs from the Roby School scraped and refinished ; a screen built for the Ballard School; a cupboard was built in the High School for the Chemistry room, the tables for the Domestic Science Department fixed and vitriolite placed on the top; old shadow boxes that were of little value as they were, were made over into excellent drawing boards for the Drawing Studio. A task that was rather difficult, yet when completed added much
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