USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1924 > Part 9
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Scabies
·
13 Scarlet fever I
Chicken pox .
7 Impetigo contagioso ·
.7
Pediculosis . . 36 Pulmonary tuberculosis .
Six cases of eye infection-purulent.
I also found two cases of chronic endocarditis, six running ears, four cases of lateral spinal curvature, twenty-seven cases deflecta septa, thirty-four of adenoids, and forty-two cases of large and infected tonsils.
Prompt and efficient action by the school nurse and the teach- ers has reduced the incidence of communicable diseases in the schools to a minimum.
Very respectfully,
M. H. DAVIS.
January 8, 1925.
.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
My. fesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I respectfully submit my annual report as school physician.
The pupils in the Armitage, Cliftondale and Felton schools were examined and the following defects noted :
Enlarged tonsils 118 Adenoids
2
Pediculosis
·
II Scabies
.
2
Seborrhea ·
3 Impetigo contagiosa .
6
Eczema
.
I Infantile paralysis . 2
- Cleft palate
.
I Heart defects
2
The new system of physical examination of school children required by the State means much more work for the school physician, but is a great aid in checking up the amount of improvement in the physical condition of each child from year to year.
Very respectfully, LEROY C. FURBUSH, M.D.
January 12, 1925.
Report of Attendance Officer
In making my report this year I feel that little can be added to my report of last year. While all that was said there is true, now I might add that the two platoon system has added consider- able to the duties of the Attendance Officer, and made results unsatisfactory, for instance :
I accost a boy on the street in the morning and he tells me he is an afternoon session scholar, and the boy I approach in the afternoon tells me he is a morning scholar. I am unable to dispute either. If this system continues, it may be well to have these scholars marked "A.M." and "P.M."
No scholar has been committed to the Training School this year, while we have a number of boys who are on a suspended sentence.
I have had a number of conferences with teachers regarding certain scholars who were irregular in attendance, but not tru- ants, and would like to say that I find the teachers show a wonder- ful individual interest in the success of these cases for the good of the scholar.
I feel that our teaching force throughout is exceptionally fine toward the child who is lacking in ambition to make his grade.
CHARLES E. LIGHT
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the High School Principal
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I respectfully submit my third annual report for the year ending December 31, 1924.
Owing to the crowded condition in the High School during the past two years we were forced, this year, to adopt the two- platoon system. It seemed advisable for the Senior High to attend school in the morning and the Junior High in the afternoon.
In order for us to cover the required amount of work in the Senior and Junior High it was necessary to make the following arrangements of time regarding the school day. The Senior High School opens at 7.40 and closes at 12.10, with a six period day of forty minutes each. A physical education period between 9.10 and 9.20. All pupils in the Senior High are expected to take physical training in their home rooms under the supervision of the teacher. A recess of ten minutes from 10.40 to 10.50 A.M. The Junior High begins at 12.40 and closes at 4.55, with six periods of thirty-five minutes each. A period of ten minutes from 2 10 to 2.20 for physical education and an intermission of ten minutes from 3.30 to 3.40 P.M.
The total number of students enrolled in the Junior High, grades 7 and 8, which attend in the P.M. session, 525. Total number of students in the Senior High, attending the A.M. ses- sion, 508. Total number of all students in High School, 1,033. By grades the enrollment is as follows :- 7th grade 274, 8th grade 251, 9th grade 227, 10th grade 117, 11th grade 81, 12th grade 78, post graduates 5.
This year the plan was adopted of having all students that are attending school, above the sixth grade, come to the Central Junior and Senior High. This plan has many advantages over the old system in that all students in the 7th and 8th grades are housed in the same building, they have equal advantages of spec- ial courses like music, manual training and sewing, they have uniform books and more uniform training which should result in better preparation for the Senior High work.
By adopting the two platoon we have been able to hold classes in rooms where desks and blackboards are available. Last year many classes were held in the balcony of the Assembly Hall and on the main floor in the Assembly Hall. Good class work was impossible owing to the fact that black boards and desks were
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
" not at hand. In the Junior High last year the class rooms were overcrowded. In several of the rooms there were over 50 pupils. This year, as plenty of the rooms are available, we have been able to reduce the number of pupils per room down to from 34 to 42.
Last year 66 pupils received diplomas from Saugus High School. Out of the 66 that graduated, 14 attend colleges, three attend State Normal schools and eight are attending other schools, making a total of 25 out of the 66, or 39 per cent, who are con- tinuing their school work.
Saugus High School is included on that list of Secondary Schools which is approved by the New England Certificate _ Board. We were placed on the approved list, April 28, 1924, for a trial term of one year. The following list of colleges are members of this board :
Amherst College Colby College
Bates College Mass. Agricultural College
Boston University
Middlebury College
Bowdoin College Tufts College
Brown University Wesleyan University
Williams College
In order to certify any Saugus High School student to the above-named colleges, he must maintain an average of 85 per cent. in all his subjects for the four (4) years, or we may certify him in any subject in which he receives 85 per cent. or above, but he would be expected to take examination in the remaining subjects to make up the 15 credits for college admission.
Out of last year's graduating class of 66 members, three (3) students were certified to colleges that are members of the New England Certificate Board. If these students do satisfactory work at these colleges, Saugus High School will remain on the approved list, if not, we will be dropped April 1, 1925. From the class of 1924, three (3) students were awarded scholarships, as follows : Robert Allen and Ashton Davis, $240 scholarship each, at Harvard. These students were admitted without exam- ination, as they stood in the upper seventh of their class. Homer McNutt received a scholarship to Wesleyan University of $140.
Saugus High School has, for a number of years, been classed as an A Grade School by the Massachusetts Department of Edu- cation. This gives us the privilege of certifying any student to any State Normal School, providing he has attained an average of 85 per cent. in all subjects taken.
The new course of study, which was adopted April 18, 1923.
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has been followed this year with one exception. The commer- cial course has been changed for students in grades 11 and 12. The changes are as follows :
All students for the first two years (grades 9 and 10) are required to take the same subjects with one elective When they have finished the first two grades they can then select the steno- graphic or the bookkeeping course. The stenographic course will prepare students to enter this kind of work, while the book- keeping course is to fit students for positions as bookkeepers. Rarely does a person work at both stenography and bookkeeping in an office.
There are not as many small classes in the high school this year as last as most of the pupils have become adjusted in the newly adopted curricula. There is a class of nine in French III, a class of four in Solid Geometry and a class of thirteen in Latin IV, all of which are required for college admission. We must expect, while we are preparing students for college, to always find a few small classes in any high school.
There has been very few changes in the teaching staff during the past two years. Last year we lost two teachers from the Junior High and four teachers from the Senior High. It is easy to see that it is quite impossible to build up the standard of any school if the teaching staff changes from year to year. I consider the teachers of this year very efficient in that they are doing all they can to improve our school in order that it may equal other schools about us.
The graduating class of 1924 left to the school $196.65 to be spent on improving the Saugus High School Library. By using the old sewing room as a library and by purchasing library books with the money which was left by the class of 1924 we have made a good start on a much needed library for our school.
The two-platoon system under which we are working this year to avoid crowded conditions in our Junior and Senior High School can not be considered at all successful from an educational standpoint. We cannot hope to improve the standard of our school when periods have been shortened and pupils are rushed through the program and when teachers and pupils are working inten- sively while they are at school. Under the two-platoon it is impos- sible for the Senior or Junior High School students to do the amount of studying necessary to prepare their lessons while in school. This makes it necessary for practically all pupils to do most of their studying outside of school.
In closing, I would recommend that manual training be contin-
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
ued in the 7th and 8th grades, that sewing be required of all girls in the 7th grade, that all girls of the 8th grade be required to take cooking, that music and drawing be required as at present and that our library facilities in the High School be improved by the appropriation and the expenditure of a reasonable sum of money. Also that the equipment of our school be improved each year in order that it may compare with the High Schools around here.
I wish to thank the parents, teachers, school committee and Mr. Lambert for their assistance and help at all times on prob- lems that have arisen during the first year under the two-platoon system.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT R. WEBBER.
Report of Director of High School Music
Dear Mr. Lambert :
The following is a brief report of the results accomplished by the classes in music in the Junior and Senior High Schools during the year 1924.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
A definite program of study was carried on throughout the year and special effort made to elevate the musical standard of the students. The results were most gratifying.
The ensemble work revealed the musical development of the individual student, the deepened interest in the study, and a real joy in its performance.
During the year the pupils of each room gave an informal con- cert to their parents and friends. These concerts gave to those participating-whether interested in vocal study, instrumental, dancing or reading-opportunity to publicly peform.
At the beginning of the present school year, owing to the two- platoon system, much difficulty was experienced in getting the time schedule properly arranged. Now, however, with the the assistance of Miss Patten in the 7th grade and Miss Brown in the 8th grade, the work is being carried on admirably and gives promise of sustaining the interest and increasing the musical intelligence generally. The present time schedule is such that a repetition of the room concerts appears to be impossible.
.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Here again a well planned program of study was carried on in our Senior Chorus and Glee Club. The Senior Chorus is made
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
up of those who elect to study music. The Glee Club of about 60 members is made up of those willing to give a regular time outside of their regular school hours for special study and prepa- ration toward occasional public performances for the benefit of the school music fund.
The Glee Club broadcasted a concert once during the year, gave its services gratis to a number of community affairs in Lynn and Saugus, and on April 25, 1924, gave two excellent perfor- mances of the opera "Pinafore" by Gilbert and Sullivan. The unqualified success of this undertaking was evidenced by the numberless requests for a repetition of the performances, the splendid spirit of responsibility and pride shown by the young people, their faithful attendance to rehearsals, and the sheer joy in the doing of it all. The production was a decided financial success as well. With part of the money earned, $230 was expended in the purchase of a beautiful velvet curtain for the stage, which was presented to the school. The total earnings were $533.54-expenses $194.95-cash gifts of $5 and $4 were received ; and the balance deposited in the Music Fund, which now amounts to $214.97.
THE ORCHESTRA
The Orchestra of the Junior High School was united with that of the Senior High School at the beginning of the school year owing to a lack of variety in instruments. The combined orchestra very ably assisted at the production of "Pinafore," and shares equally in the credit. It also played at may community affairs gratis.
NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK
During the week of May 5-10 provision for a general obser- vance of National Music Week was undertaken by the combined Musical Clubs of the School.
The co-operation of talented professional musicians who gave their services gratis enabled us, we believe, to stir up public senti- ment favorable to more and better musical opportunities and to the better patronage for those existing.
IN GENERAL
Much to my regret, no courses in Music Appreciation and Harmony could be given, as no place could be found for them in the time schedule.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
Altogether a year of accomplishment ; and more elevated musical standards have resulted, because of the unceasing efforts of the pupils, the co-operation of you and Mr. Webber, the teachers, the School Board and the kind support of the townspeople.
Respectfully yours, C. FRANCIS WOODS, Director of Music.
Report from Household Arts Department
The work of the Domestic Science Department for the year 1924-1925 is confined to sewing in the 7th and 8th grades and Dressmaking and Home Nursing in the High School.
Sewing in the 7th grade consists of elementary work. Each pupil makes a duster, a sewing case and her cooking cap and apron to be used next year.
In the 8th grade, the pupils are making their cooking caps and aprons also. This is due to the change that was made in the program, after the beginning of the year. They will also make a piece of underwear and a simple cotton dress.
The Dressmaking class in the High School is divided according to the ability and experience of the girls, the beginners making underwear, several pieces, blouse, wool skirt and several simple dresses. The more advanced girls make underwear also, wool and silk dresses and men's shirts as well as the simpler pieces. The whole class also prepares illustrative material for their note books and to be used at the exhibition.
The class in Home Nursing is at preseut studying Physiology. They will complete this text book, the Red Cross Handbook, and take some work in invalid cooking.
No lunches are served this year because of the double session. A balance of $138.59 still remains in the bank, to the credit of the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
EMILY S. WOODBURY.
Report of Manual Training
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass :
In accordance with the usual custom I herewith submit to you my annual report as Instructor of Manual Training for the year just passed.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
This department of our school opened in conjunction with the other school with an enrollment of 286 pupils from the Junior High, forming 17 classes, of 70 minute periods.
The work done this year is similar to the work done in previous years. New things are always brought into the class room to stimulate interest.
Numbers of outside jobs have been done. Six sand tables for the various rooms, and many smaller jobs. We are always glad to do outside work for the different schools.
The spirit of the school is excellent nearly all of the pupils are trying to attain a higher standard of efficiency. As we are trying to attain these high qualities in workmanship we feel that we are building into the boys life something of more importance than building a table or a taboret.
The exhibition which was held in June was well attended by parents and friends and as usual the work done in this depart- ment came in for its share of praise, which was pleasing to both instructor and pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
N. B. CORTHELL.
Report of Supervisor of Music
Superintendent f. W. Lambert :
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Supervisor of Music in the schools of Saugus.
This year the music course has been divided into four parts as follows :
Ist. Vocal work of the class room.
znd Appreciation of music which is correlated with the first mentioned division.
3rd. Instrumental class work.
4th. Orchestral work which depends upon the third men- tioned division.
For the past four years we have been working toward the larger field of music. The old idea of merely singing in the music period has passed away. The child must be taught to see that music is related to all his other school work. With the vic- trola and radio in nearly every home, the child must learn to discriminate between the good and the bad music offered him.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
In the vocal work carried on in the class room the child learns to read music as a story book. After note reading comes the dis- tinguishing between correct and incorrect pitch, pure and harsh tone. In music construction he learns key signatures, common and compound time and tonal effects of major and minor keys. Under dynamics the ordinary marks of expression are taught.
This year's work has been arranged to follow a monthly out- line in Appreciation of Music. October was planned to work toward the Hallowe'en holiday. Chromatic tone dictation was given in the high grades, with class songs introducing chromatic tones and minor intervals. In the low grades rote songs in the minor were taught. The children learned from experience that the minor mode is used by composers to express sadness, weird- ness and mysteriousness. For a victrola lesson the "Dance Macabre" by Saint Saens was used.
November brought the study of Pilgrim and Indian Music for a Thanksgiving Project. Easy selections by Handel and Hayden were learned, also some of the standard hymns. Indian lullabies were taught in the low grades, with rhythm work introducing the drum and reed used by the Red Skin. For victrola illustra- tions "Pilgrim Hymns" and "Songs of Hiawatha's Childhood" were used.
December brought the Christmas carols and Santa Claus rote songs. The victrola was used to demonstrate appropriate music. Assemblies were also held throughout the town for carol singing. The grade school orchestra made its first appearance, being used to accompany the choruses.
Each month of this school year is to have an outstanding feature as shown above. The supervisor has asked that one English lesson a month be given to a short story on the music taught during the four weeks. This lesson is supervised by the home room teacher and many of the papers have been exceedingly interesting.
Along with this work, Mrs. Kellogg, art supervisor, has cor- related her lesson plans in such a manner that the children find art closely allied with music. The black-board illustrations of each month have been a source of great pleasure to children and teachers alike. Under the vocal work should be mentioned the mixed Glee Club of the Ballard School. This is a selected chorus working extra time on a program to be given later in the year.
The instrumental class work started last year has grown in size and interest. The violin seems to be the favorite instrument
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
although some parents have become interested in the clarinet, flute and fife. If parents can be made to realize an unusual instru- ment means a greater opportunity for their child, our school work along this line would increase in value. The town is filled with children who play viola and piano fairly well.
There is no one interested in viola or 'cello, both instruments needed in an orchestra. The violin class this year numbers twelve. They are progressing rapidly under the supervision of Mr. Russell Peterson. These pupils will pass on to advance work next year and will also feed the grade school orchestra. This class meets once a week after an hour's instruction. Great credit should be given the Parent Teachers' Associations of the town for their assistance in advancing the music in the instru- mental line. The Armitage Association has bought an upright piano for the upper floor of the Armitage School. This allows assemblies on both floors, as there is no room large enough to accommodate the whole school.
The Lincoln Parent Teachers furnished a piano and victrola records which were transferred to the Emerson School at the opening of the fall term.
The Felton Parent Teachers' Association has been the most progressive in trying out a system used in the larger cities and towns. They have invested in a thirty dollar flute which has been rented to a child in the building. This child, after sufficient lessons, enters the school orchestra, thus introducing into the club an instrument which we have not at present. One parent of this organization has also donated a fife for the use of some pupil in the building.
The pupils, teachers and parents of the Mansfield School, raised money enough in the fall to buy a Brunswick machine for school purposes.
The grade school orchestra has now a membership of sixteen. The children playing come from the fourth, fifth and sixth grades, representing the Armitage, Ballard, Emerson, Felton and Mansfield schools. One rehearsal a week is held. The spirit of the orchestra is splendid, backed by good will of parents and teachers. Orchestra work brings out the best in a child. It requires patience, practice and concentration. A mistake has to be corrected, the tempo of the leader kept, whether the selection be difficult or easy, and each child is responsible for his or her part of the work. The orchestra consists of first and second violins, xylophone, piano and tympani.
Through the courtesy of our Superintendent, the orchestra
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1924]
was allowed to give a concert in each building, the last week of the fall term. Parents showed their interest by helping to trans- port the children to the buildings scheduled. Some new instru- ments were bought, thus improving the tone of the organization. The orchestra is kept on a paying basis by a series of dues and fines. This makes it possible to buy whatever music is necessary.
The strong class room work has been helped by the individual teachers taking outside work along musical lines. The teaching force numbers many interested in voice, piano, stringed and wind instrument. This makes the children more enthusiastic and interested.
In closing, I wish to thank the teachers, committee, and you, Mr. Lambert, for the help I have received to make my work a success.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURA E. CRAM.
Report of Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Supervisor of Penmanship in the public schools of Saugus.
The visits to the schools are. made every other week, one week being spent in the Elementary Grades ; the other divided between the Junior High School and districts.
Penmanship in the Junior High School is being carried on as in the year previous. Each teacher teaches the subjects under the direction of the supervisor, thereby giving attention to the writing in all subjects taught.
Under the faithful guidance of their teachers, the Junior High School pupils accomplished much besides doing advanced work in commercial penmanship, victrola work was introduced to develop rhythm, lightness of lines, and speed. Almost every letter in the alphabet could be made rapidly and well to the music. Attention was given to blackboard writing, and many awards were won from the A. N. Palmer Company, by pupils of both 7th and 8th grades.
The 9th grade commercial classes, this year, are beginning to show the progress made in the last four years of training in pen- manship. Almost all in those classes have been awarded the improvement Certificate by the A. N. Palmer Company ; a great
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
many, the Final Certificate, and 15 have received the Professional Certificate, the highest awards given in penmanship. These three certificates are given out to pupils whose writing is up to a standard satisfactory for Business College and office work and are quite necessary to the commercial world.
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