USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1925 > Part 14
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In the chemical and physical laboratories new cabinets were built to accommodate the physics and chemical apparatus used in these departments.
During the summer vacation a granolithic walk was constructed from the front of the High School to the junction of Winter and Central streets, and the front lawn was graded to a level with the walk. This adds greatly to the appearance of the High School.
SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS
I. . I would suggest that additional rooms, which are situated in the old part of the building, be given a coat of paint during the summer months. If a plan is adopted for painting a few of these each year the entire building would soon have all its rooms newly painted and thus present a better appearance.
2. That our present library be improved by a small amount being set aside each year for this purpose, in order that the High School library may compare favorably with other libraries in schools near by.
2. I would suggest that the High School grounds be further improved by building a granolithic walk from the Central street side to the entrance of the High School building on Central street. Building this walk would prevent the tracking in of a great deal of dirt by pupils who enter the building on this side.
4. That the driveway leading to the front of the building be marked off by curbing and suitably graded, this will prevent autoists from driving on the lawn.
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KEPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1925]
5. That the lot back of the High School be cleared and smoothed, in order to furnish a place for the students to play, instead of having to use the front lawn.
Whatever we have been able to accomplish during this year, in the Sangus Junior and Senior High School, has been through the co-operation of you, Mr. Lambert, The School Committee, the parents and teachers, and I wish at this time to thank you all for your loyal support.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT R. WEBBER, Principal.
Report of Director and Teacher of High School Music
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools Saugus, Mass .: -
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I submit herewith a brief report of the musical activities in the Junior and Senior High Schools during he year nineteen hundred twenty-five.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Classes met twice weekly. Thus in seventy minutes we try to teach various theoretic points, give a bit of time to encouraging the appreciation of good music, and to teaching the rendering of songs with better tone and proper interpretation.
At the beginning of this school year, the Junior Orchestra of 'nearly thirty pieces was formed. A concert by this group is planned for the near future. Lack of time and rehearsal facili- ties prevent the formation of a Junior Glee Club.
Worthy of mention are the two public appearances of a group singers from the Junior High School, viz : one during National Music Week and the other at the annual school exhibition.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
As was the case last year, all music classes and organizations of the school had to meet outside school hours. Under such circumstances, the interest was very difficult to sustain and it was only by great personal effort that they were kept together, thereby closing the year with successful achievement.
The mixed Glee Club of sixty voices was a source of delight to all who heard it. A number of concerts were given by it
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
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during the year. The most ambitious effort of the year was the two performances of the comic opera "All at Sea" by the Glee Club and Orchestra. Success attended this venture from every standpoint. A neat sum was added to the School Music Fund as a result of the year's concerts. The orchestra also played for a great many community affairs.
Considerable interest has been shown in the standing offer to finance from the School Music Fund on an easy repayment plan the purchase of any orchestral or band instrument desired by any pupil ; and some have taken advantage of this opportunity.
Early in the present school year a band was organized and its permanency and future success seem to be assured. Many of the football games were greatly enlivened by the playing of this organization.
NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK
During the week of May 4th, a general community observance of Music Week was sponsored by the Musical Clubs of the High School and we gratefully acknowledge the co-operation of the Riverside Club, Mrs. Mabel Edmands, and Miss Laura Cram.
A special musical exhibition was given by the Junior High School students during this week, and the Senior High School put on its two performances of "All at Sea."
IN GENERAL
Again no courses in Music Appreciation and Harmony could be given owing to the two-platoon system.
I wish most earnestly to recommend the purchase of a grand piano for the use of the school musical organizations. The present instrument might well be left where it is for general usage, viz : dancing parties, etc.
Most heartily I thank you, sir, and Mr. Webber, for support and helpfulness ; and the pupils, teachers and townspeople for their assistance in making the year 1925 worthy to rank with previous years.
Most respectfully yours,
C. FRANCIS WOODS
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1925]
Report on Domestic Science
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools
Saugus, Mass. :
The work of the Domestic Science Department of the year 1925-26 shows a marked improvement over 1924-25 in that, cooking has been substituted for sewing in the eighth grade. This gives one year of sewing and one of cooking to each girl in the Junior High School. Thus each child gets a foundation on both subjects and if she wishes to continue, dressmaking is offered as an elective study in the Senior High School and we hope to be able to offer cooking also in the coming year.
The course in seventh grade sewing included the construction of a ribbon sewing case, the cooking cap and apron to be used in grade eight, and a simple cotton dress.
The cooking course for grade eight, takes up starch cooking (cereals, vegetables and the types of dishes prepared with white sauce) preparation of fruits for serving, beverages, sugar cooking, quick breads and muffins, plain cakes, salads and simple deserts.
It also includes table setting and serving and the preparation and serving of simple meals.
The work of the Domestic Science Department in High School is rather handicapped by lack of time. It is impossible to give a cooking lesson in a single period, and until a double period can be offered, lunch room cooking is all that can be given.
No lunches are being served this year but with the return to a one session day we hope to be able to serve them again. A balance of $120.59 still remains in the bank.
The course in Physiology and Home Nursing in the High School includes a study of the physiology, anatomy and hygiene of the body, work on special assigned topics, a brief study of sanitation, and dietitics with some practice work in invalid cook- ing. Also a study of the Red Cross Handbook with' practice in bandaging.
The girls in the dressmaking class work according to the amount of previous training they have had. The first of the year is spent on a study of textiles and a note book is kept. The girls who are starting dressmaking will make several simple pieces of underwear, a tailored blouse, a wool dress and one or more thin dresses. The girls who are more advanced will make dresses (both wool and cotton), underwear, blouses, skirts etc., of more difficult construction.
Respectfully submitted,
EMILY S. WOODBURY
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Report on Manual Training and Mechanical Drawing
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools :
I herewith submit my first report as Instructor of Manual Training, and Supervisor of Mechanical Drawing in the Junior and Senior High School of Saugus.
Beginning my work in your schools on the nineteenth day of October, nineteen hundred twenty five, I am limited in material for a complete report of the preceding year.
The new Manual Training room in the basement of the High School is large enough to accommodate a few machines, which would add to the efficiency, and general improvement of the department. These machines could also be used to advantage in making cabinets or other things needed in the schools.
May I take the liberty now to outline my plans for the future in this work. The major part of my time to date, outside of class periods, I have devoted to improving the Manual Training room, which I hope will prove time well spent by increased interest on the part of the boys.
It is my hope that in the near future it will be possible to restablish the work in the High School and put it on such a basis that the work will be elected by the pupils, rather than thrust upon them, as it is now in the seventh and eighth grades of the Junior High. I believe the work can be made so in- teresting that the demand for Manual Training and Mechanical Drawing in the last year of the Junior High, and the three years of the Senior High will be so great that we will be able to eliminate the unsatisfactory compulsory method now used in the lower grades. This plan would help those who become in- terested and desire to learn something, who now have only half the opportunity which they should have.
Mechanical Drawing
I hope to be able to put before our High School students a definite course in Mechanical Drawing which will be of value to the majority of boys, regardless of what particular occupation, trade, or business they pursue. This course will be presented for your approval as soon as completed.
Respectfully submitted
PAUL BUND
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1925]
Report of Drawing Teacher. High School
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
Herewith I submit my report for the Drawing Department of the Saugus Senior and Junior High Schools.
For many years Drawing or Art was considered a special sub- ject for a few talented persons who made a few outdoor sketches or painted sprays of roses, which did not interest and were of no value to students as a whole.
Now, after years of experimenting, a new way of presenting our subject has been found which gives to every student, whether he can draw or not, knowledge that will be useful every day of his life. People are always choosing new clothes or furnishings for themselves, their homes or their friends, and in many cases their choice depends too much on that which is most strongly recom- mended by the salesman.
Our Art courses are giving to students in formation regarding the principles of (1) Design, Composition and Color which will enable them to choose the good well designed things from the bad, and (2) Mechanical Drawing which teaches first neatness and accuracy as well as construction.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET POPE MACINTYRE
Report of Drawing Supervisor
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools Saugus, Mass. :
This is the third annual report submitted as Supervisor of Drawing for the first six grades in the town of Saugus.
It is quite unnecessary to state the value and worth of a course in Drawing to those who have fully experienced the meaning of beauty and its value to human nature.
At one time, perhaps, art was considered a luxury only for the people of means. Today it is a part of our everyday life. For art in its fullest sense is life, and appeals to an appreciation of nature and beauty.
The time is long past when the courses for an art education are narrow, mechanical and fragmentary, as the free use of the imagination for creative thinking and expression occupies a prominent position in the art syllabus for the town of Saugus.
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"Imagination is as much a normal integral part of human activity as is muscular movement." (John Dewey). The imagination, according to psychologists, is attributed to be a most important branch of the mind's development. Some children are more imaginative than others. How can this imagination be cultivated ? By inducing them to make definite efforts to reproduce that which they have observed. This is done by accumulating accounts and descriptions of their observations.
The child is naturally receptive for ideals to express his thoughts, which, if cultivated will create and express them simply for the joy of creation.
"To create, to make something is the instinct of divinity in humanity, the power that crowns man divine." (Froebel).
A definite course is followed to encourage these free expressions of the child-however crude they may appear to the adult. With guidance and suggestions in the proper direction, the desired results may be gained.
Certain feelings of expression are sensed as the children sing their songs for Miss Cram. These are illustrated. As the differ- ent countries in geography are studied illustrations are made of what the children might see should they visit foreign lands. Then too, in history, not only in a general way, but the history of our own little town has been studied and told in picture form. And so on throughout the program of study we aim a close corre- lation of all subjects. This correlation covers the basic prin- ciples and standards from which all lessons are developed.
For the assistance which the grade teachers have so willingly offered,-the interest of the school officials, and the encourage- ment which you continually offer, Mr. Lambert, I am most appreciative.
Respectfully submitted,
ANSTRICE CARTER KELLOGG, Supervisor of Drawing.
Report of Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Supervisor of Penmanship in the public schools of Saugus.
The visits to the schools are made as in the past two years ;
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1925]
one week being spent in the Elementary Grades, and the other divided between the Junior High School and Districts.
Last year being the first year of the platoon system, the pen- manship program in the Junior High School proved to be rather unsatisfactory. As there were fifteen classes having penmanship at the same time, it was impossible for the super- visor to do much teaching or even visiting the classes. Also, because all class periods were shortened, the penmanship period was reduced from a fifteen minute daily period to a ten minute period. Because of these handicaps, the number of awards this past year has decreased.
In September, 1925, an entirely new program was estab- lished in the Junior High School, which has proved to be more satisfactory. Each teacher teaches the subject under the direction of the supervisor as in previous years, but now, instead of all lessons going on at the same time, certain periods throughout the day are set aside for the teaching of penmanship, which makes it possible for the supervisor to visit some class each period in the day. The writing in both seventh and eighth grades has improved greatly because of this change, and much more enthusiasm is being shown.
Daily practice by the pupils, combined with the enthusiasm and faithful instruction by the teachers, has made the writing in the grades far superior to that in the past few years.
The second grades have mastered "Arm Movement" so thoroughly, due to the foundation received in the first grades, that pen and ink work was given them before Christmas this year. Usually, these grades are not ready for ink work before January or February. Also, the second grades through-out the town started, in October, to work on an examination given by the Palmer School of Penmanship in New York. This consists of several foundation drills, a number of capitals and small letters, and several sentences to copy. This examination has never before been tried in so low a grade, and all classes have not yet completed it. However, of the 80 examinations com- pleted and sent to New York for inspection, 80 were accepted, and as a reward, 80 blue pins with silver stars on them were sent to encourage these little folk to do their best at all times. More pins will be sent to those whose examinations will be accepted in the future.
The third grades are also trying a similar examination, but as yet, they have not completed it.
The third and fourth grades still continue to get certificates
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for position, improvement, arm movement, and excellence in all written work.
The penmanship awards given out last year were won almost entirely by the grade pupils.
They number as follows :
186 Palmer Method Buttons
45 Progress Pins
14 Improvement certificates
76 Final Certificates
80 Primary Pins
Speed and quality tests were introduced and frequently given in all classes this past year to see that the writing compared favorably with the chart standards issued by penmanship authorities all over the country.
Victrola and rhythm work is given frequently to develop speed and lightness of lines.
On Saturday, March 7, 1925, the supervisor was asked to put on an exhibition of work done in penmanship in the Town of Saugus for the State Convention held by the New England Pen- manship Association, at the State House. Only towns or cities whose work was considered of high standing were asked to exhibit work.
On the whole, the past five years have been most encouraging ones in the growth and establishment of good penmanship in our schools.
It is the cooperation on the part of the other supervisors, the untiring efforts on the part of the teachers with whom I have worked, and the loyal support shown by the school committee and you, Mr. Lambert, that has made the penmanship in our schools a success.
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET A. CAMERON, Supervisor of Penmanship.
Report of Supervisor of Music
Superintendent J. W. Lambert :
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as supervisor of music in the Elementary Schools of Saugus.
The year opened with enthusiasm on the part of both pupils and teachers. The classes ran large which made individual work in the first four grades difficult for the teachers. There was plenty
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1925]
of music material which helped. A book for each child does away with the question of discipline. The classes are nearly all now equipped with a text book and supplementary reader.
Changes in the teaching force weakened the work in some buildings. But the helpful spirit of the teachers accustomed to the music system, and the willingness of the new teachers to cooperate soon smoothed out most of the difficulties.
The fifth and sixth grades were given the same work for the first two months. This was done for two reasons. First-to make a strong chorus to start the year with ; secondly a test for time, pitch and reading. In this test the Ballard 6A won out, and have been used for lecture and demostration work, also concert programs.
The teachers and pupils must realize the sixth grade is a very important link in the school music system. Standing as it does between the grades and Junior High, the whole year work must emphasize the use of all previous knowledge, and make the child independent in chorus work. Thus a great deal of time is spent on sight reading, including chromatic tone work, and marks of expression.
During the last week of the fall term Christmas Carol Sings were given in each building. This is not satisfactory in many ways. The children have to be crowded into the largest room available, or placed in the main hall where the accoustics are poor. Then the parents who wish to enjoy the program, stand where ever there is a chance. The Roby Parent Teachers Association helped the situation this year by engaging High School Hall for the Roby Concert. This was a step in the right direction as Christmas music makes one of the nicest programs of the year, and should be enjoyed by both parents and children. Many of the school carols were used in the community work of the season. This is a splendid idea, for it draws the school and town more closely together.
Most of the Parent Teachers Association have furnished the Victrola Records for Appreciation Work. One period a month is given to rhythm, story telling and dance forms, in the various grades. This year the vocal classroom work has dealt with songs in waltz, march, minuet, polka and gavotte form. The apprecia- tion work has handled Spanish and Italian Waltzes with tam- bourine, accordion and castenets. The March was illustrated by a. Military March, b. "March of the Tin Soldiers," Tschai- korosky, c. "March of the Toys." Herbert.
The Indian music showed the use of flute and drum. Stephen
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Foster's southern songs, the negro dances. February work the colonial dance rhythms in a. Beethoven's "Minuet in G", b. Gavotte "Mignon" Thomas.
Our instrumental division has grown in many ways.
Two violin classes are being held. The one Monday afternoon at the Emerson School the other Tuesday afternoon at the Felton School. These classes are conducted by Mr. Russell Peterson. Parents have shown a great interest in the work and nearly all the schools have children enrolled in these classes.
The flute investment made by the Felton Parent Teachers' Association has met with great success. A flute solo was played at the Felton Christmas Concert. The willingness of this associ- ation to branch out into the broader music fields should be highly commended.
The Ballard P.T.A. have invested in a trumpet which has been rented to a sixth grade boy.
It is a joy to state here, that the helpfulness and willingness of the instrumental teachers of Saugus, together with the interest of parents and principals has made this extra work a pleasure.
The Grade School Orchestra underwent a big change in mem- bership this year. Many of the girls and boys went on to the Junior High. This made the organization weak, so they have only appeared at a few concerts. This orchestra consists of first and second violins, cornet, piano, xylophone, orchestra bells and drums, The schools represented are the Armitage, Ballard, Emerson, Felton, Mansfield and Roby.
In closing I wish to thank you, Mr. Lambert and all the teach- ing force who have helped to make my work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURA E. CRAM.
Report of the Saugus Dental Clinic Association
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-Herewith I submit my annual report as Super- visor of the Dental Clinic.
At the beginning of the school year I examined every pupil is the grades and with the assistance of the school nurse distributed slips to be signed by the parents, giving their consent to have their children treated in the clinic.
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, assisted by the school nurse, I treat the pupils of the various schools at the clinic room
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1925]
in the Cliftondale School. We charge a small fee of ten cents at each visit, the treatments including extractions, fillings and prophylactic treatments.
Most of the work this year has been among the pupils of the first and second grades who are in need of treatment and could not get it in any other way. This accounts for my having so many deciduous extractions.
The services of the school nurse for two mornings each week are given by kindness of the school committee.
A detailed report of the work done at the clinic from January 1925, to January, 1926, is submitted as follows :
Total number of patients treated at the Saugus
Dental Clinic 979
Total number of deciduous extractions 4 535
Total number of permanent extractions $ 7
Total number of fillings
T42
Total number of prophylactic treatments
27 1
Total number of treatments
9
Refused treatment
.
5
Respectfully submitted
DR. ROGER P. BECKMAN
Report of School Nurse
10 Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my fourth annual report as school nurse for the year ending December 31, 1925.
Number of visits to schools, 423 ; home visits, 338 ; exclusions for pediculosis, 217 ; all pediculosis cases followed up, all cases returned. In addition to home visits for pediculosis, the home visits for other cases were as follows: Impetigo, 14; chicken pox, 6 ; scabies, 6 ; colds, 18; defective vision, 13 ; scarlet fever in family, 5 ; grippe, 10; unclean, 6; truancy, 5 ; headache, 6; sore throat, 8; scarlet fever, 3 ; measles, 21 ; defective hearing, I; nose bleed, 3; rash, 3; sore foot, r; swollen glands, 4 ; diptheria, 1; diptheria in family, 2; boils, 3 ; poison ivy, 3 ; German measles, I ; whooping cough in family, 5 ; mentally deficient, 3 ; nervousness, 2 ; adenoids and tonsils removed, 1 ; ringworm, I ; abscess in ear, I; pneumonia, I; earache, I ; mumps, 5 ; defective teeth, 7; no rubbers, 2 ; no shoes, 3 ; town aid, 3 ; home to help mother, 6; no clothes, 1 ; weather con- ditions, 5; Lynn Hospital Eye Clinic, 8; Waverly State Hos- pital, 2.
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[Dec. 31
In September the children were given a physical examination by the school physicians, at which I assisted in checking up the physical record cards with the physicians. These physical record cards, which are required by the state, mean a great deal more work, but are extremely helpful in showing the physical condition and improvement. of the child from one year to the next.
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