USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1926 > Part 14
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In nearly every walk of life a knowledge of science is necessary. . Therefore, the number of students who are taking courses in General Science, Physics and Chemistry is large, and our labora- tory facilities are not what they should be. In order to make science courses interesting and have them presented to the students in the right way, more equipment is needed. The apparatus which must be used in this work is expensive. I feel that there should be appropriated each year, for the next few years, at least five hundred dollars, to be spent in purchasing modern up to date apparatus, for our General Science, Physics and Chemistry de- partments.
In closing I wish to thank the School Committee, Superin- tendent of Schools, parents and teachers for their hearty coop- eration during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT R. WEBBER, Principal.
Report of Principal of Sweetser Junior High
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools,
Saugus, Mass .:
DEAR SIR,-I have the honor of presenting for your approval, the initial report on the Sweetser Junior High School after four months of operation.
A sweeping survey of conditions, objectives and results from September 8, 1926, to December 22, 1926, would seem to indicate that our new addition to the school system is functioning satis- factorily.
23
2
1926]
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
New location, new building, trained corps of teachers, etc., gave a fresh start to 286 pupils, 145 eighth year and 141 seventh. Natural causes, transfers, sickness, compulsory work, etc., have brought the present enrollment to 272.
Junior High School, no more, no less, is the impression we wish to have the students get. The many features of Junior High, distinct from either Elementary or High School, are what determine in large part the atmosphere of the school. Certainly we can not introduce all the features of the model new unit, but eventually, one at a time can be fitted in without undue hard- ship and expense.
In September we had the materials, a fine building, and an appropriate number of pupils. Today we have background, a school body, a spirit that will permit of introduction of ideas of proven helps to the individual boy and girl, as well as group.
Sweetser has eight full time and four part time teachers, all experienced in Junior High work. This is a very good asset to the school, especially in the case of the students taking lab- oratory courses where the teachers labor under difficulty due to lack of equipment found in other schools of larger size. Time and attention can dispose of this problem.
In the regular major studies we have adequate material, teachers, trained for their special subjects, and therefor in- struction in their work should be very thorough.
Our daily schedule is much the same as that at the Central Junior High with the exception that our physical education under pupil leaders comes daily after the third period. Once a week the pupils of two home room sections join in the as- sembly hall for special drill exercises, given by Mr. Rice.
The 40 minute period from 11.40 to 12.20 is for penman- ship and recess. Divisions 7 and 8 alternate, Grade 7 having the first recess of twenty minutes while the older class is hav- ing Penmanship.
General assemblies in the auditorium give the pupils of special abilities a chance to perform. I hope to have a great many pupils take some part in. assembly at least once before June. Such training develops power and is of great value to the participant. Our Junior Council aims for student lead- ership. Proposed innovations to be instituted during the second term will include a systematic guidance program, (lub work, a savings arrangement, and outdoor athletics in moderation.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The program of studies
Grade VII.
Periods per week
Grape VIII.
Periods per week
English
5
English
5
Arithmetic
5
Arithmetic
5
Geography
5
U. S. History
5
Reading
Reading
Spelling S
4
Spelling
4
Music
2
Music
2
Drawing
I
Drawing
I
Sewing
2
Sewing
2
Manual Training
2
Manual Training
2
Physical Education
Physical Education
Penmanship
Penmanship
Latin or
3
Elective
French or
3
Commercial Arithmetic 2
General Science -
2
Success in school work depends on
I. Attendance
3. A willing spirit
2. Health
4. Study, in school and at home
If parents would realize the serious break caused by imperfect attendance, perhaps that danger of failure in school would be eliminated. Insistence on daily attendance will help the school, teachers, parents, and chiefly the pupil. Regularity in every thing can well be learned by acquiring the habit of regular attendance at school.
Health of growing boys and girls must be carefully watched. In cases of emergency, daily check up and sickness, the School Physician, School Nurse, Dentist and teachers are all ready to render assistance to any pupil needing attention. The will to do, makes the path easier through every task and hour, in school or out. Unless the right attitude can be obtained somehow, nothing will avail.
The study problem is taken care of in school, but the pupils of the graduating division have so much new work to prepare for a day's lessons, that home study must be done. If parents will cooperate with the school and see that their children profit by systematic study at home in the afternoon, or early evening they will be insuring the child's chance for promotion.
The newly instituted Parent-Teacher Association should have a very helpful bearing on matters within the control of parents, among these being home study and attendance. Much interest has been shown in the organization of the association, and I feel sure it will be a real benefit to the school.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1926]
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I. The students have no place for indoor recreation. An appropriate room could easily be provided by clearing out and equipping the unused basement beneath the auditorium.
II. The grounds should be as well-appointed as is fitting to set off the handsome building. Grading and planting should be done this spring.
III. The teachers' room should not present a professional aspect. A home like appearance can be secured by providing a few necessary pieces of furniture. On many occasions, especially emergencies, it is well to draw a distinction between formal school room, and the place where student or teacher may come for a short time of rest.
IV. The sewing room, manual training room, and science department should be more fully equipped. The pupils of the Sweetser Junior High have a fine school plant, well lighted, heated, clean and sanitary. Scores of little details have been looked after. A great amount of time was necessary to provide for, and start this school on time in September.
I thank you, Mr. Lambert, for all you have done for the school, for your assistance and valuable help to me. I wish also to ex- press my appreciation for the good will and interest of the school officials and parents, and the cooperation of the teachers who work with me to make my school a success.
Respectfully submitted,
LEON C. YOUNG, Principal.
Report of the Supervisor of Music in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I submit herewith a brief report of the work of the Music Department for 1926.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
As usual, classes met two periods a week, during which time . we taught the proper performance and enjoyment of good music.
The Junior Orchestra and groups of singers from each grade gave a most excellent concert during National Music Week and at the school exhibition.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
This year our orchestra is much smaller than in previous years because the pupils from the Sweetser School have to come to the High School for rehearsals, there being no piano in the new school. It seems to be almost impossible to get out the entire personnel.
Continuing the plan and offer of the past two years, the Music Department again sponsored the purchase of violins or any other musical instrument on a convenient repayment plan for all pupils interested. A number of instruments have been purchased through the Department and violin class instruction is given for a small fee to about twenty. Mr. Russell Peterson has been engaged as instructor, and class sessions are held once a week.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
In spite of the deplorable necessity of all musical organizations meeting after school hours, each club managed to progress in its work because of the loyalty and sacrifice of the members and the hardest kind of personal endeavor on my part. Thus they achieved a success commensurate with the clubs of former years.
The outstanding event of the year, and in fact of any year, was the rendition of the great oratorio "Creation" by Haydn. Pro- fessional soloists of high rank were engaged to sing the solo roles, while the mixed Glee Club sang the chorus parts and the School Orchestra played the accompaniments. The magnificent singing and playing of this extremely difficult and very beautiful music by the boys and girls was a revelation to all who heard the performance.
A few months previous to the above concert the Boys' Glee Club gave a program consisting of concert numbers and a short operetta of college life. This they greatly enjoyed doing and their friends enjoyed hearing.
The several musical clubs gave individual programs through- out the year for various affairs in and out of school.
At the present time the prospects are splendid for the best orchestra in the history of the school if each member of it con- tinues to do his part. Recently a small group selected from the general ensemble played for the Riverside Club Guest Night observance and at the Christmas party of the Kiwanis Club of Lynn.
The Band should be larger this year than last. It has proved to be a very popular organization both in and out of school, and I am trying my best to make it a permanent organization in the school. Here again, our trouble is non-attendance at rehearsals
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REPORT OF SCHOOL. COMMITTEE.
1926]
during the Spring and Fall especially when the boys are expected to practice base-ball and foot ball. Also, many of our boys work after school hours.
The Glee Club is considerably larger than in former years, due no doubt to the fact that time limited rehearsals have been held in school hours. A concert is planned for the Spring of the year.
A few of the members of this school are members of the above mentioned violin class.
NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK
For the fourth time, since the inauguration of the National Music Week observance, the Musical Clubs of the school have sponsored a week of musical activities free to the townspeople.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Miss Laura Cram and Miss Bertha Snow in presenting programs of real merit and interest. As mentioned above, the pupils of the Junior High School presented a concert during this observance worthy of real commendation.
IN CONCLUSION
I urge consideration of giving credit toward graduation for musical studies outside of the school, with accredited teachers or music schools.
I also earnestly urge that the seven period day be continued in the High School in order that one period may be reserved, not for regular recitation, but as a club period, at which time the Musical Clubs, Spanish, French, Commercial Clubs, etc., may meet as a regular feature of the school curriculum. This is no untried venture, as many of our finest and most prominent schools are finding in it a solution of the vexing problem of attendance at and interest in the clubs, and incidentally a factor in promoting school spirit and loyalty.
We are still hoping a grand piano may materialize for the High School, but realize that the need of a piano for the Sweetser School must have first consideration.
I thank you, Mr. Lambert, for your ever ready co-operation and interest ; also Mr. Webber, the members of the school com- mittee, the pupils, teachers, and those of our townspeople who have in any way helped me to make a success of our school music.
Respectfully yours,
C. FRANCIS WOODS
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report on Domestic Science
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass .:
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I herewith submt miy fourth annual report for the Domestic Science Department.
The course has been slightly changed since the report for 1925 was written.
In the Junior High School, no cooking is given this year but sewing is given in both seventh and eighth grades. The sewing in the seventh grade is most elementary. Each girl keeps a note book with outlines and samples of stitches, she also makes a ribbon sewing case, a cooking cap and apron and a simple cotton dress.
In the eighth grade the note book is continued and each pupil makes a piece of underwear, a linen towel hemstitched and em- broidered, a night dress and a cotton dress, more difficult than the one made in the seventh grade.
· No regular cooking course is offered in the Senior High School as it is impossible to give a cooking lesson in a single period, and . until a double period can be offered lunch room cookery is all that can be given.
Lunches are being served again for the first time in three years. They are planned to give both teachers and pupils a lunch at the lowest possible cost and pay all expenses. The following are sample menus :
Teachers'
Lunch Counter
Cold Boiled Ham and
Welsh Rarebit .05
Scalloped Potato .10
Tunafish Salad Rolls .06
Crab Salad Sandwich .06
Crab Salad Sandwich (small) .03
Cream Cheese and Olive
Lettuce Salad Sandwich . . 03
Sandwich
.05
Bread and Butter Sandwich
.04
Milk
.05
Coffee .05
Chocolate Pudding, Whipped
Cream .05
Ice Cream .05
Cookies
.OI
Milk .05
Ice Cream .05
Cookies .OI
· A balance of $120.59 was in the bank in September, 1926. Twenty dollars of this was borrowed to start the lunch room. This twenty dollars has been repaid and thirty five more put in the bank to the credit of the Department, so that our balance is now $155.59 and all bills are paid.
29
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1926]
Household Arts is being given in the High School this year, alternating with Home Nursing which was given last year. This course includes a thorough study of everything which goes to make up a home, selecting the site, building and planning the home, selecting the furniture, rugs, draperies and every type of equipment. They also study menu making, meal planning and serving simple dietitics and budgeting. Each girl keeps a very complete notebook.
The dressmaking class is divided according to the amount of their previous training. The first year pupils make seven pieces of work, including underwear, a tailored blouse, a plain wool dress or skirt, a simple silk dress and two or more summer dresses of cotton and linen. The second and third year girls make more difficult pieces including a man's shirt, a sport coat, and dresses of more difficult construction than those which were made the previous year.
Respectfully submitted,
EMILY S. WOODBURY.
Report of Manual Training Department
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass .:
In the Manual Training Department of the past year, boys of the seventh grade each made a foot stool for the first model which was finished with stain and shellac. Some were covered with imitation leather and were very much appreciated by the parents, who in many cases had their boys make one or two extra. The second project was selected by the boys from three models, an umbrella rack, fernery, or three legged taboret. In giving them an opportunity for selection an opening was made for group in- struction on each of the problems, thereby a pupil, altho making only one, had the opportunity to see how the other projects were constructed. In the seventh grade there were about. 150 foot stools, 18 taborets, ro ferneries, 15 umbrella stands completed.
The eighth grade made individual things from the beginning. Several library tables, several end tables, four radio tables, four hat trees, 25 taborets, several stools of individual design, 10 fern- eries, 15 umbrella stands, besides sewing cabinets and book shelves.
In addition to the regular classwork I made the stage scenery which was used for the senior play ; the footlights ; a canopy over
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
the stage, and the removable raised step platform for the stage, and two flights of stairs to the stage.
Owing to the lack of equipment at the Sweetser school the Manual Training so far has been limited to Mechanical Drawing, because it would be unfair to the pupils in that district if wood- work were given to the Saugus Center pupils and not to the Cliftondale section. This is a very good arrangement because in the training which they now receive thru Mechanical Drawing they are taught the reading of a ruler, accuracy in measuring, and a fair understanding of working drawings, which is most es- sential, (but which has been missing) to a pupil to intelligently work on a project in wood, it helps him to understand more clearly any sketches which the teacher may make to illustrate methods of construction on any particular object the boy may be working on. With this drawing as a background a pupil may design his own projects out of school, and thereby save the valu- able shop time for constructive work.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL BUND.
Report of Drawing Teacher-High School
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my second report as teacher of Freehand and Mechanical Drawing in the Senior High and Freehand Drawing in the Junior High Schools of Saugus.
The Art course offered in the Senior High school during the past year has included Freehand Drawing, a Study of Design and Color Theory, Costume Design, Crafts such as basketry, leather tooling, stenciling, block printing and decorative enamel work, Poster Design, Composition and Interior Decoration.
These subjects have been arranged so as to make each student realize the aim of this course which is to cultivate aesthetic appreciation of form and color in both art and nature and to develop selective judgment of design as expressed in Art : architecture, sculpture, painting, furniture, potteries, fabrics, costumes,-all of these things necessities or luxuries that make our lives more interesting.
Previous to September, 1926, Mechanical Drawing was re- quired of both girls and boys in the seventh and eighth grades but with the opening of the Fall term all the pupils of the Junior High School at Saugus Center and also at Cliftondale were given in its place one forty minute period a week in Freehand Draw-
31
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1926]
ing which includes a Study of Color and the Theory of Design, Representation, Perspective, Construction and Nature Drawing.
I believe the new course to be more desirable than the old one which appealed chiefly to the boys. The new course however, interests both boys and girls and will give to every student an opportunity, through a study of order, to develop and express his sense of the beautiful which is a supreme example of Order. The beautiful is simply the best of its kind and to recognize and discover it is one of the chief interests of civilized life.
The importance of this subject, Art, is rather well expressed by James Russell Lowell.
"Till America has learned to love Art, not as an amusement, not as a mere ornament of her cities, not as a superstition of what is comme il faut for a great nation, but for its humanizing and ennobling energy, for its power of making men better by arousing in them a perception of their own instincts for what is beautiful, and therefore sacred and religious and an eternal rebuke of the base and worldly, she will not have succeeded in that high sense which alone makes a nation out of a people, and raises it from a dead name to a living power."
Mechanical Drawing requires careful execution and accuracy, good lettering, an understanding of the principles of construction and their practical application. It also stimulates clear and logical thinking in three dimensions of space through the study of :---
Orthographic Projection Working Drawings Isometric Drawing Architectural Drawing Machine Drawing
RECOMMENDATIONS .- I. That a room be equipped for the Freehand and Mechnical Drawing classes of the Junior and Senior High Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET POPE MACINTYRE.
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools Saugus, Mass. :
This is the fourth annual report which I have submitted as Supervisor of Drawing, for the first six grades in the town of Saugus.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
During the past year we have made a definite effort to use Drawing and Painting as a means of individual expression. This expression coming from the childs spontaneity of thought ;- mak- ing creation, and not imitation the main aim. Subject matter and general directions in lessons must be observed and followed, trending to make up a vocabulary of ideas which lead to the methods of self expression.
Children, whenever listening to description have a keen sense of interpretative imagination. Drawing does not necessarily need to be employed at a time only when the object to be drawn is within view. If after a tale or description has been given, the children are asked to portray what has been imaged, then the teacher has a valuable means of seeing what has been produced in the minds of the children, in response to his words.
By Drawing and Painting we mean : the producing of tones and giving them different positions, directions, measures, propor- tions, shapes and attitudes on a flat surface.
Drawing is practised in two ways : in Design, and in Repre- sentation. The two aims of Design and of Representation are constantly associated. We have Representation in form of Design, and Design in forms of Representation.
Art appreciation is not a thing apart from Drawing. It is not a separate subject to be observed only at intervals. Appreciation and cultivation of this subject must go hand in hand with all lessons in the entire syllabus.
"In every object there is inexhaustable meaning ; the eye sees in it what the eye brings means of seeing." The eyes need train- ing,-training in appreciation as do the muscles of an athlete need development that the maximum amount of skill may be ob- tained .- In this way the eyes of the individual child are trained that he may come to unconsciously develop an appreciation and taste for the Beautiful.
The fundamental principles are each year followed in the same way in correlation with the other subjects. These principles have previously been discussed and analyzed.
This past year the first six grades in the town of Saugus have not only exhibited their Drawing efforts in the individual schools, but also have had their work on exhibition at the Essex County Fair at Topsfield, at the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston, at Framingham State Normal School, and in the public schools at Plymouth. Various Parent-Teacher Associations have shown their interest in the work of the special teachers. We have been glad of this opportunity of directly explaining our efforts to the parents of our boys and girls.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1926]
At this time I wish to express my gratitude to all of the grade teachers,-those who were on the staff last year, and to those who this past year joined the staff of grade teachers in this town. Their work has been most commendable.
For the cooperation of each of the supervisors, for the interest of our school officials, and for the stimulus and assistance which you always offer, Mr. Lambert, I am most grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
ANSTRICE CARTER KELLOGG, Supervisor of Drawing.
January 4, 1927.
Report of the Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Supt. of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Supervisor of Penmanship in the public schools of Saugus.
The past year has been one of the most successful years in the progress of Arm Movement in our schools as shown by the number of awards won. They number as follows :
158 Primary Pins. 275 Palmer Method Pins. 194 Merit Buttons. I27 Progress Pins. 84 Improvement Certificates. 72 Final Certificates.
The Primary Pins are given only in the first three grades ; the Palmer Method Pen in all grades from the fourth through the eighth ; the Merit and Progress Pins in all grades from the fifth through the eighth ; the Improvement Certificate in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades; and the Final Certificate in the seventh and eighth grades.
During the past year we have been honored by visits from representatives of two of our leading penmanship concerns. The first visit was made by the New England Representative of the A. N. Palmer Company who complimented us highly on our work and honored us further by asking us to put on an exhibit for the convention of the National Educational Association, held in Washington, D. C.
3
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The second visit was made by the New England Representa tive of the Zaner and Bloser Company of Columbus, Ohio, who inspired us with many new and helpful ideas.
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