USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1927 > Part 13
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COURSE OF STUDY
During the year the policy of suitably accommodating in Science the dropouts from eighth grade try out courses proved of value partly due to the including of many students capable of easily handling extra work. The program now has been extended to care for a number of seventh graders qualified to elect Science either one or two periods per week. The benefit derived will not be readily noticeable, but must bear fruit later on.
Automatically taking away one free period from each eighth grade class an insight into Civics n made compulsory. Again time is a factor in determining its value to the students though we know their citizenship will be bettered.
Several pupils are working on special programs, progressing according to their ability, taking part seventh and part eighth grade work. The practice of trial promotions in June for ten pupils has so far allowed six of these the opportunity of a grade as long as they are keeping up with their classmates under regular conditions. This is only a forerunner along scientific placement lines in a scheme of no failure, the plan which will in time enter all schools. Education sponsors a grade promotion each year for normal children. Obviously size of a school hampers full realization. The burden is shifted toward higher grades with a chance of helping the child in the years when he can realize what he wishes to do. The special subjects, Drawing, Music, Penmanship, and Physical Training are on practically the same basis as last year, with but slight changes in time schedule or methods except Music which is conducted in group. The new Sweetser orchestra gives added interest in Music. Possibly a
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harmonica club will be organized. In the near future we wish to promote an operetta.
SCHOOL FUND
The sale of candy in the building last year authorized by the school board, netted $57.50. This added to the receipts from a lecture and school picture proposition gave us a treasury of $68.25 subject to disbursement for necessary expenditures as occasion arose. With limited ways of raising money I am holding this treasury open only for purchases absolutely required. The school is not in debt anywhere, nor will it be.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Energetic officials and a willing group of members have worked for a strong Parent-Teacher Association which hold forth in the school hall the second Monday afternoon of each month. Several interesting programs have been given at the regular meetings and also two evening occasions when "Father" came to school. Social hour following entertainment gives chance for teachers and parents to confer and help each other in solving the particular problems confronting both, directly con- cerning some one child.
Incidentally Sweetser pupils are indebted to the P.T.A. for the new Cable Midget which is a source of pleasure in our regular music classes and at various other times.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I. When opportunity allows, the space beneath the assembly hall could well be transformed into usuable sections for lunch room and playroom in stormy weather.
2. The clearing of the rear yard made a remarkable change. I am hopeful that you will authorize beautifying the front and side yard as soon as Spring permits outside planting.
3. The time will soon come when an equipped Science section will be a necessity rather than an extra as at present. We are somewhat crowded for classroom space now, and have no room available.
CONCLUSION
I wish to state that Dr. Furbush has freely given advice and attention in many emergencies. Always he has been ready and willing to make conditions perfect at my school, whenever medical services were needed. The school nurse, school dentist and other town physicians have helped considerably when called on for aid.
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You may be sure I appreciate the good that thus comes to individual children. We have a first aid kit often working, but we are fortunate in having professional men and women willing to undertake a share in guarding health here.
The most recent improvement is the installation of a sanitary drip system just placed in the boys' division. We expect it will be a fine investment.
Mr. Light has often helped us and his charges are assured. considerate treatment.
ATHLETICS
Outside athletics in our school are confined to baseball and track sports arranged to give as many as wish a chance to partici- pate. A satisfactory schedule was arranged with teams out of town, and many of the boys were initiated in league playing, though we were constantly outclassed. The experience should be valuable to them in future contests.
At Essex Agricultural School in Danvers, the pupils of Sweetser showed promise in all events entered, even the young ladies taking away prizes in the different competition matches held last May.
It is my desire to have a great many avail themselves of the chance for supervised play instruction with the thought in mind of a strong eager group of budding athletes to carry on that end of High School Life, so unpromising to the boy who starts too late and says "I can't" because he never did.
The feeling between our school and all agencies for the public welfare is such as to require my thanks. Our age is continually open to difficulty and each of these town departments stands ready to offer assistance.
Always I have found the School Board in sympathy with and ready to co-operate in my plans.
You may be sure that I appreciate your valuable advice and helpful farsighted spirit in guiding my school and children, in whose training I am proud to assist you.
Yours very truly,
LEON C. YOUNG, Principal.
JANUARY 8, 1928.
Report of Supervisor of Music.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools. Saugus Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I herewith submit my first annual re- port of the work of the Music Department.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
MUSIC IN THE GRADES
The class room music of the grades is progressing on the same general plan as that of my predecessor, Miss Laura E. Cram, who, with the assistance and support of efficient and co-operative teachers, has held the grade music to a very high standard.
Miss Loretta Mullin, assistant in the Music Department, teaches in every grade room once in two weeks and I make peri- odical visits to each room in addition to that of Miss Mullin.
At the present time in all progressive towns and cities of the United States, Public School music for very good reasons, has developed into three important divisions, namely :- Vocal music, music appreciation and instrumental music.
Vocal music being of the type in which all may participate is given daily attention. Music appreciation also a phase of music in which all may participate, is given as often as time and mate- rial will allow. Since records and other means of listening to good music are not always available this phase of music cannot be given daily.
The instrumental side of music is represented by the minority but is fast taking an important position in the leading school systems of America. In this too the grade schools of Saugus are doing their part, the Emerson and Roby Schools each have a toy symphony orchestra well under way.
The following schools each have an orchestra which meets. once per week in its own building for practice. Armitage, Ballard, Emerson, Felton, Mansfield and Roby, and North Saugus.
The same orchestra selections are used in all buildings so that when occasion allows a combined rehearsal is given. The latter is for inspiration to the players and training for a public perform- ance.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
This year a change has been made in the time allotted to Music work'of the Junior High Schools.
Each grade has a twenty minute chorus period once per week. In addition a forty minute period is given to two divisions at a time. This arrangement was made whereby certain seventh and eighth grade problems in music could be taught thus preparing the pupils of Junior High School age for the work in music of the Senior High School.
Both the Central and Sweetser Junior High schools have their own individual orchestras, which meet after school for practice. Just at present the Central Junior High'school has a larger variety
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of orchestral instruments, namely :- First and second violins, first and second cornets, flute, zylophone, piano and drums, while the Sweetser has only first and second violins, piano and drum. In a year or two this lack of a variety of orchestral instruments will be overcome by the incoming players from the grades.
The Glee Club and orchestra of Sweetser Junior High School is preparing an operetta which will be presented in the spring, the proceeds of which will be used for commodities for further study of music.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
At the opening of the fall term I found all music organizations in excellent preparation for the year's work. This credit is due to my predecessor, Mr C. Francis Woods.
Much interest is shown in music in the Senior High School. All the choruses are especially large in number this year. An unusually large Freshman chorus presented itself this fall and is doing very good work which is promising for the future Senior chorus and organizations of the school.
The glee club and orchestra assisted by a few members from the Senior and Freshman choruses will present this Spring an operetta entitled, "Peggy and the Pirate." The proceeds from this entertainment will be placed in the music fund for future use.
The orchestra up to last June was well balanced, a variety of orchestral instruments being represented but this Fall, due to graduation, the wind section of the orchestra was badly crippled. In spite of this, commendable work has been done both at school functions and association meetings.
The band has been the most affected by the graduation of students. At present until more clarinets, flutes, trumpets, trombones and other band instruments appear it will have to be suspended. However, all available wind instruments are gain- ing orchestral practise which later on may be assembled into a band.
NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK
The National Music Week observance comes during the first week of May as in previous years and plans are now being made from Grade I on through the Senior High School to give a demonstration of their work, free of charge to the townspeople.
IN CONCLUSION
I wish to add that through the untiring efforts of Mr. C. Fran- cis Woods and the students of Saugus High School the grand
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piano for which they all worked so hard has materialized. Mr. Woods, the last year's graduates and present members of the school, presented it last June all paid for, and we who are there now certainly appreciate what it meant to earn the money to purchase such a fine instrument.
The Sweetser Junior High School also has a new piano, presented by the Parent-Teachers Association.
I thank you, Mr. Lambert, for your co-operation and interest, also Mr. Webber, Mr. Young, the Principals of all grade build- ings, the members of the School Committee, teachers, students and townspeople who have assisted me in opening my new year in the Music Department of Saugus. I shall try to the best of my ability to have every phase of music in Saugus schools second to none.
Respectfully yours, ETHEL M. EDWARDS.
Report on Domestic Science
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools,
Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my fifth annual report for the Domestic Science Department.
The course that is being offered this year is practically the same as that of last year.
In the Junior High School, the work consists of sewing in the seventh and eighth grades. Each girl keeps a notebook contain- ing notes, outlines on elementary stitches and samples, She also makes a ribbon sewing case, a cooking cap and apron and a very simple cotton dress in the seventh grade.
In the eighth grade the notebooks are continued from the previous year and each girl makes a pair of bloomers, a linen towel hem- stitched and embroidered, a night dress and a cotton dress of a bit more difficult construction than the one made in the seventh grade.
In the Senior High School, the course is limited to Dress- making, Physiology and Home Nursing and Lunch Room Cookery.
The Dressmaking is first year work and the course includes the following projects : A note book is kept containing outlines and samples and eight pieces of work required beside some stocking darning, embroidery and plain mending. The eight projects are as follows: A cotton slip, a kimono or pair of
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pajamas, a wool dress, a wool skirt, blouse (silk or wool), a simple silk dress, a summer dress and the last piece is optional depending on the ability of the girl and the time remaining.
The course in Physiology and Home Nursing includes a thorough study of the textbook "Healthful Living," a review of this book and a complete study of the Red Cross Hand Book on First aid, with practice lessons in bandaging. A note book is kept, containing outlines, drawing, dictated material and outside work.
No regular cooking course is given, as no satisfactory work can be accomplished in cooking in less than a double period lesson.
The lunch room is conducted as it was last year, in order to give both pupils and teachers, a satisfactory lunch at a minimum cost and still be self-supporting.
The crying needs of the Department are: A separate room for cooking and sewing classes, more equipment for each depart- ment, additional space for the children to eat their lunch, and a revised program whereby a double period of cookery can be given to those who want to study it.
In closing, I wish to thank you, Mr. Lambert, and the mem- bers of the School Committee for their help and interest shown during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, EMILY S. WOODBURY.
Report of Manual Training Department.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my third annual report for the Manual Training Department.
Early in March the benches for the Sweetser School manual training room were completed, and we started rather late in the year on our woodworking projects, which consisted of a duplex photo frame for the seventh grade, and the eighth grade had an opportunity to select one of two projects, a sewing cabinet, or an end table. There were about 140 photo frames, 40 sewing cabinets, and 80 end tables completed.
Beginning in September we had on exhibition at the Topsfield fair 2 ferneries, I sewing cabinet, I hall tree, 2 taborets, 2 foot stools, I photo frame, I small table and I end table.
The department at Cliftondale is seriously handicapped by not
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having a few necessary machines. I do hope they can be installed soon, so that we may receive the benefit this year.
I would recommend that the boys be given a chance in the Senior High to continue the Manual Training, and Mechanical Drawing such as the opportunity now afforded the girls in sewing.
In view of this, and the fact that the classes in the Junior High are growing beyond efficient numbers, I recommend that another instructor be engaged to assist in the Junior High Manual Train- ing and Mechanical Drawing.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL BUND.
Report on Junior High School Drawing
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
I herewith submit my report as teacher of Freehand Drawing in the Junior High Schools of Saugus.
Art education is a national necessity. A clear idea as to the purposes of the study of art is important. The idea prevalent a generation and more ago included nothing more than achieve- ment of technical skill. This view has now broadened to include a type of art education adapted to the needs of the great majority who will not follow the arts professionally but who may and for their own distinct benefit should acquire through various art problems a finer taste and a deeper capacity for the appreciation of beautiful things.
In our Junior High Drawing Course we study three main divisions-Design, Representation, and Art Appreciation. Work along these lines centres about one idea-the Home and School activities and interests.
We let our poster work arouse and sustain interest in the school work and activities, as the operetta, athletics, various clubs. Or it may suggest profitable trips in the future to places of geo- graphical or historical interest.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of design principles has definite application to home problems-designs for runners, pillow tops, pin cushions, telephone memorandums, and picture frames. The boys transferred designs to their slickers and jackets.
Architecture will be studied first hand in Saugus where various kinds of buildings will be criticized according to fitness and purpose. The fine examples of architecture in other parts of the
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world, buildings of ancient and modern times will claim attention.
For the appreciation of what is beautiful and the practical application of it, no better work can be done than by the study of desirable house decoration in color and design. Selecting inex- pensive copies of works of art for the home or furnishings with correct associations of color and form should affect a decided change in the home of the future.
A drawing club has just been started at the Sweetser School. No hard and fast outline of work is being followed owing to the fact that each one is interested in a different phase of drawing or in a different rendering of each subject-pencil sketching, pen and ink, water color, crayon, etc. Later a project will be suggested and each one may develop it in his own medium.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. ESTHER LOVERING,
Teacher of Drawing in Junior High Schools.
SAUGUS, Jan. 10, 1928.
Report of Supervisor of Drawing-Grades I to VI Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-Massachusetts was one of the first states of the Union to recognize the need of an art education in our public schools.
It is interesting to note some of the early influences which tended to make this subject one of the states required courses of study. As early as 1749 Benjamin Franklin in his "Proposed Hints for an Academy" stated : "As to their studies it would be well if they could be taught everything that is useful and everything that is ornamental. But art is long and their time is short. It is there- fore proposed that they learn those things that are likely to be most useful and most ornamental."
In 1838 Henry Barnard, our first United States Commissioner of Education, gave an impetus to the study of drawing by advo- cating, at that early date, its importance as a common school study.
The early days of teaching art were devoted to painful and mechanical preciseness,-geometric drawing from line to line, and point to point, types of solids, and formal exercises .- All this with a certain repression. The public school art of today has passed to that stage where adequate means are provided for self expression, and the individuality of the child is encouraged.
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A stage where imaginative work and basic principles are so com- bined to meet the needs of the child,-where art appreciation becomes a real factor, and where the proper combination of colors and their application become a part of the child's everyday life.
There is an old Japanese proverb which reads : "Though there may be many paths up the mountain the view from the top is the same." Individual teachers may present the subject in a differ- ent manner but the same ulitmate result is obtained.
In choosing the art work for our boys and girls to follow we have tried to select that which may prove to be "most useful," and "most ornamental."
A detailed list of the subjects taught in each grade from Grade I through Grade VI was submitted and put on file for reference on December the sixteenth, 1927, that the Junior High School pupils need not repeat work previously covered in the elementary grades,-thus providing means for a correlation with the art subjects taught in the Junior High School. Examples of some of the work completed during the school year 1926-1927, were exhibited at the Essex County Fair at Topsfield in September.
In suggestions for the next year I would like to mention that I feel it would be a great help if those buildings not having slate blackboards or proper facilities for lighting be so provided.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Lambert, the members of the School Committee, and each teacher and supervisor of our town for their co-operation and assistance to the Elementary Grade Super- visor of Art.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan. 6, 1928.
ANSTRICE CARTER KELLOGG.
Report of the Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my first report as Supervisor of Penmanship in the Elementary Schools of Saugus, Mass.
I visit each grade in all the elementary and district schools once every two weeks.
The lessons in the first grades are of twenty minutes duration, and in all other grades thirty minutes, I outline the work to be done in each room by the month and leave this outline with the teacher. One afternoon every two weeks is devoted to observa- tion.
We have received this fall one visit from a representative of the
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A. N. Palmer Company who seemed pleased with the penman- ship classes. She gave some demonstration lessons from which help was derived.
As a result of her visit, new books were purchased for all third grades.
As is the custom we are sending papers to the Palmer Company for awards in arm movement.
A few of the teachers are taking a correspondence course in Palmer Method Penmanship, and I have found that all the teachers are most loyal and enthusiastic in the work. Due to their interest and co-operation, the boys and girls are making good progress.
In closing, I wish to thank Mr. Lambert for his kind interest, and all the teachers who have so faithfully worked with me.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN H. STEVENS.
Report of Supervisor of Saugus Dental Clinic
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my annual report as Super- visor of the Dental Clinic.
As in previous years, the clinic is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the Cliftondale School, where I am assisted by Mrs. Donovan, the school nurse, in treating the chil- dren from the various schools.
The opening of the clinic was delayed this fall until late in October, due to the question of whether the work should continue or not.
When the clinic finally opened, the school nurse examined the children's teeth in the first and second grades and arranged clinics.
The regular fee of twenty-five cents for treatment at the clinic which includes extraction, filling and prophylactic treatment is charged.
The greater part of the work, as in previous years has been among the pupils of the first and second grades who are in need of dental work.
When the work on the children of those two grades was com- pleted, prophylactic treatments were given wherever necessary to the pupils of the other grades.
The clinic is financed by the Junior Red Cross.
A detailed report of the work done at the clinic from January, 1927, to January, 1928, is submitted as follows :
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Total number of patients treated
607
Total number of deciduous extractions 153
Total number of prophylactic treatments
321
Total number of fillings .
I26
Total number of treatments
2
Total number of permanent extractions
2
Refused treatment
3
607
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER P. BECKMAN, D.M.D.
Report of School Nurse
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools,
Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my sixth annual report as school nurse for the year ending December 31, 1927.
Number of visits to schools, 569 ; home visits, 337 ; exclusions for pediculosis, 264 ; all pediculosis cases followed up, all cases returned. In addition to home visits for pediculosis, the home visits for other cases were as follows: whooping cough, 13 ; whooping cough in family, 4 ; defective vision, 8 ; impetigo, 22 ; scarlet fever, 28 ; scarlet fever in family, 34 ; tonsilitis, 2 ; malnu- trition, 1 ; mumps, 16 ; sore throat, 21 ; sick stomach, 4 ; colds, 19 ; earache, 1 ; unclean, 13 ; measles, 16 ; measles in family, 2 ; mother sick, 2 ; not at home, 11; truancy, 8; grippe, 4; headache, 4 ; chicken pox, 28; poison ivy, I; chicken pox in family, 21 ; sickness reported in family, 3 ; infection, 4 ; indigestion, I ; sebor- rhea of scalp, 1 ; no shoes, 2 ; diphtheria, I ; infantile paralysis, 2 ; tonsils removed, 1 ; broken leg, I ; scabies, 14 ; swollen glands, . ; hernia, I ; rash, 12.
In September the children were given a physical examination by the school physician, at which I assisted in checking up the physical record cards with the physicians. These physical record cards which are required by the state ; are extremely helpful in showing the physical condition and improvement of the child from one year to the next.
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