USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1929 > Part 16
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Unrealized Ambitions
The word "failure" in connection with school work is an unfor- tunate word. Those who are regarded as failures are simply in the fourth division of those pupils who have attempted a cer- tain year's work laid out for them by school officials. In many cases they have done their best and have perhaps put in more hours of study than those pupils in the upper division, but have not been able to do the work in such a manner as would make it desirable for them to enter the second part, or in other words be promoted to the succeeding grade. Such children should not be allowed to repeat the same work, which they have covered to some extent but should be assembled in rooms by themselves and given such work as would amply fit them for promotion to the succeeding grade. Strictly speaking, such pupils should not be regarded as repeaters but properly as specials, until they become able to do the regular work provided in the general curriculum of the school. They have not realized their ambition nor can we realize our ambition in this direction because pupils of the town of Saugus are attending schools separated by long distances and therefore cannot well be brought together in a central school, even if we had a central place in which to house them.
Some educators advocate the admission of children to the first grade who have attained a certain mental age, regardless of their chronological age. This plan is pedagogically sound. We know that some children five years of age have mental capacities far in excess of other children who may be two years older. To put such a plan into operation however, would cause a great deal of friction and dissatisfaction. There is much scepticism con- cerning the determination of real ability to learn, through the operation of mental tests, and it is not to be supposed that the average parent would be willing to admit, without definite proof, that his or her child is mentally below that of his neighbor. The whole matter presents difficulties hard to overcome. Still we cannot but feel that many school children may be at a distinct loss due to the so-called lockstep method, also that teachers are
7
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE. .
1929]
being overworked because they have a full load composed of pupils of average ability and in addition to that load they have the children whose mentality is such as to require special attention.
The State has made provisions whereby a town is obliged to maintain an opportunity class in cases where there are ten or more pupils who are three years or more retarded. These classes are very important and we are operating one at present time of which we shall speak later. This does not solve the entire problem, however for reasons already indicated. If all children below average men- tality could be housed by themselves under experienced teachers we would need a smaller number of the so called opportunity classes for pupils three years retarded. Thus far we have been unable to bring this about for the reasons mentioned above. The expense of such a plan while of some consequence would hardly prohibit its operation, but no doubt parents would very strenu- ously object to any program which would make it necessary for their small children to remain away from home for the entire school day ; nevertheless, if in the future our housing capacity is sufficient to permit of such an arrangement it will be worthy of deep and careful consideration.
Opportunity Class
Our opportunity class was not started at the opening of school, as a matter of fact it began on Monday, October 28th. We are laboring under some difficulties because of the lack of room and of different grades that must be considered in one class. Miss Mary Walsh has charge of the work and progress, under the circumstances, is eminently satisfactory.
The class is located in a small room in the High School build- ing, during a portion of the forenoon, and is transferred to a large room in the afternoon, as soon as that room becomes available. It is occupied until about one o'clock by an eighth grade class. It can readily be seen that this is not a proper way in which to conduct an opportunity class or any other class. It should have a room or rooms of its own and these rooms should not be located in a building where the ages of pupils and the hours of study are so much different from those of the retarded pupils. Next year we shall need at least two rooms for this work and they should be adapted to the line of work that it is necessary to carry on. At the present time we can see only one solution, that is, the division of the second story of the Old Center School, forming two rooms, which should be fitted for carrying on the work properly. This is the recommendation of the Superintendent.
8
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Additional Teachers
Under this heading we are calling attention to two facts. First, the principals of our elementary schools are all teacher- principals. Second, one more supervisor who should have a general oversight of reading and elementary English, if carefully chosen, would more than justify the additional expense. Regard- ing the first item, it is quite evident that principals having their entire day taken up by teaching their various subjects cannot become very well acquainted with the work carried on in grades other than their own. We employ many young teachers who are bright and capable but their lack of experience requires direct counsel and direction by the principal of the building. This direction cannot be intelligently given unless the principal through personal contact is able to make herself acquainted with the actual conditions existing in such a room or rooms. This condition can be overcome by employing extra help to release principals from time to time for the purpose of supervising the work of teachers in the building. These questions should be given attention at the time appropriations are made.
Health Work
We would like to call attention again to the very large amount of health work that is necessary in our schools. Our school nurse, Mrs. Donovan, is doing a very efficient service and yet it is impossible for any one person to give proper attention to the health needs of 3,200 pupils. It is true that we have school physicians who are doing their work faithfully and well, but unless one is fully acquainted with the situation he has very little conception of the travel necessary to visit certain homes and the amount of work required to meet the demands of the State. Last year the Superintendent mentioned the need of an assistant nurse and this year he urges an appropriation sufficient to make the employment of such an assistant possible.
Our Physical Education which is closely allied with the health program is being carried on in a very satisfactory manner in the first six grades, but in the second six grades, so much academic work is placed upon the program of our director of physical education that it is exceedingly difficult for him or any other per- son so situated, to give the amount of time and scientific thought necessary for that line of work. It would seem far better to employ an additional director of physical education. A man who should devote his time to the subject closely allied to physi-
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1929]
cal education, namely, hygiene, and from this standpoint con- sider his work in direct relation to the health and general devel- opment of those under his charge. The person carrying the same position which is now held by our director of physical edu- cation, in the Junior and Senior High would have plenty of work on the athletic field. It is hoped that these important questions will be given due consideration.
Music
Previous to September 1929 we employed two supervisors - one for the first six grades and another for Junior and Senior High School work.
At the opening of the present school year in September, Miss Ethel Edwards was made supervisor of all school music and Miss Gertrude Hickey was employed as assistant.
Another important forward step has also been taken, whereby every student throughout the system including the Senior High School has instruction in music.
Your attention is respectfully called to a somewhat extended report on the subject, submitted by our Supervisor, Miss Edwards.
Educational Aims
The following items might properly be placed under recom- mendations, except for the fact that they can be realized only gradually. In other words, they are prominent among our objectives and should be kept continuously in mind.
I. Reduction in the number of so-called "failures."
2. Larger scope for scientific study in both Senior and Junior High Schools.
3. More effective means of promoting moral and spiritual growth.
4. Better facilities for carrying out a broader program of physical health and development.
5. Equal opportunities for all children.
6. A full subscription to the slogan "Each for all and all for each."
Special Reports
The work being done throughout the town is covered very largely by special reports, which constitute a large part of this school report and to which your attention is respectfully called.
IO
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Housing Conditions
Regarding the subject of this chapter we are following the same course as last year in order that conditions in various sections of the town may be definitely known.
The NORTH SAUGUS SCHOOL has three rooms filled nearly to capacity, the fourth room not being used at present.
The LYNNHURST SCHOOL is filled nearly to capacity.
The MANSFIELD SCHOOL is overcrowded in grade four.
The BALLARD SCHOOL is somewhat overcrowded.
The EMERSON SCHOOL is very much overcrowded in grades four and five both of which are in the same room. We were obliged to employ an assistant for the teacher of grades four and five. This assistant has small divisions recite in a small ante- room. This is not satisfactory arrangement but is the best avail- able at present. Grades two and three are also overcrowded, both grades being in the same room.
The CLIFTONDALE SCHOOL is comfortably filled.
The ARMITAGE SCHOOL is overcrowded in grades five and six.
The OAKLANDVALE SCHOOL is comfortably filled.
The ROBY SCHOOL is overcrowded.
The OLD CENTER SCHOOL is filled to capacity.
The FELTON SCHOOL is overcrowded, in general.
The SWEETSER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL is comfortably filled.
The High School is using the two-platoon system, grade seven coming in the afternoon. This plan should be discontinued as soon as possible, but no relief can be had for a year or two. In fact, it is quite probable that both grades seven and eight will be obliged to attend in the afternoon beginning September, 1930.
The rapid growth of the town of Saugus is well known.
Something must be done at the earliest possible date to provide more room for the ever increasing number of pupils listed for our respective grades.
Your attention is respectfully called to one outstanding example. At the beginning of the school year next September, grade five, now grade four in the Cliftondale School, will have · no room, whatever, under present conditions. In whatever way we may provide for this emergency, it is bound to produce a hardship with consequent danger to educational advancement.
Our obligation is clearly apparent, it must be met.
II
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1929]
Transportation
Transportation of pupils is an item of much importance and in a growing town, must, of necessity, become of more conse- quence year by year.
During 1929, the following numbers were transported from the respective sections of the town :
Forenoon
Afternoon
Lynnhurst
33
Lynnhurst 15
North Saugus . ·
41 North Saugus · 27
Golden Hills ·
20 Golden Hills I2
The contract for 1929 was completed by McGinn Brothers, of Lynn, in a very satisfactory manner, according to the present schedule which has been in operation since September, 1929.
Busses leave Lynnhurst, 7.00 A.M. North Saugus, 7.05 A.M.
Bus leaves Golden Hills, 7.25 A.M., for High School, returns to Golden Hills to transport children to Oaklandvale School ; arrives at school at 8.35 A.M.
Returning in the afternoon and leave High School for the several sections at 1.00 P.M.
To accomodate grade seven, busses leave the High School at 5 o'clock P.M.
Repairs
At our last annual meeting but $7,000 was appropriated for repairs and we have expended the same to the best of our ability. Much work needs to be done. Following are lists of needs sub- mitted by principals and janitors after having carefully inspected their respective buildings.
List of Repairs Needed in Saugus Schools
ARMITAGE. Principal. Paint all rooms, hall partitions, toilets and woodwork on outside of building. Ceilings whitened. Blackboards in rooms 5 and 6 loose, need attention. Floors in 5 and 6 fixed. Two more lights for each classroom, closet in room 6, and firebell other than regular school bell. Yard graded, covered with crushed stone. Bulkheads over basement doors ; metal weather strips, rooms 2 and 3.
Janitor. Paint all rooms, hall partitions, toilets, woodwork on outside of building. Whiten ceilings. Blackboards in 5 and 6 loose. Two more lights in each class room, separate fire bell.
.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Grade school yard, cover with crushed stone. Metal weather strips, 2 and 3, would save some heat now lost. Bulkheads over basement entrances. Fence Pleasant street.
BALLARD SCHOOL. Principal. Lights in 4th and 5th grade rooms. Lights in hall. Repair burlap on walls.
Janitor. (same.)
CLIFTONDALE. Principal. Outside door boys' basement. (Near boiler room, could also be used for putting out ashes.) Door in place of window frame in coal bin, to be used for filling coal bin. New floors, first floor. New stair treads. Four window sticks. (For windows in back of ventilators.) Door bells. Redecorate walls and ceilings in Dental Clinic room. Re-cord and putty all windows. Weather strips on windows. Leaks in roof. Gutters and blind drains need attention. Complete wire fence on grounds.
Janitor. Outside door in boys' basement. Door instead of window frame in coal bin. New floors, first floor. New stair treads, 4 window sticks. Door bells. Redecorate walls and ceilings in Dental Clinic room. Record and putty windows. Weather strips. Leaks in roof. Gutters and blind drains need attention. Complete wire fence on grounds. New rollers for window shades.
EMERSON SCHOOL. Principal. Slate boards. Bubler in lower hall. New toilets (especially in boys' basement.) Con- crete walk to each entrance. Several windows have broken frames and broken panes. New lock on outside door (girls' entrance.)
Janitor. Paint building. Walk to each entrance. Bubler in lower hall. New toilets both sides. Tightening clapboard.
FELTON SCHOOL. Principal. New floors ; first room, lower hall and approaches, steps to boys' basement, treads on stairs boys' entrance, (4-6). Repair leak from gutter into middle room, first floor. New rollers for shades in all rooms. Record and putty all windows. Weather strips in remaining four rooms. Replaced window in coal bin, by a door. Water in gutters backs up into the basement. Acquisition of land adjacent. Fence and stone wall.
Janitor. New floors ; first room, lower hall and approaches, steps to boys' basement, treads on stairs boys' entrance, (4-6). Repair leak from gutter into middle room, first floor. New
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1929]
rollers on shades in all rooms. Record and putty all windows. Weather strips in remaining four rooms. Replace window in coal bin by boor. Water in gutters backs up into basement.
HIGH SCHOOL. Principal. 1. New floors in corridors of old part of building, first and second floors. Also landing between floors. Treads on Central street stairs. 2. New cur- tains in rooms ; study hall, 7 small curtains ; chemistry labora- tory, 2 curtains ; typewriting room, I curtain ; room 8, I curtain ; room 17, 2 curtains ; room 18, I curtain ; room 20, 3 curtains ; room 21, 3 curtains ; room 22, 4 curtains ; room 16, 3 curtains ; room 15, I curtain. Stained curtains could be turned. Lights in coatrooms near rooms I and 4. New toilet bowl for boys' toilet. Redecorate Assembly Hall, also front of balcony. Remodel stage to pass State inspection. Three new works for clocks. Feed pipe for toilet tanks. Repair Assembly Hall exit steps.
Janitor. (Same as above).
LYNNHURST. Principal. Additional heat for large room and front hall. Boiler overhauled. Repairs in boys' and girls' basements. Leak in roof mended. Back hall painted. Defi- nite boundary lines established for playground. Supply closet in basement.
Janitor. Additional heat for large room and hall. Boiler overhauled. Repairs in boys' and. girls' toilets. Back hall painted. Leak in room. Definite boundary lines established. Supply closet. Doors, boys' basement.
MANSFIELD. Principal. Paint building. Putty mandy of windows. Basement-glass set in windows, 2 screens. Threshold for bulkhead door. Cord for window, boys' dressing room (room 4), windows over stairways placed on hinges, to allow cleaning. Room 3, window cords for three windows.
NORTH SAUGUS. Principal. 1. Repair steps at front and north entrances. 2. Paint lower part of building, to cover un- sightly marks. 3. Level mounds of gravel in school yard. 4. Lighting fixtures in old room, second floor, and newer room, lower floor. 5. Windows in newer room, lower floor, very loose. 6. New ceiling, old room, second floor. Bookcase.
Janitor. Two steps on north side broken, repair front steps and lattice under them. Windows in newer room, lower floor, loose.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
OAKLANDVALE. Principal. Sashes rotted out, glass in- secure, two windows in 6th grade room. Screws of lock plate in front door do not hold, because of old wood. Paint inside and outside of building (especially second floor, inside). Flag rope broken. Recommend putting flag out from second floor window. Desk in principal's room, drawers do not pull in or out. No lock. Delapitated condition.
Janitor. Two new outside doors. Sashes for two windows. Weather strips for five windows. Woodwork in two upper class rooms, teachers room should be painted. Boys' and girls' base- ment painted. Additional lights in upper rooms. Fix water pipes to allow water to be drawn from both floors at same time. Paint outside of building. Lower flag pole.
ROBY SCHOOL. Principal. Fence around grounds, Taylor street, especially. 2. Repair walks, new walk on Taylor street side. 3. Paint wood on outside of building, some places need two coats. 4. Grade grounds with ashes on hand. 5. Border to display work in rooms where now lacking. 6. Double cur- tains for windows on east, south and west side of building. 7. Repair and clean book rooms. 8. Lights for dressing rooms. Miss Bannon's room ; book closet, shelf for library books ; plug for electric light attachment ; small hanging blackboard ; boards . for sand table ; tackboard for side walls.
Janitor. Parting beads in windows ; record windows. Fire escape doors "storm in." Paint Main street and Taylor street entrances. Cement walk, Taylor street. Cement walk, Main street to Old School. Replace plaster that is falling with metal. Repair Taylor street door. Brick work in boiler repaired, new checks. Coal bin made larger. Sewer pipe in coal bin very thin. Gutter of building leaks badly, new conductor. Enclose grounds with fence. Water pockets in steam pipes. 1 inch gate valve for boiler. Grates for boiler. Reset valves.
CENTER SCHOOL. Janitor. Repair front and rear basement steps. Radiator in front hall. Leaks in steam pipes and returns. Closet Miss Bannon's room.
SWEETSER JUNIOR HIGH. Principal. I. Metal ceilings to be placed in corridors. 2. One section of the Auditorium ceiling, over balcony, needs paint. 3. New door lock, east side door. 4. Fix doors opening from west corridor to roof. 5. Paint three metal fire doors in basement, also half size door in
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1929]
west corridor. 6. Frame blackboard in sewing room. 7. Telechron clock teachers' room. 8. Take care of places where water enters building during severe storms. 9. Erect wire fence in place of old wooden one at rear of building.
Janitor. Front lawn graded and seeded. Fence in rear of school. Cement walk from Lincoln avenue. Paint iron grills on basement windows. Paint window frames on outside. Paint outside doors, Bracket for toilet paper in each stall. Prevent leaky condition of walls.
Recommendations
Some of the outstanding needs as seen by the Superintendent and recommended by him in the report of 1929, have been met, others still remain ; consequently, his recommendations this year are largely repetitions.
I. The making of the two-platoon system unnecessary at the earliest possible time.
2. The employment of part-time teachers for the purpose of releasing teacher-principals for supervisory work.
3. Introduction of vocational guidance in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
4. Serious consideration to the employment of a supervisor of English' in the grades.
5. Preparation of the second story of the Old Center building for two classes of retarded pupils.
6. Extension of school grounds wherever possible.
7. More careful attention to school grounds and approaches thereto.
8. Inclosing school grounds by appropriate fences, especially those bordering heavily travelled streets.
In Conclusion
The past year has been one of educational progress.
The course of study for the grades has been revised, a new up to date system of reading has been put in operation. An outworn system in English has been replaced by a modern one, a room for retarded pupils has been opened and placed in charge of an efficient teacher and a new report card giving parents more detailed information has been prepared.
During 1929 work has been kept up to standard all along the lines, through faithful and efficient service of pupils and teachers and we look forward to a steady, wholesome growth in 1930.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
In closing, the Superintendent expresses his appreciation for the cheerful, hearty and effective cooperation of the Committee, the loyal, efficient service of his teachers and the many encourag- ing words received from parents throughout the town.
Respectfully submitted, JESSE W. LAMBERT, Superintendent of Schools.
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 17, 1930.
Reports of School Physicians
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1929. As school physician, I have carefully examined all the pupils in the following schools, the Ballard, Emerson, Mansfield and Lynnhurst and find as follows :
Adenoids
2
Infantile paralysis 2
Catarrah nasal
3 Impetigo contagioso 49
Cervical glands
22
Measles
4
(enlarged)
Pediculosis 6
Chicken pox 19
Pertussis
3
Conjunctivitis
6 Scabies
4
Deafness
4
Scarlet fever 2
Deflected septum
2
Tonsils slightly enlarged
5
Dog bite
I
Wears glasses
8
Eyesight impaired
5
Very respectfully,
GEORGE W. GALE, M.D.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-Herein I submit my annual report as School Physician. Following is a list of defects found at the Junior High, Roby, Oaklandvale and North Saugus Schools :
Enlarged tonsils 7 I Spinal defects 6
Slightly enlarged tonsils
3I
Adenoids and tonsils 68
Deflected septa 43
Heart defect I
Enlarged glands
36 Pediculosis 4
Diphtheria prevention inoculations 133
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1929]
The incidence of communicable diseases has been reduced almost to the vanishing point.
The keen vigilance of the school nurse aided by the whole hearted cooperation of teachers ant Board of Health has been tremendously effective.
Sanitary conditions in and about the school buildings are quite satisfactorv.
Very respectfully,
MYRON H. DAVIS.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my report for the year 1929.
On examination of the pupils in the Armitage, Cliftondale, Felton and Sweetser schools the following defects were found :
Enlarged tonsils 200 Adenoids 14
Slightly enlarged 319
Impetigo 4
tonsils
Spinal curvature 7
Nasal obstruction
Enlarged glands 24 3
From 1921 to 1924 inclusive, there were seven deaths from diphtheria and from 1925 to 1928 inclusive, there was only one death from diphtheria.
In 1925 the Schick test and the toxin antitoxin treatment were started.
I believe this decrease in the death rate from diphtheria is directly due to the treatment and the efforts on the part of the Board of Health to get parents to submit their children for treatment.
Last year 172 were treated in my district and this year there were only 87.
Respectfully submitted, LEROY C. FURBUSH, M.D.
Attendance Teacher's Report
December 31, 1929.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-We have had the usual problems in attendance this year, increased considerably by the two-platoon system.
B
Pediculosis 7
Heart defects 5
18
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The chief diffi :ul y seems to be a lick of proper respect for the tutirity of instructors. This, after all, is only another import- ant part of our educational sist. m.
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