USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1929 > Part 18
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High School students who are anticipating entering Art school are now able to receive instruction in Art. This advanced class is provided with art problems of such a standard that each mem- ber may be prepared to pass an "Aptitude Test to Discover Potential Art Ability," issued by our State Board of Education.
The Opportunity Class in the High School is given special work in drawing. It is not possible to follow the same outline for this class as is given in our regular grade outline as the ages and abilities of each member are so varied. More hand work is planned according to the individual, and the most simplified form of color work is provided.
The exhibitions this year were held in each building in June, at the annual Essex County Fair at Topsfield in September, and the Grange Hall of Saugus in December.
Through the efforts of the upper grade teachers the yearly examinations were given in color and design. Form is one of the requisites for which we aim in the lower grades ; "Color is
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one of the three passwords to the world beautiful,-second form and third arrangement or design."
By constantly bringing these ideas of form, color and design before the children a taste for better things in the world of art may be adopted. Skill, to a certain degree will be attained through actual drawing or painting of any definite subject matter. Not that artists are expected among these grade children, but what is hoped for is, first, the taste or love for better form, color and design; after this the skill or rendering of these subjects. As Dr. Emerson White has stated, "An art is caught, not taught." Enthusiasm for fine things, for better taste and skill in form, color and arrangement and the child is gaining his first steps into a new realm,-a world of beauty.
"Who in his chosen realm of art Sings a new song, or plants a tree Becomes, himself, a living part Of Earths creative majesty."
The Junior High classes are so planned that the work of the first six grades is continued into a more advanced stage. Assist- ance is also given in the club work of the Junior High classes.
The new outline and general summary of work developed in all classes is on file in the office of the superintendent.
Demonstrations or examples of any work will gladly be offered to those interested.
There is a spirit of generous cooperation prevalent among our principals and grade teachers which is most commendable.
For the securing of necessary equipment, and for the interest and guidance of our school superintendent and school officials I am most appreciative.
Respectfully, ANSTRICE CARTER KELLOGG, Supervisor of Art.
January 10, 1930.
Report of the Supervisor of Music
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Music in the town of Saugus.
It is with pleasure that I give this report as I feel that pupils, teachers and townspeople now realize our growth in music is
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based upon a pedagogical foundation. All phases of vocal and instrumental music from grade one on through the High School have been logically taught, not only with the present in mind but the future standing of Public School Music in Saugus. Sometimes it is discouraging to wait for the fruit to ripen but hard work, perseverance and patience have never been known to fail.
All our orchestras are now well established organizations, each one consisting of not one but several players who can creditably do justice to his or her orchestral training.
The Band is no longer a talked of organization but a reality, based upon a foundation which if wisely managed will be a credit to the town of Saugus.
The vocal music in our schools is of the oldest standing and had its foundation laid long ago. Good work is being done by all classes and choruses. Enthusiasm and enjoyment seem to go along hand in hand.
In vocal music a love for singing must be created by various methods which are adapted to the age and surroundings of the pupil. In addition a certain amount of technical knowledge must be acquired to furnish tools wherewith he may become an independent sight singer rather than a rote singer always dependent upon others for his melody. Tone quality is another very important feature of vocal music and should receive con- scientious attention throughout the entire life of a student if A No. I fruit is expected at the harvest. Although this phase of vocal music requires several years to show its best results in a school system it can deteriorate at a much more rapid pace if unwisely guided.
The technique of chorus training should not be neglected. In our schools the real professional work begins in the Junior High Schools.
All successful orchestras and bands require careful supervision if they grow in numbers and efficiency. A great deal of scout work is necessary to encourage prospective players for either orchestra or band. As in the vocal department a love for instrumental playing and good music must be created. A cer- tain amount of orchestra and band technique must be learned. As we know, the concert master of an orchestra should know his duties, the other members their requirements to be able to follow correctly. These fa ts, technique and other important facts for orchestral training are being taught not only in our
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Senior and Junior High School orchestras but also in the first grade and elementary grade orchestras. Therefore, certain fundamentals for correct orchestra training begins in our first grades. For the past two years at least four well trained con- cert masters have passed into the Senior High School orchestra. Think what training of that kind will mean to the future standard of the Senior High School orchestra.
The secret of a successful newly organized band needs many good foundation stones laid and that we have tried to do by organizing at a time when its members would be in High School for several years, many more desirable members on the way, also promising future band masters and prospective drum . majors.
As Longfellow says :-
"Nothing useless is, or low Each thing in its place is best ; And what seems but idle show Strengthens and supports the rest.
Build today, then, strong and sure, With a firm and ample base ; And ascending and secure, Shall tomorrow find its place."
ELEMENTARY GRADES
During the summer to fill the vacancy of Mrs. Marion Bartlett, Miss Gertrude Hickey was elected as assistant supervisor of music. Miss Hickey is a supervisor of experience. Up to the date of this writing I find her work very satisfactory. Untiring efforts, cheerful cooperation with students and teachers and the success of every student in music in Saugus Schools, appears to be her aim. I sincerely hope that Miss Hickey and I may work together for many years. It is difficult for students and teachers to do their best work with a change of teachers and methods each year.
At present Miss Hickey makes a regular visit to each elemen- tary grade room once in three weeks with an occasional extra period to rooms which need special help due to holiday inter- ference, absence of regular teacher, preparation of special pro- grams, etc. Weekly orchestra rehearsals under Miss Hickey are held in the following buildings : Armitage, Ballard, Emer- son, Felton and Roby. One combined rehearsal has been held at the Senior High School auditorium under my direction.
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These combined rehearsals are of great value to the students for inspiration, orchestral training in a large group and preparation for public performance. Due to the distances its members have to come it is not wise to combine this group too often especially during the winter months. The personnel up to date is ten first violins, nine second violins, four trumpets, one C melody saxo- phone, one E flat saxophone, drum and several pianists. We need the following players : 'Cello, piccolo, flute, clarinet and trombone as well as more violins, trumpets and drums.
The rhythmie orchestras and bands also practice at regular periods in their prospective buildings. Many future high school string, wind and percussion players make their debut in these first grade orchestra and bands.
Music appreciation is given once in three weeks to grades six by Miss Hickey and occasional lessons to other grades as time permits.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
At the Central Junior High School due to two-platoon, the seventh grade music comes in the afternoon. As far as music is concerned I consider it a profitable change because each class has two full periods of music per week in a class room. All our eight grades should have similar periods of music. Students of Junior High age are too young and untrained to be massed in large groups only once per week for technique and sight- singing. They need all the possible class room drill in sight singing and technique of Junior High age which can be given.
It is during this age that the study of the bass clef is taught, the only opportunity to do so during the students school life. How can this be done successfully in an assembly hall, one period per week, with no access to a blackboard and eighty students or so massed in together! In nearby towns even the ninth grade is required to take music in a regular class room twice per week beside their chorus period. Our greatest need in the Junior High School is more time for music and a regular class room in which to teach it.
The eight grades at the Central have one period of music per week in the auditorium. These classes consist of about eighty members. No chorus work is done except general singing at assemblies. It is the best we can do under the crowded condi- tion of the school. No show work, only the bare necessities are being taught to prepare the class for the choruses of the Senior High School.
c
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The Central Junior High orchestra is holding its own but this too is crippled due to the crowded condition. The eighth grade members, when not making up work, meet with grades seven who come from their class rooms at 12.45-1.30 once per week. Much enthusiasm is shown and good work accomplished.
The performance of an operetta was suggested as is the cus- tom at the Sweetser, but as yet no plans are definitely decided upon. The demands for the auditorium are so many because of Senior and Junior High being under one roof that it is a problem to find time to use it for Junior High activities.
Sweetser Junior High
The schedule of music in the Sweetser Junior High School is operated upon exactly the same plan as in preceding years. One chorus period per week for each student. One regular music period per week for each student in the auditorium, in a class of 80 or more. Here, too, if we wish to keep abreast of the times a class room should be used. In spite of all the draw- backs excellent work is being done by the pupils and every one apparently enjoys his or her music periods and profits by the same.
The orchestra as usual is an organization of which the school is proud. It is well supported by students, teachers and parents. This school furnishes five band members and two in preparation.
The Glee Club is one of the most enthusiastic clubs of the school and is hard at work on the operetta, "The Ghost of Lollypop Bay," music by Cadman. From some of the proceeds of last year's operetta, "The Windwills of Holland," a trombone and 'cello have been purchased, also music for the orchestral library. A sum of $6.80 was presented to the Music Fund by the Mythology Club. We are grateful for all donations to our Music Fund.
Senior High School
A decided change has been made in the music curriculum of the Senior High School. The School Board passed an order that every student be required to take music at least one period per week during school hours. This was very gratifying to me as the work done on the old plan was most unsatisfactory due to lack of time. Now we have time first to "tune up" on familiar songs and then settle down to real work giving needed attention
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to part work and interpretation. Every one appears to enjoy this period even the teachers who take the attendance. The singing in assemblies is much improved and I believe that as time goes on these chorus periods are going to mean much more for the enjoyment, school spirit and good will of the students and teachers of the school than any one realizes at this time.
The mixed Glee Club has an enrollment of 60 members with a long waiting list. The operetta, "The Golden Trail" music by Cadman has been chosen for this year. It promises to be one of the best the Glee Club has ever staged. Last year, "The Bells of Beaujolais" was succesfully presented. Financially we did not do as well as usual. This was due to one of the most severe rain storms of the year. However, we purchased for use in our orchestra and band two trombones and a meltephone.
The Women's Civic League very generously contributed $25 to be added to our music fund. The Boys' Glee Club has just begun its practice. Because of lack of time and a place to rehearse not much more than special study and enjoyment is accomplished.
The Band consists of about 24 members from the Senior and Junior High Schools, the majority being freshmen. This is a good feature because when once trained they will be with us several years while year by year other members are added. We want the support of every man and woman in town. It is not an easy task to organize a band and keep it going. It means a sacrifice for students, teachers and parents, financially and physically. Beside your approval we need money for more instruments and uniforms for our boys. One very faithful graduate, Emmett Nichols '28, has given his time to act as band master, rain or shine he has been with us all the year.
Just a word in regard to a new High School building which we need so badly. Speaking from the angle of the Music supervisor I sincerely hope when it is built that plans will be laid for accommodations for the future music organizations of the School. In these days a very pressing need is an up to date auditorium having a stage equipped with a fire proof curtain, back drop, wings, proper foot lights and other lighting appli- ances, ample dressing rooms, toilets and stage entrances.
Elsewhere in the building a class room should be provided where classes in harmony, history of music and appreciation may be taught, also rehearsals of glee clubs, choruses, etc., may be held rather than opening an auditorium for such work.
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Closets for music books, instruments of orchestra and band are needed right now and as time goes on there will be more accessories to pack away when not in use.
Success, present and future, for the music in the schools of Saugus, is my chief aim.
I thank you, Mr. Lambert, for your cooperation 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 my work in the Music Department.
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL M. EDWARDS.
Report of Supervisor of Penmanship
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools,
Saugus, Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I respectfully submit to you my first report as Supervisor of Handwriting in the elementary grades of Saugus.
There were two great difficulties encountered in September. (1) Due to no supervision last year, the high standard of handwriting, Saugus has previously enjoyed was in great danger. (2) A new system of handwriting was introduced. As for the latter, nothing has been more gratifying to me in my new work than the splendid way in which the teachers welcomed the change of system and the interest taken in making it a success.
The following is a brief description of the new system, "Cor- related Handwriting," written by Dr. Frank N. Freeman, Profes- sor of Educational Psychology at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with the staff of the Zaner & Bloser Company, Columbus, Ohio. A very important feature stressed in the first grade is large writing at the blackboard. No writing is done on paper until January. This enables the children to swing their arms very freely and when paper and pencil are used they readily grasp the idea of muscular movement. Large writing, two spaces high, also makes it easier to develop a free move- ment. In the third grade pen and ink are used and the writing is gradually brought down to the adult size. During the first three years the practice consists of actual writing and very little formal drill. In the fourth grade the need for intensive drill is explained to the children and they are given a large amount of
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it. Children by this time should be interested in skill and will- ing to undergo training to get it. The fifth grade children are interested in discussing ways in which handwriting is used. Envelopes are addressed, money orders, telegrams, bank deposit slips, checks, etc., are written. Material practiced in the sixth grade is chiefly connected discourse based on patriotism, health and safety. Cash accounts, promissory notes, letters, etc., give a wealth of material and also add much to the child's knowledge. Tests are given at intervals in all grades and each child tries to write as well as the standard set for his grade. The standards used for judging handwriting are those prepared by Dr. Freeman. With this system, therefore, the child is kept interested in writ- ing by having a different book and new material each year.
I wish to express my thanks to you, Mr. Lambert, and the members of the School Committee for your help and generosity in so willingly complying with my many requests. To the teachers of Saugus I owe much. Amidst such cooperation, my work has been a keen pleasure.
Respectfully, MABEL I. NELSON, Supervisor of Handwriting.
January 15, 1930.
Report on Domestic Science
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools,
Saugus, Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I herewith submit my annual report of the work of the Domestic Science Department for the year 1929.
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 various elementary stitches and samples. She also makes a ribbon sewing case, a cooking cap, a costume slip 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, hemstitched and embroidered, a night dress and a cotton dress of a bit more difficult construction than the one made in the seventh grade.
The work this year has been practically the same as last. There has been an increase in the attendance at the Junior
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High making an extra class in both the seventh and eighth grades.
Sewing is something that every girl needs to know a little about and I feel that an opportunity should be given to the girls in the Senior High to carry on the work of the previous years, if so desired. This could easily be arranged in the form of an elective study with credits being given. In establishing a course of this nature it would be necessary the first year to give all those interested, ninth grade sewing and each year advancing until a four year course could be established.
Cooking and a knowledge of foods is important in our every- day life and where are the majority of girls going to get an in- sight into this subject if not in High School? The proper kinds of foods and the correct diet is being stressed very much in the present day. Something should be done to give them an oppor- tunity whereby their foods knowledge and indirectly their health may be improved.
In September two new Singer sewing machines were installed in the Sweetser Junior High laboratory, making now four in all. This has been greatly appreciated both by myself and the pupils, as it enables them all to have a turn at a machine.
In closing, I wish to thank Mr. Lambert and the members of the School Committee for their help and interest shown during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN E. MATTHEWS.
Report of Director of Manual Training Department Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
I herewith submit my fifth annual report for the Manual Training Department.
The boys in the seventh and eighth grades were given an opportunity to make carrom and crokinole game boards with revolving stands, also a card table : about 210 were made. Judging from the reports which have come to me and also numerous requests this year, I feel that these games were very much appreciated by the parents as well as the the students. The games are enjoyed as much by grown-ups as by boys and girls because they require skill and accuracy, not just a matter of luck.
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This year I have started the seventh grade boys on either a tabourett; two styles ; or a book trough.
The eighth grade selects an end table with book trough, or a costumer.
I have several times suggested that an opportunity be given in the Senior High School for the boys who wish to continue manual training and mechanical drawing. These two most important branches of education for the boy who is going out into industry and business which includes more than seventy- five per cent of the pupils. At present they have been refused this important branch.
Manual Training should include printing which is very helpful in teaching English, spelling and grammar in general and could be installed with a reasonable expense.
Sheet metal work is also beneficial in many ways, these would give the pupils a varied program.
In view of the two-platoon system this year and probably for the next two years would give a wonderful opportunity to start Manual Training in the Senior High School at a very small cost. If this were done we could build numerous things at a great saving for the coming new High School, such as tables for the Commercial Department, tables for the Drawing Room, and Sewing Department, or any other special equipment used and needed elsewhere.
I have also recommended in the past, additional machinery which is very necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL BUND.
Report of School Nurse
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my eighth annual report as school nurse for the year ending December 31, 1929.
Number of visits to schools, 645 ; home visits, 307 ; exclusions for pediculosis, 162. All pediculosis cases followed up, all cases returned. In addition to home visits for pediculosis, the home visits for other cases were as follows : sore throat, 15 ; colds, 26; measles, 9; poison ivy, 2; rash, 4; toothache, [ ; impetigo, 21; infected foot, 3; defective vision, 7; German measles, 7; truancy, 6; no shoes, 2 ; sickness in family, 28;
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mentality, 2 ; scarlet fever, 2 ; chicken pox, 18 ; headache, 3 ; no rubbers, 3 ; no clothing, 4 ; whooping cough, 6 ; swollen glands, 9 ; hurt on school grounds, I; unclean, II; sick stomach, 2; scabies, 9; home to help mother 1; underweight, 16; not at home, 12 ; boils, 1 ; mumps, 11 ; tonsilitis, 3 ; heart, 2 ; earache, 4 ; grippe, 6.
In September, the children were given a physical examina- tion by the school physicians, at which I assisted in checking up the physical record cards with the physicians. These physi- cal 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.
In November, I assisted Dr. Davis and Dr. Furbush, school physicians, in giving toxin anti-toxin treatment for diphtheria prevention to 220 children.
The children in the grade schools have been weighed and measured. Out of a total of 2,054 children, 121 were found to be IO per cent under weight and 43 were 15 per cent under weight.
When any contagious disease is reported, all the children in that particular class room are examined and suspicious cases excluded from school .. This is advised instead of closing the schools.
Dental clinic is still conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Cliftondale school, at which I assist Dr. Beckman. The number of children treated at the dental clinic will be found in the dental clinic report.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offered tags for Child Health Day for teeth, normal weight and posture. In order to earn tags for teeth, the children were obliged to have the necessary work done on their teeth, either at the clinic or at their own dentist. When this work was completed, they were awarded a dental certificate too.
Children of normal weight or of less than 10 per cent under- weight were awarded tags for weight. Miss Clucas, Super- visor of Physical Education, awarded the tags for posture.
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