USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1932 > Part 18
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Junior High School
The Junior High school work has been eminently satisfactory. The Supervising Principal, Mr. Young, has worked untiringly to bring about a better cooperation on the part of the student and as a result the general morale of the Central Junior High has been raised.
There are now five rooms in the Sweetser Junior High school occupied by the seventh grade and three rooms occupied by grades below the seventh. This combination of grade rooms
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
with Junior High school rooms is unsatisfactory and yet there seems to be no remedy for the situation at present. In Septem- ber the grades now attending the afternoon session in the Central Junior High will attend in the forenoon but this will not materi- ally affect conditions at the Sweetser building. Your attention is respectfully called to the report of Principal Young.
Special Subjects
As before mentioned there have been a number of changes in special teachers. Since September we have had one less Music Supervisor and no Supervisor of Manual Training or Domestic Science. We have substituted Mechanical Drawing for the Manual Training and have carried on the music as far as it is possible for one supervisor to do so. We have been able to retain the Director of Physical Education, Miss Catherine Griffin, and the Supervisor of Drawing, Mrs. Anstrice Kellogg. The work along these lines has been eminently satisfactory. Your attention is called to the reports of Mrs. Anstrice Kellogg, Mr. Paul Bund, Miss Gertrude Hickey, Mr. Albion Rice and Miss Catherine Griffin.
Health Program
There has been no particular change in the health program during the past year. The school physicians and the nurse have done excellent service. The nurse has been very materially assisted by Miss Griffin, the Director of Physical Education. We cannot say that this program is sufficiently extensive. We know that much still needs to be done to bring about the very best possible physical condition of the student body, but the demands for economy prevents any extension along this or any other line of endeavor. For specific information you are respectfully re- ferred to the reports of our school physician and the nurse.
Opportunity Class
Because of the questionable condition of the Old Center school building the Opportunity Classes were transferred to two base- ment rooms in the Sweetser school building, previously occupied by Domestic Science and Manual Training respectively. These classes have been under the direction of Miss Mary Mullins and Miss Ruth Douglas. Miss Mullins has proved herself to be admirably adapted to this line of work and her success is unques- tioned. Miss Douglas is new in this department but she has carried on and shown excellent cooperation with Miss Mullins in
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IS
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
giving to these childre the best instruction possible. Your attention is respectfully called to the report of Miss Mullins.
New Addition to the High School Building
As all citizens of the town know the High school building is being enlarged by the addition of twelve rooms. No doubt this addition will be ready for occupancy in September and it will obviate the necessity of the two platoon system for one or two years at least. It is hoped by that time that financial conditions may be such as to make it possible for the erection of a new High school building.
Two Platoon System
As we hope to do away with the two platoon system in Sep- tember little need be said here. It is still unsatisfactory. It can hardly be otherwise. We sincerely hope that once we have dis- pensed with it we shall not be obliged to return to it. The new addition, however, is none too large and the future may prove to us that it is very much too small. We can only hope for the best.
Transportation
The same high standard of transportation service has been maintained for the year 1932. It was necessary to make some changes from time to time, relative to the work to be accom- plished, but Mr. Garrow has shown himself to be especially cooperative and has rendered additional service at a very low cost. At the close of the fall term we were paying $23.50 a day for transportation. In 1933 the expense will of necessity be greater because of the increase in the number of pupils to be transported.
Repairs
As we had an appropriation of but $2,000 for repairs it was impossible to plan any extensive renovations. The outstanding needs have been cared for but many improvements need to be made. The thinking citizen will agree that it is not wise to allow our school buildings to become run down. It is hoped that a substantial increase in the appropriation will be made at the Annual Town Meeting.
Recommendations
1. We recommend that a very careful study be given to the matter before any further eliminations are made in our teaching force.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
2. We recommend that more attention be given to cultural and moral needs. Indeed it would be well to introduce morals as manners as a specific part of our school program.
3. At this time of economy we realize that we cannot expand in any direction and yet, we would keep before our citizens the need of more attention to the physical welfare of those who do not have normal development.
4. We recommend greater attention to our school grounds. Some of them are positively dangerous as playgrounds.
5. We recommend the adoption of every possible means to promote the safety of school children. In fact, we should study the problem carefully and endeavor to prevent accidents resulting either from lack of supervision or from unwise judgment in the appointment of those who may direct traffic. There can be no just criticism of teachers concerning this problem. They are co- operating to the fullest extent.
Conclusion
In conclusion we feel justified in saying that never before have teachers worked harder to maintain the proper standard in the various schools. The cooperation of teachers, many times under adverse circumstances, has been a source of encouragement. Parents have helped much because of their cooperation throughout the year.
In closing, the Superintendent would express his appreciation for the friendly and cordial support he has received from the School Committee, for the concentrated and efficient attention that the teachers have given to their various problems and for the unquestioned friendship and cooperation of the citizens of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE W. LAMBERT, Superintendent.
SAUGUS, January 16, 1933.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of School Physicians
January 12, 1933.
Mr. J. W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-Herein I submit my Annual Report as School Physician for the year ending December 31, 1932.
Sanitary conditions in and about those buildings that are under my observation are quite satisfactory.
Diseases of a communicable character have been promptly dealt with while in their incipiency and epidemics averted by the keen vigilance of the teachers and school nurse. Following is a a list of defects found at The Roby, North Saugus, Oaklandvale, and The Central Junior High schools.
Enlarged tonsils 96 Spinal curvature 3
Slightly enlarged tonsils IOI Deflected septa 16
Adenoids and tonsils 47 Seborrhoea of scalp I
Enlarged glands 23 Impetigo 2
Heart defects 5 Pediculosis 9
Diphtheria prevention treatment was administered to two hundred seventy-nine pupils.
If practicable, I would strongly recommend that a fund be be established to provide a substantial lunch for the grade school children each day during the period of the present economic depression.
Very respectfully,
MYRON H. DAVIS, M.D.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-Herein I submit my annual report for the year 1932.
The following defect were found on examination of pupils in the Armiiage, Cliftondale, Felton and Sweetser schools :
Enlarged tonsils 167 Spinal curvature 4
Slightly enlarged tonsils 287 Deflected Septum 2
Adenoids and tonsils 8 Seborrhea of scalp I Enlarged glands 7 Impetigo 1 Heart defects 6 Pediculosis 7
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932 ]
The health of the pupils in general is very good and I would consider the sanitary conditions satisfactory.
Very respectfully,
LEROY C. FURBUSH, M.D.
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR, -I herewith submit my report as school physician for the Ballard, Emerson, Mansfield and Lynnhurst schools for the year 1932.
In a complete physical examination of the children attending the above named schools the following defects were noted :
Enlarged tonsils 91 Heart Defects 3
Slightly enlarged tonsils 78 Spinal curvature 2
Adenoids and tonsils S Impetigo 2
Enlarged cervical glands 49 Pediculosis 16
Miss Chadbourne's room at the Ballard school 100 per cent Toxinantitoxin.
The cooperation of the principals, teachers and parents with the physician and nurse has been a great help in keeping the health of the school children the best ever.
Scabies - none - Impetigo and Pediculosis very small in number.
May we hope for better next year.
A very much needed First Aid Kit has been provided for the Lynnhurst school. School buildings have been kept neat and clean.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY PENNY, M.D.
Report of Attendance Officer
To the School Committee:
Altho the depression has continued through the past year, I am glad to report that there has been less truancy among the pupils of our public schools.
In cases where pupils have been absent without reasonable cause, I have found that a talk with the parents and the pupils has brought good results.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
In instances where the cause has been lack of clothing, the teachers fund has helped supply the needs and I am grateful for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. TWEEDY, Attendance Officer.
Report of High School Principal
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I hereby present my annual report as Principal of Saugus High School.
I shall sub-divide it under the four following headings :
I. Scholastic standing.
2. Economy of operation.
3. Increased enrollment.
4. The teaching staff.
Scholastic Standing
From all indications, based on the records of our graduates now in higher institutions of learning, the scholastic standing of Saugus High school remains at a high level. The test, however, will come in 1934 when our membership in the New England College Entrance Certificate Board expires. We have reason to hope that it will be automatically renewed at its expiration but that is up to the board itself. Should we lose our membership it will mean that all of our graduates can gain entrance to colleges only through competitive examinations. I am quite confident, however, that our membership in the organization will be re- newed. Should we fail of renewal the cause will be directly attributable to the two platoon system in the Junior High school which has already made deep inroads in our educational system
The new addition to the High school, which should be ready for occupancy in September, 1933, will afford us some temporary relief from this vicious system. It is not a permanent solution as I have frequently stated. It is a little short of a miracle that we have maintained our Class A rating when it is considered that approximately fifty per cent of our High school students have been the innocent victims of this educational-sapping two platoon system. It has no place in any system of modern edu- cation and our only hope lies in its permanent abolition. I trust that this be may accomplished.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
ECONOMY OF OPERATION
I am pleased to be able to report that the Senior High school has made an enviable record in economy of operation during the fiscal year of 1932. No fair minded citizen can say that we have not cooperated to the limit in the matter of reduced expenditures. With one hundred and twenty seven (127) more students we operated for approximately $4,500 less in 1932 than in the year 1931. I hope that this record has been made without any im- pairment of educational efficiency but time alone will answer this question.
Our economy of operation was affected in three ways :
a. Elimination of teachers.
b. Decreased expenditure for supplies.
c. Decreased expenditure for textbooks.
The elimination of teachers was accomplished by increasing the teacher-load on the remaining members of the staff. I believe that this is questionable economy but justified in these times of depression. It cannot be continued indefinitely without decreas- ing the efficiency of our educational system.
The decreased expenditure for supplies was accomplished by the installation of a centralized method of distribution. This is excellent economy and will be continued as long as I am Prin- cipal.
The decreased expenditure for textbooks was accomplished by only purchasing new textbooks which were absolutely necessary. This is excellent economy and will be continued.
The citizens may rest assured that I shall continue to secure a dollars worth of educational value for every dollar expended I. shall not, however, recommend or be a party to any scheme of saving money at the cost of wrecking an educational system which has been years in the building.
INCREASED ENROLLMENT
Saugus High school is growing much more rapidly than is generally believed by our citizens. A glance at the following figures will convince the most skeptical.
ENROLLMENT BY YEARS SINCE 1922.
1922
450
1923
442
1924
508
1925
50-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
1926
505
1927
513
1928
539
1929
550
1930
572
1931
745
1932
S56
1933
1000
(Estimated)
It can thus be seen that in the last twelve years the population of our Senior High school has considerably more than doubled. There is also no indication that the growth is not going to con- tinue. The need of a high school education, at least, is becom- ing more and more apparent to citizens in general. Increased enrollment means increased cost whether one likes it or not.
The growth in the enrollment of all the schools of Saugus has also been marked. In 1922 there were approximately 2,400 children being educated. Today the figure is 3,500. It can thus be seen that the high school enrollment has increased out of pro- portion to the general school enrollment. This simply indicates that more and more boys and girls are determined to obtain the advantages of a high school education.
If during the next twelve years our high school enrollment again doubles, and I believe that it will, we will have in 1945 a high school of 2,000 students.
THE TEACHING STAFF
I have only the highest praise for the loyalty and painstaking devotion of my staff of senior high school teachers. Working under the most discouraging conditions they have maintained a morale and an esprit de corps little short of unusual. I pay humble tribute to them and take added inspiration from their ex- ample. The teaching force is the backbone and life blood of any school. Without the teacher the schoolhouse is nothing but a pile of bricks.
I hope from a sincere heart that nothing will be done to shat- ter their splendid morale. The success of their work depends largely on a contented mind and the feeling that all citizens ap- preciate the services they are so faithfully rendering. Probably no single individuals, other than parents, so deeply influence the adolescent boy and girl.
I have heard it said that the teachers of Saugus are overpaid and should have their salaries reduced. The high school teachers
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
of Saugus are much underpaid in comparison to neighboring com- munities. A glance at the following table should prove this as- sertion beyond any reasonable doubt.
SALARIES IN NEAR-BY HIGH SCHOOLS
Town
Men
Women
Population
Swampscott
$3,200 00
$2,022 00
10,346
Reading
2,533 00
1,779 00
9,767
Marblehead
2,550 00
1,722 00
8,668
Winchester
3,325 00
2,057 00
12,719
Stoneham
2,600 00
1.731 00
10,060
Wakefield
3,020 00
1,889 00
16,318
Danvers
2,300 00
1,S67 00
12,957
Lexington
3,250 00
1,871 00
9,467
Walpole
2,925 00
1,664 00
7,273
Belmont
2,693 00
1,994 00
21,714
Dedham
2,586 00
1,815 00
15,136
Natick
2,540 00
1,700 00
13,589
Watertown
2,625 00
1,817 00
34,913
Arlington
2,740 00
1, 831 00
36,094
Saugus
1.847 CO
1,546 00
14,700
A teacher in a Senior High school, excepting Commercial teachers, must possess a college degree from an accredited uni- versity. This means four years of educational preparation at a total cost difficult to estimate. From $3,000 to $5,000 is a fair estimate. One must also consider that during these four years a teacher forfeits all chance to earn a gainful salary. Even at an average of $20 per week a teacher thus sacrifices four years of earning power worth at least $4,000. After graduating from col- lege, and while teaching, a high school teacher must continually seek professional improvement at his own expense. No profes- sion is more exacting in a financial way than the profession of High School teaching.
What are the salaries of teachers in our Saugus High school. Here they are showing length of service in Saugus as well.
Years Experience In Teaching
Years Service in Saugus
Salary
Sex
I
I
$1,100 00
Female
2
3
1,200 00
Male
2
2
1,200 00
Female
4
4
1,400 00
Female
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Years Experience in Teaching
Years Service in Saugus
Salary
Sex
3
3
1,400 00
Female
16
3
1,500 00
Male
4
4
1,500 00
Male
2
2
1,500 00
Male
2
2
1,500 00
Male
3
3
1,600 00
Male
3
3
1,600 00
Male
S
6
1,600 00
Female
S
6
1,600 00
Female
IO
10
1,600 00
Female
I 2
12
1,650 00
Female
I4
7
1,650 00
Female
15
15
1,650 00
Female
9
4
1,700 00
Female
16
I2
1,750 00
Female
S
8
1,800 00
Male
2
2
1,800 00
Male
9
5
1,800 00
Female
13
6
1,800 00
Male
S
7
2,100 00
Male
4
2,300 00
Male
34
I 2
2,350 00
Male
Thus out of a staff of twenty-six educationally trained teachers but three receive the salary of a fireman or policeman in Saugus. I say this with no disrespect to our firemen or policemen since I do not believe that they are overpaid. Such a salary scale, how- ever, for high school teachers is certainly hardly in keeping with the standards required.
In the interests of our educational system and common justice their salaries should not be reduced.
In closing may I thank you, Mr. Lambert, and the honorable members of the School Committee for your valued support and generous cooperation in our high school.
VERNON W. EVANS, Principal of High School.
Report of Junior High School Principal
January 12, 1933.
DEAR MR. LAMBERT,-I submit for your approval my seventh annual report of the work accomplished in the Junior High schools for the year of 1932.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
Many changes were instituted in the curriculum, likewise the personnel. French, Latin, Business Training, Civics, Sewing, Manual Training, were dropped from the Junior High school system. Club work was stopped and Auditorium curtailed one half. The thirty minute night session was cancelled. The alter- nate recess and study period ten minutes each, was changed to a single recess for all, with spelling compulsory, preceding recess. Instead of six, thirty-two minute periods per day, we now operate with five forty minute periods. The start and end of school was shifted ahead five minutes, It is now 1.05 to 5.05.
Mechanical Drawing was made compulsory for the boys of Grade Eight only. and Freehand Drawing for the girls of Grade Eight. All pupils of Grade Seven have Freehand Drawing. In October, Music was again permitted, one period for Seventh grade class. The pupils of Grade Eight, have two classes to- gether in the hall, thus there are eight Music periods per week in the Central Auditorium. At the Christmas assembly the Or- chestra played for the first time. They rehearse on Wednesday evenings after 5.05, as the hall is in continuous use by the Senior High in the morning.
The Faculty changes are briefly ; Miss Kathryn Staples to Sud- bury High school ; Miss Armstrong to the Sweetser, teacher of English 7 and Literature 7 ; Miss Morrison to Sweetser, teaching Mathematics 7 ; Miss Fox to the Central, this change until Feb- ruary, 1933. Miss Edwards was released as Musical Supervisor, her work being carried on by Miss Gertrude Hickey. Mr. Cun- ningham entered from the Senior High to the Central Junior High to teach English Eight. Miss Sita Allen from the Central to the Sweetser, teaching Grade Five ; Miss Douglas from Sewing to one division of the Opportunity Class, relocated in the Sewing room of the Sweetser Junior High; Miss Willard from the Sweetser to Central, teaching Geography and Literature. Miss Mabel Nelson released as Penmanship supervisor, to teach Geo- graphy in the Sweetser.
The Athletic teams made a fine showing last Spring, giving a wealth of material to the High school squad for this year. In May an exhibition was held. It compared favorably with those of other years, and all children who had articles on hand showed the value of their training from class work.
Approximately 250 pupils were graduated June 24, 1932. Mr. T. Everett Fairchild of Boston University was the guest speaker at the exercises.
The opening of school was delayed to September 19, 1932.
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The new arrangement of classes finally was adjusted so that five rooms were open for 186 Grade Seven pupils in the Sweetser. Four Grade Seven rooms for 170 pupils in the Central, and eight Grade eight rooms for 260 pupils are in use at the Central. It is reasonable to expect that perhaps 240 of these people will enter the Senior High school next Fall, though the new requirement of four majors may make some difference. The major subjects are ; Literature, English, Mathematics and Social Study.
I would call attention to the fact that with all the handicaps under which the Junior High works, it would be well for each parent to note carefully his childs progress in the school. Only by vigilance can he feel secure that a year of work will be satis- factorily completed. One statement is positively correct. No child can succeed without home study each night in each subject. Three forty minute periods are all a regular pupil has for study in school per week. Those who are repeating a subject have none. There is no chance to come early or to remain late to help those who are unfortunate. The Sweetser Junior High is operating on a six period, long day, and pupils have much greater opportunity for school study, though they also need home study.
My thoughts concerning truancy, school procedure, etc. have never changed. I believe the student body has creditably shown the result of training by a corps of teachers whose one thought with me is the pupil.
The assistance of the doctors, nurse, investigation officers, school officials and others is gratefully acknowledged.
May I express my appreciation to all who have helped carry along the ideal of a good school, under proper control at all times ; and to you Mr. Lambert for kindly directing us as a unit toward a higher goal.
Respectfully, LEON C. YOUNG.
Report of Art Supervisor
Mr. Jesse W. Lambert, Superintendent of Schools, Saugus, Mass.
DEAR SIR,-I am pleased to offer my annual report as teacher of Art in the public schools of Saugus.
This work is promoted with the assistance of Miss Arlene Packard.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
1932]
Art classes meet weekly in the Junior High school and bi- monthly through the first six grades.
The annual exhibitions of work in the grades were somewhat curtailed because of the conservation of materials. All class- room work has been so planned that a minimum of materials would be required. The work of the Junior High School was shown at the annual exhibition in May.
An interesting competitive Poppy Drive Poster Contest in the Junior High School, was sponsered by the American Legion Auxiliary. Money awards for merit in execution of the art work on these posters were received by Ruth Bauer, Kenneth Babb, Betty Anthony and Elmer Holbrook.
The Art Department was most willing to cooperate with this civic organization and trusts it may be of future service.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals awarded seven medals to Saugus for excellency in poster work which was completed by the children.
The Massachusetts Automobile Rating and Accident Preven- tion Bureau of S9 Broad Street, Boston, has offered excellent safety material to our schools, which has greatly aided in the illustrations for the promotion of safety.
Special endeavor has been made to make the art work an in- tegral part of the curriculum, and not a subject set apart.
We regret the club activity of the Junior High School has been discontinued, but trust when the opportunity allows, it may be resumed.
I wish to express my appreciation to each member of the School Board, to you Mr. Lambert, and to each principal and teacher of the School Department for assistance and cooperation this past year.
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