USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1942 > Part 12
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Air Raid Drills
I desire to express the apprecia- tion of the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools to all school pupils and teachers for
the excellent manner in which they carry out their air raid drills. From the outset the punils carried out their instructions with a seri- ousness of purpose seldom seen even among adults. The result has been that we unquestionably have one of the best drilled group of school children in the entire State.
Our pupils have been compli- mented by Mr. Laurence F. Davis, Chairman of the local Committee on Public Safety, and by many others who have visited our schools.
On a given signal nearly 3,000 pupils can assume positions in their air raid posts in approxi- mately one minute. This is done with no confusion and no disorder. Absence of panic and confusion is a very important factor in safety.
Too much credit cannot be given to both the pupils and the teach- ers.
Scholastic Standing
Scholastically our schools remain at their usual high standard.
Our high school is rated a Class "A" High School by the State De- partment of Education.
We enjoy the privilege of cer- tifying our high school graduates to some fourteen leading colleges which are members of the New England College Entrance Certifi- cate Board. We expect that this privilege will soon be renewed for a four year period.
Our graduates now in higher in- stitutions of learning are all do- ing a good grade of work. They thus reflect credit upon our school system.
Many of our graduates are now officers in the United States Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Several have already distinguished themselves in World War II.
Hundreds of our graduates are in all four armed brances of the country's services. In school they , learned the true meaning of dem- ocracy. Now they are fighting to preserve it for ourselves and our posterity.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1942]
Shop Instruction Suspended
Shop instruction in the High School, both in woodworking and metal, has been suspended proba- bly for the duration of the war. This, in my opinion, is most un- fortunate. This type of instruc- tion is even more important in these than in ordinary times.
The war has been responsible for the closing of the shops. The Army claimed our instructor in wood- working and our metal instructor is now a civilian instructor for the United States Navy.
Teacher replacements for these two men were impossible. A few competent instructors were avail- able, but at salaries far above our maximum for men teachers.
One thing is certain. The sus- pension of these two courses should be only temporary. They should be reestablished as soon as it is humanly -ossible so to do.
Manual training in a great many cases is of equal importance with mental. training. It should not be neglected.
Athletic and Lunch Accounts
The financial statements of the Saugus High School Athletic and Saugus High School Cafeteria ac- count are presented as a part of this report. Both accounts will soon be audited by a competent auditor as last year.
For the first time since the in- ception of the cafeteria this ac- count shows a deficit. Rising food prices are largely responsible.
Two steps will doubtless have to be taken to insure the cafeteria continuing to operate without a deficit.
(a) Prices to the pupils will have to be still further raised.
(b) One employee of the cafe- teria will have to be eliminated.
Savings should not be attempted by lowering, in any respect, the quality of the food served.
A Creed for Us All
Oftentimes out of the past comes a voice with a creed for the pres- ent. The following are the words of Daniel Webster, great Ameri- can statesman of yesterday. His words could well be the creed of every American today.
"I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American; and I intend to per- form the duties incumbent upon me in that character to the end of my career. I mean to do this with absolute disregard of per- sonal consequences? What is the individual man, with all the good or evil which may betide him, in comparison with the good and evil which may befall a great country, and in the midst of great transactions which con- cern that country's fate? Let the consequences be what they will, I am careless. No man can suffer too much and no man can fall too soon, if he suffer or if he fall in the defense of the liberties and constitution of his country".
School Repairs
Appropriations given the School Department for schoolhouse repairs during the past ten years have been inadequate. The average ap- propriation has been about $5,000 .- per year. Our school property is doubtless worth one million dollars. Any business man knows that a million dollars worth of property cannot be properly kept in repair for $5,000.00 per year. I have no criticism to offer of the Finance Committee. They have had many demands and they could not meet them all.
It is good business and an actual saving of money to keep our school buildings in good repair. Neces- sary repairs, which have been neg- lected, cost much more when thev finally are made. Many of our buildings need exterior painting badly. Many have not now re- ceived a coat of paint in ten years.
Serious consideration should be given to this question of school- house repairs. An increased ap-
14
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
propriation for at least five years an absolute necessity if our school buildings are going to be kept in reasonably good condition.
Our School Committee
I am inserting this caption in my report without the knowledge and probably without the approval of the School Committee. In all jus- tice, however, I feel that I should write it.
The citizens of Saugus owe a debt of gratitude to their School Committee. Practically every mem- ber has attended approximately 24 meetings during the year 1942. Their expressed opinions have at all times been honest and valuable. Probably few citizens know that they serve without salary. The only motive that has actuated their decisions has always been the wel- fare of the school system. It has been a distinct pleasure to work with them. Each member has lived up to the oath of office in a manner befitting the best tradi- tions of our Commonwealth.
Chief William R. Salsman
Not since the death of the late Dr. Myron Davis has Saugus suf- fered the loss of a town official so universally well-liked and respected as Fire Chief William R. Salsman.
To me his passing was a great personal loss. I cannot describe the admiration I had for him both as a friend and as a public official. Words are inadequate to describe his true character. No man ever gave more in honest service to his community. No man ever asked less in return. His own health and welfare were the last things he thought of. Almost his last words were spoken in an appeal to help a fellow man. God does not cre- ate such men everyday. That is why their loss is so keen and so poignant.
I shall always miss him. I shall also always remember his charac- ter. his heart, and his smile.
"I climb the hill: from end to end Of all the landscape underneath, I find no place that does not breathe
Some gracious memory of my friend
Tennyson
Conclusion
In conclusion I desire to express again my appreciation to the mem- bers of the School Committee for their splendid cooperation during the year 1942. I also desire to ex- press my appreciation to Mr. John A. W. Pearce and all my other principals. Almost without excep- tion, the teachers have been most cooperative. Town officials and in- dividual citizens have often aided the Schoool Department. For this aid I am grateful.
The years ahead will doubtless test the mettle of us all. May God give us all the strength of body, mind, and purpose to do our duty. Out of all the world's anguish and suffering may there come a new America which shall lead the world back to sanity and universal brotherhood.
Respectfully submitted : VERNON W. EVANS, Superintendent of Schools
December 31, 1942
Mr. Vernon W. Evans Superintendent of Schools Saugus, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Evans
I herewith submit my eighth re- port as principal of the Saugus High School.
Enrollment
School opened on September 9, 1942 with 850 pupils in the Senior High School and 297 pupils in the Central Junior High School. The enrollment was divided as follows: Grade 12-160, Grade 11-213, Grade 10-237, Grade 9-240, Grade 8-128, Grade 7-169.
Faculty Changes
Mr. Edward Galligan, teacher of civics and assistant coach of football left during the spring to enter the Navy.
15
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1942]
Mr. John Burns, teacher of Eng- lish, left at the end of the school year to enter the Navy.
Mr. Francis Hochmuth, teacher of Industrial Arts, left during the summer to enter the Army.
Mr. Tauno Tamminen, teacher of Industrial Arts, resigned his position during the summer to take a course at the Navy Teacher Training Center in Chicago.
Miss Norma Manuel, teacher of English and coach of dramatics, resigned during the summer to take a position in Elizabeth. New Jersey.
Miss Elizabeth Mead, teacher of English, resigned her position at the end of the school year to be married.
Miss Blanche Milbery, teacher of typewriting, died suddenly in Aug- ust.
Mr. John Gifford, Head of the Science Department. resigned his position in August to become prin- cipal of the Pembroke High School.
Miss Muriel Holbrook, who took Miss Barbara Waltons position in the Central Junior High School last January, was transferred to the Ballard School.
Mr. Edward Gibbs, 3rd, Direc- tor of Guidance, left in November to enter the service.
Mr. Albert Moylan, a graduate of Harvard University and a teacher in Valley Forge Military Academy from 1937 to 1941, was engaged to teach English.
Miss Lillian Pittard, a graduate of Emanuel College in 1940, and a substitute teacher in the Saugus Schools, was engaged to teach Eng- lish.
Miss Louise Solomita, a gradu- ate of Portia College in 1941 and a graduate student at Massachu- setts State College during the year 1941-42, and a substitute teacher at the Amherst High School, was engaged to teach English.
Mr. Robert Andrews, a graduate of Boston University in 1927,
principal and teacher of science for two years at Littleton High School and principal and teacher of science for thirteen years in Pepperell High School, was engaged to teach physics.
Miss Bertha Morrison, a gradu- ate of the Commercial Course at Salem State Teachers College in 1929 and a teacher of mathematics in the Central Junior High School for twelve years, was transferred to the Senior High School to teach typewriting.
Miss Ruth Conrad, a graduate of Lowell State Teachers College in 1940 and a teacher of two years' experience, was transferred from the Oaklandvale School to teach Mathematics in the Central Junior High School.
Mrs. Helen Pragnell, a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College and Boston University, was transferred from the Oakland- vale School to teach Literature and take charge of Guidance in the Central Junior High School.
Mr. Stephen Lovett, a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1936 and a holder of a Master's Degree in Education from Boston University and a teacher of English in the Central Junior High School was transferred to the Senior High School and made Director of Guidance.
Mr. Upham Mansur. a graduate of St. Lawrence University in 1940 and a teacher for two years in the Moses Brown School in Providence, was engaged to teach English in the Central Junior High School.
Department Reports
1. English
"Following is a brief enumera- tion and explanation of some of our accomplishments during the past year.
1. A summer reading list was prepared for college preparatory pupils. Although pupils are not required to do summer reading they are encouraged to do so and to make brief reports in the fall.
16
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
A list of selected books from Home Reading has also been com- piled for College preparatory pu- pils to use for their regular read- ing requirements. This list is de- signed to help pupils choose books particularly desirable for college preparation. Hitherto, pupils have read any book from Home Reading, although many titles are obviously more suitable for pupils in other courses.
2. Spelling lists have been pre- pared for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. The grade 9 list, including rules, methods of teaching, instructions for marking, etc, has been put into use this year.
3. Detailed information f o r teaching punctuation, capitaliza- tion and paragraphing have been prepared and put into use in grades seven and eight. These sections of the course of study indicate the year in which each concept is to be taught, thus differentiating new work from review.
4. The letter writing section of the course of study for grades 7-12 has been prepared by the Head of the Department.
5. An excellent radio-victrola was presented to the English De- partment by the Boys' Club of which Mr. Young is advisor.
6. Reports were prepared on adopting the materials and methods of the teaching of English to war- time conditions. Each teacher is expected to spend a part of each week on the teaching of materials related to the war efforts.
7. A record of men and women in the armed forces has been pre- pared for the school.
8. Pupils in the remedial read- ing class, on an average, had only sixth grade ability in reading at the beginning of the year. The new Stamford Achievement Test revealed that they now average eighth grade in reading ability.
2. Mathematics
Due to the fact that the govern- ment has been stressing the need for greater emphasis upon High
School Mathemitics we have been stressing the study of logarithms in both Algebra II and Trigonom- etry. For that matter the different divisions of Trigonometry have re- ceived special attention. It has been found that a great many young men taking examinations for the Naval Reserves were weak in their trigonometry. A great deal of time has been spent in drill on for- mula work as young men who have gone into Aeronautics have found a great need for work of this kind.
"A positive plan is needed at once for giving our young people that indispensable foundation in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry without which they cannot function adequately either in our national war effort or in many other crucially necessary fields of work. Millions of our ado- lescent and adult population must have foundation, not two years from today, but right now."
3. Science
During the six years that Mr. Gifford was Head of the Science Department it forged ahead to a very great extent. General Sci- ence, Biology, Physics and Chem- istry came under his supervision. Pupils who took any of these sub- jects before 1936 certainly would notice the changes that have been made, if they were to return, not only in the subject matter of the courses but in the physical aspects especially. Although very much handicapped for space needed for laboratory work an excellent piece of work has been done year after year nevertheless. Although there are no tables at which pupils can conduct individual experiments in biology and general science satis- factory work has been accom- plished. I feel certain that all of the men who have worked under Mr. Gifford would agree with me that he was a very progressive inspiring leader.
4. Social Studies
I think that it can be said with- out question that this past year has been a very trying one. It has been especially noticeable in this department. The unrest among
17
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1942]
people in general, but more es- pecially of late with juniors and seniors has altered the routine of high school life. Pupils are not preparing their home work as they formerly did. They are question- ing the need for completing their high school course.
Teachers of the following sub- jects are members of this depart- ment: Ancient History, European History, United States History, Sociology, Economics, Commercial Law, Community Civics and Com- mercial Geography. In every case these teachers have found it nec- essary to adjust their courses be- cause of changes brought about by the war Contemporary material is being stressed in all of these subjects.
5. Language
Teachers of the following sub- jects are members of this depart- ment: Latin, French and Spanish. The activities of the French groups have been greatly curtailed by the present war. It is impossible to correspond with French and Bel- gian pupils as was done in the past. We found that this was the most inspiring and worthwhile as- pect of the whole program. Through the letters we added un- derstanding of the people to the understanding of the language.
We have felt for some time that a better understanding of our South American neighbors is nec- essary for the high school pupil. Since Spanish is the most popular language of South America we de- cided to add it to our list of offer- ings in September.
"Latin is the one subject left in the modern school curriculum that still demands time, care in nrep- aration, careful choice of words, a firm foundation in English gram- mar and in which there can be no bluffing. Our keen minds treat their subjects too lightly. They need a mental stiffening and Latin is just the subject to accomplish it."
6. Commercial
This past year has been a very difficult one for the teachers in this department due to an early gradu-
ation and days lost because of ra- tioning. The majority of girls re- ceiving a commercial diploma were able to obtain very good positions.
We have continued the plan of having all of the senior commer- cials work for at least two weeks in one of the school offices. There they get actual experience in an- swering the telephone, taking dic- tation, typewriting letters, filing, etc. They have worked as cashiers in the cafeteria, thus getting ex- cellent experience in making change and balancing their cash.
A great deal of typing and mimeographing has been done dur- ing this past year not only for people here in the school but for the local Civilian Defense Com- mittee.
7. Guidance
At the opening of school in Sep- tember Guidance was put on a full time basis in the Senior High School. The following outlines ex- plain what is being done in this department.
Guidance for Freshmen
Purpose: This course is designed (1) especially to aid the incoming ninth graders in making a satis- factory adjustment to high school, (2) to guide the pupil in choosing and studying those subjects which best fit his abilities and interests. It should be noted here that the ninth grade is pretty much a tr"- out year. The average ninth grader needs guidance in finding himself.
Content: This course considers such topics as:
1. How to choose a career.
2. What subjects to elect to reach that career.
3. How to plan for a college or other advanced training.
4. How to study.
5. Gathering essential informa- tion.
6. Using this information.
7. The elements of good be- havior and common courtesy-how to get along with people.
18
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
8. How to weigh one's own abilities and possibilities.
Requirements: This course is re- quired of all ninth graders one period a week. The implications of this course are primarily edu- cational.
Guidance for Seniors
Purpose: This course is designed (1) to aid the senior who will go directly to work after graduation to make a sound choice, (2) to aid the senior who plans to continue his education to select his school early and wisely. It is our feeling that the high school should main- tain an active interest in its grad- uates at least until they have made a satisfactory adjustment to an advanced school.
Content : The course will consider such topics as:
1. How to select a life's work.
2. How and when to choose a college or advanced school.
3. How to make and fill out ap- plications.
4. The contents and forms of letters of application.
5. How to meet interviews suc- cessfully.
6. The gathering and proper use of information-a working know- ledge of the sources of educational and vocational information.
7.
How to go about getting a job.
8. How to hold a job-impor- tance of getting along with people.
9. The importance of knowing oneself-abilities and limitations.
10. The high school's place in the student's development, now and later.
Requirements: This course is re- quired of all Seniors one period a week. The implications of this course will be primarily vocational, since the problems of the seniors are of a more immediate and more practical nature than those of the ninth grade.
With the aid of the Saugus Lions Club the department sponsored our
second Vocations Institute on Wed- nesday. November 4th.
Athletic Program
During the past year we have sponsored: basketball for boys and girls, track, baseball and football.
Intramural basketball for the girls was continued for the second year and was coached by Geraldine Sullivan. This proved to be a very much worth while program.
Boys' basketball was revived af- ter a lapse of three years and was coached by Mr. Galligan. Although the boys did not win many games they gave a good account of them- selves in all of their games.
Track. Mr. Bly coached track for the second year with very good suc- cess. He sponsored an Interschol- astic Track Meet at the Stadium in the spring and an Interscholastic Cross Country Meet in the fall here in Saugus.
Baseball. Mr. Friberg found it necessary to cancel fully half of his baseball games after the mid- dle of May due to the loss of the seniors by graduation and to a lack of transportation. He carried on an intramural program for a few weeks with mediocre success.
Football. Mr. Toczylowski and Mr. Reardon handled football dur- ing this past season. During the middle of the season our team was promoted from Class C to Class B. Our 1942 team defeated: Chelsea, Beverly, Gloucester, Amesbury, Re- vere, Woburn and Wakefield; tied Swampscott; and lost to Leomins- ter, Melrose and Marblehead. The outstanding game of the season was the defeat of Revere 13-12. Great credit is due the coaches for the fine showing the boys made this past season.
Awards
At the commencement exercises in May the following scholarships and loans were awarded to seniors with high scholastic standing:
1. The Riverside Club, $100.00 loan-Georgina Gulliford.
2 The Women's Civic League $100.00-John Thurell.
19
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1942]
3. The Saugus Teachers' Asso- ciation, $100.00 scholarship-John Thurell.
The Harvard Club of Lynn book award made annually to the most . outstanding junior boy was pre- sented to Harold Huff.
The Washington and Franklin United States History Medal was presented to Harold Huff.
The Rensselaer Medal for excel- lence in Science and Mathematics was presented to John Thurell.
Recommendations
1. Replacing worn out curtains throughout the building.
2. Provision for new washroom facilities in the high school.
3. Panel the lower part of the walls in the corridors.
4. Refinishing the principal's private office.
5. Hiring of an assistant sec- retary for the office.
In conclusion I wish to thank you, Mr. Evans, and the members of the School Committee for your helpful advice and encouragement.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN. A. W. PEARCE, Principal
20
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Analysis of Cash Receipts and Expenditures January 1, 1942 - December 31, 1942
Cash Balance January 1, 1942 Receipts :
$2,641.48
Football:
Gate Receipts
$6,725.98
Guarantees:
Leominster
$244.30
Chelsea
465.51
Amesbury
100.00
Gloucester
324.97
Marblehead
470.60
Wakefield
170.02
Total Guarantees
1,775.40
Total Receipts Football
$8,501.38
Basket Ball
168.21
8,669.59
Total Receipts Including Balance January 1, 1942
$11,311.07
Expenditures :
Guarantees:
Woburn
none
Melrose
167.15
Revere
493.33
Swampscott
586.68
Beverly
394.37
Total Guarantees
$1,641.53
Other Expenses:
Athletic Awards and Letters
$182.57
Dues and Registration
23.60
Educational Trip (pictures)
10.00
Equipment
178.24
Federal Tax
770.66
Insurance and Bond
62.03
Medical
737.00
Miscellaneous Expense
93.24
Office Expense
6.00
Officials
230.00
Police
266.00
Postage, Printing & Tickets
100.83
Reconditioning and Laundry
915.38
Salary Expense
540.00
Stadium
340.99
Supplies
1,679.39
Telephone
83.92
Ticket Takers and Sellers
120.00
Transportation
647.81
$6,987.66
Total Expenditures
8,629.19
Cash Balance, December 31, 1942
$2,681.88
No Accounts Payable on hand January 1, 1943. The bill for the sweaters and letters has not been received.
21
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1942]
The balance of the cash on hand must finance basket ball, baseball, and other incidentals for the coming year since there will be no new revenue until September 1943.
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH Analysis of Cash Receipts, Income and Expenditures January 1, 1942 - December 31, 1942
Cash Balance, January 1, 1942 Receipts and Income: Cash Sales Discount on Purchases
$6,677.63 85.34
Total Receipts for Year 1942
6,762.97
Total Including Balance January 1, 1942
$7,355.00
Expenditures:
Food
$3,176.62
Candy
493.78
Ice Cream
1,074.01
Tonic
550.29
Wages
902.00
Laundry
62.07
Postage
5.00
Telephone
13.27
Supplies
199.79
Miscellaneous Expense
89.12
Ice
36.40
Total Expenditures
$6,602.35
Cash Balance January 1, 1943
$ 752.65
Accounts Payable January 1, 1943 $203.47
$ 592.03
INDEX
-
Reports of Departments and Committees
Accountant's Report 86
Annual Town Meeting
17
Appointive Town Officers
10
Assessors
80
Audit of Accounts
83
Board of Fire Engineers
72
Board of Health
65
Board of Public Welfare
78
Chief of Police
68
Collector
54
Contributory Retirement
115
Elective Town Officers
3
Finance Committee Report
29
Forest Fire Warden
74
Jury List
14
Library Trustees
63
Planning Board
65
Public Works
74
School Report follows Page
118
Sealer of Weights and
Measures
67
Selectmen
69
Special Town Meeting
32
State Election
46
State Primary
41
Superintendent of Buildings
....
68
Town Clerk
53
Town Engineer
71
Town Meeting Members
5
Town Election
............ 23
W. P. A. Sponsor's Agent
71
Financial Departments
Receipts:
General Revenue:
Taxes
89
Commercial Revenue:
Agency and Trust
93
Charities and Soldiers'
Benefits
91
Enterprise and
Cemeteries
92
General Government
....
90
Health and Sanitation
91
Highway Department
91
Indebtedness
93
Interest
...
92
Protection of Persons
and Property
91
Refunds
93
Transfers
93
Recreation and Unclassi-
fied
92
Schools and Libraries
92
Disbursements:
Agency and Trust
110
Charities and Soldiers'
Benefits
103
Education and Libraries
...
104
Enterprise and Ceme-
teries
108
General Government
94
Heath and Sanitation
100
Highways
101
Interest and Maturing
Debt
109
Protection of Persons
and Property
97
Recapitulation
111
Recreation and Unclassi
fied
106
Refunds
110
Transfers
111
Outstanding Bonds
112
W. P. A. Expenditures
112
18.04
4.512
4/18:04
$ 118.04
6.0
4.51
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1729 00051 5160
SAUGUS PUBLIC LIBRARY 295 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906
1
For Reference
Not to be taken
from this library
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