Town annual report of Swampscott 1908, Part 7

Author: Swampscott, Massachusetts
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 314


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DEAR SIR,-I herewith respectfully submit my first annual report of the condition of the High School.


It is a difficult task on assuming charge of a new high school, with long established customs and traditions, to make changes which will meet with the approval of everybody. It is some- times difficult to show why certain reformations should take place and at the same time avoid the appearance of under estimating the value of the methods and customs of a previous regime. I shall, however, endeavor to cast no reflections upon the past. I shall only aim to point out some of the few changes which have been introduced, and call your attention to some of the necessary, desired improvements in order to make the Swamp- scott High School take that position among the secondary schools of this state which the citizens of this Town should desire.


Course of Study.


During the latter part of July, a new course of study was prepared, and copies were sent to all the members of the school. This course of study, prepared with all pains and care that the limited time would admit of, has met with good results. While allowing the pupils the privilege of pursuing an elective course, it will tend to keep them in some well defined line of study, and when they have completed their course of study, they should have acquired sufficient training to fit them well for business or college work.


The new course of study calls for more intensive work in almost every branch. This is especially so in English, mathe- matics, and the business course studies. English is a required study throughout the entire course, and in that time a pupil should have acquired the ability to write good simple English with a considerable degree of correctness. He should be able to stand on his feet and discuss the author's thought and meaning


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without murdering the English language. The great stress which we are laying on this subject is beginning to show favorable results and we are hopeful as to the outcome. The study of mathematics is required through elementary algebra. The pres- ent teachers of this subject are confronted with a woeful state of affairs. To say the least, it appears to have been sadly neglected. The review classes in algebra, which, it would be supposed, had acquired some elementary knowledge of the subject as far as quadratics, have only partially completed frac- tions in a superficial manner. We shall be obliged to give extra periods to these classes for the next two years in order to cover properly the necessary amount of ground. In the business course, commercial geography, commercial law, penmanship, correspondence, and spelling have been added to the curriculum and the amount of attention given to commercial arithmetic, bookkeeping, and typewriting has been increased. There is no reason why any pupil who wishes to pursue a business course should not acquire his training in his own high school. It is a shame for any boy or girl on graduating from the Grammar school to enter a business college, when they can secure not only that same business course but a far greater general education in their own High School.


The system of marking has been changed to a percentage basis and is meeting with general satisfaction. Examinations or short tests are held regularly every eight weeks. These papers are kept on file in the principal's office and serve to keep the principal closely in touch with the work of both teachers and pupils.


There is a large number of pupils who are carrying on their work with the intention of fitting for some higher institution. Of those who are now spending their last year in the High School, two will in September, enter the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two will enter Tufts college, one, Boston Univer- sity, and two the Salem Normal. It is probable that from the Junior class an equally large number will enter college. In this connection, I will call your attention to the fact that the High School has been granted the privilege of sending pupils to the


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State Normal School on certificate. Certificates will, however, be granted to pupils for those studies only in which they have attained a rank of 80 per cent. The certificate privilege granted by the New England College Board has never been enjoyed by this school. However, it is hoped that it will soon be secured. The new course of study, which requires more intensive work in the several branches, will, we trust, soon win recognition.


Harmony and Co-operation.


A harmonious corps of teachers is of prime importance in securing good results. We are all engaged in working for the same end, and whatever tends to promote good scholarship and good discipline should meet with earnest co-operation on the part of all. Petty jealousies among teachers, criticisms of one teacher by another, disparaging statements concerning the school and school management should be laid aside by teachers in an effort to build up a strong "esprit de corps."


On the part of the pupils, I should like to see greater enthusi- asm. The general discipline of the school is good and the tone of the school is good, but there is lacking that spirit of enthusi- asm which brings success. I wish I could see strong enthusi- astic rivalry among the pupils ; striving to excel one another in studies, athletics, and in everything which enters into school life.


[From the parents we surely need co-operation. In no better way can they become acquainted with conditions than to visit the school and meet the teachers, who have charge of their sons and daughters a large part of the day. To the parents I appeal for the heartiest co-operation in helping the teachers to secure well-prepared home lessons, constant and punctual attendance.


School Activity.


We welcome in school life anything which tends to promote school loyalty, and so school athletics has its just and proper sphere. During the past year, an athletic association has beer formed in the school, which will have general control over ath letics. The requirements for membership on the school teams


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has been made the same as that in the schools of neighboring towns. Hereafter no pupil will be allowed to represent the school in any athletic contest, unless he is doing satisfactory work in studies aggregating at least sixteen hours per week. Scholarship and supremacy in athletics should go hand in hand. We must have scholarship at any cost, but it is possible to have both scholarship and athletics, if the necessary enthusiasm can be aroused.


The social side of High School life should not be neglected. School or class parties and entertainments have their proper place. This affords an opportunity for pupils and teachers to meet, feed from the associations and environments of the class- room. I do not wish, least of all at this time, to appear to dictate what form these entertainments shall take. However, the con- duct of all present should be adapted rather to the drawing room than to the playground. It should be an occasion where there is an opportunity to both learn and practice good etiquette.


School Library.


The small room adjoining the principal's office has been con- verted into a library. The number of book-cases has been increased, and here have been placed all the reference books of the school. A card-catalogue has been secured and in a few weeks it is hoped that the books will be numbered and cata- logued. Many new books for reference are greatly needed to which I shall call your attention at another time.


Manual Training.


The introduction of manual training is a step in the right direction. A two years' course in carpentry and wood-turning is now offered to pupils of the freshman and sophomore classes. A room in the basement has been given up to this work and has been furnished with an equipment which, for quality and style, can not be surpassed. Twenty-five pupils elected the subject this year, while the number next year will probably be about forty. The interest taken by the pupils in this work is very


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gratifying, and the results have more that equalled expectations, considering the fact that nothing is done in this subject in the grades.


Needed Equipment.


Science has made wonderful progress in the last few years, and increased attention to this study is being given in High Schools. The small building in the rear of the High School, which is used for a general laboratory for physics, chemistry, and biology, is totally inadequate to the present needs of the school. It is inaccessible, too small, not suitably heated, and insufficiently equipped. There is an imperative need of separate and suitably equipped physical and chemical laboratories with supply closets and a small recitation room adjoining the laboratories. I ask you to lay this matter before the committee with a request that some provision be made for the same before the beginning of another school year.


The increased attention given to business courses in other schools, as well as in our own, entails the need of suitable rooms and equipment. A class in bookkeeping needs the atmosphere created by a room furnished with some of the equipment of a business office or an accounting room. The best results can not be secured from a class in bookkeeping, seated on stools, arranged in a crowded manner about one long table. Some new arrang- ment will be necessary in a short time as the classes in this course give promise of increased size.


The classes in drawing are now conducted in the assembly hall. To meet partially the needs of the class in mechanical drawing twelve drawing tables have been purchased. There is still need of twelve more. I can not refrain from calling your attention to the difficulties under which a drawing teacher labors. The supplies at present, for want of a better place, are kept in an unfinished room which is not heated and is inaccessible. There is no running water in the room, nor even on that floor. There should at least be suitably constructed cabinets for keeping the drawing-boards, drawing instruments, and supplies, placed near at hand in order to facilitate the work in this department.


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No up-to-date High School without a program clock and a system of synchronizing clocks in the separate recitation rooms. A great deal of time and inconvenience is now occasioned by the principal or some teacher's being required to ring the bells at the beginning and the close of every recitation. The clocks in the various rooms can not be kept together without constant regula- tion. The variation of a minute or two in these clocks causes annoyance and confusion. When it is possible to install a pro- gram clock with this system of synchronizing clocks, which will automatically ring the bells in all the rooms at any desired time, and also keep these clocks running in unison, the matter of ex- pense should be considered of little importance. The gain in con- venience and good discipline will more than compensate for the outlay.


Some time ago, I suggested to you the desirability of having a number of informal talks given before the school by men of prominence in the professions and various activities of life. In many towns this need is met by lecture courses conducted by public subscription or through the co-operation of village improvement societies. I hope we shall be successful in securing several speakers to address the school before the close of the school year.


Finally, I wish to extend to the school committee my most sincere appreciation for their interest in the school and their hearty co-operation. To you, personally, I acknowledge my gratitude for your wise counsel and strong support in my labors.


Yours respectfully,


HAROLD W. LOKER.


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Clarke School.


Mr. William J. Pelo, Superintendent of Schools :


DEAR SIR,-The annual report of the Clarke School is here- with presented :


The attendance has been so great in several classes that individual instruction, so essential, has been impossible.


Sickness has retarded progress somewhat, especially in the lower grades.


Since the "Course of Study" was prescribed, it has been followed as carefully as possible.


Considering the general deficiency of the classes in rapid and accurate mathematics, it was thought wise to inaugurate a system of short, mental drills in rapid calculation, which has met with encouraging results.


In reading, in which the pupils in general have been ordin- arily good, the average has been maintained, while in writing there has been a marked improvement.


During the year a cake and candy sale has been held in the school building, and in the Town Hall an Operetta has been given by the seventh and eighth, assisted by pupils from other grades.


Seventy-three dollars were realized from the sale, and approxi- mately forty-two dollars from the Operetta.


This money has been expended in purchasing decorations and reference books, of which there is as yet an inadequate supply. Some books, a reference table, and a Century Dictionary, pro- vided by the School Board, have been beneficial to, and appre- ciated by, the pupils.


Out of twenty-five pupils who were graduated in June, twenty are attending the High School, and one has entered Burdett Business College.


The teachers are all earnestly striving to fit each child for moral, useful, and intelligent citizenship.


FRANCES A. GOULD.


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Phillips School.


Mr. W. J. Pelo, Supt. of Schools, Swampscott, Mass .:


DEAR SIR,-With few exceptions, the relations between pupils and teachers are very harmonious ; few rules are made, and orders are readily obeyed. Nearly all show interest in their work, and pride in accomplishment of tasks.


In the sixth grade improvement has been made in arithmetic ; language and spelling show need of greater attention.


In the seventh and eighth, language, history and geography show better results than arithmetic.


So few errors in spelling are found in the written work of the eighth, as compared with former years, I am sure that good work must have been done in the lower grades.


All the rooms need adjustable desks and chairs.


Political maps, an encyclopedia, and other books for refer- ence would make the work much easier for both pupils and teachers.


Respectfully yours,


ELIZABETH J. HADLEY.


Mr. William J. Pelo, Superintendent of Schools :


DEAR SIR, -The Redington Street School opened with an enrollment of nearly two hundred pupils and corps of five teachers.


Miss Gardner and Miss Prescott share one room which seats sixty-four second and third grade pupils. On account of the crowded condition there, a small recitation room has been furnished to accommodate one of the classes during recitation periods. The scheme is working as well as can be expected, but to obtain best results each teacher should have her class in her own room.


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There is one drawback to our progress and that is the crowded conditions in the room of which I have just spoken and of the large number, fifty-one, enrolled in the fourth grade. Some relief must be planned before another fall as our enrollment without doubt, will be even larger another year. It is im- possible to get best results when the classes are so large.


We had watched with great interest the progress made in schools where departmental work had been tried, and with your consent and approval we decided to test it at Redington street. The advantages of departmental work are three-fold. First, it gives each teacher an opportunity to specialize. If it is success- ful and even considered necessary in High School work, why should it not be as helpful in primary and grammar work? It is an acknowledged fact that every teacher handles some subjects more skilfully than others and after five months' trial we feel at Redington Street that we can affirm it. Second, it gives each child an opportunity to come in contact with different person- alties. This gives him a broader development and helps prepare him for High School work later. Third, the pupil's progress in each subject is watched from year to year by the teacher of that subject and his weak points once detected can be strengthened. With this system, the children and teachers become acquainted the first year, and the need of becoming acquainted with a new teacher each year is eliminated. We have worked out a program for the second, third, fourth, and fifth grades which follows the time schedule you have provided. Miss Gardner teaches the penmanship, Miss Prescott the music, Mrs. Owen the geography, and I have the language and grammar. Miss Gardner teaches all the arithemetic and spelling in the second and third grades, while Miss Prescott has the nature study, drawing and reading in the same grades. The fourth grade drawing is in charge of Mrs. Owen and Miss Gardner teaches one reading class in that grade. The remaining classes are taught by the regular teachers. As a teacher goes from grade to grade, a definite plan can be thought out and followed and so the four year's course in each subject is therefore a unit. It has been successful I am sure and next year.we hope to see even better results as we will then begin a second year's work with each child.


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The teachers appreciate very much the course of study which you have outlined for us. They are of great assistance in the planning and the carrying on of the work.


If an epidemic of measles had not seriously interrupted our work during November and December our classes would have completed this first half of the year's work with little difficulty. As it is, about one half of our two hundred children have lost from three to six weeks schooling. Aside from that the general health of the children has been good.


The yard is in great need of improvement as most of it needs a thick covering of gravel. Our school rooms would be cleaner and the janitor's work lessened if this could be done.


Our supply of reference books is small. We need particu- larly a good encyclopedia.


Mrs. Owen's room is greatly in need of pictures, at present there are none in that room.


The Woman's Relief Corps have kindly presented to the school three silk flags. The gift was very acceptable, as we now have a silk flag in every room.


I am very much pleased with the general atmosphere and spirit of good comradeship which exists at Redington street between teachers and pupils, for I believe it is a valuable aid to successful school work.


We wish to extend to you and the members of the School Committee our sincere thanks for the help which you have given us.


Very respectfully yours,


ALICE SHAW.


Mr. William J. Pelo, Superintendent of Schools :


DEAR SIR,-The Essex street building contains three grades, first, second and fourth, none of which are overcrowded. As the year advances progress is very noticeable and the amount of work required up to the present time has been accomplished. The teachers have been helped by the printed course of study and


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are now carefully considering new courses of study for primary reading and the best books for supplementary reading in the grammar grades. It is necessary for the good of the school that the rooms be piped for gas and a telephone installed.


We respectfully call the attention of the committee to the dilapidated and untidy appearance of our rooms, this could be remedied by tinting the walls and whitening the ceilings.


Respectfully,


MABEL F. VERRY.


Report of the Beach School.


To the Superintendent of Schools :


Owing to the removal of the third grade, there has been much improvement in the work at the Beach School. Thirty- five pupils were registered in September, 1907, in the first and second grades, nineteen of whom are Italians.


The Swampscott Women's Club gave $15 for pictures to the Farm and Beach Schools. As the needs at the Beach School were the greater, Miss Stanley very generously granted nearly the entire amount to be expended here. Therefore the Beach School has a beautiful copy of "The Madonna of the Chair," by Raphael, and a plaster cast of a "Bambino," by Della Robbia.


Does the Town realize the conditions existing at the Beach School? The black-boards are cracked and the paint is peeling and dropping from the walls and ceiling. The room is so dark on cloudy days that the regular work is seriously affected. Even by using the utmost care, the children's eyes are often strained in their efforts to do their work. The yard is in a bad condition ; puddles, sometimes ankle deep, stand on each side of the building after a storm. If the Town cannot bear the expense which filling in would entail, plank-walks on each side would remedy this trouble, providing the walks were made high enough.


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It would be worth while to alter these conditions even if the building is to be used only for another year. The schoolroom into which the child is introduced for the first time should be as bright and cheerful and artistic as the Town can afford to make it.


I have had no complaint concerning the sanitary conditions owing to Mrs. Maher's excellent care of everything connected with the school.


The courses of study have made the work easier, more system- atic and more interesting ; and aside from the discomforts which I have mentioned, this year at the Beach School has been very profitable and pleasant.


Respectfully submitted,


BLANCH E. DOYLE.


Report of the Farm School.


To the Superintendent of Schools :


There has been marked improvement in all the work at the Farm School this year. This is due to the fact that instead of three grades, for so many years traditional to the school, Mr. Pelo has arranged for two.


Last year there were thirty-nine children crowded into a room that can accommodate but twenty-six. In order to do the re- quired work with the second and third grades the first grade was obliged to be sent home an hour earlier in the morning and afternoon, giving them but three hours of school a day. Their work suffered greatly in consequence. The drill which they needed they could not have.


This year that difficulty is obviated by having two grades. The results in all branches of the work are very satisfactory. We have been able to remove several rows of desks giving opportunity for games and physical exercises.


Having a smaller school this year I have been able to give the children much individual attention. Several who would have


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had to repeat the year without special help have been able to go on. This is especially true of the Italian children.


Two boys who came this country in the Spring, I could send into higher grades by giving them separate work in English. One of the boys is doing fourth grade work in arithmetic, thus covering in six months the work of three years. A girl who in September could speak no English is now doing second grade work in Arithmetic and I think can accomplish two years work in one. This shows the advantage of a small school.


The Farm School is a bright sunny room with beautiful pictures. This term a plaster cast of Andrea Della Robbia's Bambino from the Women's Club has added greatly to the attractivenes of the room and given pleasure to the children, especially the Italians. We have also had a new silk flag very kindly presented by the Women's Relief Corps.


It is impossible to expect, however, that this building which satisfied the needs of a school fifty years ago can meet the requirements of the present day. The heating is wholly inadequate. On cold days we cannot have school. There being no cellar the floor must necessarily be cold. The entries are not heated and the children have to put on cold clothes. The ventilation is hard to regulate because the room is so small that if the windows are open the wind blows directly upon the children.


The blackboards are in a very bad condition, not fit to be used and the walls with the same dingy paint of years ago, are a dis- grace to the Town.


The children give the best they have to give in earnest effort to do their work well and the Town certainly owe them better accommodations than they have at present.


Respectfully submitted,


LOUISE C. STANLEY.


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Report of the Supervisor of Music.


Mr. W. J. Pelo, Supt. of Schools, Swampscott, Mass .;


DEAR SIR,-In accordance with your request I herewith sub- mit to you my report for 1907.


The closing of the schools last June marked the end of a very successful half year of music study, and the graduation which occurred at that time and by which the work is often judged, seemed a fitting close. The musical numbers on the High School program were well rendered and many kind expressions of appreciation were heard from those present. The music at the Grammar School exercises was given by the combined sev- enth and eighth grades from both Grammar buildings. Consid- ering the event was an entirely new feature the results were very gratifying, and the scholars showed evidences of interest during the long rehearsals which took place beforehand those warm days.




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