USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1910 > Part 7
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107
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1910]
of the state. This year advanced work in pattern making has been begun and the last half of the year the pupils will be given training in moulding. There is need that the work be extended next year to include forge work. The room now used as a stock room for the department could be fitted up with little cost to accommodate pupils desiring to take up this branch of work. In addition to this increase in the work in Manual Training, I might also mention here that there is need of an extension of the work in Manual Training to include pupils in the eighth grade. One day per week given to this grade would accommodate the pupils in these two classes, each devoting a half day to the work.
The High School library should be provided with several books, among which a new Encyclopedia and a set of the American Statemen series are the most needed at the present time.
The work in the commercial department has outgrown its present quarters. Some provision must be made for the enlarged classes on this important department or the school will suffer.
For the past two years you have heard mentioned in the com- mittee meetings the great value our pupils would obtain from a lecture course. The success which the present senior class has had with the two lectures given this winter shows us pretty con- clusively that not only the pupils, but the townspeople as well would support a good course of lectures. I, therefore recom- mend that you take under advisement the matter of providing a course of five or six entertainments for the next school year.
For a long time the teachers at the High School have felt, that the school was receiving no support from its graduates. Schools of an equal size and even smaller in this state are aided by an association of graduates, some of them going so far as to provide a scholarship at some college for needy and deserving pupils. There is no reason why the alumni of our High School could not, if properly organized, be of valuable assistance in furthering the equipment and usefulness of the High School to the boys and girls of the Town. I should like to see organized within the next year a graduate association which would co-oper- ate in making our High School second to none in the state.
IOS
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 31
Manners and Morals.
A few weeks ago a lecturer in the Town Hall was obliged to stop twice in his address and upbraid some boys in the rear of the hall for disturbing the quiet which is due to a public speaker and his audience. These boys were nearly all members of our schools. It cannot be said that their actions were provoked by any maliciousness on their part. On the other hand, it might safely be attributed to two causes-thoughtlessness and igno- rance of their own responsibility when in a public place. Of course, I know that many parents who read this will, in defense of their own boys, say that they took no part in the affair. Well and good that they did not. But are they positive that under similar conditions their boys would behave differently ?
Now I do not place the blame on the boys themselves. We all know that the normal boy is not an altogether responsible person. Some one has said that the normal boy, like the nor- mal colt, belongs to someone who is responsible for him. The actions of boys and girls then must in the last analysis be laid at the door of those who have the responsibility of rearing them, viz., the fathers and mothers, and secondly, the schools. Of course, we all know that the efforts of the schools in moral training are practically wasted unless they be strongly supple- mented by rigorous parental guidance and direction. If boys are lawless on the street or in public places; if they lack respect for their elders ; if they are inconsiderate of other people's com- fort, it cannot be charged to the schools. Rather is it the fault of proper control at home. Boys and girls who early learn at home to respect the word of father and mother, to obey when directed, to be respectful to people older than they, to be indus- trious in their small tasks, can be trusted to show proper decorum under whatever circumstances they are placed.
I have known this a strong conviction to bring upon parents, but the opportunities which came to me almost every day for observing this failure on the part of so many boys to show proper training in the habits which go to make up the gentleman, con- vince me that no end of effort by our schools will make up the
109
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
19[0]
lack of disciplinary training which should come from the house. The whole trouble may be stated in this one remark -that parents spend too little time with their children and are not care- ful in seeing that their boys and girls are acquiring "habits of industry and higher respect for the virtues of head and heart."
No-School Signal.
There always will be certain parents who complain because the no-school signal is not rung with every shifting wind or sprinkle of rain. Here a set of no-school signals be devised to meet these conditions :
A signal which shall ring out the first three grades but not the grades from four to eight nor the High School.
A signal which shall ring out all grades and the High School.
Conclusion.
Your attention is called to the tables presented showing ages, promotions, attendance, and expenses of instruction. I have in my office data showing percentage of failures, reasons for failures in each room, number of pupils in each room who are probably retarded by physical defects, and various other information which limits of a report prevent me from presenting to go here.
The year just closing has been one of progress. The people of the Town are showing an interest in the welfare of the schools which must show itself in years to come, increased advantages offered to the youth. That the coming year will show even greater progress than any preceding one is the wish of all con- nected with the work.
Respectfully submitted,
W. J. PELO.
IIO
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 31
Report of Principal of High School.
Mr. William J. Pelo, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I take pleasure in submitting to you my third annual report of the High School.
The total enrollment for the present school year since Sep- tember 9, has been 162, which is practically the same as a year ago. The full development of the course of study and the in- creased size of the entering classes for the past two years have added greatly to the number of recitations. Consequently, dur- ing the past year every teacher has been laboring with a heavier program than the best interests of teachers and pupils warrant. The prospect of a much larger entering class another year, indicates that it will be necessary to secure an additional teacher when school opens in September.
The class of 1909 generously presented the school on gradua- tion with a gift of $55.42, to be used in purchasing pictures for school room decoration. This fund was expended most judiciously by our Superintendent, Mr. Pelo, while abroad last summer, in carbon copies of reproductions of the world's great masterpieces. The fifteen pictures which were purchased have been framed and on each has been placed a brass plate, giving the subject, the artist's name, and the inseription, "Class of 1909." This gift will add much to the attractiveness of the building, but there are still many bare walls waiting to be deco- rated by the generosity of individuals or future classes.
The annual prize speaking contest continues to be an interest- ing event in the school life. Last year the contest was held on Friday evening, May 27, and the judges, Messrs. D. L. Rogers and W. F. Craig of Lynn, and Principal Mitchell of the Danvers High School, assigned the medals to Gladys E. McLeod, 1912, and Charles M. Wareham, 1911. The second prizes, consisting of a set of Bryce's "American Commonwealth," and a set of Keat's poems, provided by the School Committee, were awarded respectively to Dean A. Munsey, 1909, and Grace E. Gosselin, 1910.
III
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1910]
Last year I called your attention to the lack of a suitable room with adequate equipment for the commercial department. The need of this room is now even greater. Not only is such a room required by the commercial department, but the general work of the school necessitates the use of an additional recitation room. There is at present on the third floor of the school building an unfinished room, which could at comparatively small expense be made to meet the need. It is possible to make it into a school room 28 x 30 feet, which is nearly as large as any recitation room in the building. Over one-half of room would be 10} feet posted, while the rest would average 83 feet. I ask that whether this room be furnished to give the High School the extra room which is needed, or that the room now occupied by the eighth grade be given over to its use.
During the past year many needed improvements have been made. Visitors on entering the building have remarked how attractive it looks. During the summer vacation, the walls and ceilings in the corridors were washed and newly tinted, and like- wise the recitation rooms. New window shades have been hung at all the windows. These two things have added much to the cheerfulness of the building. In the lavatories the concrete floors have been resurfaced, the wood work painted, and the walls whitened. In the drawing room, a cabinet has been pro- vided for the drawing supplies and drawing boards, and four tungsten electric lights help to light the rooms on dark days.
From time to time many necessary additions have been made to the school library, so that now it numbers 770 volumes. The increased use made of these books of references shows that the pupils are availing themselves of the resources placed at their disposal. There is need of a new up-to-date encyclopedia, and I hope that during this coming year it may be secured.
In May, 1909, the New England College Entrance Certificate Board granted the certificate privilege to the Swampscott High School. Several factors have contributed to securing this privi · lege for the school, namely, the revised course of study, which was designed to meet the requirements of our New England Colleges ; the untiring efforts of the teachers in their endeavors
II2
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 31
to send to college well prepared students ; and lastly, the excellent scholarship records made while in college by the graduates of the class of 1908. It now becomes the duty of the future graduates of our school who enter college by certificate to see to it that they shall by their records, while in college, not only justify the school in certifying to their qualifications, but also add to the reputation of the school for good scholarship.
The tendency on the part of the graduates to attend advanced institutions of learning still continues. During the past two years a larger number of graduates has entered such institutions than during the five previous years of the school history, while from the present senior class, eleven of the nineteen members are look- ing forward to courses in college or normal school.
The work of the Commercial Department is beginning to show practical results which are gratifying. Three members of the class of 1909 were successful in securing positions as stenographers immediately on graduation. Thus it can be seen that if a pupil wishes to gain a practical business education in our school, it can be done, provided he possesses ability and willingness to work. Inquiries received by the principal from business men show con- clusively that graduates of ability from our school can secure desirable positions without the necessity of attending a Business College.
I should like at this time to call your attention to a work which is being successfully conducted in other communities. There is in almost every graduating class one or more pupils of ambition and ability who through lack of means are unable to carry on their studies. The Alumni Association of various schools have been instrumental in providing scholarships, while others have incorporated Loan Associations to assist meritorious graduates in securing an education. I know of no better way for graduates of our school to show their loyalty and make their influence felt in this community. I wish I might see every grad- uate of the school who is residing within accessible distance of Swampscott, join the graduate association of the school. Let them unite with the teachers and school officials of the present in an endeavor to further the interest of the school.
1910]
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT. 113
The question is often asked why so many pupils leave school before they have fully completed the course. In considering this matter we should bear in mind that the qualifications of all pupils are not the same. While there are many who possess keen intellects and can easily do the work required, there are others who are less brilliant, and only by the hardest and most persistent efforts are able to meet the demands of the teachers. But there is another class that gives the teachers the most anxiety -those who possess somewhat limited ability and are unwilling to devote the ability that they have to the task of preparing their lessons.
We all have at some time or other heard of some "get-rich- quick" scheme, but never yet has any one discovered a "get- educated-quick" formula. Pupils who enter high school have reached sufficient maturity for hard study. They should have learned that in the educational world they cannot acquire some- thing for nothing. They should realize that they will gain in intellectual power in just the proportion that they devote their energy to accomplishing their school duties. The lazy boy who prefers a few weeks in some business college for the foundation of his commercial activity, is lessening the prospects of profitable employment at the age in life that demands self support. If when the report cards indicate that the work of pupils is falling below the passing standard, parents would consult the teachers as to the cause and remedy, both teachers and pupils would be greatly benefited, and at the end of the year there would be less disappointment.
To those who by their words of encouragement have shown their appreciation of the efforts of teachers and principal, I acknowledge my gratitude. To teachers and pupils I am indebted for their co-operation in making the past year pleasant and successful.
Lastly, to the School Committee and Superintendent for their constant endeavors to promote the welfare of the school, and for the cordial relations which I have enjoyed with them, I am sincerely grateful.
Yours respectfully,
HAROLD W. LOKER.
8
114
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 3I
Report of Drawing Master.
MR. WILLIAM J. PELO,
Superintendent of Schools :
MY DEAR SIR,-I have the honor to submit my second report of drawing in the schools of Swampscott.
The results of this last year's training have been most satis- factory and the manner in which pupils have responded to the new work has been very encouraging. It takes some time to get a new system in working order and I hope, in another year, to make the advances still more perceptible. I have found the teachers very willing and ready to help in raising the standard and the enthusiasm with which they have carried out my plans is very encouraging.
I find that still greater stress should be laid upon the study of simple representation of form. The recording of facts of shape and proportion is a long study and it takes great patience on the part of the teacher and perseverence in the pupils to make a good showing in this line.
Water color work is not studied until the third year of school when the pupil has had two years' practice with colored crayons before attempting to use a new medium of expression. The autumn months offer rich opportunities for nature study and color recording and, in all grades, pupils are given much prac- tice in drawing and painting from plant and vegetable forms.
Mechanical work is a branch which cannot be overlooked in a broad course of study. This class of work is of such a nature that any pupil can be trained to become efficient. It calls first, for careful attention and concentration, and secondly, for accuracy and neatness. Lessons in constructing cardboard, models, offer an excellent chance to train pupils along these lines. Beginning witht he fourth grade, pupils are given com- passes to work with. View drawings of objects are studied from the fourth three the sixth grades and some of these drawings are most commendable.
1
115
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1910]
In the seventh and eighth grades, a new study of simple pro- jection was introduced this year. This brings in much practice in the use of squares and triangles, and deals with three views of type solids placed within the plane-box. An application of these principles was made to a working drawing of a tool and a piece of furniture, and it is hoped that this study will give the pupil a better understanding of the architect's or draughtsman's methods.
Lettering is a very important feature of the course. To space lines and words evenly and to be familiar with different types of letters should be the accomplishment of any pupil in the gram- mar schools. Problems such as alphabets, book cover, mottoes, etc., were given to all grades above the third with very gratify- ing results.
From the fourth three the eighth grades, landscape, com- position or rendering is studied, and it is surprising to see what excellent compositions pupils can make with a little careful training in the principles of space relations. In the eighth grades calendars were made at Christmas time which, with a landscape decoration, proved a most effective object, when worked up in twilight, sunset or daylight colors.
Before entering upon the two months' outline of object draw- ing and composition, pupils in upper grades are given simple problems in model theory and perspective. With this previous practice, it is hoped that the pupils will be better prepared to do the freehand work in representation of shape and proportion.
During April and May the course leads up to the making of one object of utility which calls for the use of a new medium,- either cloth, brass or leather-and good design and color. The stenciled doilies and needlebooks in the fourth and fifth grades made a most useful article and the brass work of the sixth and seventh grades was very commendable. Manual training is so essential to all boys and girls and I hope the time will come when sewing and sloyd will be taught in the upper grades of the Swampscott schools.
The enrollment of the freehand classes in High School was noticeably increased this year, and I can report more interest and sincere effort on the part of the pupils. Nature work plays
116
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 31
an important role in the course during the early part of the school year and afterwards, a study is made of color with its three dimensions-hue, value and chroma-which is later applied to working out designs for landscapes, wall decoration and common objects. The mechanical division of the High School class has made very rapid progress. A pupil electing a four years' course of mechanical drawing should have a fairly clear knowledge of projection, working and isometric drawing. If he intends to enter any technical school, he will find this prelim- inary training will be invaluable for more thorough and advanced study.
Let me thank you and the Board for your hearty support and willingness to accede to any new plans. Also, let me thank the teachers for the help and interest manifested in all departments.
Very respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE D. BULFINCH.
Music Report.
MR. W. J. PELO.
Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,- I respectfully submit my fourth report as Super- visor of Music.
The success of the past year is due to the efficient and faithful help of the grade teachers. It is of great advantage to the teacher if she has an unusual ability in this line, but the work demands certain qualifications. The teacher must possess a love for music, must be able to think musically and seeing beyond her own class actually prepare for the grades that follow. She must be the leader of her pupils in order to obtain the best results.
After the long summer vacation there is always more or less unevenness in the work after the classes come together again in September. There will be a new teacher, a new and more advanced book to master and some return with new voices which must be given immediate attention. The upper classes will ever
117
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1910]
contain some changing voices and it takes time and patience for both the pupils and teachers while the young people are out- growing their self-consiciousness. I have been at work for some time with a special end in view for the eighth classes, namely, the introduction of a book containing songs which may be studied either as exercises or for their value as songs. The book chosen for this contains standard selections by famous composers and besides the technical value of the book, it serves to cultivate a taste for good music.
Throughout the middle grades there is an unusually pleasant tone quality. The lower grades are doing good work and the children in the first grades are making creditable progress in the first steps of notation. There have been this year, as always, some classes which excel in music and thereare no two classes exactly alike ; even though they are of the same grade, they have different problems to solve. The general plan of work is kept throughout the whole course but along some particular lines, it has been necessary to vary the lessons as the conditions have required it. For example, some grades find three part singing very easy, while others find it hard to adapt the words to the notes after the syllables have been learned.
Before the close of school last June the five upper grades were given some examination questions based upon the year's work.
The real test of efficiency is in sight singing, but there is still a certain kind of knowledge that a teacher can draw from a pupil by having him write his music. The papers received from the grades were in most cases satisfactory.
The new system of marking the music lesson upon its merits, has proven an incentive to many classes to strive for a high mark.
Last spring the six classes at the Redington school combined for a public musical. No special program was prepared, the songs and exercises were some of the every day lessons. The parents are given a chance at commencement time to hear the High School and eighth grade choruses, and I highly approve of the above plan for the under classes, and hope other grades will decide to combine for similar purposes in the future.
118
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Jan. 31
In the High School the work has been carried on as usual. We need a new piano very much. For accompanying a chorus of 160 voices in a hall the size of ours the piano must be dis- tinctly heard by all the singers without demanding too much of the accompanist. An instrument which requires constant urging never stays long in tune, but may be used to a better advantage in a much smaller grammar school room.
In closing, I desire to thank you and the Committee for your interest in our public school music.
Respectfully yours,
MABELLE B. PROCTOR.
Report of Medical Inspector.
MR. WILLIAM J. PELO,
Superintendent Schools Swampscott :-
I hereby submit to you and the School Committee my report as School Inspector.
Schools.
Diseases.
High.
Clarke.
Redington.
Palmer.
Beach.
Machon.
Adenoids
15
34
. .
14
12
30
Abscess of Ear
.
.
. .
.
I
. .
.
.
·
.
. .
.
.
Eczema Chemie
· .
I
·
.
. .
Impetigo
12
.
·
.
2I
Parotitis
I
.
.
·
Pediculae Capitis
·
2
8
6
Phthysis
I
Scabies
.
.
I
Scarlet Fever
·
·
.
I
·
·
Syncope
.
I
.
.
The general health of the children in our schools is good, and much improved over the previous years.
I
Cholera
119
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1910]
Care of the teeth is still a prevailing source of neglect, harbor- ing many germs of a nature dangerous to the health of our children. The older school buildings are poorly ventilated and to a great degree retard the mental and physical conditions of the pupils. Individual cups for drinking and individual towels are strongly recommended.
Very respectfully, H. K. GLIDDEN, School Inspector.
Truant Officer's Report.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I beg leave to submit the following report as Truant Officer of the Town of Swampscott for the year ending January 31, 1910.
Whole number of complaints received . 158
Calls made in investigating said complaints
267
Cases of truancy . II
Second offense
Third offense 2
3
Cases of unnecessary or inexcusable absence
83
Returned truants from the street to school 2
During the year three cases have been brought to the attention of the police court. One for truancy, and two for parents not complying with the educational laws. One case is still pending before the court on a continuance. One case noncompliance with the educational laws has been settled without bringing the parties into court on the charge owing to the fact that Chief Corson of the Police Department who had a case against the same party on another charge has so arranged it that the family has been obliged to take up a residence out of the state.
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