USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1912 > Part 15
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
grade teachers to include High School teachers, and demand that all candidates for the High School hold a certificate from the State Board of Education.
Home Making.
I wish to draw your attention to the fact that we are not giv- ing our girls and young women equal opportunities with the boys and young men. The greatest field of a woman's endeavor is home-making. No matter what is her condition in life, she is more or less a home-maker. Our course of study, as at present arranged, wholly neglects this. I hope that it will be made pos- sible for us to put such a course in our system, beginning with the seventh grade and extending through the High School. The predominating idea throughout should be that of home-making. This would mean courses in cooking, buying, sewing, home furnishing, house decorating, care and education of children, etc. Why neglect the very subjects which are so vital to a woman's happiness? Closely connected with these subjects should be physiology, not only of the adult but of the growing child, chemistry as it is applied to the art of cooking, etc., literature to awaken a love for the beautiful, etc. To my mind such a course in home-making would be of far more cultural value than any of our college entrance courses, especially for those, the great majority, who can never attend college.
Dental Inspection.
In his report Dr. Glidden has expressed the need of Dental Inspection. There is no doubt that the children of Swampscott need this. An examination was made of the teeth of 3, 126 children in Brookline with the following results :
Good 713 or 22.8 per cent. Fair 1,297 or 41.4 per cent. Poor 1, 116 or 35.7 per cent.
For the best school it was found as follows :
Good 142 or 38.7 per cent. Fair 205 or 55.5 per cent. Poor 20 or 5.4 per cent.
For the poorest school, as follows :
Good 32 or 5.7 per cent. Fair 2II or 36.4 per cent. Poor 336 or 58.0 per cent.
191
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
Last year, one of our local dentists, Dr. Austin, investigated the causes of absences in one of our sixth grades and reported to me that nearly half of these was due to defective teeth. Dr. Leonard C. Ayers, in his study of retardation in the New York schools, places defective teeth ahead of such physical defects as poor hearing, poor eyesight, or adenoids, as causing backward- ness. The State Board of Education this year has placed with us blanks for reporting the condition of the children's teeth to parents. In view of all this I would recommend for your con- sideration the subject of dental inspection.
The Purpose of Public Education.
For various reasons, but chiefly, because of the dominance of the College and Technical School over the High School, we sometimes forget the purpose of public education and come to look upon it merely as the means of preparation for a higher institution. Our course of study throughout the grades and High School are for the most part given for preparatory for other schools. The seventh grade children are prepared for the eighth, the eighth for High School, the High School for College, Technical or Normal School. Too often, Latin is studied by a boy or girl solely for the purpose of gaining points for College entrance. To prepare a boy for College is not the primary purpose of teaching history. Its purpose is to enrich and deepen his life to-day, now, to give him a clear insight into the growth and development of his country and her institutions, and to sow the seeds of a broader and better citizenship.
The primary purpose of public education is not one of preparation for higher institutions. Comparatively few of our pupils enter these. In 1907, forty-five pupils graduated from our grammar grades. If all had remained in school, we should have had a High School graduating class of the same number. But we only had sixteen. Of these only five have gone to higher institutions. From these figures, it will be readily seen that we are not justified in allowing the idea of preparation to dominate our school work. Rather, we should keep clearly before us that the primary purpose of public school education is to give the pupil a facility in the use of common tools of life, reading, writing, arithmetic and in the manual and domestic arts ; to acquaint him with the world's activities ; to instil within him a love for nature and a respect for her laws as they have a bearing on his life; to acquaint him with the beautiful and ennobling in art, literature and music; and to teach him rever-
192
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
ence for and his responsibility to the institutions of which he is a part. I have brought this matter before you in order that you may see one of the great evils against which our teachers, but especially Mr. Loker, as Principal of the High School, must contend.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the committee, the teachers, and the parents for the courtesy, cooperation and advice.
Repectfully submitted, ELDRIDGE SMITH.
193
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
Report of Principal of High School.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith respectfully submit my sixth annual report of the Swampscott High School :
Teachers.
During the past year several changes have taken place among the teachers in the High School. In February, Miss Alma Sander, teacher of French and German, resigned. The work in these subjects is now being successfully carried on by Miss Minnie L. Shedd, a graduate of Smith College, and a teacher of several years' experience. In June, Miss Ruby Willis, teacher of Mathematics, and Miss Dorothea L. Mann, teacher of English, tendered their resignations. Miss Mary F. Davis, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, and Miss Florence C. Young, a graduate of Boston University, succeeded them and have entered upon their work with earnestness and enthusiasum.
The increase in the number of pupils in the school made necessary the employment of an extra teacher in September. Merle G. Summers, a graduate of Ohio State University, was selected from a large number of applicants to take some of the classes in American History, and to act as coach and manager of the athletic work in baseball and football. The wisdom of the choice has already been demonstrated in the success of the football team during the past season. He has given his time unstintedly to the interests of the school and has won the respect of all. It is essential for the development of the boys and girls that they come in contact with some men teachers, and I strongly urge that another submaster be engaged to fill the next vacancy when it occurs in the teaching staff.
In November, Miss Ethel L. Hersey, who for the past two years has had charge of the Science Department, resigned, much to our regret, to accept a more lucrative position in the Chelsea High School. To fill this position, Miss Maebelle Adams, a graduate of Radcliffe College, was elected. She came to us very highly recommended and promises to maintain the high standard of the work in this department. Following the suggestion that I made in my last report, Miss Annie A. Vance, a graduate of Swampscott High School in 1912, was secured to attend to the clerical work in the principal's office and take
13
194
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
charge of the typewriting. She has proved very faithful and has greatly lightened the work of the commercial teacher and principal.
The School.
The enrollment since September, 1912, has been 245, as com- pared with a total of 195 of a year ago. These pupils have been seated in the six rooms which were designed to accommodate only 234 pupils. However, extra desks have been placed in some of the rooms and thereby the increased number has been pro- vided for in a way. In nearly every room some twenty pupils are obliged to study, while a teacher conducts a recitation of a class of twenty or more. Neither pupils nor teacher can do their best work under such conditions. There is a pressing need at the present time of two more recitation rooms. The enrollment in September, 1913, will be about the same as that for this year, due to the fact that only a very small class will be graduated from the grammar schools in June. In February of 1914, when the semi-annual promotions first affect the eighth grade, and a class of 30 more pupils enter the High School, the building will be inadequate to care for them and two more school rooms will be absolutely needed. Some action should be taken so that two more rooms may be available in February, 1914. More rooms are needed now. They will be absolutely necessary then. In addition to the extra rooms, a gymnasium should be provided for and a room for domestic science. Systematic work in gym- nastics has already been introduced in the curriculum of many schools. During the past year the athletic association of the school has done what it could to meet this demand. Miss Jessie McDonald, a graduate of the Sargent School of Gymnastics, was secured to take charge of gymnastic work for the girls. On two afternoons of each week she has had classes in the Assembly Hall and over 60 girls have availed themselves of this opportun- ity. This expense is a serious burden for the athletic association to carry, but the parents of the girls are demanding it. I believe that the nature of the work is so imperative that when a regular gymnasium can be secured, or perhaps sooner, the School Com- mittee will feel that they can assume supervision and expense of this instruction.
In previous reports I have called attention to the need of instruction in domestic science. We have manual training for the boys but nothing of a similar nature to offer for the girls. I earnestly hope that when enlarged quarters are secured for the school, some provision will be made for an immediate beginning of work in domestic science.
195
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
Prize Speaking Contest.
The annual prize speaking contest for the Phillips Medals was held in the High School Hall on the evening of May 29, 1912. Eugene Russell, Principal of Lynn Classical High School, James Butterworth, Principal of Saugus High School, and John Andrew, of Lynn English High School, were selected as judges. They awarded the medals to Winnie M. Summers, 1915, and Edmund Young, 1914. The second prizes, consisting of a set of Tennyson's Poems and set of Bryce's American Common- wealth were assigned to Marion E. Dennis, 1915, and Walter A. Brennan, 1915.
Class Gifts.
The class of 1912, on the night of its graduation, remembered the school with a gift of six beautifully framed pictures. Joan of Arc, Bastian Le Page ; Man in Armour, Rembrandt ; Rem- brandt, by Himself; Hope, Burne Jones; The Boy with the Torn Hat, Sully; and Balthazar Carlos, Valesquez. These pictures have been hung in the schoolrooms and have added much to their attractiveness.
Scholarship Fund.
A beginning at last has been made towards establishing a scholarship fund. For some time the feeling has been growing that the school ought to be able each year in some way to assist financially one or more deserving pupils in securing a college education.
During the past year, the Alumni Association of the school aroused considerable interest in this matter and made an excel- lent beginning towards securing such a fund. As a result of their efforts, $395.67 was raised. The Swampscott Dramatic Club, an organization of young people in this Town, many of whom have attended the school at some time, generously con- tributed $92.50 to the fund. The Woman's Club of Swamp- scott also gave a contribution of $20. These amounts, making a total of $508.17, have been deposited in the Lynn Institution for Savings, under the control of the Town Treasurer. It is hoped that this fund will so increase within the next few years, that the yearly income thereof will be sufficient to pay for the college tuition of some worthy pupil, who otherwise would be unable to'secure a college education. I believe that there are many people in this Town who, if they knew of the existence of this fund, and realized its needs as much as I do, would be glad of an opportunity to contribute to a scholarship fund.
196
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Conclusion.
I feel that I ought to say a word about parents' oversight of pupils in the High School. The number of cases of tardiness is appalling. Except in extreme cases, tardiness is inexcusable and would not be tolerated in the business world. The school is the pupil's place of business, and to be at school on time is the pupil's first duty. Parents should see to it that their children are ready to start in time to allow them to reach school and get ready for their day's work at 8 o'clock. The parents can, if they will, put a stop to tardiness in the Schools.
Of all the failures in High School, by far the greater number occurs during the first and second years of the course. It is during this period that parents should keep a watchful eye on the progress of their children. The report cards, which are sent home every eight weeks for the parents' inspection, should be examined with care, and the reasons for failure in any study should be ascertained. It says on the report cards that two hours daily of home study is as little as any pupil can give and still do satisfactory work. If parents would see to it that at least this amount of home study were given daily, the work of pupils would improve greatly, there would be fewer failures and the teachers would find their burdens greatly lightened.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD W. LOKER.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR, - I herewith submit my second annual report :
Drawing, like all other educational subjects, is based on laws and principles which remain constant, but new application of principles and methods of teaching are constantly evolved. The course in drawing is reconstructed each year, and through experience a better course is planned. In this way the subject is developed and the most practical working methods are incul- cated in the system.
By your suggestion, a part of the time is given to supervision ; that is, observing the teachers present the lesson. This is proving helpful to them, showing where they may be assisted in the preparation of their work. Frequent teachers' meetings have been given to explain the course.
197
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
In reviewing the work of the year I find that the subject of representation in the grammar grades is not as strong as desir- able. In the primary grades this study is incidental to illustra- tive work. Attention is given to foreshortening and converg- ence in the intermediate and grammar grades. We are endeavoring to improve the work in these grades by using paste- board easels. These enable the children to sketch freely and see clearly what they are drawing.
The illustrative work in the primary grades is generally good. During the winter months, time was spent in drilling upon pose drawing and the elements of picture making. In the spring, the result of this practice showed gratifying progress in original expression. The nature drawing is generally strong and truthful.
Munsell water colors have been introduced in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. These are used successfully in coloring the designs applied to the Christmas gifts. The teachers and pupils deserve special commendation for the careful constructions and orderly designs made at that time.
In the mechanical division of the High School a gain has been made over last year, each class having already accomplished more than its predecessor at this time. The work in all divi- sions of the High School is progressing well.
Discouraging conditions have been met by teachers and pupils with wholesome optimism, and the work on the whole has been pleasant and encouraging. Too much credit cannot be given to the conscientious teachers who have worked faithfully to bring about the desired results.
In conclusion, I wish to express my obligations to you for your advice and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
LULA M. DIX.
Report of Supervisor of Music.
To Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
Fundamentally, conditions continue about the same as in for- mer years. During the past year, in the 2nd, 3d, 4th and 5th grades, we have placed the New Normal Music Course, which gives us a good, concise and thoroughly up-to-date music system, and this is doubly acceptable to the second grade as previously they had no books that were worth mentioning, and now the
198
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
little people have plenty of material suitable to their needs. The new system is the very latest for school work and provides an abundance of material for all grades, both in drill, recrea- tion, motion and rote songs. The authors represented, such as Brahms, Frieburg, Beethoven, Vogel, Abt and others too numer- ous to mention, testify to the quality of the songs and exercises, while the poetry and translations are of the very best.
Of course the scattering of the Hadley School for the past year and over, has made it very difficult to do the work properly, but as that obtains in all the branches and with all the teachers, we will only mention it, and say that having entered that big, magnificent building, we shall comfort ourselves with the thought that there is no scholar in New England better housed.
The object aimed at in our department is to inculcate into the child a love for the beautiful, both in art and music, so we start with the rote song, and get as near to nature as possible by com- bining out-door sports, common domestic animals, etc., and correlate these out-door objects with in-door lessons, thereby training the common life along with the art, and, should we go far enough, the artistic temperament of the mature man or woman.
The scholars of the Town have appeared before the public three times in the past year :- Memorial Exercises in the High School Hall before the James L. Bates Post 118, G. A. R., eighth grade graduation at Town Hall, High School graduation at the High School Hall, at all of which they acquitted them- selves admirably.
The programme at High School graduation consisted of Wagner's "Hail ! Bright Abode" (Tannhauser Grand March), " Hallelujah Chorus," Handel, Facer's "Voyagers, " Watson's "Gallant Troubadour " and " Yachting Glee " by Culbertson, the first four by the school chorus and the last by the boys, chorus.
When we consider that the "Hallelujah Chorus" and the "Tannhauser Grand March" are masterpieces of musical art that the best choruses of the country sing, we can realize the splendid chorus at the High School, and that where we lead they will follow and give a good account of themselves.
Respectfully,
EBEN F. RICHARDSON.
199
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
Report of the Truant Officer.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, 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 December 31, 1912 :
Whole number of complaints 141 Calls made in investigating said complaints 283
Letters written and sent in regard to cases . 17
Cases of Truancy 7
Second offense .
3
Cases of unnecessary absence
107
Parents keeping children out of school to do work at home, to run errands, and to go away for trivial reasons, still continue to be the causes of a large part of the complaints. The law does not recognize these as sufficient excuses for absence from school, and all parents should try, if possible, to discontinue such practice. During the year, your Truant Officer has prosecuted one case of violation of the educational laws in court and has assisted in the investigation of four complaints of neglected children.
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED F. FRAZIER, Truant Officer.
Report of the Medical Inspectors.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR, -Please accept the following report from the Medical Inspector of the Clarke School :
I have made weekly visits and at such other times as has been necessary.
The following is the list of diseases occurring in the school during the year :
Pediculi Capitis
6
Conjunctivitis
. Chicken Pox .
· 2 Impetigo
.
3
200
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Flat foot
I
Adenoids and Enlarged Tonsils . ·
18 Ear Trouble
Home visits where contagious diseases were suspected 2
In every case the disease has been properly cared for or the pupil excluded from school.
LORING GRIMES, M. D.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools:
DEAR SIR, - I herewith submit to you my report for medical inspection of the Hadley School for the past year. There has been a great improvement in the physical welfare of all the chil- dren and a hearty cooperation on the part of the parents. We are now housed in the new Hadley School building, which is a hygienically perfect building, and the coming year should see still greater improvements in the health of the pupils, which means greater capacity for school work. Below are the diseases for which children have been excluded until such time as they would be safe to attend school again :
Impetigo (Contagious) .
4
Pediculi Capitis .
S
Whooping Cough .
3
Chicken Pox
.
4
Tonsilitis Acuta
.
2
Phthisis (arrested cases)
2
Conjunctivitis
3
Defective Eyes not wearing glasses
15
Cystitis
I
Defective Hearing
.
.
2
Ring Worm .
.
·
4
.
.
.
A large percentage of pupils have defective teeth and a dental inspection once or twice a year by a Dental Surgeon would add greatly to the health conditions.
H. K. GLIDDEN, M. D.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR. - I herewith submit my report for the High and Palmer Schools for the year ending December 31, 1912 :
·
I
201
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
At the High School, the health of the pupils has been excellent, with no epidemics.
At the Palmer School there has been an epidemic of whoop- ing cough, one of measles and one of conjunctivitis or "pink eye." Many of the children have been kept from school on account of this last mentioned disease, and a number of visits at their homes have been made to see that they were properly treated.
The weekly visits have been made in accordance with the law, and the teachers of both schools have given me their cooperation at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
R. E. BICKNELL. M. D.
Mr. Eldridge Smith, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my report of the medical inspec- tion of the Beach and Machon Schools. The general health of the schools has been excellent, this in spite of the unsanitary and poor heating conditions at the Beach School. No cases of contagious disease have appeared and but few cases of Pediculi Capitis or Impetigo have been noted. A few cases of Adenoids have been advised treatment. The usual tests for eye and ear have been performed and in the necessary cases the parents notified.
Yours respectfully, H. M. LOWD, M. D.
202
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Growth of School Population During Last Five Years.
HIGH SCHOOL :
1 90'S
1909
1910
1911
1912
Graduates
2
22
I
I
I
Senior
26
19
16
16
27
Junior
22
21
23
31
31
Sophomore
25
27
32
35
52
Freshmen
37
43
49
5.5
52
Sub. Freshmen
49
52
58
57
82
Totals
161
169
179
195
245
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS !
Grade VIII
63
62
69
97
56
Grade VII
78
76
113
74
109
Grade VI
100
I37
87
I37
116
Grade V
147
95
IIS
121
105
Grade IV .
92
116
124
143
Totals
480
486
495
553
529
PRIMARY SCHOOLS :
Grade III
116
130
137
127
I35
Grade II
125
I35
I35
143
130
Grade I
141
I33
166
158
167
Totals
382
398
4.38
428
432
Grand Totals
1023
1046
III2
1176
1206
Increase
50
23
66
6.4
30
[2161
Distribution of School Population.
Grade I
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade S
Sub
Freshman
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate
Total
Palmer
24
20
22
66
Machon
47
32
31
34
144
Clarke
48
39
42
42
45
45
49
35
345
Hadley
48
39
40
67
60
71
60
21
406
High
82
52
52
31
27
1
245
Total
167
130
135
143
105
116
109
56
82
52
52
31
27
I
1,206
.
.
.
·
.
.
. .
.
.
.
· .
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
203
204
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
STATISTICS
School population census 1912, 5-15 years old :
Boys
504
Girls .
4.42
Total .
946
Enrollment in graded schools
· 96 1
Enrollment in High School . 245
Number of boys completing Grammar School course .
43
Number of girls completing Grammar School course .
50
Number of boys completing High School course .
5 Number of girls completing High School course 1 I .
Number cases truancy . .
7
205
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1912]
GRADUATION EXERCISES
AT THE
PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday Evening, June 18, 1912.
AT 8 O'CLOCK.
Order of Exercises.
INVOCATION
Rev. H. E. Leech.
" Hail Bright Abode" - Grand March from Tannhauser
School Chorus.
SALUTATORY-" Positive Forces " . · Wagner
Alice Lillian Earp.
" What the World was Doing One Hundred Years Ago"
Annie Augusta Vance.
" Gallant Troubadour " Watson
School Chorus.
READING-" The Three Wise Men " McIntire
Jessie Lenore Weir.
" Yachting Glee "
Boys' Chorus. Wetherbee
206
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
CLASS PROPHECIES
Ruth Evelyn Symonds.
·· Hallelujah Chorus "
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