USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1913 > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
Observance of Flag Day.
Resolved, That the governor shall annnally set apart the four- teenth day of June as Flag Day, that date being the anniversary of the adoption of the national flag by the continental congress in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-seven; and shall issue his proclamation recommending that the day be observed by the people of the commonwealth in the display of the flag and in such other ways as will be in harmony with the general character of the day. Chapter 5, Resolves of 1911.
No School Signal.
If the signal, "2-2" is sounded on the fire-alarm at 7.20 A.M., the High School will open at 8.30 A. M., and the other schools at 9 A. M. If the signal is repeated at 7.50 A. M., no schools will be open for the forenoon. If " 2-2" is sounded at 12.50 P. M., no schools will be open in the afternoon.
150
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the School Committee.
To the Citizens of Swampscott :
Your School Committee begs leave to report to you on the development of your school system during the past year. The opening in January of the new Hadley school building marked the beginning of a new era of school work in this town. Sev- eral hundred pupils, who had been scattered among a number of halls and church vestries, were brought together under one roof and their education taken up under conditions far superior to anything that had previously existed. The results obtained in the past year alone have been an ample demonstration of the wisdom of the Town in erecting one large, modern school build- ing in a central location where concentrated effort under a single executive head might find a field for effort. No unexpected diffi- culties nor insurmountable obstacles have appeared to prevent or hinder obtaining all the objects which your Committee sought. Fourteen of the sixteen rooms already are occupied, though the division of grades has necessarily resulted in a few small classes which the future will take care of. Perhaps there is no better commentary on the structural completeness of the building than announcement of the fact that during two days of below zero temperature, when other buildings had to be closed because of inability to properly heat them, there was not the slightest diffi- culty in obtaining ample warmth. In fact on the coldest day several radiators were shut off to reduce the temperature. The ventilation is as nearly perfect as modern equipment will pro- duce, and every feature of the building contributes to the health, happiness and comfort of the pupils. Every educational facility that the Town can afford has been provided and the results ob- tained (cannot be otherwise than satisfactory to every reasonable parent.
All the other grade buildings of the town have been practi- cally filled. With the gradual increase in population in the upper end of the town has come more or less congested conditions at the Clarke school, from which it has been necessary to send pupils to the Hadley school. The School Committee and super-
151
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
intendent have endeavored to be thoroughly impartial in making these transfers, and in in view of the fact that no part of the town is far distant from any other part, they feel no extraordinary hardships have been inflicted. In all probability 'the next elementary building proposition will force itself upon the town from this district. Either the Clarke school will have to be en- larged to meet the growing school population from upper Swampscott or another building erected at a point which will best meet the demands. The eight rooms at the Clarke school building are filled and the work is proceeding very satisfactorily.
The four rooms at the Machon school and the two rooms at the Palmer school are taking care of the school population of these districts. In both the lower grades are accomodated, the boys and girls being advanced to the Clarke or Hadley schools for their work in the higher grades. The Machon school build- ing is an old one, but for a few years more will have'to meet the demands of the district when the disposition of greater problems will have left the field clear for consideration of a more modern structure. Notwithstanding the physical obstacles which obtain here, the work is proceeding without interruption and meeting the requirements demanded under better conditions.
The Palmer school is a modern building of the smaller type and in every way is fulfilling the demands of the part of the town in which it is located. Though originally erected with a view of future enlargement it probably will be a number of years be- fore such steps need be taken. As in all the other elementary schools the educational work is proving most satisfactory.
The High school building is the immediate problem which faces the town. For the past two or three years your school Committee has been overcoming obstacles which are now only surmountable by the provision of more rooms. In the past seven years the High school attendance has about doubled. Every available square foot of floor surface is used for some purpose. Classes are given recitations in ante-rooms and even cloak rooms have been taken in the effort to provide adequate facilities. The High school building with the advent of the graduates from the eighth grade in February will be filled to its utmost capacity. In June a class will go out, but another comes in in September. The following February will see no place in which to care for them. Your Committee recommends the appointment of a Committee to study the problem with the aid of a competent architect, and report at the adjourned town meeting upon the most economical plan for providing additional room for a number of years to come.
152
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
As this work must be done during the summer vacation the necessity for prompt action is apparent.
The constantly increasing growth of the Town has necessi- tated the employment of two new teachers in the grades during the past year. In addition to these there were a number of va-
cancies filled. Every effort was put forth to get the strongest teachers available, and your Committee feels that its teaching staff as a whole is equal to if not better than that of any other town of the size of Swampscott in the State.
The first important development of the double promotion sys- tem comes in February, when classes in the eighth grade will go to the High School from the Hadley and Clarke Schools. This situation demands the addition of two new teachers to the High School staff and steps are being taken to procure them. These pupils will be accommodated by scattering seats in the several rooms.
Last September your Committee introduced manual training in the eighth grades. These classes are given a day a week at the High School plant and the results have exceeded the expecta- tions. The boys have exhibited a large amount of interest in the instruction they are receiving and their work has been very creditable.
A new venture last fall was the inauguration of sewing classes among the higher grades in the grammar schools. A domestic science teacher was secured, classes were organized and the work carried on regularly and with evidence of a large amount of in- terest. Basket work was provided for the boys who were not engaged in manual training, and under the direction of the draw- ing supervisor they have exhibited a high degree of skill.
It is the desire of your Committee to introduce in the higher grades next fall classes in cooking. It is felt that sewing and cooking are features of school work in other places that should not be neglected here. Under proper scientific direction, in- struction along these lines cannot fail to prove of value to the pupil all through life. The Hadley school was erected with provisions for cooking classes in the basement. The large, well- lighted room in the southerly end of the building was piped with this in view, and all that is now necessary to begin the work is the purchase of gas ranges and other minor equipment. Your Committee has asked for a small appropriation to begin this work in September.
One of the problems which your Committee has had to con- tend with in the last two or three years, has been the provision
I53
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
of some athletic instruction. For two years a High School instructor, capable of supervising football and baseball, has been employed, and the principals of the schools containing the higher grades have endeavored to develop organized athletics in a small way. This plan has not been wholly satisfactory, as it must be obvious that any combination of school and athletic instruction must have its weaknesses in one direction or the other. Your Committee has noted a growing interest in athletics among both boys and girls. It recognizes that the pupils of the schools, aside from the physical benefits derived therefrom, take a larger interest in going to school and in keeping up with their studies if organized play relieves the monotony of the daily routine.
It was with a view of developing a better system of athletics that your Committee last fall appointed an advisory athletic Committee, consisting of Messrs. Lindsey, Blaney, Homan, Honors, the captains of the football and baseball teams, and the principal and sub-master of the High School to act in conjunction with the school committee on all matters pertaining to athletics. The result has been very gratifying. These citizens have taken a large and active interest in the work, which they are prepared to continue.
After a number of conferences the advisory Committee voted to recommend to the school Committee the divorce of athletic instruction from the regular High School work. Your Com- mittee believes this to be a proper step, and one that will ultim- ately result in awakening widespread interest in school affairs among all the children in the schools. Acting upon this decision the advisory Committee has engaged the services of a capable athletic instructor for the baseball and football seasons of the coming year. He will devote a day each week in the grammar grades. Your Committee recommends a special appropriation of $750 to cover the work for this year.
In closing this report your Committee desires to express its appreciation for the cooperation which the parents have given to teachers and principals in the arduous duties which their profes- sion entails. School Committee, Superintendent, principals and teachers have striven only to give the best that is in them for the education of the school children. Your Committee continues to urge a closer relationship between school and parent, believing that it must result in a clearer perception of the difficulties that have to be overcome in the maintenance of a smooth running school system. Your Committee has endeavored to adhere closely to a line of strict impartiality, and in all its acts has had
I54
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
in view the greatest good to the greatest number. Aside from the regular monthly meetings your Committee has held scores of informal sessions, at which problems were met and disposed of. Absence of any friction between members of the School Board and the educational staff has facilitated every movement. Sup- erintendent, Principals and Teachers have worked with a loyalty that could not fail to produce gratifying results. The results obtained, however, are none too good for the children of Swamp- scott, and your Committee will hasten to accept every opportunity to secure even better and larger results during the ensuing year.
Respectfully submitted,
J. HENRY WELCH, Chairman, ARTHUR W. STUBBS, Rev. EDWARD TILLOTSON.
SWAMPSCOTT, January 1, 1914.
155
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
SECRETARY'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Swampscott :
I beg to submit the following statement of financial conditions at the end of the fiscal year, December 31, 1913 :
General
High Elementary
School Committee . . $548 44
Superintendent
· 1,153 76
EXPENSES OF INSTRUCTION.
Supervisors
1,260 00
Principals
$2,040 00
$3,070 00
Teachers
6,996 00
16,718 20
Text Books
602 03
663 49
Supplies
571 99
618 82
EXPENSES OF OPERATION.
Janitors
800 00
3052 50
Fuel and Power
.
.
768 36
3058 97
Miscellaneous .
273 57
799 84
EXPENSES OF MAINTENANCE.
Repairs, Etc.
419 18
563 71
AUXILLIARY EXPENSES.
Medical Attendance ·
325 00
Libraries
.
6 30
Transportation
.
500 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Sundries
.
1,641 96
EXPENSES OF OUTLAY.
New Equipment. 446 75 ·
Totals $5,882 21 $12,471 13 $28,545 53
.
.
.
156
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Appropriation .
.
.
Transferred by Selectmen
.
$46,700 00 200 00
Total
Expended
46,900 00 46,898 87
Balance, Dec. 31
I I3
The average attendance for the elementary schools for the year was 931. This would make the cost of educating each pupil in the elementary schools $40.25. The average attendance at the High school was 234. I. The average cost per pupil in this school was $53.27. Taking the entire cost of running the schools, including expenses of administration, operation and new equipment, at the average total attendance of 1165.1, the aver- age cost for each pupil was $40.25.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. STUBBS,
Secretary.
157
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Swampscott :
GENTLEMEN,-I have the honor to submit for your consider- ation my third annual report.
The Teaching Corps.
Each year many changes take place in teaching corps. This one is no exception. Three new names appear in the list of High School teachers and seven in the list of grammar schools. The teaching corps was increased by three members. During the coming year, it will probably be necessary to increase it by three more-two in the High School and one in the grades. It is perhaps well to note that the number of pupils per teacher in our High School is greater than in most schools of the size of ours. This statement is made on the authority of Mr. Kingsley of the State Board.
It was a great pleasure to me when the Town voted to accept the Teachers' Pension Act and to appropriate money for the pensioning of Miss Fernald and Miss Hadley. Miss Fernald was in your service twenty-five years and Miss Hadley thirty- seven. Under the new system of retiring teachers by State Aid, made possible by last year's legislation, the Swampscott teachers will probably elect to come under the State system. It seems to me that this would be to the great advantage of every teacher. New teachers entering your service after July, 1914, must join the State Teachers' Retirement Association.
The Abolishing of the Sub-Freshmen Class.
At the regular meeting of the School Committee in June, it was voted to abolish the sub-freshmen class and to graduate pu- pils from the grammar school into the regular freshman work. This was a wise move and is in keeping with the general trend of grading in other systems. The work of the sub-freshman class was almost wholly a review of grammar school work. Eight years in the grades ought to give ample preparation for High School, in fact some of our pupils were passing from our eighth grades into the freshman class of the Lynn schools.
158
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Ordinarily, a boy will enter the grades at six, spend eight years there, and four in the High School. He should graduate from the High School not later than eighteen. If he wishes to enter the medical profession, or, for that matter, most of the professions, and wishes to take his professional training at Harvard, he will be twenty-six when he gets his final diploma. This is late enough in life. No unnecessary time should be wasted in the grades or High School.
Half-Yearly Promotions in the High School.
In my former reports, I have made mention at length of the advantages of half-yearly promotions. In the last report, I spoke especially of the advantages of such a scheme in the High School. These are :
I. Greater opportunity for the boy who, through no fault of his, is forced to drop school for a month or two.
2. An opportunity for a boy, who completes the grammar school in February, to continue his work.
3. An opportunity for the bright boy to complete his work in three or three and a half years.
That such a scheme of half-yearly promotions is possible in the High School goes without question. In order that you may the better see how some of our leading educators look upon this plan, I give the following quotations from letters recently received :
" Your school population appears to be just at the point when you can safely begin admitting classes from the grades to the High School twice a year."-James H. Van Sickle, Superin- tendent of Schools, Springfield, Mass.
" I see no difficulty in promoting twice a year in the High School as well as in the grades."-Henry W. Holmes, Profes- sor of Education, Harvard University.
" We have promoted twice a year for the past five years. Our High School seems to be able to handle the classes satisfactorily." -I. S. Carroll, Superintendent of Schools, Oswego (popu- lation 5,039) N. Y.
"Our practice is to promote twice a year and to admit to the High School twice a year. . Pupils who enter the Acad-
159
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
emy in February, may complete the course four years hence in January."-Asher J. Jacoby, Superintendent of Schools, Elmira, N. Y.
"We have about 320 pupils in our Academy. We give the Regents examination twice a year and promote from the grade school to the Academy in February about 60 pupils."-Luther N. Steele, Superintendent of Schools, Canandaigua, N. Y.
"I have a feeling that very possibly the semi-annual promo- tions might be put in force in your High School without extra expense."-Homer P. Lewis, Supt. of Schools, Worcester, Mass.
"There are several schools in Eastern Massachusetts that have introduced semi-annual promotion within the last few years. It is almost universal in the large schools of the West and is gaining head-way in the East."-Arthur Lee, Head Master of High School, Malden, Mass.
"We have done it for four years now. . It is not just . to pupils to hold them back a half-year."-F. R. Parker, Principal of Free Academy, Elmira, N. Y.
"There are some advantages to this plan. The best pupils can finish the High School in 32 years. We had one do it last year. Three are to do it this year and six will do it next. The slower pupils can use the half year to advantage."-Fred Engelbardt, Principal of Academy, Malone, N. Y.
"The system means work and expense but is worth while." --- William C. Hill. Principal of High School, Springfield, Mass.
"The schools in Little Falls seem to be about the same size of the Swampscott schools. We have for years been allowing pupils to enter the High School in September and in February. I see no reason why this system should cause any trouble. It certainly has a great many things in its favor."-John H. De Camp, Superintendent of Schools, Little Falls, N. Y.
"Our High School of about 300 students is about the size of yours. We have a system of half-yearly examinations and pro- motions into the High School which works well. Some stu- dents work well and finish their High School course in three and a half years. Others being slower take a year longer." -- W. Eugene Demelt, Principal Penn Yan Academy, Penn Yan, N. Y.
160
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The most inflexible part of our educational systems, generally speaking, is the High School. It is nearly impossible for a boy, no matter how ambitious, to finish the High School course in less than four years, for the reason that he is not given a chance. We have a boy in our present graduation class, who is looking for this opportunity. His teachers are confident that he can do the work. He should have the opportunity. We have long recognized that all children have not the same mental endow- ments. By different schemes of promotions, by special teachers, etc., educators have sought in the grades to make provision for children of different abilities. Yet nothing has been done in secondary or High School education, although the need is just as great. The half-yearly scheme ought to help to break down some of this inflexibility.
Cost of Instruction.
In Tables I and II you will find data giving the cost of in- struction per pupil in the different grades of the elementary schools and in some of the subjects of the High School. The tables take into account the actual cost of teaching and not the cost of supplies, books, etc. Table I shows that the cost for the instruction of pupils of the same grade in different schools greatly varies. This is due to the fact that some divisions of the grades are small while others are large. During the coming year, it would be wise for us to investigate the question of re-ar- ranging the divisions of the grades so as to make them more uniform in size.
Table II reveals equally as great variations in the cost of instruction per subject in the High School as per grade in the elementary. Why does instruction in I Science cost $22.13 or in I Latin $14.26 per pupil, while in I Algebra, the cost is only $4.18 per pupil ? All the pupils in these classes belong to the same year. The reason is three-fold : because the classes vary in size ; because classes in one subject take more time per week than those in another ; and because salaries of teachers vary. Un- doubtedly such variations are to a large degree inevitable, yet they suggest to us such questions as the value of offering subjects which are elected by only a few, the relative value of the differ- ent subjects and instructors' salaries.
E
TABLE I.
Distribution of the Elementary School Pupils and Annual Cost of Instruction per Pupil in each Grade
GRADE
IB
I A
II B
II A
III B
III A
IV B
IVA
VB
VA
VI B
VI A
VII B
VII A
VIII B VIII A
38
39
25
15
24
17
30
33
41
38
29
27
36
39
38
22
Hadley
$17 11
16 67
13 00
21 67
13 54
19 12
20 00
19 70
15 S5
17 11
20 69
22 22
16 67
17 13
17 11
30 43
32
10
23
13
12
18
14
29
3
21
13
24
16
22
16
Clarke
$10 16
32 50
13 04
27 27
25 00
27 08
14 06
23 21
II 21
25 00
14 29
23 08
12 50
18 75
15 82
21 87
Machon
$17 65
46 43
13 54
25 00
25 (0
25 00
20 00
.
.
.
.
· ·
. .
·
. .
7
22
.
. .
9
14
. .
. .
·
.
.
· ·
.
.
. ·
. .
Palmer
$50 00
15 9'
.
.
.
38 89
25 00
.
. .
.
.
·
.
. .
.
.
.
·
Total number of pupils Average Cost
III
8/
72
39
59
59
68
47
70
51
50
40
60
55
60
39
$17 34
21 15
13 19
24 36
22 46
23 36
18 01
20 74
13 93
19 12
18 00
22 50
15 00
17 60
16 67
27 18
· ·
·
.
.
.
.
.
. .
·
·
·
.
.
. .
.
·
·
.
.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
161
1913]
.
.
.
.
34
7
24
13
13
16
20
.
.
.
162
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Annual Cost of Instruction in certain High School subjects based on the enrollment on November I. The Roman numerals refer to the year in which the subject is given.
TABLE II.
I.
English,
$4.17
II.
Latin,
$9.98
II. English B,
5.83
III.
Latin,
18.84
III. [English B,
6.52
IV.
Latin,
24.23
IV. English B,
9.32
I.
Science,
22.13
I. Algebra,
4.18
II
Science,
15.74
III.
Algebra E,
3.24
III.
Chemistry B,
11.80
IV.
Solid Geometry, 18.64
I.
History A,
7.78
I.
Arithmetic E,
4.93
IV. History,
10.00
I.
Latin B,
14.26
III.
Bookkeeping,
8.06
TABLE III.
Enrollment and Cost of Instruction and Supervision in each School.
School
Enrollment
Total Cost
Cost per Pupil
High
240
$ 9,050
$ 37.71
Hadley
492
10,568
24.48
Clarke
287
6,000
20.91
Machon
I27
2,700
21.27
Palmer
52
1,400
26.85
The Manual Arts.
Our elementary course has been greatly broadened during the past year by the introduction of manual training and sewing. Manual training was started with the eighth grade boys in Sep- tember. This left some free time each week for the girls. With your consent, a new teacher was hired to give the girls sewing. With her help and that of the drawing supervisor, we were able to extend the manual arts as low as the fifth grade. The children, as they usually do, have thoroughly enjoyed this work and are receiving invaluable training in the use of their hands, which is of a high educational value.
Courses of Study.
During the coming year I hope to see the course of study in the grades revised and better adapted to the half-yearly scheme of promotions. Courses of study can never be made permanent, but need revision year by year. The last course of study was
163
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1913]
made five years ago under Mr. Pelo. Its day of usefulness is largely past. New methods and new conditions call for a thorough revision.
For years Superintendents and Principals have felt that our High School curriculum has been too restricted. While we have an elective system, yet the election must be made within certain narrow limits, especially by pupils who intend to enter college.
Through conferences held during the past year, between the public school authorities and those of the colleges, a movement has been started to break down the narrow college preparatory course and to give pupils a broader training. To-day, the col- leges demand certain subjects of the High School and reject others. Not only do they do this, but they exact how long a subject must be pursued, what books must be read, how long the class recitation must be, etc. This movement for greater co-operation between the High School and the college, and for a greater freedom in the public schools from outside restrictions, is worthy of your approbation and support. I believe that within a short time, we are going to see our High School curriculum radically changed, and a real adapting of the subject to the mental ability and life purpose of the pupil.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.