USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1921 > Part 6
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I recommend, therefore, as desirable adjuncts to our physical training department.
I. The procuring of another teacher of physical training. .
2. The installation-at proper places-of suitable physical training equipment.
3. The use of one, or more, of the playgrounds of the town for supervised play and athletics during the summer vacation, under the supervision of trained directors.
During the past few years an effort has been made to adapt education to the individual differences of children. This work has developed in two general directions, by organizing classes, first, for retarded children, and secondly, for super-normal children. This state has recognized the importance of this, to the extent of passing a law requiring the establish- ment of classes for the group first named above in all communities where there are ten or more children who are retarded three or more years in their school work. In compliance with this law there was opened at the Machon School this year, such a class, and Mrs, Bessie Chapman, of this town, who has devoted much time to the study of this problem, was placed in charge of it. As children from all sections of the town are found in the membership of this class, it will be seen that the location is not the most favorable, but as the only available room was in the new school we had no choice in the matter. We find here another argument for addi- tional class rooms in the central part of the town, especially since it is probable that we shall need to open another such class within the next few years.
The opening of the new Machon School was a feature of the past school year. For too many years the children of this section of the town had had inadequate elementary school facilities, a condition which is now removed and very happily changed. We have in this nine room building a notable addition to our schools, one that compares favorably with any of its size in this part of the state.
We are using now seven of the nine rooms, and it is probable that by next fall another room will be opened there.
By the opening of this school we have relieved somewhat the crowded condition of the Clarke School, but contrary to general belief we have not given any appreciable relief where it is most needed, in the Hadley School. This building is filled to capacity, even though we have trans- ferred to the Clarke School all that can conveniently go there, having made room in the latter building by a similar transfer to the Machon School. We face in the Junior High School, also, an increased enroll-
59
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
ment next fall of approximately forty pupils, due to the difference in numbers between the class that leaves for the High School and that which enters from the sixth grades. It must be born in mind that this building houses our Junior High School pupils in addition to the elementary pupils of that district. These latter occupy six rooms that should be available for Junior High School purposes, in order to give this important branch of our system its maximum efficiency. These six rooms could be used, if available, in a number of different ways. For example, we are now using the assembly hall every period for a study hall, where from thirty to fifty children are assigned. Needless to say, this is not an ideal arrangement.
Another room should be made into a library, as at present no space is available for one, and such reference and supplementary books as we have are scattered about in the different class-rooms. The administrative department of our schools is badly in need of more room. Our super- visors should have a room for desk space, filing and supplies, and for conference purposes, and it is certain that we must have a class for retarded children more centrally located than at the Machon School.
It is my recommendation, therefore, that the school department bring this matter before the town at the earliest opportunity, to the end that another elementary school be constructed in such a location that the elementary rooms of the Hadley School may be transferred to it.
To furnish more immediate, though slight, relief to the Hadly School, and to house more properly the school children of the Phillips Beach section, it is also recommended that two additional rooms be added to the Palmer School. By so doing we can discard the portable building there, giving more ample playground space, and have all the classes under one roof. We shall, also, be able to maintain here the first six grades, instead of the first five grades, as at present, thereby relieving the crowded condition of the Hadley and Clarke sixth grade rooms.
Buildings and Grounds.
In accordance with the recommendation made a year ago, a special appropriation to be used for repairs to the school buildings was asked for. Although the entire sum requested was not granted, sufficient funds were available to improve our school plant to a considerable degree. Among the things accomplished were: The installation of electric lights in rooms not previously provided with them ; the decoration of class rooms, corridors, and at the Hadley School, the auditorium ; new ceilings in three class rooms ; and much pointing up of masonry at the Clarke School. The steps taken in this direction last year should be followed by others, until our buildings are- in such condition that a nominal annual expendi- ture will suffice for their maintenance.
Here it seems appropriate to speak of the grounds adjacent to the schools and forming part of the school property, in particular those around the High and Machon Schools.
We have at the High School a large plot of ground, without improve- ments, grading or decoration. There is not even a paved walk leading from the building to the street, while the front lawn is not worthy of such a name.
At the Machon school we face a worse condition, in that there is positive danger to the children in the way in which the grounds were left by the
60
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
contractor. Both of these buildings have fine locations, with many natural advantages that would readily lend themselves to almost any scheme of development. It would seem wise, therefore, to ask for an appropriation that would enable us
I. To fill in and grade properly about the Machon School.
2. To grade the land adjacent to the High School building.
3. To put suitable walks to the different entrances of both these buildings.
4. To make a beginning towards the beautifying of these grounds by means of shrubbery and gardens.
5. To level the ground in the rear of the High School, adapting it for physical training purposes.
Other Events of the School Year.
Last year's report made mention of the immaturity of the pupils in the upper grades of our schools. A study of this condition seemed to indicate that a principal cause of this condition was that our children were permitted to enter school at too early an age. Accordingly, the rule regarding this was changed, so that any child entering our first grade must be five years eight months of age before September I of the year of entrance. Although it is too early to state definitely, it seems assured that this ruling will in due time accomplish its purpose, and that as a result of it our children will not be entering the advanced grades before they are mentally developed and equipped for the work there.
Realizing the validity of the objection made by many parents, that it was a difficult matter to get their children to school at eight o'clock, the committee, before the beginning of school in September, established the hours of session, as follows :
Junion and Senior High Schools and
Grades V and VI 8.30 A. M. to 1.30 P. M.
Grades III and IV 8.30 A. M. to 1.00 P. M.
Grades I and II 9.00 A. M. to 1.00 P. M.
The wisdom of this change has been well proved, and it has doubtless been an aid to our attendance and punctuality.
An event of especial interest to the schools was the recent establishment of the Swampscott Parent-Teachers' Association. Endorsed by the Women's Club, and primarily organized by their educational committee, this movement received the cordial endorsement of citizens and teachers, with the result that we have now a young but vigorous organization that should function strongly in the school life of the community.
No record of the past year would be complete without mention of the development of professional spirit among the members of the teaching staff, as evinced by the amount of study done by them. During the past year, forty-three of our teachers and principals have taken one or more courses in some educational subject. An important part of this work has been the ten weeks' course given at the Hadley School by Professor George A. Mirick, of the Graduate School of Education, Harvard Uni- versity, under the direction of the Massachusetts Department of University Extension. This, the first professional course ever given in Swampscott, has been attended by thirty-six teachers. The result of this work done by the teachers is found in better methods and increased class room efficiency.
1921]
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
61
It should be borne in mind that this work is done in addition to the regular tasks of the schools, with much necessary sacrifice of time, effort and money. Where work of this nature results in increased skill and efficiency it should be rewarded in a pecuniary way, and in future our salary schedule should make recompense for efforts of this kind.
Other matters which merit attention in the near future, but for which space is lacking here for any elaboration, are :
I. The giving of standard tests.
2. The addition of an auditorum to the Clarke School.
3. The establishment of a school dental clinic.
4. The employment of a penmanship supervisor.
Again, I desire to express my appreciation of the co-operation of all my colleagues in the Swampscott Schools. To you, Mrs. Hardy and gentle- men, I feel deeply indebted for your support and counsel, which have been so generously given whenever needed.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DOW, Superintendent.
62
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT.
To the Superintendent and School Committee of the Town of Swampscott:
MRS. HARDY AND GENTLEMEN,-I hand you herewith my second annual report :
When school opened in September, 1921, there was a total of 254 pupils enrolled in this building. This figure represents an increase of 30 pupils over the September enrollment of 1920, and is, I think, the largest number of pupils enrolled in the Swampscott High School since it was placed upon a three year basis. This increased registration made it neces- sary to open an additional home room for the sophomore class this year. The class to be graduated in June, of 1922, consists of approximately 50 pupils, while the class which will enter the Senior High School in Sep- tember of 1922 is made up of nearly 125 pupils. If it is taken for granted that a small percentage of these pupils will either change their residence or drop out of school altogether, there will still be an increment in our registration of between 25 and 30 pupils. This condition will tax our space nearly to the limit and will mean that one additional teacher, at least, will be necessary. If the registration of the school continues to grow in the next three years as it has in the last three, I would recommend that plans be made very soon for an addition to the building.
During the summer considerable electric wiring was done in the build- ing, so that at the present time all our rooms have electricity available for the dark afternoons of winter. The teachers find this a great help, and I wonder how we got along for so long a time without this con- venience. The walls throughout the main corridors were refinished, which adds a great deal to the appearance of the building. I hope that this plan of redecorating the building bit by bit during the vacations may be followed up.
Swampscott was exceptionally fortunate during the past summer in losing none of its High School teaching staff. In view of the new state law, relative to the requirement that all pupils take a course in American His- tory, it became necessary to hire an additional teacher to take care of these history classes, in addition to the added enrollment spoken of above. Miss Pauline Hoit, a graduate of Boston University in the class of 1920, was engaged in this capacity.
Another piece of legislation, which effected all secondary schools dur- ing the past year, was the passage of a law requiring all pupils to take at least one period of physical training per week. I feel that the introduc- tion of physical training for girls meets a real need which has existed in this town for some time, and our new physical training teacher, Miss Boynton, has begun this work with initiative and interest. In addition to this regular work, Miss Boynton will have charge of the girls' basket ball teams. During the past few years we have been in the habit of engaging an outside girl to handle the girls' basket ball. These girls have
63
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
usually been students in some nearby physical training school, and have not interested themselves particularly in the work. I feel that the present system will be vastly superior to the other plan.
The resignation of Mr. Gibbs, the music supervisor, was received dur- ing the summer, and Miss Esther Nazarian was engaged in this capacity . At the present time we have an orchestra consisting of 18 pupils, and Miss Nazarian is directing this work. A new plan of dividing the music period was started this year, which, of course, reduces the problem of discipline, and I feel that some real work is being done along these lines.
There is considerable interest in the town, and rightly so, in regard to the success of our pupils in meeting the examinations of the College Board. In making a study of the table presented below, one should bear in mind this fact : Owing to the rather abnormal economic conditions which have prevailed in the country during the past four or five years, a very large number of pupils have applied for admission to college. Since the colleges were unable to cope with this increased registration, they have made use of the examination system as a means of selection, and therefore only the very bright pupil succeeds in getting into college, whereas 10 years ago the pupil of average ability might reasonably expect to enter. With this thought in mind, together with the fact that the places mentioned are all much larger than Swampscott and prepare many more pupils for these examinations, a survey of the following table will show that Swampscott compares very favorably with the cities of Chelsea, Newburyport, Lowell, and Malden.
Pupils taking College Entrance Examinations June, 1921
Pupils Passing
* Per cent Passing
Town I-
III
52
47%
Town 2-
159
27
61%
Town 3-
185
119
64%
Town 4-
84
58
69%
Swampscott
56
30
55 %
*Per cents given in round numbers.
The work of the English department deserves especial mention. Very early in the year a dramatic club was formed whose membership was made up of the credit pupils in the English divisions of the junior and senior classes. The aim of this club is to provide a more normal and systematic training in modern drama and its presentation that the pro- duction of a single senior play could ever afford. There has been a great deal of interest shown in their work by all the pupils, and since the members are only those of good scholarship, general school work has not suffered from this scheme as it has from the dramatic work of previous years. This club will probably continue to exist throughout the school year and will devote its time to the study of plays. If the work continues, there should be a noticeable improvement in the social bearing and speech habits of the pupils thus trained.
A debating club has also been organized, which meets weekly during the school year. They have already conducted one debate before the whole school, and it is possible that they may debate publicly during the spring term.
64
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
I wish very much that plans might be made during the coming year for making the grounds about the High School more attractive. In this con- nection, I would suggest that the plot of ground in the rear of the building be levelled and some provision made for a cinder track. This would afford an opportunity for many boys, who are not interested in other sports to engage in track athletics. It would also afford a space where the weekly drill in gymnastics, both for boys and girls, could be held for probably six months of the school year.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to teachers, superintendent, and school committee for the very hearty co-operation which they have given at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
LEIGHTON S. THOMPSON, Principal.
65
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
Attendance Officer's Report.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR :- I herewith submit my sixth annual report. The year ending was one of my most satisfactory years as attendance officer. The organization of the schools was most effective, and what better sign of advancement can be presented than the fact of a higher per cent. of attendance. Great credit is given to the Superintendent of Schools and all the principals and teachers in bringing about such gratifying results.
A study of the below summary will show a marked decrease in cases handled.
ABSENTEES
January ]
February
March
April
May
June
September
October
November
December
Total
Complaints received .
8
9
15
19
4
14
4
3
6
99
Visits made
I3
12
19
20
24
6
IC
5
4
5
127
Cases of truants
I
4
4
2
4
2
3
0
I
3
24
Inexcusable absences
I
I
2
I
3
I
2
3
0
C
14
Enforcement of the labor law
O
4
O
O
I
0
2
O
0
O
7
Absent on account of sickness
4
3
3
S
7
I
O
O
2
3
31
Absent on account of inefficient clothing
0
2
I
O
0
O
0
O
O
I
t Cases summoned to appear in court .
O
O
O
O
0
O
0
3
3
Cases referred to School Nurse
O
2
2
3
I
O
O
O
0
O
8
-
* Boston case. ¡ Cases called for January 3, 1921.
I wish to thank all those who in any way assisted me in the performance of my duty.
Respectfully submitted,
C. WALTER BURRILL,
Attendance Officer.
DECEMBER 31, 1921.
I
O
I
O
4
*Case on probation, later revoked . .
O
5
66
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
APPENDIX A.
Census Statistics SCHOOL YEAR, SEPTEMBER, 1920, TO JUNE, 1921.
Number of boys 5 years of age or over and under 16 · 777
Number of girls 5 years of age or over and under 16 771
Total
. 1,548
Number of boys 5 years of age or over and under 7 .
114
Number of girls 5 years of age or over and under 7
128
Total
242
Number of boys 7 years of age or over and under 14 Number of girls 7 years of age or over and under 14
531
529
Total
· 1,060
Number of boys 14 years of age or over and under 16 Number of girls 14 years of age or over and under 16
132
114
Total
246
APPENDIX B.
Table of Enrollment and Attendance. SEPTEMBER 1920-JUNE 1921.
School
Grade
Whole Number Enrolled
Average Member- ship
Average Attend- ance
Percentage of Attendance
High
10-12
223
215
203
95
Junior High
7-9
374
357
338
95
Hadley
I-6
285
265
244
92
Clarke
I-6
381
363
337
93
Machon
I-4
191
182
171
94
Palmer
1-5
I39
120
IIO
92
Total
1593
1 502
1403
94
.
67
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
APPENDIX C.
Cost of Instruction in Swampscott 1921.
Valuation of Town of Swampscott .
$15,324,854 00
Total raised by taxation
$524,730 90
Total raised for support of schools
$127,969 00
Average Membership
1,500
Amount raised for support of schools per pupil
85.31
Per cent. of total tax used for support of schools
24.3%
APPENDIX D.
Comparison of the Cost of Swampscott Schools with Those of Other Towns.
TOWN
Population Census 1920
Esti- mated Average Member- ship
Amount Expended 1921
Average per Pupil 192 1
Winchester
10,485
1,775
$168,000 00
$94 64
Milton
9,3S2
1,538
176,936 00
115 04
Swampscott .
8, 101
1,500
127,749 52
85 17
Reading
7,439
1,400
126,761 78
90 54
Lexington
6,350
1,600
129,500 00
So 94
Walpole .
5,446
1,361
12S,S00 00
94 63
68
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Swampscott High School GRADUATING EXERCISES CLASS OF 1921
Thursday, June twenty-third, nineteen hundred and twenty-one
AT 8 P. M.
Hadley School Hall, Swampscott, Massachusetts
PROGRAM
I MARCH High School Orchestra
2 PROLOGUE " The Aim of a High School Course " Paul Eugene Breer
3 CHORUS a. " When the Roses Bloom Again " Adams
4 ESSAY "The Commercial Department " Nellie Marshall Carter
5 ESSAY " The Practical Value of Science " Earl Chester Davis
6 VIOLIN SELECTION " Thias " Joseph Maitland
7 ESSAY "Why American History Should Be Required in All Schools " Herbert Wilson Conner
ESSAY "English as a Joy and as a Tool " 8
Margaret Arabella Howard
9 CHORUS a " Where My Caravan Has Rested" b " Carmena " Lohr Wilson
IO EPILOGUE "Our Equipment for the Years Ahead " Helen Mary Newhall
II PRESENTATION OF PHILLIPS MEDALS Leighton S. Thompson
I2 PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Rev. Edward Tillotson, Chairman of School Committee
13 MARCH
High School Orchestra
69
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
DIPLOMAS.
Irving Doane Adams Charles George Ash John Malcolm Baker Virginia Graham Baker Philip Andrews Blanchard Barbara Bowes Paul Eugene Breer Henry Otto Brendell Catherine Browing Brewer Julius Bufalino Adelaide Louise Carroll
Nellie Marshall Carter
George Clifford Chaisson Mary Margaret Chaisson John Mathew Clark Myrtle Belle Cloran Rosella Ellen Colclough
Herbert Winslow Conner Alexandria Beatrice Coville Earle Chester Davis Helen Margaret Doherty James Francis Dolan Harry Francis Edson Frederick James Fanning Robert Marshall Goodwin Margaret Kathryn Hanifey Robert Briggs Hatton Francis Ernest Howard Margaret Arabella Howard
Frank Everett Hudson Dorothy Mary Johnson Richard Whalley Jordan Richard DeCantlon Kennedy Donald Sturtevant Lowe Dorothy Helena Lynch Joseph John McNichol Joseph Thomas Maitland Dorothy Eunice Martin Florence Leona Melanson Marguerite Eva Melanson Chester William Miles Helen Mary Newhall Natalie Nichols Charles Raymond Niles Raymond Hall Owen Woodbury Swett Prentiss Letha May Rogers Laurence Melven Roope Dorothy Blanche Rowell Edward Parker Ryan Dorothy Hunt Sloan George Wildron Smith Thomas Pitman Stone Annie Louise Waugh Carroll James Webster, Jr. Katherine Charlotte Wood John Yasi
CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice-President Secretary
Treasurer
Richard Whalley Jordan Myrtle Belle Cloran Natalie Nichols Chester William Miles
70
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
School Directory. School Telephones.
Superintendent's Office
2067
Clarke School
2127
Hadley
7973
Machon
4858
High .
2574
Palmer
1954
Teachers.
High School.
Leighton S. Thompson, Principal
6 Prospect avenue Harriet M. Dillon 165 Redington street Mildred C. Fraser 32 Greenwood terrace Nellie L. Hadley 19 Andrew road ·108 Thurston street, Somerville M. Louise Hannon
A. Lillian Rideout
Roy H. Walch
15 Farragut road 329 Eastern avenue, Lynn
Stephen V. White
Maebelle Adams
Clara L. Hinckley
Pauline L. Hoit
Edna S. Bennett
139 Paradise road 117 Paradise road 39 Grant road 76 Banks road 165 Redington street
Junior High School.
Alice L. Shaw, Principal
Jean G. Allan
Helen Bisbee
Beatrice L. Cook
Frances M. Connolly
Mrs. Cecil H. Doe
Alice Durgin
Pauline Flagg
Martha Hannon
Mary Ireland
Miriam Schafer
Marjorie M. Seavey
Dorothy Smyth
Margaret Thompson
Frances A. Gould (Coach)
9 Farragut road 29 Outlook road 149 Paradise road 42 Collins street, Danvers Mass. 220 Parkway, Chelsea I Reed street, Marblehead 45 Pleasant street 978 Humphrey street 108 Thurston street, Somerville 86 Walker road 5 Basset street, Lynn 149 Paradise road 54 Redington street 80 Banks road 199 Burrill street
Hadley Elementary.
Marion F. Newcomb
Mabel L. Colby Grace E. Fuller
Mabel Verry
Amy Fenwick Margaret E. Durgin
III Redington street 67 New Park street, Lynn 142 Redington street 334 Broadway, Somerville 255 Burrill street 45 Pleasant street
71
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1921]
Clarke School.
Blanche E. Doyle, Principal
Anna F. Willey
Marion G. Ormes
Edith A. Farnum
E. Jennie Owen
Melvina G. Pearson
Sarah Bucknam Lucretia Collins
Katherine F. Wilson
[49 Humphrey street 56 Rockland street 254 Burrill street 133 Norfolk avenue 86 Norfolk avenue 34 Berkshire street 114 Norfolk avenue 254 Burrill street III Humphrey street, Marblehead
Machon School.
Alice I. Quinn, Principal
Dorothy B. Cormack
M. Elizabeth Williams
Grace E. Howard
Ruth James
Grace Stevens
Mrs. Bessie Chapman (Special class)
Mabel S. Knight
35 Essex avenue 145 Norfolk avenue 43 Norfolk avenue
Palmer School.
Louise C. Stanley, Principal
Jessie C. Martin Grace M. Farrell
Gladys L. Mitchell
149 Humphrey street 68 Rockland street 60 King street 48 Lowell street, Lynn
Supervisors.
Clara B. Fowler, (Drawing)
Flora Boynton (Physical Training)
Esther Nazarian (Music)
Helen Warren (Domestic Science )
S. Perry Congdon (Manual Training)
41 Thomas road
Janitors.
Fred W. Wardwell (High)
Herbert E. Wood (Hadley)
Rolland Wood ( Hadley assistant)
Iber L. Chapman (Clarke)
Simeon J. Strong (Machon)
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