USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1928 > Part 20
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 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
Upon the satisfactory completion of this course the student is graduated with a diploma. This work is recognized in the trade, and may be applied as the equivalent of about one-half of the time requir- ed to be spent as an apprentice in the carpentry trade. He is also well compensated for his labors as his earning capacity is greater in hav- ing received this type of instruction. Many of the graduates of this course are a credit to the department since their services are in de- mand by local and nearby builders.
This department has built several houses since its organization in 1924. In fact, the building which now houses the Trade School was built by the students of this course. During the past year the boys have built a five room bungalow in North Weymouth, and two two- car garages, this in addition to considerable repair work and re- modeling for the School Department. While in the shop the younger boys have busied themselves with the rebuilding of a quantity of school desks, making tables, chairs, shelves, cabinets, and other furni- ture. The greater portion of this work was done for the School De- partment.
The shop covers about 3500 square feet of floor space. In addi- tion to the usual standard work benches found in a up-to- date plant, all of the machines are of standard types, individually driven. A blow- er system connected with each machine keeps the shop free from shavings and dust. A well stocked tool room and finishing room com- pletes the equipment.
ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
(Report of Miss Myra G. Keep, Supervisor of Elementary Grades
"Men are what they are in their leisure time."
We aim, therefore, to turn the children's thoughts and interests toward wholesome activities. Recreation is intended to the mind as whetting is to the scythe, to sharpen the edge, which otherwise would grow dull and blunt. The different types of physical exercises were admirably demonstrated by the pupils of North Weymouth at their Field Day, June 12th. The division, all directed by pupil leaders, con- tested for first place in marching, gymnastic lessons, story plays, re- lief drills, mimetic plays, singing games, contest games, and stunts. As an incentive the Weymouth Teachers' Association presented ten dollars to the school winning the most points, to be used to buy ath- letic equipment. The judges, Miss Grace B. Simmons, Miss Ethel Carnochan, and Mr. Oral Page, decided that the pupils of the Bicknell School excelled in gymnastic training,while those of the Athens School won the contest games. The prize was, therefore, divided be- cause the score proved to be twenty-one to twenty-one.
"Clean play increases and trains one's strength and helps one to be more useful to one's country."
The welfare of our country depends upon those who try to be
215
FIELD DAY JUNE 12, 1928
1
MIMETIC GAMES
STORY PLAY
216
physically fit for their daily work. The educators of today are co- operating with the health workers to further the good health of the children and the community. It is only through the development of correct personal health habits that a healthy community can be achieved. Each week some personal health habit is stressed with the emphasis upon practical and natural activities, such as health records, sleeping long hours, eating vegetables, and playing in the sunshine.
A new set of health books furnish a stimulus for class work. An interest in the attainment of health is urged, while the word "disease" is seldom mentioned, thereby maintaining a wholesome point of view.
"Truth is the Story behind the facts."
Stories aid in training fine characters, stabilizing emotions, and enriching vocabularies. Henry T. Bailey says. "It is more natural for the fur rug to speak than it is for the children to understand the happenings of to-day." The child may live in a fairyland ruled by the voice of the imaginary King and follow the customs of the imagin- ary people. Later, the stories of real life, featuring success, are para- mount. In the older child ideals and habits of service are cultivated by stories of heroes. More time is now given by our teachers to Story Telling. An extensive graded list of useful and interesting stories with their sources has been prepared to assist the teacher in her choice.
The living teacher is continually taking advantage of any help or inspiration placed within her reach.
The East Weymouth teachers were hostesses at a Demonstration Day. One visiting teacher said, "I am going back to my room to really teach, for I have seen and received many new ideas."
Last Spring, twenty-seven teachers received pleasure and power from the cultural course in Literature, "Its Forms and its Modes." The lessons were taught by Professor Matthew Copithorne, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, under the direction of the State University Extension.
This Fall we turned to a methods course, "Teaching Elementary English." Mrs. Anna Ray, formerly of Salem Normal School, taught thirty-six teachers the value and need of sentence sense. You will find many Weymouth teachers' names enrolled in other University Extension Courses, as well as in other schools.
The teachers of this vicinity had the rare chance to see the ed- ucational exhibits and demonstrations, likewise hear some of the speeches and discussions by the noted educators at the National Ed- ucation Association Conference held in Boston last Spring. One of the keynotes of many speeches agreed with a Weymouth policy, "En- richment of the curriculum rather than rapid advancement or accel- eration."
The Norfolk County Teachers' Association held an inspiring meeting dealing with the subject of "Citizenship." If our America is to become ever greater and better, her citizens must be loyal and de- votedly faithful in every relation of life.
The fifth grade pupils have organized their classes into towns, voting for the name, and forming their own government. Again in the subject of History, we are stressing natural activities; as regist- ering, voting by ballot and open vote, and carrying on regular town meetings. The children have manifested an active interest in this type of history.
217
"Character alone is the final test of our schools and of our civ- ilization. Every school subject and every school activity should have some bearing on the development of character."
DENTAL CLINIC
Report of Miss Alice A. Conroy, Dental Hygienist
The Clinic has been located in each elementary school building during the year with the exception of the James Humphrey and Shaw Schools. Owing to the increased enrollment it was impossible to cover the entire district. I suggest in order to meet this condition that the work be confined to the first six grades. The purpose of a prophylactic clinic in the schools is prevention and education. The present Junior High pupils have all had clinic instruction since first entering school. I feel we can now eliminate them and concentrate on the first six grades.
When the portable equipment is set up in a building, every child is given a slip to take home. This tells the parents that their children may have their teeth cleaned, if they so wish, by signing their names to the slips and returning them to the teacher with the small sum of fifteen cents. Eighteen hundred children received treatment during the year. Chart cards are kept on file noting date, number of visits, presence of caries and other points of interest. Slips are sent home at this time, notifying the parents when decayed teeth are found. Marked improvement is due in great part to the prompt attention giv- en these notices. Credit is also due the teachers. They teach the simple tooth truths, and do much to maintain the interest throughout the year. Two sizes of tooth brushes may always be obtained at the clinic for a small sum.
Much attention is given the six year molars. Upon examination of the four six-year molars of a group of thirty-five third grade child- ren, only eight had molars free from dental decay. Nine others had one tooth decayed and the remaining number had two, three, or all four molars involved. The fact that these teeth are not recognized as permanent teeth by the majority of parents proves the importance of early dental supervision in the schools.
DRAWING
(Report of Miss Evelyn Silvester, Supervisor of Drawing)
During the year of 1928 several interesting things have taken place. We hope they are real steps forward.
Early in the year an unused stereoptican lantern was located and assigned to our use. This has been a great help in our efforts to give more visual education, and frequent use has been made of it.
Series of lantern slides borrowed at times from the Worcester Art Museum have afforded the children much information and pleasure. While the subject matter of these slides correlates with other studies at times, our presentation is particularly from the Art point of view. Efforts to show the slides at the time the subject matter may prove of greatest point increases the interest.
With this in mind, in October nature subjects were shown of"Con- cealing Coloration" of animals and birds. Miss Brassill kindly co- operated in some of these showings, adding much to our out-door in- formation from her wide range of knowledge.
Other slides of the animal group gave pictures by Charles Living-
218
ton Bull, that wonder animal illustrator. He is famous for his simple powerful compositions of great beauty. The work of Anna Vaughn Hyatt, Frederick Rath, Gutzun, Solon Borglum and other animal sculptors were included as well. From some of these works the children attempted some quick memory drawing. They found it interesting to try this, but very difficult. It was excellent practice.
When working on a Japanese booklet in the eighth grades we had some very beautiful colored slides of Japan from which we made quite complete sketches. While at work on a booklet of chairs of diff- erent periods of history a series of slides covering many types of period furniture were shown. By this last work we hope to give the children a standard of the beautiful from which to draw if ever they need to consider some item of house furnishing.
As the sixth grades study the stories of "King Arthur" and his "Knight," the pictures of the "Quest of the Holy Grail" by Edwin Abbey added to their interest.
Other slides shown were
1. Pilgims and Plymouth
2. American History by American Artists
3. Mural Paintings in Public Buildings
showing historical development of United States
The seventh grades had a most enjoyable and instructive problem, making costume masks. Seldom has a problem been carried through with greater enthusiasm or more satisfactory results. Some research was made to secure pictures of totem poles, primitive carvings and of masks used in native ceremonials of many far countries. Possible de- signs were worked out by each child in color. The class work was then displayed and the design best adapted to working out was select- ed to be actually made. Class instruction was given of all the steps of the process of making from the clay model, the plaster mould to the paper-mache, painted mask. These masks, when done are perfectly suited to use in stage dramatics.
Due to the opening of so many new rooms the visiting schedule has been changed from the old one of every two weeks to every three. In many ways this is not as satisfactory, but with the always appre- ciated cooperation of the teachers we hope to carry on.
MANUAL TRAINING
(Report of Miss Alice L. Tucker, Supervisor of Manual Training)
The principal aim in teaching Manual Training is not to turn out ยท carpenters, but to help to broaden the child's outlook on life, to develop patience and perseverance, to teach him to be accurate, careful and, most of all, to think. The boy is first taught to draw and read a plan from which he afterward works. Then he saws his wood and begins the article.
The first problem contained exercises in sawing, narrow surface planing, gauging, end squaring, and boring. When the object was finished, the boy checked up to see how closely he had kept to his standard measurements. The second problem involved the use of "turning saw and spokeshave, as well as the drawing of an ellipse. -The third problem brought in broad surface planing,reviewing the pre- vious exercises, and also required the fastening together of two pieces of wood with screws, while the fourth was the making of a box. Each
219
boy was allowed to choose the kind. Some made bird houses some window boxes, while both handkerchief and knife and fork boxes were also popular.
As the time allowed was only one and a quarter hours a week, many of the children were not able to complete more than these four articles, although some of the more proficient made several extra things.
The eighth grade boys were taught simple joinery and made articles containing half lap, mitre, dowel, and groove joints, a few making mortise and tenon. Tabourets, picture frames, radio tables, telephone stands and stools, magazine racks, book ends, foot stools. medicine cabinets and tool chests were made. Each boy was also re- quired to rub up at least five tools on the oil stone.
We wish more time might be given for the work, as in the short space allowed it is impossible to accomplish what is desired.
MUSIC
(Report of Mr. James W. Calderwood, Supervisor of Music)
On January 16 the Weymouth High School Orchestra gave its annual concert before the Monday Club. Again on December 2 it played before that same body. This second appearance was made a couple of months earlier than usual in the season, this at the request of the Club. On both occasions the orchestra received much praise for its playing.
On April 12 and 13 the High School boys and girls gave the operetta, "Lelawala", by Cadman, in the Assembly Hall. This double performance was in response to a demand from the public and prom- ises to be an established custom.
The High School Band has grown in numbers, being now a well balanced organization of twenty-five players. On December 12 it played before the Weymouth Rotary Club and proved to the listeners that at last the Weymouth High School has a real band.
Besides this appearance, it furnished music for two nights (Nov. 22 and 23) at the Parish House in So. Weymouth.
Both band and orchestra have regular weekly rehearsals.
In September a new series of Music text books published by Ginn & Co. was supplied in all the grades of our schools. Both teach- ers and pupils have found this new material attractive and are show- ing increased enthusiasm in the subject of Music.
Due to the growth of the entire school system in Weymouth Mr. Vance W. Monroe was, in September, elected to the position of Assistant Supervisor of Music therein and is now rendering most acceptable service.
SCHOOL GARDENS
(Report of Miss Sarah E. Brassill, Supervisor of School Gardens)
Supervising the garden work is made easy by the almost universal desire to plant something in the spring and to watch it grow. To offset this, there are the weather conditions that no gardener can control, and the pests that a gardener must learn to control, if his enthusiasm is to lead to success. Two hundred and nineteen pupils reported gardens. So much for the enthusiasm! Weather conditions in 1928 tried the skill of experienced growers. There was the handi- cap.
220
Not all gardens could be visited. Preference was given to those pupils who already had some experience in past seasons, and to those new comers who were willing to keep records of their work and to report results. The public and competitive test of work done is made at the Weymouth Fair. At that time the State Official who judged the work praised the quality of the vegetables shown. Meanwhile we had held several meetings to plan our work, had visited one another's gardens, had taken a trip to the Massachusetts Agricultural Experi- ment Station, and had held a field day at which a specialist from the experiment station had given us a lesson on judging vegetables and later had conducted a judging contest. The county club leader spent one day a month with us.
A new feature of our display at the fair, the educational exhibit prepared by groups of boys with the idea that being able to illustrate what was helpful and what was harmful to the work we were trying to do, was of great value. Four such exhibits were prepared ; one on fruit growing which attracted general attention; one on the work of the squash borer and its control (by an out of town group) ; one on suitable garden tools; and one on garden weeds. We are indebted to a local hardware firm for the loan of many garden tools. Later another firm in another part of the town offered us the use of a show window for a harvest display. This was of especial value as it prob- ably reached many who had not seen the fair exhibit. Other exhibits were held in connection with the Home Beautiful Exhibit at N. Wey- mouth, and at the High and Pratt schools.
One significant result of our year's work is that garden clubs are reorganizing at the end of the season to study through the winter in preparation for the next year's work. In the class room, where- in all have an equal opportunity, emphasis is placed on the use made of the lessons rather than on memorizing of the points taught. This use shows itself in the home gardens and in the various other' forms of voluntary activity. Another very encouraging fact is that in gardening and elsewhere young people who have been associated with the work for some time are lending a hand in leadership of younger groups. We have had the help of many teachers in past years. This year, in addition, we have the help of three young women and two young men who are out of school, of two members of the agricultural department and of one young grammar school boy who is leading, very acceptably, a group of still younger boys.
Both boys and girls have taken part in judging contests in vegetables, poultry and canning exhibits. Poultry boys have shown at Boston, Walpole and Weymouth. Food, canning and clothing were shown at Weymouth. We have now twenty-five groups including a few members below the seventh grade and many high school pupils who keep up their interest beyond the eighth grade. For the help and sup- port that has made the work possible we are duly grateful.
SCHOOL NURSE
(Report of Miss Anna A. MacDavitt, R. N., School Nurse)
In September early inspection of the children is necessary in order to eliminate those who are physically unfit to associate with the others. Well begun is only half done, and in order to see that a proper standard
221
is maintained each school should be visited at least once a week. As there are sixteen buildings, this is often difficult to accomplish. How- ever, the teachers aid materially by their splendid co-operation.
Weight cards introduced last year are proving a success. Many children below normal weight are so anxious to have a gain recorded that they now pay more attention to proper health rules. There are six children now ten or more pounds under weight receiving milk dur- ing the recess period free of charge.
Although no special arrangement has been made for an Eye Clinic this year, we still have the benefit of clinic rates for those deserving glasses.
Special attention has been given to the problem of pediculosis (head lice) with better results. When it has been necessary to exclude a child printed instructions have been sent to the parents. If the child did not return to school within a week, a home visit was made.
Impetigo has been more prevalent than in former years. Fifty children have been treated, twenty-three of whom were excluded.
The following statistics may be of interest :
Pupils
Examinations in schools
2208
General inspection
3000
Dressings in schools
149
Weighed and measured
736
Assisted doctors with examinations
166
Taken home
37
Taken to doctors
29
Taken to dentist
2
Taken to hospital
3
Taken to oculist
9
Taken to camp
3
EXCLUDED FOR
Pediculosis
62
Colds and sore throats
25
Impetigo
23
Scabies
9
Ring worm
4
Chicken pox
1
Diphtheria
1
CONTAGION FOUND IN THE SCHOOLS
Pediculosis
58
Impetigo
48
Scabies
6
Ring worm
4
Chicken pox
1
Diphtheria
1
Examinations in homes
15
Home visits
174
CONTAGION FOUND IN THE HOMES
Pediculosis
4
Scabies
3
Impetigo
2
Deserving home permits
9
222
During the school year the following number of pupils were absent for causes noted :
330
Measles
82
Chicken pox
Mumps 42
34
Scarlet fever
13
Whooping cough
4
Diphtheria
SEWING
(Report of Miss Marjorie E. Skinner, Supervisor of Sewing)
The only change made this year in the sewing course was to in- crease the amount of work done on the sewing machine. We are some- what handicapped in this work, due to the fact that the classes are so large and we have so few sewing machines at each building.
It is necessary for every girl to have some knowledge of the hand stitches. For this reason we begin in the seventh grade with the funda- mental stitches and their uses. These stitches are applied to a ging- ham sewing bag, which is decorated with either a design or a monogram done in cross stitch.
When these bags are completed the study of the sewing machine and the commercial pattern is taken up. To apply this knowledge they make two or three pieces of underwear.
The eighth grade first made an apron which reviews the uses of patterns, hand and machine stitching.
A short time was used making Christmas gifts such as bags, nap- kins, aprons, bean bags, dust cloths and holders.
The rest of the year was spent making underwear and dresses, the first dress being very simple and the second more elaborate with set-in sleeves.
ATTENDANCE
In accordance with our previous custom, the building making the highest record, and fifteen rooms making a record above 96%, are noted below :
Highest Building
James Humphrey Highest Rooms
Grade IV
98.59
Jefferson
VI
98.20
James Humphrey "
VII
98.03
"
VII
97.95
Bicknell
VIII
97.14
1
James Humphrey
VIII
96.72
Athens
"
VIII
96.63
VI
96.58
Franklin
III
96.55
Bicknell
VI
96.54
James Humphrey "
VI
96.18
Shaw
"
V-VI
96.10
Pond
Grade I-II-III
96.06
Per Cent. 96.95 Per Cent.
"
VIII
96.80
James Humphrey "
VIII
96.18
223
SCHOOL CENSUS (as of October 1, 1928) 5 to 7 yrs. 7 to 14 yrs. 14 to 16 yrs.
BOYS
Ward I
67
304
68
439
Ward
159
354
96
609
Ward III
57
238
57
352
Ward IV
45
192
39
276
Ward V
36
198
43
277
Total
364
1286
303
1953
GIRLS
Ward
I
57
346
95
498
Ward II
147
392
101
640
Ward III
63
243
49
355
Ward IV
33
229
44
306
Ward V
28
162
45
235
Total
328
1372
334
2034
Grand Total
692
2658
637
3987
Distribution of Above Minors
Public Day Schools
446
2443
593
3482
Private Schools
80
204
28
312
Continuation Schools
2
2
Not enrolled in any school
166
11
2
179
Working
12
12
Grand Total
692
2658
637
3987
Thirteen children between the ages of 7 and 16 not enrolled in any school are either crippled or under the doctor's care.
SCHOOL SAVINGS
Transfers
School
Deposits
Withdrawals
Adams
$ 103:96
$ 27.09
Bank Books $ 79.00
Athens
602.25
251.93
406.10
Bicknell
1178.79
80.88
1031.77
Franklin
270.45
127.75
253.00
James Humphrey
1698.36
430.31
1215.00
Hollis
1.17
Jefferson
648.31
72.16
570.00
Junior High
799.01
2.61
737.00
Washington
479.37
163.03
385.00
Hunt
1574.11
246.52
1243.48
Pratt
356.83
49.31
295.00
Shaw
275.19
78.24
199.50
Edward B. Nevin
S60.81
182.08
714.00
High
17.06
3.00
Total
$8848.61
$1728.97
7131.85
Net amount deposited on folders at the Bank, in addition to the amount deposited on bank books,
$3,681.49
Total
1
1
1
224
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation for the latitude that you have allowed me in the performance of my duties, and for the hearty support which you have given during a year within which the growth of our school population and the many changes that it has occasioned have placed a heavy burden upon all within the organiza- tion and have required radical changes to meet present needs.
Respectfully submitted, PARKER T. PEARSON Superintendent of Schools.
225
High School
Athens School James Humphrey School Edward B. Nevin School
APPENDIX (Changes in Teaching Force, 1928) RESIGNATIONS Susan Avery, Art. Ethel P. Carnochan, Physical Education Ruth M. Ford, Domestic Science Frances A. Wheeler, Latin Helen D. Shea, Grade I Dorothy C. Hilton, Grade VII Mary H. Benson, Grade VIII Assistant Principal Blanche W. Crowell, Grade II APPOINTMENTS
High School
Junior Annex Athens School
James Humphrey School Hunt School
Center Portable Edward B. Nevin School
Pond School
Music (Part Time)
Flora H. McGrath (Mrs.), English Oral A. Page, Physical Education Sheila M. Gross, Librarian Clarence R. Lyond, Science, Math. Caroline E. Rogers, Miscellaneous Agnes S. Holdahl, Grade VII Marjorie A. Torrey, Grade I Esther L. Mayo, Grade VIII Alice K. Guertin, Grades III-IV Thelma Hatch, Grades I-II Gertrude M. Burns, Grade III Helene G. Dumaine, Grade VI Mabelle Claflin, Grade IV Ruth Thompson, Grades III-IV Ruth Brown, Grade VIII Jane Hicks, Grade I Helen M. King, Grade II Miriam T. Hollis, Grade V Alice M. Daly, Grade III Mildred Leonard, Grade II Frances Lowrey, Grade I Vance W. Monroe
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.