USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1933 > Part 16
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ยท The course in carpentry was changed this year to cabinet- making. For several years past we have been doing less and less carpentry work and more and more fine cabinet work, so it was felt that the department should be accurately named. With only one instructor in the shop, it is very difficult to handle work out- side of the classroom. To do work in some other part of the build- ing requires him to leave his class unattended in the shop for varying periods of time.
For the past two or three years the cabinet shop has lent its talents to the designing and building of stage scenery to be used
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in connection with the plays and operetta produced in the High School. Every play presents new problems of scenery construction and handling. "The Ghost Train," produced in June, showed what could be done in the shop and carried out by Vocational School boys. In the fall "Lightnin' " brought new problems which were carried out in a workmanlike manner. All supporting work back stage and the scenery have been handled entirely by the Vocational School.
The automobile repair department will move next year into a new structure built by Civil Works Administration funds near the High School cafeteria. It will be 60x80 feet in size and built of concrete and brick. The preliminary plans and many of the re- visions for the building were prepared in the drafting department. Because tentative plans were on file in the department we were able to take advantage promptly of the Civil Works Administra- tion program. The quarters originally provided for this shop were never sufficiently large to accommodate even a small class, and for many years the work has been carried on under difficult and even dangerous conditions. The new building will provide lighter and cleaner quarters to work in.
This year the so-called "week-about" plan of program was adopted. Briefly, it consists of dividing the studies into cycles of two weeks, one entire week being spent in the shop and the other week in the class. As far as we have gone it works out very well with a very much smoother running program. In the classroom it allows the boys to concentrate for a whole week on their aca- demic work without the distraction of a radically different type of activity. During the shop week, a boy may carry a job through to completion without being required to leave some part of it for some other boy to finish. Of course, the result is that every boy takes greater pride in his work and naturally makes much greater progress. While it is impossible at this early stage to give tangible evidence, I believe the week-about plan will result in fewer fail- ures among the students.
In spite of the discontinuance of the shoemaking department last January, our enrollment is larger than last year. The in- crease is found in the printing and automobile repair depart- ments. The table below gives the enrollment in detail :
I
II
III
Post-Grads. Total
Auto Repair
34
14
8
I
57
Cabinetmaking
10
8
9
2
29
Printing
13
II
9
I
34
-
-
Total
. 57
33
26
4
120
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An analysis of the figures shows that nine of the freshman class came from high schools. The total number of boys enrolled who attended high school at least one year before coming here is twenty-four. The reason in most cases was that the high school course held little of interest to them; they were motor-minded rather than academically-minded. In all but rare cases, a high school boy makes very good progress in the Vocational School, and life for him and often his parents is far happier than before.
We have also enrolled thirteen boys living outside Weymouth, whose tuition is paid by their home towns. They form a serious- minded group of boys who daily travel long distances at their own expense to get training, and their tuition is an important source of income to the town.
The present school year will be noted for the splendid support and co-operation which has been freely given by students, faculty, authorities, and all with whom I have come in contact.
AGRICULTURE
(Report of Mr. Hilmer S. Nelson, Agricultural Instructor in charge of the Weymouth Branch of the Norfolk County Agricultural School)
More than ever, the necessity for vocational training, particu- larly in agriculture, has become a permanent part of our whole educational program. Whether or not the participant becomes actively engaged in one of the many agricultural enterprises, the knowledge thus secured may become a potent part of his future life. The period is not far distant when leisure time will be a factor which will need thoughtful consideration. Spare moments carefully devoted to the management of a home vegetable garden or a poultry flock will assure greater happiness and firmer eco- nomic stability.
As we come to the close of our seventeenth year of existence, we find an increase in enrollment denoting a healthy growth. On account of limited facilities, the entering group of this fall (1933) had to be limited to Weymouth applicants only. On December 31, 1933, we find a total enrollment of twenty-nine students, divided according to their classes as follows :
Seniors
4 Sophomores
9
Juniors 3
Freshmen I3
The average enrollment for the last nine years has been twenty-two students, divided as follows:
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1925
17
1930
24
1926
18
1931
21
1927
20
1932
26
1928
19
1933
29
1929
24
The necessity of meeting certain enrollment requirements has accounted for a variety of productive projects : Poultry, garden, dairy calf, turkey, strawberry, and greenhouse, with other minor activities. Vocationally we learn "to do by doing," and only by such doing may a student receive credit. There is strongly empha- sized the home project method of teaching agriculture; this, to- gether with the agricultural theory and work in classroom and the regularly prescribed academic course, strengthens and solidi- fies an agricultural foundation.
During the school year 1933-1934 the agricultural studies for the course are as follows :
.
Freshmen and Sophomores: Home vegetable gardening, agri- cultural survey, botany, farm arithmetic, farm forestry, home landscaping, accounts, diaries, and home project problems, to- gether with actual farm practice at a market garden farm in Hingham and a greenhouse in East Weymouth.
Juniors and Seniors : Dairying, field crops, agricultural chem- istry, fertilizers, farm drawing, accounts, diaries, and actual farm practice at a dairy farm in Hingham. During the third term (January through February), this group will have auto-me- chanics and farm mechanics.
Again we wish to thank Mr. Albert H. Kress of Hingham for his assistance, advice, and co-operation in allowing us the use of his dairy farm one forenoon each week for actual practice in many farm operations. We also wish to extend to his brother, Mr. Paul E. Kress of Hingham, our appreciation and thanks for his friendly co-operation and advice in the use of the many prac- tical market garden practices at his farm one forenoon each week.
To Mr. Myron P. Ford of East Weymouth we wish to ex- tend our thanks for his advice and co-operation in allowing one of our groups the use of his greenhouses one forenoon each week.
To our Superintendent, Mr. Parker T. Pearson, and to our Principal, Mr. Fred W. Hilton, we extend many thanks for their friendly spirit and hearty co-operation.
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COURSES OF STUDY (Report of Mrs. Flora Haviland McGrath, Director of Courses of Study)
Definite Objectives for 1933
Two objectives have been followed this year with most grati- fying outcomes : The first has been to maintain through careful testing and recording of results, the high standards of teaching already set; the second has been to improve methods and devices, wherever such improvement seemed necessary, by suggestion and exchange of ideas.
Language Activities
Inasmuch as language is closely allied to other subjects and activities, it is reasonable to believe that any improvement in this subject is beneficial to the pupil. With this in mind, therefore, the same plan for testing and recording, which has brought satis- factory results the past few years, has been followed throughout the year 1933.
During the month of January, 1933, all grades from IV through VIII were tested in English. The tests for grades IV and V consisted of the language error type which required daily drill in order to establish correct language habits. The tests for Grades VI, VII, and VIII consisted of the important points taken up by the class as outlined in the course of study.
All tests (approximately 2,076) were corrected and returned to the pupils. The median for each room was taken and placed on record. In Grades IV and V, the medians for January, 1933, were compared with those for September, 1932. Of thirty rooms tested, all but one showed a marked improvement.
The final testing in English was given in May and June. The same practice was followed as previously outlined. These medians were then compared with those for January, and in every case a marked improvement was noted.
In September and October, 1933, another complete and care- ful survey in English was made, and all results tabulated and compared with those for 1931 and 1932.
A substantial general improvement has been noted throughout the entire school system. As a result of this work, there has been a slight decrease in the percentage of freshman English failures. It is the hope of the principals and teachers to reduce to the mini- mum the percentage of failures in English and language activities.
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Arithmetic
The same type of arithmetic test given in December, 1931, in Grades V and VI was repeated in March, 1933. Of thirty rooms tested, all but one showed a decided improvement. This test was given to determine general weaknesses in computation and reason- ing. Where the grade was unusually low, immediate remedial work was recommended.
A meeting of principals and teachers was held in order to dis- cuss these tests and to agree on methods for improving the work.
Geography
Every teacher in Grades V and VI was asked to have her class prepare a modified socialized recitation for demonstration. These classes were visited by teacher groups from other parts of the town at the close of school.
The type of work produced by the pupils at these lessons was unusually good. The popularity of the lesson was attested to by the enthusiasm of the students. The greater part of the work was done after school hours under the direction of the teacher. Not only did the work itself prove profitable, but the visits of the teacher groups to the various schools and classes had a salutary effect.
It is planned to continue these demonstration lessons in order that the teachers may have a chance to observe other classes and teachers and to give the pupils an opportunity to exhibit their work.
There has been much interest in geography this year as mani- fested by the large number of teachers (75) who registered for the course in Human Geography given by Helen Goss Thomas. author of "The Americas" and "Nations Beyond the Seas," the geographies now in use in the Weymouth schools.
Spelling
The spelling lists in Grades I, II, and III have been com- pletely reorganized under the direction of the following com- mittee :
Miss Susan M. Tracy, Hunt School; Miss L. May Chessman, Edward B. Nevin School; Miss Mary C. Shea, Jefferson School; Miss Mellissa Chase, Jefferson School; Miss Clara L. Rogers, Bicknell School; Miss Margaret Q. Donahue, Shaw School; Miss Mary E. Crotty, Hunt School ; Miss Winifred L. Conant, Edward B. Nevin School; Miss Margaret Dingwall, Athens School.
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It is the general consensus that this change is a decided ad- vantage.
A complete survey of spelling is planned for January, 1934, with the hope of making some needed changes in word lists and methods of teaching.
New Courses of Study Completed
In the spring of 1933, I began work on the new courses of study in language for Grades II and III. These courses were completed in June and placed in the hands of the teachers in September.
I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the following teachers for the splendid co-operation and helpful suggestions given me while working on these syllabi :
Miss Mellissa Chase, Jefferson School; Miss Mary E. Crotty, Hunt School ; Miss L. Eyllen Hollis, Jefferson School ; Miss Margaret Dingwall, Athens School.
With the completion of these two courses, every grade from the first through the eighth has a new course of study in English and language activities,
Sources of Failures
It is the desire of the principals of the various schools to re- duce to the minimum the number of student failures. It is also their wish to co-operate in every way possible so that the prepara- tion of the student entering high school will be such that the per- centage of pupil failures in the first year of high school will be greatly decreased. With this in view, a complete record of sources of student failures in English and mathematics for the first two marking periods of the freshman year was made by Mr. Hilton, Principal of the High School. Then the percentage of failures in English and arithmetic in Grades VII and VIII was found by the teachers of those grades. These percentages were tabulated and complete records sent to every principal. Wherever the per- centage of failures was too high, immediate steps were recom- mended to improve the condition.
Plans for 1934
1. To make a complete revision of spelling from Grades IV through VIII.
2. To give added assistance in arithmetic to the slower pupil.
1
1
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3. To continue vigilance throughout the system for the establishment of good language habits.
4. To exert greater effort in the field of good mental and social habits.
5. To increase effort to maintain co-operation between the home and the school.
Comments
Perhaps it is not amiss at this time to mention the fact that in addition to my regular duties, I coach dramatic activities sev- eral late afternoons and evenings of each week for approximately a period of three months. This is all done in connection with extracurricula school activities, and the time is given with pleas- ure as a community service.
I realize that in order to keep abreast with the new ideas, there should be some time allowed for occasional attendance at conventions and meetings. However, because of the manifold duties which this position holds, I have found no time for outside. visiting. I consider it beneficial and shall hope to find some time in the future.
Conclusion
I wish to express to Mr. Pearson, Superintendent of Schools, my appreciation for the trust which he has placed in me, and to the principals and teachers, I wish to acknowledge my deep gratitude for their splendid co-operation without which all my efforts would have been futile.
DENTAL CLINIC (Report of Miss Alice A. Conroy, Dental Hygienist )
The Dental Clinic continued its activities the past year with the same objectives in view: first, the filling of baby teeth and newly erupted six-year molars; and second, removal of infectious deciduous and permanent teeth.
The tremendous value of very early filling of deciduous teeth is not realized by most parents. Children should begin at the early age of three years to visit the family dentist. By so doing, small fillings can be put in when needed with no discom- fort. A child should never be "hurt" in a dental chair. If sent
215
early enough, he becomes "tooth conscious" from early training and never has fear of the dentist.
This year 2,442 children were examined and 2,271 were in need of dental care. Notifications were sent to parents of existing defects. In this group, 443 were suffering from infectious de- ciduous and permanent teeth. These figures show a decrease in the percentage suffering from infection in the mouth over last year. Efforts have been made to remove these foci of infection for deserving children at the clinic.
A group of 46 first-grade children had all work, including filling, extracting, and cleaning, completed. Four special cases requiring X-ray and surgical care were referred elsewhere and successfully treated.
The following is a summary of the clinic activities :
Number Patients 288
Number Visits Made by Above Patients +57
Number Fillings 215
Temporary Teeth 138
Permanent Teeth 77
Number Extractions 685
Temporary Teeth 463 Permanent Teeth 222
Number Treated for Temporary Relief
of Toothache
124
DRAWING
(Report of Miss Evelyn Silvester, Supervisor of Drawing)
The year 1933 has been a very busy and rather unsatisfac- tory one in our department. When last January Miss Ray was transferred to a grade position to help reduce the school budget, it was with dismay that Miss Nietzold and I added her work to our already full programs and attempted to carry on. As a result, each grade is visited by the Art Supervisor only nine or ten times a year as against our former twenty visits.
This has made our grade work especially difficult, as we have been develpoing a new course of study in the lower grades which needs closer supervision to get good results. However, we have carried on to the best of our ability, and with the generous co- operation of the teachers we are slowly finding the work devcl- oping along the lines we hoped for.
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In October Miss Nietzold received a very flattering invitation to become the assistant art teacher at the State Teachers' College at Framingham. Though very sorry to have her go, we are glad such an opportunity came to her. Miss Ray is now back in our department carrying on where Miss Nietzold left off. Some day we hope again to return to the twenty visits a year in our super- vision of each room.
The new course of study will extend this year to the fifth and sixth grades and next year to the seventh and eighth. In this work much more depends upon the individual teachers and in having the children grow up in the work; hence its gradual introduction. We are attempting to keep alive the creative genius native to every little child. It is so often stifled as a child becomes older. This spontaneous drawing to illustrate a thing difficult to de- scribe, really graphic description, is the aim of our course.
The Opportunity Class in its new quarters is especially well fixed in its handwork room. Water is now available for caning and basketry, and many new and interesting things are being made. It is an altogether fascinating workshop, and gratifying as well, for it teaches self-reliance and co-ordination in the making of beautiful useful things. It also covers the cost of the materials used by the sale of its attractive products. Any one interested is welcome to visit this class.
We have always been grateful for the co-operation and welcome we receive from the teachers of the town and for the support of our superintendent.
MANUAL TRAINING
(Report of Miss Alice L. Tucker, Supervisor of Manual Training)
During the past year 195 boys had manual training in the seventh and 179 in the eighth grade. The weekly lessons were from sixty to ninety minutes. The seventh grades were taught the use of the common tools, and in the eighth grades articles contain- ing the simpler joints were made. Both grades learned to draw and read their plans.
The boy has the first right to buy his finished product at cost. Then if he does not take it, the article is sold to some one else. Because of the scarcity of money in many homes, mostly small things were made, as, of course, the child is more interested in making anything if he knows he is to have it when it is done. However, any one who wished to make and buy larger articles
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was allowed to do so, and telephone stands, costumers, bookcases, magazine racks, sewing screens, tables, and stools were made.
Most children and many parents think that manual training is put into the school curriculum to teach the boy carpentry. Such, however, is not the real object. The fundamental reason for hav- ing this subject in the grades is to teach the child accuracy, neat- ness, perseverance, persistence, and thoughtfulness, and to develop a sense of responsibility. This combined use of hand and brain develops and educates a new side of the child, broadens his out- look, and is sometimes instrumental in opening up a new field for his life work.
Because of the interest of the children and their eagerness to work outside of the regular school hours, many of them bringing their lunches and working all noon and others staying after clos- ing time, much more was accomplished than could otherwise have been done in the short time allotted.
MUSIC
(Report of Mr. Vance W. Monroe, Supervisor of Music)
"Music rightly taught is the best mind-trainer on the list." -- Dr. Charles Eliot, President-Emeritus of Harvard University.
This quotation is one way of stating that music and its com- ponent parts, rhythm, melody, form, harmony, and design, are necessary to man if he is to keep the balance which nature in- tended. The emotional side of man's nature is tied up with. melody; the physical, with rhythm; and the intellectual, with form, harmony and design.
The intellectual development of children is adequately taken care of under our present curriculum; but children with a natu- rally slow rhythm are made to feel themselves inferior, subnormal, since they cannot keep up with those fortunate enough to have a faster rhythm; namely, the ability to think. and act more quickly.
Emerson once said, "Let me write the songs of a nation; I care not who makes its laws."
As in former years, the operetta was the outstanding musical contribution at the High School. Because of crowded conditions, voice training classes have been temporarily discontinued. This is unfortunate, as this specific instruction forms the background for all good singing. The glee clubs, augmented by the several tat. ented soloists in the school, have filled many engagements with
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very gratifying results. Many local organizations have utilized our talent during the past year and may feel free to ask for what we have in the future. Until a room is definitely assigned to music, the program cannot progress much beyond the weekly chorus and incidental glee club work.
Music in the grades progresses in a very satisfactory manner. The pupils and teachers manifest genuine enthusiasm, which is the foundation of all healthy growth. Individual singing, which is taken as a matter of course, develops poise and self-confidence which can be gained in no other way. Sight reading has developed to a point where it is a pleasure to work with special groups.
Each school presented special programs during the year. The most ambitious of these, an operetta, "Penny Buns and Roses," was presented by the pupils of the Bicknell School. Miss Guertin, assisted by Miss Mayo and Miss Roche, did a very finished piece of work.
May I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all the teachers, without whom nothing could have been ac- complished. The special work done as practice teaching by Mr. John Lyons and Miss Pauline Cassese is gratefully acknowledged,
SCHOOL GARDENS
(Report of Miss Sarah E. Brassill, Supervisor of School Gardens and Clubs)
The vital thing about the work this year has been its adapt- ability to present conditions. Young people who are garden- minded have found in it their opportunity to do their part.
There has been an increase of fifty per cent in gardens re- ported for summer inspection. Many who did not report for in- spection are known to have had gardens. There is evidence that information gathered by the young people was put at the disposal of friends and neighbors.
The gardens varied in size from fifty square feet to more than an acre. Both flowers and vegetables were planted. The vegetable gardens all showed a profit, small in the case of the small gardens, and in all cases without prejudice to professional gardeners. These young people have the time, the willingness, and the land. They have not so much money. Their gardens have sup- plied food that would probably have been dispensed with other- wise. Even failures would have taught them valuable lessons, such as that there is a right and a wrong way to do things, and that there is a direct connection between cause and effect. Such
219
lessons, however learned, would be of lasting value and of far- reaching application.
Other lines of voluntary activity have gone on as usual. Tested by the results in exhibits and contests, the work has been well done.
Looking forward to increased leisure and the need of ways of using it, and keeping in mind the growing interest in a home and a town beautiful, one sees a place for a knowledge of "green things growing." Such knowledge should contribute to increased individual satisfaction and lead to better citizenship.
SCHOOL NURSE (Report of Miss Anna A. MacDavitt, R. N., School Nurse )
The year 1933 has been one of the busiest and in many ways the most successful in the history of school nursing in Weymouth.
There are now in operation two clinics in our schools: the Chadwick Clinic, established in December, 1931; and the Toxin- antitoxin Clinic, in November, 1933.
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