USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1936 > Part 15
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At the same time, however, an unforeseen increase in probable pupils in the High School made it necessary to go into unexpected expense in the creation of two new classrooms, compelling the postponement of the
175
installation of new and adequate toilets in the Pratt School. Such im- provements cannot longer be postponed, and must be made during the coming year.
The oil burners at the High School, which were installed a year ago, have operated successfully and can generate all the steam that is needed, either in the High School or in the Town Offices. Lack of radiation in the Town Offices, however, makes it difficult to bring up the temperature therein within a reasonable time.
Our experience with mechanical stokers in some of the smaller boilers has been completely satisfactory. It became necessary during the Christ- mas vacation to install a stoker in the Pratt School, and at this writing it is operating successfully. From time to time, as available funds will allow, this better method of soft coal combustion should be further adopted.
The complete fencing of all school yards should be done. Complaints come from abutting owners on account of thoughtless trespassing, not all of which, however, is done by school children or during school hours. We are planning to erect a considerable amount of durable, permanent fencing during the coming year.
A special article is being inserted in the Annual Warrant to provide for fireproof stair wells and stairways in the old central portion of the High School, something which has long been recommended by the Depart- ment of Public Safety, but which has hitherto not been expressly de- manded. The creation of the two new classrooms, with the removal of the library to the third floor, has created a condition which emphasizes this requirement. The estimated cost is $5,000.00.
It will be noted that the item of Teachers' Salaries in the new budget is a substantial increase over last year. This is on account of the pro- posed resumption of the regular increases by reason of professional im- provement which were discontinued in 1933. Allowance has also been made for the addition of the ordinary automatic increases, and one extra teacher.
The following is a summary of expenditures during the past year, and estimates for the coming year:
Expenditures 1936
Estimates 1937
Superintendent
$5,500.00
$5,500.00
Other General Salaries
3,343.36
3,350.00
Other General Expense
1,312.36
1,500.00
Teachers' Salaries
269,592.52
280,450.00
Textbooks and Supplies
16,461.45
15,000.00
Tuition
85.98
300.00
Transportation
16,450.00
17,500.00
Support of Truants
63.29
300.00
Janitors
29,579.65
29,600.00
Fuel
12,842.82
14,000.00
Light
1,575.84
2,500.00
Maintenance
26,776.13
25,000.00
Other Expense
933.63
1,200.00
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Day Household Arts Day Industrial
4,217.62
5,200.00
24,444.35
25,000.00
Total Expenditures
$413,179.00
Total Estimates
$426,400.00
Respectfully submitted,
PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman ETHEL G. TAYLOR, Secretary (Mrs. Arthur R.) WALLACE H. DRAKE, M.D. J. HERBERT LIBBY, M.D. CLAYTON W. NASH
WILLIAM F. SHIELDS
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Members of the School Committee:
I take pleasure in presenting to you my twenty-eighth report, the fifty- first in the series of annual reports of superintendents of this town.
The special departments and the high school have been so well covered in separate reports that I shall not give additional attention to them. I should like, however, to emphasize the report of the Director of the Voca- tional School, justifying as it does the establishment, continuance, and extension of that type of work.
POPULATION
Census of 1930
20,799
SCHOOL CENSUS
1935
1936
In- crease
De- crease
5 to 7 years
666
644
22
7 to 14 years
3,167
2,978
189
14 to 16 years
927
876
51
4,760
4,498
262
MEMBERSHIP
(As of June 23)
Total number enrolled
4,820
4,750
70
Average daily membership
4,633
4,593
40
Average daily attendance
4,332
4,329
3
Per cent. attendance
93.52
94.25
.73
STATE
Per cent. attendance
93.41
93.48
,07
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Number of buildings
18
18
Number of classrooms
177
179
2
Number of halls
5
5
Number of gymnasiums
4
4
Number of cafeterias
1
1
INSTRUCTORS
High School
59
60
1
Elementary grades
106
107
1
Junior Manual Arts Class
4
4
Special
9
9
178
180
2
178
Although the school census shows a considerable decrease over that of previous years, yet it must be borne in mind that the ages included in the census vary from the ages of the children who actually attend school. For this reason there may or may not be a difference between the school census and the actual attendance in school. Many pupils above the age of sixteen attend high school at present, due to the fact that there are no other means of employing their time profitably.
The enrolment and average membership show a moderate decrease, but the actual attendance in school decreased only by three.
At the opening of the fall term in September, 4,789 were enrolled, an increase of 86 over the corresponding month of last year, and 39 over the preceding June. The difficulty of providing accommodations, however, is caused, not by the moderate change in total school population, but by the shift of the burden toward the upper grades, and particularly toward the high school. A table is submitted showing the changes in the last ten years, and as a final item, the enrolment for the first four months of the school year 1936-37 is added. There has been a, decrease of 90 in the ele- mentary grades since the peak of 1933, and a remarkably steady increase at the high school, practically 100% in ten years. Mr. Hilton notes in his report a 500% increase in twenty-six years.
ENROLLMENT FOR TEN YEARS
Year
Elementary
High
Total
1926-1927
2,870
845
3,715
1927-1928
3,000
902
3,902
1928-1929
3,128
942
4,070
1929-1930
3,199
1,046
4,245
1930-1931
3,288
1,132
4,420
1931-1932
3,365
1,222
4,587
1932-1933
3,483
1,310
4,793
1933-1934
3,422
1,349
4,771
1934-1935
3,419
1,401
4,820
1935-1936
3,353
1,397
4,750
Sept. to Dec. 1936
3,393
1,544
4,937
No room is now available in the high school building for further expan- sion. Were it not for the fact that during the next few years there should be a lessening in the pressure on the high school, due to the decreasing number in the elementary grades, and also to the fact that business needs will probably take some of the older pupils from the upper grades, it would be necessary to recommend further accommodation in the form of a junior high school. This building, if constructed, might well occupy the property directly across the road from the main group of buildings. Land was purchased in 1930, with the thought in mind that future. development could be provided for in that area. The additional shops and garage have left very little room around the main building.
By constructing a new floor on the third-story level, the library, which was formerly a two-story room, was divided into an upper and lower floor. The lower part was again divided and now forms two excellent classrooms. The upper floor is now used for the library.
The overflow from the agricultural department was taken care of in the basement-room formerly occupied by the shoemaking unit.
6
179
CHANGES IN THE TEACHING FORCE
RESIGNATIONS
High School Jefferson School
Washington School Hunt School
Center School
Edward B. Nevin School
APPOINTMENTS High School
Junior Annex
Washington School
Hunt School Center School
Edward B. Nevin School
TRANSFER
Mary M. Leonard
Eva P. Davis L. Eyllen Hollis, Effective Sept. 1, 1935
Filomena L. Amoroso
Florence A. Mckenzie
Kathryn L. Regan
Florence E. Hartt
Jane Hicks
Alice K. Fay Francis X. Kelly
Dorothy W. Bearce, Junior Manual Arts Class
Marie E. Conroy, Grade III
Hazel E. Smith, Grade VI
Constance E. Nash, Grade III-IV
Alice J. Story, Grade VI
Junior Manual Arts to Hunt, Grade III
The number of resignations has been comparatively small: 4 left to be married, and 2 accepted better positions in other places.
Of the new teachers, 4 had acquired experience in other cities or towns, and 3 had trained or substituted in our own system. One of the new teachers was added to the business department of the high school, due to the increased demand for that type of training. The other was placed in the Edward B. Nevin School temporarily to provide instruction in an overflow room.
It might be well to note in this connection that the appropriation has been insufficient to provide suitable instruction for all the pupils. In September two unpaid trainers were used at the Pratt School in an over- flow room from the eighth grade.
At the end of twelve weeks they returned to their studies at the Bridge- water State Teachers' College, and were replaced by another trainer who is serving on the same basis. An unpaid trainer taught at the Edward B. Nevin School for the first twelve weeks of the present school year also, helping the situation in the lower grades.
The first and second grades at the Center School on Washington Street should have been separated. There have been as high as forty-six pupils in a room designed to seat thirty comfortably. One of the two extra rooms in that building could have been used to the distinct advantage of the little ones.
The Town of Weymouth is fortunate in that it is one of the wealthiest towns in the state. It has a low tax rate, a very small debt, has always been well managed,and has never been to the state for permission to bor- row beyond the limit permitted by law, a record held by few municipalities. In a town so fortunately circumstanced, the children are entitled to an education equivalent to that being given in the state. The cost per pupil in
180
average membership (from all sources) in Weymouth was $81.26 for the school year ended June 23; in the state, $95.79.
A short time ago, in visiting a city reputed to be the poorest in the United States, I expected to find the schools in a deplorable condition. On the contrary, the buildings were good, the teachers well paid, and the children amply provided for. Inquiry as to how such a standard could be maintained brought from city officials the reply that the idea of poverty did not distress them, but that they were afraid of poverty of spirit.
There is in every human eye a blind spot, the macula lutea, upon which a tree in leaf or a flower in blossom makes no impression. May it not be possible that the blind spot in this community is a lack of realiza- tion of the danger of spending too little on the education of the children?
Over a long period of years I have found that if people understand conditions, they are willing to provide for the well-being of their children. In the last few years I have had parents come to me, asking for positions for their sons and daughters, and have heard them state that they have spent practically every cent of their accumulations to give college or normal education to their children. If parents are willing to make great sacrifices for their children individually, should not the community be willing to furnish the bare necessities for a good elementary and secondary educa- tion, when the comparative cost is so slight? Reduced to understandable
figures, this means $7.07 per thousand taken from local taxation for the support of the schools, which amount multiplied by the number of thou- sands in the assessed valuation of a piece of property represents what parents are actually paying for the education of their children. A home valued at $4,000.00 pays $28.28, whether one or six children attend school. A home of greater or less value pays in proportion.
COURSES OF STUDY
Flora Haviland McGrath was transferred on September 1, 1931 from the high school to prepare courses of study for the different subjects in the elementary grades, and to correlate the work of all teachers in the grades. She has been very successful in obtaining the co-operation of the teachers, and has prepared complete courses of study as follows:
Entire language group, including technical English, lan- guage drills, reading, and poems Grades I to VIII.
Geography for Grades III and IV, with pupils above the fourth using the Atwood-Thomas geography with an outline of its own.
Revised spelling list for Grades I, II, and III, with com- plete adoption of "Everyday Spelling" in grades above the third.
Character education, with correlated material on citizenship.
She will undertake courses of study next year in history and science for the seventh and eighth grades.
The importance of this work cannot be overestimated. It affords to every elementary teacher in the system an organized plan of the work to be presented in each grade for the school year; it gives to the teachers an opportunity for exchange of ideas and methods; and provides a stimulus for better work. Through this work educational procedures are studied and the best adopted when feasible.
Mr. John M. Lyons, of the music department, has presented a detailed course of study in music to be followed in the elementary grades. This course is in the hands of the printing department of the Vocational School, and should be completed within a few weeks.
181
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Following the proclamation of the Governor, the week of November 9 was observed as Education Week, with special exercises in the grades. Parents were invited to visit, either on Thursday or Friday afternoon, and from all reports the 725 who availed themselves of this opportunity enjoyed and appreciated the efforts of the pupils.
For many years, particularly during the period within which the veterans of the Civil War found it difficult to visit all schools, special attention was given to the Memorial Day programs. Recently, due to the fact that so many World War veterans are able and capable of ap- pearing upon school programs, these younger veterans have been invited to present a program, rather than to depend largely upon the efforts of the pupils.
In place of previous stress upon Memorial Day exercises, more atten- tion is given to music, and several of the buildings have presented musical ยท entertainments or operettas of considerable merit.
It is unfortunate that parents do not visit the schools more frequently and become acquainted with the regular work of their children. A better understanding between the teachers and parents could be created by fre- quent visitation. The schools are always open to the parents, and the parents are welcome at all times.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
Several conditions brought about the discontinuance of the no school signal. The signal was inaudible in certain areas in windy weather, while in other localities it was impossible to hear it at any time. There was often confusion with fire alarms or other signals sounding at the same time, either here or in neighboring towns. A plan to have the Weymouth Light & Power Company give the notification by' turning on the street lights was not feasible. Storms often make it necessary to work on lines at irregular hours, and turning on the street lights would endanger the lives of the linemen. A definite arrangement for radio announcement proved unsatisfactory. The broadcasting station must be notified before 6:45 a. m., a time so early in the day that weather forecasts are uncertain.
Until further notice, the schools will be closed at no time because of inclement weather, unless the regular schedule of the transportation companies is interrupted. In such a case the no school signal will be given as in the past. Parents are best qualified to decide whether or not their children should attend school in stormy weather.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
Additional work had to be done on the grounds surrounding the buildings, due to cessation of such activities last year. Large areas were oiled and sanded at the Pond, Pratt, James Humphrey, Abigail Adams, and Athens Schools. This was done to eliminate mud and dust from the yards and to assist the janitors in keeping their buildings clean. The cost of these operations ranged from $105.00 to $408.00, according to the size of the yard and the area to be covered. A small amount of asphalting was done: one space between the cafeteria and the high school to keep water out of the basement; another at the Bicknell to eliminate the muddy area along the northern side of the new wing; and the driveway at the Edward B. Nevin School.
The new rooms necessary at the high school required an expenditure of about $2,800.00, and repairs on account of damage by lightning, $1,625.00.
182
The rest rooms for the women teachers have been reconstructed in order to accommodate the enlarged force. Originally there were five women teachers in the building; now there are forty. A portion of the expense of decorating these rooms has been borne by the teachers themselves. Four new toilets, two lavatories, and twenty-eight new individual lockers were installed.
New shades were bought for the James Humphrey School and the out- side doors repaired. The interior of the building is now being thoroughly painted. All this work was much needed, as very little has been done in this building for many years.
Damage by lightning to the Washington School caused an expenditure of $360.00.
In addition to painting as noted in the subsequent report of Mr. Charles H. Burkett, considerable additional painting at the high school, and a small amount at the Center School, was paid for from School De- partment funds.
I have asked Mr. Charles H. Burkett, Estimator and Supervisor of W. P. A. Painting Projects, to submit a list giving the results of the various school painting projects, together with recommendations for the coming year, in order that the importance of the work may be understood and appreciated.
Mr. Burkett has been most considerate. The regular school routine has not been inconvenienced, although much of the painting has been done immediately following the close of school or during evenings in rooms which were used during the school day. With drop cloths and protective material, Mr. Burkett carried on the painting in such a manner that not a single complaint has been heard, even though the work extended over the entire year.
PAINTING REPORT FOR 1936
Bicknell School
Outside painting:
4,174 sq. ft.
216 windows
Inside painting:
23,390 sq. ft.
Washington School
Inside painting: 18,100 sq. ft.
Hunt School
Inside painting:
41,420 sq. ft.
Pond School
Outside painting:
1,820 sq. ft.
Inside painting: 29,847 sq. ft.
High School
Outside painting : 6,248 sq. ft.
Inside painting :
44,566 sq. ft.
This included washing and . nurescoing ceilings, repairing walls and painting two coats, varnishing woodwork, bronzing radiators, and painting basement floors.
The following work is outlined for the next year:
Adams School Inside and outside painting
Athens School Inside and outside painting
James Humphrey School
Inside painting (already started)
Shaw School
Inside and outside painting
Edward B. Nevin School
Outside painting
Refinishing all desks, standards and seats.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1937
Pratt School
New toilets for old building $3,000.00
Stoker
1,385.00
High School
Stairway
5,000.00
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FENCING
Athens School
650 feet
Bicknell School
2000 66
James Humphrey School
565
Pratt School
450
Edward B. Nevin School
350
Pond School
925 66
This quantity of fencing is recommended because all school property should be enclosed. Owners living near the buildings mentioned have com- plained constantly concerning the trespassing of children. If the lines are properly fenced and the children directed
to the sidewalks, they are more apt to follow the natural lines of travel than to scatter over the adjoining property. The condition at the Bicknell School is particularly annoying. The grounds in the rear of the building are used by the Twilight League for baseball all summer. With several pieces of property adjacent to the school lines, there has been much dissatisfaction because of the tendency to trespass going to and from the ball games. This condi- tion has existed for a long time and the property owners in that vicinity feel that steps should be taken to remedy it.
Consideration should also be given to having thermostatic control of room temperature in all buildings. Such control would reduce the cost of heating the buildings, and in addition would improve the working condi- tions of the children and teachers. Under the present method it is almost impossible for the teacher to control the heat of the room.
DAY HOUSEHOLD ARTS
The Advisory Committee of the Day Household Arts Department at the High School has been revised, and the following women appointed to offer suggestions as to the best management of the school:
MRS. PRINCE H. TIRRELL, Chairman
MRS. GEORGE H. BICKNELL, Secretary
MRS. WALLACE H. DRAKE
MRS. WILLIAM F. SHIELDS
MRS. EDWARD P. HUNT MRS. THOMAS V. NASH
This group will be called together early in the year.
There is no more important phase of education than the training of the girls in the high school for practical work. Too much emphasis may be placed on the value of a career. Nearly all the girls are married sooner or later. Clerical positions in business or professional offices, teaching and other means of acquiring a livelihood occupy them for a time, but ultimately the home is the sphere of existence in which they must succeed or fail. The care of the home is very important, as upon its successful management depends the happiness of the family and the welfare of the children. The greatest single industry in the world is the preparation of food, whether in the home or elsewhere. Recently the demand for dietitians, technicians and those who understand food values sufficiently to operate cafeterias successfully has been increasing.
DENTAL CLINIC
The Dental Clinic, which was discontinued in 1935, was resumed at the reopening of the schools in September under the direction of the Board of Health and is being conducted in a very efficient and businesslike manner.
184
The responsibility of running this important phase of school work is well placed in the Board of Health.
Additional equipment has been purchased, and the new dental hygienist, Miss Virginia F. Loring, is performing her work in an enthusiastic manner. The policy of hiring the dentists rather than having services donated is, of course, to be highly commended.
HIGH SCHOOL
(Report of Mr. F. W. Hilton, Principal)
In reviewing this year's work, the outstanding problem has been how to accommodate the steadily increasing numbers without lowering the standard of the work performed. This has been true in all secondary schools, and in times of restricted expenditures, it has thrown a heavy burden on school authorities. This fall we ourselves were faced with the task of accommodating 1,416 pupils in the main building with a seating capacity of 1,362. We solved this problem by dividing the library, which was two stories high, into two single-story rooms. The lower floor space made two recitation rooms with a capacity of 70 additional seats. The library is now on the third floor. It has the same area, but is only one story high.
Since 1913 we have grown from a school of less than 300 with an enter- ing class of 117 to a school of over 1,500 with a freshman class of 475. This is a gain of over 500 per cent.
The following tables show the sources of the entering group and the distribution of the pupils of the school by courses and classes at the end of the first marking period:
Enrollment
Boys
Girls
Total
Freshmen
237
238
475
Sophomores
181
197
378
Juniors
142
190
332
Seniors
143
174
317
Post Graduates
15
17
32
Total
718
816
1,534
By Courses
Fresh- men
mores
Juniors
Seniors
Post Grad- uates Total
Classical
125
92
72
80
7
376
Technical
30
25
35
22
10
122
Business
210
199
182
137
7
735
General
16
16
23
28
8
91
Agricultural
14
9
10
8
41
Practical Arts
25
9
10
7
51
Vocational
55
28
35
118
475
378
332
317
32
1,534
Sources of Freshmen
School
Abigail Adams
27
Bicknell
86
Junior Annex
84
Hunt
64
Pratt
37
Shaw
20
Edward B. Nevin
41
Pond
24
Other Schools
54
Repeaters
38
Total
475
Sopho-
-
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Since the chief instrument of teaching is the textbook, it follows that the ability to read intelligently and to acquire a good vocabulary is a very considerable measure of a student's likelihood to succeed or to fail in school work. I suggest that standard tests in reading would be a great help to teachers in the eighth grade in advising their students concerning the choice of subjects for their first year in high school. Our courses are planned to meet the needs of various types of students and each will give a well-rounded high school education. We are glad to modify these when- ever possible in order to meet special requirements. Students should notify the office when this is necessary. All such changes should be made at the beginning of the year.
The duty of guidance has been delegated to the home-room teachers, although the office is glad to assist whenever possible. Home-room students are organized as group units to transact any activity and for this purpose a one-half hour period is given daily. It is at this time that the home-room teacher has opportunity to become thoroughly acquainted with those in his charge and to help them in their difficulties. During this time many of the teachers put on some form of program conducted by the students them- selves. This also is a great help to the teacher in understanding the char- acter and ability of his home-room pupils.
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