USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1937 > Part 11
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The High School had previously been filled to its normal capacity, and several new classrooms would be needed. These could conveniently be provided by the addition of a second story upon a portion of the south wing which was one story only in height. Plans for such an addition were prepared within the school department, and soon after the close of school in June all details pertaining to such proposal were taken up with the Appropriation Committee, and the same received their approval.
As an emergency measure, the sum of $5,500.00 of the Reserve Fund was earmarked to be made available if needed, and if some subse- quent special Town Meeting should fail to provide a similar amount. Such sum, together with funds of the department which could be used for the purpose, was deemed to be sufficient.
Complete plans being ready and sufficient funds being assured, work was therefore immediately started. The needed classrooms were built and equipped in time for the opening of school in Septem- ber. The work in general matches the rest of the building and is equal to it in quality of construction. It was done under the immediate supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, assisted by several mem- bers of the school staff. A description of this work will be found in the Superintendent's report. The special Town Meeting, held on September 15 last, voted the sum of $5,500.00 to the School Depart- ment in consideration of this work, thus making it unnecessary that recourse be had to the Reserve Fund.
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In addition to the new classrooms, the main stairways in the cen- tral old portion of the High School were rebuilt, and the needed fire or smoke doors installed.
ยท One of the items of importance in the maintenance and improve- ment of school buildings to which attention should be given is the complete rearrangement of sanitary facilities in the old Pratt School. This can only be done during the summer vacation, and we hope the regular school appropriation to be provided will be sufficient for this improvement.
Our experience with coal stokers has been so satisfactory that we hope to provide other boilers with the same whenever possible.
Attendance in the grades has been stationary for a number of years, and there are sufficient classrooms for the numbers that can now be estimated. The Committee, to whom was referred the subject matter of Articles 21 and 22 of the last Annual Town Warrant, now report thereon that no new school buildings are needed at this time either in Precinct 4 or in the Union Street section of South Wymouth.
Should opportunity offer, we would recommend the purchase by the Town, at a fair price, of land adjacent to the Shaw School; and we would further recommend the acquisition by the Town of a suitable lot of land in the Union Street section which could be utilized for ja future grade school. Such a location should be secured in reference to any future street layouts in that district, and the consideration of the Planning Board in this behalf would be appropriate. There is at the present time considerable new building going on in South Wey- mouth, and if it continues at any increasing rate, some new school rooms will be needed within a few years.
The Committee has seen and inspected plans for a proposed gym- nasium-auditorium addition to the Nevin School, prepared for the com- mittee appointed by the Moderator under Article 20 at the last Town Meeting. Such plans show a gymnasium similar in type to the three oth- ers now used in the remaining parts of the town, and specifically, of the same size as the gymnasium at the Bicknell School. We approve the type of building proposed, and hope the way may be clear for its con- struction, inasmuch as the south part of the town is now wholly with- out such facilities so generally used by the school children in the re- mainder of the town.
At the last Annual Town Meeting, by an addendum to the budget appropriation for the support of schools, an additional amount of $1,300.00 was made available for the purpose of maintaining and im- proving the supervision of athletics in the schools. Under the implied authority of this vote, as well as authority possessed by the Committee under the law, a portion of such amount has been used for compensa- tion of members of the teaching staff for services directly connected with competitive athletics. In addition to this, the position of Super- visor of Athletics and general director of physical education has been
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re-established. Mr. Harry Arlanson, who, in addition to his teaching duties, had acted as athletic coach for two previous seasons, was chosen to fill such position. His concern will principally be competitive out- door sports, especially football and baseball. It is important that com- petitive sports be under competent direction, not only for the quality of the play, but for the physical welfare of the boys. Mr. Arlanson has shown that he amply possesses the qualities desired in a physical director or coach.
Our budget allows for the regular annual increases in the pay of the younger teachers, as well as for the increases granted for shown professional improvement.
Herewith follow our estimates of expenses for the coming year, with comparative figures for the year last past :
Expenditures 1937
Estimates 1938
Superintendent
$ 5,749.86
$ 6,500.00
Other General Salaries
3,447.78
3,550.00
Other General Expense
1,360.63
1,500.00
Teachers' Salaries
275,153.82
290,338.40
Textbooks and Supplies
15,019.12
15,000.00
Transportation
17,484.00
17,700.00
Support of Truants
18.00
300.00
Tuition
212.77
300.00
Janitors
29,540.13
29,600.00
Fuel (minus Power for 1938)
12,357.57
11,100.00
Light (plus Power for 1938)
2,225.08
4,000.00
Maintenance
37,871.30
25,000.00
Other Expense
876.14
1,200.00
Day Household Arts
4,823.67
5,200.00
Day Industrial
25,159.97
26,000.00
Total Expenditures
$431,299.84
Total Estimates
$437,288.40
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 :
In submitting this, my twenty-ninth report and the fifty-second in the series of annual reports of superintendents of this town, I shall deal as briefly and concisely as possible with those items which need recording, realizing that the Principal of the High School and the heads of the special departments have described ably and efficiently the work that comes within their separate spheres of activity.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. Three-room addition to the High School, seating 110 pupils
2. Stair wells at High School, original building
3. Fire escape at John Adams School
4. Course of study in science. Courses in English, character education, and geography have previously been completed.
5. New textbooks in science, history, and geography; new sup- plementary readers; new colored pictures for art work in the first two grades
6. Resumption of regular increases of $100.00 for all teachers under the maximum, and of $50.00 for professional improve- ment for those below the supermaximum
7. Chain link fence: 140 feet at the Pratt School; 943 feet at Pond School
8. Preliminary work for the introduction of a new course, pre- sumably in sheet metal work. The project has been approved by state authorities, the federal government has appropriated the money, and the work will probably start some time during the first of the new year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Construction of the hall for the Edward B. Nevin School, according to plans now being prepared, in order that the pupils in Wards IV and V may have the same privileges for athletic instruction and general group work as those in the other parts of the town
2. Preparation of plans for a building to be constructed on the lot opposite the High School for accommodation of the seventh and eighth grade pupils in East Weymouth and those areas contiguous to the present High School plant
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3. Reconstruction of the basement in the old Pratt School for the purpose of replacing the present toilets with new ones sufficient in number to accommodate the pupils in the building
4. Purchase of land at the rear of the Shaw School in order that there may be additional space for building a new school if the increase of pupils warrants such a move
5. Continuation of the policy of fencing the school grounds, particularly the Bicknell, Washington, Edward B. Nevin, and Pratt Schools. As soon as possible all schools should have fences to keep pupils from trespassing on adjacent property.
6. The offering of more courses in the Vocational School to pro- vide suitable work for those pupils who are demanding the industrial rather than the academic type of education
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. There are no illiterate minors of record in this town.
2. Forty-seven truancy cases from an aggregate attendance of 791,889. Cost of truancy to town - $10.00
3. Per cent of attendance, 94.32, higher than last year, and higher than average in state, 93.56
4. No pupils in state schools organized for correction of truancy or school delinquency
5. Cost of education per pupil in average membership Weymouth - $83.00 State - $97.56
6. Increase in school population since 1927 Enrollment
June 1937 4,833
June 1927 3,715
Increase 1,018 -27%
7. Graduates continue to make favorable records and to obtain scholarships from colleges.
8. Sixty-two teachers are taking courses during fall semester for self-improvement.
9. Credits to be deducted from School Appropriation to deter- mine net cost to town : REIMBURSEMENT
Teachers' Salaries
$32,449.47
Smith-Hughes Fund Day Industrial
Day Household Arts
$1,092.72 385.30
1,478.02
Day Industrial School
10,762.83.
Day Household Arts School
(half cost of instruction )
2,793.81
$47,484.13
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Increase in school population
-5000 H
4000
3000
2000
1923 724"2526 27 /28 '29 '30 '31 '32 '3 '34'35 '36 JUNE DEC 37 '37
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THIS chart shows the rank of Weymouth among the eighty-three Massachusetts towns having more than 5000 population in respect to tax rate, expenditures for school, per pupil cost of education, valuation and size, for the school year ending June 30, 1937
O
-10
++ 20
- 30
4-40
-- 50
60
. 70
H 80
83
80th
75th
40th
5th
7th
in tax rate $25.50
in portion of local tax used for schools $7.50
in per pupil cost of education $83.00
in valuation $46,942,627
in population 20,882
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TUITION
State Wards Day Industrial School High School Agricultural Course
1,852.51
4,462.97
312.20
Academic Course
222.52
534.72
6,850.20
MISCELLANEOUS CASH RECEIPTS
Day Industrial Sales
Auto Repairs
252.88
Cabinetmaking
25.89
Printing
258.44
Supplies
9.57
546.78
Junior Manual Arts
186.56
Sale of old books and junk
93.16
Sale of supplies, etc.
76.24
Fines, etc.
51.10
953.84
Total Reimbursement & Tuition Charges & Miscellaneous Cash Receipts for 1937
$55,288.17
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Mr. Frederick W. Hilton, who died on August 13, had been Principal of the Weymouth High School for twenty-six years. At the time he took charge of the school in 1911, there were 292 pupils.
Mr. Hilton little knew on assuming his duties that the school was destined to become one of the largest in the state, and little did he realize the labor and worry that would become his lot in making the courses of study fit the many and varied types of children to come under his charge. The small group of 292 became 1,800; his assistants became 60; the curriculum was enlarged and enriched, until there was much for many and some- thing for all.
His friends cherished him as a companion; his as- sociates respected him as an organizer and a master in the field in which he served ; his pupils profited by and paid tribute to his self-sacrifice, courage, accuracy, and hope. The school system which has known him for so many years will feel the lack of his supporting hand.
"We ourselves die, but the fair fame never dies of him who has earned it."
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CHANGES IN THE TEACHING FORCE
RESIGNATIONS
Athens School
Bicknell School
1
Beatrice M. White
Eva C. Bernier
Alice K. Guertin
Esther L. Mayo
Alma M. Roche
Jefferson School
Hunt School
Center School
Constance E. Nash
Pratt School
John E. Hunt
Shaw School
May I. Letteney
Pond School
Margaret S. Wise
RETIRED
Edward B. Nevin School Elizabeth L. Hallahan
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
High School Helen C. Barnard
APPOINTMENTS
High School
Athens School
Bicknell School
Jefferson School
Washington School
Center School
Mary Reidy, Grade I
Pratt School
Richard F. Zeoli, Grade IV
Florence S. Dillon, Grade VI-VII Doris A. Upton, Grade V
Nellie G. Beaton, Grade V
Ruth L. Calen, Grade I
Marjorie R. Candy, Grade III-VI
Pond School
Isabelle R. Dacey, Grade III Ralph Stewart, Grade VI
TRANSFERS
Wallace L. Whittle Thomas A. Lyons
Marie E. Conroy
George J. McCarthy Virginia Nye Marie F. Galvin Winifred O. Lennon
Edward F. Tracy Ruth Thompson David A. J. Burns
Assistant Principal, High School, to Principal Mathematics, High School, to Assistant Principal Washington III to High School
Bicknell VIII to High School
Shaw V to High School Athens V to Bicknell VI
Center I-II to Bicknell V
Shaw VI to Hunt VII
Edward B. Nevin V to Center III-IV, Principal Pond VIII to Shaw VII-VIII, Principal
Josephine F. Sturtevant, Grade V Mildred E. Clifford, Grade I-II
William J. Doyle, Grade VII
Jane R. MacDonnell, Grade III Thomas L. Stetson, Grade VII Margaret A. Miles, Grade I E. Madeline Connell, Grade III Katharine A. Dunning, Grade II
Shaw School
Edward B. Nevin School
Dorothy A. Jenkins Alvah Raymond
Mary C. Shea M. Dorothy Reilly
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There have been fourteen resignations or withdrawals. Of these, ten resigned to be married; one, to accept a business position ; one re- tired under the Teachers' Retirement Act; one is now on leave of absence ; and one died.
It has been necessary to employ three cxtra High School teachers in the Business Department, the branch that is showing the greatest growth. A few years ago the tendency was towards the classical course with the idea of entering college, but more recently the trend has been toward preparation for business.
Two temporary positions in the grades have been made permanent : one, in the Edward B. Nevin; and one, at the Center.
Miss Elizabeth L. Hallahan began her service in April, 1894. She taught for varying periods in the Bates, Howe, and Hunt Schools, but on the completion of the Edward B. Nevin School, she was assigned to the fifth grade and continued in that position until her retirement in June.
Miss Hallahan was a strong teacher, both in her ability to disci- pline, and in her power to impart knowledge. In my experience, I have never had a teacher who gave her pupils better preparation for the next grade. She will be missed in the School Department as a friend and associate.
CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Under an Act of the 1936 Legislature, Chapters 318 and 400, ac- cepted by the Town in November, 1936, it became possible on July 1 for janitors, maintenance men, and those school employees not entitled to membership in the Teachers' Retirement Association to join a municipal contributory retirement system.
In accordance with the rulings, one may retire at any time between the ages of 60 and 70, but must retire at the age of 70. However, em- ployees who were 70 years of age or over on July 1 are entitled to two additional years of work before retirement becomes compulsory. All new employees in the future must join the association. A deduction of five per cent will be taken from all payments for the purposes of the contributory pension.
Three janitors have retired since July 1 :
Date of
Age on
Date Name
School
Employment
Retirement
July 17 Joseph A. Rogers
Pond
Dec. 11, 1928
78
Nov. I Thomas Sweeney
Hunt
Jan. 15, 1916
71
Dec. 31 James Maguire
Pratt-High
Apr. 13, 1923 72
It should be the policy of the department in the future to hire comparatively young men in order to benefit by a longer period of service.
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MAINTENANCE AND OUTLAY
Reference to the expenditures for the year will show that con- siderable money was spent under maintenance. Four items amounting to $13,514.70 were really outlay.
1. Three rooms on south end of High School, seating 110 pupils
These rooms were necessary, and for the first time in a number of years, made it possible to seat every child immediately on the opening of school in September. The rooms are as good as any in the building, well heated, well lighted, and well ventilated. The construction caused considerable work on the floor below and in the stairways. The total cost for construc- tion, heating, electric wiring, and equipment was $8,671.28.
2. Stair wells at High School
In last year's report, recommendation was made that the stair wells in the old section of the High School be fireproofed. This recommendation was made because of two fires which had oc- curred shortly before in Brookline and Abington in buildings of exactly the same type. Investigation showed that fire orig- inating on the third or upper floor of the buildings had mush- roomed down through the stairs and caused a total loss of the buildings. The Texas disaster also has made communities more fire conscious, with a result that everything possible is being done to insure the safety of the children. The cost of this work was $3,543.24.
3. Fire escape on rear of John Adams School
This fire escape was erected on recommendation of the State District Inspector. It was not required under the law, but removed any possibility of danger to the children, if a fire should develop in the basement. The building was constructed many years ago and has had two exits in close proximity. A fire escape, formerly on the Franklin School, was rebuilt and used at a cost of $349.53.
i
4. Chain link fences at Pratt and Pond Schools
Chain link fences were erected along the property lines of the Pratt and Pond Schools. Need for these fences was mentioned in last year's report. There has been a growing demand on the part of abutters to have property separated from school grounds by permanent fences. The cost was $950.65.
The smaller items in maintenance charges, such as repairs to roofs, conductor pipes, plumbing, and electric wiring, need not be mentioned, as they recur from year to year.
The larger items include repairs to the septic tank at the Bicknell School, and asphalting a piece of yard on the north side of the building ; repairs to the boilers at the James Humphrey, Pond, and High Schools; installation of a stoker at the Pratt; renovating furniture at the High, Edward B. Nevin, Center, and James Humphrey.
Under maintenance should be listed the painting done under the supervision of the Works Progress Administration. Records show that in 1936 the town expended $2,219.50, which covered work in the
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Bicknell, Washington, Hunt, and Pond; in 1937, an expenditure of $1,146.82, which covered work in the James Humphrey, Pratt, and High Schools.
ATHLETIC COUNCIL AND ATHLETICS
The Athletic Council, which was organized by some of the more progressive citizens of the town, is showing a very commendable spirit of co-operation and is assisting materially in the development of ath- letics. Although as an organization it is entirely separate from the High School Athletic Association, it maintains contact with the school through one member of the School Committee, the Principal of the High School, and two student members.
The enthusiasm aroused by the Council has increased the gate receipts to such an extent that athletics have been carried on with greater ease. Formerly it was difficult for the students to raise through their own unassisted efforts the funds necessary for all forms of athletic contests. Football, being spectacular, is always the money-raising part of athletic work, but during the last year basketball has paid, and the wrestling teams are well on their way to self support. The other ac- tivities are still in the red.
Three banquets held in honor of all participants in athletic sports have been successful and have done much to make the boys realize that the people of the town are really interested in what they do. Mr. Albert Vinal, who was President of the organization for two years, and Mr. Raymond Stein, the present head, together with the members of the Council, have done work which is greatly appreciated by those who realize past difficulties.
The record of games and contests is as follows :
Won
Lost
Tied
Football
6
2
Basketball
12
1
Baseball
5
6
Wrestling
4
3
-(second in state)
Track
4
I
-(So. Shore champions)
Members of the Athletic Council have mentioned their desire to assist in the promotion of other sports. There is need for opportunity to play field and ice hockey. The completion of the area directly across from the High School would help in this, as the part near the street could be used for field hockey. The lower portion of the same field might well be made into a skating rink.
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
I am sure that all who have seen the High School Band performing at athletic games or listened to its concerts are proud of the manner in which the members are developing.
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The band was started in 1927 under the leadership of Mr. James W. Calderwood, who at that time was Supervisor of Music in the Wey- mouth schools, and is still under his guidance, even though he has retired from active work in the school system. The Rotary Club sponsored the first costs and paid for nearly $500.00 worth of the more expensive instruments, which have been loaned and re-loaned to various students during the years the band has been in action.
The uniforms, which are somewhat worn and need replacing, were purchased from athletic funds and made by the girls of the Day Household Arts Department. It would add to the general appearance of the young people and to their pride in the work, if new uniforms could be secured, either through private subscription or donation. Thirty-seven pupils are actively engaged in this type of work, ranging from beginners in the freshman class to seniors. The music presented is worth hearing, and organizations might well make greater use of the band. Actual presentation before an audience encourages those who are doing the work and gives an added pride and zest to performance.
NATIONAL YOUTH ADMINISTRATION
No mention has been made in previous reports of the assistance being given to needy pupils through the National Youth Administration.
The High School was approved for assistance on September 28, 1936. During the school year 1936-7, twenty-six students benefited, to the amount of $1,103.10. During the present year, from September through December, twenty-three received $219.90.
Students may perform work sufficient to earn $6.00 a month, the money to be used for clothing, lunches, and transportation. Projects have been approved for work in the cafeteria, library, foods laboratory, print and auto shops, offices, gymnasiums, and drawing room.
HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY
The library at the High School deserves commendation. It is filling an important need in the school and in the lives of the children.
During the freshman year, lessons are given in its use. Pupils of the seventh and eighth grades of the Junior Annex and of the Voca- tional School are included. Teachers may bring classes for instruction in the making of bibliographies and in other special work. Primarily the library is for reference during study periods. Children may be found there, however, at all periods of the day ;. before and after school, and during the noon periods.
The library was started in 1928, with 1,425 books, to which 1,645 volumes have since been added, as well as subscriptions to 30 magazines. It is being operated in connection with the Tufts Library, from which books are received as needed.
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The yearly circulation has risen to 3,487 fiction, 2,857 nonfiction and 840 magazines.
VISUAL EDUCATION
For many years lantern slides on file in the High School Library have been used throughout the town for visual education. To this equipment have been added two moving picture machines: one for sound programs; the other, for silent. These have been used advan- tageously by many of the teachers. There is such a wealth of film material available at the present time that this type of education should be strongly emphasized.
Mr. Francis E. Whipple, Jr., the Director of the Vocational School, has taken several reels of moving pictures showing school ac- tivities. Others will be added from time to time and should constitute an interesting record of what is being done from year to year. These pictures have been shown a number of times outside of town, and also before many of the local organizations.
DENTAL CLINIC
The work of the Dental Clinic is being carried on as last year un- der the direction of the Board of Health. A complete report will be found under the details of that department.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
In last year's report, full explanation was made of the reasons for discontinuing the No School Signal. There is some confusion, as many do not realize that schools will run regularly and be open for the admittance of pupils on all days, except those on which the busses do not operate. If the busses do not operate, the usual signal will be given. The result of discontinuing the No School Signal has thus far been satisfactory.
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