USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1941 > Part 18
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Vaccination
No child shall be allowed to enter the first grade without a certificate of successful vaccination.
Employment Certificates
Employment certificates, educational certificates, and newsboys' badges are issued at the office of the Superintendent of Schools in the High School Building from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. every week day, except Saturday.
All persons must make personal application and present a birth cer- tificate.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
2-2-2
2-2-2
The signal will be given at 7:30 a.m. when transportation by bus is impossible. Generally, schools will be open during stormy weather. Whether or not a child shall attend will rest with the decision of the parents.
SCHOOL FIRE ALARM BOXES
Abigail and John Adams
19
Athens
17
Bicknell
15
James Humphrey
226 or 21
Jefferson
224
Washington
231
Hunt
36 or 37
Center
46
Pratt
49
Shaw
445
Edward B. Nevin
64
Pond
55
High
213
228
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Abigail Adams
2916-M
Athens
1571-R
Bicknell
0306
James Humphrey
1048-W
Jefferson
1128-W
Junior Annex
1993
Washington
0297-M
Hunt
1006
Center
1271-R
Pratt
0297-R
Shaw
1048-M
Edward B. Nevin
1327
Pond
1128-M
High
1100
Cafeteria
2658
Vocational School
0257
Garage
0267
229
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Weymouth :
The School Committee herewith submits its report for the year 1941, to which is appended the second annual report of Mr. Charles R. Thibadeau, Superintendent of Schools, and other reports necessary for a concise record of the past year.
It has hitherto been the policy of the School Department, a policy recognized and accepted by the town, that our schools shall be main- tained and operated at the highest degree of progress and efficiency that times and conditions demand and permit. A continuance of that policy will doubtless be expected. The state of actual war which has arrived will increase, rather than lessen, the duties and responsibilities to be required of the schools.
The budgetary estimates which appear below were computed in the same way as in previous years and before the advent of war. The in- creases over the previous year are due to the normal increases in salaries already adopted and which can be expected similarly to be made with the coming September, and in some measure to the known increase in the cost of materials and supplies.
It may be that in the coming year our schools will be called upon to give new services for which they are not now prepared: Any curtail- ments in one or more directions are likely to be offset by new obliga- tions.
At the last annual town meeting, an appropriation was made for the purpose of purchasing two large lots of land adjacent to the high school premises, and to this committee was delegated the duty of making such purchase. A satisfactory understanding with the owner of the land has been arrived at, and a survey of the premises has been made. The records, however, disclose that while said premises are free of in- cumbrances, certain inaccuracies or inconsistencies of description in conveyances of former years have made it desirable that the premises be taken by eminent domain.
That there may be no uncertainty as to the actual location and description of the land to be acquired, an article is being inserted in the warrant for the coming annual town meeting designed to authorize such taking and asking for a nominal amount to be appropriated for such purpose. The real payment can thereupon be made to the owner thereof from last year's appropriation for the deed which he is ready to execute and deliver.
230
Estimates
Expenditures 1941
1942
Administration
$ 10,018.69
$ 10,650.00
Teachers' Salaries
297,916.78
309,570.00
Textbooks and Supplies
15,326.81
18,975.00
Transportation
18,140.00
18,700.00
Support of Truants
3 00.00
Tuition
285.83
600.00
Janitors
30,961.06
31,150.00
Fuel
11,507.80
12,630.00
Light, Power, Water
6,783.30
6,500.00
Maintenance
24,375.93
27,900.00
Other Expense
935.39
1,200.00
Day Household Arts
5,990.78
6,810.00
Day Industrial
35,384.91
38,370.00
Total Expenditures
$457,627.28
$483,355.00
Total Estimates
Respectfully submitted, Prince H. Tirrell, Chairman Ethel G. Taylor, Secretary (Mrs. Arthur R.) Wallace H. Drake, M.D.
Joseph W. Mahoney
Clayton W. Nash
William F. Shields
231
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Members of the School Committee :
In the interests of conservation, my second annual report, the fifty- sixth in a series of such reports, will be materially condensed.
The practice of including the reports of supervisors will be discon- tinued temporarily, while the reports of the major divisions in the de- partment,-that is, the high school, the elementary grades, and the vocational school, will be retained, but considerably reduced in length.
The customary statistical section of the report will be continued because it provides the only complete compilation of vital information within the confines of a single reference.
In my mind there is no doubt that education is the first line of in- ternal defense for the American way of life. Even in total war this responsibility of the schools must be met. Whatever changes in the content of the curriculums the schools of the nation may be called upon to make, the objectives will be the same. It will still be the responsi- bility of the schools to educate individuals in democratic competence, not only to meet the problems of war, but also the tasks of post-war reconstruction and the developing of virile citizenship.
To and above this task will be added the further responsibility of performing well the additional work caused by the crisis. We do not know what changes, what duties, or what facilities our school depart- ment will be called upon to make, to do, or to furnish; but we do know that we stand ready to make them, to do them, and to furnish them within the limit of our abilities.
I am glad to report that all the activities of the schools for the last year have been carried on efficiently and profitably, due to the good work of the teachers, principals, and supervisors. Changed world con- ditions, however, have brought about a change of emphasis, and will continue to produce changes in emphasis. Reports written by super- visors and the heads of special departments have explained these changes in some detail. I am including only the highlights, which follow.
Mr. Harry Arlanson, Director of Physical Education, in outlining the work for the coming year, is placing new emphasis on mass games and marching tactics.
Mr. Hilmer S. Nelson, head of the Weymouth Branch of the Nor- folk County Agricultural School, stresses the importance of providing food for a great nation in a world at war, and the urgent need of new recruits in agricultural pursuits, the ranks of which have been considerably thinned by demands in other defense areas.
Miss Evelyn Silvester, Art Supervisor, stresses the importance of
232
art as an emotional stabilizer, a relief from the tension due to world maladjustments, and a medium for the worthy use of leisure.
Mr. Vance W. Monroe, of the Music Department, stresses, as does the art department, that in the present emergency we should take every advantage of music as a natural balancer of the emotions.
Mr. John M. Lyons, Assistant in the Music Department, explains techniques for the teaching of fundamental skills necessary for major appreciation.
Miss Harriet Berry, Supervisor of Domestic Arts, places much em- phasis on the useful application of the skills taught in the sewing 'de- partment.
Mr. A. Edward Haviland, Supervisor of Manual Arts, has given much thought and attention to the broadening of the experiences of the members of his classes and to the construction of useful items in the home, particularly the diversification of projects where several mem- bers of a family have passed through his classes.
Miss Sarah E. Brassill, Supervisor of School Gardens and Clubs, stresses the importance of a new and vital emphasis on home gardens, and the dignity of labor.
Miss Anna A. MacDavitt, the School Nurse, places continued and new emphasis on the valuable clinical and health work which the schools . should and must continue.
Cafeteria
The increase in the costs of supplies in the cafeteria is being absorbed by the surplus built up over past years. How long this can continue Is not certain, but up to the present there has been no' increase in the cost of food to the pupils. Neither the quantity nor the quality has been curtailed with the single exception that white milk is served in eight- ounce bottles instead of the former ten-ounce size.
Enrollment
There were 26 less enrolled in the elementary grades as of Decem- ber 31 than during the same period last year. The distribution in these grades, however, has been very uneven, necessitating the employment of an extra teacher in the Center, and another in the Edward B. Nevin School.
In order to correct the impossible situation of 55 enrolled in the co" bination first and second grade at the Center School, a new room was opened and an additional teacher employed.
In the Edward B. Nevin School, the problem was in the fifth and seventh grades, with enrollments of 52 and 51, respectively.
233
The High School enrollment was 84 less as of December 31 than in the corresponding period of 1940, the larger decrease occurring in the sophomore and junior classes. This decrease has only served to re- duce somewhat the pressure of the overcrowded conditions which have been building up for several years. In fact, the number and the size of divisions still remain too high.
The defense demands have increased elections in the field of mathe- matics, and an additional teacher was employed.
Marking System
A new marking system was adopted in September for all grades within the School Department, the outcome of a year's study by the entire teaching force.
We are concerned with the achievement of the individual, since the whole process of promotions is dependent upon it. The system was devised to possess sufficient flexibility to enable teachers to measure as uniformly as possible achievement in each subject.
The system takes into account the fact that there may be many aspects in a total learning situation, the measure of no one of which constitutes a composite measure of achievement in a given subject.
The new marking system consists of four passing marks and one mark of failure, each of which is uniformly defined for each grade. No changes in standards have been made by the adoption of this system ...
Maintenance
An extensive program of essential work was carried on in the various. buildings and properties of the School Department during the year. This fact, however, does not preclude the necessity of continued effort during the coming year. The school buildings are growing older and require increasing attention; if we would keep our physical plant in a good state of repair.
The Budget
If we continue our schools on a high efficiency plane, it will be- necessary to materially increase the total amount of money appropri- ated for schools to compensate for the decreased purchasing power of the dollar.
Air Raid Drills
Each community and each school building within each community presents its own problems in the matter of air raid defense. Specific regulations, which comply with the regulations of the state and of the nation, have been worked out for each building. Drills have been
234
1
organized for the purpose of evacuating and conducting pupils to shelter within the schools.
Defense Program
The Department is considering seriously the advisability of organiz- ing defense courses for High School students who will be eighteen years old on or before the completion of such course, about July 1. 1942.
The report of the Director of the Vocational School gives informa- tion relative to the defense courses for the past year, and anticipated extensions.
Guidance
The work which is being done in this important area by teachers and principals is valuable and worthwhile. It could, however, be improved upon materially and be extended by employing a skilled and technically trained Director of Guidance.
In conclusion, I express my appreciation to the School Committee and to the department personnel for their confidence and co-operation, and ask for a continuance of a unity of purpose in meeting the many problems which the crisis will present.
I am appreciative also of the fine school spirit of the student bodies, and the helpful interest and co-operation on the part of parents, town officials, and other citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. THIBADEAU
Superintendent of Schools
235
COURSES OF STUDY Report of FLORA HAVILAND MCGRATH Director of Courses of Study
Although the pattern of a school year remains intrinsically the same, the emphases change. The year 1941 has seen the compilation and partial edition of a complete new course of study in reading and language ; the inauguration of a mental testing program; and the usual supervisory activities so necessary in giving to the new and inexperienced teachers the tried and efficient methods of others.
Tests and Measurements
In February 1941, all pupils in grades I, III, V, and VII were given the Otis Mental Ability Tests. All results were tabulated on individual record cards in order to serve as a partial indication in deter- mining the pupil's capacity to achieve.
In grade VII, these results were added to the pupil records already acquired through the use of the National Intelligence Tests in 1940, and will be used with other information as a means of pupil guidance.
Intelligent pupil guidance precedes the development of good citizen- ship and of superior leadership. An adequate testing program is re- garded as a vital and necessary tool in the growth of a guidance pro- gram. The adoption of this complete testing program, then, is an- other step toward that which is much in need of our increased efforts, -namely, adequate pupil guidance.
The attempted measurement of mental ability is but part of the answer. Only average mental ability is necessary to have moral stamina, good work habits, right social attitudes, good citizenship, and vocational success. Superior mental ability is no more an indication of potential success than is a slightly below average mental ability an indication of potential failure. Many concomitants determine successful outcomes in this life pattern. One thing is fairly certain, however, and that is that mental superiority plus desirable concomitants mean leadership.
It is hoped that this testing program may better help us to detect the pupil who needs special help, and to discover and develop the genius.
Arithmetic Testing
In September and October of this year, arithmetic testing was con- ducted from grades III through VIII. In those grades where medians were low, the teachers noted class weaknesses and made immediate provision for remedial work.
The 100 Primary Addition Facts test given in grade III in Septem- ber was repeated in December. Nine out of fourteen classes had a median of 95 or above. According to past records, this grade should
236
have a median of 96 or better in every class when the test is repeated in the spring of 1942.
Courses of Study
In 1940, teacher committees throughout the town began collecting materials for a new course of study in reading and language. These materials have been compiled and partially edited. The first completed edition is "The First Grade Manual" which is now off the press and ready for distribution. The courses for grades II, III, IV, and V have been completed and are ready to go to press.
General Supervision
Including those teachers appointed in the elementary schools in 1940 and 1941, there are twenty-four new teachers. In order to help these new teachers to attain the best teaching methods in the shortest possible time, it is necessary to convey to them the best of many methods as observed in our own schools as well as elsewhere. Excellent teaching methods are acquired only through experience, but with careful super- vision, it is possible to shorten that novice period.
In Conclusion
To the members of the School Committee, to Mr. Thibadeau, Super- intendent of Schools, to the principals and teachers, and to all others who have helped in any way, I extend my thanks and continued appreciation.
HIGH SCHOOL
Report of MR. WALLACE L. WHITTLE, Principal
In my report for the year 1940, mention was made of a contemplated change in the marking system of the High School. A great deal of effort and time has been spent on this project over the past year, both by the teachers and by the administrative force. Many meetings of the staff were held, at which the ideas of all were presented and dis- cussed. Mr. Thibadeau very kindly attended several of our meetings in order to help in correlating any changes made with those made in the elementary grades. As a result of these conferences the change was made beginning in September. Each mark is thoroughly defined so that it should be easily understood by parents, pupils, and teachers. We definitely feel that the results will be appreciated by all concerned as a better and fairer method of grading.
Due to the fact that some people apparently feel that other changes have been made, I should like to reiterate the statement made last year
237
that there is no change in standards or in the amount of work required to be done by the pupils for graduation credit. We have had only one honor list in the past, but it might be advisable in the near future, to have two honor lists (high honors and honors), in order to give due credit to those who have done consistently better than average work. The present honor list would then be called "High Honors." The added list would be referred to as "Honors."
Because of increasing interest in courses containing some work in home economics, we now offer in this field three possible choices from · which the girls may elect. Home Economics "A" is the regular four- year course as offered in the past. Home Economics "B" consists of two years of home economics work and two years of business training. Home Economics "C" is divided into two years of home economics work and two years of college work in order to train for nursing or dietetics.
The changes combine subjects from two different fields, giving a training not possible before. These courses were apparently well re- ceived as shown by the number of elections for this year. I feel that more girls will be interested in them, once the courses have been fully established and understood.
We have also changed our social studies program to allow a four- year continuation in that field for those pupils who are so inclined. This change offers another possible elective in place of a language, and was added because of demand due to changing conditions. The divisions in these subjects have been filled to capacity this year.
These changes have been made in accordance with our policy of offer- ing the greatest possible opportunities to our pupils. We hope to be able to make other elections possible as the need may arise. However, our budget and physical plant necessarily limit the extent of our activi- ties, and we may go only so far as the townspeople feel is expedient.
It seems to me that we should soon set up a guidance department. We have never had any person available for such work, except as each case might be handled by the home room teacher or by the adminis- trators. Because of changing conditions, more and more problems arise with the young people, and I feel that, although we have done credit- able work along this line in the past, additional help may be needed to keep it at the level desired.
Our extracurricular activities have continued as usual. The various clubs throughout the school have met regularly during the school year with benefit to all. A noncredit course in micro-chemistry has been offered by the science department to pupils who have had chemistry previously, and wish to have more training in this field. The class is conducted in an informal manner and has proved to be very popular. Sixty-five pupils have passed and received certificates from the state in our safety driving course. Field trips for various groups have been encouraged and well patronized. Approximately six hundred pupils are enrolled in these activities, exclusive of athletics.
238
Athletics have continued along a high plane with nearly six hundred pupils taking part in the various sports. All branches of this activity have been satisfactory, but I feel that wrestling and fooball should receive special notice. The wrestling squad won the state champion- ship in Class A for the second consecutive year, and added Class B championship last year. The football squad completed this fall its twenty-fourth game without defeat, only one tie game marring a per- fect record over a period of two and one-half years. We are, of course, particularly proud of these accomplishments, not only for the excellent technique shown, but also for the sportsmanship and spirit which has received much favorable comment from officials and other players with whom our boys have come in contact. We are particularly fortunate in having coaches who train the boys to be men as well as athletes.
Inasmuch as all filing space for our own permanent records has been filled, and new equipment needed, a new visible index system has been started. The record cards have been reorganized and contain much more information than was possible in our old card system. This addi- tional information has been made necessary by increasing demands from employers, colleges, and government agencies. It has already been of great benefit to us from a standpoint of guidance of the pupils.
Scholarships given out in June are listed as follows :
· Weymouth Teachers' Association-Kirby Weathersby, Eloise Morrison
Weymouth High School Alumni Association-Stella Parsons, Margaret Lesenechal, Louisa Hardell
Alice W. Dwyer Scholarship-Dorothy Crawford
Frederick W. Hilton Scholarship-Ruth Stub The Monday Club of Weymouth-Helen Cromwell, Sylvia Steele Sons of Italy and Daughters of Italy-Helen Cipullo The Weymouth Catholic Club-John O'Connor
Weymouth Post No. 79 American Legion-Henry Burke
The award of the Weymouth High School Class of 1921 to the senior making the most "meritorious progress" during the four years was given to Richard Goodwin. .
John Hoffman received the Washington and Franklin Medal for Pro- ficiency in American History.
Marjorie Fisher was given the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion Good Citizenship Award.
239
WEYMOUTH VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Report of the Director, MR. FRANCIS E. WHIPPLE
As in the past, more boys requested admission to day trade courses than could be accommodated. It was possible to accept only 121 fresh- men out of 193 applying for admission. A Committee appointed by the moderator following a vote of the Town Meeting is considering the problem of providing additional housing space for the purpose of extending the vocational program and accommodating larger enroll- ments in the courses now offered.
The regular school has carried along its program as in the past. Some restrictions on materials are anticipated, especially in metals and paper. The use of metal has been reduced to conserve the supply; and paper must be conserved by reducing the variety of printed forms and the quantity used. It is not expected that restrictions on the manufac- ture of automobiles will be reflected in employment of automobile me- chanics. Their services will be needed more than ever. Plants engaged in naval construction are advertising for automobile mechanics as out- side machinists. The army needs great numbers of mechanics for their equipment. Our facilities should be employed 24 hours a day in train- ing men and youth for these purposes.
There is greater need for carpenters now, and the course in cabinet- making should be revised to emphasize carpentry.
The placement service reports that during 1941 86 boys were placed in employment; 73 additional boys found jobs by virtue of the training received here. One hundred thirteen other jobs were recorded. Fifty- four boys found employment at Fore River. Forty-two are enlisted in the military or naval services of the United States. Visits were made to five other schools for the purpose of discovering how industrial arts and general vocational courses were handled.
The total enrollment figures for the current school year are given below :
I
II
III
Total
Auto Repair
48
15
7
70
Cabinetmaking
20
16
7
43
Printing
19
9
8
36
Sheet Metal
34
22
10
66
Total
121
62
32
215
Of the 121 freshmen who could be admitted, 3 were admitted as special students without completing the eighth grade; 55 completed the eighth grade; 40 were members of or had completed the ninth: 12, the tenth; 1, the eleventh; 1, the twelfth grade. Nine were repeaters from last year.
240
Forty non-residents are enrolled. This is seven less than last year and twenty-seven less than in 1939.
Under the National Defense Training program, our Sheet Metal department has operated since January 20, 1941 from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. during school periods and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 mid- night during the summer months. This program is entirely supported by federal funds and is for unemployed men over 18. Seventy-nine have been enrolled. Forty-five have completed the course of training and 43 or 95.56% of available trainees have entered employment in sheet metal work or an allied trade. The average reported wage for these men is $39.04. Approximately one-half of the enrollees came from W. P. A. rolls to be rehabilitated into private industry.
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