USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1919-1921 > Part 13
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$500 00
Payments
Books
$100 00
Salaries
200 00
Fuel
200 00
$500 00
AMY ALLEN. FRYE, Treasurer.
131
Report of the Peirce Memorial Library
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
TREASURER'S REPORT For the Year Ending May 14, 1920
RECEIPTS
Cash on hand May 9, 1919.
$62 07
Received from the Town of Scituate .. . 500 00
Received from members of Scituate.
46 00
Received from fines .
19 00
Received from rent.
4 00
$631 07
PAYMENTS
Librarian
$171 00
Janitor
67 '00
Fuel.
70 50
Books
65 12
Periodicals .
63 75
Binding books
28 50
Electric lights
38 41
Water
8 40
Insurance
8 08
Printing
15 00
Repairs
22 26
Express and postage .
2 50
$560 52
Cash on hand May 14, 1920
70 55
$631 07
Permanent fund in Cohasset Savings
Bank $364 94
FRANCIS B. LEE, Treasurer.
INDEX OF ACCOUNTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Salaries and Expenses 5
Town Survey . 9
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Police Department. 10
Fire Department. 11
Hydrant Rental . 35
Sealer of Weights and Measures 24
Moth Work. 19
Elm Tree Beetle 21
Tree Warden 20
Bounties .
42
HEALTH AND SANITATION
. Board of Health
HIGHWAYS 21
Roads, General 36
Sidewalks. 47
Snow and Ice . 39
Preservation of Macadam 42
Street Lighting 24
CHARITIES
Support of Poor. 15
SOLDIERS' BENEFITS
State Aid . .
24
Soldiers' Relief 25
EDUCATION
Support of Schools 25
LIBRARIES . 32
RECREATION
Park Commission 23
UNCLASSIFIED . 33
REDUCTION OF DEBT 34
STATE AND COUNTY TAXES 34
REFUNDS . 33
INDEX OF REPORTS
ANIMAL INSPECTOR . 118
ASSESSORS 65
AUDITOR 76
BOARD OF HEALTH 115
CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE 126
COLLECTOR
69
FIRE DEPARTMENT
122
LIBRARIES
130
MILK INSPECTOR . 117
OVERSEERS OF POOR
68
PARK COMMISSION 113
PLUMBING INSPECTOR . 116
POLICE DEPARTMENT 120
SCITUATE WATER COMPANY 107
SELECTMEN
5
STREET NAMING COMMITTEE
129
TREASURER . 71
TREE WARDEN . 114
TOWN CLERK 7%
WELCOME HOME COMMITTEE.
123
SCHOOL REPORT Appendix
0
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF SCITUATE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1920
1
1
PRINTED BY THE BOUNDBROOK PRESS, NORTH SCITUATE, MASS.
INDEX
ORGANIZATION
3
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE 4
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS . 7
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL 10
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
13
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN 14
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 16
TEACHING FORCE 18
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES 19
MEMBERSHIP, ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS 21
GRADUATING EXERCISES 22
-
3
School Department
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
Philip S. Bailey, Chairman. Address, North Scituate.
Term expires in 1922.
Mrs. Marion Collier Alexander, Secretary. Address,
Scituate. Term expires in 1921.
Cleveland Cogswell. Address, North Scituate. Term expires in 1923.
The regular meetings of the Committee are held at the office of the Superintendent, Old High School building, at 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Frederick E. Bragdon. Address, North Scituate, Mass. Telephone Scituate 107-4.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN T. Branch Alexander, M.D. Scituate, Mass.
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Mrs. Waldo Litchfield Cohasset, R. F. D.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1921
The winter term begins January 3 and closes February 25. Reopens March 7 and closes April 29.
The spring term opens May 9; closing (to be announced).
The fall term opens September 6 and closes December 23, 1921.
HOLIDAYS
February 22, April 19, May 31, October 12, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
4
Report of School Committee
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the People of Scituate:
The School Committee is gratified to report that this year, although quite uneventful, has been very successful under the smoothly running plans of our superintendent, Mr. Bragdon.
The ninth grade will have worked itself out of the system in June, and the grades have been brought up to such a standard that the pupils will be able to enter high school without it.
The Teachers' Institute which Mr. Bragdon introduced has proved both pleasant and profitable, by bringing together all the teachers of this district at all-day sessions, giving them opportunity to exchange ideas and hear some of the best educators.
A change was made this year in the supervisors of music and drawing. Mrs. Grace Hall was selected for draw- ing and Miss Jeanne Bradford for music. These depart- ments seem to be doing well under their leadership.
The combination of school physician and district nurse working together has been an advantage to the health in the schools, as their report will show.
Mrs. Waldo Litchfield was elected attendance officer.
The School Committee meetings have been held the first Tuesday evening of each month at the office of the superintendent in the Old High School building.
It was a great disappointment to this committee that the Town voted against the article of last year's March meeting in regard to an appropriation for vocational training for girls. It may be that since sewing had to be dropped on that account, the feeling may change when time comes to vote this year.
5
Report of School Committee
The reason the girls seemed to be preferred was because the State made an offer to pay part of the amount for girls' training and lessened the amount to be raised by the Town.
The cost of equipment for girls would not be as great as the cost of tools and machinery required for boys and seemed a more modest request.
A plan might be made to send any boys desiring to a Trade School in Plymouth or Quincy, thus equalizing the advantage to boy or girl.
The Old High School building will be at liberty in June and is very well arranged for Domestic Science.
It is very disconcerting to the committee when showing a teacher candidate or visitors about the High School to have them ask, "Where is the athletic field?" The boys need more open space in which to play. Athletics are very important for boys of this age and they should have more encouragement.
The intimate operations of these institutions which stand closest to the community, which have so much to do with its vital and essential needs are not enough under- stood by the parents.
They see something of the results but with most of them it is hardly enough to make a fair judgment. We do hope that all adults who are interested and who will take the time to do so will drop in and see the schools in operation.
The Town is to be congratulated upon its generous consideration of the amounts asked for the support of schools, for it brings its educational department into a class with the best towns of its size.
We recommend appropriations as follows:
For the support of schools
$35,550.00
For painting the Jenkins School
800.00
For renewing insurance
1,000.00
For state-aided vocational course
2,000.00
For salaries of School Committee
250.00
For transportation of pupils
9,800 to 11,000
6
Report of School Committce
State reimbursements will amount to approximately $3200 without the vocational course, or $4200 if the course is accepted.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP S. BAILEY, MARION COLLIER ALEXANDER, CLEVELAND COGSWELL,
School Committee.
7
Report of Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
-
To the School Committee of Scituate:
I present herewith the reports of our schools for the year 1920, as required by statute.
One year ago we presented to the citizens of the town a pretty thorough review and analysis of conditions, with specific recommendations and the reasons therefor. Of the recommendations made, that for increase in salaries was promptly accepted, and we have been able to retain nearly all of our teachers. The experience of other towns shows that we should have been seriously crippled in our teaching staff, had not this action been taken.
The second recommendation, namely, that for the acceptance of the vocational household arts course in the High School, was rejected by the voters. This I deeply regret, because it involves the continuation of conditions at the high school which are not satisfactory. The nature of this course, and the arguments for it are set forth on page 11 of the printed report of last year, and need not be restated. I ask that this proposition be again presented to the voters with the reasons for the same, at the annual town meeting.
To meet the similar needs of the boys requires a much more expensive plant and equipment and the state depart- ment is not prepared to assist in financing it. Provision is made, however, whereby boys may attend one of the trade schools at expense of the Town and the State will bear one-half the expense. The nearest school of this sort is at Quincy. This arrangement gives good service at low cost.
The elimination of the ninth grade is completed this year. Continuation of the so-called "Junior Department of the High School" is no longer needed. Those pupils of
·
8
Report of Superintendent of Schools
Grade VIII who are adjudged prepared will be allowed to enter high school next September.
The work in the grades shows no marked change from the ordinary results of a year. The teachers have worked with their usual devotion, and have responded to the increases in salary with voluntary effort for professional improvement through individual and collective study of methods and results. I doubt if any marked improvement in efficiency will be secured without very decided changes in organization and program of studies. I shall merely state some facts and opinions at this time, and leave the explana- tion and defense of them for another occasion. The mere statement should call forth serious thought from the thoughtful.
Fifty-seven pupils in the Hatherly School and fifty in the Jenkins School have repeated one or more grades. A really efficient organization would not allow this to have happened. Thirty-one pupils at Jenkins and fifty-three at Hatherly are from one to three years behind normal grade · progress. Sixty-six at Jenkins and twenty-six at Hatherly are ahead of normal grade progress for their respective ages. (See table of age-grade progress.) .
The tendency of our school organization is to cater to the so-called "normal" pupils. The retarded pupils and the accelerated pupils receive very little of the instruction they should have, because there are too many pupils per teacher to permit classifying the pupils by ability instead of by artificial grade standards. Better instruction requires more teachers; more teachers require more rooms.
A physical director, for all or a part time, is needed to arrange for systematic physical training. (See report of the School Physician.)
Facilities for lunch service in a sanitary and mannerly way should be provided. The unused rooms at Jenkins can be easily adapted to this purpose. The solution of the problem at the Hatherly School is more expensive.
It is interesting to note that a man of long experience coming to the principalship of our school without prejudice,
9
Report of Superintendent of Schools
soon makes the same criticism as his predecessor. I quote from the report of last year, page 7: "The most serious criticism of our high school is that of low standards of scholarship. The ideals of the students are altogether too low."
I commend to the careful and sympathetic thought of those interested in making our high school truly efficient, the report of Mr. Martin, and the following propositions :
1. Our high school courses do not suit the needs of this community. Eighty to ninety per cent of the present enroll- ment is not properly served by the courses offered.
2. The commercial department should be strengthened, more exacting entrance requirements demanded; and fitness for office positions made a requisite for a diploma.
3. A stronger program of social and civic training should be required of all.
4. Transportation of pupils to the high school increases numbers at the expense of quality, tends to lower standards of scholarship and discipline, and frequently prevents desirable changes in a day's program because of the fixed schedule of motor barges.
As industrial and economic conditions return to normal or stable form, let us strive to secure for our schools those outward conditions which will contribute much toward the social and intellectual efficiency for which we all are so earnestly striving. The gratifying thought is that so many people are sympathetic and helpful in their attitude toward us in our efforts. To them and to you I desire to express my appreciation of the many evidences of loyal support given throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. BRAGDON, Superintendent.
10
Report of High School
1
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
January 7, 1921.
MR. F. E. BRAGDON,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
The writer has been connected with the Scituate High School seventy-eight days of actual school session. Obvi- ously any specific conclusions or recommendations based upon observations covering so short a period might be inaccurate. However, the general problems of secondary (high school) education in our country are much the same regardless of the location or name of the particular Town under consideration, although .local conditions may be important factors in the solution of the problems.
Recently a national committee, composed of twenty-six prominent educators, made a report on "Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education." This report would be read with compelling interest by any citizen who wishes to place him- self in contact with present-day constructive thinking along the line of secondary education It can be secured by remitting five cents in coin or money order to the Superin- tendent of Documents, Government Printing Offices, Wash- ington, D. C., requesting Bureau of Education Bulletin 1918, No. 35.
This report makes the following statements: "The purpose of democracy is so to organize society that each member may develop his personality primarily through activities designed for the well-being of his fellow members and of society as a whole. . . For the achievement of , these ends democracy must place chief reliance upon educa- tion. Consequently education in a democracy, both within and without the school, should develop in each individual the knowledge, interests, ideals, habits and powers whereby
11
Report of High School
he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward ever nobler ends."
In following up this line of thought the report points out that the family is the first social group to which the individual is related, then comes the vocational group, and the various civic groups in town, state and nation.
To execute most successfully one's duties in these groups the individual must have good health, skill in the use of the fundamental processes - such as reading, writing, arith- metical computations, oral and written expression - and conduct founded upon right principles.
The main objectives of education, then, are: health, worthy home membership, successful vocation, high ideals of citizenship, command of fundamental processes, construc- tive use of leisure time, and ethical character.
To discuss these objectives is entirely beyond the space allotted to this local report. It is the opinion of the writer that the Scituate High School, like many rural high schools, in many respects is failing to proceed toward these objec- tives. Accurate data is not available, but it is probable that not more than two or three out of every hundred pupils who enter this school ever go to college, and yet the course of study is dominated largely, both in content and method, by college requirements. The result is that fully sixty per cent of the students are pursuing studies which do not have real points of contact with their daily life. This means lack of interest and formation of careless habits of study. About fifteen per cent of the present membership could be rated as really faithful students of the school subjects. In all justice the fault must not be laid wholly upon the student. The period of readjustment through which the world is passing has its influence upon education just as much as upon any other activity. The group consciousness of this particular school certainly needs redirection to accomplish the objec- tives mentioned above as the aims of secondary education. As individuals any educator would find these young people · responsive, capable, and courteous, almost without excep- tion. The group consciousness, however, is either perverted
12
Report of High School
or largely negative. That there may be a radical change in this respect is the immediate need and toward this end we shall continue to direct our efforts in the school. All education, however, does not proceed from the public school. In this connection a phrase used earlier in this report is well worth repetition: "Consequently education in a democracy, both within and without the school, should develop in each individual the knowledge, interests, ideals, habits and powers whereby he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward ever nobler ends."
This report is written with the most loyal intentions and deepest appreciation toward pupils, townspeople and school authorities.
Respectfully submitted,
L. A. MARTIN, Principal.
13
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
-
MR. F. E. BRAGDON, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir: My report covers so short a period, that the most I can say of the work in drawing is that it promises well. A brief outline of what I wish to do may interest you. There is very little formal instruction in the primary grades, the pupils being encouraged to express themselves freely, under supervision. At the end of the eighth or ninth year of school I think a child should be able to make pencil sketches of simple objects, showing correct proportions and general characteristics, to sketch natural growths, expressing grace and beauty, to measure accurately, to make and use correctly a good free-hand alphabet, but more than all to have begun to appreciate what is beautiful in nature and art. The acquirement of proficiency in drawing demands the same application as any other study.
It seems unfortunate to me that so little time can be devoted to drawing that the only form of manual training that can be introduced must be confined to paper and textiles.
In the high school drawing is elective. The mechanical drawing is ably taught by Mr. Locke. In the free-hand classes I hope to encourage close observation and a free expression of individuality with a good technique.
The pupils of today become the purchasing and voting public of tomorrow. Its demands decide in a large measure, our imports, our manufactures, our domestic architecture and our civic planning. "A nation's highest permanent expression is through its arts."
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE L. HALL.
14
Report of School Physician
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Scituate School Committee:
With the aid of the District Nurse I have examined all of the pupils of our schools. I gave a thorough examination to each pupil in the first eight grades with particular atten- tion to the first three grades. This examination included the nose and throat glands, chest, feet, height, weight and general appearance.
We found a very good physical group of children in the first grade, but this was specially good in the Hatherly School; . notwithstanding this fact many of this number need attention for throat trouble, principally tonsils and adenoids.
As examinations are continued in the second and third grades, we find some pupils beginning to follow a line of divergence from the normal, in many cases slight, in others quite marked and increasing as the child progresses through the fourth and fifth grades, more serious postural defects are observed, round shoulders and spinal curvatures of various degree and variety. In the fourth and fifth and in the seventh and eighth grades are cases that even exercises would not correct, and are in fact proper material for the orthopedic surgeon.
It is our wish to do everything we can to improve the physical condition of the school children of Scituate. This can be done and it can be done in very large measure if every one interested will work for this common object.
We are keeping a card-index of each pupil. In this way a record of each child is preserved and their gain in physical development or the progressive advance of defects recorded. The District Nurse visits the family to notify " them in each case that may need surgical, medical or dental care and in other instances when she can be of service.
15
Report of School Physician
What can we do to promote the health of the school children of Scituate? By means of directed school exercises postural defects could in many cases be prevented, in others cured or greatly helped. By the use of suitable exercises at an early date in the school attendance many later defects would be prevented. The schools need a salaried instructor in Physical Education. I strongly recommend that the faculty of our schools be increased by a member who shall devote his or her entire time to the physical education of the pupils. Under the supervision of a competent director, corrective exercises for those who more particularly need them can be instituted.
Athletics should be encouraged and a suitable field should be provided for the High School.
The school buildings have been examined and found to be in good sanitary condition and very well kept.
There have been no epidemics of contagious disease.
In the Hatherly School the first three grades, forty- seven children examined revealed the following errors:
15 Diseased tonsils.
7 Adenoids.
4 Enlarged glands.
4 Prominent shoulder blades.
4 Round shouldered.
2 Flat foot, first degree.
3 Flat foot, second degree.
1 Spinal curvature.
1 Heart disease.
Five of this number have had corrective treatment.
I wish to thank those connected with the schools for help received.
Respectfully submitted,
T. B. ALEXANDER, M. D., School Physician.
16
Appendix - Financial Statement
APPENDIX
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RECEIPTS
Appropriation . $30,500 00
State reimbursements .
3,226 66
Dog tax. 348 98
Transportation .
11,000 00
Special appropriation, insurance . .
300 00
Refunds .
59 62
-
$45,535 26
EXPENDITURES
School Committee:
Salaries
$250 00
Expenses .
241 69
491 69
Superintendent:
Salary
$875 00
Expense .
128 64
Attendance Officer
100 00
1,103 64
Supervisors.
$890 00
890 00
High School:
Principal.
$2,140 00
Teachers
7,491 00
9,631 00
Elementary Teachers
$11,148 10 11,148 10
Textbooks:
High .
$316 52
Elementary
450 98
767 50
17
Appendix - Financial Statement
Supplies :
High .
$249 68
Elementary
1,002 64
$1,252 32
Janitors:
High
$1,346 71
Elementary .
1,714 36
3,061 07
Fuel
High .
$1,452 39
Elementary
1,063 06
2,515 45
Miscellaneous:
High . . . .
$66 92
Elementary
290 55
.. . .
357 47
Repairs:
High .
$251 73
Elementary
1,372 32
1,624 05
Health .
$163 16
163 16
Transportation
10,485 90
10,485 90
Sundries .
561 12
561 12
New Equipment
298 07
298 07
Insurance.
446 25
446 25
$44,787 79
TEACHERS
ADDRESSES
PREPARATION
YEARS
SALARIES
HIGH SCHOOL L. A. Martin Jennie E. Pierce
Scituate Scituate Center
Dartmouth College, '99 Syracuse University, 2 years
1
$2,200 00
10
1,500 00
Mildred E. Hastings A. S. Burnham
North Scituate Scituate
Radcliffe College, '13
3
1,400 00
Dartmouth College, '93 A.M.
1
1,500 00
William W. Locke
Scituate
Worcester Technology,
3
1,400 00
Harvard
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT Adela L. Balch
Scituate
Wellesley College,
2
1,400 00
1 year
HATHERLY SCHOOL
Everett E. Robie
North Scituate
Dartmouth College, '17
1
1,200 00
Anne L. Cunneen
North Scituate
Hyannis Summer
2
1,100 00
Bertha G. Hayes Sara M. Kane
North Scituate Greenbush
Curry School, '17
1
1,100 00
North Scituate
2
1,100 00
"North Scituate
1
1,100 00
Appendix - School Statistics
18
-
Rosamond F. Benson Louise M. Tyler
Hyannis Summer Gorham Normal
15
1,200 00
JENKINS SCHOOL Nathaniel Phillips Eunice Cahoon
Anna K. Murphy E. Gertrude Gardner Marie A. Ward Jeanne E. Bradford, Music
Grace L. Hall, Drawing
Marshfield Hills
Bates College, '09
3
$1,400 00
Scituate
Bridgewater Normal Bridgewater Normal
3
1,100 00
Scituate
3
1,100 00
Scituate
39
1,200 00
Scituate
1
900 00
Cohasset, R. F. D.
Cohasset; R. F. D.
N. E. Conservatory, Institute of Music Pedagogy Normal Art School
1
400 00
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, DECEMBER 23, 1920
HIGH SCHOOL
GRADES
.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
I
II
III
IV
JUNIOR
Total
High School. .. Hatherly .. .. Jenkins . .
40
17
18
16
20
19 26
20 21
19
169
28
19
18
18
16
25
171
Totals .
68
36
36
34
36
45
41
44
18
36
18
16
28
456
.
18
36
18
16
28
116
Appendix - School Statistics
19
1
400 00
20
Appendix - School Statistics
CHANGES IN TEACHERS
The following resignations and elections have been made during the year.
RESIGNATIONS
High School:
Waldo V. Andrews Principal
August, 1920
Harold E. Soles, Science
September, 1920
Edith R. Hadley, Domestic Science
July, 1920
Hatherly School:
Harold Striley, Principal August, 1920
Gladys J. Taber, Grades VI, VII
August, 1920
Mary C. Rogers, Principal December, 1920
Mrs. Linnie E. Davis, Supervisor of Music June, 1920 Samuel Warner, Supervisor of Drawing July, 1920
ELECTIONS
High School:
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