USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1919-1921 > Part 20
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Mention should be made of the comparative stability of our teaching force - a blessing not enjoyed by many towns. We are fortunate in retaining the services of so many, and scarcely less fortunate in getting such able new teachers as we have. We felt most keenly the temporary loss of Miss Marie Ward, who did so wonderfully well with the first grade last year, and who was forced by ill health to take leave of absence for this year. Miss Weeden as
11
Report of Superintendent of Schools
substitute for the year is meeting the situation admirably and joins with us and Miss Ward's many friends in the hope that she will be able to resume her post in the fall.
The changes in the teaching staff are noted elsewhere in this report. These employees of the town are all worthy folks of high purpose and devotion to our interests. They are worthy of more appreciation and sympathetic encourage- ment from parents and citizens than is expressed to them. Our children reproduce in the schoolroom the attitude of the home toward the teacher. Can we not personally and through our children convey to our teachers the fact of our hearty and appreciative approval of their services? It will re-act to our good.
A Year Book of the High School is in preparation, in which will be stated the courses offered, the terms of admis- sion, and the conditions of promotion and graduation. It is hoped that the book may also contain a correct list of all the alumni and a historical sketch of the school.
The reports of the Principal of the High School, the Supervisors, the School Physician and the Nurse, the Dentist and the Attendance Officer are transmitted herewith. The usual statistical tables will appear as an appendix to this report.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Let us stand by the goods and strengthen the defenses of the several undertakings of this year. Let us strive for a still better spirit of good-will between pupils and teachers, that is to say, between home and school. Let us present again and again the fact that school is a business, that attending school is real life and not a pastime. Let us continue to stand squarely as heretofore behind the teachers in demanding obedience to authority and the prompt per- formance of every task assigned.
2. Let us hope that some one will intercede effectively in behalf of our boys and help secure for them the benefits of an athletic field at the High School.
3. Let us continue to hope that the grading about the High School building will be completed and conditions of
12
Report of Superintendent of Schools
orderliness and beauty exist without to enforce the instruc- tion given within the building.
The continued support and co-operation of my fellow citizens, the helpful constructive criticism and suggestions offered in increasing numbers, the co-operation of the Public School Association and the Nursing Service in pro- moting educational policies, the loyal and conscientious devotion of the teachers to their responsible tasks, the con- fidence and support of your own body individually and collectively are gratefully acknowledged. With these our work is pleasure; without them it would be fruitless.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK E. BRAGDON, Superintendent.
13
Report of High School
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
January 7, 1921.
MR. F. E. BRAGDON,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
In this, my second formal report to your office and to the citizens of Scituate, I wish to call attention again to the facts which I presented after somewhat brief observations last year. To avoid unnecessary repetition and printing, I will simply refer the reader to page ten of the Annual. Report, 1920.
As a group of teachers we are proceeding under the assumption that the people of this town wish to support a high school which shall be in every respect worthy of that name. It is a self-evident fact that the development which we call education comes from a conscientious effort on the part of the individual who enrolls himself as a member of any institution of learning. Conscientious effort means not only a careful and painstaking application to the task of the various subjects studied, but a genuine and spontaneous co-operation toward the best kind of citizenship in the institution, the town, the state, the nation and the world.
We are convinced that there is evidence of some improve- ment in the scholarship of the school as a whole. We intend to advance the standard gradually but steadily, and issue promotions and diplomas only to those who really deserve such promotion. Satisfactory high school work can not possibly be done by the average student without some home study. Of course the amount of home work will depend upon the individual and the subjects which are studied. In general every high school pupil who is doing his work well will find it necessary to study at least one hour daily outside
14
Report of High School
of school hours. In a conference this week with one of the pupils who is failing in one of his studies, I gained the informa- tion that on an average he spent from fifteen to twenty-five minutes in preparation of a lesson. Obviously no pupil should be surprised to fail on such effort. Of course the parent is the only person who is in a position to know whether the pupil is doing his home work or not. Reports are sent out at the close of each two-month period. We would be pleased to confer with parents if the student has an unsatis- factory record. Such conferences may be of inestimable value to the pupil and the school.
Respectfully submitted,
L. A. MARTIN, Principal.
15
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
MR. F. E. BRAGDON,
Superintendent of Schools, Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sir:
With the real work in drawing still ahead, I submit this report of the work to date.
In the grades the work covers paper-cutting, coloring, assembling and the regular pencil representation, giving each grade its vocabulary of picture-words and teaching the old points of drawing in simple ways through objects near to child life.
The work, dividing itself into three parts, Representa- tion and Construction, in which the children learn to do and make, and Appreciation, where they learn to choose, should not end with the drawing lessons but carry on through all school work and into the home.
The construction work already taken will be followed up in the spring, as such work seems invaluable for pattern- thinking, hand-control, accuracy and neatness and satisfies the desire for "something to build."
Through the enthusiasm of the children and the splendid backing of the teachers the work has a good start and we hope in June to set forth the year's work to show what we have tried to accomplish.
In the High School, time is unfortunately short to allow the best results, in one instance two entirely different classes meeting the same short period. New plans may come this term and the classes in Free Hand Drawing, Color and Com- mercial Lettering be allowed full and separate periods.
The special work of the senior Household Arts girls
16
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
has gone slowly but the room and furniture should be com- pleted this term.
I have certainly had the support of Committee, Super- intendent, principals and teachers and I do appreciate it.
Respectfully submitted,
DORIS D. WARD, Supervisor of Drawing.
17
Report of Supervisor of Music
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
MR. F. E. BRAGDON,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir:
In the practical working out of the problem of music instruction in the public schools, there are four phases that may receive attention : first, the teaching of the fundamental principles of music theory and their application to the reading of music; second, voice training; third, the interpretation of music; fourth, the cultural features of music training.
Under the limitations of time commonly allotted to music instruction, it is impossible to secure the highest possible standard of results in all of these important phases - and it becomes the task of the supervisor to decide which are most vital and essential to that appreciation of music which comes from knowing and doing.
The aim of music instruction in the schools of Scituate is to give the pupils a love and taste for music; thorough drill in the fundamentals so the printed page may register definitely and surely; knowledge of the simple principles of breath control and production of smooth pleasant tone; song interpretation and musical appreciation through an abundance of beautiful and artistic song material.
It is most gratifying to note the progress already made toward this ideal, and I wish to acknowledge my indebted- ness to the splendid co-operation of the entire teaching force and the wonderful responsiveness of the pupils, that have made such results possible.
New developments are under way or being planned which it is hoped will demonstrate still further the real pur- pose of music education in the schools. Vocal and instru- mental instruction will be available to pupils in small groups
18
Report of Supervisor of Music
in every school; also orchestral practice. High school credit should be given for outside music study.
The High School established its claim to a place in line with other progressive schools by its contribution to the Tercentenary program - the cantata "The Pilgrims of 1620" by Hosmer, its notable graduation program, and its first operatic production the following week, "The Fire Prince" by Hadley, which fixed a standard for similar work by other high schools. This last line of work is being further developed this year by the musical comedy under prepara- tion by the senior class, and the operetta by the entire school to be presented in April, which it is hoped will give even more convincing proof of the great value of this form of educational recreation as a means of self-expression.
The work of all the schools has shown much hitherto unknown talent that deserves every possible opportunity for its development to thus strengthen the connection between what is being done along lines of musical education and the real purpose such education ought to serve in the community.
There is a growing appreciation of the great educational value of music, but the functioning of school music in the community life is the most important factor to emphasize, for it has to do with the motive in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
JEANNE BRADFORD, Supervisor of Music.
19
Report of School Physician
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Scituate School Committee:
It is a well established fact that many school children are seriously underweight. The cause of this may be some physical handicap (teeth, tonsils, adenoids, etc.) or insuffi- cient or improper food. It is reasonable to suppose that children suffering from malnutrition have lessened resist- ance to infections, and that when tuberculous infection of the lymph glands is associated with malnutrition the child may develop tuberculosis.
From a study of underweight school children it is established that fully one-third of those suffering from malnutrition have an inflammatory process of the bronchial glands, and that most of these cases are due to tuberculosis investion. If efforts are concentrated on restoring to normal nutrition the underweight children we are using a most effective weapon against tuberculosis.
In order to get results with the greatest number of children, systematic nutrition work must be carried out in our schools. This is best secured by weighing and measuring the children. The ones suffering from malnutrition will be underweight. These children are to be given close physical examination.
It is necessary for parents of the children in question to co-operate in having physical defects corrected and to follow instruction in health habits and dietetics.
We are in the process of forming health classes for those children who are underweight or near the border line of this condition.
We have in previous reports spoken of the value of a mid-morning lunch of milk and hot lunches for those unable to go home as a factor in bettering the condition of the children.
20
Report of School Physician
The dental clinic is doing excellent work and results are very apparent in the improved appearance and health of many of the children.
The pupils of all of the schools have been examined and records of each individual kept for information as to their progress. Reports of those needing correction are sent to the parents and in most cases follow-up visits are made by the school nurse. A record is kept of all cases with regard to co-operation on the part of parents - whether suggested treatment is accepted, deferred or rejected.
It is to be regretted that there is not a suitable athletic field at the High School, as the association of athletics with school life must tend to develop personal health and efficiency and promote school pride and loyalty.
There have been no epidemics of contagious disease, vaccination against small pox has been enforced, and per- sonal hygiene encouraged.
The school nurse has done faithful service, frequent visits of school inspection and instruction have been made, and follow-up work including visits to the homes for con- ference with parents.
More effective co-operation from the parents is being recorded, but much improvement is possible in this particu- lar.
I thank those with whom I have been associated for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
T. B. ALEXANDER, M.D., School Physician.
21
Report of School Nurse
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
MR. F. E. BRAGDON,
Superintendent of Schools,
Scituate, Mass.
Dear Sir:
At your request I am giving a brief report and outline of the duties of the school nurse. The duties are:
1. To assist the school physician in the physical examination of each child.
2. To keep records of these examinations.
3. (a) Follow-up work - that is to make visits to the parents of school children who have defects to be corrected and explain the meaning of the notification cards sent by the school physician.
(b) To give any help possible to have the defects cor- rected.
4. To assist the school dentist at the dental clinic.
5. (a) Schoolroom inspection for skin eruptions, deformities, cleanliness, etc.
(b) To try and improve the general health.
During the year 1921, I made one hundred sixty-two visits to the schools (this includes visits to clinic), one hun- dred nine visits to the homes, and eighty schoolroom inspections. I do part-time school work.
To make the work of health in the schools a success we need co-operation. We have this co-operation in Scituate, and it was shown when the subject of a dental clinic was brought up. The greatest defect in the school children last year was diseased teeth. The school board was quick to see and act, and the result is that hundreds of school children will have their teeth cared for in the public schools of Scituate.
22
Report of School Nurse
Have we finished with our health work? Not by any means. We have just begun. It is slow work but sure, and money spent in improving the health and mind is the best investment any town can make, because it gives in return strong, healthy, alert boys and girls who will make the future citizens of the United States.
I wish to thank the people of Scituate for their co-opera- tion during the past year.
ALICE M. GAFFNEY, Registered Nurse.
23
Report of School Dentist
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTIST
January 2, 1922.
Board of Education, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
It gives me pleasure to submit to you the following as a summary of work completed by me up to and including December 31, 1921.
Examined all children at the Jenkins School, and found 93.5 per cent in need of dental attention.
The children were given cards to be signed by their parents, stating that they would either have their work done by the school dentist or by their own family dentist. Sev- enty-one per cent of the children are having their work done by the school dentist. Operations completed:
Silver fillings
354
Treatments .
19
Cleansings . .
69
Cement fillings
12
Enamel fillings.
38
Extractions . .
112
Root canal fillings
2
Grade
Number of Pupils in Grade
Pupils to have work done by school dentist
Pupils to have work done by family dentist
Pupils Completed by me
Incomplete
1
19
15
4
12
3
2
27
23
4
23
0
3
21
16
5
13
3
4
20
11
9
6
5
5
18
9
9
3
6
6
17
13
4
10
3
7
17
11
6
5
6
8
27
20
7
5
15
166
118
48
77
41
24
Report of School Dentist
The above figures show that 71 per cent of the children are having their work done by the school dentist.
Number of High School pupils worked for 16
Number completed . 5
Number completed from the Hatherly School . 3
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. DERBY, D.M.D.
25
Report of Attendance Officer
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
To the School Committee of Scituate:
I accepted the office of attendance officer of our schools in November, 1920. Up to January, 1922, about thirteen months, I have had twenty-nine cases of absences and two cases of truancy. Many of the absences could have been avoided if the parents had stopped to think how hard it is for the child to keep up with the class when kept out one or two days a week. In two cases I found a total of twenty-six days of absence in one term. A child laboring under this difficulty finally loses all interest, and that is why I find a number of boys and girls at the age of fourteen ready to leave school.
Respectfully submitted, ANNIE M. S. LITCHFIELD, Attendance Officer.
,
26
Appendix - Financial Statement
APPENDIX
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
RECEIPTS
Balance from last year
$764.49
Appropriation . .
35,500 00
Painting Jenkins School
800 00
Insurance .
1,000 00
Vocational School
2,000 00
Transportation .
11,000 00
Salary of School Committee
300 00
Red Cross, Dental Fund
526 70
Dog Fund.
354 32
Refunds . 55 56
$52,301 07
EXPENDITURES
School Committee:
Salaries .
$300 00
Expenses
210 70
510 70
Superintendent :
Salary
$933 36
Expense
126 86
Attendance Officer
195 00
1,255 22
Supervisors .
880 00
High School:
Principal
$2,240 00
Teachers
7,240 00
9,480 00
Elementary Teachers
12,483 65
27
Appendix - Financial Statement
Textbooks:
High .
$397 85
Elementary .
342 20
Supplies :
High .
$180 27
Elementary
635 51
815 78
Janitors :
High .
$1,450 04
Elementary
1,899 64
3,349 68
Fuel :
High . .
$1,144 52
Elementary
1,460 94
2,605 46
Miscellaneous :
High .
$230 52
Elementary
188 50
419 02
Repairs :
High .
$1,137 39
Elementary
1,231 66
2,369 05
Health .
1,133 72
Vocational Department .
2,371 32
Transportation
10,604 00
Sundries .
5 00
New Equipment
803 28
Insurance.
359 25
Bills contracted and unpaid
800 00
$740 05
Total Expenditures . $50,985 18
28
Appendix - Financial Statement
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS-UNEXPENDED BALANCES Jenkins School;
Appropriation $800 00
Expended.
744 25
$55 75
Insurance:
Appropriation
$1,000 00
Expended.
359 25
640 75
Transportation :
Appropriation
$11,000 00
Expended.
10,604 00
396 00
Total unexpended (revert-
ing to Treasury) . $1,092 50
RECAPITULATION
Receipts .
$52,301 07
Expenditures
50,985 18
$1,315 89
Less unexpended balances, special appropriations .
1,092 50
Unexpended balance, general appro- priation $223 39
29
Appendix - School Statistics
CHANGES IN TEACHERS
The following resignations and elections have been made during the year.
RESIGNATIONS
High School:
Jennie E. Pierce, Commercial
May, 1921
A. S. Burnham, Science
June, 1921
Adela L. Balch, Special
June, 1921
Hatherly School:
Everett E. Robie, Principal
ยท June, 1921
Bertha G. Hayes, Grades IV, V
June, 1921
Louise M. Tyler, Grade I, Assistant
June, 1921
Jenkins School:
Eunice Cahoon, Grade VI
July, 1921
Marie Ward, Grade I, leave of absence, 1 year Mrs. Grace L. Hall, Supervisor of Drawing
June, 1921
ELECTIONS
High School:
Nettie E. Elliott, Commercial June, 1921
Grace H. Callanan, Commerical
June, 1921
Bessie M. Dudley, English and History June, 1921
Olive Barrows, Household Arts
July, 1921
Hatherly School:
Howard F. Barrows, Principal
June, 1921
Mrs. Eunice M. Cole, Grades IV, V
June, 1921
Jenkins School :
Anna L. Hughes, Grade VI
August, 1921
Lillian M. Weeden, Grade I
August, 1921
Drawing:
Mrs. Doris D. Ward, Supervisor
June, 1921
TEACHERS
ADDRESSES
PREPARATION
YEARS
SALARIES
HIGH SCHOOL L. A. Martin William W. Locke
Scituate Scituate
Dartmouth College, '99 Worcester Technology; Harvard
2
$2,300 00
Mildred E. Hastings
North Scituate
Radcliffe; Boston Normal
4
1,500 00
Nettie E. Elliott
North Scituate
Salem Normal; B. U. Secretarial Science
1
1,600 00
Scituate
Wheaton
1
1,400 00
Scituate
Salem Normal
1
1,200 00
Scituate
Simmons; Columbia Summer
1
1,600 00
JENKINS SCHOOL Nathaniel Phillips Anna L. Hughes
Marshfield Hills
Bates
1
1,400 00
Scituate
Framingham Normal
1
1,200 00
Scituate
Bridgewater Normal
4
1,100 00
Scituate
40
1,200 00
Scituate
1
1,200 00
North Scituate
Hyannis Summer
1
1,200 00
30
Appendix - School Statistics
4
1,500 00
Bessie M. Dudley Grace H. Callanan Olive Barrows
Anna E. Murphy E. Gertrude Gardner Lillian M. Weeden
HATHERLY SCHOOL Howard F. Barrows
Anne L. Cunneen Eunice M. Cole Sara M. Kane Rosamond F. Benson
MUSIC Jeanne E. Bradford
DRAWING Doris A. Ward
North Scituate Greenbush Greenbush North Scituate
Cohasset, R.F.D.
Scituate
Hyannis Summer Fitchburg Normal
3
$1,200 00
1
1,100 00
16
1,200 00
Hyannis Summer, 3 years
3
1,200 00
N. E. Conservatory, Institute of Music Pedagogy
2
500 00
Mass. Normal Art
1
500 00
$23,900 00
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES ON DECEMBER 23, 1921
HIGH SCHOOL
GRADES
I
|II
III
IV
V |VI
VII
VIII
I
II
III
IV
Total
High School .
45
29
31
18
123
Jenkins School .
22
29
17
20
19
15
25
164
Hatherly School.
17
30
27
19
15
17 22
20
17
167
Totals .
39
`59
44
39
34
39
35
42
45
29
31
18
454
Appendix - School Statistics
31
32
Appendix - School Statistics
ENROLLMENT, MEMBERSHIP, ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS FOR TERM ENDING DECEMBER 23, 1921
Enrollment
Membership
Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
Tardiness
Number of
Pupils Tardy
Pupils
Transported
Pupils Carrying Lunch
High School.
123
119
115
95
98
39
120|
120
Jenkins School :
Grades VII, VIII
46
42
40
95
4
4
17
24
Grade VI
19
18
17
95
4
3
9
10
Grades, IV, V .
44
38
35
93
0
0
13
23
Grades II, III .
49
46
42
94
3
3
22
33
Grade I.
24
21
20
93
9
7
12
14
Hatherly School:
Grades VII, VIII
41
39
37
95
14
9
20
25
Grade VI.
24
24
22
93
7
4
11
17
Grades IV, V
40
36
34
95
4
4
15
20
Grades II, III .
41
41
38
95
12
6
24
28
Grades I, II
32
29
27
93
9
8
12
19
Totals
483
453
427
94
164
87
275
333
33
Graduation Exercises
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1921 SCITUATE HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS DAY PROGRAM June Twenty-second
Chorus
Class History
Maude Webb
Patriotic Song
Class Prophecy
Louise Murphy
Ivy Song Planting the Ivy Class Will
Paul Gannett Evelyn Whiting Doris Scannell
"Base Hits"
Closing Song
Games
Awarding . Prizes
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM June Twenty-third
"Music of Spring"
J. Ivanovici
Address of Welcome
Greeting Song
Recitation "America First"
Helen Curtis Helen Bingham Alice Doherty Scott
"Ole Uncle Moon"
BOYS CHORUS
Recitation "The Open Road" Nellie Sharp Solo "Mother of Pearl" Henry Vines
SCHOOL CHORUS
34
Graduation Exercises
Address Dr. Frank W. Wright, State Board of Education.
"Song of The Scythe"
Cascagni
SCHOOL CHORUS
Presentation of Class Gift Beatrice Sears
Awarding of Diplomas
Philip S. Bailey, Chairman School Board.
"The Nightingale" A. R. Gaul
GIRLS CHORUS
Class Pianist, Ruth Ricketts
THE CLASS
Helen F. Bingham
Helen Curtis Alice Doherty Paul R. Gannett
Earl W. Merritt
Louise V. Murphy
Ruth A. Ricketts Doris E. Scannell
Beatrice A. Sears Marjorie E. Sharp
Nellie G. Sharp Henry J. Vines Gertrude J. Ward Maude K. Webb Evelyn L. Whiting
M
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