USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1928-1930 > Part 8
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The bridge at Second Cliff is in need of repair and an appropriation has been asked to cover this expense under Care of Bridges. In the maintenance of the Town roads, practically all the roads have been treated with tar, which make them free from dust and mud.
Various sidewalks in Town have been repaired. A new sidewalk has been built on Meeting House Lane, and the sidewalk on First Parish Road has been completed. Drain- age has been put in on Hatherly Road at Mann Hill, Clapp Road, Turner Avenue and Tilden Road. Would suggest that several of our narrow roads be widened to take care of our ever-increasing travel.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIE L. MITCHELL, Highway Surveyor.
174
Treasurer of Peirce Memorial Library
REPORT OF TREASURER OF PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY For year ending December 31, 1928
Receipts
Balance January 1, 1928.
$191 19
Received from Town of Scituate
900 00
Received from Secretary .(dues)
66 00
Received from Librarian (cards)
60 00
Proceeds of Rummage Sale.
122 97
Gifts.
104 00
Use of Building
4 00
Insurance Dividend .
8 75
$1,456 91
Expenditures
Librarian
$175 00
Janitor .
116 00
Fuel and Light
193 40
Water .
8 40
Insurance
66 04
Books. .
214 06
Periodicals .
67 75
Printing
6 00
Repairs.
184 95
Miscellaneous
12 95
$1044 55
Balance January 1, 1929 .
$412 36
HAROLD W. POLAND,
Treasurer.
175
Plymouth County Extension Service
PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
Appropriations for the Trustees' County Aid to Agri- culture apply to the funds of the organization known more commonly as the Plymouth County Extension Service. The Plymouth County Extension Service, supported by Federal, state, county, and local funds, cooperates with the Massa- chusetts Agricultural College in teaching agriculture and home-making through group instruction, correspondence, and individual service to any man, woman, boy, or girl in the county who desires such information.
Scituate gardeners attended meetings arranged by the extension service where market garden specialists spoke. Other Scituate farmers attended the poultry meetings arranged in various parts of the county by the county agent.
Scituate women have always been interested supporters of the women's program. During the current year active cooperation with the better homes movement has been the outstanding contribution from the home section of the County Extension Service.
Boys and girls in the two grammar schools joined the 4-H poultry and garden clubs. They were given information about raising vegetables and chickens, and were required to do work at home which called for the use of that informa- tion. At present, poultry clubs are carrying on this work in the two grammar schools and the high school.
NATHANIEL TILDEN, Local Director.
176
Report of the Clean-Up Committee
REPORT OF THE CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
In accordance with the vote of the Town at the last annual meeting, a Clean-Up Committee, consisting of three members of the Scituate Woman's Club and two members of the Village Brotherhood at North Scituate, was appointed and organized the latter part of April. The committee made its plans and excellent results were obtained through the cooperation of the pastors of the various churches, Satuit Playhouse and Scituate Herald.
Special assistance was given the committee by Miss Nettie E. Elliott of the high school faculty and her pupils. The increasing number of families coming to our Town each year makes the work of the Clean-Up Committee more important. The necessity of purchasing additional cans for the current year will necessitate a small increase in the appropriation.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSANNA SMITH, Chairman, SCITUATE CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Received from Helen Young, Treasurer . . $3 20
Dec. 10, 1928 Paid Walter F. Campbell .. . $2 15
Paid Town Treasurer . 1 05
$3 20
Received from Town Appropriation . $300 00
Paid: Mitchell Bros, carting. $80 00
Walter Campbell, carting 158 40
177
Report of the Clean-Up Committee
Nettie E. Elliott, printing.
$0 75
Walter Campbell, care of cans. 32 85
Mrs. Bessie Prouty, care of cans ... 28 00
$300 00
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH B. SAMPSON, Treasurer.
178
Report of Scituate Memoriam Fund
THIRD ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCITUATE MEMORIAM FUND
January 1, 1928: Cash on hand. .. $11,019 53 Interest on Check-
ing Account .. . 8 96
Interest on Sav-
ings Account. . 697 50
$11,725 99
Payments: Burrows family . $540 00
McDermott family 540 00
Hall family 540 00
$1,620 00
December 31, 1928: Balance in Fund. $10,105 99
Deposited in Savings Department Rockland Trust . 10,000 00
Checking Account in Rockland Trust. $105 99
December 31, 1928: Statement Rockland Trust 105 99
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. SMITH, Treasurer.
Scituate, January 1, 1929.
179
Report of. Scituate Water Company
REPORT OF SCITUATE WATER COMPANY
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES December 31, 1928
Assets
Fixed Capital:
Lands .
$23,082 50
Structures .
60,856 16
Pumping plant equipment 46,124 54
Miscellaneous pumping plant equipment. .
12,124 88
Purification system .
38,141 73
Transmission and distributing mains .
367,973 61
Services
270 63
Consumers' meters
1,174 44
Consumers' meters installation
783 36
Hydrants.
14,632 41
Fire cisterns, basins, etc. (con- crete spillway)
2,414 97
Office equipment.
2,976 21
Transportation equipment
4,070 63
Miscellaneous equipment
1,021 00
Unfinished construction
63,341 42
Cash .
1,346 60
Accounts receivable .
12,710 09
Materials and supplies
7,504 32
Prepaid insurance premiums
185 35
Prepaid interest.
796 25
$661,531 10
Liabilities
First mortgage bonds. $200,000 00
Coupon notes .
50,000 00
180
Report of the Scituate Water Company
Current liabilities:
Notes payable.
48,000 00
Accounts payable.
6,822 49
Dividends declared
3,750 00
Interest accrued . . 7,078 67
Reserve for depreciation
44,218 62
Common capital stock .
150,000 00
Preferred capital stock .
150,000 00
Surplus.
1,661 32
$661,531 10
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF SCITUATE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1928
SE
ITSo
N
36
SATUIT
R
POR
PRINTED BY THE BOUNDBROOK PRESS, NORTH SCITUATE, MASS.
INDEX
SCHOOL CALENDAR 3
ORGANIZATION. 4
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 6
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 7
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN 39
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTIST 40
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE 41
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER 42
STATISTICS
43
TRANSPORTATION ROUTES 47
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 48
GRADUATING CLASS.
51
3
School Calendar
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1928 Fall Term - September 10 to December 21.
Holidays - October 12, November 12, Novem- ber 29 and 30. Christmas Vacation.
1929
Winter Terms - January 2 to February 15. One Week Vacation
February 25 to April 12 One Week Vacation
Spring Term - April 22 to June 21* Holiday - May 30 Summer Vacation
Fall Term - September 9 to December 20 Holidays - November 11, November 28 and 29 Christmas Vacation
*This date is tentative. The Statutes require high schools to have one hundred eighty sessions per year.
"NO SCHOOL" SIGNAL
The "No School" signal is 3-1-3, and will be sounded from the fire stations at North Scituate, Scituate Harbor, and Greenbush at 7.45 a.m. It is, however, the policy of the committee to hold regular sessions whenever it is practicable to maintain transportation service.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The regular meetings of the Committee are held at the office of the Superintendent, Old High School Build- ing, at 8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, September to June inclusive.
Appointments with the Superintendent may be made upon request.
4
Directory of School Department
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL
Chairman
MRS. MARION C. ALEXANDER
Secretary
MRS. BELLE H. CHAFFIN
HAROLD C. WINGATE
Superintendent
HIGH SCHOOL
A. RUSSELL C. COLE
M. G. GILLESPIE
ROBERT F. RILEY
BESSIE M. DUDLEY
MARION FREEMAN NETTIE E. ELLIOTT
KATHLEEN E. CRAIG
Household Arts
History, Science
Cafeteria
JENKINS
LEROY E. FULLER
MARION I. DICKSON
KATHRYN J. WILSON
FLORENCE M. TOOMEY HELEN PEARL MRS. EUNICE M. COLE E. GERTRUDE GARDNER LILLIAN M. WEEDEN ARLENE WEEDEN
Principal, Grade VIII
Grade VII
Grade VI
Grade V
Grade IV
Grade III
Grade II
Grade I
Assistant
HATHERLY
GEORGE W. BURRILL
ANNE L. CUNNEEN
BESSIE L. CARTER SARA M. SOUTHER
BLANCHE E. HAYNES HELEN G. KNOX
Principal, Grade VIII
Grade VII
Grade V-VI
Grade III-IV
Grade II
Grade I
Manual Arts, Athletics English
Languages
Commercial Branches
MARCIA G. RUSSLOW GLEA M. COLE
Principal
Mathematics, Science
5
Directory of School Department
SUPERVISORS
JEANNE E. BRADFORD
Music
DORIS D. WARD
Art
T. B. ALEXANDER, M.D.
School Physician
W. B. PARSONS, D.M.D.
School Dentist
MARGARET J. O'DONNELL, R.N.
School Nurse
ANNIE M. S. LITCHFIELD
Attendance Officer
JANITORS
CHARLES G. EVERETT
WALTER T. NEWCOMB
FRANK YOUNG
High School Hatherly School Jenkins School
6
Report of School Committee
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The Scituate School Committee presents the following report for your consideration. It believes that the time has arrived when steps should be taken towards increasing the school accommodations. At the beginning of the school year it authorized the making of a schoolhouse survey to deter- mine the needs. It agrees with the report of this survey that the best way to meet these needs is to add to the present High School building. With this in mind building plans have been secured. For all details we refer you to the report of the Superintendent.
W. CLEVELAND COGSWELL, MARION COLLIER ALEXANDER, BELLE HOWES CHAFFIN.
Admission to Grade 1:
Children will be admitted to school attendance if they are five years and four months of age on or before the open- ing date of school in September.
Any child entering school for the first time must present birth and vaccination certificates.
7
Report of Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Scituate:
I have the honor to submit my third annual report for your consideration.
OUR TEACHING FORCE
At the end of the last school year only one of our teach- ers resigned to go elsewhere. Miss Ethyl Oliver, an assistant at the Hatherly School, accepted a position at Brockton. A slight change was made in the assignment of grades to rooms, and Miss Blanche E. Haynes, a graduate of Gorham Normal School and a teacher of two years' experience, was elected to fill the vacancy.
At the High School where Mrs. Esther P. Fleury was acting as substitute in the Household Arts Department, it was necessary to elect a regular teacher. Miss Kathleen Craig of Medford, Mass., a graduate of the Home Eco- nomics Department of the Framingham Normal School and with experience in the schools of Amesbury and Chelsea, was selected.
With the addition of a course in Vocational Guidance to the High School program, and with the large entering class of last September necessitating the dividing of the class in two groups for two subjects, the services of another teacher- for at least part time - was seen to be desirable. Miss Marcia G. Russlow, a graduate of Wheaton College, 1927, was selected for this position. Miss Russlow also assists in the clerical work at the Superintendent's office.
UPKEEP OF BUILDINGS
(a) REPAIRS MADE
The plan of securing a sixth classroom at the Hatherly School which was suggested in my last annual report was
8
Report of Superintendent of Schools
carried out during the summer vacation. At a relatively small cost a great improvement has been made in this build- ing- both in appearance and use. In the place of one poorly shaped and lighted room in the front of the building we now have two attractive, well-lighted and properly shaped rooms that are appreciated by pupils and teachers alike. New equipment - including pupils' desks - was purchased for the additional room. Also, the entire building has been provided with window shades and all of the rooms are now equipped with electric lights. The exterior of the building was painted.
At the Jenkins School a number of pupil desk tops were sanded down and refinished, and bubblers were placed in both the upper and lower corridors. Before this time the only bubblers were located in the basement of the building.
At the High School, in addition to minor changes, the roof of the building was repaired, the ventilator tops sur- faced, and the boys' locker and toilet rooms painted. In the annex, window shades were installed and the ceiling whitened.
(b) REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
There are several matters in the way of schoolhouse improvements that would be advisable to consider for next summer in relation to the Jenkins School. (1) The chimney should be retopped as it is badly cracked on the south side. (2) It would be advisable to paint the outside of the build- ing - a close inspection shows the need clearly. (3) A larger water supply pipe should be provided from the street main to the school, the present pipe being but one inch in diameter - too small for the needs of a school of nearly 300 pupils. (4) Lastly, the ground at the back and east side of this building should be resurfaced so as to eliminate the muddy condition that exists there in the spring and during the warm days of winter.
At the High School the faces of some of the bricks along the parapet wall have broken off. This trouble seems to be confined to a few courses near the top of the building. An examination of this condition has been made and we have been assured that it can be remedied. The recommendations
9
Report of Superintendent of Schools
include: (1) replacing the bricks from the cornice to the coping stone and waterproofing the same; (2) repointing the sills; (3) caulking all window frame joints, using pres- sure guns; and (4) testing and replacing where necessary all brick mortar joints. This work could be done separately or in connection with the recommended enlargement of the building.
AMERICANIZATION
The work that was carried on last year in Americaniza- tion was very satisfactory and the expense entirely justified. Two classes, one of Intermediates under the direction of Miss Anne L. Cunneen, and the other of Beginners under Mrs. George W. Burrill, met for a total of 75 evenings of two- hour periods each. The total enrollment was twenty-seven.
The closing exercises were held in the Assembly Hall of the High School building. Twenty-three students com- pleted the work of these classes and received certificates, and in addition six of the group were given special recog- nition for perfect attendance. The program was an interest- ing one, consisting of both music and essays by a number of the students, and it made a strong appeal to the large audience present. Mr. E. Everett Clark, State Supervisor of Adult Alien Education, spoke to the students and told of the Americanization work being done throughout the state. An exhibit of the work of the local classes was placed at one side of the hall for the inspection of those present.
Much of the credit for the success of the year's work is due to the interest and effort of the two teachers - to- gether with the punctuality and regularity of attendance on the part of the members of the classes, and the earnestness with which they applied themselves to their tasks.
The work for this year is progressing well although the attendance is smaller due to the fact that many of those who would be enrolled returned to their former homes in the Cape Verde Islands and Italy for the winter.
THE HIGH SCHOOL
In his second annual report as Principal of the Scituate High School, Mr. Cole states that the general standard of
10
Report of Superintendent of Schools
scholarship is improving, that a larger number of pupils are maintaining honor roll grades than during the corresponding time one year ago. A small percentage of pupils fail in one or more subjects, and the following seem to be the major causes in the order of their importance: (1) lack of parent responsibility and interest; (2) outside interest; (3) reac- tionary attitude towards study; (4) health condition; (5) inability to grasp the subject.
The report, in referring to the graduating class of last year, states that the number making further preparation for their future vocation is comparatively small, due to their not having had opened up to them while in school informa- tion on the opportunities and possibilities of the various occupations. To meet this need a course in Vocational Guid- ance has been placed in the curriculum this year.
The present enrollment by classes is as follows:
Boys
Girls
Total
Freshmen
28
19
47
Sophomores
17
18
35
Juniors .
16
14
30
Seniors
7
18
25
Totals.
68
69
137
The work of the Household Arts and Manual Training Departments are considered at some length and I quote directly from the report: "The aim of the Household Arts Course is to establish standards of judgment and ideals of achievement that will function and enable each girl not only to lead a more effective life but to see herself as a member of the group with a definite social and economic responsibility. In the sewing laboratory the work is developed from the foundation stitches to the completion of garments. This year the garments of the upper class achieved splendid re- sults in the national contest of the Butterick Publishing Company. The selection, care and repair of clothing is em- phasized as well as the construction of garments. A vital part of the training given the girls is a study of foods, their preparation and the correct way of serving them. Single
11
Report of Superintendent of Schools
foods suitable for the simple meal or breakfast or supper are considered first with a gradual introduction to more com- plex foods and cooking processes that go to the formation of luncheon and dinner. An effort is being made to have the school parallel as closely as possible the working conditions of the home, and the girls are encouraged in carrying the work of the school into the home.
"The four-year Manual Training Course at the Scituate High School shows almost a double increase in the number of pupils taking the course as well as an increasing interest in the work of the department by those outside the school. Favorable comments by parents who have witnessed the boys at work have been very inspiring. The basement of the old high school where the shop is located has been in every way arranged to allow all space possible, but we have reached the limit of expansion in our present quarters. In the Freshman class entering this year all but four of the boys are enrolled in Manual Training. Our accommodation is limited to twelve pupils, yet this year it has been necessary to have twenty boys in some classes. The acquisition of new tools, a bench plane, and a sanding machine has greatly facilitated our work. The boys of the department turn out each year many worth-while products, some of which are later in the year placed on exhibition in the show windows of the Welch Company, who very kindly give us the use of their windows for display."
Mr. Cole emphasizes the need of a broader program of physical education to reach all of the pupils. This need can be properly met if the present building is enlarged to include a gymnasium. He also says that the building has reached the saturation point as far as pupil desk stations are con- cerned, and that several members of the faculty are bearing very heavy loads.
The High School enrollment has increased this year by fifteen; it will not be surprising to me if next year our High School membership is about 150, and I do not anticipate much gain beyond that for three or four years. Then we are likely to witness another substantial increase.
There seems to be growing up, more and more strongly,
12
Report of Superintendent of Schools
a good healthy school spirit. It is doubtless due in large part to the increasing attention to athletics and to the class and school socials that are being held. This growth is very gra tifying.
MUSIC AND ART
We are particularly fortunate in Scituate in having full time Supervisors in Music and Art. Both Supervisors are thus able to spend the equivalent of not less than two days each week in teaching special groups at the High School, with the result that a very high grade of work is being attained.
One of the most striking improvements in the Art teaching of today as compared with that of twenty-five years ago is the grading of the work to the interest and ability of the pupil. There is also full opportunity for cre- ative art. These things are responsible for the keen delight with which the subject is received by the pupils of all grades. In the High School, where Art is elective, nearly one-third of the students are enrolled in the Art Classes and they are doing quite definite work. Four of the graduates are now doing creditable work in art schools in Boston and one in particular has made remarkable progress.
In her report for the year 1928, Mrs. Ward says: "The advent of an addition to the present High School gives promise of better results in upper grade work. The central- izing of all working and reference materials for Junior and Senior High and the possibility of all the art work being carried on in a well-equipped Art Room should double the efficiency of the work." Mrs. Ward also acknowledges the gift of a substantial check from the Woman's Club.
The Music Department is continuing to develop and expand its program. The ability to read music and to sing in parts is acquired early in the grades. Each of the ele- mentary schools has its orchestra, which serves as a recruit- ing ground for the High School orchestra. The type of work done in the grades was well shown by the concert given last May at the Baptist Church by the Hatherly School Glee Clubs.
13
Report of Superintendent of Schools
In her report Miss Bradford states that this year for the first time, the large instrumental groups are being divided into smaller groups for special work, in order to gain more intensive and individual practice. These smaller groups con- sist of brass quartettes, string quartettes and various other combinations. School bands have been started this year. To quote from the report: "For some time the new develop- ment of school bands has enlisted my earnest consideration. It was important that Scituate should maintain her place among the schools ready to adopt a forward movement that provides such a wholesome and enjoyable use of the talent of our pupils as does a school band.
"Most of the instruments are owned by the players - some of the unusual instruments have been supplied by the School Department. For these we charge a nominal rental which is credited toward the purchase of the instrument if desired, otherwise it goes toward a fund for more instru- ments or other supplies.
"The band is made up of three units, one from each school - these to play separately or in combination, according to circumstances. The overwhelming spirit and enthusiasm shown at rehearsals convinces me that this is one of the most important opportunities we have yet offered our children."
ENLARGEMENT OF BUILDINGS
The most important question that confronts us this year concerns the enlargement of our present school ac- commodations. In my annual reports both for the year 1926 and the year 1927, I stated that it would soon be necessary to take steps towards the enlargement of our schoolhouse facilities.
Attention was first directed to this situation in Septem- ber, 1926, when unusually large classes entered the first grade of both the Jenkins and Hatherly Schools. During that school year, Mr. Burr F. Jones, elementary school agent of the State Department of Education, was invited to inspect our school buildings and make recommendations. Mr. Jones submitted a very helpful report for the consideration of the committee. He recognized that the Hatherly and Jenkins
14
Report of Superintendent of Schools
Schools were rapidly reaching the saturation point in pupil capacity and that more room would soon need to be pro- vided. In discussing this situation the report states:
"At the present time the schools are organized on the so-called 8- 4 plan whereby eight years are given to the elementary grades and four years to the high school. This plan is now being extensively replaced throughout the country by the organization known as the 6 - 3 - 3 plan in larger towns and cities and as the 6 - 6 plan in the smaller towns.
"Under either of these plans the pupils in the upper six grades of the public school course are separated in organiza- tion from the pupils in the first six grades. For a Town of the size of Scituate the 6 - 6 plan of organization would, in my opinion, best serve the interests of pupils. The number of pupils in grades seven, eight and nine would not be sufficient to warrant the establishment of a separate junior high school. By the inclusion of the pupils in grades seven and eight in a six-year high school, they would secure, in effect, all the benefits that could be provided in a separate junior high school in a larger town.
"The movement for providing junior high school edu- cation to pupils in grades seven, eight and nine is spreading rapidly. In Massachusetts nearly 100 cities and towns with a total of 156 junior high schools are committed to this form of organization.
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