USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1934-1936 > Part 43
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Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. WINGATE, Superintendent of Schools.
13
Report of High School Principal
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Harold C. Wingate, Superintendent of Schools, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith my second annual report as prin- cipal of the Scituate High School.
Our maximum enrollment this fall was 236. This in- crease of 25 pupils over one year ago was taken care of by equipping the music room with permanent desks for use as a home room and recitation room. The science laboratory, previously used only for laboratory work, is being used for recitations in other subjects when available. One class room is being used as an overflow study hall one period a day, and will probably have to be used more during the next school year, as the library is becoming outgrown as a general study room.
While it was necessary to take over the music room for other classes, the work of that department has not been curtailed. Some glee club classes are still meeting there, while others are held in the auditorium.
Some 20 high school pupils are eating during the junior high school lunch period to relieve the crowded conditions in our cafeteria. This has made it possible to seat all pupils during the lunch periods. With the apparent increase next September it may be necessary
14
Report of High School Principal
to add another lunch period to the two now scheduled. The main difficulty in this change is to find teachers with time to supervise the additional period.
For the second successive year our school was awarded the cup in the Tri-Town Dramatic Contest held with Norwell and Hanover High Schools. Scituate pre- sented the one-act play "Submerged."
Our athletic teams have had a successful year in com- petition with teams from nearby schools. The girls' field hockey squad is deserving of especial praise. Be- sides winning a majority of their matches, they were successful against Hanover High School in a special program at Hanover on Armistice Day and were awarded a cup.
Wednesday mornings from 9:00 until 9:15 have been set aside for assemblies and class organization. The assemblies have included motion pictures, speakers, musical and dramatic programs, all of which have had much educational value as well as entertainment. The play "Why the Chimes Rang," given as a part of the combined Junior-Senior High Christmas assembly, was particularly successful and provided a project for four departments of the school, as well as the actual dra- matic instruction received by the cast. The scenery for the production was the work of the Art and Practical Arts departments, the costumes were made by the Household Arts department and the Music was fur- nished by members of the glee clubs.
Even with scholarship held to a high standard, the number of failures is comparatively small. This has been accomplished by the cooperation between pupils and teachers. The omission of the eighth period, for-
15
Report of High School Principal
merly used for organization and home room study, has lengthened the remaining seven periods slightly, giving more time to class work and making for a more compact program.
I wish to make grateful acknowledgment here of a gift of a beautiful oil painting of "Scituate Marshes" by Walter Sargent given by Mrs. Sargent and presented by his sister, Miss Edith Sargent, at an assembly in De- cember; also the renewal of the subscription to the Atlantic Monthly, which has been given to the school by Miss Emma Wood for several years.
It has been a pleasure to me to be associated with you this past year under the supervision of the School Committee and with the helpful cooperation of able teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK A. CALKIN,
Principal.
16
Instructor in Science
THE SCIENCE PROGRAM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL
M. B. GILLESPIE Instructor in Science, High School
One of our ancestors, stepping into Scituate High School and recalling his own school days would, no doubt, be astonished not only by the changes in the ideals and objectives sought but also by the physical changes in arrangement and equipment that he would notice. He would find that instead of the rote learning from books alone which was what he had understood by education in his time the present-day school had broadened its concept to include the training of the hand, the eye, and the ear as well as the head. In par- ticular, he would be interested in the shops, laboratories, gymnasiums and work-rooms where projects in wood- working, household arts, science, physical training, music and drawing were being carried on. He would probably need a few words of explanation in order to grasp the purpose of the activity he was witnessing. If he should, perhaps, visit the science laboratories and ask us if natural philosophy, astronomy and geography were still the sciences taught in our school we might describe our science program somewhat as follows:
In Scituate High School there are four science courses taught, one in each of the four years. These are, begin- ning with the first year, general science, biology, chem- istry and physics.
The objective of the general science course is to give the pupil a better understanding of his environment,
17
Instructor in Science
of the scientific world about him, of science in the home, in the factory, and in nature. It also gives him an oppor- tunity to determine with some basis for his choice, in which subsequent branch of the science work he shall continue. By means of demonstration experiments given before the class, many of which are conducted by the pupil himself, he sees and manipulates the equip- ment and materials about which he is studying and thus gains a practical, first-hand knowledge of these things which no amount of reading alone would give.
The main theme in biology is life itself; its various forms in the plant and animal kingdoms; its preserva- tion by the application of the laws of health; and the conservation of our natural resources. The whole world, of course, is a laboratory for this type of learning but special projects can be carried out in our laboratory in studying plants and animals, in observing a new world through the microscope and by the use of special edu- cational moving picture films in certain of the topics which present to the pupil processes and situations which might not otherwise be encountered.
It is, however, in the chemistry and physics classes that the laboratory reaches the highest stage of useful- ness. Three periods a week are given to class-room discussions and the solving of problems of a mathemati- cal type while four periods are spent in the laboratory observing, analyzing and testing the substances that make up our world and in studying the laws of mechan- ics, heat, sound, light, and electricity which operate there. Each pupil has a work-bench with a source of electric current, gas, and water. He is supplied with measuring devices and the materials for his experi- ment and it is from these and his powers of observation and deduction that he must secure his answers.
18
Instructor in Science
With this combination of the practical with the theo- retical, we might say to this visitor of ours, we feel that the youth is receiving a training which will better enable him to adapt himself to the life situations in which he finds himself and which will prepare him for a more useful future.
19
Instructor in English
COLLEGE PREPARATION IN ENGLISH
BESSIE M. DUDLEY Instructor in English, High School
Students who are planning to attend college occasion- ally ask what reading they should do outside of school to be ready for College Entrance Board examinations. Perhaps other people do not know, and would be inter- ested to know, that our course includes reading and other activities which are definitely designed to prepare for college those students who are college material.
In fact, students have entered directly from Scituate High School, either by certificate or by examination, Wellesley, Smith, Simmons, Radcliffe, Boston Univer- sity, Bates, Colby, University of Maine, Brown, Harvard, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and have made creditable records in those institutions. Occa- sionally, of course, the A student in high school receives B in college, or the B student receives C. This is to be expected in view of the fact that high school standards are set by a class of whom a majority have abilities lying along practical or artistic, rather than academic lines. The college student is in competition with se- lected students, all of superior scholastic aptitude and attainment. However, two or three of our graduates have been excused from the traditional freshman com- position course because their mastery of essentials was considered adequate.
20
Instructor in English
The requirements in English as stated by the College Entrance Board "are designed to develop in the student (1) the ability to read with understanding, (2) knowl- edge and judgment of literature, and (3) accurate think- ing and power in oral and written expression," objec- tives which are no less desirable for the non-college student, surely. The Board still offers two types of examinations, the comprehensive and the restricted. The requirements for the two types are the same except that the literature questions in the restricted examina- tion are on specially prescribed books. This examina- tion also includes questions on the essentials of English grammar. Candidates preparing for the comprehensive examination are allowed greater freedom of choice in reading, although there are still suggestions of the level and range of reading that will be most serviceable to the candidates. Both examinations, to quote again from the College Entrance Board, "assume thorough training in mechanics-which implies habitual correctness in punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and sentence and paragraph construction."
For the benefit of any who might wish to take the restricted examination, our course includes the pre- scribed reading for study,-selections in the fields of drama, prose narratives, poetry, essays, biographies, as suggested,-with opportunities for additional super- vised reading. Weekly practice in written composition is provided, with drill on mechanics as needed. Exer- cises are assigned which are directed toward vocabulary building. As time permits, opportunities are afforded for oral exercises of various kinds,-prepared speeches and reports, discussion, recitation, reading. Especially in connection with the study of poetry we have experi- mented with the new practice of choral reading, not for concert or dramatic effect, but to increase appreciation
21
Instructor in English
of poetic forms and ideas through speaking and hearing spoken the lines of poetry.
Recent participation in a course in methods of teach- ing English, as well as reading the monthly publications of the National Council of Teachers of English and the New England Association of Teachers of English, con- firms my opinion that our course conforms in essentials with such organization and procedures as are generally recommended by educators.
22
Instructor in Mathematics
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS
EDWARD W. WHITMORE Principal
Junior high school mathematics serves as a connecting link between the elementary course and high school work. More specifically its aims are-1. To give the pupil such a mastery of elementary number combina- tions as will enable him to perform all common numeri- cal operations. 2. To develop his ability to think clearly, and judge soundly. 3. To produce skill in the appli- cation of mathematical principles to the problems of everyday life. 4. To provide a foundation for high school work in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
The seventh and eighth grades extend the topics al- ready studied in the six grades and gradually move into more advanced work. Drills and problems are taken from situations true to life and are chosen to bring out the principles involved in the topic being studied. The content of the seventh grade course includes fractions, compound numbers, decimals, percentage, simple busi- ness problems, simple and compound interest, insur- ance, banking, drafts, and money orders. The eighth grade course reviews the seventh grade work and in advance includes an introduction to geometry, house- hold and community problems, investments, equations, square root, and surfaces and volumes.
When a new topic is introduced the teacher presents the topie to the class in such a way as to enable the
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Instructor in Mathematics
pupil to associate the topic with knowledge already learned. Drills are then used to give the pupil practice in performing the operations of the new topic. Prob- lems give the pupil an opportunity to learn when and how to apply the operations, and techniques of the topic. The pupil corrects his own work and is able to understand any mistakes by seeing the correct solution worked on the blackboard and explained. Only a small amount of definitely assigned homework is given, allow- ing all pupils to work under the same conditions and also providing for individual differences; the fast pupil will complete his assignment in the allotted time while the slower pupil is allowed more time to finish, and if necessary may complete the work at home.
Short tests and reviews are given periodically to check pupil progress and retain a knowledge of past topics. Pupils have been encouraged to keep a chart showing their record of progress.
24
Report of Hatherly School Principal
REPORT FROM THE HATHERLY SCHOOL
GEORGE W. BURRILL
Principal
The enrollment in our school at the beginning of the year in September showed an increase over that of last year, due to a large number in the first grade, thirty- eight being enrolled in that class.
We are making an endeavor to maintain a good per- centage in our attendance record, but have been some- what handicapped by an early prevalence of severe colds.
Regular attendance is essential if the pupil is to get the most out of his work. Some may think, perhaps, that a child does not lose much if he is absent while in the primary grades. On the contrary, the loss is far more than one realizes. The foundation of his entire school course is laid in these grades, therefore regular attendance, unless kept at home by illness, is of utmost importance to the continued progress of the child.
Realizing the great value of intelligent and compre- hensive reading in all their work, we are making an earnest effort to increase the proficiency of the pupils in this subject.
It is necessary in the intermediate grades to complete the mastery of the mechanics of reading begun in the first grade. In this connection we find it helpful to sup-
25
Report of Hatherly School Principal
plement our reading system with short, spirited phonetic drills aided by charts furnished us this year. The child thus acquires the ability to recognize and add new words to his vocabulary.
Another objective in reading and one that is essential to the pupil's progress is the ability to get thought by himself from the printed page. Once he has acquired this ability his reading becomes an enjoyment.
As soon as the mechanics of reading have been mas- tered, silent reading assumes an important place in the grades and as an aid to this, each room has a table or shelf stocked with carefully selected books suitable for that particular grade. The pupils are allowed to select books from these shelves to read during any spare time.
During the year the several holidays have been ob- served by appropriate programs. At our Armistice Day program, we enjoyed having with us members of the American Legion Post who gave a short talk to the chil- dren. Each room arranged suitable programs at Christ- mas, these programs being enjoyed by many visiting parents and friends. Later the pupils assembled in the lower corridor and on the stairways for the singing of the Christmas Carols, as is our custom each year.
26
Report of Jenkins School Principal
REPORT FROM JENKINS SCHOOL
LEROY E. FULLER
Principal
The present enrollment at Jenkins School shows a slight decrease from that of last year. As has been true for the past two or three years, the incoming class last September was smaller than the outgoing class in June. Then, too, some families have moved from the town. It is still necessary to divide one of the large classes, that division being made in the fifth grade this year.
Through the National Junior Red Cross we have re- ceived a scrap book from Sweden in acknowledgment of one we sent to them a year ago. It contains news- paper clippings, samples of school work in penmanship, arithmetic and drawing. An account of a canal trip taken by the class and photographs of the trip were of interest to our pupils. From the photograph showing their class we judged that a class in the Swedish schools does not correspond to the grades of the same number in our American schools. These people, although in class six, are much older than any sixth grade pupils we have. We plan to correspond with the school during the present year.
Our school is a member of the Junior Red Cross organization again this year and we have also contrib- uted to the work of our county hospital.
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Report of Jenkins School Principal
In the upper grades we are trying to create and de- velop a desire to read good books. Young people like to read and we should do our part in suggesting and making available to them, books that are worth-while. The State Reading Lists are being revised from time to time and many of the newer books are being added to the list which already includes the standard books. As an incentive to read good books the State Department of Libraries still offers certificates.
Hot soup or cocoa is being served at the school each day and many children are taking advantage of this and are having a cup of hot nourishment with their lunch.
28
Report of School Physician
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the School Committee of Scituate:
The examination of pupils this year has been carried out the same as in previous years, and includes the re- examination of pupils of the High and Junior High Schools to determine their fitness for violent exertion as members of athletic teams.
The requirements regarding vaccination have been complied with for protection against Smallpox, and many have availed themselves of the opportunity of- fered by the Board of Health, and received immuniza- tion against Diphtheria.
The Chadwick Clinic is a yearly feature, and is a most valuable aid in detecting Tuberculosis in its early stages. Parents should cooperate in this work as most of these cases of Tuberculosis are curable if detected, and treated properly, and promptly. Plymouth County has a splendid hospital at South Hanson for the treatment of these cases and the work accomplished there in these cases has been excellent.
The Tonsil Clinic was continued this year through the cooperation of the Red Cross, and some very urgent cases received attention.
I have examined all buildings with regard to their sanitary condition, and report that they are all in excel- lent condition, and well kept.
29
Report of School Physician
I am glad to report that all contagious diseases have been confined to the sporadic cases, and that there have been no epidemics.
The report of the School Nurse contains a recapitula- tion of cases, and your attention is called to it.
The assistance of my associates has been very helpful for which I wish to express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
T. B. ALEXANDER, M.D.,
School Physician.
30
Report of School Nurse
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Harold C. Wingate, Superintendent of Schools, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :
The usual program of disease prevention has been closely followed throughout the year. Work has been carried on with infant and pre-school age groups as well as children attending school.
The Summer Round-Up.
Children who were to enter the first grade received a physical examination. Many of them had defects cor- rected before coming to school in September.
Clinics for the Removal of Defective Tonsils and Adenoids.
These clinics were held weekly at the Cohasset Hos- pital during July. Twenty-eight children received care.
School Dental Clinic.
Dental work has been done in the Hatherly School on Tuesday morning, and in the Jenkins School on Friday morning. Previously a full day each week had been given alternately in the schools. The new arrangement enables Dr. Parsons to work on a larger number of chil- dren and is proving satisfactory. Every school child received a dental examination. Notices of defects were sent to parents of children in the Junior and Senior High Schools. No dental work is done for children above the sixth grade. Children in the first three grades having work done by the family dentist are expected to receive
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Report of School Nurse
a certificate signed by the dentist when he has completed their work. Their names may then be put on the Den- tal Honor Roll.
Chadwick Clinic.
This is for the purpose of discovering early symptoms of Tuberculosis in school children. There has been some lack of co-operation on the part of parents regard- ing this clinic. Many parents refused to sign the appli- cation blank, and their children showed keen disap- pointment when deprived of the chance to have the test.
Audiometer Tests for Hearing.
This test was given to children in grades 3, 7 and 9. Very few were found to have impaired hearing. No child was found to be seriously handicapped due to hearing loss.
Clinic for Mentally Retarded.
Those in charge of this clinic have received full co- operation and knowledge obtained through the home visits has been of value to them in forming a diagnosis. Corrections have been made in many cases where physi- cal defects were present in addition to the child's men- tal handicap.
Examination by School Physician.
Children in grades from one to eight, inclusive, re- ceived an examination, and the majority were found to be in good physical condition.
Nurse's Work.
Considerable time is required for routine health in- spection; first aid treatments; weighing and measuring;
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Report of School Nurse
conferences with teachers and parents, and individual instructions to children as well as office work and prepa- ration for various clinics.
Communicable Disease Control.
Efforts toward control have been chiefly by means of Health education. Emphasis has been placed on the importance of protecting children through immuniza- tion. Follow-up of known contacts has been part of the program.
This is the first time in nearly nine years that I have had to report an increase in the number of cases of im- petigo in the school children. Fortunately the condition existed in only one of the three schools. This responsi- bility was largely due to the carelessness of a few fami- lies. Prevalence would have been lessened in the school if the younger children at home had received proper treatment. While it never reached the stage where it was likely to become a serious problem, it was nevertheless annoying until the spread had been com- pletely checked. Under the supervision of Dr. Alexan- der, treatment was given to some children, but it was necessary in other cases to exclude the children from school.
Children were excluded for reasons as listed :
Impetigo 11
Ringworm 1
Scabies 3
Pediculosis 7
Number of children examined by school physician 472
Number found to have throat defects 91
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Report of School Nurse
Number of children with heart murmurs 79
Number of children with throat defects corrected 28
Number of children 10% underweight 17
Number of children 15% underweight 6
More follow-up work on absentees is desirable if time would permit.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET O'DONNELL, R.N., School Nurse.
34
Report of Attendance Officers
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. Harold C. Wingate, Superintendent of Schools, Scituate, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :
All cases of absences concerning which I have been notified have received my prompt attention. With the exception of three actual truants, all other cases were found to be on account of sickness.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE M. S. LITCHFIELD, Attendance Officer.
35
Appendix-School Statistics
ROLL OF PERFECT ATTENDANCE For the School Year Ending June 30, 1936
HATHERLY SCHOOL
Name
Grade
Anderson, Arthur
IV
Bonney, Priscilla
II
Bonomi, Gloria
VI
Connolly, William
V
Fleming, Lloyd
VI
Hattin, Donald
II
Hattin, Marjorie
V
Holland, William
VI
McLean, Patricia
V
Spinzola, Nicholas
II
Sylvester, Harry
VI
Wagner, Jean
V
Walsh, Jerome
V
Wilder, Genevieve
V
JENKINS SCHOOL
Andrews, Jean
II
Andrews, Raymond VI
Franzen, Richard VI
Vickery, Charles II
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Appendix-School Statistics
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Ackerman, Alice
VII
Abell, June
VIII
Anderson, Doris
VII
Damon, Louise
VII
Gillis, Pauline
VIII
Litchfield, Miriam
VIII
MacDonald, Ruth
VIII
Madden, Henry
VII
Patterson, Evelyn
VIII
Peirce, Mary
VIII
Russell, Bert
VIII
Scarsilloni, Lawrence
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