USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1903-1905 > Part 57
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In regard to the immediate work as carried on in the High School and the specific needs of the department I commend to your careful consideration the able report of the Princi- pal, Mr. Howe, which follows. In this report Mr. Howe calls attention to matters which need your immediate atten- tion.
377
High School Principal's Report.
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Sir :- Following is my eleventh annual report and the fourteenth in the series of High School principal's reports.
GRADUATION EXPENSES.
An earnest effort was. made by the class graduating last June to reduce the expenses attendant upon the exercises of graduation and reception. The attempt was attended by a good degree of success, the amount required in the way of class dues being reduced much below that of the last half dozen years. The authorities of the school have done all that they can rightfully do in the way of reducing the ex- penses of graduation, and it is earnestly hoped that the par- ents of the members of the graduating classes may now in- terest themselves actively, and see to it that no undue and unnecessary burden is laid upon them.
DRAWING.
I wish to call your attention anew to my remarks upon this subject in my report of last year. The number electing drawing this year is nearly one hundred, or approximately one third of the entire school. To compress the work of this number into two-thirds of a day as is necessary at present is a difficult undertaking. There seems to be no reason for thinking that the number electing this subject will be smaller in the future. On the contrary, the indications are that the demands upon this department will increase.
Our pupils who enter the Normal and Technical Schools and the Scientific departments of the colleges are required
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to be proficient in drawing. It is my conviction that the services of a teacher for a full day, at least, each week are necessary, if this department is to meet adequately the de- mands upon it.
FOOTBALL.
In view of the unsettled status of the game throughout the country, the informal vote in a meeting of representa- tive boys of the Athletic Association, to the effect that it is wise to discontinue football for a year at least, is conserva- tive. For some reason the game is not of such public in- terest in Wakefield as baseball. To support it, entails, such a drain upon the treasury of the Association, that baseball, in which we manifestly excel, suffers. From the financial standpoint, the action foreshadowed in the informal vote is wise. In this connection I desire to express briefly my at- titude towards this game in particular and athletics in gen- eral. It is my opinion that football is not a high school boy's game. For a rapidly growing boy of sixteen or seventeen undergoing the change, mental and physical, in- cident to this period of life, to submit himself to the abnor- mally severe strain attended upon the game is, to say the least, hazardous. As to school athletics in general, while I heartily believe in them, at the same time, I depre- cate the nearly exclusive attention paid them by too many students to the great harm of their legitimate work. It is well to bear in mind that athletics, debating societies, school papers, and the like are incidental only, and must not be al- lowed to crowd, in the slightest degree, the work for which the school is maintained. The moment they do, they be- come injurious to the life of the school. Watchful and sympathetic oversight of those who take part in athletics on the part of all concerned, parents and teachers alike, to de- tect any falling off in lessons is necessary, and on the first appearance of failure, steps should be taken to withdraw
379
such pupils from participation in school games. Athletics must help the school in its work, or their existence is not justified.
COMPARATIVE MEMBERSHIP.
The chart below exhibits the comparative membership of the school from year to year, from 1880 to June of last year. The membership of this year, June 1905-6 is not in- cluded as the year is incomplete. The figures will undoubt- e'dly show an increase as the enrollment since September is the largest in the history of the school. The chart also shows, by means of the broken line, the cost per pupil for instruction each year. I would call your attention to one or two facts brought out clearly by the chart. First, as the school has grown in numbers, the cost per pupil has shown a tendency to become more nearly uniform. Second, the cost per pupil for the last twelve years, during which growth in numbers has been most rapid, has been lower than pre- viously and below the average of the 27 years.
1880 '81 '82 '83 '84 '85 '86 '82 '8 '89 '90 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03
$40
៛
400
39
390
380
370
36.
350
340
36
330
320
-
-
35
300
34
290
280
33
260
32
2.40
3,
220
30
200
190
29
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
Sol
Average Membership . Cost per pupil for instruction exclusive of drawing and music
380
'oy'a 06
'02 68 '09
10
38 37
310
270
250
230
210
28
381
NUMBER OF PUPILS PURSUING THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF STUDY, SEPTEMBER, 1905.
First Year.
Second Year.
Third Year.
Fourth Year.
Total.
English
121
98
45
58
322
Latin·
30
35
10
11
86
Greek.
. .
15
7
22
French
. .
50
22
23
95
German.
..
..
15
1
26
Algebra.
121
. .
11
. .
..
98
13
10
121
Arithmetic
73
. .
. .
. .
57
14
. .
71
Botany
91
..
..
. .
91
Civics
91
63
18
81
Chemistry.
. .
. .
. .
28
28
Geology
44
83
19
28
174
Stenography
. .
. .
22
18
40
Penmanship
90
. .
22
19
131
Correspondence
. .
..
22
21
43
Singing .
121
98
45
58
322
Drawing .
53
26
7
13
99
Typewriting ..
. .
. .
22
18
40
Com. Geography
. .
. .
7
7
. .
. .
91
Physics
. .
. .
10
. .
10
History
132
Geometry
16
89
Bookkeeping
382
PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS PURSUING THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF STUDY, SEPTEMBER, 1905.
First Year.
Second Year.
Third Year.
Fourth Year.
English
100
100
100
100
Latin
25
36
22
20
Greek
. .
15
. .
12
French
. .
51
50
40
German.
..
..
33
12
Algebra.
100
24
. .
Geometry
. .
100
29
17
Arithmetic .
60
..
36
. .
Bookkeeping
. .
58
31
·
Botany
75
. .
. .
. .
Civics ·
75
..
..
50
Geology
. .
. .
22
. .
History
36
85
42
50
Stenography
. .
..
50
31
Penmanship
74
. .
50
33
Correspondence
50
36
Singing .
100
100
100
100
Drawing !.
44
26
15
22
Typewriting.
50
31
Com. Geography.
. .
. .
12
..
64
31
Physics
Chemistry
..
. .
383
1901.
1902.
1903.
1904.
1905.
1906.
Number graduated.
33
50
51
55
57
58*
Av. age of Senior class at grad'n
18182
1819
187 T'2
1812
18.4 12
1812
Senior class, February .. .
33
50
51
56
59
58
Senior class, when entered.
57
84
105
94
115
95
Junior class, February
52
61
59
67
65
42
Junior class, when entered.
84
105
94
115
95
75
Second year class, February .. . .
78
74
84
76
55
90
Second year class, when entered 105
94
115
95
75
112
First year class, February .
90
105
94
73
105
113
First year class, when entered . .
94
115
95
75
112
121
*Estimated.
The dark-faced figures of the table exhibit the membership of the present senior class throughout its course.
384
MISCELLANEOUS.
The following pupils, members of the class of 1905, have entered higher institutions :
Ethel M. Flanders, University of Colorado, Boulder, Col.
Irene M. Hawes, Sargent School of Gymnastics, Cam- bridge.
Bernice E. Hendrickson, Florence L. Moore, Gertrude Dinan, Harlan B. Peabody, Salem Normal School.
John C. O'Connell, Boston College,
Edward O. Proctor, H. Mason Southworth, Yale Univer- sity.
Florence L. Brown, Normal Art School.
Henry F. Miller, 2d, Mass. Inst. of Technology.
Rena S. Oliver, Boston University.
Edith M. Temple, Boston Normal School of Gymnastics. Cyrus N. White, Dartmouth College.
Joseph E. Harrington, University of Rochester.
John C. O'Connell has been the recipient of a substantial scholarship in Boston College, won in a competitive exam- ination.
The class gift of the class of 1908 comprised the following pictures :- "The Lifeboat " by Haquette, Millett's "The Gleaners," and "The Duchess of Devonshire" by Gainsbo- rough.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. HOWE.
385
Graduating Exercises, High School, Class of 1905.
Town Hall, Wednesday Evening, June 28, 1905.
PROGRAMME.
Overture
1
Chorus-Let our Voices be Glad Lecocq
Salutatory Essay-" When did Woman ever vet invent?" IRENE MINNETA HAWES.
Oration-A Turbulent Republic
PERCY SHERMAN HINCKLEY.
Chorus-With Horse and Hound
Caldicott
Honor Essay-Storied Windows
BERNICE ELVIRA HENDRICKSON.
Recitation-As the Moon Rose Phelps ANNIE REYNOLDS MCKEON.
Semi-Chorus-The Bells of Seville . Jude
Oration-An Ancient Mariner
GEORGE ANDREW SHEEHY.
Recitation-Lucius Junius Brutus over the Body
of Lucretia Payne
EDWARD OTIS PROCTOR.
Chorus-Oh, Italia, Italia, Beloved .
From Donizetti's "Lucrezia"
Recitation-Capt. January's Story to Star Bright Richards MARGUERITE DOROTHEA VERNE.
Chorus-Good Night, Thou Glorious Sun Smart
Valedictory
EDWARD OTIS PROCTOR.
Presentation of Diplomas, CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, M. D., Chairman of School Committee
Class Song
Benediction
REV. C. GUY ROBBINS
386
MOTTO : Strive and Succeed.
CLASS SONG.
EDWARD O. PROCTOR.
Once'again, before we part for'er,
Once more, we clasp the hand ;
Dwelling on the mem'ries of the past, At the Future's gate we stand. We think of happy days'
Wherein happiness was rife, When we together trod the roads That lead to nobler life.
Our pathways henceforth will diversely wind, Ever upward, ever upward ; May the duties that our lives may find Be conquered by a steadfast mind. Ever upward, ever upward Let us strive, Strive and succeed.
Teachers, who have been our faithful guides, To you we say farewell.
Ye have strewn among us wisdom's seeds ; On good ground, we pray, they fell. Your willing sacrifice Our deep gratitude has won ; Sincerely we appreciate The labor you have done. And all of us with one accord today, Looking forward, looking forward, A thoughtful, prayerful fare-well, sadly say, As on the past our footsteps stay. Looking forward, looking forward, Let us strive, Strive and succeed.
387
Help us, Master, on life's battle fields To win conflicts of right ; Help us when defeats come, none dismayed, More courageously to fight. United let us be, Though we're scattered far and wide, United in a fellowship That will fore'er abide. Our minds ambitious are success to gain ; Ever onward, ever onward ; The true success, that's neither void nor vain- A noble life without a stain. Ever onward, ever onward Let us strive, Strive and succeed.
GRADUATES.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
Ethel May Flanders, Irene Minneta Hawes, Gladys Hibbard Hawley, Alice Frances Hemenway, Bernice Elvira Hendrickson, Mary Florence Kelley, Charles Hubert Locke, Dora Blanche Magee,
Florence Louise Moore, John Charles O'Connell, Edward Otis Proctor, Marion Louise Russell, Annie Louise Sinclair, Herbert Mason Southworth, Amy Frances Sweeney.
GENERAL COURSE.
Florence Lillian Brown, Harold Northend Comins, George Mansfield Daland, Letitia Dorothy Dean,
Henry Franklin Miller, 2nd, Rena Stacy Oliver, Marjorie Evelyn Paine, Harlan Berkley Peabody,
1
388
Gertrude Dinan, John Lawrence Donovan, Nathan Wyman Eaton, Jr., John Flanley, Jr., Percy Sherman Hinckley, Charles Wilbur Leet,
Duncan Bryant MacIntosh,
Ethel Hall Peirce, Adeline Hamblen Stone, Helen Gardner Stowell, Edith Marie Temple, Marguerite Dorothea Verne, Cyrus Newell White.
COMMERCIAL COURSE.
Ethel May Cameron, Grace Margaret Connell, Martha Houston Daniel, Mary Teresa DeRoche, Martha Lea Dexter, Alice Louise Frye, John Denison Griffiths, Mildred Emma Hadley, Joseph Edward Harrington, Nellie May Hickey, Minnie Bertha Mansfield,
Annie Reynolds Mckeon, George Arthur Meloney, James Ernest Meloney, Raymond Elmore Nichols, Carl Hazen Russell, George Andrew Sheehy, Elsie Slack, Alice Gertrude Smith, Herman Cartwright Wheeler Charles Frederick Young.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In the department of Music the work is being done with the same enthusiasm as in former years. Mr. Wilson, long identified with the schools, has won a large place in the hearts of teachers and pupils. The spirit shown toward the work is commendable, and compares favorably with that done in surrounding towns.
The report of the supervisor, Mr. Wilson, which follows, is certainly worthy of careful reading and consideration.
389
Report of Supervisor of Music.
MR. J. H. CARFREY, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :
DEAR SIR: - In the department of Music no radical changes have been made during the past year. The music course, as arranged and adopted a few years ago, has proven very satisfactory, and as the teachers have become familiar with the work good progress has been made.
In the first grade the training of the ear, the perception of tone, tone progression, tone matching, the relation of each tone of the scale to the whole scale, the cultivation of a pure, sweet tone, studying scale pictures from the scale ladder, the hand signs for the scale, and later in the year the scale and scale melodies from the staff, together with twenty-eight or more rote songs (each one having some definite object as to rhythm, interval or scale) have been faithfully and carefully taught, with good results.
As the work of the teacher in the first grades in language Is to increase the word vocabulary of the child so that he may more intelligently express his thoughts in sentences ; so it should be the aim of the music teacher to so increase the pupil's tonal vocabulary that he can express in melody his comprehension of melodies upon the written page and also write what he hears in notation upon the staff. This is the object of ear training and tone relations.
In grade two, the first year's work has been carefully re- viewed and exereises from the chart in all the keys have been studied.
The staff, clef, notes, rests, bars, measures, and short melodic exercises have been written. The first time form in two, three and four part measure, and twenty or more rote songs have been learned. Individual singing from the chart, or by tone matching exercises and dictation is prac- ticed at each lesson.
In the third and fourth grades proficiency has been at-
390
tained in reading and singing exercises written in nine keys, writing the signatures and placing the keynotes in their proper places. Chromatic tones (sharp four and flat seven) have been studied and their relation to the scale tones estab- lished, sight reading practiced at each lesson. The first, second and third time form in two, three and four part measure written and practiced, ear training exercises, two part singing in all keys, and songs by note and rote from good composers have been learned, so that the children may have high ideals of the best in music. Great care is taken co make the voices flexible and sweet by proper exercises.
I am pleased with the work of the teachers in these grades in tone and time.
· In grades five and six more difficult exercises in time and tune have been studied as to rhythm and melody. The chromatic scale as a whole and the tone relations of each sharp or flat to the scale have been taught. All time forms are taught in these grades. Exercises in two and three parts, containing more difficult intervals, in every key, have been sung, and voice and ear training have been an important part of the work.
Grades seven, eight and nine have accomplished the usual amount of work arranged for them for the year, con- sisting of a review of the chromatic scale, the major and three forms of the minor scale in all keys. Intervals, triads and their inversions have been sung and written. Also three and four part exercises and songs, and the F clef established, thus fitting the pupils for advanced choral or harmony work in the High school.
Excellent work has been done in these grades.
In the High school the pupils are enthusiastic in the music, no pupils are excused, and there seems to be a good interest in the work. The selections used are from the best composers and a taste for good music is cultivated.
391
A girls' glee club has been formed and they hold weekly rehearsals with good results.
A boys' glee club is soon to be formed.
A Cantata is aboutj to be rehearsed the proceeds being to furnish a Pianola to be used to illustrate the work of the great masters, in connection with a brief history of their lives.
A new Book must be furnished this school, and if seats are put in the upper hall 160 copies would be enough to fur- nish the whole school. I recommend the Laurel Song Book for that purpose.
It is my desire to introduce into our music course The Individual sight singing and reading course. I hope it may be adopted next year.
The teachers have at all times supplemented my work with their best efforts to make the study of music a success.
The music in our schools for the past year has been very satisfactory. The pupils are enthusiastic andj.enjoy the work most heartily. As I visit the different rooms I am delighted with the spirit shown and with the attention and interest which prevails and the progress that has been made.
Thanking you for your words of encouragement and the committee for their hearty support, I respectfully submit this report.
G. F. WILSON, Supervisor of Music.
DRAWING.
The work in drawing moves steadily on, and with the time given and the facilities for work is making commend- able progress. However, the subject might be of greater value to the schools, and to the community if we could have
392
more of the time of our supervisor. At present we have the supervisor but two and one-half days per week, and of "this time she gives one entire morning to the High School. Owing to the size of our High School the number of pupils preparing for technical schools requiring a knowledge of drawing, and others having a talent for drawing who pursue the subject further than the grammar schools, more time should be given the subject in this department. In fact the work is much cramped here, and should require the time of a teacher at least one day a week. This would leave us only one and one-half days of the supervisor's time. In or- der to get the required results in the lower schools each room should be visited as often as once in two weeks. There are fifty rooms to be visited, and an average of one- half hour to a room, together with the necessary work in the High School, would easily require the whole time of the supervisor, and give to the Wakefield schools what is needed.
I would therefore advise that the Committee take this matter into consideration. The report of the Drawing Su- pervisor, Miss Parker, needs your careful attention. Miss Parker's work with the time at her disposal has been very successful, and the recommendations she makes are worthy of attention.
Report of Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- The fundamentals of a course in drawing must necessarily remain the same from year to year. The amount of time devoted to freehand and mechanical drawing, to design and nature drawing is also practically the same as last year, but the exercises vary in character, different med- iums are used in execution, principles of design are applied
393
in different ways to a variety of subjects, and these insure continued interest and increased facility.
The conditions of high school work are less satisfactory than in primary or grammar grades. Two or more classes are obliged to work at the same time on entirely different lines of work, solving diverse problems, with different med- iums, thus forming a complexity which is detrimental to progress and to a high standard of accomplishment. Owing to the increased size of the school, the room previously used for drawing alone has been reseated and is permanently oc- cupied by a class. This has added several problems to the already confused program, and make the conditions still more difficult. More time for instruction, a room suitably lighted and furnished for drawing, with running water and abundant closet room for storage of materials, are most de- sirable and long needed improvements in the high school drawing course.
Several of the schools have increased the number of pic- tures in their rooms this year.
Specimens of the drawing and art work of different grades have been offered in the competitions conducted by the " School Arts Book," a magazine devoted to the service of those who teach drawing, and which stands for beauty in school work. Several prizes, many " honorable mentions " and special words of commendation in the publication were gratifying results.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE B. PARKER, Supervisor of Drawing.
MANUAL TRAINING AND SEWING.
The value of Manual Training work in our schools was ably set forth by my predecessor in his last report, and I am
394
in full accord with what was said. This subject is none the less valuable today, and the results show its usefulness. However, it might well be said that its continuance as a sub- ject in the High School course would be a distinct advantage to the community. I trust the time may come when this can be done.
The value of sewing to the girls has been clearly demon- strated in the years past. The fact that the girls are taught the various kinds of stitches, patching, darning, cutting, fitting and making garments for wear is certainly a feature not to be overlooked. There is indeed a practical side of this instruction which is exceedingly useful, the satisfaction of making something useful, and the pleasure of accomplish- ing something which is real teaches the importance of patience, accuracy and self control. It is hoped that in the near future it may be considered feasible to give the girls instruction in cooking and the care of the home.
Reports of Manual Training and Sewing are herewith given.
Report of Supervisor of Manual Training.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- I have the honor to submit my second annual report as supervisor of Manual Training.
There are two hundred forty pupils registered in this de- partment, an increase of thirty over last year's attendance.
During the year there were twenty-three applications from High School pupils to take manual training.
In making the program it was found difficult to make pro- vision for these pupils without serious detriment to the work of the lower grades.
The work of the year has been characterized by intense enthusiasm and interest; this, coupled with perseverance
1
395
and hard work along with habits of carefulness, patience and accuracy is accomplishing good results.
In justice to the pupils both boys and girls, it is only fair to say that in manual training they do the work they love to do.
The highest faculties are not developed by distasteful work. The friction is too great. Work in harmony with the boy's nature, co-operate with his desires, and you have his interest and will power to help you.
" Hand and brain, body and mind, says the new educa- tion. All must work in harmony to produce the normal, healthful, useful individual."
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. TRUBEY.
Report of Supervisor of Sewing.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- Five grades, commencing with the fifth, re- ceive instruction in sewing. Each class averages a fifty minute period excepting four classes, which it is necessary to alternate, causing them to receive but one period in two weeks, while the other twenty classes receive one period every week. It would be well if some plan could be ar- ranged that would obviate the necessity of this alternating, and give each class the same amount of instruction.
The plan of work includes all the varieties of plain sew- ing, and in the upper grades some fancy stitches. Last year applied design was tried with good success ; the girls in the ninth grade designing collars and cuffs, and then working the design on linen, thus correlating the drawing with their sewing. All stitches taught are applied in a prac- tical way, as the articles made in our schools are such as
-
396
can be worn when finished. As sewing is taught by accu- rate rules, the pupils efforts to follow directions in prepar- ing, beginning and finishing their work necessarily give training in self reliance as well as in patience and persever- ance.
I would suggest that a system of marking be introduced that will place sewing on a par with the other branches of school work.
Respectfully submitted, MARY J. WILSON, Supervisor of Sewing.
The work of Battalion in the High School needs your at- tention, and Mr. Brockbank's report below is worthy of perusal.
Report of Military Instructor.
WAKEFIELD, FEB. 1, '06.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- My report as Military Instructor W. H. S., is as follows :
Strength of Battalion.
Major, Adjutant, Sergt .- Major, · 3
A Co., 3 officers, 5 Sergts, 5 Corpls, 37 Pvts.
Total, 50
B Co., 3 66 66
5 5 37
66 50
Total, with Field and Staff, . 103
The work of the Battalion, for the past year, has, as a whole, been very satisfactory ; but as in last report would suggest that more time be given to this work, say two peri- ods per week. The idea of unquestioning obedience to proper authority and strict attention to the duty in hand, as
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