USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1908-1910 > Part 6
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H. A. Feindel & Co., labor
2 65
J. F. Sheritt, labor
2 50
C. S. Knowles, repairing chairs
2 35
Total
$249 49
Balance unexpended .
51
$250 00
106
FINAL STATEMENT.
During the year 1909 the following payments will come due, which are to be included in the tax levy for that year by votes which the town has already passed, except water and light plant which are paid from income of plant :
Municipal light plant
$6,000 00
Warren school house
2,000 00
Water
4,000 00
Greenwood school house
2,000 00
Junction school house
2,000 00
Sewerage .
3,000 00
North school house
500 00
Cooper street bridge
500 00
Metropolitan park
500 00
Fire Station
1,000 00
High school repairs
1,000 00
Park (local)
500 00
Greenwood gas extension .
1,000 00 .
Gas bench renewal
550 00
Town Hall seats
500 00
Insurance .
500 00
Street light plant extension
1,000 00
Appropriations since annual meeting
13,547 27
Total
$40,097 27
There will also be required about $32,000 for interest payments. Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT W. FLINT,
Treasurer.
Wakefield, Feb. 5, 1909.
.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING JANUARY 31, 1909.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1908-1909.
Dr. C. E. Montague, Ch'n, 26 Chestnut St., Term expires 1911 Miss E. M. Greenwood, Sed'y, 10 Lafayette St. “ 1910
Ashton H. Thayer, Treas., 25 Yale Ave. 1910
Greenleaf A. Goodale, 41 Jordan Ave. 1909
Mrs. Ida Farr Miller, 18 Lawrence St. 1909
Darius Hadley, Montrose 1911
108
Sub=Committees.
Mr. Thayer,
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Mr. Hadley, Dr. Montague.
Dr. Montague,
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS. Mr. Hadley, Gen. Goodale.
TEACHERS AND SALARIES.
Gen. Goodale, Mr. Thayer, Miss Greenwood.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Miss Greenwood, Mrs. Miller, Dr. Montague.
COURSE OF STUDY.
Mrs. Miller, Mr. Hadley, Mr. Thayer.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. J. H. Carfrey, 126 West Chestnut St. OFFICE HOURS.
Mondays, 7.15 to 8.30 p. m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 to 8.30 a. m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 to 5.30 p. m. Office, Flanley Block.
Telephones, Office-225 - 3. Res .- 368 - 2.
Emily P. Edmond, Clerk. Hours, 8 to 12, and 1.30 to 5 on School Days.
REGULAR MEETINGS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Second and fourth Fridays of each month at 8 p. m., at Committee Rooms, Flanley Block.
109
Report of the School Committee.
The problem of education is of vital importance to the individual and to the State. How far are the schools accom- plishing that for which they are created, and if they fail, in what do they fail and how can this be remedied ? These are pertinent questions and are being considered in Massachu- setts as never before. It almost seems that we are on the verge of a radical change in educational ideals and methods. The Governor of the State comes out flatly for separate in- dustrial schools. The State Board of Education recommends industrial training for pupils 14 years old or older. Educa- tors in general are studying this movement carefully, and it seems altogether likely that the next few years will see much attempted and considerable accomplished in this direction. This is a matter to be carefully considered for our own town, but ought not to be undertaken at least until it is on a defin- itely established basis. We are too poor to experiment, and altogether too poor not to establish industrial schools if it be- comes fairly demonstrated that they increase the efficiency of the young men and the young women.
SCHOOL POLICY.
So far as our general school policy is concerned, no mate- rial changes are intended at present. The matter of eight grades instead of nine, as has been adopted in Boston and elsewhere, has been carefully considered, but there is not sufficient evidence that a change is desirable. The Commer- cial Course in the High School has been modified in accord- ance with the recommendation of the Principal in his last report, so that those electing it devote the last two years to commercial subjects exclusively. It is expected that this
110
will result in more finished work, so that our graduates will be at least the equal of those of auy commercial school in technique and much better grounded in general education.
Upon petition of the citizens of Montrose, the upper room in that building has been in use since September, accomo- dating the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. This, with an assistant at the first grade Franklin, is the only increase in the teach- ing force this year.
The attendance at the required evening school has not been as large as last year. A class in mechanical and free-hand drawing has been established two evenings a week.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
Reference to the auditor's report will show an unusually large expenditure under the contingent appropriation. There are also unpaid bills to the amount of $481.41, mostly contingent. Every year there is need of much more repair- ing than our appropriation will enable us to make. This year the exterior wood work on the Warren school and the old part at Greenwood have been painted ; a partition, mostly of glass, has been run through the large hall in the third story of the High School, making two available class rooms, and one of these has been sub-divided by a curtain, which should be replaced by a partition. After summer repairs were well under way, it was found that what was supposed to be a minor break in one of the crematory closets at the Warren school, was much more extended. Consequently it was thought best to remove the entire system on the boys' side and replace by wash closets. This was done under the supervision of Mr. Tukey at a cost of about $450. The other crematory closets will need to be replaced before many years, possibly this year. The second large item was new tubes in the boiler at the Lincoln. This was ordered late in the summer by the State Inspector and cost $300.
FIRE ESCAPES AND FIRE PROTECTION.
In accordance with the vote of the town and a special ap- propriation of $500, fire escapes have been installed as follows :
111
an open iron stairway on the Hamilton School and a covered wooden outside stairway on the Woodville and West Ward Schools. When it was decided, as noted elsewhere, to open the upper room at Montrose, a fire escape similar to the last mentioned was installed there. The cost of the four fire escapes was $665.88, $165.88 more than was appropriated for them.
Fire extinguishers, of an approved pattern, have been placed on each floor at the High School, and in the basement and on the third floor in the Lincoln. There is now no school- room without at least two separate and distinct ways of exit, all outside double doors are equipped with T bolts and open outward, and we are of the opinion that the provisions for leaving the buildings in case of fire are adequate.
FIRE GONGS AND DRILLS.
All buildings of more than two rooms are equipped with fire gongs that are easily heard anywhere in the building. Fire drills are practised frequently. It is our aim to keep every part of the heating plants in complete repair. All the basements except the Hamilton, where complete changes are pending, are lathed with metal lath and plastered with gauge mortar over the furnaces. Fire pails are kept in each build- ing. In brief, the committee has been, for several years, taking measures to minimize the fire risks, and we feel that a good degree of success has now been obtained. In the very near future a completely new heating plant will be required at the Hamilton, and it was the judgment of the special com- inittee of the town to whom the matter was referred last spring that the heating and new plumbing should be installed at the same time. Some of the plumbing in the old part at Green- wood will need to be replaced before many years.
FINANCES.
It is the regret of the committee that a slight increase in the appropriation must be asked for. There are two more teachers than a year ago, and probably another will be needed
112
in the fall. The salary schedule calls for regular increase until the maximum is reached. We recommend
For Salaries $44,093 34
Fuel 4,500 00
Contingent 2,800 00
Books and supplies
3,000 00
Evening school
900 00
$55.293 34
and that the tuition to the amount of $2,000 be added to the appropriation.
In accordance with the vote of the town, minor reports are omitted. These are on file at the office of the Superintendent, and may be seen if desired. The reports of the Superinten- dent and of the Principal of the High School follow. We commend them to your careful consideration. The salary schedule and the detailed financial statement may be found at the end of the report of the Superintendent. We desire that citizens will visit the schools in session as often as possi- ble, and we welcome suggestions or criicism at all times.
Signed,
CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, M.D., Chairman, ELIZA M. GREENWOOD, Secretary, ASHTON H. THAYER, Treasurer, GREENLEAF A. GOODALE, IDA FARR MILLER, DARIUS HADLEY.
113
Report of Superintendent of Schools.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :
I beg leave to submit my fourth annual report, it being the sixteenth report in the series of Superintendent's reports of the town.
In this report I shall try to place before you the condition of the schools as they now are, and to make recommendations which seem to me to be necessary to place the schools in a position to do for the pupils what present requirements of the times demand. While we in Wakefield are not in a position to carry out all that we desire and believe ought to be done, still it is not in the interests of true educational economy to remain too far behind what the world demands shall be done in all systems of education. No school system can be called good and effective which refuses to give the community that kind of an education which renders it possible for pupils to make the most of themselves and to become useful members of society in a practical sense. The education required to-day is vastly different from that of a generation ago. The great industrial changes which have taken place within the last decade make it mandatory that new adjustments shall be made. Environment determines educational policy. Boys and girls are not sufficiently equipped who have not had training of hand and eye. The three R's are not enough. It is necessary to give greater attention to that class of pupils who leave the schools at the age of fourteen or sixteen. These are they who go into our factories and workshops, the clerks and the large class of wage-earners. While some may think and believe that individuals should not be given in- struction at public expense which makes them skilled work-
114
men, still the fact confronts us that the average boy who leaves our schools at the age of fourteen or sixteen is in no condition to perform a kind of work that is profitable either to himself or to his employer. These are the things which confront us, and whatever way we look at it we must meet them.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
School accommodations remain about the same as reported last year. Better facilities for the commercial department of the High School have been afforded so as to give a special room for the typewriters. This arrangement gives the old room formerly used for typewriting to be used for other reci- tation purposes, and accommodates the extra classes made necessary by the increased enrollment. The pressure is removed in this quarter by confining the commercial work to one floor. However, there is congestion in another quarter. The large number electing drawing makes it impossible to accommodate them adequately. There is but one room which can be used for drawing, and this is not well adapted nor sufficiently equipped. Owing to the lack of room and equip- ment, one class in the subject was compelled to omit it. Our school sadly needs a room sufficiently well lighted and equipped for drawing purposes. The department is there- fore seriously handicapped.
A room at Montrose was opened in September which accommodates grades six and seven that formerly attended the Lincoln.
While this plan does not relieve the Lincoln materially, it does relieve the lower room at Montrose which was crowded. Removing the fifth grade, placing the first four grades in one room and the next three grades in the upper room, gives each teacher a working number. Other buildings in the town are about normal; the only exception being one grade, the eighth, at the Lincoln, which has been more than full. Another year may see both the eighth and ninth grades in this building in a crowded condition.
115
EVENING SCHOOL.
The Evening School owing to the depression in business is not so full as last year. The number enrolled is 82, being 45 less. While this part of the School Department may seem to some an unnecessary expense, yet the advantage to the community is certainly worth all and more than it costs. The State of Massachusetts certainly is alive to the advantages derived from the employment of intelligent workmen. In- telligent workmen mean intelligent citizens. These people become the future voters; they are the men and women whose families will be molders of society in years to come. They themselves will vote the appropriations for public use, and will be the business men of the near future. It is im- possible in this liberty loving country to have one class of citizens who are intelligent and educated, while another class who, have equal rights as citizens shall be ignorant and of low moral standard. The State is protecting itself and per- petuating its existence by requiring that these foreigners be taught the language and at the same time to be instructed in our form of government. In this instruction we are not to lose sight of the fact that each nationality has its peculiarities and race characteristics ; that in order to assimilate them we must do it by developing in them our instincts and habits of thought, substituting our method of living by the creation of an environment which will lead them to understand in their own way that to live in any country they must adopt that country's methods. Many of them come from an entirely different climate, and the majority have lived under a dom- inant government where freedom of citizenship and advance- ment are for the few only. If, then, they are to become citizens and to learn the ways of the country, they must have the opportunity to learn in the proper way. If they will not do it themselves, they must be compelled by law, that the State may protect itself. The greatest sin is not that the average foreigner sends all his money back to his mother country ; the greater is that he does not assume the duties of citizenship and become an effective member of society in the
116
community in which he lives. To bring this about he must . be educated in our language and customs.
MECHANICAL DRAWING CLASS.
The Committee very wisely afforded the opportunity this winter to those employed in the trades or in the factories to attend an evening mechanical drawing class. A goodly number have availed themselves of this, and much interest has been shown. This subject is the foundation of many of our industries, and the instruction given will render it possible for these persons not only to improve and become skilled workmen, thereby increasing their earning capacity, but also to become of greater worth to their employers and what is desirable-a better class of citizens. Given an opportunity and encouragement, there are few men who will not show their appreciation.
If now some public spirited citizen will make it possible to establish an evening class for women and girls in which instruction may be given in the art of home making and domestic science, much good might be done in the way of making not only the present homes, but also those of the future more attractive, more healthful, and more nearly what a home ought to be.
THE TEACHING FORCE.
Much credit is due the teachers for their manifest interest and effective work. Throughout the school system there is shown a deep interest in what may be called real effective teaching. Teachers are putting forth every effort to get at the essentials, and to reach the individual pupil. After all it is the individual who claims our attention. If the teacher is able to adapt her work to the individual and can reach him, she has accomplished something. This means a study of the pupils and their needs. Much time and effort can be wasted in the school room or class room in trying to adapt the work to the class as a whole. The teacher finds herself at every turn giving time to a few while the other portion of
117
the class, if not provided with work, is idle. Our teachers are looking to the individual and the whole class is the better for it.
Furthermore this spirit of teaching creates independence on the part of the pupil. The greatest need today in our school systems is independence in work. Too much help has been given; a mistaken idea that interest means making things easy by doing for pupils what they can do for them- selves ; that a subject must be pre-digested and over-digested in order to be understood; this is called teaching. These things are what cause pupils to be inaccurate, dependent, and unable to appreciate the different subjects in the school curriculum. Happily this condition of things is fast disap- pearing.
PROFESSIONAL READING CLASS.
That the professional spirit among the teachers has been manifested this year in a marked degree is indicated in the large volunteer class now studying under the leadership of the Superintendent. At a meeting called recently of all who desired to pursue some course of professional reading during the school year, thirty-one responded. This number is 40 per cent. of the entire corps of teachers, and certainly is a commendable number of volunteers. These meet with the Superintendent once every three weeks and devote two hours to the discussion of pedagogical questions. The basis for the work at present is Seeley's History of Education. Only good can come from such a course-a broader conception of educational questions and educational needs, a deeper inter- est in teaching as a profession, and a greater sympathy for any new and vital educational theories which may present themselves.
INCREASED TEACHING FORCE.
The force of teachers was increased this year by two addi- tions, one regular teacher and one assistant ; a new teacher at Montrose and an assistant in the first grade at the Frank- lin. The large number of pupils taking typewriting in the
118
High School has made it necessary to procure extra help on part time in order to supervise the pupils in this work. The size of the Commercial Department makes it imperative that the regular teachers there employed shall give their time mostly to the other subjects, which left the typewriting with- out supervision for several periods, It is necessary if the typewriting is to receive its due share of teaching and super- vision, that we employ in the future a regular teacher on full time. This is a part of our commercial course that is very important and should have careful attention if our graduates are to be found proficient.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.
Since the last report there have been, from the entire force of teachers, 18 resignations. Many of these resignations have occurred in order to accept other positions paying a much higher salary. Counting the extra help needed there have been 18 appointments and 3 transfers. Considering the number of teachers in the force-72-the above number of- changes is not conducive to the best results for our schools. Although our salaries have been advanced, still it was found exceedingly difficult to secure desirable teachers to fill the positions made vacant. In almost every instance the desir- able teachers who have had the experience called for, are either receiving more salary than we can offer, or if not re- ceiving more, they will not change for what we can give.
RETARDATION OF PUPILS.
There is much evidence that many pupils for various rea- sons do not advance as rapidly and as regularly as their years will allow. Some are retarded because of sickness, others because of varying degrees of capacity. Regularly those of the first grade are five years of age, those of the second grade should be six years of age, the third grade, seven years, and so on through to the end of the thirteenth year or the end of the High School course. From recent statistics taken of those pupils in school for instance during
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the present fall term, the figures are as follows : In the first grade fifty per cent are more than five years of age; second grade, fifty per cent. are more than six; third grade, fifty per cent. are more than seven ; fourth grade, sixty per cent. are more than eight ; fifth grade, seventy-two per cent. are more than nine ; sixth grade, seventy-five per cent. are more than ten; seventh grade, seventy-two per cent. are more than eleven; eighth grade, sixty per cent. are more than twelve; ninth grade, fifty per cent. are more than thirteen : tenth grade, or first year of the High School, fifty per cent are more than fourteen ; eleventh grade, fifty per cent. are more than fifteen ; twelfth grade, sixty-three per cent. are more than sixteen ; thirteenth grade, thirty-six per cent. are more than seventeen. Continuing on the same basis and from the same statistics, we find that in the different grades or years the following numbers are retarded three years or more : first year, 10; second year, 10; third year, 21 ; fourth year, 27 ; fifth year, 35 : sixth year, 26; seventh year, 24; eighth year, 14; ninth year, 6; tenth year or first year in High School, 4; eleventh year, 3; twelfth year, 2; thirteenth year, 2. The percentage of retardation increases to the sev- enth grade and is the highest through the fifth, sixth and seventh grades and decreases after that to the end of the High School course. This shows that there are pupils throughout the middle grades who need special attention. Some of these no doubt should be in a special class, and possibly a few are sub-normal. It would be a saving of money and strength if a special class were formed and a room set apart for the backward pupils in order to give them special help and to bring them up to grade, while that other class should have a peculiar kind of instruction - manual training and the like to develop the use of the hand and eye, together with reading, some mathematics, English and spell- ing. It is indeed true that several of the backward pupils drop out after the seventh grade, especially those who have become considerably older than the grade ; these go to work. The question is, have they received the training which will
120
make them useful citizens? Can they take care of them- selves? Are they consigned to the class of unskilled labor- ers, and will they, under the conditions, be able to learn to do any skilled work? Are they not of that class which man- ufacturers and the trades will not accept and will not be given a chance to become apprentices? Therefore, is it not in the line of self-protection for the town to give them the kind of instruction which will render them of greater use to their employers and to themselves and insure a greater earn- ing capacity? Is it not true that the man with a greater earning capacity is better fitted for citizenship in the com- munity than the one who must depend on odd jobs with no power of initiative. It is my belief that measures should be taken to remedy this condition.
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION.
We are still following the plan of individual instruction. This plan is having good effect in buildings where tried, and we are pursuing it somewhat more generally. I am sure the plan would be an advantage should it be followed throughout the entire system. In some of the classes in the High School the method is pursued and I am sure with good re- sults. It seems to me worth trying in all classes in this department. Not only to my mind, would the slower pupils be helped and encouraged, but it would greatly lessen the number who are required to attend the special afternoon ses- sion for help, as at present. Possibly in time it might render it unnecessary to hold special afternoon sessions.
CHANGE OF HOURS IN GRADES ONE AND TWO.
In a few buildings it is necessary to have two grades in one room. This plan renders it impossible to give the time necessary for each grade. However, in grades above the second, pupils are able to remain throughout the session, and the difficulty is not so great. In the first and second grades where the pupils need the constant care of the teacher, neither grade is able to receive the instruction it should have.
121
To obviate this and to give more time to the teacher for each grade, two plans have been tried. First, both grades assem- ble in the morning and afternoon at the same time, and the first grade remains until recess, after which the second grade remains and is dismissed fifteen minutes before the upper grades. The second plan is as follows : the second grade assembles at the opening of school, 8.45, and remains until II.00; the first grade assembles at 10.15 and remains until the end of the morning session. In the afternoon the second grade assembles at 1.30 and remains until 2.30; the first grade assembles at 2.30 and remains until 3.30. In the lat- ter plan the two grades are together only from 10.15 until 11.00. At other times each grade is alone. It is too soon yet to determine which plan is better. My own observation leads me to believe, however, that the second plan is pref- erable.
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