USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1909-1912 > Part 53
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128
the Town Counsel and am informed by the former that they have already arranged their books so that all items of outgo and in- "come will come under their supervision, and that they have certain recommendations on these reports along the lines which I have mentioned.
I would recommend that every department render to the Board of Auditors the amount due them and uncollected at the end of each year.
I believe it to be the duty of every town official, and my desire has always been, to give the Town all the information in each annual report pertaining to any office held, and I therefore bring the above matters to the Town's attention.
There should be a closer understanding between Town Depart- ments, so that the Town will not be obliged at sometime in the future to make a special appropriation, as many cities and towns have had to do to make up deficiences. I again refer to my report for 1910, as well as the report of the former Treasurer, the late Thomas J. Skinner, in the 90th annual report for year -ending, January 31, 1902, page 197, in which he refers to this very subject and shows a deficiency for that year of $9,759:30. This excess of dehits for the year 1902 apparently righted itself, .as no doubt, that of 1912 will do the same, but we are not sure that such will be the case, and I believe it will be well for the town either to have some accountant, or give the Board of Auditors authority to make decisions as to what constitutes receipts and reinbursements and to determine as to what Department, if any, they shall be credited. Also that all Town Departments, includ- ing the Treasurer, shall render to the Board of Auditors any pay- ments made, outside of warrants issued by the Board of Selectmen, as a check in part on all warrants by the Auditors as at the present time.
The town of Reading has such an accountant, who has charge ~of all these matters.
I wish to announce at this time, that it will be impossible for me to serve as Treasurer after the March election, even if I am elected. As is generally known, I have lately become associated
129
directly with the business with which I have been connected for a number of years, and as is common among many business con- cerns, it is agreed that each member shall devote his entire time and energy to the business.
I regret very much, particularly at this time, that circumstances are such that I shall be unable to longer serve as Treasurer, but I shall be only too glad to give my successor in office all the aid and assistance which he may ask for.
In closing, I would state that I have endeavored to make this report a plain, straight statement of facts, as I want the Town to maintain the high financial standing it has always enjoyed.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT W. FLINT, Treasurer.
January 1, 1913.
130
Tax Collector's Statement
TAX OF 1910
Uncollected balance, Dec. 31, 1911 $29,694 9i
Re-assessed by Assessors
58 25
Received as interest
2,225 46
$31,978 62
Paid Town Treasurer
$30,743 27
Abated by Assessors ·
1,235 35
$31,978 62
TAX OF 1911
Uncollected balance, Dec. 31, 1911 $68,640 60
Re-assessed by Assessors
1,851 85
Received as interest
960 86
$71,453 31
Paid Town Treasurer
$37,787 17
Abated by Assessors
1
2,807 33
$40,594 50
Balance uncollected
$30,858 81
TAX OF 1912
Total amount assessed . $214,802 71 ·
Bank Tax
.
.
2,534 50
St. R. R. Excise Tax
.
3,288 91
Received as interest
. .
93 63
$220,719 75
131
Paid Town Treasurer
$133,770 61
Abated by Assessors
3,722 32
$137,492 93
Balance uncollected
$83.226 82
CHESTNUT STREET SEWER TAX
Uncollected balance Dec. 31, 1911 .
$183 30
Received as interest
15 70
$199 00
Paid Town Treasurer
$199 00
ALBION STREET SEWER TAX
Uncollected Dec 31, 1911
$2,683 58
Re-assessed .
111 20
$2,794 78
Paid Town Treasurer
$191 20
Apportioned by Sewer Commissioners
1,334 41
Abated 66 66
92 77
$1,618 38
Balance uncollected
$1,176 40
BYRON STREET SEWER TAX
Balance uncollected Dec. 31, 1911 .
$1,289 73
Received as interest
3 84
1
$1,293 62
Paid Town Treasurer · .
$401 82
Apportioned by Sewer Commissioners 807 25
Abated
66
05
$1,209 12
Balance uncollected
$84 50
·
132
GOULD STREET SEWER TAX
Uncollected Dec. 31, 1911
$1,207 27
Received as interest
48
$1,207 75
Paid Town Treasurer .
$151 28
Apportioned by Sewer Commissioners
862 10
$1,013 38
Balance uncollected $194 37
RENWICK ROAD, ASHLAND STREET AND OVERLOOK ROAD SEWER
TAX
Total amount assessed .
$3,303 72
$3,303 72
Paid Town Treasurer .
$211 10
Apportioned by Sewer Commissioners 1,168 66
Abated 66 66 66
738 10
$2,117 86
Balance uncollected
$1,185 86
SEWER APPORTIONMENTS PAID IN FULL
Paid Town Treasurer $111 87
C. E. WALTON. Collector.
WAKEFIELD, Jan. 1, 1913.
133
ASSESSORS' REPORT
State tax
$15,625 00
County tax .
.
8,599 73
Met. Sewer .
9,708 90
Met. Park .
.
4,629 13
Charles River basin
750 53
$39,313 29
Sept. 5, 1911 :
Poor Dept. .
. . $1,800 00
Nov. 13, 1911 :
Sewer Dept.
·
.
1,865 00 .
Fire Alarm, box 59
.
.
7 32
system
200 00
Police Dept.
122 00
66
400 00
Fire Dept.
2,062 86
Town Hall
600 00
School Dept.
500 00
Forest Warden Dept.
597 00
Clerical Assessors' Dept.
78 40
Forest Glade Cemetery .
50 00
G. & Br. Moth Dept. .
4,010 72 .
Motor Truck Fire Dept.
5,800 00 ·
.
.
.
- - $18,093 30
134
March 11, 1912 :
School Dept., general pay rolls $52,841 00
Fuel
.
4,690 00
Contingent . 6,000 00
Books and Supplies
3,200 00 ·
Evening School
. 1,000 00
$67,731 00
Poor Dept. .
. $12,000 00
Police
. 7,000 00
Town Hall, exp.
. 2,475 00
Miscellaneous
5,000 00 ·
Forest Warden Work
300 00
Tree Warden Dept.
500 00
Moth Dept. . .
·
5,500 00
Fire 66
. . .
. 10,500 00
Park · . .
1,050 00
R. L. G. Armory .
725 00
Soldiers' Relief
·
4,000 00
State Aid
. 4,000 00 ·
Military Aid
450 00 .
Library
1,028 70
Reading Room
275 00
Fish Committee
25 00
Cemetery Dept.
330 00
Salaries, Town Officers
7,965 00
Interest
. 15,222 50
Increase in teachers' salaries .
. 1,635 00
Mun. Light plant
. 15,000 00
Highway Dept.
. 26,000 00
Add. salary, Supt. of Streets
· 1,100 00
Water Dept., Maintenance
. 14,000 00
Construction
. 5,000 00
Interest . 8,120 00
Bond, payment ·
.
4,000 00
Salaries, Comr's
. 300 00
.
.
·
·
.
135
216 hydrants at $15
3,240 00
3 stand pipes at $75 225 00
3 horse drinks at $75 225 00
$35,110 00
Sewer Dept.
650 00
Fire Alarm .
1,450 00
" Engineer, increase salary
675 00
July 4 Com.
500 00
Increase Janitor's salary
150 00
Water Dept., 3 fountains at $75
225 00
Fire Dept., increase salary
150 00
Births, marriages and deaths, index
300 00
Memorial Day
350 00
Clerk, Overseers of Poor
.
75 00
Clerk of assessors
300 00
Printing street list and transfers
250 00
BONDS
Warren
School
· $2,000 00
Greenwood
.
.
.
. 2,000 00
Junction
.
. 2,000 00
North Ward
· 1,000 00
Sewerage
5,000 00 .
Fire Station
· 1,000 00
High School Reps.
1,000 00
Chestnut St. Sewer
2,500 00
Byron St. Sewer .
1,500 00 .
Insurance Prem. Notes
.
19,000 00
Grand total
$306,403 79
RECEIPTS 1912
Water Dept
$38,009 40
Poor 66
·
·
.
7,000 00
Moth 66
.
.
609 81
Sewer 66
1,123 84
·
.
.
1,000 00
·
136
Schools, Credit Dept.
.
1,330 76
Income, Town Hall
.
947 00
Interest, deposits and notes
281 65
Certifying taxes
5 00
Release tax deeds
36 00
Court fines .
1,080 50
Refund tax suit
11 78
Junk
2 50
Sale of Armory
4,501 00
Destruction of dogs
13 00
July 4 Com. tent space .
5 00
Milk Inspector
22 00
Sale, old desk
5 00
Weights and measures
73 56
Insurance blanks .
1 36
Street R. R. excise tax
2,130 79
Sewer assessments (cards)
4,242 17 ·
December polls added
132 00
Estimated moth tax, private work .
2,400 00 ·
Interest on 1909 tax bills
2,375 57 .
66 " 1910 '
1,167 95
66 66 1911 66
98 02
Balance Auditor's Report
3,968 16 .
Sewer bond and interest (suit)
. 2,330 00
Moth acct., State returns
1,190 98
Armory rent
1,010 00 .
Cooperation
.
5,462 42 ·
Sick paupers .
3 23
Temporary Aid
302 30
Industrial School (State)
38 14
Tuition, State children .
887 00
Nat. Bank tax
1,472 36 .
Military Aid
.
192 00
State Aid
3,837 00
Soldiers and Sailors
148 00
December assessments, cash .
519 96 .
Additional Coop. tax (State) .
. 1,206 61
.
·
.
·
137
Rel. tax deed, Carlisle .
168 37
Johnson
188 27
Estimated St. R. R. tax
6,500 00
Sol. rel. refund .
10 00
Salary refund. (Clemons)
02
Estimated school accts . .
2,000 00
December Cooperation tax (State).
52 49
Total receipts 1912
$99,445 97
VALUATION 1912
Personal, excluding bank stock
1,999,846 00
Resident bank stock
117,957 00
Real estate land .
.
3,346,830 00
66 buildings .
5,465,875 00
Total
$10,930,508 00
Total levy 1912
306,403 79
Less receipts
99,445 97
$206,957 82
Less 3336 polls at $2.00 .
6,672 00
Net levy
$200,285 82
Rate $18.50
Overlay
1,928 57
Number of residents assesscd on
property :
Individuals
1741
All others
, 286
Number of non-residents assessed
on property :
Individuals
576
All others . .
107
.
138
Number of persons assessed :
On property
2710
For poll tax only
2330
Number of poll tax payers .
3336
Number of dwellings .
2153
Number of acres of land
3987
Number of horses
380
Number of cows
346
Number of neat cattle
8
Number of swine
141
Number of fowl
1630
Number of pairs of pigeons
.
2500
Rate .
$18 50
ABATEMENTS MADE ON 1912 LEVY
Soldiers' exemptions :
On polls .
$ 100 00
On real estate .
1,195 95 ·
$1,295 95
Widows' exemptions .
1,724 14
Personal tax sworn off .
800 23
Over valuation
482 93
Inability
112 07
Rec. assessments
$631 43
Increase in personal property not including Dec.
1912 assessments .
$294,160 00
New buildings including all revaluation, 1912
(increase )
530,150 00
Land assessments (increase)
.
91,875 00
Gross levy increased in 1912
.
44,058 53
Increase in widows' exemptions
410 27
Increase number of polls
132
Decrease in soldiers' exemptions
.
. 208 58
.
.
.
139
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Assets (Value)
Bonds (Liability)
School houses
$250,000 00
$45,500 00
Public library
10,000 00
Other buildings .
135,000 00
4,000 00
Public grounds
60,000 00
Cemeteries
8,000 00
Other real estate
9,000 00
Water works
299,500 00
199,000 00
Fire apparatus
15,000 00
1,000 00
Trust funds
23,944 22
23,944 22
Sewer system
304,500 00
224,500 00
Gas and electric plant
234,300 00
121,500 00
$1,349.244 22
$619,444 22
Assets above liabilities
729,800 00
$1,349,244 22 $1,349,244 22
PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION
Baptist Society
church and land
$50,000 00
Episcopal Society
66
66
.
.
25,000 00
Roman Catholic Society
66
.
.
50,000 00
Cong .. Greenwood
3,000 00
Methodist
66
18,000 00
Universalist
18,000 06
Montrose Chapel Soc.
2,000 00
Mass. Baptist S. S. Ass'n
12,000 00
Young Men's Christian Ass'n
35,000 00
Home for Aged Women
.
4,700 00
First Congregational Society
125,000 00
$342,700 00
SAMUEL T. PARKER, Chm. GEORGE H. STOWELL, Sec'y CHARLES A. CHENEY
140
Report of the Board of Health
The Board of Health submits its annual report as follows :
There has been forty-nine cases of contageous diseases as fol- lows :
Diptheria
12
Scarlet Fever .
.
.
19
Measles .
13
Typhoid . . .
2
Vencalla
2
Plittian .
. . .
1
Cesspools cleaned out
18
Pig pens
12
.. .. removed
.
.
6
Vaults cleaned out
16
removed
5
New cesspools made
6
Visitations made for other causes
73
.
. .
-
The Saugus River has been cleaned out from the Saugus Line to Old Salem Street at an expense of $229.
J. W. HEATH, M. D. DAVID TAGGART. AUGUSTUS D. JENKINS.
141
Report of the Inspector of Plumbing
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF HEALTH :
Gentlemen-The work in the Plumbling Department for the year ending Dec. 30, 1912, was as follows :
Applications filed
138
Inspections and calls made
416
Fixtures set
.
622
Bathtubs
100
Closets
145
Lavatories
113
Sinks
149
Wash trays
110
Urinals
2
Slop sinks
.
2
Shower baths
1
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGARD, Plumbing Inspector.
142
Report of the Inspector of Milk
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH :
Gentlemen :- 1 herewith present my annual report as Inspector of Milk for the year 1912.
The number of samples collected and analyzed during the year have been one hundred and forty.
The average of milk solids, less fat was
8.92
Butter fat
3.77
Total solids 12.69
Twenty three licenses and nine registrations have been issued during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
H. A. SIMONDS, Inspector of Milk.
143
Cemetery Commissioners' Report
March, 1912, Appropriation for general use . $330 00
salaries 70 00
repairs on tool house 35 00
Nov. 1, 1912, Appropriation for general use
35 00
$470 00
EXPENSES
Water bill
$ 5 00
Printing bill
7 50
Killorin Contract Co., use of teams 23 25
Payroll, labor 222 46 ·
Geo. H. Taylor, bill
25 28
J. Laybolt, bill .
3 85
Wakefield Cement Co., bill
3 60
Joseph Breck & Sons, 66
4 62
Hill & Smith Co., 66
13 20
Henry Feindel, 66
10 31
J. D. Schurman,
.
.
3 00
John Carter, labor
.
·
20 86
A. L. Mansfield, bill
10 00
Ed. Fentzlieff, labor
4 00
Earl Harris,
1 20
A. B. McIntosh, bill
1 50
A. G. Carter, labor
8 96
·
J. A. Bancroft, surveying 3 50
.
.
.
·
144
J. F. Gosney, bill.
.
. 30
·C. S. Knowles, bill
.
.
2 25
E. J. Gibbs, labor
8 40
John Neiss, labor .
5 00
F. E. Giles, bill .
1 25
J. R. Reid, salary
23 34
John Miniken, salary
23 33
Willie R. Blake, “
. 23 33
.
459 29
Balance on hand
$10 71
Total income for one year ending Dec. 31
$193 50
.
"There are no outstanding bills.
JOHN MINIKEN, WILLIE R. BLAKE.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1912
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1912-1913
Arthur H. Boardman, Ch'n, 56 Pleasant St., Term expires 1914 Mrs. Ida Farr Miller, Sec., 18 Lawrence St. 66 66 1915
Ashton H. Thayer, Treas., 25 Yale Ave. 66 66 1913
Mrs. Eva Gowing Ripley, 40 Emerson St.
1913
Edward E. Lee, Greenwood, Mass. 66
66 1915
Dr. Charles E. Montague, 15 Richardson Ave.
66 1914
146
SUB-COMMITTEES
PUBLIC PROPERTY
Mr. Thayer
Dr. Montague
Mr. Boardman
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS
Dr. Montague
Mr. Lee Mr. Boardman
Mrs. Miller
TEACHERS AND SALARIES Mr. Thayer Mr. Lee
COURSES OF STUDY Mr Thayer Mrs. Miller
Mrs. Ripley
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES Mrs. Ripley Dr. Montague
Mr. Lee
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Willard B. Atwell, 76 West Chestnut St.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday, 7 to 8 p. m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 to 8.30 a. m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 to 5.30 p. m.
Office, Flanley Block.
Telephone, Office 471-W. Residence, 195-M.
Clerk, Miss Gertrude V. Lofstrom. Hours, 8-12 and 1.30 to 5 on School Days.
REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Second and fourth Fridays of each month at 8 p. m. at Committee Rooms, Flanley Block.
147
Report of the School Committee
The most perplexing problem that the committee is called upon to face at the present time is the providing of proper school ac- commodations.
At Greenwood there are nine grades to be provided for in an eight room building, and, owing to the increase in the number of pupils at the opening of the school in September, the first and sec- ond grades were given half time, the first grade having the morn- ing session and the second grade the afternoon. The teachers of these grades have assisted each other in the work of their respec- tive classes, and in this way have maintained an efficiency that each working alone could not have secured. These conditions are unsatisfactory, and the committee will be gratified when arrange- ments can be made to provide for the regular sessions.
Owing to the overcrowding of the two ninth grades at the Lincoln School fifteen pupils were transferred to the Franklin School, where it was possible to provide for them owing to the small eighth grade there.
As stated in the Superintendent's report the lower grades at the Franklin School are overcrowded, and the overflow is being pro- vided for by the use of a small room on the third floor that was not intended to be used as a class room. The crowded conditions at this building are bound to become more pronounced as the school population is steadily increasing in that district.
We thoroughly agree with the report of the special committee appointed by the town at the March meeting which states that the High School building is inadequate to meet the needs of the school, both as to size and equipment. We respectfully recom- mend to the town that as soon as possible a suitable site be se- cured and a building erected to care for the present needs of the school, and to make provisions for adding such departments as manual training and domestic science.
148
Commencing next September, French, German, and Chemistry will have five periods per week instead of four. This change in the number of recitations is made necessary by the requirements of the New England College Entrance Board.
The estimated growth of the High School, we feel sure, will make it imperitive to hold two sessions next year. We doubt if this will prove entirely satisfactory to parents, pupils, or teachers, but we urge all to make the best of a trying situation.
. By the early erection of a new High School and the use of the present building for grammar school purposes, the problem of housing the grades would probably be solved, with the possible exception of the Franklin School, for a considerable length of time ; and the expense of making additions to the present build- ings would thereby be avoided.
TEACHERS
An increase in the number of pupils at Greenwood made the employment of an additional teacher necessary, and another teacher was also required at the High School. The growth of the High School and added requirements may make necessary two additional teachers for the coming year.
EIGHT GRADES
For several years the Committee has had under consideration the question of changing from a nine to an eight grade system. During this time the entrance age limit has been raised three times, until now a child must be at least five years old on the first day of April next preceding the opening of the school year. The contemplated change, if commenced in September of next year, would not be in full operation until the opening of school in September, 1914.
SCHOOL SAVINGS
The Legislature of 1911 passed a law requiring the schools to teach thrift, and the Bank Commissioners recommended the estab- lishment of school savings banks for that purpose. As our schools were already provided with the stamp saving system,
149
which had worked reasonably well, we have waited to see how the new system would compare with the old.
The school savings banks have now been in operation in the Boston schools and in schools of other cities and towns for more than a year, and apparently are a decided success. The schools have a bank day once each week, when for a specified time, usually of fifteen minutes duration, the pupils can deposit their money in amounts of one cent or over, for which they receive a bank book on which their deposits or withdrawals are entered as they would be in a regular bank. The manner of conducting the bank varies in different places. In some places the work is done in part by the pupils of the higher grades, and in others by the principal or the teachers. In one town the members of the Com- mercial department of the High School act as collectors from the Grammar Schools. The aggregate amount received is deposited weekly by the principal of the school in the local savings bank in his name as trustee for the school savings bank. Just before the savings bank's quarter day the principal transfers the money of the scholars, who have deposits at the school of one dollar or more, to the savings bank, by opening accounts in the name of such scholars, and like transfers are made previous to the bank's quarter days thereafter.
Beginning in January a bank will be started at Greenwood, and later banks will probably be started in other schools. The Committee feel that this is a matter of importance, and that the scholars should be encouraged to save their money. The success or failure of this project depends largely upon the attitude of teachers and parents, and we earnestly request the co-operation of all.
SALARIES
In accordance with the opinion of the citizens, as expressed by a vote in the annual town meeting, we raised the maximum salary of grade teachers from $550 to $650 per year.
Last May the janitors presented a request for an increase in their salaries. The Committee granted this, to take effect Janu- ary 1, 1913. The increased cost of living, which was one of the
150
reasons for raising the salaries of grade teachers and janitors, ap plies also to the principals and High School teachers, and we feel that we should raise their salaries.
REPAIRS
The usual necessary repairs to the school buildings were at- tended to during the summer ; and more extensive repairs were made upon the Prospect Street School, and the building painted.
The Committee wishes to express its appreciation to the Kosmos Club for their interest as shown in the beautifying of the grounds of the Prospect Street School.
We recommend appropriations as follows :
Salaries .
$61,866 00
Fuel · . ·
5,000 00
Contingent
· .
.
4,000 00
Books and Supplies
3,700 00
Evening School
1,500 00
and that the tuitions and receipts estimated at $2,000 be added to the appropriation.
We request your careful consideration of the report of the Superintendent and of the Principal of the High School.
ARTHUR H. BOARDMAN, MRS. IDA FARR MILLER,
ASHTON H. THAYER, MRS. EVA GOWING RIPLEY, DR. CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, EDWARD E. LEE.
151
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :
I hereby submit my second annual report as Superintendent of Schools of the town of Wakefield.
We have made no radical changes during the year, but have confined our efforts to bettering that which we have on hand. Below I have discussed some things which are important to all who are interested in the schools of Wakefield.
CROWDED CONDITIONS
The conditions in at least two schools have become acute, and some steps should be taken to relieve them by next fall, at least, but preferably by spring.
Last summer we found that the Greenwood School would not be able to accommodate the classes. The total number of pupils could have been seated in the building, but nearly all of the grades would thereby have been divided, causing two grades to be placed in each room. In some instances the division would have been very unfortunate, for one division would have been very large and unwieldy while the other would have been small. The School Committee did not think this scheme would be at all advis- able. There were three other arrangements possible, namely : purchase a portable building to set in the yard east of the present building ; finish a room in the third story to use as a class room ; have the first and second grades go upon half time, one grade meeting in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
A meeting of parents was called during the summer and the situ- ation explained to them. After giving the matter due considera- tion they expressed as their opinion that the most feasible plan at the time would be to have the first and second grades go upon half time. Of course, none were fully satisfied with the arrange- ments made. The first grade pupils were requested to meet in the morning, and the second grade pupils were asked to meet in the
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afternoon. The teacher of the second grade gives about two hours assistance to the first grade during the morning session. In the afternoon the first grade teacher assists in the second grade for an equal amount of time. I believe all are agreed that the afternoon is not the best time for school work for young children, but the idea of a single session is nothing new, for some cities and towns have only one session as a regular part of their school system. With two teachers giving their attention to the pupils for the greater part of each session, the children are not losing as much as it might appear to a casual observer.
I feel that some steps should be taken to remedy this matter as soon as possible, in order that a single session in the afternoon for some children may be done away with. Dispensing with the single session plan will leave practically one of two things to do : either finish off a room in the third story, or purchase a portable building. There are objections to both of these ideas. One of the most serious objections to finishing a room in the third story is the question of sufficient and proper light. The heating and ventilating can probably be taken care of.
According to the reports from the Franklin School, which were sent to the office in December, there are actually more pupils than the normal number of seats. We have taken care of the surplus number by crowding in more seats in some cases and by utilizing a small room near the assembly hall on the third floor. The con- ditions in this school are aggravated by the fact that many chil- dren who enter the lower grades are from non-English speaking parents, and cannot use the English language themselves. Many of these non-English speaking children have been in school in their native lands, and need only the ability to understand and speak our language to place them in one of the higher grades. If we have a room where these pupils may receive more individual instruction, than is possible under present conditions, the rate of retardation would be lowered.
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