USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1914 > Part 12
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Dental Clinics
Our school physician has examined the teeth, nose and throat of every child in the grades. The teachers have examined the sight and hearing. In cases of defects, notices have been sent home to the parents. Many give heed to the notice and take the matter up with their family physician or dentist. Many others do not, some because they cannot because of lack of funds.
Last fall I attended the dedication of the Forsythe Dental Clinic for children, and inspected the building with some of our local dentists. There children under sixteen may receive proper dental attention and treatment for adenoids and tonsils for a nominal fee of five cents.
I wish we might establish a dental clinic for the children of the public schools in Wakefield. I feel sure from talking with some of our dentists that we could depend upon their co-opera- tion. The cost would not be large. Practically the largest expense would be fitting up a room for examinations and fur- nishing blanks for indicating the trouble with the teeth. These blanks would be sent home with the suggestion that the parent consult with the family dentist about having the work done.
People are just beginning to recognize the relation of good teeth to good health. In many instances amazing results have been obtained by treating defective teeth. Not only has the health been much improved, but also disposition and scholar-
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ship. Some of the permanent teeth, for example the six-year molars which sometime come before the child is six years old, come earlier than people in general realize, and these are lost because of lack of proper attention.
Even later permanent teeth are lost because decay is not checked in time. The small cavity becomes a large one and even then no care is taken of the tooth. As soon as it begins to ache then it is extracted. By giving periodic attention these small cavities would be filled and further decay stopped.
A full set of sound teeth was nature's intention for us. The teeth are essential for thorough mastication of the food. This relieves other digestive organs from being overworked.
Card System
During the latter part of the fall we purchased cards for keeping records of the pupils throughout their school life. The cards are recommended by the Department of Superintendence of the National Educational Association and have the endorse- ment of the federal Commissioner of Education, and are becom- ing commonly used throughout the country. Inasmuch as each card has a full record of each child while he is in the schools, they will grow in value as time goes by. I expect that they will be in operation by the first of February. It takes some time to fill out the set, that is the initial filling out, and I have not hurried this as I have not wanted to unduly burden the teachers.
For sometime I have felt the need of an adequate record of the books belonging to the town. We have had no adequate inventory, and I have felt that we were not as economical as we should be in the purchase of new books. I mean by this that in all probably we were buying new books for one school when we had an over stock in another. Now we have a card catalogue of every book in use in town and any further waste of buying books has been eliminated. There has been no large amount wasted, but every little saved is worth while for the town.
The old safe, which was not the property of the town, but which was loaned to the Department by Mrs. Miller of the
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Committee, was not large enough to take care of the records which the State demands shall be kept in a fire proof compart- ment. During the past year the Committee purchased a new one at a very fair price. This is large enough to take care of all the records and such other material which the Committee felt should be kept in a fire proof place.
Use of School Buildings
During the past year the following buildings have been used for gatherings on various evenings: Montrose, Woodville, Franklin, Greenwood, Warren and High. The High School is used regularly for evening school work as well as for meetings of the debating clubs in connection with the high school. The Wakefield Improvement Association holds its meetings in this building.
The Greenwood Building has been used for the various meet- ings of the Parents' Association and also for the annual exhi- bition of the home gardens which was taken care of by the Association.
The North American Civic League for Immigrants held several meetings in the Franklin Building. The League gave lectures and talks in Italian and Polish, using slides in some instances for illustration and for the educational value.
Sewing
As a report upon the sewing which is offered in the grades, I give the following extract from the report of the sewing teacher: "The co-relation of sewing and drawing, which was intro- duced the last year, has proved very satisfactory. The fact that the girls can draw their own designs for articles they sew stimulates confidence and added interest in the designing and making of useful articles for the home decoration as well as articles of clothing.
The outline has been further argumented to give pupils a wider choice of garments. Where as before the classes were limited to the making of one garment at a time, and now several are in operation simultaneously by different members of the
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class. The exposition of the method of making several articles is given in full detail to the classes thus imparting to the girls a knowledge of more articles, with greater economy of material and time."
Manual Training
The following excerpts from the reports of the manual train- ing teacher give a proper idea of what we are trying to do in this department.
The pupils of our seventh and eighth grades are working much more independently. The direct work from the blue prints has caused each boy to do a certain amount of independent thinking and reasoning.
Information regarding dimension is given there. Little time is thus wasted, the efforts of the instructor being given over to more individual instruction.
We are trying to do as much of the larger and more practical work as is consistent with the proper development of the boys. Realizing that this kind of work pushed through factory style, every boy doing a small part and not understanding its relation to the whole, is not of much educational value; we have planned to give each practical project to a group of boys and let them work it out and carry it through themselves.
Below is a partial list of repair work and other work of a practical nature done for the school during the past year.
Window boards for plants in Lincoln School rooms,
Refinishing of chairs for Lincoln School,
Two step ladders for Manual Training room,
Montessori frames for Miss Richardson,
Repairing of picture frames, Lincoln School,
Sand table for first grade room,
Bulletin boards,
Repair work in Manual Training room,
Refinishing of tables for Lincoln School, Shelves for various rooms,
Re-constructing of table for 2d grade room.
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The following are in the course of construction:
Two pair of jumping standards for the Lincoln and Greenwood Schools,
Frame burlap bulletin for Lincoln School rooms,
Chart holders for Franklin School,
Desk top for Franklin School,
Three sand tables.
The boys are encouraged to bring their ideas to school and if practical to work them out.
One boy designed and made a very satisfactory window ventilator, that so pleased his neighbors that he has had orders for more. Some of the boys are working on a wireless apparatus."
Music
The work in music is going on very well. Mr. C. Albert Jones who succeeded Mr. George F. Wilson as supervisor has taken up the work so well that we noticed very little confusion at the time of the change. Mr. Jones reports that he is giving more attention to individual singing and to developing good qualities of tone.
In regard to music in the High School, perhaps you may be interested in the following which is a part of Mr. Jones' report:
"As to the High School, I have found conditions a little awkward to handle this year, caused by the congestion. Divid- ing the second year pupils into three divisions is rather hard, for it means we have a different set of singers every three weeks. It is evident nicer results could be had in chorus work if I could have the same class of singers every time.
To create if possible more enthusiasm among the boys I have had, lately, singing periods with them alone. The result so far has been of immense value.
No glee club has yet been formed, but I propose to make a selection of singers for this purpose, providing I can find a way to try voices."
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Teachers' Salaries
About two years ago the town voted an extra amount of money so the Committee could raise the salaries of the teachers of the elementary schools. In the following January, the Committee voted an increase for the high school teachers. The maximum now for the grades is $650, and for the high school, $800. The salaries although increased are not yet as high as they should be.
Wakefield is handicapped by being so near Boston and having metropolitan standards to keep, but also having a large school population in proportion to the total number of inhabitants, with a not particularly large amount of valuation.
The grade teachers have recently presented a petition for a further increase in the maximum salary. I hope the finances of the town will soon be in such condition that this petition may be granted, and an increase given not only to the grade teachers, but also to the high school teachers.
Evening School
Our work in the Evening Schools has progressed along about the same lines as last year.
The evening school proper is smaller than last year, due probably to the strike last spring and the poor condition of business during the fall. A large proportion of the registration is made up of illiterate minors between sixteen and twenty-one, We have needed two less teachers this fall than for last year.
I have had some calls for an evening high school. We should be looking ahead to the time when we can grant the desires of those who for various reasons left school before finishing the work of the high school and now wish to pick it up again. Classes in some subjects would readily fill up, particularly classes for English, Typewriting and Stenography.
Sewing and Millinery
The work in the sewing and millinery departments is practic- ally the same as we have been doing. A slight change has been
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made in the administration. All the work is now given in unit courses, and pupils may enroll for any unit that they choose. As a matter of fact the young women seem to remain for the work throughout the season. Only those leave who feel that they have to because of poor health, removal from town or overwork.
According to estimates reported to the State, the value of the work done during year, December 1, 1913 to November 30, 1914 was as follows:
Sewing
31 undergarments . average value $1.25
27 shirtwaists . average value 1.50
58 dresses . . average value 6.50
or an estimated value for all of about $500.
Millinery
. average value $4.50 51 hats
The net cost of this department is not as high as the appropria- tion might indicate, for the State re-imburses the town for one- half of the cost, minus amount paid for new equipment or permanent improvements, and less tuitions received or receivable.
Cooking
A cooking class has been opened with a registration of fifteen. To make this more serviceable, we have secured the use of a kitchen in a home together with the use of the range and dishes. The students seem to be enthusiastic about the work.
The State thinks so highly of the work done that the Depart- ment of Education sent out men to take pictures of the different operations of a lesson. These pictures will form a conspicuous part of the Massachusetts exhibit at the Panama exhibition.
The State pays one-half the cost of the department under the same conditions as for sewing and millinery.
Women over seventeen years of age are admitted to the sewing, millinery and cooking classes, except girls attending day school.
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Changes in Teachers
We were very fortunate during the past year in the number of changes in our corps of teachers. One teacher resigned from the High School, five from the grades and two took advant- age of the Retirement Act for Public School Teachers which became operative July 1, 1914.
Retirements
Miss L. Josephine Mansfield who has served the town so long and faithfully resigned in July to take advantage of a pension and annuity from the State. Miss Mansfield was first elected in 1875. Even though her service has covered a long period of years, Miss Mansfield has remained young in her attitude towards the school and her pupils. While she felt it was best to be relieved from active duty, we were very sorry to have her leave our staff.
Mr. George F. Wilson was first elected to teach music in the schools of Wakefield in 1876, and has served continuously with the exception of a year's leave of absence for illness, up to the present year. He endeared himself to those who studied under him by his earnestness and enthusiasm for his subject. Under him the study of music became a pleasure for the pupils.
For the past several years, Mr. Wilson has given two days per week to Wakefield and three days per week to Beverly.
Last July, Mr. Wilson asked to be retired and was granted a pension and annuity by the State. We were sorry to lose his services.
Resignations
Miss Fannie M. Clement resigned from the High School to accept a position in the schools of New York City at a salary more than double what she received here.
Miss J. Elsie Macdonald resigned to accept a position in Somerville.
Miss Florence G. Kelley resigned her position from the Hurd School to take up a different kind of school work.
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Miss Bernice Batchelder resigned from the Lincoln School to accept a position in Malden.
Miss Bertha Lawton resigned in December to be married.
New Teachers Elected
High School
Mr. R. D. Arnold from Plymouth, N. H., to succeed Miss Clement.
Mr. Fred H. Harvey from Plymouth, N. H., as an additional in the Commercial Department.
Grades
Miss Ruth Hickey from Cranston, R. I. to Woodville 1-2.
Miss Dorothy Murray from Sudbury, Mass. to Hurd 3-4.
Miss Glennah M. Shepard from Lincoln, Mass. to Lincoln 3. Miss Mary L. Geary from Burrillville, R. I. to Greenwood 5. Miss Anna Hurley from Peterboro, N. H. to Woodville 3-4-5.
Transfers
Miss Ethalene Barnard from Greenwood 5 to Lincoln 1.
Conclusion
My work in Wakefield has been very pleasant. I feel that the schools have made progress at least along some lines. This has been made possible only by co-operation by all concerned. The teachers as a whole and the principals have been very loyal. The principals particularly has been very helpful by their timely suggestions and support. I appreciate, fully, the spirit of the Committee as they have given me their sympathetic support.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLARD B. ATWELL,
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HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Mr. W . B. Atuell, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir. - I beg leave to submit my twentieth annual report and the twenty-second in the series of High School Principals' Reports.
Number of Pupils
This year has been marked by an unexpected increase in the number of pupils. The school is larger by twenty-five pupils, than the estimate of a year ago made it. It is difficult to esti- mate with any degree of accuracy how many pupils will be in attendance at any given time. The actual attendance is as likely to over-run (as this year) as it is to fall short of any estimate that may be made.
Below is the membership of the school by classes.
Boys
Girls
Total
Graduate pupils
1
1
Fourth Year pupils
33
50
83
Third Year pupils
37
48
85
Second Year pupils
60
87
147
First Year pupils
89
70
159
Total
220
255
475
The largest previous record was that of last year, namely 437. How has the increased number been accommodated?
When the time came to make the daily schedule for this year, it was found impossible to arrange to accommodate the entire school in the building at one time, even though the six hour day of last year were to be continued. The only course left open was the adoption of a two-session day, one session for one portion of the school and the other for the remaining portion. Under this arrangement the pupils of the Senior, Junior and Second Year classes attend school from 8.15 a.m. to 12.57 p.m., under the immediate charge of the principal, and those of the
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First Year class from 12.15 to 4.30 o'clock, under the care of the sub-master. The school building is thus occupied by pupils from quarter past eight in the morning until half past four in the afternoon. Another year, from present appearances, it will be necessary to prolong the day until five o'clock, as is done temporarily in some of the neighboring schools, for example Chelsea, while full accommodations are being prepared. The present arrangement of sessions is somewhat awkward and can be justified only as an emergency measure. Under it, a con- siderable amount of confusion has arisen. New problems, due solely to the two-session day, have come up, requiring for their solution, time and attention which must necessarily be taken from the regular school work. Together with the requirements of the evening school, the arrangement has complicated the work of the janitor.
Three hundred and seventeen pupils attend the forenoon session and approximately one hundred and sixty in the after- noon. The two sessions over-lap from 12.15 to 12.57 when the entire school is in attendance. The programs of a number of the teachers have become more difficult, requiring attendance at unusual hours of the day. Quiet in the building all day is a necessity, precluding any noisy work, either in the way of repairs or in the laboratories, except on Saturday. Rehearsals of Glee Club, or orchestra or the use of the pianola are out of the question, without the possibility of disturbing recitations.
However undesirable from the standpoint of the internal management of the school, the two-session day may be, so far as has come to my ears, there has been little or no serious com- plaint of the arrangement.
I have been asked a number of times how long the present building will accommodate the school divided as at present. My answer has been, "Until the three upper classes number 375 pupils." They number 317 at the present time.
The Work of the School
While it is impossible to give in printed words a fair idea of .. the work of the school, yet a few remarks concerning it may not
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be out of place. In general, the work of the past year has been very much like that of previous years. The following observa- tions concerning individual departments will give some idea of the condition of the school.
Drawing
The department of drawing for the last few years has been receiving increased attention. At present a teacher is in attend- ance four days in the week. As the school continues to grow it will be necessary, in my judgment, to employ the services of a teacher for the entire time. And if instead of two different teachers, each working a part of the time, the work could be in charge of a single teacher who would do all the work, it is my belief that the efficiency of the department would be greatly in- creased. Our accommodations are rapidly becoming inadequate. The room is too small for the classes presenting themselves.
I sometimes have this question asked me, "What is the use of drawing?" The boys can understand that mechanical drawing is practical and comes into use in the engineering occupations. It is not clear, however, just what value there is in freehand drawing.
The aims most frequently stated for freehand courses, says Professor Davis of the University of Michigan are: (1) "To discipline the powers of observation, perception, imagination, attention and expression; (2) to reveal the laws of harmony, beauty and design and to stimulate an interest in aesthetics; (3) to provide a source of cultural enjoyment and (4) to develop the practical power of distinguishing between manufactured articles, good and bad, attractive and unattractive."
There is one further consideration in favor of teaching free- hand drawing, which appeals to me as having weight. The same consideration applies also to the study of music and fine arts.
It was the late Hon. William T. Harris, U. S. Commissioner of Education, I believe, who said that with the diminishing working hours of the American workman something must be provided for the hours released from labor. The added hours of leisure are bound to be a curse rather than a blessing if the
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workman fails to put them to proper use. Time spent in listen- ing to good music, in viewing the works of art that are within the reach of all urban or suburban workers is profitably spent. And the subjects of drawing and music find the greatest justifica- tion for their presence in the school curriculum, in the fact that they make possible the enjoyment of the beautiful.
Manual training and gardening serve the same purpose of providing occupation for spare hours.
Music
The time devoted to music has been increased from one period per week to two periods - due, of course, to the growth of the school. There is need of still further time for this department. At the present time, owing to the fact that we have no room large enough to accommodate at one time, the three upper classes, pupils of the second year class have music only once in each three weeks.
It has become a conviction with me, after a somewhat ex- tended period of observation, that for the music work of the High School to be worth while, the services of an instructor for at least an entire day ought to be employed. The music of the past has been of excellent quality, especially when we consider the opportunities it has enioyed, or failed to enjoy, but it is becoming a question whether it should not be accorded a more important rank. Additional time given by the music director will bring large results, I do not see how any director of a chorus can with any degree of success direct a chorus with- out knowing pretty accurately the voices he has to deal with. To show how necessary an abundance of time is, I have only to say that merely to try in the most elementary way the voices of the second year class required the time allotted to music for five weeks. Much more time could have been profitably spent on the examination of the voices, not only of this class but of all the classes, but this did not seem practicable, if we were to have any chorus work at all. I recommend the employment of the music supervisor three, or better four periods per week.
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English
The work of the English Department is characterized by enthusiasm. Interest in literature, poetry even, is common. Interest in the debating societies continues unabated, and the two issues of the school paper - The Detater, directly under the supervision of the English department have afforded opportunity for a number of pupils to see their productions in print.
Miss Ingram in collaboration with Miss Lee, librarian at the Beebe Town Library, published during the year a booklet "Good Books to Read." This little book is a distinct contribu- tion to the young people of the town.
Science
The work of the Science department has been enlarged by the addition of a course in General Science, given in the first year. I hear from the homes, most encouraging remarks regarding the interest taken by the pupils of this course.
Commercial
The only comment that needs be made concerning this depart- ment is that it has outgrown its quarters on the third floor. Some readjustment will be necessary another year if the depart- ment continues to grow, as is likely. Another teacher may be required.
Military Drill
This department seems bound to suffer this year, from lack of time, owing to the necessity for the first year pupils' being at the school building promptly at 12.57 for their afternoon exercises. Be as expeditious as we may, drill cannot begin · before quarter past twelve and to reach the school building at one o'clock, the drill must close at quarter of one. The actual time for drill is, therefore, not more than half an hour. If some arrangement could be made by which we could have the services of the drill master for double the time we now have, I think it would be to the advantage of the battalion.
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Mathematics, etc.
The departments of Mathematics, History and Modern Languages present no features that call for special comment. As far as preparation for college, these departments still succeed as usual.
Latin
Is Latin practical? This is a question that is often asked. For the last three years a most interesting experimental study has been in process in the Dorchester High School, in the commer- cial department, to determine if possible, the answer to the question.
The Ninth Annual Bulletin of the Classical Association of New England gives the following brief outline of what has been accomplished in the experiment:
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