USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1925 > Part 4
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The following budget for 1926 is respectfully sub- mitted :
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BUDGET FOR 1926
Elementary Schools
Estimates for
1926
Paid in 1925
General Control
$5,300.00
$4,803.68
(Superintendent, Office Clerk, School
Committee, Attendance Officer, Census)
Instruction
$77,500.00
$70,999.95
(Teachers' Salaries, books, supplies)
Operation and Maintenance
$6,600.00
$6,362.34
(Transportation, School Nurse, School Physician, Miscellaneous)
Insurance
$1,200.00
$814.40
Amount for regular expenditures ....
$104,600.00
$95,007.51
For seating auditorium of Tripp and
East Fairhaven Schools
1,500.00
Total
$106,100.00
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Received in 1925
County Dog Fund
$1,500.00
$1,540.98
Henry H. Rogers Trust Fund
4,750.00
4,753.89
Pease Fund
480.00
480.63
Edmund Anthony, Jr., Fund
370.00
369.77
$7,100.00
$7,145.27
Appropriation required
99,000.00
88,000.00
$106,100.00
$95,145.27
COMMENT : The net increase amounts to $11,000. $6,280 of this is for additional teachers. Expenditures for
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1925 included payment of six new ones for four months. The budget for 1926 makes provision for these for a full school year, for one new teacher to be engaged at once for an overflow school in East Fairhaven, and for two more teachers for the contemplated portable school in North Fairhaven. An allowance of $2,000 is made for repairs as explained in the Report of the Superintendent of Schools. Other necessary small increases are needed in the amounts for Insurance, School Nurse and General Control.
HIGH SCHOOL BUDGET
1926
Paid in 1925
Teachers' Salaries
$30,600.00
$30,309.00
Text Books
1,000.00
771.75
Supplies
2,100.00
2,072.83
Janitors' Salaries
5,600.00
5,559.92
Fuel
1,200.00
733.52
Building Supplies
2,000.00
2,733.23
Repairs
1,000.00
936.44
New Equipment
950.00
1,779.45
Health
200.00
182.00
Insurance
600.00
355.00
Miscellaneous
250.00
253.39
Regular Expenditures
$45,500.00
$45,686.53
Special Repairs, and plumbing
1,900.00
Total
$47,400.00
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
H. H. Rogers Trust Fund
$25,411.00
Appropriation required
22,000.00
$47,411.00
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The report of the Superintendent of Schools has been carefully considered by your Committee and is accepted by it and ordered printed as a part of the report of the School Committee.
ALTON B. PAULL, Chairman DR. CHAS. E. P. THOMPSON MISS SARA B. CLARKE MRS. ELLA H. BLOSSOM EDWARD L. BESSE
WILLIAM B. GARDNER
Fairhaven School Committee
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Fairhaven :
Herewith is submitted the thirteenth annual report of the present Superintendent of Schools.
SCHOOL PLANT EAST FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL
The new school in East Fairhaven was not ready for use until April, so that it was deemed wise not to occupy it until September, 1925. At that time it opened with an enroll- ment of over 150 pupils. There are available, at present, four rooms and an auditorium. There is a fifth room which can be finished at relatively small expense. It is possible that the pupils of this section can be housed for another year without the additional room but by the end of that time this will be necessary. There is already congestion and preparations are being made to open an overflow school in the auditorium to relieve a room which numbers over fifty pupils.
The new building is eminently satisfactory and has been very favorably commented upon by visitors. It was de- scribed in last year's report so that further details are unnecessary now.
A PORTABLE IS NEEDED IN NORTH FAIRHAVEN
Every schoolroom in town is occupied. For three years, the entering class at the Oxford school has been so large
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that it has been necessary to provide for the overflow in the small recitation room used for a branch library. As these entering classes have gone forward, they have caused increasing congestion in grades above the first. It has been possible heretofore to relieve the upper grades by sending pupils to the Anthony school. The last room in the Anthony school is now in use and there is no further outlet. It is certain one will be needed next September. I recom- mend that a two-room portable school be purchased for this purpose. In addition to relieving the congestion at Oxford, this will also enable us to meet the law in regard to a Special Class. This is one of the matters in which Fairhaven schools are behind. The State Law provides that whenever there are more than ten pupils over three years retarded in their work, a Special Class shall be formed for them. It was hoped to form such a class in September when it was thought the opening of the East Fairhaven school might make available a room at the Center, but on account of an increase in enrollment there was no place for it. There are fourteen children at Oxford who ought legally to be in a Special Class, and one of the two rooms in the portable could be fitted up with equip- ment to provide for these pupils.
REPAIRS
Three of the six elementary school buildings have been erected since 1917 ; a fourth, the Washington Street school, has been remodeled during that period. It follows that the appropriations for repairs have been comparatively small in recent years. A relatively large sum was expended in 1925, but the allowance for the current year was only $1000. It has been necessary to overrun this considerably and many things remain undone. The appropriation for 1926 should be large enough to accomplish the following, in addi-
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tion to the ordinary work: Re-tinting and varnishing eight rooms at the Rogers School; pointing-up the stone work and overhauling the plumbing at the Rogers School. Re- tinting four rooms at the Oxford School and renewing the school desks in two rooms; varnishing the woodwork in eight rooms at Oxford and overhauling the electric system. Re-tinting and varnishing the four old rooms at the Wash- ington Street School; installing concrete steps on the east side of the Washington Street School so that pupils may use that exit to the playground.
The two older school buildings in town, the Oxford and Rogers schools, should not be allowed to deteriorate any faster than is absolutely necessary. They are well-built, substantial buildings and, with relatively small expense for repairs, they have stood the wear and tear of time well. They are able to give many more years of service if an adequate annual sum is expended on them.
SEATS ARE NEEDED FOR TWO SCHOOLS
When the Job C. Tripp school was erected no provision was made for seating the auditorium and no money has been available since for that purpose. The East Fairhaven school, likewise, has an auditorium but no chairs. When- ever these halls are used for assemblies, seats have to be hired and the cost of these mounts up so fast there has never been a public occasion when the audience was com- fortably cared for. The handicap of lack of seats not only makes it difficult to hold gatherings to which the public is invited, but also prevents the frequent assembling of the pupils of these schools - something very desirable and exceedingly helpful in the development of school esprit de corps. It is true that these auditoriums serve other uses than assembly halls, but if they are to fulfill the main purpose of their existence, folding chairs should be pur-
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chased for each of them. About 500 are needed. They will cost approximately $1500. The Committee has in- cluded in its budget an appropriation for this purpose.
ATTENDANCE
The total membership of the schools for the year end- ing in June, 1925, was 2069, as compared with 2041 in 1924; the average membership 1829 as against 1796 the previous year; the average attendance 1709 as against 1674. The percentage of attendance was 93.4%.
The actual membership of the schools on December first was 1956 as compared with 1840 at the same date last year. There are in your schools at the present time 116 more pupils than were there on the same date last year.
The membership in the two parochial schools in Fair- haven numbered 595 in September.
TEACHING STAFF
The teaching staff now numbers seventy-one teachers, including those of special subjects such as music, drawing, manual training, sewing and physical training. There were only eight resignations in June, the smallest number in many years. The present salary schedule, though rela- tively small in its maximum, is fairly generous in its pro- vision for the first three years. It is probable, therefore, that every two or three years there will be an unusually large number of resignations. We are fortunate in having a few very strong teachers who continue their service here for reasons other than salary.
In making the budget for the year it was thought that the opening of the East Fairhaven school might eliminate two overflow schools at the Center. Increase in the num- ber of upper grade pupils made it necessary to continue the
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one at the Rogers school, two additional teachers were necessary at the Anthony school, and the small room in the Oxford school used for a library was again brought into use for an overflow first grade. In all, three teachers not planned for in the budget have been necessary. It has been possible by rigid economy to keep within the appropriation, but some much needed purchases have had to be postponed.
SCHOOL WORK.
REVISION OF COURSE OF STUDY
The objectives of public education have been stated in many ways. There is general agreement as to what the major ones should be, but a variety of opinions at to the relative emphasis on these as well as on the means of at- taining them. It follows that no two school systems are exactly alike in their requirements as to subject matter, methodology, and organization. The successful teacher must know and meet the demands of the system in which she is engaged. It is, therefore, essential in the conduct of a school system, if the best results are to accrue, that its requirements be very definitely formulated for the use of the teachers. This is especially true in a system where the teaching staff is subject to frequent changes. With no clear statement of requirements and no uniform time allot- ment for each subject, if each teacher is left free to choose her material, degree of emphasis, and methodology, the cumulative results of efforts to attain ideals are much im- paired.
A very important achievement of the year has been the completion of a revision of our course of study. The task has been in process for several years. Bulletins modifying requirements have been issued from time to time. Last
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year the teachers of each building were assigned a section of the course for study, discussion, and revision. Many valuable suggestions were secured in this way and some new material was furnished. Through the co-operative efforts of teachers, principals and superintendent, the course in each subject has been thoroughly revised, re- stated more clearly, and made more helpful to teachers. It was the task of the superintendent and his secretary during the summer vacation to arrange this material for use and make it ready for the teacher's desk. When school opened in September, a neatly bound, mimeographed copy of each outline was ready for every teacher. They in- cluded : General Directions, Rules and Regulations, Direc- tions Relating to the Use of the Course of Study, including a new Time Schedule, Courses of Study for Grades 1 to 8 in Reading, Arithmetic, English, Spelling, Geography, Civics, Selections for Memorizing, and Moral Training in Discipline. The result of these new outlines is already manifest in a marked improvement in the definiteness and quality of instruction.
THRIFT
Mention was made in last year's report of the prospective introduction of a School Savings System. Such a system was installed in January, 1925, and is now in operation. The Fairhaven Institution for Savings purchased for each building a banking machine in which pupils deposit coins ranging in value from one to twenty-five cents. They receive in return stamps of the same denominations, and when these have accumulated to the amount of one dollar a bank book is issued to the pupil. From the time of its installation until December 31, 1925, the total deposits have been $7041.89. This is, on the surface, an excellent record, but there is another phase of it not so encouraging. The
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withdrawals are too frequent. Too many accounts are temporary only. The money of the pupils might, in some cases, as well be kept in a tin bank. It is not left long enough to begin to accumulate interest. Whenever the sum is sufficient to purchase some cherished article, ne- cessary or unnecessary, it is taken out. It is obvious that in such cases there is no educational result worth while and that both the Savings Bank and the teachers are merely performing useless labor.
Teaching thrift in the schools is compulsory. Encourag- ing the habit of saving by furnishing regular opportunities to add to one's bank account is a practical way of pre- senting the subject. I hope that some way may be found of restricting withdrawals and, also, that parents and teachers may be able to impart more effectively the lesson that self-denial is necessary if thrift is to be cultivated.
GOOD MANNERS
One of the most common criticisms of the young people of today is that they are not polite. There may be some question as to whether the implied comparison with chil- dren of other days is just, but there can be no doubt of the desirability of habits of courtesy. For several years, Fairhaven schools have tried to inculcate these. The re- sults have been distinctly successful. The good manners of the children in their schoolroom contacts with one an- other, with the teacher, and with visitors have been the sub- ject of much favorable comment. It is true that they do not always "carry over" as fully into the life outside as is desirable, but there has, nevertheless, been a gain in that direction also. It should be remembered, in this connec- tion, that these habits of politeness, in order to become permanent, need to be practised while the child is at home and elsewhere as well as when in school. The active co-
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operation of parents is absolutely essential to success in this as in other phases of school work.
Committees composed of principals, teachers, and the superintendent are at present working out a definite out- line of the habits of courtesy which pupils can be trained in through schoolroom situations. An effort will be made to have these practised in each grade and it is hoped that the cumulative effect will be sufficient to cause some of them, at least, to be ingrained in the personalities of the chil- dren by the time they leave school.
The real meaning of courtesy is consideration for others. Its practise increases happiness. It is a subject deserving more purposeful attention in both school and home.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
A change has been made in the distribution of the work in physical training. In previous years the girls of the High School have had the benefit of practically the full time of one supervisor, while the boys have had less than half the time of the other. As a result, the boys had little or no gymnasium work. Their physical training was al- most wholly participation in athletics. In order to remedy this situation, one supervisor is now assigned to direct the work of the High School girls and also that of the first six grades in the elementary schools, while the other has charge of the activities of the High School boys and of the pupils in the two upper grades. This arrangement enables two weekly periods of gymnasium work for the High School boys in addition to their supervision and training in athletics.
CIVICS
The work of the Junior Improvement Associations, in connection with the teaching of Civics in our grade schools,
1
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has been described in a previous report. It is gratifying to know that our efforts in this subject are approved by high educational authorities. In the June and also in the September number of the Educational Review this work was described and highly commended by the editor, Wm. McAndrew. In the September number, he said in part :
"The number of inquiries for more details justifies calling fur- ther attention to the Fairhaven scheme. The Junior Improvement Association has a list of projects belonging to public service. The summary is intended to provoke other contributions and is added to as the youngsters find Fairhaven needs. In some of the schools of that city the mechanical side of the management, other than ordinary janitorial service, has been almost completely assumed by the junior citizens. Association meetings of the pupils are held once a week. They are parliamentary. Committees on health, sanitation, thrift, sunshine, and outside service make reports. Debates, as provokers of thought and action, are encouraged. Elections, as outside of school, are conducted. Political matters before the country are dis- cussed. 'Do more than wave the flag' is the slogan. The list of activ- ities is striking, more so when you realize that some boy or girl has performed one or more of every one of the services enumerated. If every public school in America would follow Fairhaven's example, if every teacher would pledge himself to see that, at the close of each year, he could report that every child entrusted to him had, with serviceable intent, performed one or more personal obligations to the town which is paying for his schooling, an immense amount of the current protests against the cost of public education would receive an antidote."
HIGH SCHOOL
The High School is having one of the most successful years in its history. Its enrollment, 331, is not appreciably larger than last year, but in its internal organization and life, there seems to be evident the fruition of plans which have been in the process of development for several years. This is manifest in the type and spirit of the discipline - a more earnest devotion to study by the pupils, a higher
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standard of social life in the school, and an improvement in professional interest and skill among the teachers.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
The discipline of the school has been affected very ma- terially by the increasing effectiveness of the student gov- ernment organizations. A brief description of these may be pertinent. Each home room has a Student Council elected by the pupils of that room. This council, subject to the approval of its advisor, the teacher, directs many of the routine matters of the room. There is also a Student Council representing the whole school. Its members are elected from the various home rooms. The various classes are represented on it as follows: Seniors, eight; juniors, six; sophomores, six; freshmen, four. It is from this Student Council that a traffic squad is organized which directs movements between the classes so as to facilitate speed and orderliness. This body also discusses and makes recommendations concerning problems which affect the social and other activities of the school. Acting as it does, through a direct relation to the student councils of the home rooms, it gives to all of the pupils participation in problems affecting the general management of the school.
While it is true that the discipline and management of the school is still, in the last analysis, entirely under the control of the faculty, the organization is such that pupils have the opportunity to express their wishes in respect to almost any question that arises. This feeling, and the re- spect and consideration with which these recommendations are treated, makes what seems to be at present the only sound basis for student government. This organization is in accordance with approved practices in the best city high schools throughout the State. There is a movement, at present, to have an annual meeting of representatives
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from all Student Councils in the State for the discussion of their problems with a view of helping in the solution of common difficulties. Such a movement would seem to be worth while and might result in the development of higher standards of school conduct. It would certainly tend to develop in pupils the feeling of responsibility for their schools, which is a very valuable preparation for assump- tion of responsibility as citizens.
SOCIAL LIFE
The relations of the pupils to one another in the life they lead together is as important as proficiency in scholar- ship. High school cannot be interesting to young men and women in their "teens" unless there is opportunity for expression in social life. There are various clubs con- nected with the school which afford this. Among them may be mentioned the Literary Club, French Club, Latin Club, Commercial Club, Girls' Athletic Association, Boys' Athletic Association, and a Debating Club. Membership in any one of these clubs is not compulsory but each pupil belongs to at least one of them.
SERVICE POINT SYSTEM
The first purpose of education in a democracy is to pre- pare for beter citizenship. In the past it was thought that training for this could be secured by indirect means and a study of the theory of government. It is being recognized more and more that emphasis must be put upon direct training in the kind of conduct necessary for good citizen- ship. Principal Dickey has introduced a Service Point System which recognizes this modern aim. The following is a brief description of the system:
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"A good citizen of a community performs community duties in order that his town or city may be benefited by such services. A school is a small community made up of pupils who are school citizens. There are many Fairhaven High School citizens who have been performing valuable service for their high school and who have received little or no recognition for it. There are other school citizens who would gladly perform more duties if recognition was given for such services. For this reason a service point scale has been established and a list of activities for which service points are awarded is given to each pupil. Pupils having 25 points are awarded a certificate; after receiving 60 points, a silver pin; and after 100 points, a gold service pin. No pupil is permitted to hold a school office unless he has re- ceived during the preceding year and up to the time of his election at least 15 service points. All members of the Civics class must obtain a minimum of 15 service points."
The fundamental idea of the system is to recognize serv- ice rendered without compensation.
LIBRARY
The growing use of the High School Library, and its val- ue to the pupils in connection with their studies, makes it highly desirable to have a trained librarian in charge. The school can not afford to pay for the full time of one. It is very fortunate, therefore, to be able to make an arrange- ment with the Millicent Library whereby it secures the half time service of one of its assistant librarians. This makes readily available for the use of the student body the entire book list of the library. The willingness to make this ar- rangement is another evidence of the hearty co-operation between the library and the school. I am sure it would meet the approval of the donor of both the library and the
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school to find these institutions working so co-operatively for the furtherance of education in Fairhaven.
ORCHESTRA
One of the organizations of the school much appreciated by that portion of the public which has listened to it is the High School Orchestra, which numbers this year twenty- five pieces. Only with the greatest difficulty is it possible to maintain any standard of excellence in this organization. The only money available to pay for training and music is what is received from the annual concert. The instruments are all owned by the players. In most schools the more expensive instruments are purchased by the School Depart- ment and loaned to pupils. If a trombone player graduates from our school there is no one to take his place until by chance another comes who happens to have chosen this instrument. Frequently several years elapse without one. If a trombone was owned by the school it would be pos- sible to encourage some pupil to learn to play it. This is true of other expensive instruments. A high school band or orchestra can play a very important part in the life of the school. It requires money, of course, to support a good one. Recently the mayor of a certain small city in Massa- chusetts donated his entire salary of $1500 for the purchase of instruments to be used by the high school band. It would be a most acceptable gift if some philanthropic- minded man or woman would set aside a small sum to help the musical department of our school in this direc- tion. Personally I believe the educational value of music would justify an appropriation for the orchestra.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Most high schools have available one or more scholarship funds from which small amounts may be loaned to pupils
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for a limited period to enable them to continue their edu- cation. The Alumni of Fairhaven High School voted sev- eral years ago to make an effort to raise such a sum but nothing has been accomplished by them in this direction. The school itself is now undertaking the task. There was a profit of $100 from the publication of the Huttlestonian last year. This was set aside as a beginning. The selling of candy at the football games has netted $250. The class of 1924 has given a dance for the benefit of the fund. Other plans are in prospect. There ought to be a hearty interest on the part of the public in every effort to provide a sufficient amount to assist earnest pupils who desire to go on with their education. Reference is made elsewhere to the dona- tion of Miss Julia A. Sears for a scholarship to be used by some pupil who will graduate this coming June.
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