USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1928 > Part 4
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The most difficult task of a school department is to in- terpret educational policies to the public, therefore it seems pertinent to include in this report a brief discussion of one obviously wrong conception in regard to the public schools. It is this,-that schools organized to give each child the same opportunity are properly organized to give equal educational opportunity to all children. Until within comparatively few years this assumption was accepted as true. An entire group of children was carried through a fixed grade curriculum and
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the ideal was to promote them at a uniform rate. It was assumed that there was such a being as an average child and that the number of pupils not included under this classification was so small as to be negiligible. As a result of scholastic, aptitude and other tests, it is now realized that this is untrue. Experience of teachers and parents cor- oborate the conclusion. If correct, it is apparent that schools organized and administered for the benefit of the average child are not wholly efficient and are essentially undemocratic. The accepted principle that democracy de- mands equality of educational opportunity is now inter- preted to mean that each individual shall, as far as possible, have an equal opportunity to develop his abilities and apti- tudes for successful and happy living in modern society. As one writer says: "We may no longer ignore the fact that some children can never succeed in ordinary school work, or that children with low ability in ordinary school work may be able to work successfully in a different type of educational curriculum. We may no longer disregard the fact that children vary greatly in their need of instruction, and of time spent in drill, in mastering the very processes in arith- metic that were important parts of the school curriculum of their grandfathers."
The fundamental difference in the modern school as compared with that of the past is that it is trying to provide equal opportunity for all by placing within the reach of each, not the same, but different opportunities. The focus of effort is to make mass instruction more individual. This purpose is shown in many different ways. Through the use of tests, aforementioned, pupils are grouped with regard to the work they can best do together; their individual characteristics, mental, moral and physical are systematically investigated, charted and applied to the consideration of their needs; guidance is provided that pupils may be led to choose the types of school work best fitted for their individual needs and capacities ; special classes of various types are available ; and
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the old 8-4 organization of the grades and high school is fast being replaced by the newer 6-3-3 or junior-senior high school plan, the purposes of which were outlined in the 1926 report. Among the advantages of this plan there mentioned were the following: (a) It takes into account the changes in growing boys and girls and provides curricula and activities better suited to those of adolescent age; (b) it makes provision for individual differences and, (c) pro- vides for a period of exploration and experimentation during which girls and boys under guidance learn something of their own capacities, both in relation to studies in school and to life work.
Is it sound policy to make mass instruction more in- dividual? Approval of most of the changes recently made in school organization, in methods of teaching and adminis- tration depends on the answer to this question: Will the schools of the future continue to progress in this direction? There is every indication that they will; therefore, the com- munity that believes in this policy will, insofar as it can, plan its future buildings and courses of study with this in mind.
TEACHERS
Seven changes in the teaching corps of the elementary schools, three in that of the high school, and one in the Department of Physical Education have occurred since the last report.
Emphasis on curriculum and organization should not cause us to forget that the chief factor in the education of children must continue to be the teacher. Teaching is not merely imparting information, although this is a part of the work: It is primarily the influence of one personality upon another. It is easier to secure the erection of buildings and funds for the purchase of books and supplies wherewith to work than it is to find enough competent, stimulating people
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for the teaching force. There never will be enough of such personalities to fill all positions. It is far from true that every normal graduate can teach. All the training in the world will not make a resourceful mind or a stimulating spirit unless there are the innate capacities with which to start, and these must characterize the real teacher.
From the many applicants for positions in Fairhaven, those are selected who seem to promise these qualifications. Occasionally a mistake in judgment is made, but the happy, interested atmosphere of most of the schools, and the en- thusiastic, progressive attitude of the teachers toward their work are evidences of the generally high quality of our corps.
SCHOOL WORK
The work of the year has continued along lines pre- viously established. The new State Outline in Geography, Grades 1 to 6, has replaced the one previously in use but does not differ materially from it. The material in the new State Course in Safety Education is proving very helpful to teachers. Sections of the preliminary reports of State committees for revising the curriculum in other subjects are being tried. The usual standard tests have been given.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
After two years of successful work in Fairhaven, our Physical Director resigned to accept a position in Newbury- port at a considerable increase in salary. During the year ending in June 1928, Fairhaven High School won a great variety of medals, cups, and championships. The latter in- cluded the Bristol County Championship in base ball, foot- ball and track, and the State Championship in Track for Class B schools.
If the ideal of physical education in Fairhaven was merely the winning of championships, the new physical
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director came at a difficult time. Such, however, is not the case. Physical Education has a broader meaning in our schools. It aims to educate the body to resist disease, to become efficient in work, to be graceful in carriage. It is not for the robust alone, but, also, for those not so well endowed by nature. With the many demands made upon the time of a coach during the football season, it has some- times proved difficult to carry on in the fall months an efficient program of physical education not connected with this sport. From the beginning of the present year, how- ever gymnasium work was organized in which every high school boy received regular physical training, and was carried on so successfully that shortly after the close of the football season the boys of the high school were able to acquit them- selves very creditably in an exhibit. On the same occasion, the girls, gave, also, an excellent exhibit of their work. There seems to be a revival of interest in straight physical education, not only among parents but also among pupils. This was particularly needed in the case of high school boys who have shown too little interest in this department for several years. The girls have had the benefits of system- atic and efficient work along this line for some time.
Special mention of the marked success of the present program of physical training has been made because this should be the more important phase of the physical director's task. It is not to be inferred therefrom that the coaching of the football team was less efficient than in former years. While the high school eleven did not retain the Bristol County Championship, it won seven games out of nine played, and considering its inexperience and lack of weight, develop- ed so amazingly and acquitted itself so creditably that there could be absolutely no question of the efficiency of the physical director in this department.
OPPORTUNITY CLASS
The Law requires that "the School Committee of every
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town shall annually ascertain the number of children three years or more retarded in mental development and shall establish special classes for their instruction." Fairhaven has one such class, but needs three in order to meet the legal requirement. There is no room to open even one more. The splendid work being done by the present class is in itself, even without the legal requirement, sufficient reason to stimulate the hope that a way may be found in the near future of establishing others. If a new building is erected, the portable school at the Rogers building may well be used for this purpose.
THRIFT
More money has been deposited this year by school children than in any year of the four since the introduction of the School Savings Bank System. In view of the busi- ness conditions that have prevailed, and the consequent lack of employment in this vicinity, the result is, to say the least, unexpected. The following table enables comparisons to be made :
Amount Deposited
School
1926
1927
1928
Oxford
$ 346.85
$ 361.73
$ 499.65
Ed. Anthony, Jr.
1,082.11
1,304.82
1,002.51
Job C. Tripp
767.56
1,067.03
940.49
Washington St.
548.82
496.03
644.80
Rogers
691.18
1,055.11
1,429.94
East Fairhaven
234.50
101.87
246.59
High
325.87
231.47
772.39
Total
$3,996.89
$4,618.08
$5,536.37
EVENING SCHOOL
The evening school for illiterate minors is smaller than usual, having a membership of only 37. One less teacher is
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required. An interesting fact connected with the organi- zation of this school is the gradual decrease since the time of its opening in the number of resident minors who have not completed the sixth grade. With no evening school in town, there was no obligation on residents to attend and Fairhaven was a pleasant town in which to live, now the reverse is true. It is also worthy of note that the school has each year several earnest, ambitious and interested pupils who qualify for the seventh grade. Last year there were six of these.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
There has been no lessening in the interest aroused last year in instrumental music. On the contrary, enthusiasm has grown among parents as well as pupils. Many in- struments have been purchased and a considerable number of children are on the wating list until the loan fund is built up again so that their orders can go through. Under the supervision of Mr. Arey, violin, clarinet and trombone classes have been formed. Individuals are taking lessons on a variety of instruments. Orchestras have been formed in the Oxford, Anthony, Tripp and Rogers schools, and a consolidated elementary school orchestra of about 50 pieces rehearses weekly at the Tripp school. The Superintendent of Schools has a record of 110 instruments which have been purchased during the year. Undoubtedly many others have been bought. Those of which we know include drums, violins, clarinets, 'cellos, trombones, trumpets, mellophones, baritones, and a xylophone.
A school band was organized last spring which develop- ed sufficiently to play acceptably at several of the football games this fall. It is hoped this will be the nucleus of a larger organization. At the present time there is no money available to provide training for it. If the voters are interest- ed enough to appropriate $500 annually for the purpose, the time will soon come when a school band of excellent
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quality can be developed, and it would be able to render the town in return some service in the way of playing on Memorial Day and on other public occasions. There is the opportunity to build a school boy organization in which the town can take just pride.
Two "Music festivals" have been held during the year the proceeds of which, about $250, have been used, in part, to supplement the loan fund and in part, to buy one or more expensive instruments, with the purpose of loaning them to pupils who cannot afford to buy, but will pay for instruction in their use.
The progress of the year in instrumental music is due to the contagious enthusiasm and the skill of Mr. Arey, the devoted and unpaid efforts of teachers in the several build- ings, and to the wonderful interest and co-operation of parents.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Through a definite course of study and the careful super- vision of Principals, the school work in Fairhaven is unified to the end that results may be cumulative as the pupils pass from one grade to another. The administration is not, how- ever, so arbitrary as to discourage initative on the part of either teachers or principals. It would be interesting if there was space for it, to detail the ways in which different teachers achieve similar results. Each building, also, has its own spirit, or atmosphere, as it is often called, and its unique features. The spirit and purpose of each principal in his or her leadership thus become apparent. For example: At the Edmund Anthony, Jr. School there is a peculiarly fine flavor in the courtesy shown by the children and teachers; at the Oxford School the happy atmosphere of the school
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rooms and the work in Safety Education deserve mention ; at the Job C. Tripp School a praiseworthy feature is the school library managed by the Junior Improvement Associa- tions and used by the children during leisure hours in work- ing out worth while educational projects; at the Washington St. School nearly every room has some interesting device, for illustration; the Honor Roll Society of a fourth grade composed of pupils who practice self-control; at the Rogers School, the very efficient organization and direction of a variety of Clubs, each of which has a valuable educational objective attracts attention ; and at the East Fairhaven School the excellent work in character building through the medium of the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls organizations merits notice. No two buildings are alike, each has developed a distinctive atmosphere and special features, yet all are striv- ing earnestly for a common purpose,-the welfare of the pupils enrolled therein.
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES
In quite a different sense there is, also, unity in diversity. Fairhaven is a typical New England town. The majority of the inhabitants are no longer "American born." The children of the schools show a variety of national inheri- tances. All are or will be, we hope, good Americans and will bring to their citizenship the best distinctive qualities of each natonality represented.
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The following table may prove interesting :
SCHOOL
Both parents
native born
Both parents
foreign-born
One parent
foreign-born
Number of homes
where Engish is
not habitually
spoken
High
178
120
63
63
Rogers
170
144
71
72
E. Fairhaven
34
96
18
67
Washington St.
151
39
46
20
Job. C. Tripp
126
57
50
38
Ed Anthony, Jr.
120
101
64
27
Oxford
69
229
59
178
Totals
848
786
371
365
Of Total
42%
39%
19%
23%
HIGH SCHOOL
The total enrolment for the year ending June 1928 was 366 as against 349 of the previous year; the average member- . ship 353 compared with 333. The total membership since September has been 386; the actual membership on Decem- ber first was 364, an increase of only five over that of last year on the same date.
TEACHING CORPS
Four resignations have occurred since the last report. One of these was a part time teacher of domestic science. By readjustment of duties, it became possible to eliminate this position for the present.
The present teaching corps is one of the most satis- factory in every respect that the school has had for several
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years. Stability of character and high ideals, earnestness of purpose, industry, reliability, excellent training, and pro- gressive outlook are present in an unusually high degree.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
A valuable means of bringing about a co-operative spirit is that of actually using pupils in formulating plans for con- duct and work. The Student Council of the school con- tinues to function effectively in this direction. A committee from that organization completed this year a Code which . sets forth principles of ethical behavior in and out of school. The following topics are discussed with relation to, responsibility for, and rules of, conduct : Assembly, Atten- dance, Home Room, Class Rooms, Study Room, Locker Room, Lunch Room, Care of School Property, Passing of Classes, Clubs, Conduct of Team Members, Team Rooters, and School Spirit. The material was collected and organized entirely by a committee composed of students and has been printed in the school so that a copy is available for each student. The first paragraph of the foreword is, "This Code of Ethics of Fairhaven High School pupils is based on the principle of consideration of the rights of others. Like any other, code it sets up a standard of conduct in school and out of school which, if followed by all loyal Fairhaven pupils, will make them good school citizens and in later life better citizens of any community with which they may be identified."
Another valuable service of the Council has been its assumption of responsibility for the celebrations of football victories. In the past, without adequate planning and guidance, these often became disorderly and sometimes a nuisance to property owners. This year the number that might be held, definite plans for them, provision of fuel for a bonfire and securing a permit for it,-all these and other details were worked out by committees, and the result in each case has been an occasion far more enjoyable to both
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pupils and parents. Practically no hoodlumism has been manifest. The agreement with New Beedford High that the victorious school was to celebrate in its own community was strictly adherred to, no attempt being made to transfer the celebration to New Bedford.
One other activity is worthy of mention,-the sponsoring of a dancing class for high school pupils. This meets weekly in the gymnasium from 3:30 to 5:30, is under the direction of a professional dancing teacher and is supervised by at least two members of the faculty. There is an average attendance of about one hundred. Pupils who wish to learn to dance find in this class an opportunity to do so in their own school and under proper conditions. Dancing may not be one of the fundamental subjects in a liberal education, but the boy or girl who goes away to school or college without knowing how must either learn or be an "outsider" at many social gatherings.
The various clubs mentioned in last year's report have met regularly. The plan initiated at that time of having meetings of these organizations at scheduled periods within the school day has rendered them more effective. The programs are all of an educational nature and in a large measure are supplementary to the work of the class room.
CHARACTER TRAINING
A mother recently said she anticipated with anxiety the time when her daughter would enter high school. She had heard that standards of conduct among pupils of high school age were deteriorating, that habits of smoking and drinking were being formed, and, in short, that the influence of the school life did not forward the development of fine woman- hood. Was the parent's implied criticism of the school as a character building institution just? Eighty percent of the school day is spent by the pupil in the class or study room, twenty percent in student activities under the careful super-
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vision of teachers. The chief function of the latter is to give character training. Every effort is made to create a school atmosphere which is stimulating and uplifting. A large measure of success is achieved. Can character train- ing while the pupil is under the school's influence be made sufficiently effective to carry over into life outside the school ? There are 8760 hours each year; the school is in session 1000 hours. Is it really the school life that the parent fears ? The public school cannot take the place of the home in the building of character. Bernard Bell in his recent book, "Common Sense in Education", well says :- "If the public schools are used for what they can do, by parents who know what they cannot do, less harm will result to the children, less disappointment accrue to those who love those children and a considerable burden of unjust responsibility be re- moved from those who teach."
HEALTH
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Perhaps the most noteworthy finding during my exami- nation at the High School this year is the astonishing fact that nothing abnormal was found with either the girls or boys in Class C. When I use the term "abnormal" I mean this from the standpoint of defects of such a character or intensity as to warrant removal or adjustment because of the possibility of such defects interfering with the pupil receiving the greatest good from his school work. No glaring examples of this class of defects were noted and one feels like "raising the flag" as it is the first time in the history of our school system that such a record has been achieved.
The line-up of our health examinations in the schools is such at the present writing that this condition ought to be repeated and the health of our students continually grow toward that goal of perfection as represented by Class C.
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Your examiner now has the opportunity of checking up the classes in the Rogers School and having abnormal conditions remedied before these students enter the high school. He also has the opportunity to check up on each student for a period of eight consecutive years so that those students who have neglected to have conditions improved one year is more urgently cautioned the next and so on until every persuasion is used with the hope of "raising the flag" for all the classes in the high school in the years to come.
The follow-up system of your examiner and the school nurse is all defective cases must produce better and cleaner results as the list grows smaller. The smaller the list the more individual attention each can receive.
There is no work that can come to any physician which is more pleasing than the examination of school children in the period of their development when great good can be accomplished by guiding them to the goal of health and I hope that some day a report can be forwarded to the State Board of Education which will prove that Fairhaven has the cleanest bill of health of any school system in the Commonwealth.
I trust the readers of this summary will pardon my seeming enthusiasm not usually incorporated in a formal report, but I can only explain it by saying that although I have had the opportunity of examining the students in the Fairhaven schools for many years the work grows more and more interesting and fascinating as the years roll by.
All cases of defective vision above 20/30 should be corrected at once to prevent the eyesight from getting any worse.
Tonsil and adenoid cases should consult their family physician whose advice should be followed as to advisability of removal or treatment.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. P. THOMPSON, M. D.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
The elementary schools are visited on regular days each week. The high school is visited when a request for a nurse is made.
Physical charts are kept for each child with records of tonsils, adenoids, weights, teeth, child's physical condition, and following-up visits.
Through the kindness and corporation of the Fairhaven Red Men a minstrel show was given, and milk tags were sold by the school children which brought in enough money to furnish milk to underweight children for two or three years.
In December of this year, all parents were given the opportunity by the Board of Health to have their children protected from diphtheria. Through the work of the Health Department, school authorities, and private physicians, many children have been immunized with perfect safety.
. Pre-school and parochial school children were treated at the same time. Dr. McKnight, State Board of Health official, the School Physician, Dr. Chas. E. P. Thompson, with the help of the community and school nurse, gave the toxin anti-toxin. In all 754 children were treated.
Number of school room visits 1737
Number of follow-up visits 159
Number of office calls 170
Number of cases referred to School Physician Number of pupils weighed 1703
17
Number of pupils reported to Truant Officer 5
Number of cases reported to Mr. Francis 3
High School visits 16
High School follow-up visits 4
High School office calls 3
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DENTAL CLINIC
Work done from January 1 to December 31, 1928.
Number of fillings
170
Number of extractions
16
Number of cleanings
74
Number of treatments 17
Number of examinations
4
Number of preparations
5
Number of scalings
3
Examination of the teeth of all school children was made in the early fall. The Clinic is open each Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 12. Dr. A. McKenna is in charge, his assistant is Miss Mary Winslow.
Respectfully submitted,
LENA P. HOWLAND, R. N.
School Nurse.
MISCELLANY
The teachers' study clubs organized last year in each building are being continued. The text used as the basis of the program is Baker's "Characteristic Differences in Bright and Dull Pupils."
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