USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1910-1919 > Part 5
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The High school has passed from the experimental stage into one of steady developement along broad lines.
There has been throughout the country, during the last few years, a decided change in the attitude of the people as to what our High Schools should try to accomplish.
The demand has been that the High School be something more than a mere college preparatory school.
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The courses of study were laid out for the few, instead of the many, but now people demand courses that will help those who are not going to college but to work.
We have followed these lines in our High School courses and now offer our pupils their choice of a college preparatory course, Normal School course, Scientific course, or a business course.
The popularity of the commercial course is very gratifying to the committee and convinces them that they are surely working in the right direction.
In laying plans for further development, it has seemed to your committee that whereas, those pupils that are plan- ning to go into business, to college, normal school or scien- tific school, are given all they require for such preparation, those girls that are to stay at home and help keep house, are being neglected.
With this end in view, we are making plans for a course in what we might call "Household Economics." This would include the management of a house, cleanliness, sanitary conditions, economy in buying meat and provisions, sewing and cooking.
While as yet, we have not had money enough to accom- plish very much, we have since the first of January intro- duced sewing.
This gives an idea of the definite line of development we have laid out.
The school buildings are in very good condition. What- ever repairs are necessary are attended to at once. The Ralph Wheelock School should be painted next year.
A new room was finished off in the third story of the Ralph Wheelock School for the use of the Commercial department. This places our Chemical laboratory and typewriters on the third floor by themselves.
We have decided to make the Superintendent's office on the first floor into a reference library for the whole school. This will add greatly to the efficiency of the school.
The graduating class last June, very kindly presented a set of Shakespeare for the library. There is also a sum of money raised at various entertainments, that has been
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given for the purchase of books, so the library seems an assured success.
Mrs. J. De Forest Danielson very kindly gave the school a number of classical pictures appropriate for the High School room and the library.
There seems to have been for the last two years a mis- understanding about the graduation exercises. The gradu- ating scholars have a few tickets for their parents and friends, with a few seats in the hall reserved for them. Out- side of these few seats, the exercises are free to the public, and we trust all interested in our schools will attend them.
The Committee ask for the co-operation of the parents in all things pertaining to our schools. We are giving our best efforts for their development and ask that instead of giving abuse, you realize that any step we have taken, has been only after careful thought and study, and our decision should have some influence on those who might be tempted to criticise.
Our recommendation for the school appropriation for the ensuing year is $6,600. The increase of $300 from last year is to take care of the painting of the Ralph Wheelock school.
Respectfully submitted, LEWIS K. CONANT, For the Committee.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MEDFIELD :
In accordance with custom and by your request, I hereby submit my second annual report, which is the eleventh in the series of annual reports of the Superintendent of the Public Schools of Medfield.
The portions submitted by the High school principal, super- visors of music and of drawing, are important parts of this report. Those of us who view from the outside, a special line of work, being deprived the privilege of having definite first hand information, must rely upon the specialist to en- lighten us. Possibly we, as a public, may sometimes criti- cise, and advance our opinions as to how certain things should or should not be done, but our sober, sane thoughts really convince us that the specialist knows more of his or her subject than we can possibly know, both as to the suc- cess and as to the failure of what he or she is doing. It is the duty of teachers to have ideals of good to be accom- plished, and to lead pupils and the public to cultivate desires for the best that can be obtained. Teachers know more than their critics about the failures of school work, and a majority of them have sense enough to know that the fail- ures and evils would be intensified and increased if they were continually being paraded to view.
It is the duty of specialists to point out things which need to be improved and to suggest ways to make the change. They may err in judgment but we must give them the credit for sincerity of purpose.
I ask for a careful consideration of these reports. Refer- ence to the teacher's directory shows numerous changes since the report of last year, but we hope for a less number in the next year.
While there is always the possibility of, and quite likely to be, a loss when a change in the teaching force occurs, I am confident that, on the whole, no retrograde, either
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in professional training or in ability to accomplish the re- . quired work effectively, has been made.
Our next duty after obtaining good teachers is to provide the facilities for them to render the best possible returns from a concientious use of their training and skill. If their energies are scattered by requiring them to teach too large . a group of children, in more than one, or even in only one grade, an injustice is done both the teacher and children. Lack of time to give individual instruction retards the ad- vancement of the pupil. The child of average ability may obtain promotion under such circumstances, without being thoroughly fitted for it, while the slow child fails, when he might win if the teacher had time to aid with individual in- struction. Such conditions also, bring great strain upon the teacher because so much of her work seems to be of no avail; her pupils do not get on, and parents, who do not understand the true state of things are led to be unjust in placing the responsibility.
Perhaps an attempt is made to obviate some of the diffi- culty by helping the pupils outside of regular time, or by assistance after school, but this is very likely to be such a strain on the nerves of both teacher and pupils, that the end sought to be obtained is defeated.
These conditions were very evident last year, have been this year and will be next unless a change is effected. My suggestion of last year to relieve the room containing the sixth and seventh grades by combining grade nine with the High school, and thus giving opportunity to divide the other grades, was not adopted. The situation was relieved some- what by keeping grade six of the Lowell Mason School there another year, instead of sending these children to the Ralph Wheelock School as in previous years. It certainly will not be right to either the teacher or the pupils, to retain a seventh grade at the Lowell Mason School, but it may be possible to keep the sixth grade there next year. The room containing grades four and five, with fifty-one pupils, has been the largest this year, but will be relieved somewhat next year. The two rooms having grades six and seven, and eight and nine, according to present indications, will
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will be larger. If the children of these grades, just. preceding the high school, do their part faithfully they have a right to claim sufficient help from teachers, to fit them to take up the High school course with confidence. It will cost something to make this improvment, but it is certianly worth the outlay. If it is not deemed advisable to combine grade nine with the High school, I suggest that some of the grades be divided and another teacher be hired. Now that we have two new rooms fitted for High school recitation purposes, this can be done even though thereby the High school is somewhat crowded, and more passing up and down the stairs made necessary. These inconveniences are but trifles when compared with the possible amount of good that might be accomplished. A third plan is to introduce what is termed the Batavia system and hire a teacher to give individual instruction to backward pupils in whatever grade. This system is used in many places with good re- sults. Personally, I prefer a less number of pupils in a room and leave the individual work to the teacher of the room. I trust that this subject will receive your careful consideration.
Our High school has passed the experimental stage and. the pupils are taking on, in a measure, the spirit of work, without which no High school can accomplish its purpose. The pupils must realize that it is not a place which they are to attend, simply with some appearance of regularity, for four years and then receive a diploma certifying that. they have completed the course in a "satisfactory manner." High school pupils have come to the time when they are to finish school days or else prepare for more advanced school life. In either case it is a time when the frivolous side of social life, which weakens rather than strengthens charac- ter, should be entirely omitted. It is a time of life which should be characterized by earnest. thoughtful, intense, honest wok. The places "at the top" are gained only by those who are willing to put forth the effort to climb.
The new room fitted, last summer, for the use of the com- mercial department of the High school, affords much satis- faction, and I suggest that a few more commercial desks-
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and two typewriter tables be supplied just as soon as you can see your way clear to buy them.
A sum of money has been raised, through various sources, with the purpose in view of establishing a library and read- ing room in connection with the Ralph Wheelock school. The sum is large enough to purchase books to make a re- spectable beginning. If future classes will follow the com- mendable example of the last class, in making a gift, and other additions be made from time to time, a few years will suffice to provide a source of great help to the advancement of the High school.
Results of investigations in relation to the danger to. health from the use of the common drinking cup have led to inquiries by the state Board of Health into the methods of furnishing drinking water to pupils in the public schools, and no doubt it will not be long before we shall be required to furnish individual cups or sanitary drinking fountains. I think that it would be wisdom on our part to make a move in this matter before we are forced to do so, and install drinking fountains in the Ralph Wheelock school.
. Thanks to the care of the janitor, those children who stay at the building for noon lunch, are quite well cared for, but the conditions are not satisfactory. School desks are not just the things to use for dining table purposes, and I feel that we here have a chance to add to the comfort of the children, and possibly exert a wholesome influence over them along ethical lines. The epidemic of measles, which came to us last spring, is a very decided illustration of the rapid and widespread movement of disease among school children, and ought to prompt us to make a better use of our power to care for the children's health by enforcing the laws of medical inspection and cleanliness.
I report with some gratification, that the establishment of sewing as a part of the school work, starts in favorably. Commencing with the present term the efficient teacher of drawing, Miss Helen M. Allen, has been employed one- half day each week to give instruction to the girls of grades five, six, seven, eight and nine. As this work progresses and proves its worth, I hope to see more work along house-
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hold economic, and industrial lines introduced. We have many boys who could profit by some kind of hand work in connection with their book study.
Seldom is a school of the size of the Ralph Wheelock school called upon to mourn the loss by death of two pupils in such a short time.
The sudden deaths of Marion G. Curtis of grade eight, Nov. 1, 1909, and of Ernest G. Bent of the junior class in the High school on Dec. 17th cast a gloom over the entire school. They were pupils whose example in upholding school duties are worthy of remembrance, and their loss, so deeply felt by the parents, we regard as our loss also.
The removal of Rev. Charles H. Williams from town took away a member of the school committee who was ever anx- ious to do his part to improve the facilities, and to advance the interests of the schools ..
I congratulate you and the citizens that you were able to secure so efficient a man as Mr. Allen Kingsbury to fill the vacancy.
In closing I wish to say that all are working together to obtain results that will count in the future lives of the. children, and this harmonious combination of active teach- ing force must produce good results.
Respectfully submitted, M. J. WEST,
Superintendent of Schools.
MEDFED, MASS., Jan. 31, 1910.
.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To SUPERNTENDENT OF SCHOOS :
Dear Sir,-I herewith present to you my first annual report as Principal of Medfield High School.
School re-opened Sept. 7th, 1909, with an enrollment of 35; total membership, 36.
Good health has prevailed in the school and the attend- ance has been well maintained. Requests for dismissal have been numerous, but trust an improvement will be made in this respect. Our school was saddened by the death of Ernest Bent, a member of the Junior class, which occurred the latter part of the fall term. A boy of unusual promise, studious habits, and high character, his loss is mourned by all.
In our work, we are endeavoring to secure thorough, con- centrated habits of study-to encourage independence in thought and expression. All knowledge, to have real worth and power must be sought in this fashion. To sup- plement our efforts, we earnestly hope that parents will take an increasing interest in what their children are doing and insist on definite home study. Few pupils can afford less than three hours study outside of school. School should be made the first thing in the lives of the young- not as is too often the case, of secondary importance.
We would welcome a more active interest in the school on the part of parents and friends as shown by more fre- quent visitation.
We have established a rigid system of making up work, lost or incomplete through absence or other cause, pupils returning for afternoon sessions. This plan is producing good results.
Expenses connected with graduation reception and pros- pective trips, entail money making schemes on the part of pupils. Some of these activities are educative and all take
1
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time that in some cases, can be ill afforded. Possibly some better means may be devised to better serve the purpose.
I hope opportunity will be afforded for introducing some work in Agricultural Science into our High school course next year.
Also I would recommend that if possible one period each week, be devoted to general exercises in debating and rhetoricals. These could be well conducted under a school organization in the form of a club, participation in the ex- ercises being required and credit given.
I wish to commend the faithful efficient services of my assistants.
I belive that in our boys and girls there is a deepening conviction that life is real and earnest and that they are to be commended for the zeal with which they are fitting for service.
In closing I would make grateful acknowledgement to all who have aided us in our efforts to Superintendent, for helpful advice and c-ooperation, to the School Committee for their unfailing and cordial support.
Respectfully submitted,
NORVAL B. SPINNEY, Principal.
MEDFIELD, MASS,, JAN. 28, 1910.
.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
MR. M. J. West; Superintendent of Schools.
I submit the following report of music in the schools of Medfield.
The Weaver System of Music is used in the schools and gives thorough graded work in all music principles and in- dividual sight singing. It is the course of music instruc- tion in demand because of the independent individual development. Last June the system of work was demon- strated with the children before the public. The growth of the technical music was shown by various grades. Music is a study in the schools-not wholly and primarily song singing. A large number of attractive songs are taught and an appreciation and liking for good music is incul- cated.
Music has a charm in the home-it gives mood and spirit at the school.
The first year many deficient in pitch are by constant effort taught to carry a perfect scale. Simple reading is begun and increased in difficulty with the successive grades. The fourth and fifth grades sustain two-part music, the sixth and seventh, three parts and the eighth and ninth four parts. The High school consists of chorus work with the school and a girls' glee club. The writing of music is carried on throughout the grades, giving a clear under- standing of the notation and also a prop toward creative and original writing for the child of genius.
There is remarkable talent in the schools of Medfield. There are many children of exceptional musical ability. I believe that two-thirds of the grammar children, if tested, would prove capable of reading understandingly whatever music is placed in their hands. This is the result of the teachers who give the conscientious daily work.
It is not a law of nature to do all things equally well. There are also natural hindrances in music. The changing voice is an unreliable, self-conscious time. Perhaps more
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than any other subject taught the music lesson needs enthu- siasm, impetus, energy. We urge and incite to create that all-accomplishing earnestness in some of our boys and girls who cultivate rather a spirit of feigned indifference toward required work. The work is moulding and its progress is steadily going on influencing and shaping toward highest standards.
EMMA T. PERKINS. Superintendent of Music.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
MR. M. J. WEST, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
Through drawing as a common language for self expres- sion and communication of ideas a pupil develops certain faculties which enable him to think independently and creatively. He also acquires a taste for beauty that readily applies itself to individual and cummunity surroundings. These qualities are valuable aids in practical affairs of every- day life and their development should have an important part in school work.
With regard to such aims our work is arranged under the following topics: illustrative drawing, representative draw- ing, and design. Illustrative drawing is the main work for self expression and it consists of making pictures of per- sonal experiences. Under the large topic of representative work we have mechanical work, object drawing with per- spective study, and nature drawing. In design pupils study color and form and plan for a definite end by making and decorating certain objects.
The children in the primary grades draw familiar objects, illustrate stories, and make simple designs that are some- times applied to objects folded from paper. Their work gives them a readiness for drawing that is of future value.
In intermediate grades the children begin to study the principles of drawing and learn to handle different mediums. Similar work with more advanced studies of the subject is carried on by the grammar classes until in the eight and ninth grades the pupils become masters of the elementary principles and have confidence in the use of mediums.
The High school has two drawing classes, one freehand and the other mechanical. The pupils of the mechanical class use instruments and learn to make and read working drawings, while those in the freehand class review the gen- eral drawing principles and study some light and shade.
In my lessons I have endeavored to work for careful
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understanding before good appearing lines and masses, consequently considerable time is required in order to obtain good results, but the progress is certain.
The teachers of the upper grades give one lesson a week and the primary teachers give several. Their interest in the work and their generous assistance is highly appre- ciated.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN M. ALLEN, Supervisor of Drawing.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
MR. M. J. WEST, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
During the past year the school buildings have been in- spected and found to be in good sanitary condition.
The pupils have been examined and found to be in apparent good health.
In examining the mouths and throats of the pupils it was found that some few had adenoids and that in many cases the teeth of the first dentition were interfering with and crowding out the permanent teeth from their proper place. Such cases were advised to consult their dentist.
The testing of the eyes and ears as carried out by the teachers is excellent, for children with defective sight or hearing are handicaped in their studies.
During the early part of last year an epidemic of measles with over one hundred reported and some unreported cases, was so widely spread and of such magnitude it was found necessary to close the Ralph Wheelock school for several weeks.
The epidemic was caused by the attendance of one of the pupils at a gathering of young men in a near-by city where he contracted the disease unknowingly and spread it throughout his grade before it had made itself manifest. While no one is to blame yet it plainly shows that we can- not be too careful for it not only interferes with the work of the individual scholar but with the school as a whole, there being in some grades from one-third to one-half of the scholars absent at the same time.
There was one case of diphtheria (during vacation), and in the fall term several cases of whooping cough in the first grade.
The appearance and cleanliness of some might be im- proved, but that of the majority is all that could be desired.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. CLOUGH School Physician.
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SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Total membership of the schools for the year 1908-9. 297
Number enrolled in other schools first .. 7
Number in the enrollment list under five years of age .. 3
Number between five and fifteen years of age ... 239
Number over fifteen years of age. 48
184
Number between seven and fourteen years of age, Average age of children who entered the primary grade September, 1909, nine yrs. ten mos.
Average age of children who were graduated from the grammar school in June, 1909, four- teen years, ten months.
Number of children in town, September 1, 1909, between five and fifteen years of age :--
Boys 121; girls 108; total. 229
Number of children in town September 1, 1909, between seven and fourteen years of age :-
Boys 87; girls 82; total. . 169
Number enrolled, September, 1909, under five years of age. 0
Number enrolled, September, 1909, between five and fifteen years of age. 235
Number enrolled, September, 1909, over fifteen years of age. 41
Number enrolled, September, 1909, between seven and fourteen years of age. 175
Membership by grades at the close of the fall term :-
Ralph Wheelock School :-
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. Special 1 236
18 20 21 19 32 18 31 18 25 12 6 8 7
Lowell Mason School:
I. II. III. IV. V. VI.
2
6 1 4 6 26 7
Total membership for the fall term, 1909 279
EYE AND EAR TEST.
Number of pupils tested . 264
Number found defective in eyesight: 26 Number found defective in hearing. 4
Number of parents or guardians notified. 22
262
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Synopsis of Attendance from September 1908 to June 1909
SCHOOLS
GRADES
TEACHERS
Total Membership
Enrolment
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per Cent. of
Attendance
Visits by School
Committee
Visits by
Superintendent
Visits by others on
regular days
Visits by others on special days
Calls on Parents by Teachers
Ralph Wheelock
High
William J. Chisholm
46
46
40 29 38 54 95 65
4
38
25
23
Eloise H. Crocker
Lorenia M. Kimball
Bethia R. Paine
40
40
38 60
35 82
92 80
4
49
34
7
VI-VII
Irvin T. Henshaw
Jennie F. Copland
62
60
55 55
52 2
94 06
2
46
42
9
IV-V
Agnes L. Kirby
50
49
45 86
43 36
94 55
3
30
70
19
31
Edna M. Kimball
43
41
38 99
36 47
93 54
1
34
50
20
Susan M. Chase
28
26
22 74
20 84
91 65
1
33
150
7
Lowell Mason
I-V
Helen E. Bayley
28
28
24 04
21 61
89 89
2
22
24
17
4
,
Totals
297
290
266 07 248 89
93 54
17
252
395
36
101
VIII-IX
VI-VII
II-III
I
103
Synopsis of Attendance from September 7, 1909 to December 25, 1909
SCHOOLS
GRADES
TEACHERS
Total Membership
ยท Enrolment
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
Visits by School
Committee
Visits by
Superintendent
Visits by others on
regular days
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