USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1910-1919 > Part 9
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141.60
$8,639.59
Exceeded appropriation . $183.07
Received from the State School Fund . 938.41
Paid for teaching .
938.4I
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Dr. Frank H. Clough .
$20.00
Balance unexpended last year
10.00
Exceeded
10.00
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD C. LINCOLN,
Secretary.
Examined and found correct.
T. E. SCHOOLS, Auditor.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The annual report of the School Committee for the year ending Jan. 31, 19II, is respectfully submitted. Mr. Allan A. Kings- bury was elected for one year and Mr. Richard C. Lincoln for three years at the annual election.
The Committee organized with Waldo A. Fitts, Chairman, Richard C. Lincoln, Secretary.
The work of our schools during the past year has been very acceptable, and we feel that our Superintendent and teachers should have a word of appreciation and encouragement for their faith- ful and efficient labor. It is no easy task to keep our schools up to the requirements of the present day, and a constant expendi- ture of time and energy is required. We are gratified that these requirements have been met and discharged with fidelity and earnestness of purpose by the working force of our schools.
The school buildings are in good condition, both inside and out, and no extensive repairs are expected at present.
The south side of the Ralph Wheelock School building will require shingling at some future date, but this need is not immediate, unless the spring storms should be unusually severe.
The heating plant is apparently in good order and working sat- isfactorily.
New shelves have been placed in the room now occupied by the Superintendent, and the Committee hope that these shelves will soon be filled with. suitable school reference books, and that this room, now known as the Superintendent's office, may become the School Library. We have, for a beginning, several sets of books, presented by the graduating classes of 1909-10. There is also a small sum of money to be devoted to the purchasing of reference books.
The Committee would be only too glad to receive gifts from any who are interested in such a library for our schools, and would like to contribute anything for the enlargement of such an enterprise.
During the summer vacation the Centre School building received a coat of paint, which added greatly to the appearance and pres- ervation of the building. Prior to painting, there was much more repairing required than the Committee had anticipated; also,
1
63
by direction of the Inspector of Public Buildings, a bulkhead was put into the basement as an additional exit. These expen- ditures were over $200 more than had been expected.
For the first time in years the town has been required to pay tuition for children in the Noon Hill district. This year two children from the Haggerty Farm attend school in Norfolk, making tuition necessary.
With the advancement this year from the fifth grade there will be a large increase in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, where there already exists a very congested condition. There is no question as to the ability of our teachers to instruct these large classes, but the pupils cannot receive the individual help that is necessary to produce the most satisfactory results. There is also more likelihood of some of the backward scholars in the classes having to repeat a year's work, a measure that not only is dis- appointing to a pupil, but to all who are connected with and interested in the work.
Our high-school principal has given most substantial aid by taking into his room after 2 P.M. the sixth grade for instruction in history. Even with this help the crowded condition of the sixth and seventh grades renders the work very difficult.
LOWELL MASON SCHOOL.
This building is in good repair, and work here goes on without interruption.
Pupils advanced from this school to the Centre School are notice- able for their thorough training. The only thing lacking in this district is a few more children to fill vacant seats.
Parents and friends of children are most cordially invited to visit school and inspect the work that is being accomplished. Although our schools are not factories, turning out each year fin- ished products, yet we are endeavoring to lay the foundation for well-trained lives that shall go out into the world to do useful and creditable work.
Our recommendation for the school appropriation for the ensuing year is $6,600.
Respectfully submitted,
WALDO A. FITTS,
For the Committee.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MEDFIELD:
I hereby submit my third annual report, which is the twelfth in the series of annual reports of the Superintendent of the public schools of Medfield.
Reference to the list of teachers shows that the usual number of changes has occurred, being more than half of the entire force. This is nothing unusual, however, for the same condition prevails in adjoining small towns. All the newly employed are teachers of experience, and have had the benefit of special training, and all of the changes but one came during the summer vacation. I am sure that care was taken in making selections of new teachers, and that no retrograde in teaching ability resulted. The natural promotions in schools large enough to have but one grade in a room necessarily bring the pupils into contact with a different teacher each year. With our system of two grades in a room the same result occurs, if a change of teachers comes each year. When we can keep a good teacher two or more years, the alternate classes are certainly the gainers, because they thus have the advantage over the children of a single-grade room by having the same teacher at least two years, provided changes are made only in the summer vacation.
When a first-class teacher is secured, the question of salary should not be the cause of a change. On the other hand, incom- petent teachers should not be retained at even a minimum salary.
The one question which at present overshadows all others is how to alleviate the overcrowded condition of some of the rooms. It needs no argument to prove that many of our pupils are not receiving the amount of personal time from their teachers that they need and by every right should have. I have called atten- tion to this condition in two previous reports, and have urged a remedy. In the mean time the conditions have gone on, and teachers have been overworked, and the pupils in the four upper grammar grades have been moving along towards the high-school age with every prospect of asking to be admitted to the high school
65
handicapped with a poor preparation. As it is, we cannot refuse to admit them, and by so doing the whole standard of the high school must be on a low plane. Mr. Spinney has taken the sixth grade for one recitation in the afternoon, but this is but a partial relief.
Present numbers indicate that sixty pupils may be in the high school next September. Some of them may not attend, but the capacity for seating will be taxed to the limit. There are 108 pupils in line for the two rooms now taught by Miss Paine and Miss Gibbs, and I recommend that they be divided into three rooms, and that the town be strongly urged to appropriate the funds to effect the change.
The high-school membership of 50 is the largest since the adop- tion of the four-year course, and every seat is occupied. The qual- ity of the work done by the classes above the entering class is in advance of that done in previous years in a marked degree, and I note this as a very encouraging feature. There are many chances to improve, and I am strongly of the opinion that a one-session plan is not the best for a school which is housed in the same build- ing with the grades. The distractions seriously interfere with the work, especially when the rooms for the school are so restricted. The entire Ralph Wheelock building should be given over to the use of the grades.
All things in educational matters indicate that we are entering upon a period of great changes in school activities, and Medfield ought to put herself into position to get the benefits. New feat- ures of school life will call for more room, a longer school day, a better adaptation of work and play to the child, and more atten- tion to the physical development. With such things in view it seems that it would be a wise policy to secure some location of several acres for a future high-school lot and playground. Land values in this region are sure to increase, and no better time than the present will ever come for obtaining such a lot as I have indicated.
I do not mean by this that the town must necessarily build this year or the next, but it is wise to prepare for future possibilities.
The work of drawing and sewing under Miss Allan's instruction progresses favorably, but we sadly need more chance to extend such hand-work with the girls in cooking and household economics and with the boys in wood-work and in other lines.
66
The improvements made in the girls' basement were much needed, and that now affords a good shelter for playroom during stormy weather. The need of a room especially fitted for a lunch- room is constantly with us.
The shelving which has recently been placed in the Superin- tendent's office makes our much-talked-of school reference library appear at last like an actual fact. Additional books will soon be purchased with the fund that we have for that purpose. The books which have been presented by the graduating classes form a good nucleus, and we are planning to make this library one of the very useful departments of the schools. In this connection the high school can take a leading part, and whatever the stu- dents do for this cause will be gratefully appreciated.
The one fountain bubbler which has been installed in the boys' basement does not fully comply with the law which forbids the common drinking-cup, because all of the children do not have access to it. I recommend that another be placed in the girls' basement and one on each of the two main floors. I see no better way to take care of this matter at the Lowell Mason School than to provide individual cups, unless the town is willing to install a force pump and a tank that will hold about ten gallons. This can be placed over the sink, and a faucet and bubbler can then be installed.
The exhibits made by the children of corn and potatoes at the grange fair were the results of work done in the corn and potato clubs which were organized in the schools last spring. The seed for this was furnished by the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and one half-pint of corn was given to each of the 54 in the corn club, and four potatoes were given to each of the 61 in the potato club. The fair was held so early in the season that the corn did not have time to mature, but the exhibits were creditable. Fourteen children exhibited corn, and Everett Wills was awarded the first prize. Eighteen exhibited potatoes, and John Connors was given the first prize. Of course, good yields of corn and po- tatoes were to be hoped for, but the main idea was to get the children interested in work of this character. I feel that some- thing more definite can be accomplished, now that the children have had a year of experiment and can begin to settle down to the idea of what such work really means. I hope to continue this form of work another year as a summer training in connection
67
with the schools. The grange, as an organization, and individual citizens may find this a chance to co-operate in a useful form of education.
Means of making our school-rooms more attractive are always under consideration, and help in this direction is much appreciated. Therefore, we wish to thank the Hannah Adams Club and Mrs. Chase for their work, which enabled us to purchase for the primary room the beautiful frieze "Boys blowing Trumpets."
In closing, I ask you to note that the average age of those who completed the grammar school course in 1909 was fourteen years, ten months, and in 1910, fifteen years, two months. This illus- trates one of the differences that often occurs in the same grade on different years. It is reasonable to suppose that this average age might be reduced if the schools could be rearranged, as I have previously suggested. It is not unreasonable to expect children to complete the grammar grades at fourteen and high school at eighteen years of age.
The reports of the Supervisor of Music and of the Supervisor and Teacher of Drawing and Sewing are appended. You are re- ferred to the reports for further information in their departments.
The associations of the year have been of the pleasantest nature, and I feel that our schools are moving in the right direction.
Respectfully submitted,
M. J. WEST, Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. M. J. WEST,
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
I present the following report of drawing and sewing in the Medfield schools :-
Drawing is taught as a valuable aid toward developing the brains and thinking power of children. It is a training received by the combined working of the head and hands. The course is arranged with regard to other studies, to the seasons, and to the general needs of the school.
68
Children in the primary grades learn to express by drawing, and they make things that are pleasing in shape and color. The fourth and fifth grades begin a study of drawing principles. In the grammar grades the study is continued and advanced until pupils can see objects correctly and handle various mediums easily. The high-school classes review all the principles, study light and shade, and work with more mediums. Pupils in the mechani- cal class study and work out problems in projection.
In all the grades the work being done shows a gradual progress in the right direction.
Hand-work is closely related to drawing, especially in the matter of design. Each article that is made requires thought concerning color, proportions, and usefulness.
Hand-work in the form of sewing has been established for the girls. One-half day each week is devoted to the work by the girls of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Each class sews forty-five minutes, and, though the time is short, the work done is certainly worth while, for it is important that every girl should learn to sew. It enables her to become neat, useful, and practical.
The lower grades learn plain stitches, and make small useful articles. The upper grades take up advanced work, and make things that require more thought and skill. They always sew on something that is useful to themselves or to their homes, and this fact keeps them interested and makes them anxious to do their best.
The work this year shows a great improvement over the work done last year, and it gives evidence of interest and practice at home as well as in school.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN M. ALLAN.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
It has been my aim in the schools in Medfield to follow the Course of Study for Public Schools, outlined by the Institute of Music Pedagogy, Northampton, Mass. The course of study designates certain definite principles to be taught in each grade.
69
Much importance is laid upon the individual work, for the true test is what each pupil can do. By carrying out this individual work in a systematic manner, we are striving to form habits of self-control, concentration, accuracy, mental alertness, and in- dependence. We are also constantly trying to improve the tone quality, quality of tone, not the amount of tone, being the ideal before us.
A supervisor cannot do all the work alone. There must be co-operation on the part of the grade teachers, for to them falls the drill work every day. Owing to their faithful daily work, the music is beginning to progress.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN D. DAGGETT, Supervisor of Music.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Total membership of the schools for the year 1909-10 294
Number enrolled in other schools first I3
Number in the enrolment list under five years of age
Number between five and fifteen years of age O Number over fifteen years of age 42
239
Number between seven and fourteen years of age 179
Average age of children who entered the primary grades in September, 1910, five years, eight months.
Average age of the pupils who were graduated from the grammar school in June, 1910, fifteen years, two months.
Number given certificate from grammar school: boys, 16; girls, 10.
Number of children in town, Sept. 1, 1910, between five and fifteen years of age: boys, 114; girls, 117; total . . 231
Number of children in town, Sept. 1, 1910, between seven and fourteen years of age: boys, 89; girls, 88; total . 177
70
Number enrolled, September, 1910, under five years of age . 2 Number enrolled, September, 1910, between five and fifteen years of age: boys, 112; girls, 129; total . 25I
Number enrolled, September, 1910, over fifteen years of age: boys, 22; girls, 24; total . 46
Number enrolled, September, 1910, between seven and four- teen years of age: boys, 85; girls, 100; total 185
MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES, JAN. 27. 19II.
Ralph Wheelock School:
I. II. III. IV.
VI. VII. VIII. IX.
X. XI. XII. XIII.
24
17
23
I8
24
30
27
26 I6
23
II
S
6 253
Lowell Mason School:
I. II. III. IV. .1 VI.
2
6
4
O
4
5 2I
274
Total membership to Jan. 27, 19II
291
EYE AND EAR TEST.
Number of pupils tested
28I
Number found defective in eyesight
26
Number found defective in hearing 6
Number of parents and guardians notified 2I
SYNOPSIS OF ATTENDANCE FROM SEPTEMBER, 1909, TO JUNE, 1910.
SCHOOL.
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
Lorenia M. Kimball
37
36
33.27
31.88
95.52
2
45
15
14
~
Mary D. Freeman
50
47
43.24
39.62
91.63
3
5I
20
I2
66
VI .- VII.
? Elizabeth H. Morey
53
50
48.48
44.88
92.57
I
48
22
16
IV .- V.
Marion H. Fisher .
55
52
49.50
46.59
94.12
2
43
50
O
II .- III.
Edna M. Kimball .
43
42
40.91
38.46
94.01
I
35
34
I 2
I.
Mrs. Susan M. Chase
25
23
20.75
18.36
88.48
2
32
I29
I3
Lowell Mason
I .- VI.
Helen E. Bayley
3I
3I
26.16
24.19
92.08
2
25
16
25
3
Totals .
294
28I
262.3I
243.98
93.0I
I3
279
286
25
-
VIII .- IX.
Bethia R. Paine.
§ Effie F. Walker
Norval B. Spinney
-
-
-
SYNOPSIS OF ATTENDANCE FROM SEPT. 6, 1910, TO JAN. 27, 19II.
.
SCHOOL.
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
Lucy F. Crocker
50
49
46.58
45.34
97.34
20
9
IO
Auvena Myrick
Bethia R. Paine
46
45
44.61
41.61
93.28
19
8
7
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Morey \
60
60
57.16
53.73
94.00
18
23
5
IV .- V.
Edith L. Bartlett .
40
40
37.94
35.09
92.35
I3
20
4
I.
Mrs. Susan M. Chase
26
26
25.14
21.87
86.99
I4
95
2
Lowell Mason
I .- VI.
Helen E. Bayley
23
23
21.51
19.68
91.49
I
9
7
30
Totals .
29I
286
275.22
257.06
93.40
1
IO5
I7I
30
30
72
-
-
-
46
43
42.28
39.74
93.99
I2
9
-
I
II .- III.
Norval B. Spinney
-
-
·
-
VIII .- IX.
VI .- VII.
Florence E. Gibbs. . Calla Rowell.
-
I
TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, JAN. 1, 19II.
RALPH WHEELOCK SCHOOL.
Names.
Where Educated.
Grades.
High.
Norval B. Spinney, A.B., Principal. Yale University.
Lucy F. Crocker, A.B., Assistant.
Auvena Myrick, Assistant.
VIII .- IX.
Bethia R. Paine.
VI .- VII.
Florence E. Gibbs.
IV .- V. Calla Rowell.
II .- III.
Edith L. Bartlett.
I.
Mrs. Susan M. Chase.
Mt. Holyoke College. Farmington Normal School, Shaw's Business College. Hyannis Normal School.
Lombard College, Hyannis Summer Normal School.
Farmington Normal School.
Gorham Normal School. Worcester High School, Hy- annis Summer Normal School.
LOWELL MASON SCHOOL.
I .- VI. Helen E. Bayley. Bridgewater Normal School.
Supervisor of Music, Helen D. Daggett. Supervisor of Drawing and Sewing, Helen M. Allan.
Massachusetts Normal Art School.
RESIGNATIONS.
Lorenia M. Kimball.
Marion H. Fisher.
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Morey.
Mary D. Freeman.
Edna M. Kimball.
Emma A. Perkins.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
GENERAL RULES.
I. The school year shall consist of forty weeks, beginning Tues- day after the first Monday in September, and shall be divided into three terms of 16, 12, and 12 weeks, respectively.
2. There shall be no school on legal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving.
3. The morning session shall begin at 9 o'clock and close at 12 o'clock, with a recess of fifteen minutes. The afternoon session shall begin at 1.15 o'clock and close at 3.15, with a recess of fifteen minutes.
4. There shall be a five minutes' period of calisthenics in each half-session.
5. A no-school signal shall be under the direction of the Super- intendent or Chairman of the School Committee, and shall consist of five blasts of the Excelsior Straw Factory whistle given at 7.45 A.M.
6. The law in regard to vaccination will be enforced (Chapter 215, Acts of 1907).
7. No pupil shall be absent a part of the session for the pur- poses of receiving instruction elsewhere, and no permanent excuse shall be received for dismissal except by vote of the School Com- mittee.
8. Pupils shall be liable to pay damages for accidental injuries to school property.
9. Every pupil who shall anywhere on or around the school premises use or write any profane or unchaste language or shall draw any obscene pictures or representations or shall in any way intentionally injure or deface any property belonging to the school estate shall be punished in proportion to the nature and
75
extent of the offence, and shall be liable to pay all damages (Chap- ter 208, Section 82, R. L.).
IO. Fire-drills shall be practised in the building at least once a month.
II. A new class is formed in the primary school in September only, and no pupil will be admitted who is not five years of age previous to the first day of September.
12. A School Committee meeting will be held in the Selectmen's room, town building, Thursday evening before the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise arranged by the School Commit- tee
PRINCIPALS.
I. Principals are responsible for the care of buildings and grounds.
2. They shall hold teachers' meetings as often as it is necessary.
3. They may make rules for the management of their buildings, subject to the approval of the Superintendent and School Com- mittee.
4. Principals shall have authority to suspend pupils who refuse to obey the rules of the school, provided always that they shall immediately in writing inform the parents or guardian and the Superintendent of such suspension and the reason therefor.
5. They are expected to assist the other teachers in discipline.
TEACHERS.
I. Teachers must be in their respective school-rooms at least fifteen minutes before the beginning of each session.
2. Corporal punishment must not be resorted to until absolutely necessary.
3. Teachers must not deprive pupils of a recess for punishment , or allow them to remain in for any cause except sickness.
4. Teachers may detain pupils for a period not exceeding one hour at close of afternoon session only, to make up work or for any violation of school discipline.
76
5. Teachers are expected to go out at recess, and join the pupils in their sports and suggest good healthy games.
6. Teachers are not allowed to give notices of an advertised nature in school or to take up collections for any purpose without the approval of the Superintendent.
7. Teachers, if prevented from teaching on account of sickness, must notify the Superintendent or Chairman of the School Com- mittee at once, that he may procure a substitute. Teachers, if absent on account of sickness, may draw pay for all absence not exceeding one week during the school year.
8. Teachers have entire control of pupils while on the school grounds or in the school building.
9. Teachers have joint control of pupils on the way to and from school in all matters affecting the discipline of the school.
IO. Teachers shall require a written excuse from a parent or guardian in all cases of absence or tardiness of pupils.
II. Requisitions for supplies and books must be handed to the Superintendent at the close of each term.
12. Any complaint or suggestion of teachers in regard to the work of the janitor must be made to the Superintendent.
13. Any teacher intending to resign his or her position shall give two weeks' notice to the Superintendent.
14. Teachers will be held responsible for the proper use by their pupils of all books and supplies and of all school properties.
15. Teachers must not be interrupted by any one during school session with any prolonged interview, even on matters relating to school.
16. Teachers shall not dismiss school before the regular hour without permission from the Superintendent, except in cases of emergency, when they shall make immediate report to the Super- intendent.
17. Teachers must have a full outline of each day's work for the week on or in their desk.
77
18. Teachers will not receive the last payment of the year until their school registers and all records are completed and deposited with the Superintendent or some one designated by him to re- ceive them.
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