Town annual reports of Medfield 1920-1929, Part 57

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1524


USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1920-1929 > Part 57


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Voted, that the sum of $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated to be used in good construction.


Under Article 26, Voted, that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated for repairing Curve Street, to be expended as the Selectmen deem necessary.


Voted, that the sum of $15,500.00 be raised and appropriated for the Highway Department, $500.00 to be used on "Green Street Extension."


Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the continuance of the permanent construction of East Main Street. The County to reimburse the Town one-quarter of the cost and the State to reimburse the Town one-half of the cost, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, that the sum of $20,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the continuance of the permanent construction of East Main Street. The County to reimburse the Town one-quarter of


139


the cost, and the State to reimburse the Town one-half of the cost.


Article 31. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the disposal of the "Horse Drawn Fire Engine," or do or act anything in relation thereto. (Petition of Fire Engineers.)


Voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to sell the "Horse Drawn Fire Engine."


Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to purchase ad- ditional fire apparatus, raise and appropriate any sum of money therefor, or do or act anything in relation thereto. (Petition of Fire Engineers.)


Voted, that the Selectmen and the Fire Engineers be author- ized to purchase additional fire apparatus, and the sum of $8,000.00 be appropriated and granted to pay for same, $3,000.00 to be taken from this year's taxes, $1,000.00 to be on a note payable next year, and two (2) notes of $2,000.00 each for the balance. (Unanimous.)


Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to rescind its vote of June 25, 1928, namely: "That the sum of $20,000.00 be granted and appropriated for the reconstruction of Hospital Road, work to be done in conjunction with State and County, the Town to be reimbursed one-third of cost by the State and one-third by the County.


Voted, that the vote be rescinded.


Article 34. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the fol- lowing balances to free cash in the treasury, or do or act any- thing in relation thereto:


Adams and Dale Street Sewer $ 63.18


Dale Street, Special


9.76


Elm Street, Special 13.42


Main Street, Special


1,928.72


Hospital Road, Special 6,653.57


Hospital Road Repairs 6.80


Elm and Dale Streets, Special


4.05


Concrete Sidewalks


161.00


140


J. A. Fitts, Fence


.03


Town Storehouse


1.27


New Schoolhouse


19.73


Plan of Cemetery


150.00


Water, Frairy Street


595.75


Repairs, Ralph Wheelock School


1.31


Cement Walk, High School


11.00


Voted, should pass.


Article 35. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,145 20 the balance remaining in the "Town Farm Fund" to free cash in the treasury, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, that the article be dismissed.


Article 36. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from free cash in the treasury, to defray expenses of the ensuing year, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, that the sum of $10,107.75 be taken from free cash in the treasury to defray expenses of the ensuing year.


Article 37. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Water and Sewerage Board to employ an expert to make tests, to determine the adequacy of the present water supply, and if the same is found inadequate, to make tests from other sources for a future water system, and to report with plans and specifica- tions for a full and complete water system including fire pro- tection, at some future Town meeting and to grant and ap- propriate the sum of $1,600.00 therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.


Voted, should pass.


Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.


Attest:


WILLIAM H. EVERETT,


Town Clerk.


141


SPECIAL MEETING


April 22, 1929


Pursuant to a Warrant issued by the Selectmen, the inhabi- tants of the Town of Medfield, duly warned and notified in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall in said Med- field on the twenty-second day of April, 1929, at 7.30 p. m., and the following action was taken on the articles in the Warrant.


Article 1. To see if the Town will accept the following named sums as perpetual trust funds for the care of lots in Vine Lake Cemetery, the interest thereof, or as may be necessary to be used for the said care, viz .:


For care of Samuel D. Guild lot $100.00 For care of Thomas Rourke lot 100.00


Voted, that the sums be accepted in the usual form.


Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the committee, appointed at the Annual Town Meeting, March 11, 1929, to purchase new fire apparatus, to trade the Horse Drawn Fire Engine for new apparatus, and to expend a sum not ex- ceeding $8,000.00 (eight thousand dollars) therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.


Vored, that the committee be authorized to trade Horse Drawn Fire Engine for new apparatus and to expend the sum not exceeding $8,000.00 (eight thousand dollars) therefor, and that this sum be granted and appropriated as follows: $3,000.00 (three thousand dollars) from current year tax levy, and the balance to be paid by a series of notes as follows: $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) payable in 1930, $2,000.00 (two thousand dollars) payable in 1931, and $2,000.00 (two thousand dollars) payable in 1932. (Unanimous.)


Voied, that the meeting be dissolved.


Attest :


WILLIAM II. EVERETT,


Town Clerk.


142


SPECIAL MEETING


July 15, 1929


Pursuant to a Warrant issued by the Selectmen, the inhabi- tants of the Town of Medfield, duly warned and notified in the manner prescribed by law, met at the Town Hall in said Medfield on the fifteenth day of July, 1929, at 7.30 p. m., and the following action was taken on the articles in the Warrant.


Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the free cash in the Treasury to the use of the As- sessors to defray expenses for the ensuing year, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, that the sum of $5,000.00 be transferred from the free cash in the Treasury to the use of the Assessors to defray ex- penses of the ensuing year.


Article 2. To see if the Town will accept an additional sum of $100.00 for the care of the Joseph Bullard lot in Vine Lake Cemetery the interest thereof, or as may be necessary to be used for said care, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, to accept in the usual form.


Article 3. To see if the Town will accept the sum of $100.00 for the care of the John Hinkley lot in Vine Lake Cemetery the interest thereof, or as may be necessary to be used for said care, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, to accept in the usual form.


Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the vote of March 11, 1929 and April 22, 1929 relating to the purchase of new fire apparatus and for sale or trade of Horse Drawn Fire Apparatus and for the appropriation of $8,000.00 therefor, or do or act anything in relation thereto.


Voted, that all previous action relating to the purchase of fire apparatus and for the sale or trade of Horse Drawn Fire Engine, and the appropriation of $8,000.00 therefor be rescinded.


Voted, that the Fire Engineers and the Selectmen be author- ized to trade Horse Drawn Fire Apparatus for new apparatus


143


and to expend the sum not exceeding $8,000.00 therefor, and that this sum be granted and appropriated as follows: $3,000.00 from current year tax levy, and the balance to be paid by a series of notes as follows: $1,000.00 payable in 1930; $1,000.00 payable in 1931; $1,000.00 payable in 1932; $1,000.00 payable in 1933; and $1,000.00 payable in 1934. (Unanimous.)


Voted, that the meeting be dissolved.


Attest:


WILLIAM H. EVERETT, . Town Clerk.


ANNUAL REPORT of the


SCHOOL COMMITTEE


and the


SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS of the TOWN OF MEDFIELD


YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1929


147


ANNUAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND : : SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


Town of Medfield for the Year Ending December 31, 1929


School Committee


FRANK H. CLOUGH, M. D., Chairman. Term expires 1932


MRS. ALICE W. CONWAY Term expires 1930 MRS. SUSAN M. CLARK, Secretary Term expires 1931


Regular meetings first Tuesday of each month at 2.30 p. m. High School building.


Superintendent of Schools


Lyman R. Allen, 19 Beech St., Framingham Tel. Fram. 194-R


Regular visits Tuesday after 1st and 3rd Mondays; others unannounced or by appointment.


High School Principal


Alton H. Hartford North St., Medfield


School Physician


Frank H. Clough, M. D. North St., Medfield


School Nurse


Mrs. Martha E. Blood, R. N. Park St., Medfield


Janitors


Martin Sweeney


John Dyer


School Calendar 1929-1930


Year


Term


Weeks


Opens


Closes


1930


Winter


7


December 30, 1929


February 14


Spring


7 February 24


April 11


Summer


9


April 21


June 20


Fall 17


September 3


December 24


1931


Winter


7


January 5


February 20


Spring


March 2


April 17


Summer


8


April 27


June 19


148


School Holidays


January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, October 12, November 11 (or the day following if any of these falls on Sunday); Thanksgiving and the day following.


On Tuesday. September 2, the teachers will be at the school- houses from 9 to 12 to consult parents or pupils. Schools begin regularly on Wednesday, September 3.


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1929


To the Selectmen and the Citizens of Medfield:


Our Superintendent, Mr. A. Howard Williamson, resigned at the close of June and Mr. Lyman R. Allen of Framingham was elected Superintendent of Union 49, coming to his post in September. There has been but one change in the School Committee. Mrs. Alice W. Conway takes the vacated position of Mr. Richard Johnson. These changes have taken place in the teaching staff: Mrs. MacMurray, Miss Rush and Miss Ludlow retired from our High School, and Miss Lord, Miss Strode and Miss Benedict have accepted positions there. Mrs. Bower and Miss Craig retired from the Ralph Wheelock School. The two new appointees there are Miss Foye and Miss Sauer. Monthly meetings of the Committee have been held, each member and the Superintendent present. The regular monthly meeting is held at 2:30 p. m. in the Assembly Room, the first Tuesday of the month in the High School. Parents and citizens who wish to confer on any school matter or pupil problem are invited to meet the Committee at any of the meetings.


The Committee believe that our citizens will find the de- partmental reports showing the academic work and school activities of interest.


It has been voted that minimum age of admission to Grade 1 of the Medfield Schools remain five years and six months on September 1st of year of entering with the exception that an applicant who lacks not over one month of that age be referred to the Superintendent of Schools. Such child may be admitted at his discretion after due consideration of child's


-


149


physical and mental fitness (by intelligence examination) and available school accommodations.


At the end of the year there was some of the appropriation that could be used for High School needs. It was time to replace three of the typewriters. This was done. An adding machine was purchased which is much appreciated by teachers and pupils of the commercial department. Fifty chairs were bought allowing all pupils to come together at one time in the large assembly room. A 3/16" Battleship linoleum has been placed on the floor of the corridor, which will be approved on sight. Seven metal lockers have been set in the corridors to care for books and supplies. A filing cabinet bought, serves a need. One set of Americana Encyclopedias best adapted for High and Junior High pupils was purchased. We added a stock of the most used supplies. We are happy to turn back some of the appropriation.


During the summer vacation the inside painting of the Ralph Wheelock School was completed, the basements were white- washed, the outside was given two coats of paint and some of the windows replaced. Fifty new desks were placed in Grade VI room to replace the large ones of the old high school. Several dry wells were dug to take care of the water running on top of the ground making large pools on the Miller Street side of the school. A large cement platform was built in front of the Pleasant Street entrance. We feel that there should be some cement walks on the Miller and Pleasant Street sides of the building and some grading done in the yards to avoid the mud in the spring.


We think that our schools are in good condition and we wish that parents and townspeople would visit them to see what has been accomplished. Recent comment. Unless we can adapt the American family and education to fit present condi- tions, there will be a breaking down in the family and religion and society will be swept away. Dr. Wm. J. Cooper, U. S. Commissioner of Education.


The most important work of the High School is character training but the High School must not bear the responsibility of the home in moral training. Truth and honesty must be


150


acquired early. Frank Morse of the Massachusetts State Board of Education.


The wise father is he who is willing to be reasonable. But he can't fiddle around with his boy or girl in their second decade. Theirs not to reason why, theirs not to make reply, theirs to obey. Parents must again take command. Dr. Samuel S. Drury, Rector of St. Paul's School for Boys, Concord, N. H.


All Americans are too careless about their speech, careless in their use of words, careless in their pronunciation and they use altogether too much slang. Prof. Bliss Perry, Harvard University.


Young people today exhibit far finer physical figures, practise much better health habits than any previous generation of their age. They are better informed and they can use a far better technique in everything. I stoutly believe in the young pack and its future. John G. Hill, Ph. D.


An Appreciation. Our mother Town of Dedham established the first free public school in New England. Medfield has maintained public schools since 1655 when £15 was voted for a school and Ralph Wheelock was the first school master. I have known our town's schools intimately since 1881. In these 49 years we have had the loyal service of seven sup'ts and many able teachers. We have sent through our schools an uncounted corps of youths and maidens who are a credit to the town. The culture of our youth is the most live thing of to-day. My acquaintance with Massachusetts schools is not a very narrow one and I sometimes think that we do not realize how excellent the school work is that is done right here at home.


SUSAN M. CLARK, Secretary of the Committee.


151


FINANCIAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Appropriation. $33,600.00


From Town Treasurer, Interest on School Fund 178.23


$33,778.23


Expense of General Control


School Committee


Dr. Frank H. Clough, Chairman S 35.00


Richard Johnson 5.83


Alice W. Conway


29.17


Susan M. Clark


35.00


Susan M. Clark, Sec'y 50.00


A. Howard Williamson,


Sup't of Schools 525.00


A. Howard Williamson, Expenses 62.09


Lyman R. Allen, Sup't of Schools


306.25


Lyman R.Allen, Expenses 50.00


Ambrose Press 12.50


Millis Press


1.75


Wright and Potter,


Printers 2.07


Helen Babcock, taking


school census. 3.00


Elva Palumbo, taking


school census 3.00


Yvonne Bouin, taking


school census. 3.00


Isabel Hinshon, taking


school census. 3.00


Margaret Miller, taking school census 3.00


$ 1,129.66


152


Expense of Instruction High and Junior High Salaries of Teachers


Alton H. Hartford


$2,500.00


Theresa E. MacMurray


910.00


Marion A. Bagley


1,400.00


Mary E. Rush.


840.00


Elizabeth B. Ludlow


780.00


Umberto Palumbo


1,600.00


Dorothy M. Titus


1,240.00


Estelle Lord


480.00


Marion Strode


480.00


Elaine Benedict


480.00


City of Boston, Trade School


26.16


$10,736.16


Ralph Wheelock School


Helen M. Bower


$ 840.00


Dorothy F. Brown


1,300.00


Helen A. Macdonald


1,200.00


Elizabeth S. Buck


1,200.00


Grace E. Whalen


1,200.00


E. A. Maude Craig


720.00


Muriel Foye ..


400.00


Ruth R. Sauer


425.00


Hazel Potter


12.00


Esther Hinkley


4.50


$ 7,301.50


Special Teachers


Evelyn F. Judd


$ 400.00


Nettie F. Hamant


320.00


$ 720.00 $18,757.66


153


Text Books


High


The Macmillan Co.


$ 113.74


Elementary S 18.26


Ginn & Co.


7.19


13.10


Scott, Foresman Co


39.64


6.98


American Book Co.


32.05


1.59


Edward E. Babb Co.


5.46


2.62


Houghton Mifflin Co.


8.89.


8.89


Desmond Pub. Co.


142.50


D. C. Heath & Co


56.92


Charles E. Merrill


22.43


D. Appleton & Co.


3.90


J. Q. Adams & Co.


26.00


Allyn & Bacon


4.93


J. B. Lippincott


2.08


J. C. Winston


42.66


Lyons & Carnahan


52.24


S 463.65 $ 148.42 $ 612.07


Supplies


High


Elementary


Edward E. Babb & Co. $


310.67


S 24.40


Kenney Bros. & Wolkins. ...


189.35


152.72


Gregg Pub. Co.


32.50


Carbide and Carbon Co .....


14.00


Henry Parkman Jr., Gas ..


9.00


Milton Bradley Co.


48.10


34.61


Hatton Press


2.80


2.80


Dowling Sch. Sup. Co .....


63.29


28.96


Lyons & Carnahan


48.17


J. L. Hammett Co.


17.95


M. L. Bastien


1.55


Reformatory for Women.


4.99


4.98


R. F. Hunt


3.50


Millis Press


.75


.75


Webster Pub. Co.


.78


L. C. Smith Typewriter Co.


5.00


154


Rand Farquar Co


6.60


E. A. Raphael Co.


12.75


Office Appliance Co


4.18


Ginn & Co.


1.05


A. B. Dick Co


.12


World Book Co.


4.61


C. C. Birchard Co.


6.94


Oliver Ditson Co.


5.18


Nettie F. Hamant.


5.04


The Presser Co.


3.36


Underwood Typewriter Co.


128.30


Bertha Conners


2.60


Irene Wight.


9.00


Walter A. Coulter


8.00


A. H. Hartford


1.60


Myron D. Place


4.00


Medfield News Co.


3.00


W. K. Gilmore & Sons


4.85


H. B. Smith


$


2.25


$ 892.41


$


322.64 $ 1,215.05


New Equipment High


Wellman, Oakes & Higgins


$ 410.00


Victor Adding Machine.


85.00


Multistamp Co.


50.00


Edward E. Babb Co.


205.11


Yawman Erbe


59.25


Mfg.Equipment & Eng.Co.


174.20


$ 983.56


Expense of Operation


High


Elementary


Martin W. Sweeney


$1,404.00


John Dyer $ 1,404.00 $ 2,808.00


155


Janitor's Supplies


High


Elementary


L. M. Glover


S 25.70


S


· 31.00


Commonwealth of Mass


5.49


4.16


W. A. Gilbert


11.49


9.20


Masury Young Co.


5.35


W. K. Gilmore & Sons


13.25


H. E. Whitten


3.00


F. D. Kennedy


.75


A. W. Chesterton


4.50


Johnson Service Co.


.60


W. A. Fitts


23.73


Auto Supply Co


4.00


Lewis Mfg. Co.


1.58


$ 80.84 $ 62.96 $ 143.80


Water


. High


Elementary


Town of Medfield, Water


Department


$ 70.00


S 70.00


S 140.00


Fuel


W. K. Gilmore & Sons


High $ 600.00


Elementary $ 1,507.50


N. Duhamel, Wood.


42.00


$ 600.00


$ 1,549.50


$ 2,149.50


Expense of Maintenance


Elementary


Edison Elec. Ill. Co.


High $ 129.30 51.55


78.94


N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.


46.90


Weiker's Express


4.40


4.90


Charles Read


4.00


Waldo A. Fitts


3.50


F. A. Smith


32.22


E. R. Kerr


2.00


156


J. P. McCarthy


4.85


Master Clock 7.65


Carl A. Johnson


45.36


Medfield Plumbing


&


Heating


18.90


John Newell


33.75


Frank. V. Weaver


4.00


$ 239.47 $ 232.75 $ 472.22


Promotion of Health


Dr. H. L. Park $ 200.00


Dr. Frank H. Clough


100.00


Martha H. Blood


500.00


$ 800.00


N. E. Dairy Co., Supplies ..


1.93


P. J. Noyes


1.91


Clement Drug Co.


21.20


25.04


Transportation


Amie Newell


$2,768.00


George J. Ehnes


280.00


Johnson Bus Line


71.50


$ 3,119.50


$32,356.06


Unexpended balance.


1,422.17


$33,778.23


Summary


1


Expense of General Control


$


1,129.66


Instruction


18,757.66


Books.


612.07


Supplies


1,215.05


New Equipment.


983.56


Janitor's Supplies


143.80


Janitor's Salaries


2,808.00


Maintenance.


472.22


Water


140.00


157


Fuel


1


2,149.50 825.04


Health


Transportation


3,119.50


$32,356.06 1,422.17


Unexpended balance


$33,778.23


Special Appropriation Ralph Wheelock School Appropriation.


$ 2,500.00


Paid


John J. McGrath


$ 1,318.00


James F. Clark


92.38


M. Ryan


5.10


F. C. Chick


5.10


Dana Weiker


5.10


Joel H. Stratton,


5.00


G. W. Hinkley, gravel


1.25


John Dyer


6.00


Martin Sweeney 5.00


Weiker's Express


1.00


J. P. McCarthy


1.50


Medfield Plumbing & Heating Co ...


2.85


W. A. Gilbert


18.95


E. Roy Kerr


13.62


Edward E. Babbi Co.


398.00


Fred A. Smith


58.70


C. E. Simpson


430.00


John N. Wills


81.70


$ 2,449.25


Unexpended balance


50.75


School Seats


Appropriation


$ 42.00


Paid


Milton Bradley Co.


42.00


Correct :


W. E. GARDNER,


Accountant.


$ 2,500.00


158


SCHOOL RECEIPTS


Massachusetts School Fund


$ 1,235.04


High School Tuition


1,250.00


For Teacher's Salaries


2,530.00


For Superintendent.


476.96


For Tuition, Walpole


222.08


Sale of Piano 10.00


For Telephone calls.


3.45


Net cost of operating the schools


$ 5,727.53 $26,628.53


159


SCHOOL BUDGET FOR YEAR 1930


General Control


$ 1,200.00


Instruction


21,000.00


Text Books


700.00


Stationery Supplies


800.00


$23,700.00


Ralph Wheelock School


Janitor


$ 1,404.00


Supplies


65.00


Fuel


1,300.00


Water


70.00


Maintenance


300.00


$ 3,139.00


Hannah Adams Pfaff High


Janitor


$ 1,404.00


Supplies


65.00


Fuel


1,000.00


Water


70.00


Maintenance.


400.00


$


2,939.00


Promotion of Health


Physician


$ 300.00


Nurse


500.00


Health Supplies.


25.00


$ 825.00


Transportation


3,000.00


$33,603.00


Respectfully submitted by the Committee,


FRANK H. CLOUGH, SUSAN M. CLARK, ALICE W. CONWAY.


160


REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee of Medfield:


In submitting to you my first report I wish to acknowledge the cordial support of Committee and teachers, which has promptly made me feel myself one of you in school and town. I know that all are united in the desire to do and to provide what is really best for the development of each pupil in our schools and it gives cheering promise for the solution of the problems we are bound to meet.


My first impressions are of a group of teachers working together faithfully and enthusiastically and of groups of pupils, particularly in the elementary grades, happy in their work. The high school, in a certain confusion which may be a hang- over from the days when both schools were crowded into one building and which is less evident in the higher grades where more responsibility is developed, presents a problem of its own. In some cases where the need is perhaps greatest it appears that pupils are doing little home study. The question sug- gests itself, whether the home stands with the school in helping the boy or girl to help himself. Does the pupil go to Junior or Senior High school regularly and because he wants help in working out his own life plans? Does he have a definite pur- pose, or, lacking that, is he content to work hard at what home and school assure him is worth his doing until he does find his own life purpose? He should either assume the responsibility or continue to follow leadership, as is done in elementary grades. Any pupil in High school who has no home work is doing neither and may not expect promotion to higher grades or schools.


In our present school plants Medfield may take just pride. They are comfortable and serviceable; they are well cared for by janitors who take pride in their work and gladly give of their time and strength and skill to do more than their mere duties,


161


in order to have things in the best possible condition and to help the effectiveness of the teachers' work. Minor changes and repairs and improvements from year to year will always be needful but our buildings are in good, serviceable condition.


The usual tables of figures will show much of the condition and progress of the schools. The annual School Census re- quired by the State is a helpful check on the enrollment and the number of work certificates. Children under 7 are not by the State required to attend school but may be required or permitted by the Town. (Our Committee requires them to be 5 by March 1 before entering in September); those over 16 are not listed if they have completed the sixth grade, but are recorded as illiterate minors if they have not. Hence the totals of the Census and the Age-grade and Enrollment tables will not agree.


I should be clearly understood that a youth between 14 and 16 may not remain out of school unless he has obtained the proper certificate or permit; also that from 16 to 21 an Educa- tional Certificate is required for most jobs. Employers are responsible for holding certificates secured by their employees of those ages, also for returning them promptly to the Super- intendent of Schools when such employment is terminated. The State requires a close record of all such workers and cer- tificates.


School Census October 1, 1929


Registration


5-7


7-14


14-16


Total


Boys


30


124


34


188


Girls


33


124


24


181


Total


63


248


58


369


Distribution


In public day school


Boys


21


120


32


173


Girls


25


118


23


166


In Vocational Schools


Boys.


2


2


162


In private schools


Boys


1


4


5


Girls


2


3


1


6


Not in School


Boys


8


8


Girls


6


3


9


The attendance averages, taken in connection with the lists of pupils of perfect attendance record, raise interesting questions. Such printed lists may easily overstimulate the pupils who need that least, so that they may wish to attend when not physically fit; but they show tendencies of the whole group of pupils. Why, for example, in a year interrupted by no epidemic should the attendance by grades be poorer than in the preceding year? or why are there fewer individuals in the upper grades to make perfect records, when they might be expected to be less affected than the beginners by weather or illness? The best average attendance appears to be at about Grade VI; and in the individual records no grade appears better than II. Should not the Town's generous provision of transportation insure better general attendance? Do the homes help as much as they can in securing habits of regular and punctual attendance? Do our pupils make a business of their school as they would if it were labor for pay? May we not see a greater proportion of those perfect in attendance this fall when next year's list is published and a larger number for the second half than last year showed?




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