USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 11
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Good schools well paid for is the best possible investment, and the nation's greatest asset; but money invested in poor schools is poor economy. The highest duty of our present day citizens is the fulfillment of their obligation to the coming gen- eration.
HIGH SCHOOL.
We are very glad to highly commend the work of our high school. It is being managed and carried on in a harmonious and effective manner. The school still lacks one very essential characteristic. The required work that must be done in a four- year high school course cannot be done in the few hours of the daily session. High school students in order to fit for College or for any advanced work in life, must give much time to thorough study and school work outside of the school sessions.
Parents and students should realize that indifference to study must mean a very inadequate preparation for the duties of life. Pupils who really study and give close attention to their school work will receive a good training in the school; but the indifferent, though they may be graduated, will be poorly pre- pared for future opportunities. Real success in life is never at- tained without hard work.
The true test of the value of any school is the successful achievement of those who have gone forth from that school.
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Following the records of success of those who have gone forth from the school for the past twenty years is interesting.
During the past fifteen years, the number of graduates from the Mendon High School has been eighty-six. Of this number 39 have gone on in schools of higher learning, 11 entered college, 11 Normal school and seventeen Business or short course schools. Of the number of graduates 48 have attained what may be con- sidered marked success in various lines of life's activities. From investigation it is very probable that these would not have been as successful if they had not attended high school. On the whole those who did well enough in the High School so that they could go on with higher education, have achieved much more than those who did not.
The reader's attention is called to the special report of the principal of the High School.
The maintaining of the Mendon High School will continue to be a real problem, more so in the future than in the past, be- cause of financial conditions and greater educational demands.
The school is much favored in having its present staff of teachers, but there is no certainty that we can thus be favored in the future. Even if we pay good salaries, which we must do, strong .ambitious teachers prefer to be connected with a larger school with larger opportunities. A small enterprise whether it be a school, or a social, or industrial undertaking has a hard time to exist in these modern days.
If the town continues to maintain a Senior High School, we urge most strongly that it strive to have a school worth while, and be willing to pay the cost.
A good High School, though it be small, is an asset to any town, but a poor school is little credit and expensive at any cost.
A successful school depends upon the help of pupils and parents as well as teachers. Loyalty to one's town and its inter- ests is a mark of good citizenship. Exaggerated reports and gossip of the mistakes of a school are much more injurious than helpful.
The graduation exercises of the high school held in the Unitarian church last June were especially good and deserve
57
commendation. The program is given in another part of the report.
HEALTH.
A careful examination of all the Center School children was given by the school physician and reports made. Several parents were notified of treatment necessary for the improve- ment of the health of their children. Training in "Health Keeping" is of first importance in education. A report of the particulars of the work of the school nurse is given. The fol- low-up work which the school nurse can do at the homes with the parents is valuable. She can assist greatly in getting parents to receive for their children the advantages, offered by hospitals clinics, etc. For a large part of the year the children who could not go to the private dentist, received help from the dental clinic in Milford. We thank the Red Cross Society, The Dis- trict Nursing Association and the private individuals who have assisted in the health work of the schools. All school children of the town have complied with the law governing vaccination.
BOOKS.
Some new books have been purchased during the past year. The schools have been and still are quite destitute of books. The schools had but few singing books except some old ones borrowed from another town. Recently one school has been provided with new singing books. The others should have this advantage soon.
At the present writing the schools are without text books for teaching that important subject Hygiene and Health. It has been a great loss that the schools have been without these for some years. A vote was passed at the last meeting of the school committee to buy new Hygiene and Physiology books for one school where most needed. Such books should very soon be pro- vided the other schools.
We are striving for the least expenditure for all equipment so that all available funds can go for that which is most essen- tial-the teaching service.
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A larger expenditure will have to be made for books this coming year. In spite of all our caution and admonitions, school books receive very rough usage, and many of the books are badly worn, especially in the High School.
The public library is one of the most potent factors in the education of the general public, and a valuable auxiliary to the schools. The schools should take advantage of the library, but since our Mendon library is not open any time during the school week, it is not as convenient for the school pupils to make use of the library in connection with their school work. If the library could be open, at least one evening during the school week, we believe it would be of great advantage. We urge and request the trustees to consider opening the library on one other evening of the week, perhaps Tuesday evening.
BUILDINGS.
Only a few repairs have been made on the school buildings during the past year, except on the Albeeville building. A little new equipment has been provided in the Center building. An electric water pump and bubblers have been installed. This has greatly improved the conditions for drinking water. The new pump was indispensable, for, the old hand pump was com- pletely worn out, and the bubblers are a modern necessity. When the pump was installed, electric lights were put in the basement and school committee room. An electric light in the hall and an outside gong are much needed.
This room has also been furnished with some necessary equipment for a teachers' rest room and a health emergency room. This was made possible through the beneficence of a fund left by Mrs. Harriott Darling. A porcelain water bowl and water connections were provided. A medicine chest, a first aid kit, an electric stove, a plain rattan couch and a chair have been purchased. Some of these articles are a most necessary equip- ment for every school building, for use especially in cases of in- jury and· sickness.
During cold weather there is much difficulty in heating the
59
Center building. In fact it cannot be properly heated though a large quantity of coal is consumed. In its present condition, we do not believe the building could be heated with any kind of a heating apparatus.
It is the opinion of the writer after careful investigation and study that it is not the fault of the hot air furnaces nor the opera- tion of them.
The steam heating plant needs some repairs, and more steam pipes for the auxiliary heating near the outside walls would help.
The difficulty of heating the building is caused by having too much cold out-door air to heat. The building sits in a very pleasant, but windy location, and the building is so loosely constructed that on windy days cold air pours in from many quarters, especially around the blackboards.
We believe that the walls under the blackboards should be plastered. This would keep out much cold air. Also there are some air ducts that should be closed, and the loose fittings around the windows should be tightened.
We recommend and urge that an appropriation be made at the coming annual meeting so that these repairs can be made during the next summer vacation.
The smoke dampers lacking for a long time have been re- cently put in. These will help in heating as well as being a sav- ing in coal.
The entire building will have to be shingled before long.
The interior of the whole building is much in need of re- finishing by tinting and varnishing. It could be done one or two rooms a year, or, better, an appropriation be made to have it all done at once.
The funds voted for the purpose were expended for the much needed repairs of the Albeeville building. A new beaver board ceiling, was put up, patching of some wall plastering and painting the interior, was done. Also new stove pipe was put up.
The school room is still without any suitable blackboards and window shades. These certainly should be put in as soon as possible. A new stove will be needed before long.
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Minor repairs of the injuries done by a dog to the interior of the East Mendon school building have been made. The interior of this school room is very dingy. It should be retinted and brightened. This is a very neat and convenient building, and should be kept in an attractive condition. The educational in- fluences of an attractive building are much better than a dingy room. There is also much difficulty in cold weather in heating the building.
Economy in every way is urged. especially in the use of books, supplies, coal, etc. Transportation is ever a problem and will continue to be more so as the difficulties of transportation increase, and as the valuable exercise of walking becomes less and less popular.
The attention of parents is called to the following facts of the state laws governing school attendance.
Every child from seven to fourteen years of age unless he is physically or mentally unfit, and until he is sixteen years of age unless he has completed the sixth grade, shall attend school all the time it is in session. Every child from fourteen to sixteen years of age shall attend school unless such child has received an employment certificate and is regularly employed according to law for at least six hours a day.
If a child fails to attend school according to law for seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions, the child shall be con- sidered an habitual truant and may be sent to a truant school.
If a parent or guardian fails to cause the child under his charge to attend school according to law, he shall be fined not over twenty dollars for each offense.
An important regulation of the school department is that no child can enter the school for the first time unless such child shall become six years of age on or before January first of the year following the fall term when he wishes to enter school. (For entrance to school this coming fall term, a child must be six years of age on or before January 1, 1923.)
An examination of the Table of Statistics will show the difference between the cost of school expenditures per pupil for Mendon, the towns of in group III and the State. It can also
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be seen that the cost on $1,000 valuation is above the average. This is off set by the amount of state reimbursement which is twice the average for the state.
The purpose of the law which divides among the towns The General School Fund and other funds from the state treasury is to give better educational advantages to the children of towns of small valuation. The present law which requires towns to vote an appropriation to cover all school expenses regardless of in- come from the state department is very likely to give a wrong impression of the actual cost of schools to the town. If a town votes an appropriation of $15,000 and $5,000 is reimbursed from the state, the actual amount the town will have to raise by taxa- tion for the schools will be only $10,000.
One of the most important events to the schools of Mendon during the past year was the retirement from active service of Miss Mary Dudley after forty years of teaching service in the town, most of that time in one school room.
Her's was a rare service of a long time in one town. Her loyal devotion to her work, her large talent and skill in teaching and tireless energy were always given willingly without reserve.
Miss Dudley's patience and perseverence and remarkable interest in the welfare of each individual child is well known by the large number of persons who have been pupils in her school, many of whom are now parents with their children in the long list of pupils who have been so tenderly initiated into the mysteries of school life, instructed, guided and inspired to a life of usefulness.
Though Miss Dudley taught all these years when teachers' salaries were meager, her noble service is not without reward. This reward comes in the satisfaction of knowing the success and honor in life's achievement, and in the grateful remembrance of many pupils whom she has trained, and worked with and hoped for.
The schools of Mendon meet with a great loss in the retire- ment of Miss Dudley, but her former pupils and many friends wish her the highest pleasure in her well earned vacation.
Considered from all viewpoints, our schools are doing very
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good work in the common branches taught, and it is most wise and profitable to have this continued.
The friendship and help which the public is giving the schools is much appreciated. The attendance of the people at the schools' public functions, the reception tendered the teachers and other favors shown is of much assistance to the schools in bringing about that which is most essential-a better understand- ing and relation between schools and parents and the public m general.
A better acquaintance of the daily work of the schools by the towns people is needed. Parents are most welcome to visit schools any day, and are especially urged to come on "Parents' Days."
During the year a few teachers' meetings have been held which have been devoted to a discussion of methods and interests of teaching.
The superintendent of schools wishes to take this opportun- ity to thank the teachers, school committee and townspeople for their loyalty and kind assistance in that most interesting, im- portant and far reaching undertaking, the educating of the ris- ing generation.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
MENDON, MASSACHUSETTS.
I herewith submit my first annual report as Principal of Mendon High School.
The school opened September sixth with an enrollment of 20 which has since been increased to 25. The school is divided into classes as follows: 7 Seniors, 2 Juniors, 8 Sophomores and 8 Freshmen. There are 9 girls and 16 boys which is an unusu- ally large proportion of boys.
The scholarship is not what we would like to have it. The students do not seem to realize the importance of their work and the necessity of outside study. The High School with its one session does not offer sufficient time for study and I would ask the parents to cooperate with me to improve this condition.
The school discipline has been very good and the Principal here wishes to thank the students for their hearty cooperation.
The High School session starts at 8 o'clock and closes at 12.45, but because of the car service some do not arrive until 8.35 while others must be dismissed at 12.35. This is not a very sat- isfactory condition but as yet no other plan seems advisable.
The High School offers the General College Preparatory course. This will not only prepare the student for higher train- ing but also to handle the problems of daily life. The Science Department is handicapped by insufficient equipment but by adding a little each year and caring for it this can be remedied. There are many text books that are worn out and should be re- placed.
The Principal has heard some rumors about the closing of
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the High School. If any such action should be taken the Principal would suggest the following plan.
The High School students of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years could be sent to a nearby High School. There they would have the opportunities offered by a larger school. This would also give them the advantages of a commercial course.
The eighth grade could be combined with the first year of the High School and a strong teacher hired to teach them and act as Principal of the school. This plan would give greater advantages to the grades and would prepare the student to carry on his work on an equal footing with the students of a larger school. This would also relieve the overcrowded condition in the lower grades.
Such a change could be made with a saving of money to the town and would give greater opportunities to the student. The State Supervisor of Schools has suggested such a course.
The Principal wishes to thank the teachers of the school and the school committee for their hearty cooperation and wishes to extend an invitation to visit the school.
Respectfully submitted, AUGUST H. WIGREN,
Principal Mendon High School.
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Graduation Exercises of the MENDON HIGH SCHOOL At the Unitarian Church Friday Evening, June 24, 1921, at 8 O'Clock
March
Mrs. Gertrude Arey.
Invocation
Rev. John N. Mark
Song, Away to the Woods
School
Salutatory Essay
Phyllis G. Whiting
Song, 'Tis Morn
School
Essay, The Need of a Commercial Course in High School Nellie G. Tucker
Essay, Class History, Prophecy and Will Lillian M. Metcalf
Song, Song of Spring
Girls' Glee Club
Essay, Industrial Paralysis of Europe
Aldo A. Sabatinelli
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Address
Carroll H. Drown, Superintendent
Cornet Solo
William Irons
Valedictory Essay
Marion D. Bartlett
Presentation of Diplomas
Sumner Coleman, Chairman of School Committee
Song, Song of the Leaves
School
March
Mrs. Gertrude Arey
CLASS OF 1921.
Marion Delvina Bartlett
Lillian May Metcalf
Aldo A. Sabatinelli
Nellie Geneva Tucker
Phyllis G. Whiting
Class President, Marion D. Bartlett. Class Secretary, Lillian M. Metcalf.
Class Color-Nile Green Class Flower-Pink Carnation Class Motto-Onward Is Our Aim
Percy A. Robbins, Principal Iva L. Higgins, Ass't. Principal Carroll H. Drown, Superintendent Music under direction of Miss Evelyn Raymond
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MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
Dear Sir.
In response to your request I am sending you a report of my work as Supervisor of Music in the Mendon Schools.
The ultimate end of public school music is to create within the children a sincere love for music and the ability to distinguish between the good and the bad.
When a child first comes to school he has generally heard very little music, and that not always the best. He is likely not equipped with a music vocabulary such as the speaking one which he has when he enters the first grade. Therefore, we must pro- vide him with a vocabulary upon which to base his future knowledge of music.
In the first grade the children are given quantities of beau- tiful rote songs and some singing games to develope a sense of rythm. Much work is done with the so-called "tone deaf" or monotones and by the time the third grade is reached there should be no monotones left.
In the second grade the children are taught to read from the printed page the songs which they have already learned and similar new songs.
From the third grade through the seventh, the children are taught the fundamental principles of music in systematic order. Much attention is given to good tone production. The children should know when they are singing with good tones and when they are not.
One set of the New Progressive Music Series has been placed in the intermediate grades and eventually I hope to have a set of this very thorough and logical method of music reading in every school room.
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Some work is given in music appreciation in every grade. This phase of music study is a part of the every day lesson. In addition to the regular voice work I am endeavoring to organize an orchestra in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. This team work will be invaluable to the boys and girls.
The work of the High School has pleased me very much since I have come to Mendon. Although the number of pupils is so small, the spirit manifested is one of cooperation and in- terest.
The work so far has consisted of chorus singing. We need a new piano very much. The present one is in very bad condi- tion which is unfortunate for any chorus.
I wish to thank the superintendent, school committee, and teachers for their hearty cooperation and interest in my work.
Respectfully submitted, BEULAH C. THOMPSON,
Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-
I have the honor to submit the annual report of School Nursing for the year ending December 31, 1921.
No. children examined with Dr. Campbell 75
Result as follows :
Diseased Tonsils and Adenoids 11
Diseased Teeth 30
Enlarged Cervical Glands 3
Anemia 3
St. Vitus Dance
1
Defective Vision
4
No. children examined by Nurse 141
Corrections up to date :
Diseased Teeth 20
Defective Vision 2
No. under treatment :
Enlarged Cervical Glands
3
St. Vitus Dance
1
Anemia 2
50 home visits have been made to secure the parents' co- operation in correction of physical defects.
All schools have been visited every week when possible and various means used to stimulate the child's interest to better health.
Talks to pupils have been given on mouth hygiene, care of the teeth, skin, importance of fresh air and exercise, proper diet, clothing, etc.
Weighing and measuring of the children has also been done
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with the result that there are less children under weight this year as compared with the previous one.
Hot lunches are still being served at Albeeville with much success. I am in hopes that in a short time we can have them at the Center School as there are so many children who have to consume a cold lunch.
I should like to recommend here, if it could possibly be ar- ranged, that physical training be added to the school curriculum as it would be of great value in helping to correct the poor pos- tures so numerous and apparent among our school children.
At this time, I wish to thank the school committee, parents, teachers and citizens who have so liberally helped to make this year a success.
Respectfully submitted,
FANNIE S. BUCK, R. N.
School Nurse.
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS.
Number of pupils enrolled in the schools 187
Number of pupils examined 187
Number of pupils found defective in eyesight 7
Number of pupils found defective in hearing 2
Number of parents or guardians notified 8
Per cent of pupils examined found defective 4
1
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PUBLIC SCHOOL PRE-MEMORIAL EXERCISES TOWN HALL 1.45.
1. Pledge to the Flag, School Song, America
2. Gettysburg Address Aldo Sabatinelli
3. The Blue and the Gray 3rd, 4th, 5th Grades
4. Song, Memorial Day First Grade 5. Memory Day First Grade Girls
6. My Father's Unknown Grave Carrie Miller
7. Great Men Clayton Brown
8. Song, God Save Our Country's Flag Grammar School
9. Soldier Boys 1st and 2nd Grades
10. Recitation Six Little Girls
11. You Put No Flowers on My Papa's Grave .. Anna Bartlett
11. Song, Cover Them Over High School
13. The Blue and the Gray in France Three Boys
14. My Own United States Jesse White
15. Strewing Flowers Mary Russo
16. Song, Battle Hymn of the Republic School
17. Britannia to Columbia Alba Sabatinelli
18. Our Starry Flag Second Grade Girls
19. Song, Our Flag Intermediate Room
20. The One Flag Helga Carlstrom
21. Little Patriots Four Boys
22. How the Constitution Saved the Nation .. Grammar School
23. Address Major Pond 24. The Star Spangled Banner All
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY GRADES JANUARY 1, BY AGES APRIL 1, 1922.
Ages
5 1/2
6) 7] 8 9|10|11|12 |13
14 15 16 17 18 19 |Boys
No. of No. of Girls
Total
Grade
10|11 |2 9 11 1 9
7372
1476 1 6
3
15
6
21
VI
9
1375 7 1
1423
22
4
7
11
Elementary Totals
10 21 23 19 18 20 16 20
4
80
81
161
High
Freshmen
1
2
3
1
7
8
Sophomore
6
4
4
8
1
2
2
4
3
7
Totals for High
1
2 5|13
2
2
9
16
25
Totals
10|21 23 19 18 20 16 21 12
9 13
2 2
89
97
186
I
10
13
23
11
17
28
III
11
6
17
IV
1
10
11
21
V
11
14
25
VII
6
8
7
15
VIII
221
2
2
Junior Senior
II
6
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town appropriates $15,000.00 the actual cost of schools to the town would be about $10,000.00. The receipts of the town from the state in behalf of the schools for the coming year should be nearly $5,000.00. If the
Average for State
Group III
small
Average for towns
in
of
$57.20
$58.44
$50.42}
100
$50.01|
$49.87
$36.89
-
82|
$5.72|
$7.33
$8.09|
51|
-
$45.10|
$25.51
$15.73|
$6.24
$6.83|
$12.72
$106.35
$120.12
$99.06
Total expenditure for schools per pupil in average member- ship.
Rank in Group III.
Expenditure from local taxa- tion per pupil in average membership.
Rank in Group III.
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