USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 17
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We can fully appreciate why towns with financial conditions like Mendon feel that the raising of school appropriations is a burden. The provision of state aid is intended as a partial re- lief from this burden. The financial statement of this school
76
report shows that the receipts from the state for school support amounts to one third, or more, of the necessary total appropria- tion. Hence the town must raise by direct taxation less than two thirds of the total amount needed.
As the cost of living is not lowering and capable teachers of experience are still scarce, teachers' salaries cannot be low- ered. Hence, if there is to be any cut in school expenses it must be outside of wages.
The following shows how the dollar of the Mendon school appropriation was expended during the last school year :-
Teachers' salaries
$ .604
Books
.031
Supplies .024
Care of Buildings .056
Fuel
.054
Repairs
.0615
Health
.009
Transportation
.076
Supervision
.075
School Committee .0009
Miscellaneous
.0086
$1.00
The following is a list of a few towns of the state, includ- ing Mendon, as arranged in order in the last report of State De- partment of education. This shows the amount expended for teachers' salaries by each of these towns.
I
77
Amount Paid
Number
Name of Town
Population
for Teachers' Salaries
212
Oak Bluffs
1,047
$12,746.50
213
Orleans
1,012
11,997.84
214
New Marlborough
1,010
9,900.00
215
Conway
961
8,820.50
216
Mendon
961
8,674.50
217
Topsfield
900
12,596.00
218
Carver
891
10,533.89
219
Ashfiefild
869
10,876.93
220
Dover
867
13,183.00
AVERAGE SALARY OF TEACHERS FOR YEAR (1923)
Cities of Group I
$1,805 00
Large Towns of Group II
1,472 00
Small Towns of Group III
1,242 00
(Mendon is in Group III)
The operation of the law of State Aid has tended to cause an increase of teachers' salaries in small towns. The increase in the towns of Group III from 1920-1923 was 27.1 per cent.
The schools have worked very harmoniously and successfully during the past year. This fortunate condition is due largely to the character of our teaching force . One great advantage is that there were but two changes in teachers during the year. Con- tinuous service of successful teachers always gives the best results. Also another favorable condition for good school work has been the delightful weather and little sickness thus far this fall and winter. If all these favorable conditions continue throughout this school year our classes will be well advanced at the close. We have reason to be proud of the present achievement of our schools, and ought to appreciate our good fortune in having such a strong corps of teachers.
78
A standard of attainment in examinations for graduation from the eight Elementary grades has been set and it should be maintained. It is a grave mistake for parents to insist that their children be promoted or graduated unless they are prepared in mental training and development to do the advanced work with some degree of success. None should be debarred from the op- portunities of a High School, but a pupil cannot receive much benefit from the advanecd work of a High School unless he has some preparation in the essential fundamentals.
A program of the Eighth Grade Graduation held in the town hall last June is given in another part of this report. The Pre- memorial program will indicate that we are still trying to help the children to remember and appreciate the noble service of our war heroes, living and dead.
On account of the crowded condition of our school rooms in the Center building, and the large per capita cost of our small High School; and acting upon the recommendation of the State Supervisor of High Schools, an article was inserted in the town meeting warrant to see if the voters would favor the school com- mittee arranging to send the third and fourth year pupils to some nearby High School, and put the seventh and eighth grades and the first and second year High pupils together to make what might be termed a "Junior High School." This plan seemed to have some advantages for Mendon at the present time. At the town meeting the proposition was voted down in no uncertain voice.
This vote must indicate that the taxpayers of the town are ready to appropriate sufficient funds for our High School though the cost per pupil will be high.
If we are to maintain a High School, we should try to have the best possible; and the work should compare favorably with other high schools about us. The school committee has acted upon this sound policy and should continue to do so. Larger salaries in the High School for the coming year may be necessary.
The spirit of the High School toward work is much better than it sometimes has been. That wrong impression that a High School education can be obtained without any or much study out-
79
side the hours of our short school day is still too strong. In many towns and cities the High School day has been lengthened thus giving more time for supervised study during school hours. If the session of the Mendon High School day is to remain as short as it is now, pupils must devote a part of the afternoon and the evening to the preparation of lessons.
A well prepared class will be graduated next June. There is talent in the class that ought to be developed in institutions of higher learning. The members should go on with their school education after graduating from Mendon. Not all High School graduates should go to college, but more of our graduates should enter college than there have in previous years.
The class is planning the innovation of that pleasant trip to our Nation's capital. There is one danger involved in this plan against which we should guard. The financing of this trip must be so managed that the raising of the necessary funds will not become an irksome burden upon the public. The school may well give entertainments by which funds can be raised. These entertainments and other functions should be of such a nature as to show the talent and good work of the school, and be a credit to it, well worth the price of admission and worthy of the pat- ronage of the public. The "Help us out" spirit should not be manifest.
The school superintendent has several times been asked why Mendon does not give the same opportunities of instruction in Drawing, Manual Training, Household Arts and kindred sub- jects as are given in other towns and cities. The only answer that can be given is the lack of ability to meet the cost.
On account of the opportunities given in country home life, school instruction in some of these subjects is not as essential in Mendon as in most cities and large towns. The need of instruc- tion in Household Arts which is so valuable to all girls is par- tially met by the Junior Extension Club work.
Training in Freehand Drawing is valuable and essential to all pupils, and it would be well if a special instructor in this sub- ject should be provided. We urge consideration of supplying this need.
80
During the summer the interior of the Center building was refinished by calcimining and varnishing. This improvement for better light, neatness and attractiveness was much needed. This ought to be appreciated and kept neat by the pupils. The wood work in the East building was also varnished. New grates had to be put into the furnaces.
The following are repairs and improvements that should be made this coming year :-
1. Curtains and more black board in Albeeville.
2. Slight repairs on the out buildings in East Mendon.
3. Double windows for the West side of the Center Build- ing.
4. A storm protection for the North door of the Center Building.
5. A few new chairs for the High School.
6. A few loads of gravel in front of the East Building .- Important.
The double windows and the storm protection will be an especially good investment, for, they will not only give comfort in cold weather, but will make a great saving in fuel. It is im- possible to keep the building comfortable now on cold, windy days.
An especial appropriation for these repairs should be made, or a sufficient amount provided in the general school appropria- tion, so that it will not be necessary to draw from the needed amount for current school expenses.
Before many seasons pass all the school buildings must be painted outside.
A number of new readers, a few new geographies and hygiene books have been furnished this past year. Also all the schools but one are now provided with new singing books. More singing books, geographies, arithmetics and readers are needed this com- ing year.
81
Again we say school books are often carelessly used and the natural wear is great. These conditions make new books a con- tinual necessity.
Laboratory equipment for the High School is much needed.
Under the careful supervision of the school committee every dollar of the school appropriation has been expended for the best possible results to the schools.
The usual health work by the school physician and nurse has been carried on in the schools. See special reports.
There are a few needs that schools have in order to rank as the best.
(1). Well trained, experienced, loyal spirited, satisfied teachers.
(2). Co-operating, helpful, loyal supporting parents who are not prone to damaging criticism.
(3). Adequate, comfortable, well equipped school build- ings.
(4). Good play grounds with some play apparatus.
(5). "Healthy, happy well trained children from the stand- point of home training as well as deportment at school, regular in attendance."
All of these needs are partially met in our schools and some quite fully. Let us continue to meet these needs so that Mendon Children shall have large advantages for an education.
The superintendent is gratefully appreciative of all for their assistance in our efforts for a successful school year.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my second annual report as Principal of Mendon High School.
The school opened the tenth of September with a total en- rollment of 28. There are now 10 girls and 16 boys.
The attendance has been much better than last year. For the first four months it has averaged 96.45 per cent. This is probably due mainly to the fact that the weather has been much better than during the corresponding period last year.
The teachers feel that although the attitude in regard to school work is not so good as they would have it, it is however gradually improving. The time devoted to outside study is also increasing.
New Texts have been added in Physics and Latin. The fact that all of the freshmen are taking Latin and four of the sopho- mores are continuing it is particularly encouraging.
The school this year is conducting more social affairs than last year, which help to a large extent in furthering the school spirit, which, on account of the small size of the school, cannot be done with athletics. The one hour a week devoted to singing under the direction of the music teacher, as well as being a period of enjoyment, is beneficial. Here again the school works as a whole and as such a unit is producing worth while results.
We have held several fire drills, and the fact that a total of 147 pupils leave the building in an orderly manner, and are al-
83
ways back in their seats in less than three minutes is especially commendable.
The Principal feels that the town is fortunate in having very efficient teachers throughout the building. And he wishes hereby to thank these teachers together with the superintendent, school board, parents and scholars for their support and co- operation.
Respectfully submitted,
OSCAR L. GARLAND,
Principal.
84
Graduation Exercises of the MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
At the Unitarian Church
Friday Evening, June 22, 1923, at 8 O'Clock
PROGRAM.
Song-High School March
School.
Invocation
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
Song-Selected
Mr. Sampson.
Essay,-Some Engineering Projects of the United States George Leslie Hamant.
Song-Down the Dewy Dell
School.
85
Address
Mr. Harry E. Gardner, State Department of Education.
Song-Blue Danube Waltz
School.
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. George H. Pickard, Chairman of School Committee.
Benediction
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
Graduate
George Leslie Hamant.
86
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-
I herewith submit the annual report of School Nursing for the year ending December 31, 1923.
Number of children examined with Dr. Campbell 168
Number with defective teeth 47
Number with enlarged tonsils and adenoids 15
Number with aenemia 7
Number with malnutrition 11
Number with strabismus
Number of children inspected from week to week by nurse 1 395
Defects corrected :
Teeth 26
Eyes 4
Home visits made 72
Home visiting means calling on parents in regard to the cor- rection of physical defects or giving advice or suggestions as to some condition found in a child while visiting the schools.
Center and East Mendon Schools visited every week. Albee- ville when traveling permitted. Health talks, stories and health games are used to stimulate the child's interest toward better health.
The children at the Center School have all been weighed and measured a number of times. There are less underweight.
The fine spirit of co-operation manifested by most of the pupils and the results seen as the nurse goes into a classroom is proof enough of the value of her work to the children.
I wish to thank all who have in any way helped to make this year a success.
Respectfully submitted,
FANNY S. BUCK, R. N. HELEN C. GRADY, R. N.
! 1
87
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Milford, Mass., Jan. 22, 1924.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I hereby submit my annual report as Supervisor of Music in Mendon Public Schools.
Much the same plan of work has been carried on this past year, beginning with rote singing in Grades I and II ; more rote singing in Grade III with an introduction to staff notation, keys, rhythm, etc. ; more advanced study of above named and the intro- duction of 2 part singing in Grades IV and V; with the further study and development of all these things in the Grammar grades.
A set of Progressive Book III has been placed in the Gram- mar school room which makes a complete set of Progressive Books in each grade.
A set of the Progressive one-book course was placed in the Albeeville School this year which is especially arranged for un- graded schools. These books are greatly appreciated by the boys and girls and I feel sure that they will do very good work.
More material is needed for the High School chorus. The young people are doing fine work but there is very little incentive to sing when the same material must be used over and over. Some new choruses would be very much appreciated by all concerned.
Last spring a small orchestra was formed in the Grammar school in which the boys and girls took a great interest. The people of Mendon had several opportunities to hear them play
88
and I'm sure they feel, with me, that it is a worthwhile undertak- ing.
Much of the success of the music work in Mendon is due to the splendid co-operation of the teachers. I wish to express my appreciation to them, as well as to the Committee and Superin- tendent for their helpfulness to me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
BEULAH C. THOMPSON,
Supervisor of Music.
89
GRADUATION PROGRAM MENDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CLASS OF 1923
Selection
School Orchestra.
Invocation
Rev. Rose.
Friendship
Tony Pettinelli.
Our Native Spring Flowers
Olive Hamant.
Song-Duet
Marie Perron and Tony Pettinelli.
The Iron Industry
Arthur Grytzell.
Spring Time
Elmira York.
Why Boys and Girls Should Go to School
Lillian Sawyer.
Marching Song
School.
90
The Growth of Our Country
Cecile Lamothe.
Baseball
Harold Carlstrom.
Radio
Frances Coffin.
Song-Duet
Marie Perron and Tony Pettinelli.
Our Native Birds
Lucille Martin.
The Great Wall of China
Marie Perron.
The Boy Scouts
Ralph Coffin.
Presentation of Diplomas
George Pickard.
Class Song
Presentation of $5 gold piece as prize for best work done in school year to
Anna Hoberg, 7th grade.
Benediction
Rev. Rose.
91
MENDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATES.
Marie Virginia Perron
Tony Pettinelli
Elmira Sybil York
Cecile Rosanna Lamothe
Lucille Martin
Harold Carlstrom
Grace Katherine Taft
Arthur D. Grytzell
Frances T. Coffin
Albina S. Majewsha
Wilfred Taylor
Olive M. Hamant
Lillian F. Soszynska
Ralph W. Coffin, Jr.
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS.
Number of pupils examined 201
Number found defective in eyesight 15
Number found defective in hearing 2
Number of parents or guardians notified 14
92
PRE-MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM MENDON SCHOOLS, 1923 In Mendon Town Hall
Invocation
Mr. Wintersteen.
Salute to the Flag
All Schools.
Song-America the Beautiful
All Schools.
Recitation
William Battis.
Song-Honor to Our Heroes
High School.
The Gettysburg Address
Leslie Hamant.
Selection
School Orchestra.
Recitation
Floyd Darling.
Song-Flag of the Free
Boys of the Intermediate School.
Song-Our Flag
Five Pupils of the Primary School.
The Blue and the Gray
Sixth Grade, Grammar School.
93
Song-Memorial Day
Grammar School.
Recitation-Memorial Day
Seven Girls of the Intermediate School.
Song-In Memory of the Soldiers
Grammar School.
Recitation-A Tribute
Beatrice Sheldon.
Recitation-The Palmetto and the Pine
Dorothy Goodnow.
Song-Memorial Day First and Second Grades.
Song-The Battle Cry of Freedom
High School.
Rat-ta-tat of the Drums
Austin Taft, Harold Smith, Walter Johnson.
Song-Sweet Starry Flag
Intermediate School.
Remarks
Mr. Gaskill.
Short Address
Mr. Wintersteen.
Song-The Star Spangled Banner
All.
Benediction
Mr. Wintersteen.
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ENROLLMENT BY GRADES JANUARY 1, 1924 AND BY AGES APRIL 1, 1924
Age
CO
7
00
9
10
11
12
13| 14|
15|
16|
17
18[ 19{
Tot.
BOYS
Grade
1
10
63
2351
2332
132
1231
1124
00 00 00 00
V
14
VII
9
VIII
Elementary Totals
10
9
11
10
6
7
00
12
83
High
3
131
31
1
1
1
4633
Totals for High
3
10
4
1|
2|
1
16
Total Boys
10
9
11
10|
6| 7 7 6
8
12
11|
7 4 1 4 1
2 2
1
99
GIRLS
Grade
8
I
CO
111
1172
3352
2452
1143
23218
12215
122
1
1
Elementary Totals
6
3
11
13
13
9
11
20
1
1
High
1
2
13
1
1
XI
1
XII
Totals for High
1
2
4
1
1
1
10
Total Girls
6
3
11
13
13
9
8
12 24
7
5
2
1
1
.
Grand Totals
16
12
22
23
29
16|
16
18
12
6
2
00
11
190
II
III
IV
VI
2
4
3238
112
IX
X
XI
XII
5
II
13
III
15
V
10
VI
NOO
VII
10
VIII
81
IX
5
X
1
91
IV
4
11
8
18
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1922-1923.
Schools
Boys
Girls
Non-Resident
Aggregate
Attendance
Average
Average
Membership
Boys
Girls
5 to 7 Years of Age No. of Pupils
7 to 14 Years of Age No. of Pupils
14 to 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Over 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Having Perfect Attendance
Per Cent of Attendance
Centre
High
23
13
10
3770
20.16
21.99
22
12
10
00
0
12
10
91.22
Grades 6, 7, 8
43
25|
00
6100
36.85
39.68
42
24
18
40
2
0
92.87
Grades 3, 4, 5
53
19
34
7027.5
42.32
45.71
44
17
27
0
43
1
0
92.58
Grades 1, 2
30
14
9
3995
26.13
27.11
25
11
14
6
19
0
0
96.38
East Building
Grades 1 to 8
32
23
9
7
3192
19.11
20.57
23
17
9
1
20
2
0
1
92.90
Albeeville
Grades 1 to 8
27
14
13
0
3653
21.61
25.06
26
13
13
0
22
2
2
0
86.23
Total
208
108
100
20
27737.5
166.18
180.12
182
94
88
7
144
19
12
1
92.26
95
Total Enrollment
Total No. of Pupils Not Enrolled in Any Other Town in State
Daily Attendance
No. of Pupils
0000
9600
96
TOWN WARRANT
Worcester, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Mendon in the County of Worcester,
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Mendon, qualified to vote in Elections and in Town Affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Mendon, on the third day of March, 1924, punctually, at 9 o'clock, A. M., to act on the following articles, viz. :
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meet- ing
Article 2. To bring in their ballots for the following offi- cers : A Town Clerk for 1 year ; Three Selectmen for 1 year ; One Assessor for 3 years; Three Overseers of the Poor for 1 year ; Town Treasurer for 1 year; Collector of Taxes for 1 year; Auditor for 1 year; One Constable for 1 year ; Tree Warden for 1 year; One Trustee of Taft Public Library for 2 years; One School Committee for 3 years; One Park Commis- sioner for 3 years ; also to bring in their votes "Yes" or "No" in answer to the question: "Shall license be granted for the sale of certain non-intoxicating beverages in this town?"
Article 3. To hear the reports of the several town officers and committees, and act thereon.
Article 4. To choose all necessary town officers for the en- suing year.
97
Article 5. To raise such sums as are necessary to pay town charges and make appropriations for same.
Article 6. To see what measures the Town will adopt to secure the speedy collection of taxes.
Article 7. To see if the Town will authorize its Treasurer to hire money, and to what amount, to pay current expenses for the financial year commencing January 1, 1924 in anticipation of revenue.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money for Memorial Day services, and ap- point a committee to expend the same.
Article 9. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for care and improvement in the Old Cemetery, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 10. To see if the Town will make and establish a by-law or by-laws providing for the appointment and duties of an appropriation, advisory or finance department as required by Chapter 388 of the Acts of 1923.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money for the improvement and repair of highways to be expended under direction of Massachusetts High- way Commission as provided by Chapter 81 of the General Acts of 1921, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $200 to pay the salary of a School Nurse, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate any sum of money to be expended on the Highways provided the State and County will contribute for the same.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to change the name of any street already named or take any action in relation thereto.
98
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to place signs designating the names of all streets in the Town, appropriate any sum of money therefor, or act in any way relating thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to build new bridges over Mill River on Hartford Avenue and on Bellingham streets, raise any sum of money therefor or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary of any town officers.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up an attested copy thereof at the Post Office in said Mendon, and causing a copy of the same to be published one time in one of the daily papers, published in Milford, Mass., both said posting and publication to be at least seven days before the time of the meet- ing hereby ordered to be held.
Hereof, fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Selectmen and Town Clerk, before the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Mendon, this Twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-four.
FRANKLIN E. GOODNOW, CARL M. TAFT, P. JOHN HOBERG,
Selectmen of Mendon.
A true copy, attest :
ARTHUR E. BROWN,
Constable of Mendon.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE VARIOUS
BOARDS OF TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON
INCLUDING THE REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE
Municipal Year Ending December 31, 1924 258TH ANNUAL REPORT.
MILFORD, MASS. THE CHARLESCRAFT PRESS, PRINTERS. 1925.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The undersigned Treasurer of the Town of Mendon for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 1924, submits an account of his doings.
The Treasurer debits himself with receiving the following sums, viz :-
To cash received, unexpended balance Jan. 1, 1924 . $41 15
To cash received, Milford Savings Bank 18,000 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Civilian War Poll Tax, 1920 .. .. 6 00
To cash received, Civilian War Poll Tax, 1921, 1922 and Corporation Tax .. 44 93 To cash received, Albert W. Sears, Rent of Town Hall 248 50
To cash received, State Treasurer, Income of Mass. School Fund ....
2,567 11
To cash received, State Treasurer, Corporation Tax Business, 1923. . 20 17
To cash received, State Treasurer, Account of Vocational Education 205 35 To cash received, Ladies' Alliance, for Rent 18 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Income Tax 1922 and Prior Years 36 73
To cash received, State Treasurer, Income Tax, 1923 104 00
To cash received, Russell E. Bates, Pool License 2 00
3
To cash recived, Nipmuc Park Co. License 100 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Account of Inspection of Animals
26 25
To cash received, State Treasurer, Account of Highways
2,700 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Account of Superintendent of Schools 580 00
To cash received, State Treasurer, Income Tax, 1924 152 00
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