USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 23
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Geo. B. Sanderson 60 00
H. C. Barrows
10 50
65
H. M. Curtiss (Lumber) 6 89
Jos. Saucier 9 00
W. P. Jones 2 50
F. C. Townsend 44 50
J. R. Brown (Pd. Paint) 15 65
Health
$250 00
District Nursing Association
$200 00
K. A. Campbell, M. D. 50 00
Transportation $1,202 00
M. & U. St. Ry. Co. $150 00
Carl M. Taft 432 00
Frank Leonard
504 00
Stephen Bandilla
116 00
Tuition-Millville
$50 00
New Equipment
$83 40
J. L. Hammett Co.
$12 65
Chas. Kimball (Trucking) 3 25
Kenney Bros. & Wolkins
45 00
Mass. Reformatory
22 50
Wm. Jordan (Clerk)
$102 60
Superintendent
823 87
Committee Expense
20 00
Total Current Expenses
$14,113 53
ACCOUNT OF TUITION FOR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
Appropriation
$300 00
Paid Worcester Trade School
167 85
Balance on hand
$132 15
66
ACCOUNT OF PAINTING.
Appropriation
$525 00
P. E. Johnson (Paid)
370 00
Balance on hand $155 00
Grand Total Resources
$15,418 14
Grand Total Expenditures
14,651 38
Total balance
$766 76
SCHOOL DIRECTORY.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
George H. Pickard, Chairman
Term Expires 1928
Roy A. Barrows, Secretary
Term Expires 1926
Mrs. Annie Coffin .
Term Expires 1927
TEACHERS. CENTER BUILDING.
Grade
Name Local Address
Preparation
High-Science
Oscar L. Garland,
Mendon
N.H. State College
Fourth
Math., U. S. Hist.,
Principal
Eng., Language,
Marguerite MacIntyre Mendon
Mt. Holyoke, B. U.
Second
History
School of Education
VI, VII, VIII
Orilla F. Park
Mendon
Castleton, Vt. Normal
First
III, IV, V
Marguerite Pearson
Milford
Worcester Normal
Second
I, II
Caroline Blackwood Mendon
Woonsocket High
First
ALBEEVILLE BUILDING.
I-VIII
Minnie Davidson Millbury Worcester Normal First
Years of Service in Town 67
EAST MENDON BUILDING.
I-VIII Lillian M. Martin Hopedale Framingham Normal Fourth MUSIC SUPERVISOR.
Beulah C. Thompson Milford N.E. Conservatory Fifth 50 Bancroft Ave.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER.
Mrs. Raymond Daley Mendon
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
K. A. Campbell, M.D. Hopedale Tel. Milford 102
SCHOOL NURSE.
Mary L. Wilson,R.N. Milford Tel. Milford 862
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Carroll H. Drown Hopedale Tel., Office Milford 904 Residence Milford 802-J
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JANITORS.
Center Building Albeeville
Jacob Brown
Mendon Tel. Milford 374-5
Sumner Allen
Mendon
East Mendon
Mrs. Minnie Thayer
South Milford
BARGE DRIVERS.
North Route
Carl M. Taft
East Route
J. Frank Leonard
Mendon Milford, R. F. D.
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES GRANTED AT Office of the Supt. of Schools, Hopedale, on School Days-8.00 A. M. to 5.00 P. M. Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in the School Building on the first Monday of each month at 7:15 P. M.
69
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SCHOOL CALENDAR. 1926.
ELEMENTARY GRADES.
.WINTER TERM.
Opens January 4, Closes March 19 (11 weeks) (Vacation Two Weeks.)
SPRING TERM.
Opens April 5, Closes June 11 (10 weeks.) (Summer Vacation.)
FALL TERM.
Opens September 7, Closes December 17 (15 weeks.) (Vacation Two Weeks.)
1927.
WINTER TERM.
Opens January 3, Closes March 18 (11 weeks.) (Vacation Two Weeks.)
HIGH SCHOOL. 1926.
WINTER TERM.
Opens December 28, 1925, Closes March 26, 1926. (13 weeks.) (Vacation One Week.)
SPRING TERM. Opens April 5, Closes June 25. (12 weeks.) (Summer Vacation.)
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FALL TERM.
Opens September 7, Closes December 17. (15 weeks.) (Vacation One Week.)
1927.
WINTER TERM.
Opens December 27, Closes March 25, 1927. (13 weeks.) (Vacation One Week.)
LEGAL HOLIDAYS.
Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, January 1, February 22, April 19 and May 30. There will be no session of schools on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. When a holiday comes on Sunday the following Monday becomes a holiday.
The town cannot have any "No School Signal." Schools will not be closed on account of weather unless it is practically impossible or unreasonable for children to attend. When parents feel that it is unwise for their children to go to school, they are advised to keep them at home. On all other days children must attend school as required by law.
IMPORTANT REGULATIONS.
A regulation of the School Department is that no child can enter school for the first time unless such child shall become six years of age on or before January 1, of the year following the fall term when he wishes to enter school. (For entrance to
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school this coming fall term a child must be six years of age on or before January 1, 1927.)
ATTENDANCE LAWS.
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 six- teen years of age shall attend school unless such child has re- ceived an employment certificate and is regularly employed ac- cording to law for at least six hours per day.
All minors under sixteen working in towns or cities which maintain Continuation Schools, must attend the Continuation Schools as prescribed by law.
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 offence.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITIZENS OF MENDON :--
We have previously discussed the purpose of the school report, and the value of it we cannot discuss; but the purpose of schools of which reports speak may well be discussed and should be well understood.
The present day school has become so complex, so ornated and so embellished that it is difficult to recognize the original institution which was founded with a definite purpose in the early history of our country.
Like the evolution of the early, simple, crude ox-cart to the present day beautiful limousine with all its appointments, driven by the complex efficient motor, the present day school system with its complexity of enriched curricula, elaborate build- ings and numerous conveniences and luxuries is far different from the early school of the "Little Red School House" days.
The purpose and fundamental principle of operation of the present day automobile is the same as that of the ox-cart. Both are vehicles of locomotion being either pulled or pushed. So the purpose of the school of today should be the same as the early school, to give training for meeting the demands of life, and the fundamental principles of operation are the same. Since the demands of life have greatly increased, the means of train- ing must be greatly increased.
The value of the automobile of today rests in its worth as a vehicle of rapid transportation.
The school is an institution for a rapid training for life's duties. Experience is a more effective teacher than theory, but it is also much more cumbersome, often entailed with great danger and usually requires more time. In school though the
74
method of instruction must be, to an extent, theoretical, more knowledge of facts and reasoning can be gained in the same time than by experience. The laboratory method which is being rapidly adopted adds the advantage of experimental instruc- tion to the long established theoretical.
The modern school with all its advantages may not give a more thorough training than that of the old school, but it gives a broader training and does it in less time. The time element is very important in these days of haste.
Children of today of any given age, have a broader insight into world affairs and larger general knowledge than children of years ago. This condition necessarily exists. The present day world demands a much larger general knowledge, so a training for it is essential.
Our schools will require no more extended equipment nor enlargement of training facilities than the complexity of society and progress of the times demand. The demands of progress are always ahead of the supplies for meeting those de- mands.
It is neither schools nor school officials and educators who are making the demands for new curricula and added phases of instruction in the schools; it is rather the conditions of society. The great increase in the varied activities of life of necessity demands training not only for the performances of these multi- ple activities, but also for a true comprehension and apprecia- tion of them.
The American public deserves to give its children the best possible education. Much has been done for the material side of living, but there has been a neglect in the education for the aesthetic side, and in training for the right spirit of life.
We should realize that school training must include some- thing more than the committing of facts and figures of ordinary school subjects, but rather a knowledge of how to keep well, how to be happy and contented ; right use of leisure ; good home and community atmosphere ; cultivation of a right taste and true evaluation of social customs and habits.
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Schools cannot develope brains nor make intelligence, but they can and should train for the foundation of right habits. Habits are essential elements of life. Some one has said that the chief aims of schools are to train children to become self-con- trolled, self-directed, self-supporting, intelligent citizens.
This training in the schools ought to carry over into the home and society.
In a government where all political power is derived from the people through the means of universal suffrage, it is essential that the electorate shall be educated. Education for the whole people is essential. A nation of ignorant subjects may be ruled by one capable despot, but in order that a self-govern- ing nation shall succeed, the whole people must be rightly edu- cated.
When education becomes a menace to good government and the welfare of society, it becomes a crime and is worse than ignorance. Herein lies a danger in education, unless it be of the right sort.
It is often difficult for the work of the schools to counter- act the bad influence of certain pernicious factors of education which are tolerated by society outside of school.
We are trying to have our schools teach a proper attitude toward work. Many young people, after attending school, are ashamed to do ordinary work. A philosophy of education which is against good honest labor of any kind is dangerous.
Education of a people is the problem of the home, the church and society in general. Schools as maintained today, cannot do it all.
The confidence that society places in the schools entrusting their children to its care for many days in the year is an en- couraging omen and speaks commendingly of the present day school.
Honorable Newton D. Baker declares, "The great problem before the world today is rebuilding faith. Faith must be re- established or the fate which overtook the powerful nations of antiquity will be our's." Some picture that we are threatened with a dark age. Nothing can do more toward preventing this
1
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fate than to teach and instill in our people, especially our school children, Faith. Faith in the future, faith in truth, faith in our government and in its foundation principles, and faith in God and humanity. Any instruction which tends to break faith in the essentials of life is injurious. The instruction in schools should strengthen faith.
The schools of our town are striving to reach the ideals dis- cussed above. They are as free as possible from fads and the non-essentials, and thorough effective work is being done. The scholarship is not all that is desired in some cases. Lack of high scholarship is a problem which is becoming acute. It is partially offset by the fact that the demands of scholarship have been reduced, while those of other lines have been increased.
Standard tests have been given during the past year by the Superintendent to pupils of the elementary grades. The results compared favorably with the standard.
Especially good work is being done under the direction of our capable teachers. At no time during my knowledge have our schools, as a whole, been under better management than at present. We hope that funds will be available for sufficient salaries, and all conditions be favorable so that our present force of teachers can be retained. We repeat again that more money spent for good schools is a much better investment than less money for poor schools.
But little need be written about the daily school work, for it has been quite fully discussed in the reports of previous years.
The schools during this year have had but little interruption by sickness or inclement weather. The work is going on har- moniously, and the spirit of the schools is good. There has been a large improvement in the High School in the pupil's attitude toward work and good conduct. There has been a marked im- provement in scholarship also.
At the opening of schools last September all of the school rooms were filled or crowded. If the number should increase much in East Mendon and the Center buildings more room would be needed.
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Because of the large number of grades in each room of the Elementary grades, it is impossible to carry out the "Group" Plan or the Individual Instruction Plan. This condition puts many of the pupils to a disadvantage, especially the slower work- ing minds. Hence, there are more instances of "failure to pass" and also of pushing some forward too rapidly.
The reports of the nurse and the Music Supervisor speak of the work in these important phases of education.
We urge again, as discussed in previous reports, the value of art instruction and the need of a Drawing Supervisor.
At the instigation of the Junior Extension Service, and under the careful leadership of Miss Pearson, the girls of the Center Elementary grades carried on a successful Home Econ- omics Club, called the "Mend-On" Club, consisting of twelve in number, seven completing the work.
An exhibit of garments made by the club girls and an in- teresting entertainment was held in one of the town hall rooms in May. A charter was granted the club and pins given the · members ; bronze pins to first year members ; silver pins to second year members; and gold pins to third year members. A gold pin was awarded to the Superintendent of Schools.
The officers of the club were: President, Silvia Hartshorn, Secretary, Helga Carlstrom.
Prizes were awarded as follows:
First prize for First Year Work Eslie Taylor Second prize for First Year Work Esther Coffin Third prize for First Year Work Emma Taft
An especially good class was graduated from the Grammar School in June. The graduation exercises were of high order and pleasing.
The Principal's report will give the details of the work of the High School.
Courses of Study for the High School, embracing the Classical (College) Course and the General Course, have been adopted and „printed. These have been much needed so that parents and pupils can definitely know what subjects pupils are
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to take for the Course they choose. A copy of this report has been provided each pupil.
A well prepared class of six members will be graduated in June. This class is planning to take a trip to the Nation's Capital as a part of their education.
A small High School like our's has some advantages and many disadvantages from the large schools. The school is con- siderably handicapped in not having a laboratory and sufficient equipment. A laboratory room for the Science classes is much needed. If the prevention of danger of fire hazard could be cared for, a good room could be provided in the attic of the building. This matter is worthy of consideration.
A new piano in the building is much needed. There is only one in the building now, and that an old one in a poor condition. We urge that a small portable piano of a later model be provided.
A new set of Compton's Encyclopedias has been purchased for the schools. These will be a great educational help which has been much needed. Our public library is a very helpful means of education to the pupils who make use of it. The ef- ficient help of our librarian is much appreciated.
By means of a special appropriation, the Center School building was painted during the summer vacation. Within the past three years this building has been refinished inside and out. Thus, the appearance of the building has been greatly improved, and also it is a needed protection.
In spite of all that can be done, sometimes in driving storms, water still comes in through the walls and defaces to some ex- tent the interior of the building.
We again call attention to the fact that we believe that the rooms could be kept much warmer if the walls were plastered back of the black boards. This is especially needed on the northwest corner.
The storm windows which were put on the building one year ago have helped much in making the rooms more com- fortable and in saving fuel. Some new curtains will be needed
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in the building this year. Some small chairs should be provided for the Primary room.
The Albeeville building should be painted this coming summer. Plans for painting the building this past fall were made, but could not materialize. If the use of this building for a school is to be continued long, new seats must be provided. Some of them are in a poor condition now.
New curtains must be provided the East Mendon build- ing. The newly refinished seats have added much to the at- tractiveness of the building and for convenience in writing.
The toilet houses for this building are in a very bad condi- tion. We urge that new ones with cement foundations and proper vaults be built this coming season. A new furnace is needed in this building.
The transportation of school children is becoming an in- creasingly difficult problem in many towns. Our barge drivers are well taking care of those thus transported. Some are trans- ported by electric cars.
Now and then there are requests that other children be transported to and from school. If such pupils live within reasonable distance of the school, the school committee cannot provide transportation for such without providing for all others under like circumstances. If another barge route was to be started, an appropriation voted by the town would be necessary.
Present day conditions make the traveling upon our public highways attendant with some possible dangers. Safety First rules should be taught school children, and police protection for other dangers may be necessary.
The Superintendent of Schools wishes to take the oppor- tunity again to especially commend the work of each teacher and janitor and to thank them for their assistance in our efforts for efficiency and excellence of the school work. He is also very grateful for the generous courtesy of the school children which is inspiring and helpful.
Again we repeat that no committee can do more than the Mendon Committee in exerting its best efforts in its judicious expenditures of the school appropriation in order that the
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greatest possible results may be obtained from every dollar ex- pended.
In order that the present plans for school work may be carried on next year, the same amount of appropriation is needed. Also, provision should be made for the needed repairs.
There were three resignations of teachers last spring, and the new teachers elected to fill the vacant positions at the be- ginning of this school year were elected at lower than previous salaries. This accounts to a large extent, for the amount of school funds we were able to turn back this year. Next year these salaries must be increased. On account of the increased valuation of the town, the reimbursement from the State will be less next year.
This making citizens is a great, important and serious work, and the co-operation of parents and all other educational agencies is essential.
The Superintendent much appreciates the harmonious co- operation of the school committee, and thanks them and the townspeople for their loyal support and willing co-operative assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Principal of Mendon High School :
The school opened the eighth of September which was one week later than the date of opening last year. Our enrollment of thirty-five pupils was the largest for many years and neces- sitated the buying of six new desks and several new chairs for the recitation room. Another pupil entered later in the year and three have withdrawn making our present enrollment thirty three ; sixteen boys and seventeen girls, which includes a com- paratively large freshman class of fifteen.
New texts have been added in the upper classes in English. A new set of encyclopedias which has been much needed, has proved of great advantage to the school. In addition we have procured a new set of scales for the physics laboratory. These were very essential for accurate weighing in experimental work.
We are very grateful to the school board for their willing- ness to purchase new equipment as far as their finances allow.
I would recommend that a part of the attic be made into a new laboratory since it would be more convenient and satis- factory than the basement which is now used for laboratory work.
A new course of study has been devised for next year which includes only two years of French in place of the three which has previously been required. The reason for the change is that nearly all colleges and technical schools require only two years of that language at the present time.
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We feel that a better attiude toward school work on the part of the pupils is being maintained and that the standard of the school is continually improving.
I was sorry to have Miss Brown leave at the end of the last winter .term but her work is being very efficiently carried on by Miss McIntyre.
The senior class is looking forward to a trip to Washington which they hope to take during the spring vacation. I believe that this trip is very beneficial and of great educational advant- age near the close of a high school course.
The Principal feels that the schools have the full support of the community and wishes to thank the superintendent, teach- ers, school board, parents and scholars for their co-operation.
Respectfully sumbitted,
OSCAR L. GARLAND,
Principal.
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MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation Exercises Unitarian Church, Mendon, at & O' Clock P. M. Friday, June 19, 1925
Prayer
Rev. Roy B. Wintersteen.
Song-When the Roses Bloom Again Adams
High School.
Essay-Tendencies of Modern Education.
Roland Rogers.
Song-Pilgrim's Chorus Wagner
High School.
Essay-Preparedness
Lester Irons.
Song-Forest Dance Targett
High School.
Address
Dr. William L. Johnson.
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Abt
Song-The Lake
High School.
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Pickard, Chairman of the School Committee.
Benediction
Rev. Wintersteen.
GRADUATES.
Roland Andrew Rogers, Lester Lloyd Irons.
Class Motto-Labor Omnia Vincit. Class Colors-Blue and Gold.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE.
-
MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
I submit the following report of my work as School Nurse in Mendon for the year ending December 31, 1925.
When in session, the Center School has been visited each week, usually Tuesday morning. Visits to Albeeville and East Mendon schools have been made on alternate weeks, except for a few instances in mid-winter.
The results of Dr. Campbell's examination are as follows :
Number of pupils examined 157
Number of pupils with Adenoids 2
Number of pupils with Defective Tonsils 22
Number of pupils with Defective Teeth 48
Number of pupils Poor Posture 4
Number of pupils with Strabismus 1
CORRECTIONS DURING THE YEAR :
Adenoids and Tonsils 2
Teeth 20
Calls have been made to the homes of seventy-one children The pupils are inspected about once in two months as to general appearance, condition of teeth, skin and hair. All were weighed at the beginning and end of the school year, those 10 per cent. or more underweight were weighed each month and talked with as to their particular problems. In September, 1924, there were twenty-seven of this group ; in September, 1925, twenty, showing
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a gain of seven. While weight is not a perfect yardstick of health, it is a significant symptom.
In November the Health Brownie gave us a health enter- tainment. This was financed by the Christmas Seal Fund, ad- ministered by the South Worcester County Health Association. The children were interested and have remembered some of the lessons the Brownie taught. The intermediate room at the Center school has been doing the Health Crusade quite succes- fully, among other habits improved, the number of tea and coffee drinkers has been perceptibly reduced. Talks have been given and various methods devised to stimulate an interest in habits of cleanliness and health.
I have attended the school health conferences held by the State and found them very helpful. The last one on rural school sanitation of school buildings, was particularly applicable to small schools, clean drinking water, clean toilets and hand- washing facilities should be suitable and available to pupils.
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