USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1917-1927 > Part 8
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During the past year we have made but little change in the program and general plans of the schools.
Outlines for the courses of study for the grades have been given the teachers, and a strong effort is being made to do thorough work in all school subjects, and in the training for true citizenship and the power for usefulness. The outlines for the Courses of Study are in harmony with the State Courses of Study.
Several lines of instruction in auxiliary subjects which are given in many of the larger towns and cities cannot be given in towns with small appropriations. The children of this town are deprived of these opportunities ; yet the common long recognized branches are good mediums for obtaining an education, and the training and instruction given must come largely through these subjects.
Life does not consist wholly of the processes of the three "R's,,' and the memorizing of facts and juggling of figures only will give a very poor training for the duties of life. There is no question but what the methods of instruction as well as the sub- ject matter should be much broader and should conform more directly to the needs of life than they have in the past. The manner in which a subject is taught has more effect in true education than the subject taught. Hence, much depends upon our teachers.
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Good teachers are needed everywhere, but especially in our small towns. Generally the better trained and more promising teachers are attracted to the larger and more wealthy towns and cities by the larger salaries paid and the greater opportunities given.
These statements are not intended to cast any reflection upon our present teaching staff, for in general, excellent work is being done. The town has been very fortunate in being able for one reason or another to get good teachers at a low salary. But it is impossible to retain these teachers, and the frequent changes are very injurious to the schools. Best results can be obtained only with the continued service of efficient teachers.
Though the success of an enterprise so important and far reaching as the educational training of our children-the grow- ing citizens of our nation-cannot be measured by the money standard ; yet values are measured to a large extent by what is paid for them. Our standard of measure for the medium of ex- change is money. Hence, the money cost of our schools must indicate to some extent what we may expect to get from them.
The reader's attention is called to the page of this report on which is given the "Table of Comparative Statistics." The figures given are bassed upon the last printed report of the Massachusetts Board of Education.
It will be noted from this table that the total cost per pupil of average membership for the Mendon schools was $39.73, while the average cost in small towns given in Group III was $46.20, and the average for the state was $46.82. The cost of the Mendon schools was 82 per cent of the average for the state. The amount expended from local taxation in Mendon was $24.55 while the average for the towns of group III was $41.13, and the average for the state $45.20. The amount expended for schools per pupil in Mendon was 54 per cent of the average for the state.
It can also be noted that the amount expended per pupil for teachers' salaries in Mendon was $15.51, while the average for towns in Group III was $20.90, and the average for the state was $27.24. The cost of teachers' salaries in Mendon was 74 per cent of the average for towns in Group III, and 56 per cent of
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the average for the state. This table also gives the average salary of elementary teachers in Mendon on Jan. 1, 1920, and the aver- age for the state.
This table also shows that the expenditure for items other than teachers' salaries are not far different from the state aver- ages. The cost for transportation is much more.
The evident conclusion is that teachers' salaries in the town have been low. We must all agree that a town with the high intellectual standing of Mendon should give advantages to its children equal to the average for the state. Most of us would say it should be better than the average.
Poor salaries in the long run must mean poor teaching ser- vice. True, the town in some cases much of the time, and per- haps in all cases some of the time, has been most fortunate for one reason or another, in getting very good teachers at low sal- aries ; but securing and retaining such teachers is a gamble with the odds generally against us.
The attention of the citizens of the town is called to the comparison of these figures to show that the town would not be extravagant in paying much larger salaries than one year ago. The present great scarcity of teachers makes this increase im- perative.
The teachers who may have rendered years of service in the schools for the benefit of the town deserve commendation. Though their money remuneration may have been very small, they have the great reward of satisfaction in the expression of grati- tude given, and the success attained by the many who have come under and gone out from their care the better for the lessons taught and the enobling influence given.
While the schools are much in need of new books and sup- plies, and the buildings need some repairs, better salaries for teachers is our most urgent need.
BOOKS.
New singing books, physiologies, and supplementary read- ers, and the replacement of numerous other books are much need- ed. Even if these needs are not fully supplied this coming year,
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the expense will be larger than before. The cost of paper has soared from 350 per cent to 500 per cent, and the cost of books has increased 200 per cent to 300 per cent, and another raise was made on January 1. Books and supplies are the tools for the workmen in the schools and the best work cannot be done without them.
A great effort for economy in use of books and supplies is being made. Pupils are often and quite generally very careless in their use of books. The older pupils are prone to be more care- less than the younger. Lessons in the use of public property should be learned. The opportunities and facilities for educa- tion are becoming so free in these days that they are little valued. That which costs one nothing is apt not to be valued no matter how useful it may be. If some of the pupils, especially the older ones, had to provide some supplies for their own use they would be more careful.
Parents can help the schools in teaching thrift. Teaching thrift should not be merely the teaching of saving money in banks, but also the teaching of economical use of energy, time, our natural resources and all property in general.
BUILDINGS.
It became necessary to shingle the East Mendon building and to make a few other very minor repairs, so this work was done this past summer. The Albeeville building is in need of re- pairs. Some minor repairs should be made soon.
If the building is to be used in years to come, quite ex- tensive repairs will have to be made within a few years.
The interior of the Center building should be refinished soon. This is not imperative at once, but should be done within two or three years, the sooner the better, Some provision must be made for more conveniently supplying the building with drinking water. The usefulness of the present pump is in the past. We recommend that an appropriation be made for a new pump or some other satisfactory arrangement to be installed this coming summer vacation.
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When funds are available some improvement of the school grounds may well be made. The spot is ideal and some improve- ments for beauty have already been made. Beautiful surround- ings for the schools are most inspirational for the highest educa- tion.
We have no complaint to make in the care of the buildings, but too much attention to neatness and cleanliness cannot be given. They are most important factors in the education of children. Well paid and satisfied janitors will keep the build- ings and grounds comfortable and attractive.
In a town with a geographical situation like Mendon trans- portation will be expensive and will always be more or less of a problem, and it is impossible to please every one.
The running schedule of the electric cars seems to be very inconvenient for the schools. Schools have been opening at 8.00 A. M. with much inconvenience and dissatisfaction to many. The time of opening has been changed to 8.45 A. M. This plan is to be tried for a time with the hope that it will be more convenient to the majority. We realize that it is not as convenient for those who have to come on the early car. If this plan does not prove to be more convenient to the greater number, the former schedule can be used.
It would be very impractical if not impossible to have a "No School Signal" in this town. It seems best that the schools be in session every school day unless the weather should be such as to make it impossible or most unreasonable for children to come to school. If at any time while school is in session, the weather should be such that the parents feel that it would be injurious for their child to attend school, they would be justified in keeping him at home. Out door air is good for children, and if they are properly clothed, the days when it would be unwise for the well and healthy child to go out to school are few.
HIGH SCHOOL.
A report from the principal is included in this school report. To make a small country high school successful is often a diffi-
49
cult problem. Such a school is usually expensive, and the re- sults often quite unsatisfactory.
The Mendon high school is approved by the state department of education and the town receives the five hundred dollar grant from the state, but the spirit of the school is not what it should be. When there is a spirit of indifference toward hard work, the character of the school work cannot be good. High school work cannot be done at the standard rate of today unless the pupils do quite an amount of home work. The length of the school day in many places now is being lengthened to provide for what is termed, "Supervised study." This means much study at school. A longer school day likely would not please the patrons of the Mendon High School. If the short day is continued home work must be done. The pupil who gives none or but little time to preparation of lessons cannot become interested, and naturally thinks the fault is with the school in general rather than with himself.
A poor school may be better than none; but in some re- spects a poor school is worse than none, for it encourages habits of indolence, indifference and carelessness, and does not fit the person to meet the stern duties of life.
The teachers are making a great effort to have the school what it should be, and it is up to all concerned to help make the Mendon High School such that its pupils can gain an education that will compare favorably with what they might obtain in any other high school.
We call attention to the special reports of the singing super- visor, school physician and school nurse. The employment of a school nurse which has been provided through the kindness of friends, and access to the Dental Clinic are a great benefit to the school children and are a mark of present day progress. The most important educational training that can be given children is the training for health. It is well known that this subject is receiving much attention in these days. The teaching of citizen- ship is very important, especially in these perilous times, but how to keep well is of first importance. I strongly recommend that provision be made to continue this work the coming year.
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This report may seem suggestive of larger school expendi- tures, but our aim is to help the citizens of the town to see why schools are costing and will cost more than they have in the past.
The increased cost of paper, fuel, transportation and all other items, and the raise in salaries must of necessity make a con- siderable increase in the general appropriation.
There is much truth in a statement made by a member of the Federal Bureau of Education who says, in effect, that the days when education costs the public but little have gone. He says that the people of this country will have to realize that schools must cost more than they have. School education is becoming an expensive business.
Expenditures for schools which give a true educational train- ing are the best possible investment, and money expended for poor schools is waste. The only hope for the safety of the nation and the world in these days of uncertainty and unsettled condi- tions is the education of its citizens to sound and sane thinking and action.
The reason that citizens feel so keenly the burden of the cost of schools is that the schools must be supported largely by taxa- tion, and we can fully appreciate the feeling toward increased taxation.
As a relief in this situation, it is being quite generally con- seded today that education is a concern of the state as well as of the local unit, or the town. A glance at the Table of Compara- tive Statistics will show that while the general cost of our schools is very low comparatively, the cost per one thousand dollars of valuation is nearly that of other towns of the state. The new law providing the "General School Fund" will bring considerable aid to the town of Mendon. This money which will be received from this fund should be used for additional and better facilities for the schools. The purpose of the law is to give towns of low val- uation and high tax rate better school opportunities and not to lessen the previous tax levy.
We are confident that when the tax payers know the real needs of the schools, the necessary appropriation will be provid- ed, and we solicit your continued loyal support. The voters
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should take note that the whole amount needed for the mainten- ance of schools for the coming year must be appropriated as the receipts from the state go directly to the town's general fund, and not for the definite use of the schools.
We have but few cases of truancy in our schools. We wish to call attention to the law of school attendance. All children who are physically and mentally able, and between the ages of seven and fourteen years must attend school all the time it is in session, and those from fourteen to sixteen must attend school unless they are employed and have secured an employment cer- tificate. No child can secure an employment certificate unless he has completed an education equivalent to that of the sixth grade.
A regulation of the school department is that no child can enter school for the first time unless he shall become six years of age on or before Jan. 1 following the fall term he wishes to enter. Pupils will not be allowed to enter the first grade after Oct. 1 except by special permission. On account of the crowded condi- tion of some of our school rooms this regulation must be enforced.
The superintendent of schools wishes to take this opportun- ity to express his appreciation of the loyal support the teachers have given and for their devotion to their work. Also to thank the children of all the schools for their courtesy and for their interest in their work; and the school committee for their gener- ous help and our pleasant relations ; and the public in general for their kindnes and their loyal support of the schools. My ac- quaintance thus far with the patrons of the schools has been pleasant and I hope for a more extended acquaintance in the future.
We feel that a willing school committee deserves credit for their devoted service without pay and for their patience in meet- ing unpleasant criticism and in dealing with perplexing prob- lems. The public is often apt to commend the school committee that spends the least money, but the wise public appreciates the committee that provides the most successful harmonious schools.
We urge the citizens of the town to visit the schools to see their children at their daily work to learn something of the re-
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sults they are getting for their money expended. We are request- ing special "parents' days" to be given later.
We do not wish to close this report without giving some much deserved recognition of the faithful long term service of your former superintendent of schools, Mr. F. G. Atwell, who, on account of ill health, was obliged to sever his connections with the schools and give up his much cherished work. We all wish him the much needed rest and improvement in health.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL H. DROWN. .
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY GRADES AND AGES, JAN., 1921.
Ages
5 1/2
6 7 8 9|10|11|12 |13
14|15 16 17 18 |19 |Boys
Girls |Totals
Grade
2 15 11
2
1
16
15
31
13
9
18
9
11
20
14
11
25
Grade V
2
9
4
4
2
9
12
21
Grade VI
2
2
7
6
6
1
14
10
24
Grade VII
3 7
1
1
1
8
2
10
Elementary Totals
2 16 25 19 20 22 11 13 15
16
1 2
1
160
High
Freshmen
1
1
1
8 3
1
3
2
5
Juniors
4
2
2
3
5
8
1
3
1
1
4
5
Totals of High
1 1
2 15
3
6
1
29
Grand Totals
2 16 25 19 20 22 |11|14 16
18|16 5 7 0 1
192
7
4
Grade IV
3
9
7
5
1
Grade II
1 14
5
1
Grade III
9
1
7
4
11
Grade VIII
7
4
11
Sophomores
1
Seniors
Grade I
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TABLE OF COMPARATIVE STATISITICS.
Total expenditure for schools per pupil in average member-
average
Expenditure from local taxa-
from local taxa-
$1000 valuation.
pupil in average
membership in elementary
Expenditure for transportation
per pupil in average member-
Expenditure for fuel per pupil
in average membership.
Cost per pupil for High School
teachers' salaries
Rank among 354 units in ex-
penditure from local taxation.
Mendon
$39.73
$24.55
$5.63
$15.51
$5,65
$4,20
$67,30
316
Average for towns of small valuation in
$46.20
$41.13
$6.47
$20.90
$4,75}
$3,81
$86,94|
Group III
Average for State
$46.82
$45.20
$5.45
$27.24
$1,06|
$3,21|
$83,33|
in
membership.
pupil
per
per
tion
Expenditure
aries per
tion
Expenditure for teachers' sal-
schools.
ship.
ship.
Average salary of Elementary Teachers in Mendon in January 1, 1920, $670.00 Average salary of Elementary Teachers in the State in January 1, 1920, $1,200.00
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ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1919-1920.
Total Enrollment
School
Non-Resident
Aggregate Attendance
Average
Average
Membership
No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
No. of Pupils
14 to 16 Years of Age
Over 16 Years of Age No. of Pupils
Total No. of Pupils
Not Enrolled in Any
Other Town in State
No. of Pupils
Center Building
32
12
20
0
4638 45261/2 6159
25.34 27.43
28.34| 29.70
0
22
10
0
32
16
16
0
Grades III, V
49
25
24
1
1
4149
37.32 25.15
29.39
15|
19|
10
0
34
16
18,
0
East Mendon Grades I, VIII
22
13
9
0
3097 1/2
19.12
20.64
4
15
1
0
20
13
7
1
Albeeville
Grades I, VIII
27
13
14
0
3147 1/2
18.80
22.57
4
22
1
0
27
13
14
0
-
-
-
Totals
200
99
101
4
25717 12
153.16
172.80
23|
126
29
12
191|
95|
96|
2
Having Perfect Attendance
High
16
12
32
12
20
1
Grades VI, VIII
32
16
16
2
42.16
0
44
1
0
46
251
21
0
Grades 1, III
38
20
18
Daily Attendance
5 to 7 Years of Age
7 to 14 Years of Age
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
0
4
7.513
-
55
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HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT.
To MR. CARROLL H. DROWN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, MENDON, MASS.
I herewith submit my first annual report as Principal of the Mendon High School.
The total enrollment of the school at the beginning of the school year was 29, but has been reduced to 26. This number is distributed by classes as follows: 5 Seniors, 8 Juniors, 4 Sopho- mores, 9 Freshmen, the total being made up of 15 girls and 11 boys ,which is a well balanced ratio.
The scholarship has shown some improvement, but it is far from what it is hoped it will be. The great difficulty is to instill into the minds of high school pupils the importance of work. This is due to at least two causes. The studies and the methods of recitation are different from those of the grammar school, and the pupils are thrown upon their own responsibility in the prepar- ation of their lessons. In many cases the responsibility is not recognized and consequently the student feels that he is not obliged to work.
Another serious condition tending to lessen the scholarship is due to the electric car service. There are 6 pupils that come from South Milford who arrive at school at 8.40, or 40 minutes late. At noon there are 6 who leave at 12.35 to go on the car toward Uxbridge. This condition might be corrected by opening school at 8.45 and closing at 1.45.
The work, so far as possible, is based on the college entrance requirements. The apparatus is insufficient for the scientific courses, except in the case of Chemistry, for which apparatus has been procured.
Many of the books are in a very bad condition and need to be replaced by new copies. There is a tendency for students to
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misuse old books simply because they are old and worn, and pupils do not like to study from such books.
There is no commercial department in the high school. I would suggest that a commercial course be given. This would necessitate another teacher who could also teach some of the sub- jects which are taught by the other teachers. This would prevent each teacher from having such a variety of subjects, and there- fore a better standard of work could be attained. It would be possible to equip a section of the attic for a commercial depart- ment.
On dark days it is almost impossible for the pupils to study. Electric lights should be installed and at the same time the water pump which is now in use could be replaced by a new electric pump. The present pump is practically worn out and leaks when the water reaches a certain level in the tank.
The teachers would appreciate having the parents show their interest by visiting the school frequently. In this way the parent can see just what methods are used and what is being accomp- lished. We believe that only in the close relationship of parent and teacher lies success.
Respectfully submitted,
PERCY A. ROBBINS,
Principal.
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Graduation Exercises of the MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
AT THE Unitarian Church, Friday Evening, June 18, 1920
Processional
Mrs. Gertrude Arey.
Invocation
Rev. John N. Mark.
Essay, Reconstruction in France
Ruby Wilhelmina Bagg.
Song, A Night in June Targett
High School Chorus.
Class History and Prophecy
Winsor Hart Thayer.
Essay, Life of James Whitcomb Riley
Ethelwyn Ursula O'Donnell.
Song, The Bells of Shandon Nevin
High School Chorus.
Essay, Books and Men
Reginald Lansing Cook.
Song, Carry Me Back to Old Virginny Bland
High School Chorus.
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Class Will
Ernest Chester Irons.
Song, Song of the Armorer
Nevin High School Chorus.
Address, From the Perch to Wings
Rev. Gideon A. Burgess, D. D.
Presentation of Diplomas
Freeman C. Lowell, Chairman of Committee.
Star Spangled Banner
Recessional
Mrs. Gertrude Arey.
GRADUATES.
Ruby Wilhelmina Bagg,
Reginald Lansing Cook, Ernest Chester Irons,
Ethelwyn Ursula O'Donnell,
Winsor Hart Thayer.
Class Motto-Life Is What We Make It. Class Colors-Old Rose and Cream. Class Flower-Sweet Pea.
Herbert A. Wisbey, Principal. Caroline E. Stearns, Ass't. Principal. Carroll H. Drown, Superintendent.
Music under direction of Miss Evelyn Raymond.
60
MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.
Grades 1 and 2 have taken instruction and drill work in Rote songs, letters of staff, scales and some of the keys.
Grades 3, 4 and 5 have taken the work in the book, Normal Music course, study. of keys, letters and the use of Weaver slips, different musical signs, valuation of notes, etc.
·Grades six and seven take different musical signs, valuation of notes, etc., and music appreciation once a month.
Grade eight studies the Normal Music course, Songs With- out Words, keys, formation of scales, etc.
The High School takes a review of the work given in the grades, and practice on sheet music songs, and music apprecia- tion.
EVELYN RAYMOND,
Music Supervisor.
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EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATES.
Frederick Hartshorn,
Donald Lowell,
Charlotte Marlow, Muriel Miller,
Thurston Stowers,
Edward Whiting,
Dina F. Leone,
Lee Perry,
Lillian Perry,
Ida Pettinelli,
Clinton Yark.
REPORT OF SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS.
Number of pupils enrolled in the schools 189
Number of pupils examined 175
Number of pupils found defective in eyesight 15
Number of pupils found defective in hearing 1
Number of parents or guardians notified 15
Per cent of pupils examined found defective 9
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITIZENS OF MENDON :-
I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the school nursing for the year ending January, 1921.
All schools, except the High, were visited once every week, as weather permitted, the first half of the year; then, beginning in October, once every two weeks. 140 examinations were made for defective teeth, tonsils and adenoids, skin diseases, etc.
60 cases of defective teeth were found. 40 corrected.
15 cases of tonsils and adenoids. 8 corrected.
3 cases of defective vision.
3 corrected.
9 cases of pediculosis found and corrected.
Several children have been taken to dental clinic. One sent to Dr. Ayer's clinic at Milford Hospital and another visited in the home and urged to go, but as yet, nothing has been done. One child was furnished a brace thus has been able to continue school.
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