USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1913-1916 > Part 31
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No better investment can be made by tax-payers than to give every youth an opportunity to secure such an educa- tion.
259
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
"We must never lose sight of the fact that a large ma- jority of the working people are poor, and because of this they are forced to begin the battle of life at an early age. The need of the day is that something be done for the child- ren of this great wage-working class.
"Formerly the apprenticeship system offered the boy an opportunity to learn a trade and become a thoroly trained mechanic, but of late years the scheme of specialization has supplanted the old apprenticeship system, even to extreme specialization. It ought to be recognized as a scientific truth that the higher the skill possessed by the mechanic the more valuable is his labor, both to himself, his employer and the community. The more efficient labor becomes the higher wages it should command.
"We believe that as much attention should be given to the proper education of those who are at work in our in- dustries as is now given to those who prepare to enter pro- fessional and managerial careers, simply to balance justice and make it necessary to give to the wage-earning classes and the common industries such equivalent as we can for what the present schools are doing for the wealthier classes, as well as for the professional and managing vocations."
The following is an extract from a recent address of Governor Walsh before the Boston City Club.
"I have myself observed," he said, "the tremendous handicap our boys and girls are under who have not received such an education. I have seen boys of 16 or 17 years of age leave our high schools and be obliged, knowing nothing of any special trade, to enter mills and factories and begin where the boys who went into them at 12 or 14 years began.
"I want industrial education developed in this state along lines of real industrial education, and that does not mean the manual arts or home economics. It means preparation for life in the industrial world. So this board of education needs the co-operation of business organizations, manufac- turers and employers."
The first graduates in this course will receive their diplomas in June. The following letters show their opinions of the course.
"I took the industrial course as I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn a trade. I think that it is a good thing and will be a complete success.
260
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
"I do not think I would have staid in school if it were were not for that."
"I took the industrial course because I wished to learn a trade, and I also considered this a good chance to get an education that would be helpful along such lines.
"At the shop we get the practical work while at school we get the theory which is of great value.
"If I had not taken the industrial course I would have continued in one of the other four year courses.
"My reason for enrolling in the Co-operative Industrial Course was this. The regular courses of study did not appeal to or interest me. I realized the advantages of the new course and the benefits which could be derived from them. I enrolled as an apprentice in the die and tool making de- partment of the American Optical Company.
I believe that this course fills a long felt want on the part of those boys who will be unable to continue their studies in college after their high school courses are com- pleted.
"I would have graduated from high school whether the course had been introduced or not. The course in my mind is a good thing and will increase the number of graduates from high school."
"I took the industrial course because it was the best op- portunity to get a practica) and technical education in the Southbridge schools.
"I believe that the studies of the Industrial course gives the student a better start and a more useful education than any other course. The work in the shop has been satisfac- tory to me. I think it is as good as an apprentice should ex- pect.
The trips taken to Worcester and Springfield were very helpful. It gave us something to judge our school and shops by. We never realized how up to date our shops were until we went to Worcester.
I think I would have gone to High School for four years if I had not taken the industrial course but I could not have had as much interest in my studies.
"The reasons that prompted me to enroll in the industrial course were financial reasons, caused by death of parent, a
261
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
chance to learn a trade and at the same time attend school and that the course was not an obstacle to entering college.
The Industrial Course to my mind is a very excellent undertaking by the school system of the town of Southbridge. Since its institution is has made material progress, however it could be greatly impoved by heeding to the following sug- gestions.
1. A new High School equiped with all instruments, laboratories and facilities for the pursuits of the Industrial Course.
2. By abolishing of considerable amount of routine work in the manufacturing plant, and some scheme devised by means of which the student could get more work in details in the student's specific course.
I would have attended Hign School but was not certain that I could have completed the four year course. "'
"I entered the Industrial Course because I thought it would give me a chance to learn a trade, and also give me a better start toward acquiring a technical education.
If I had not taken the Industrial Course it is doubtful if I would have stayed in High School four years. The course is a good thing for the school and it fills a long felt want.
The work that we get to do in the shop has been very satisfactory to me."
"I chose the Industrial Course on account of the many advantages it gave. Not only did it give me a chance to choose any trade I desired to learn but it also gave me the benefit of a practical education as well.
I found that it was all I had expected and have never re- gretted my step. At times my advancement has seemed slow but as a whole I have decided that both in school and factory I have had a better opportunity in the Industrial Course than I would have received otherwise. I have re- ceived the best of attention from both foreman and teachers, who it has seemed tried to please us as far as their power permitted.
The studies in school certainly fit the office for which they are meant. We receive higher branches of mathema- tics than any of the other classes also as much chemistry and physics. Although they receive foreign languages we receive
262
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
a book and practical knowlege of machines and electricity. As the classes are small in the Industrial Course we have an advantage over the other classes by getting a thorough know- ledge and I believe we more than make up the extra periods in English that the others have over us. As we use blue prints at work we find that mechanical drawing is a necessity.
The work in the factory has no effect on any of the stu- dent's health as far as I know. The work is not above the mental or physical capacity of any normal boy of our age. . The foremen together with the other men of the A. O. Co. appear to take a personal interest in each student.
As I feel that every man at least should have a high school education I undoubtedly would have graduated from high school if the Industrial Course had not been on the list ot courses."
Attention is called to the special reports.
Respectfully submitted, F. E. CORBIN.
High School.
Mr. F. E. Corbin,
Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir :
School opened in September with three new teachers on our faculty. Miss Teressa Stevens, teacher of French and German, who resigned to accept a more lucrative position, was succeeded by Miss Anna R. Bissonette; Mr. Robert Baker, who had brought the Indus- trial Department to a high state of efficiency, resigned to accept a position in the Boston schools and was succeeded by Mr. Ralph J. Hill, and Mr. Edward W. Wheeler was appointed as assistant to Mr. Hill.
The class of 1914 was graduated with eleven members. Of these, five have entered commercial pursuits; one is at home; and five are continuing their studies at the following institutions :-
Lowell Textile School,
1
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Brown University, 1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 1 Fitchburg Normal School, 1
Post-Graduate Southbridge High School, 1
Armand Laurier Caron, one of last year's graduates and now a student at Brown University, has been awarded the first Entrance Premium in French.
At the close of the term in June 1914, the number of pupils in the school was 100, 54 boys and 46 girls; the present enrollment is 135, 74 boys and 61 girls. These figures represent a gain of 20 boys and 15 girls. ยท This is the largest number of pupils ever enrolled in Southbridge High School and is in large measure due to the Indus- trial Course.
Our course of study is the same as it has been in the past four years. There are four courses in all from which a pupil may select :- the classical, intended for those who are preparing for col- lege; the general, for those who are preparing for some higher in- stitution of learning other than college, such as Normal school, Technical School, etc .; the English, which is for those who are going into commercial pursuits; and the Industrial or Half-Time Course, for those boys who wish to remain in school and yet at the same time learn a trade.
The Industrial Course suffered a great loss when Mr. Baker, who had planned and organized it, resigned, but Mr. Hill and Mr. Wheeler have enthusiastically taken up the work where he left off and have adjusted themselves to it, so that this department is run- ning in a satisfactory manner. In June we expect to graduate from this course our first class, seven boys, six of whom have passed their apprenticeship at the American Optical Company and one at Du- paul, Young Company. The course has amply proved it worth during the four years that it has been in existence. It is a course that would not be adaptable to every community but in a mannfac- turing town like ours it satisfies a certain very definite desire. It not only turns out a boy technically trained but, what is equally im- portant, one with a good general education. Such training as this, theoretical and practical combined, ought to produce the future fore-
264
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
men and superintendents. Boys receive pay for the weeks that they are at work and this amount makes them self-supporting and also of some assistance to their families, and when their school days are over they have their trade already learned.
The girls of the first and second years meet once in every two weeks for work in Domestic Science. Taking into consideration the lack of proper facilities for work and the fact that the classes meet but once in two weeks, the results accomplished during the past year have been little short of marvelous. Great credit is due to the teacher, Mrs. Harford, for this success. Given the proper resources to work with, there is no doubt in my mind but that this course would easily pay for itself.
There is also great need for the establishment of a commercial course. At the present time the children of this town have to go to Worcester, paying car-fare and tuition, to secure such tuition as this. It is impossible for us to offer such a course as this in our present building with its inadequate accommodations. In a modern build- ing a more complete Domestic Science Department and a Commer- cial Department could be added, and doubtless the enrollment of the school would increase in a corresponding ratio.
This fall, through the efforts of the pupils in securing subscrip- tions for the "Youth's Companion" and the generosity of the School Department, we were enabled to obtain a $75 Victrola and, by us- ing the money that had been accumulating from awards made to the High School from the Sturbridge Fair, we have purchased about $35 worth of records. Among these records we have selections from some of the great operas, and other vocal and instrumental selections by the great singers and players. Unfortunately it is often true that the child of the immigrant coming to these shores is better ac- quainted with, and better able to appreciate good music than the average American child. By means of such an instrument as the Victrola, it is possible for the music of the great masters of the world to be brought at small cost before each person. "As the twig is bent, so will the tree be." Teach the child to understand and appreciate good music and his taste for such will grow with ad- vancing years.
265
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In conclusion I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the School Committee, Superintendent, fellow teachers and student body for their constant co-operation in all matters pertaining to the wel- fare of the school.
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE W. BOSWORTH.
Industrial Course
MR. F. E. CORBIN, Supt. of Schools,
Sir:
It gives me pleasure to present you my report on the present status of the industrial or part time course in the High School and a brief on the development up to the present time.
The subject of co-operative education was introduced to the citizens of Southbridge by means of the Supt. 's annual report in 1912.
In the summer of the same year a course of study based on that of the Fitchburg High School was approved and applications received for the course.
Seven boys were selected and of these six started work at the American Optical Co., and one at the Dupaul, Young Optical Co. These seven boys comprised forty-one percent of the boys in the sophomore class at that time. A director was engaged and the course started at the beginning of of the regular fall term.
On July 1 the following year ('13) four boys entered the em- ploy of the American Optical Company at various trades and also as sophomores of the industrial course.
Three of these are still enrolled in the course They began school work at the opening of the fall term and with them the seven of the year previous. At this time there were enrolled seven juniors, four sophomores and eleven freshmen. Freshmen contem- plating taking the industrial course express their desire upon enter- ing the High School but do not enter the strictly industrial work until the second year.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
During the spring term of 1914 the director of this department resigned and another was elected. The growth of the course de- manded another instructor and he was elected at practically the same time.
Of the eleven freshmen enrolled in the industrial course in September '13, seven enrolled as sophomores in June '14 and all began work at the American Optical Company on July 1 of that year.
At the present time, January '15 there are enrolled in the in- dustrial course seven seniors, three juniors, seven sophomores and sixteen freshmen. Of the seventeen doing actual industrial work sixteen are employed by the American Optical Company and one by the Dupual, Young Optical Company. It is my plan to visit these boys bi-weekly and keep in touch with both divisions of their work. It may be of interest to note the several trades pursued by the boys.
Mach. Shop.
Die Room.
Drafting.
Elec. Dept. Printing.
Seniors,
3
2
2
Juniors,
2
1
Sophomores,
2
2
2 1
The course of study has been altered since its first consideration and is in printed form which is easily obtained.
In concluding I would say that at present there are a number of high schools in the State having in their curriculum an in- dustrial department. Some were adopted before and some after ours and all appear to be meeting with popular approval. A com- parison between boys graduating with the regular high school di- ploma and those with the industrial diploma obviously cannot be drawn for they follow different lines of work based on different ideals. It is hoped that in this course some will find means of development apparently deprived them in other courses which have made no particular appeal to them.
Co-operation between the employer and school department is the foundation upon which this course is based but I hope it won't
267
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
end there. Much depends upon the interest shown by the towns- people and their co-operation is earnestly desired.
Respectfully submitted, RALPH J. HILL, Director of Industrial Training.
Evening Schools
MR. F. E. CORBIN, Supt.
Dear Sir:
The Fall Term of the Public Evening School for 1914, opened a little earlier than usual, Sept. 8th, continuing for 30 sessions and closing on November 17th.
The same school houses were used as last year, Mechanic Street School for the boys at the Center and eastern part of the town. River Street School for those at Globe Village.
The total membership was 313 with an average membership of 262. The percent of attendance being 89.
The nationalities represented at the school were as follows: Poles 88, Albanians 72, Italians 62, French 31, Greeks 13, Ameri- cans 12, English 11, Bulgarian 8, Roumanians 6, Turks 6, Russians 1, Servian 1, Jew 1, German 1.
Most of the scholars many of them being young men and wo- men could neither speak English, read or write at time of entering the school and in view of the short period alloted (one hour and a half a night) it is surprising to note the progress made by them in these studies. This is accomplished by the close attendance and good behavior of the scholars, and the faithfulness, patience and ef- ficiency of the teachers.
In the advance class this year 23 pupils were enrolled, 13 finish- ing the term. The following branches were taught, Arithmetic, English, U. S. History, Bookkeeping, Civil Government, Algebra, Latin and French. Much interest was taken in the work, many studied at home and all seemed sorry to have the school close.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
One pupil, David Hector Duquette, received a diploma at the close of night school, as he had completed the Grammar School course.
This diploma will admit him to High School without examina- tion. The class rooms were very satisfactory, being well lighted and heated making it pleasant for the pupils and teachers to carry on the work.
The writer feels that the progress made by the pupils was all that could reasonably be expected and would recommend that more stress be laid on the idea of extending the length of the Evening School term, and thus enable us to do more effective work then ever in the past.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD L. WRIGHT.
Medical Supervision
MR. F. E. CORBIN, Supt. of Schools.
Dear Sir :-
I hereby submit the result of examinations of school children during the year.
Number examined,
1790
Unsuccessful vaccinations,
802
Decayed teeth,
869
Enlarged glands,
740
Nasal diseases,
189
Enlarged tonsils,
475
Eye diseases,
71
Poor nutrition,
.
.
44
Ear diseases,
16
Poor vision,
183
Pediculosis,
9
Mental deficiency,
3
Deformed,
43
Skin diseases,
.
.
12
.
.
.
Table for Teachers.
DISEASE
DAYS
DAYS OF QUARANTINE
Incubation
Invasion
After exposure
After recovery
After attack
Do not admit to school until
A Board of Health certificate is required for the first four diseases. In other cases admit to school with physician's certificate or sometimes with mother's certificate in accord- ance with the time given in this table,
SYMPTOMS
Diphtheria
2-7
12
14
After negative cul- ture, no bacilli
Gray or brown patches on tonsils, white membrane in throat, bloody or irritating nasal discharge, enlarged glands at side of neck, fever, sometimes croupy cough. Some say may be carried in clothing.
After sore throat
Scarlet Fever
2-7
1-2
14
14
42-56
Vomiting, sudden fever, red sore throat, red tonsils, en- and scaling of larged papillo on tongue, flushed skin, fine scarlet rash on skin disappears cheek and neck in from 12 to 36 hours, sometimes pale ring about month. Most contagious from scales of skin from 9th to 42d day. Often carried in clothing.
Small Pox
9-12 2-3
18
14
18
All scabs have dis- appeared
Chill, headache, vomiting, pains in back, rash life scarlet fever or like measles, fourth day rash on forehead. May be carried in clothing.
Rash, catarrh, slight fever. Mild scarlet fever resembles this; be careful.
German Measles
few 8-16 hrs.
7-10
14
Three days after
Measles
8-14
4.
16
3
14
NOTE
Pupils having any of these diseases are hereby excluded from school.
Watering eyes, sneezing, nasal discharge, cough, some- recovery of last times sore throat, rash on back of neck and forehead, small cases in family dark red spots, 4th till the 7th day; skin peels 8th till 13th or 18th day. May be carried in clothing.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
269
Chicken Pox
13-16 few hrs.
18
14
All scabs have dis- appeared, 14 days after recovery of last case.
Mumps
14-21
20
20 Seven days after swelling and ten- derness disappear.
Neck glands swollen, lobe of ear raised, chewing painful, headache, vomiting, depression. Seldom contagious before symptoms appear. Rarely if ever carried in clothing.
Whooping Cough
6-10 1-4
42
After end of spas- modic coughing,
A hard cold for 10 days, spasmodic cough, whooping 10th to 40th day, thick nasal discharge, vomiting, nose bleed. Rarely if ever carried in clothing.
Influenza (Grip)
1-7
Chill, fever, vomiting, more sudden onset and slower re- covery than common colds. Contagious. 'Usually send home children with fresh sudden sneezing colds. If not sent home, children with colds should be seated in front row.
Sore Eyes Pink Eyes
Till cured or certi- ficate.
Note: Many eye diseases are contagious. Do not take risks, beware of towels and handkerchiefs.
Ring Worm
Till cured or certi- ficate.
Parasitic, bald patches on scalp, scabby patches on body . Recommend that a physician be consulted.
Impetigo Contagiosa
Till cured or certi- ficate.
Parasitic, rough, scabby sores, especially when skin has been broken. Beware of towels. Recommend that a physi- cian be consulted.
Lice (pediculosis)
Till cured.
Recommend application of lard and sulphur, or crude petroleum.
Till cured.
Parasitic, itching sores on back of hand and between fingers. Recommend application of lard and sulphur, or crude petroleum.
Incubation is the time between exposure and first symptoms. Invasion is from first symptoms to eruption or marked disease.
Please notify the superintendent and school physician in writing of all known cases of tuberculosis, epilepsy, St. Vitus dance and eczema. In center schools require a certificate from the superintendent or a physician in all cases of peeling hands Colds and influ- enza are probably contagious. Exclude pupils with sore throat until cured or until they bring a certificate.
Pupils exposed to mumps or whooping cough may attend school provided watch is kept for symptoms.
Pupils exposed to diseases "carried in clothing" may not attend school until after the days of quarantine as above, without a phy- sician s certificate.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Itch (scabies)
Small red pimples on face first; black crusts on body and scalp. Small pox may be mistaken for this disease.
14
271
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The following certificates have been signed:
. Work Cards, 463
Age Certificates, 6
Children returning to school after illness, 536
It is very noticeable that in those schools where the children are watched the closest by the teachers, these examinations are proving the most beneficial. As the physician can visit each school but once a term at the most the efficiency of the system must rest with the teachers. Without their co-operation the system is worth- less.
During the fall term I have visited all the public schools at least once and some as much as three times and in this same period there have been sent to my office for examination, as suspects of in- fectious diseases, twenty-seven children.
The hardest proposition in connection with contagious and in- fectious diseases is to impress parents or guardians with the import- ance of quarantine. Measles and whooping cough are considered as necessary evils that children must have and therefor the futility of safegarding against infection. More absences are due to this one misunderstanding than all other causes put together.
One application for admission to the State Home for Feeble Minded Children has been accepted pending a vacancy. It is now seven months since acceptance has been received but no vacancy has occurred. There are four other cases in the school that ought to receive special attention but no apportunity is offered.
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. TETRAULT, School Physician.
Domestic Science
MR. F. E. CORBIN,
Dear Sir:
Domestic Science is taken by the two lower classes of the high school. The aim is to teach the girls practical cooking and also to teach them to serve food in an attractive manner.
272
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The accommodations are not so arranged as to give the girls a chance to gain much knowledge of housekeeping although this is taught as far as possible.
Certain improvements have been made this year in the equip- ment so that the girls have more space to keep supplies and thus can keep them more orderly. With the sophomore girls it is hoped before the close of the year to plan and serve a luncheon.
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