USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Pepperell > Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1934 > Part 6
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Although further increases may not be possible in 1935, I would like to present figures received last October from the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation. They show that 72 cities and towns had discontinued cuts and contri- butions which had been in effect, ranging from 5 to 15 per- cent ; also that 52 other cities and towns, among them Pep- perell, had made restoration in part. To these 124 should be added the considerable number, among them Dunstable, where no reduction was made during this depression.
In December. the Committee granted the request of a petition signed by a majority of the teachers that their salaries be paid in twelve monthly instalments instead of ten. By action of the Committee the plan was put into effect at once, the remaining 7-10 of the year's salary being divided into nine equal parts instead of seven, to be completed next August. We find this results in 19-20 of the full salaries coming in the year 1935. Except that money was released to pay part of the bills which had accumulated toward the close of the year, it is my conviction that the movement is the most unfortunate of any that has met with success within my experience. Unfortunate because of the reason offered in the petition and therefore to be adjudged the sentiment of those who signed, so far as their signature should be adjudged to express their real sentiment. Namely, that when paid their full salary between September and June, they are not able to manage their affairs so as to spread their buying power over twelve months, and are handicapped financially during
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July and August. Thrift and management of money is one of the things we need to teach, and we teach best by example and by being able to practice what we preach. Ability to manage living on funds at one's disposal should have no relation to the amount of income, large or small, that one has.
I would like to record one more protest at to actions taken during the past year. Except in cases of immorality beyond any that have come to my attention during the year, pupils who present problems of discipline beyond the ordin- ary are the ones most in need of all the help, sympathy, train- ing, and direction the school can give. Invaribly they are the ones who get little elsewhere. Their need is both for their future welfare and the good of society. It may be easier for principals and teachers to have such children re- moved, but I believe our teachers capable of handling any pupils they may reasonably be asked to keep and help. I feel my position in this matter is in line with that taken by most school men toward dropping from school as an economy measure during the worst of the depression those pupils over sixteen who caused the most disciplinary trouble. Name- ly, that this type of pupil was the one most in need of further school training, both for himself and for the public welfare.
A new ten year state program for control of tubercu- losis is being inaugurated, this time in charge of the new county sanatoria. Few of those listed under the former program can now be reached through the schools, and in recent years a small number of such children have been taken to clinics in A er. In most towns of the state the tuberculin tests are being given in three selected upper grades to those pupils whose parents consent. Arrangements were made to have the service offered in all grades in the towns of the Nashoba Health Unit. In the various schools the test has thus been given to from 60 per-cent to 75 per-cent of the pupils, and will be followed by X-ray of suspects and further recommendations for those most in need. To the extent that parents allow this test to be made, a survey will be af- forded of the amount of early symptoms of tuberculosis prevalent in our population.
All children in the schools are now receiving free eye examinations in the office of Dr. Stevenson, who kindly offer- ed us this service. The children are thus having the benefit of examination by a specialist with all his office equipment, and the teachers have an opportunity to compare his findings with the results of their much more restricted test.
For some time there has been a feeling that the year of forty weeks in the High School is longer than necessary. Our graduation comes during the last days of June, later than practically all others in this section, and usually on an evening of uncomfortably hot temperature. The High School has been promised consideration of a shorter year if and
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when there was conscientious compliance with the conditions on which a shorter day was granted. At the school there has been a serious effort at such compliance, although some parents and others still seem to believe the school closes for all at 2:30. Last winter some time was lost on account of severe weather, in our schools and in most others. This time was not made up because of the late date already set for graduation. As concerns being able to complete the work of the year, I believe the loss of a few days was negligible.
By state law 180 da s of actual sessions are required in high schools. In the 108 towns in the state under 5,000 population which maintain high schools, 88 maintain four year high schools such as ours. The number of days of sessions for the ear ending last June seems to have been as follows :
Days :
178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 1 5 23 14 11 8 *6 3
9 3 1
3 1 Allowing for the extent to which the length of the high school year may be governed mainly by tradition, I believe the above represents some degree of sentiment that the work can with more intense effort perhaps be completed in rather less than 185 days.
While not strictly a part of our school system, the E. R. A. classes merit discussion because under our super- vision in local aspects, and because they are conducted in our school buildings and by teachers recommended by us. As outlined a year ago, they are planned for children under school age or adults. For the latter it was possible to arrange classes in home-making, recreation, Americanization of foreign born, in recreation projects or regular school subjects, all these on condition that the community was not already supporting such activities. We held through the spring months an evening class attended by those who wished the opportunit for review of high school subjects. We also held a so-called pre-school center mainly for those planning to enter the first grade in September. This was attended to the extent that could well be handled by one teacher. The results were pleasing and were evident in the preparation for first grade work when the children entered in the fall.
At present, the conditions of E. R. A. classes are somewhat modified. The main object of course remains of giving some amount of work to bona-fide trained teachers who are unemployed and in need of income. The work continues to be offered for either young children or adults. For the latter it may take the form of home-making, per- haps with a teacher visiting homes to give help, recreation projects, trade or occupational instruction, or in regular school subjects. Classes in trade or commercial subjects
*Includes Pepperell.
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may be open only to unemployed adults; those who have worked in such lines may be admitted only if they are un- employed and on relief, otherwise, the class must be held in day time, This was later modified to apply to beginning classes, and so-called brush-up classes might be open to unemployed persons on relief and be held in the evening. Americanization of the foreign born is not allowed; they may only be taught regular subjects, hobbies, or home- making. Evening classes must be of a general opportunity nature and be made to differ in some way from the usual evening school. Likewise classes for the young are now called nursery schools and must differ in some way from the usual kindergarten. This may be brought about by admitting a few too young to enter school the coming year. These are some of the present regulations applying to E. R. A. classes.
We have had a nursery school in operation since the first of November and results are again very satisfactory. The attendance is about as large as one teacher can handle and we are meeting the requirements and serving the child- ren as well as we can. More complete lunches and cots for rest periods that would accompany a longer session are not practicable with the accommodations we have.
An evening class for foreign born opened with the winter term, and the work has made a promising start. We hope for larger numbers and wider interest than that shown to date.
As a consequence of opening the nursery school we now have chemical toilets in the Tarbell St. School, and they have proved a welcome improvement also for others who use the building.
Another addition to the equipment has been the Sander purchased last summer. The tops of the poorest desks in several rooms have already been smoothed and made much more acceptable. As it will probably continue necessary for many years to have more or less very old furniture in use, the Sander should in time prove worth much more than its cost. The machine was used last summer mainly in the' Shattuck School, and in those rooms where money was al- lotted for cleaning of ceiling and walls. I hope the cleaning will be extended the coming year into other rooms. It had not been done before since 1922.
In connection with these comparatively minor improve- ments, this report can not omit reference to the high school building as a place in which to conduct a modern school. However, I feel extended discussion of the needs of a new building would only repeat what has been previously re- por.ed. I am conscious of a general understanding already existing among our people of all I might now say. No one in this county now feels wise enough to venture much in the way of prediction as to the immediate future. In a period when surprises seem rather the rule than the exception the
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Town may be found ready to accept propositions now avail- able. They were not seriously interested in years when the economic outlook was better but, and for just this reason, present propositions were not offered.
Possibly as a very minor consideration in connection with a new building the School Committee would be pard- oned a momentary thought for themselves. If such a building would afford a meeting place, and a place where their super- intendent might have privacy for work, security for every- thing not intended for public inspection, and quarters with heat in cold weather where local people and those from out of town might be received, it would not be the least of pos- sible blessings.
With sincere regret we record the passing in November of Clara M. Shattuck, who resigned in 1922, and thus ended a teaching record in town of practically fifty years. She had been principal since its erection of the building which in 1920 was named for her by vote of the Town. In the sincere humility of her spirit she would be foremost in disclaiming any title to distinction, but she will continue to live in the influence she exerted on hundreds who will always think of her as one of the strongest of their former teachers.
I have estimated as follows the receipts from state and other sources which the Town may expect to receive on account of schools during 1935. I have sought to be con- servative and trust the aggregate actually received will be somewhat in excess.
General School Fund. Part One (income tax) $5,600.00
General School Fund. Part 2, (Mass. sch. fund) 2,504.00
On account of Superintendent 1,060.00
State Wards 430.00
Trade and Vocational Schools 77.00
$9,671.00
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE B. CLARK
Superintendent of Schools.
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Report of the High School Principal
It will be recalled that the Superintendent of Schools in his report of a year ago brought out quite clearly that to conserve to any greater extent on supplies and books would result in loss to the pupils, and I feel that to preserve the present high school plant will achieve a like objective.
The present building can be likened to a motor car which has outlived its usefulness and is no longer efficient, due to the fact that repair bills are high and frequent, and the design is such that it cannot compete with the more up- to-date models with any marked degree of success.
Mr. Jerome Burtt, Supervisor of Secondary Education for the State, in well chosen words, points out the short- comings of our present building in an article published in the local paper January 10, 1935.
If our boys and girls are to have the opportunities afforded the pupils of other high schools, remedial steps should be at once contemplated and a building erected to care for the needs of the great majority which will not go beyond the high school with their formal education.
Relative to the question of awarding credit toward graduation for music, it is a most difficult task to evaluate such a subject in terms of units of credits, since it comes but once a week for a single period with no written work, recita- tions, or outside preparation required. In actual time consumed it amounts to 1-35 of a school week or much less than this if we count outside preparation as part of the time spent on school work.
For. the individuals who are genuinely interested in singing the satisfaction derived from being allowed this privi- lege is sufficient reward for such an endeavor. It seems quite obvious that under the leadership of Mr. Priske an apprecia- tion for music can be acquired and developed. The pupil who manifests a desire to be a participant in an undertaking for the pleasure it affords rather than for any material remunera- tion in the form of points has progressed well along the road to becoming a good citizen.
Many schools are using various devices and procedures to combat truancy, absence without justifiable cause and tardiness. Some of the techniques consist of conferences between pupil and teacher, pupil and principal, parent and principal, detention after school, and even suspension has been frequently used as a means of impressing the parent and the child with the importance of punctuality and regular attendance. Habits, ideas and knowledge acquired during the years the child is in school often have a great degree of
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permanency to them and if parents insist on prompt and regular attendance on days that the school is in session, a trait will be developed within the boy or girl which will impress any prospective employer favorably after the boy or girl has left school.
The school during the last year has attempted to co- operate with the State Department of Education and allied agencies by distributing to the students literature on safety as it concerns the motorist and the pedestrian. This procedure has been followed by a check-up test formulated by the school or one of the agencies in an attempt to find out the cause of the ever increasing death toll and number of acci- dents. Motion pictures from the Massachusetts Safety Coun- cil have been shown in the school, and from time to time there will be more material placed before the pupils in an attempt to combat this menace to life, the careless driver, and in some instances, the careless or too daring pedestrian.
Many of our classes this year are over-crowded due to the large student enrollment and this has necessitated making two divisions of four of the classes which in previous years had been taught as one division groups.
All teachers are carrying a heavy teaching load with little or no free time. Two classes which are, it is true, small in number must use the room over the front entrance as a class-room because no other room is available. This room offers no facilities as a class room and students are truly handicapped in carrying on under this condition.
This year games of chess, checkers, indoor horseshoes and table tennis have been put into the school for use of the students, and seem to be quite popular during the lunch hour as a means of diversion, and even after school we find some of the pupils staying for an additional game before leaving.
Last spring the girls organized to play ball and suf- ficient interest was in evidence to warrant the purchase of sufficient playground equipment to carry on this game.
There were twenty-two girls on the squad and a most successful start was made toward building up a program of physical education for the girls which was of the pupils' choosing. If some provision could be made for continuing this type of activity during weather which does not permit outside play, without a doubt we would find the students willing enough to share in the program.
The School Committee, Superintendent, teachers and all other co-operating agencies have my thanks for their as- sistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT S. ANDREWS Principal
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Report of Art Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Within the past few years a revolution has been effect- ed in the conceptions held by most teachers of the proper function of art. They now believe that art education is for everybody, for present enjoyment and for enrichment of living. Not once, but dozens of times have various teachers said to me: "My children can hardly wait for the drawing period. But it is no wonder. I love it myself now, and how I hated it when I was in school. "
The Christmas rush with its giving of gifts, its cheer and color, is a gala season in the art department. In addition to blotter covers, calendars, leather and felt book marks, needle cases, memo books, etc., new cellophane greeting cards were made. The cellophane, used under a frame of heavy paper, and with a back of thin colored paper, gave a lovely stained glass effect. Another novelty introduced this year was a calico calendar. The children brought tiny scraps of colored cloth, cut them into triangular shapes, outlined them with black crayon and pasted them to cardboard mounts from old dress boxes. The calendars were then done over with shellac, a mount made to make them stand up, the pad added, and the results was a gay and different gift to take home. In the upper grades pen wipers and needle cases in novelty forms were made of felt. One was in the form of an elephant with a vivid blanket on its back. The pieces of cloth for pen wiping were under the blanket.
Problems in the upper grades involve difficult color technique. It has always been exhaustive work to succeed in getting many pupils, who lack good inherent taste in color, to use harmonious schemes. I have introduced several new devices to insure pleasing color arrangements. Judging by the response, the method is valuable and apparently interest- ing.
Last year I started action figure drawing from the fifth grade up. This year I have followed this work with figures in holiday illustrations. The children have made brave pilgrims, fierce, jolly Santas, etc.
The above problems are but a very few of the number completed. Whether one problem or another, the entity pro- motes graphic skill in expression, critical observation, dis- crimination and taste, enjoyment and understanding of color, creation and appreciation of beauty, worthy use of leisure, and respect for organization.
Respectfully submitted,
MOLLIE MARBERBLATT
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Report of the Supervisor of Music
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The Supervisor spends one day each week in the schools.
The work done in music in the High School is limited to that which can be done in one hour each week directly in charge of the Supervisor. A selected chorus is maintained. Pupils elect the subject by their own choice and for their interest in music. Then those who offer themselves are given a test of voice and in music reading ability. This year the number of male entrants is very small. There are very few boys in the Freshman class whose voices are changed. No credit is being granted for the work in music.
In the elementary schools music is presented to the children as a form of culture and a means to socialization. All theory and technical points of the subject necessary to singing are taught, but in conjunction with a pleasurable singing experience. This embodies an opportunity to acquire a reasonable facility in reading all forms of music notation with the allied symbols.
Although choral music in the form of participation by the children, the laws of music are interpreted broadly to enable the child to comprehend other forms of musical ex- pression if they have opportunity to follow some outside instruction in playing some instrument.
Last spring an operetta was presented by the first six grades. This year an operetta will be given by grades seven and eight. This division is necessary because of the number of children involved. A small admission fee is charged for these operettas. This defrays the cost of pro- duction and any remaining profit is used to purchase music material and for other worthwhile school needs. The musical programs impose an additional burden on the teachers, but the experience is valuable to the children as a forestate of future community service.
The equipment in books in the schools is being grad- ually brought up to date. It should be possible to complete these requirements without undue expense or delay.
At the beginning of the school year each teacher is given a comprehensive syllabus dealing with the problem of teaching music in schools, and explaining the general and specific plans of procedure.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN M. PRISKE
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Report of the School Nurse
To Mr. G. B. Clarke, Superintendent of Schools :
I hereby submit my report of school nursing for the year ending 1934.
The annual physical examinations were completed be- fore the Thanksgiving recess. Several parents were present when their children were examined, and received suggestions from the doctor, which I am sure will prove to be helpful Any child having a particular problem in health was given an opportunity to discuss it freely with the doctor. The usual number of defects were found. The percentage of nutritional defects was somewhat higher than former years while the dental defects are still high. We wish that these might be corrected. The question of a dental clinic has been discussed at the P. T. A. meeting.
Our annual pre-school clinic was held in May. Notices were sent to 40 parents and 30 responded. The correction of remedial defects in this group was somewhat lower than it has been in previous years, but nevertheless, I feel that the time spent at the clinic will prove of much advantage.
Dr. Stevenson, optometrist, offered his services for the examination of the eyes of the school children, without cost. These have been completed and reports sent to the parents. I think that we are most fortunate to receive this service, and hope that the children requiring glasses may be fitted We hope, before another year, to have in this district an audiometer, a device for the scientific and accurate measure- ment of hearing.
Two children were sent to the health camp at Ashburn- ham for one month through the sale of Xmas health seals, and one by the Legion Auxiliary for two weeks. They all showed a gain in weight.
In June Dr. Mary Lakeman from the Mass. Child Council spoke before the P. T. A. and discussed the problems of recreation in Pepperell for the young people. Dr. Lake- man is much interested, and we are hoping to do something in order that our young people may find recreational facili- ties in the school system.
Fourteen school children were taken to Ayer to the Tuberculosis Clinic early in the year.
Two boys were taken to the Walter E. Fernald School for examination, by a member of the school committee. One of these boys was later placed in an institution for special training. Reports from the boy studying at Beverly School for the deaf, state that he is improving daily.
As many visits as possible were made to children's
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homes. Twelve of these visits were made for the purpose of making family and social histories of children who were to be examined by the psychologist from Worcester.
Through the cooperation of the State Department, a Chadwick Clinic was held. The purpose of the clinic is to determine, by means of skin tests and x-ray, the children who are susceptible to tuberculosis. Complete reports will be kept, recommendations made to parents, and the children will be checked frequently.
A very high percentage of parents in the grammar school signed for the children's examination, and we appre- ciate this cooperation. While the high school group did not respond as well, and since statistics show that this group are more susceptible, I hope that more parents of high school pupils will respond in the future.
I have enjoyed my work in the past year, due to the kindness and cooperation of those with whom I have been associated.
Respectfully submitted, E. CONLEY, R. N.
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE Year Ending June, 1934
Total
Membership
Membership Average
Average Attendance
Per-Cent of
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