USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1921 > Part 2
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My fourth annual report, the twenty-second in the series, is herewith presented for your consideration. As . members of the School Committee you are already fa- miliar with the details of school progress and are in constant touch with school affairs, but the superinten- tendent assumes that everyone is vitally interested in the welfare of the schools and so his report is prepared with the earnest hope that all the citizens of Oakham will give it careful consideration.
The year has been one of normal progress with no se- rious interruptions and fortunately with no changes in teachers. We have been little affected by the problems of teacher shortage and salary re-adjustment, of trans- portation and attendance, as they have been found in many other places. Teachers' salaries have been in- creased to a degree that seems to compare favorably with those of other towns of our group. The transpor- tation problem has received much careful study on the part of the Committee and is at present wisely and satis- factorily settled. The attendance is excellent at Cold- brook, and though not as high at the Center the average is higher than before the South and West schools were closed. This seems to bear out the statement made in last year's report that consolidation improves atten- dance. There is no doubt that it results in a saving of
40
ANNUAL REPORT
expense to the town and in better advantages for the children.
It may be well to call attention again to the ruling made two years ago relative to the age at which children may enter school. "Children may not enter school for the first time until six years of age, excepting in cases when the sixth birthday comes on or before December 31 of that school year In such cases the child should enter in September." There is one criticism of this rul- ing that we need to consider, and that is that unless a child s"kips" a grade sometime during his elementary school course, he is nearly fifteen before ready for high school. This prompts me to urge serious consideration of the adoption of an eight year elementary course in- stead of nine as at present. This change may be made without friction or hardship. It should be accomplished by certain modifications in each grade, not by any radi- cal change in the upper grades alone. The State outlines. of work in each subject, grade by grade, are all based on an eight year course. A new outline of a conservative but modern course has just been placed in the hands of the teachers, and may be used as a working basis.
I would suggest that the teachers might meet with the superintendent and work out a program that will in two or three years bring about the change. The other three towns of the union are on an eight grade course, and I have been interested to find that 271 of the towns of Massachusetts are also completing the elementary work in eight years. Such a change would make it feasible to lengthen the school year one or two weeks. This could be done at very slight expense ; it would be in line with modern thought ; and it would be a decided saving in to- tal cost of our schools, for it is evident that it costs less to keep a child in school eight years than nine.
41
TOWN OF OAKHAM
Several new educational bills have been enacted by the Legislature and approved by the Governor. Of spe- cial interest to us are the following :
1. . An increase in the minimum salary for teachers.
2. "Children between fourteen and sixteen employed in private domestic service or service on farms shall be required to secure a special certificate issued by the su- perintendent of schools."
3. Section 1 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws is amended by inserting in the list of required studies to be taught in the public schools the following-"indoor and outdoor games and athletic exercises." The Worces- ter County Farm Bureau is making an offer to co-operate with teachers in introducing physical exercises and or- ganized play, and would be glad to send a representative to Oakham to talk with our teachers and demonstrate their plan.
4. Section 53 of Chapter 71 provides that the School Committee shall appoint a school nurse as well as a school physician. She would work with and assist the school physician, keep physical records, and by visits to the schools and the homes follow up the work of the physician. Two or more towns may employ a nurse jointly, or a town may employ a part-time nurse.
A Manual of Library Service has recently been issued that aids the teacher in knowing the library resources of the State and suggests ways of using the services of a library. We are fortunate in having a library available and I am glad to know it is appreciated and used. "The lover of good books hath chosen wise friends," and a real service may be rendered by encouraging our boys and girls to know and to read the best books. Traveling libraries may be secured through the Library Commis- sioners.
42
ANNUAL REPORT
Much is being said and written about the improvement of teachers in service. I am glad to note the evident desire of our teachers to keep in touch with the best thought and the best practice in their profession. Excel- lent opportunities are today offered to anyone for self- improvement, through professional reading courses, correspondence courses, summer schools and the like. The Dept. of Education offers to all in Massachusetts through the Division of University Extension, corres- pondence courses in almost any subject desired. from the rudiments of English speech or appreciation of lit- erature to engineering and homemaking. There are val- uable courses especially for teachers in service, and a plan is being worked out for evaluating this work in terms of school or college credit. I shall be glad to fur- nish detailed information to anyone interested.
We hope this coming year to make some changes in our text books. Prices on books and supplies are some- what lower, and this will make it easier to carry out our plans for securing new material.
Teachers and pupils are to be commended for their spirit of industry and loyalty. I believe that each one takes pride in keeping school property in good condition. A word of commendation and appreciation is due Mr. Nye for his efficient and dependable service. The re- commendations made last year have been carried out and we have new desks for each teacher and several new pictures on the walls.
The usual school statistics have been prepared They will prove more valuable when compared with those of former years.
I note in Dr. Douglas' report that Dec., 1919, there were 43 with defective teeth. In Dec .. 1920, there were 28. and this year hut 19. This number is high but denotes
13.
TOWN OF OAKHAM
improvement and is one evidence of the value of the services of our school physician. I wish more parents would give heed to his recommendations.
The Roll of Honor is longer this year. I would like to see some public recognition, perhaps at graduation ex- ercises, for those who attend school for the entire year with no absence or tardiness.
I want to thank the School Committee, the teachers and the pupils for their loyal support. I value highly the many friendships formed and the general interest in our schools.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES R. CHILDS," Superintendent of Schools.
49
V
44
SCHOOL STATISTICS, 1920-1921
School
Teacher
Training
Began Here
Total Mem.
Average Mem.
Average Atten.
Per cent Atten.
Grammar
Florence E. Bothwell
No. Brookfield High
1897
33
30.6
27.3
.892
Primary
Ethel M. Braman
Northfield
1907
39
29.7
26.4
89
Coklbrook
Ruth E. Butterfield
Worcester N. S.
1904
19
19
18.3
.963
Music
Ruth B .Dwelly
Northampton
1909
91
79.3
72
.915
TOWN OF OAKHAM
ENROLLMENT, FALL TERM, 1921
Grade
I II III VI
VI VII VII IX Total
Boys
6
0
1
7 7
10 V 6 4
9 6
2
4
7
44
Totals
11
4
6
14
15
4
8
13
85
REGISTRATION OF MINORS, APRIL 1, 1921 (Formerly called School Census)
Children in Oakhanı
Boys Girls
Total
Between 5 and 7 years of age
9
8
17
Between 7 and 14 years of age
28
31
59
Between 14 and 16 years of age
8
9
17
Illiterate minors 16 to 21
0
0
0
Totals
45
48
93
PROMOTION BY GRADES, JUNE, 1921
Grade
I II III
VI
V VI VII VII IX Total
Promoted
4
4
10
9
11
4
6
13
7
68
Promoted
on trial 0
2
5
0
3
0
3
3
0
16
Totals
4
6 15
9
14
4
9
16
7
84
2
4
6
· 41
Girls
5
4
5
L
-
-
-
46
ANNUAL REPORT
AGE AND GRADING CHART, APRIL 1, 192!
Grade
I II III
IV V VI VII VIII IX
Age
6
1
1.
61/2
1
7
2
1
71/2
1
S
1
5
S1/2
3
3
3
9
3
1
91/2
3
10
3
1
2
101/2
1
3
11
3
1
111/2
1
2
12
2
1 2
121/2
1
4
1
13
1
1
1
2
131/2
1
1
2
1
14
2
4
141/2
4
3
15
1
151/2
1
1
16
2
161/2
1
47
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Fall Term-September 6, 1921 to December 23, 1921- 16 weeks
Winter Term-January 3, 1922 to March 17, 1922-11 weeks.
Spring Term-April 10, 1922 to June 9, 1922-9 weeks.
Fall Term-September 5, 1922 to December 22, 1922- 16 weeks.
Winter Term-January 2, 1923 to March 16, 1923- 11 weeks.
Spring Term-April 9, 1923 to June 8, 1923-9 weeks.
Holidays
January 1, February 22, April 19, May 30, Labor Day, October 12, Thanksgiving Day and the day following.
ROLL OF HONOR
Perfect attendance for TWO YEARS. Raymond Crawford
Perfect attendance for ONE YEAR and two terms. Norman Baxter
Perfect attendance for ONE YEAR
Hazel Briggs (12) Helen Sullivan
Alla Carpenter
Perfect attendance for two terms
Charles Baxter
Lillian Potter (T)
Roscoe Crawford
Alice Sanderson
Dorothy Day
Barbara Sullivan
Helen Green (1)
Herbert Sullivan
Stephen Lincoln Oliver Wilkins (1/2)
Grace O'Donnell (1)
William Wilkins (1/2)
Perfect attendance for one term
Franklin Briggs (1)
John Briggs (1/2)
Mary Kitchen (1)
Kathryn Mullen (1) Gladys Potter (1/2)
Shirley Rutherford (1) Willard Rutherford
Laura Snay (1/2)
Kenneth Wilkins
Mildred Wilkins
Mary Rutherford (1)
49
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
South Barre, Mass., Jan. 1, 1922.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In reply to your request I submit my report as School Physician for the Town of Oakham for the year 1921. June, 1921 Nov., 1921
Number of pupils examined
80
75
Number of pupils absent
2
5
Cases of defective teeth
19
19
Cases of excessive wax in ears
7
3
Cases of tonsils and adenoids
9
5
Number of notices sent home
25
24
Respectfully submitted, E. S. DOUGLASS, M. D. School Physician.
50
ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. J. R. Childs, Superintendent of Schools, Dear Sir :
The work in music has been carried on along the same general outline as heretofore, with stress on tone, quali- ty, note reading, and music appreciation.
The quality of tone which the child is to produce in singing and the vocal habits formed are of the utmost importance.
The value of note reading cannot be over estimated. There is no study that demands of the pupil so many lines of thought at the same time as does music. An ex- ercise in singing music requires concentration, appre- ciation, accurate judgment, quick reading, rapid and pro- per location of sound, appreciation of time and the pro- duction of a pure quality of tone.
Appreciation of music will not take care of itself, and the mere reading and singing of notes is not an end in itself. The order of presentation of music to the chil- dren is the appeal of the melody, the harmony, and the features of its structure and form.
The pupils are encouraged to work individually in this as in every other branch and the credits received is help- ing to put music study on the same basis as other studies so in spite of various handicaps such as too many grades working together, the pupils know their music is worthy of serious study, of honest effort, and of measureable at- tainment.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH B. DWELLY Supervisor of Music
51
AUDITOR'S REPORT 1922
This is to certify that I have examined and approved all bills of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, Road Superintendent, Cemetery Committee, Tree and Fire Wardens, and Library Trustees, and found them to be correct. I have also examined the accounts of the Treasurer and Collector and found them to be correct.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN ROBINSON,
Auditor.
52
NOTICE
To whom it may concern :
On account of the increased motor traffic on our high- ways your attention is called to a ruling of the Massa- chusetts Highway Commission, that no cordwood, slabs or lumber be piled beside the highway.
, JOHN P. DAY SYLVESTER R. DEAN EDMUND CODY Selectmen of Oakham.
53
LIST OF JURORS
1
Walter O. Babcock, Beamer.
Fred T. Parkman, Farmer.
Fay D. Russell, Carpenter. Donald Rutherford, Farmer. George Dean, Farmer. Herman Dean, Farmer. W. Edwin Morse, Farmer.
54
CONTENTS
Auditor
52
Cemetery .
29
Charlton Poor Farm
26
Collector's Report 1920
35
Collector's Report 1921
24
Fobes Memorial Library
25
Highway Notice
53
Jurors, List of
54
Librarian's Report
30
Overseers of the Poor
28
Road Commissioners
33
School Committee
36
School Statistics
45
Selectmen's Report
17
Superintendent of Schools
40
Town Clerk's Report 11
Town Officers
3
Treasurer's Report
13
Warrant
7
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