USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1913 > Part 4
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ADOPTED
,1897.
SE
FOR THE YEAR 1913
ORGANIZATION
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1 OF HARWICH, MASSACHUSETTS 1913
JOSEPH B. ATKINS, Chairman. Term expires 1915.
JOHN P. NICKERSON, M. D. Secretary. Term expires 1914.
HARRIE D. HANDY, M. D., Treasurer. Term expires 1916.
Superintendent of Schools-LORING G. WILLIAMS. Residence, Parallel Street. Telephone 39-3.
Advisory Board of Agricultural Department. JOSEPH K. ROBBINS, Chairman. MRS. JOSEPH B. ATKINS, ARTHUR F. CAHOON, ELISHA H. BEARSE.
MILTON S. ROSE-Instructor, Clerk. Truant Officer-WILLIAM H. BASSETT. Residence, Oak Street. Telephone 31-5.
School Committee's Report
The School Committee organized for the year 1913 by the choice of Joseph B. Atkins, Chairman ; John P. Nickerson, M. D., Secretary ; and Harrie D. Handy, M. D., Treasurer.
SCHOOL CENSUS.
September, 1913.
Number of boys between ages of five and fifteen, 164
Number of girls between ages of five and fifteen, 171
Total, 335
Number of boys between ages of seven and fourteen,
121
Number of girls between ages of seven and fourteen, 131
Total, 252
TEACHERS' SALARIES.
High School.
James L. Jordan,
$1,175.75
J. Murray Baker, substitute,
23.00
Marion L. Russell,
294.00
Eleanor Berg,
180.00
$1,672.75
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Center Schools.
Laura L. James, Grammar,
$444.00
Evangeline E. Calkin, Intermediate,
302.00
Grace Farnsworth, Sub. Intermediate,
22.00
Mildred B. Pattison, Primary,
260.00
Helen Witherell, Primary,
132.00
Mrs. M. S. Rose, Sub. Intermediate,
43.00
Mrs. H. E. Cook, Sub. Intermediate,
3.00
$1,206.00
Harwichport.
Lizzie A. Nickerson, Grammar,
$402.50
Olive A. Hunt, Sub. Grammar,
23.00
Mildred E. Stetson, Primary,
381.50
$806.50
East Harwich.
Bertha C. McCoy, Grammar,
$381.00
Flossie C. Hulse, Primary,
381.00
$762.00
West Harwich.
Marion Crawford, Grammar,
$260.00
Sarah Sturgis, Grammar,
121.00
Florence I. Bowker, Primary,
260.00
Elizabeth N. Carter, Primary,
108.00
Grace Williams, Sub. Primary,
2.00
$751.00
6
North Harwich.
Irene Baker, Primary,
$252.00
Olive Hunt, Sub. Primary, 21.00
Katherine Moriarty, Primary,
110.00
Maude E. Nichols, Grammar,
260.00
Mary T. Cleary, Grammar,
121.00
$764.00
$5,962.25
Music and Drawing.
Lotta M. Murray,
$317.76
JANITORS.
Benjamin Handren, Center,
$50.00
Ralph Ellis, Center,
232.50
Benjamin D. Smith, Port,
92.50
John Ellis, West,
92.50
Harry Nickerson, East,
92.50
Holland Rogers, North,
92.50
$652.50
FUEL.
Harwich Center.
Harwich Coal & Lumber Co., coal,
$47.54
C. S. Burgess & Co., coal, 84.00
$131.54
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Harwichport.
C. S. Burgess & Co., coal,
$84.68
$84.68
East Harwich.
Kendrick & Bearse, coal,
$53.12
$53.12
West Harwich.
Barnabas Sears, coal, $91.75
E
D. C. Phillips, wood,
8.00
$99.75
North Harwich.
Barnabas Sears, coal,
$71.30
N. B. Walker, wood sawed,
16.00
- $87.30
$456.39
REPAIRS AND INCIDENTALS.
Harwich Center.
John F. Bassett, labor, $8.64
J. F. Tobey & Son, supplies, 14.58
G. C. Robbins, labor,
4.44
Luther K. Snow, labor,
15.00
8
Alpheus Howes, supplies, 10.75
T. E. Larkin, labor and material on school pump, 7.50
J. L. Hammett Co., black boards,
14.13
Norman Ellis, labor,
2.00
Geo. W. Clark, repairing clocks,
1.50
Henry A. Baker, labor, self and horse,
15.50
M. W. Rogers, labor,
1.25
H. E. Cook, supplies,
4.20
Harwich Coal & Lumber Co., material,
1.50
C. S. Burgess & Co., lumber, High school fence,
38.23
Ralph B. Ellis, labor,
51.00
B. C. Ellis, labor,
53.22
H. Clement Cahoon,
25.76
$268.20
Harwichport.
Benj. D. Smith, labor and repairs.
$24.15
Henry B. Ellis, labor,
8.75
James M. Nickerson, labor,
.75
Alpheus Howes, supplies,
3.75
W. A. Eldredge, labor,
11.70
A. N. Smalley, supplies,
.20
R. F. Gorham, labor,
1.50
Norman Ellis, labor,
2.00
$52.80
East Harwich.
Young Bros., stone and labor,
$23.15
Harry W. Nickerson, labor and supplies,
24.87
$48.02
9
North Harwich.
W. A. Eldredge, labor, $3.00
Richard W. Rogers, labor, 7.00
Harwich Coal & Lumber Co., material,
21.47
Geo. F. Ellis, labor and supplies,
19.45
Sylvanus Chase, labor,
22.00
Holland G. Rogers, cleaning and repairs,
15.45
Emma C. Rogers, supplies,
1.20
Alpheus Howes, supplies, 3.90
$93.47
West Harwich.
John E. Ellis, labor,
$19.25
Francis Enos, fixing clocks,
.85
E. M. Robbins, supplies,
1.95
S. Herbert Ellis, labor and supplies,
4.00
Alpheus Howes, supplies, 3.95
James Cummings, labor,
3.00
$33.00
Total,
$495.49
TRANSPORTATION.
High School.
Everett L. Ellis, East Harwich to Center, $328.00 George B. Ellis, West Harwich to Center, 98.25
$426.25
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Elementary.
Everett L. Ellis, Pleasant Lake to Center, $360.16 Thos. E. Small, South Harwich to Port, 144.00
$504.16
$930.41
Superintendent's Salary.
Superintendent's salary for the year. $762.18
Reimbursement, (Harwich proportion of 3/4 of of $1,250), *387.93
Actual cost this year, *$374.25
* (State reimbursement is approximately $150 short.)
Miscellaneous.
J. P. Nickerson, M. D., school physician balance 1912, $10.00
J. P. Nickerson, M. D., school physician for 1913, 30.00
William H. Bassett, truant officer, bal. 1912, 9.00 William H. Bassett, truant officer 1913, 36.00
H. M. Small, office stationery, 14.25
H. M. Small, graduation printing,
25.00
Norman C. Hayner & Co., floor oil, 56.35
11
Postage, express, freight and carting, 11.43
Alpheus Howes, janitor for graduation, 3.00
J. L. Hammett Co., engrossing diplomas, 1.75
C. S. Hunt, ribbon for diplomas,
.49
S. A. Haywood, taking school census, 11.50
Rent for Chapel, State Board meeting,
2.00
Travel and expenses securing teacher by Committee and Superintendent, 30.34
Clenric H. Cahoon, legal advice,
5.00
Athletic League, High school share, 1.75
$247.86
Books and Supplies.
Wright & Potter, $1.50
Edward E. Babb & Co.,
101.99
Young Folks Educational League,
16.25
Bobbs, Merrill Co.,
1.25
Houghton, Mifflin Co.,
4.16
C. P. Gray,
2.00
American Book Co.,
19.65
J. L. Hammett & Co.,
109.70
L. E. Knott,
.79
The Gregg Publishing Co.,
12.75
Express, carting, postage,
3.87
Milton Bradley Co.,
64.38
Ginn & Co.,
29.33
D. C. Heath,
8.42
Kenney Bros. & Wolkins,
137.12
$513.16
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STATEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
Available.
Town appropriation, $1,000.00
Tuitions received from Chatham, 90.00
Tuitions received from Truro, 100.00
Tuitions received from Orleans, 190.00
Reimbursement on acct. of instruction,
533.30
$1,913.30
Expenditures.
David Elder, salary,
$933.28
Bertram W. O'Donnell, salary,
200.00
Milton S. Rose, salary,
150.00
Equipment, labor and supplies,
105.73
$1,389.01
Total expenditure,
$1,389.01
Total income, outside sources,
913.30
Net cost of department to Harwich,
$475.71
Amount due from tuitions and state reimbursement, $753.29
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RECAPITULATION.
Available.
General appropriation,
$7,000.00
High School transportation,
500.00
Department of Agriculture,
1,000.00
Massachusetts School Fund,
952.55
Tuition of State children,
62.50
Tuition of City of Boston,
5.50
Credit-Neostyle-Books and material sold,
31.90
Tuitions received, Agricultural Department,
380.00
State reimbursement on acct. agriculture,
533.30
Dog tax, estimated,
180.00
Rebate acct. of Superintendent and Teachers,
387.93
Overdrawn,
693.33
$11,727.01
Expenditures.
Teachers,
*$5,962.25
Janitors,
*652.50
Fuel,
456.39
Repairs and incidentals,
495.49
Transportation,
930.41
Superintendent's salary,
762.18
Music and drawing,
317.76
Miscellaneous,
247.86
Books and supplies,
513.16
Agricultural Department,
1,389.01
$11,727.01
*Increase due to increase of three weeks' school made up during this fiscal year.
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Auditors' Report.
We, the undersigned Auditors of Harwich, have this day examined the bills and vouchers of the School Committee of Harwich for the year 1913 and found the same correct.
RALPH F. GORHAM, CHARLES T. CHASE,
Auditors of Harwich.
Harwich, Mass., January 9, 1914.
To the Citizens of Harwich:
The School Committee herewith submit their annual report for the year 1913. We regret the necessity of ex- ceeding our appropriations, but in part, it is explained by the schools being closed three weeks in the fall of 1912 on account of diphtheria, which was made up at the close of the spring term in 1913, and the additional cost went into this year's accounts.
During the vacation of the Agricultural Department, two changes were made in instructors. Mr. O'Donnell re- signed before the class work opened and Mr. Rose was ap- pointed to succeed him. The school has moved from the
15
Old Town office to the High School building. Except for the cramped quarters in which the school is located at pres- ent, it is being run with apparently chances of greater suc- cess than has yet been attained. The present teacher, Mr. Rose, is a thoroughly practical man, having had the neces- sary actual experience with poultry, market gardening and other subjects taught. The school only needs the support of public opinion to be a success. As it is the only study taught especially for the benefit of Harwich and surround- ing towns, your committee is still united in its further support.
In the Elementary and High Schools, the year has been characterized by the usual events, pleasant and unpleasant, that always go to make up the school year, but still we are confident of having made progress. At the same time, it cannot be denied that the town and committee are facing many difficult problems on account of the schools. The birth- rate is low, with consequent small schools with some excep- tions. A small school can be run at only a trifling difference in cost from a large school. On the other hand, if the schools were consolidated, the transportation and other dif- ficulties that would have to be met, would nearly equalize matters. Just. at present all signs seem to favor further consolidation, either in part or as a whole at no distant date.
The present expenditure of money by the town is large, but with the increase of wages in all directions, there is no escaping the fact that the amount is bound to be larger. Consequently, for the time being there seems to be nothing further that we can do than to pursue our present policy of not allowing expenses to increase any faster than is abso- lutely necessary, of demanding the best service obtainable for the money expended, and to give all of the support possible to our teachers in their difficult positions.
16
· Attention is called to the more detailed reports of the Superintendent, High School Principal, Music and Drawing and Agricultural teachers.
JOSEPH B. ATKINS, JOHN P. NICKERSON, HARRIE D. HANDY,
School Committee.
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Harwich:
Gentlemen :- I have the honor to present to you my . Sixth Annual Report, the same being the twenty-third in a series of such reports.
Financial.
The appropriations have been overdrawn during the town fiscal year. The schools were kept only 31 weeks dur- ing 1912. This was forced upon us by the epidemic of diphtheria resulting in the closing of the schools for three weeks in December, 1912. These three weeks were made up during 1913, making 37 weeks for the Elementary Schools. Our balance went back to the Town Treasury and no pro- vision was made by special appropriation to meet the extra outlay for 1913. Therefore items of salaries of teachers, janitors, transportations are higher than ever before.
It is becoming more and more difficult to find teachers for our schools at salaries we have been paying. One dollar per week raise in salary for all our teachers means a five hundred dollar increased appropriation. We have not asked for such increase yet, but it must come if we hope to keep and secure successful teachers. Many things in the way of permanent repairs must be attended to at once. Steel sheath- ing must be put up in West Harwich building, some shingling needs to be done; repairs upon the High School building
18
belfry; repairs for floors and new seats; outside painting of buildings. There is an appropriation made each year for repairs on Public Buildings, not including school buildings. I recommend that a sum of two hundred dollars be appro- priated each year for permanent repairs upon school build- ings. This will do something each year to keep our property in condition. Income from several sources has decreased. During the past few years tuitions received from state and . city of Boston children have fallen from three to four hundred dollars to fifty or sixty dollars and will be practically noth- ing this year. On account of the change of date, required by the state, of the District Fiscal year, the rebate upon Superintendent and Teachers' salaries was cut short by about $150 this year. The Massachusetts School Fund is getting smaller than formerly. These things, together with a high tax rate which has caused us to refrain from asking for higher appropriations, have forced the School Committee to economize unduly along the lines of salaries and repairs- economy many times resulting in loss.
Teachers.
For the school year ending June, 1913, eleven of the fifteen teachers employed were graduates of normal schools and colleges. Five of the fifteen resigned their positions to accept generally better paying and more attractive positions. Vacancies were filled so that now there are nine of the fifteen normal and college trained. The year was more broken and interrupted than usual-diphtheria during fall and winter and mumps in the spring. The schools generally are now in good condition-teachers conscientious, devoted and faith- ful.
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Agriculture.
The department is now located in the High School building. Milton S. Rose of Fitchburg is the instructor. Mr. Rose has had years of experience along many lines of agri- culture; he has done the thing, he can do it here. Eleven pupils attend-ten boys and one girl; nine pupils from Har- wich, two out of town. Two have previously completed their regular High School course; two are school seniors ; four are regular High School pupils; three from the grammar school. Ages range from 141/2 to 20.
The school has cost Harwich during the year of 1913, $475.38. The cost per pupil is about the same as cost per pupil in regular High School, slightly more than fifty dollars apiece. Eight boys last year in profits and labor are credited with $2,614.90, more than $300 per pupil. The net profits of these boys was $675.20. Parents received direct profit from the boys' project work, $84.07. Nearly $100 was piled up in clean profits from agriculture alone-not by outside work- by each and every boy in the class.
Enthusiasm and interest runs high among the pupils of the class ; plans are being made for larger and more exten- sive and more scientific and systematic work for the coming season.
Poultry is now at this season the burning question, some are obtaining splendid results-profits ranging from $20 per month down, ten pupils have 210 hens. Eggs produced the week of the 29th of December, 591/4 dozen ; net profit after paying all expenses and paying pupils 15 cents per hour for care, was $14.25.
The extent of the work in poultry, gardening, small fruits, etc., will be doubled and trebled it is safe to say the coming year. Is it safe to declare that boys won't work
20
after considering above statements? Boys will work and work hard when there is something to work for. The school is supplying that something to work for. Character and ability and stability and usefulness are being instilled into these pupils. School boys and girls under such training are a mighty big economic factor in any town, and must be reckoned with.
The only school work directly intended to benefit Har- wich and Harwich people financially is found in this depart- ment. The work outside among the people of the several towns has been of considerable importance. Experiments in cran- berry spraying and fertilizing have been carried on, plant- ing alfalfa, top dressing grass lands, demonstrating in fruit spraying and pruning, etc. Plans for coming year will be on same lines with a campaign for good gardens. A campaign against tent caterpillar and brown tail moth offering in some way prizes to school children for the purpose.
21
HIGH SCHOOL.
The High School has registered since September last, sixty-four pupils, the largest number for years. A revision of the courses of High School instruction has been made. Some of the important changes are mentioned in the Prin- cipal's report. For the convenience of many and for refer- ence, we print the program and the daily schedule of work:
PROGRAM OF HARWICH HIGH SCHOOL.
1913
1914
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
English
A
B
C
C
A
B
D
D
Soc. Sci.
*B
* B
C
C
B
B
D
D
Nat. Sci.
A
A
D
D
B
B
C
C
Math.
ĮA
C
C
Latin
B
D
D
C
C
French
A
B
B
A
B
D
D
Agr.
A
A
B
B
B
B
C
C
Natural Science A General Science.
Natural Science B Elementary Biology.
Mathematics A Business Arithmetic.
Social Studies *B English History with Community Civics.
A
A
B
1
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HARWICH HIGH SCHOOL.
Daily Schedule.
1913-1914.
Prin.
Asst.
Agr. Inst.
7:45- 9:00
9:00- 9:10
9:10- 9:50
Latin
Eng. Hist.
All Agr.
3, 4
1, 2
9:50-10:30
10:30-10:45
10:45-11:25
Gen. Sci.
Am. Hist.
Elem. Agr.
1, 2
3, 4
Gen. Sci.
French
Elem. Agr.
1, 2
3, 4
Noon
Latin
Eng.
1
Eng.
1, 2
3, 4
Physics
French
3,4
1, 2
2:55- 3:30
Physics
Eng.
3, 4
2
Wednesdays
9:10- 9:50
Free Hand Draw. 1
Free Hand Draw.
2,3,4
10:45-11:25
Mec. Draw.
3, 4
Music
1, 2, 3, 4
-
All Agr.
Geom. 2 Recess
11:25-12:00
12:00- 1:00
1:00- 1:40
2 Arith
1:40- 2:20
2:20- 2:55
9:50-10:30
11:25-12:00
Adv. Agr.
Opening Exercises
23
The attendance and punctuality during this present year, has been generally good. In many schools excellent, one school for six weeks had perfect attendance, a remark- able showing. .
The Harwichport grammar school won a gratuity of ten dollars at Barnstable Fair, for an exhibit of school work. This exhibit was pronounced excellent by the officers of the society.
We wish to express our appreciation for two framed pictures, one for the High school and one for the Center grammar school, received by will from the late Mary G. Underwood.
The Turner picture exhibit was held in the spring by the Center teachers. Pictures received and receivable are for each of the Center rooms.
1
Attention is called to the usual statistics, tables of statistics and the reports of the Principal of the High school, the Instructor of Agriculture and the reports of the Super- visor of Music and Drawing.
In closing, I wish to express to you for your support and assistance, my appreciation, and thank the teachers for their co-operation in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
LORING G. WILLIAMS.
Harwich, January 1, 1914.
1
24
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT.
To Supt. Loring G. Williams, Harwich, Mass. :
Dear Sir :- I herewith submit my annual report of the High School.
When our school opened early in September, we were handicapped by the loss of three weeks' instruction of the preceding year, due to the closing of school on account of diphtheria. Consequently, the work has been a little slower, but I believe that at the end of this year, it will compare favorably with the work of past years.
During the summer vacation, an entirely new course of study was mapped out under the supervision of Mr. Clarence D. Kingsley, Agent of the State Board of Educa- tion, and is proving very satisfactory. At present, only two subjects are required,-English of all classes and United States History of Seniors and Juniors. By combining classes in several instances and by alternating years in which certain subjects are offered, an opportunity has been afforded for introducing new subjects, and at the same time reducing the number of recitations per day for each teacher. The advantages of this last arrangement are evident. Each subject can be more carefully prepared, and consequently better presented to the pupils.
Latin has not been offered to the entering class this year, and its continuance as a High School subject depends largely on the demand for it the coming fall. A new course in Applied Business English for the Freshmen has been introduced. This, it seems to me, is the most valuable course in the whole curriculum,-and the most needed. A course . in General Science, open to Freshmen and Sophomores, has been introduced. It deals with such subjects as heating,
3
1
25
lighting, sound, water and the proper methods of obtaining it, food stuffs, uses of electricity, etc. Later in the year, we plan to do some work in Elementary Applied Chemistry, dealing with the use of disinfectants, preservatives, drugs and patent medicines, and various food stuffs. It is not a course designed to prepare for college entrance requirements, · but treats in a general way, questions later taken up in our regular Physics and Chemistry departments. Business Arithmetic, another new subject, alternates with Algebra for two lower classes. The general principles of Arithmetic are reviewed in connection with their business applications. Both of these subjects are very practical.
Our new teacher, Miss Eleanor Berg, elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Russell, has taken up the work with a good amount of energy and is proving a valuable assistant.
We have also been fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Milton Rose as Agricultural Instructor. Mr. Rose has had a vast amount of practical experience, is proving of value to the boys of this course, and should be of great help to the agricultural interest of the whole town.
The Agricultural Department has been transferred from the old Town House into the laboratory of the High School building. This has been a wise move. It has brought this department and the school in closer touch, and has put a large number of bulletins and practical books of agriculture within the reach of the general student body. Already there is beginning to be a demand for this material, by students other than those of the Agricultural Department. is no question as to the place of the department in Cool and community. The demand for this kind of e en is growing. Our enrollment is larger than at an vious time, and, I believe, will increase.
26
The main room has recently been beautified by a print. of the St. Gaudens Statue of Lincoln. This picture is a gift of the class of 1912, and is very much appreciated. It is an example worthy of emulation by the succeeding classes. We have also, as a result of the Art Exhibit in the spring, a print of Sir Galahad, by Watts. When framed, this will hang in the assistant's room. The High School has received, by the will of the late Mary G. Underwood, a large, framed "Facsimile of the Emancipation Proclamation," for which we wish here to express our appreciation. The several trophies resulting from our successful baseball season, have also added to the appearance of the room.
Our enrollment is, I believe, the largest for several years. The enrollment has reached sixty-four, and although several have withdrawn, in all cases except two, the with- drawals have been caused by the removal of the students from town.
In closing, I would say that I am always glad to meet parents to consider the welfare of the individual student, and in general, would urge upon them the necessity for greater interest on their part in the children's work.
JAMES L. JORDAN,
Principal of High School.
27
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To Mr. Loring G. Williams,
Superintendent of the Public Schools of Harwich, Chat- ham, Orleans, and Eastham:
It is with pleasure that I submit the following report on the public school music of the towns of this district, for the year 1913-1914.
Order of the Lesson.
Throughout the schools this arrangement for the music lesson has been generally adhered to :
1. The lesson is opened with a vocal drill by means of which the voices are brought into a good condition, the spirits awakened, and the interest of the pupils secured.
2. Some form of ear or eye training follows, usually tonal dictation, and two or three brief written exercises on the board.
3. The work from the book or from exercises placed upon the board, is then taken and the development of a new tonal or rhythmic combination presented and drilled.
4. This is followed by the melodic work-either the rote song or sight singing from exercises and songs.
Vocalization.
For correct vocalization these requirements have been demanded : -
1. Erect, easy position.
2. Free and flexible vocal organs with mouth well open.
3. Light, pure tone, with lively rather than slow move- ment at first.
28
4. Alert active condition of mind and body.
5. £ Tone direction well forward rather than in the throat.
Summary of Work Covered-Primary Schools.
1. Rote songs. More than one-half the time is devoted to the rote song.
2. Tone matching and the correction of monotones.
3. Vocal drills (scale songs or the scale from different pitches and sung with the syllables "loo," "la," "a," etc.)
5. Teaching of the scale by rote.
6. The staff, names of the lines and spaces, and the scale on the staff.
7. Parts of the scale from exercises placed upon the ' board.
8. The new ideas and words,-meter, bar, accent, measure.
9. Whole notes, dotted notes, half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes and rests.
10. 2/1, 2/2, 3/2, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 meters.
11. Tone drills on 8, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 2, and 3.
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