USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1930 > Part 4
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Article 44. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to erect and maintain four (4) electric Street lights on Long road beginning at Bank street and running Easterly to the residence of F. O. Smith.
Article 45. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to improve the Town road leading from the Hotel Belmont to the shore, to grade and harden with some suitable material, distance about two hundred and fifty feet, and act fully thereon.
Aticle 46. To see if the Town will vote to continue the construction of a side walk and curbing in Harwich Center, beginning on the west side of Bank street at the residence of M. E. Mulcay and extending in a southerly direction to a point beyond the residence of Carroll F. Doane and to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money therefor.
Article 47. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to appoint a town accountant in accordance with the provisions of Section 55, Chapter 41, General Laws, and to abolish the office of town auditor; or take any action relative thereto.
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Article 48. To se if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of eight hundred and fifty dollars ($850.00) to build a sidewalk of bitimious concrete, or other suitable material, on the south side of Main street, in Har- wich Center, beginning at the corner of School street and continuing westerly to the corner of South street; the un- expended balance of this appropriation if any to be expend- ed on the north side of said street, beginning at the corner of Brewster road, so called, and continuing westerly. That the Superintendent of Streets have charge of this work and act fully thereon.
Article 49. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.) to hard- en with Oil, Long road, and to fix the approach at the Corner of Bank Street.
Article 50. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate fifty dollars, for material to build a room upstairs in the Fire House, the work will be done by the Caretaker.
Article 51. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars to be used by Harwich Post American Legion as compensation, for quar- ters including rent, light, heat and general upkeep.
Article 52. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five hundred dollars for the use of Harwich Post American Legion in the proper observance of Memorial day and Armistice day.
Article 53. To see if the Town will vote to accept Harbor View road so called near Wyndermere Bluffs, as laid out by plan of Katharine H. Rooney, recorded at Barn- stable Registry of Deeds dated July 24, 1918.
Article 54. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not to exceed $50.00 for the removal of water trough and pump now situated on Pleasant Lake road at Main street.
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Article 55. To see if the Town will vote to continue the construction of sidewalks in Harwich Center beginning at junction of Main and Oak streets and continueing North- erly by the Brooks Park on the Westerly side of said Oak street and running to the Chatham Railroad and to raise and appropriate a sum of money sufficient to pay for the same.
Article 56. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.) for equipment for the Town Clerk, Treasurer and Accountants Office.
Article 57. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred sixty dollars for a re- lief man at the Fire Station, for the year of 1931.
Article 58. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five thousand dollars for Jetty work with Stone, and Dredging at Allens Harbor, and ask the State to make an appropriation to be expended with same.
Article 59. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of six hundred dollars for rip rap work on the Ocean Front on the east side of Allens Harbor, and ask the state to make an appropriation to go with same.
Article 60. To see if the Town will vote to accept as a gift to the Town a sufficient part of certain parcels of land in Harwich Center situated on the east side of Bank street from Francis P. Larkin and others; The same given for the purpose of eliminating the Curve construction of a Public highway on straight line and building side walk for Public purposes and use of the Town of Harwich and inhabitants thereof.
Article 61. To see if the town will vote to have a Committee of three appointed by the Moderator to investi- gate the possibilities of a consolidated High School with any or all of the Towns of Chatham, Orleans and Brewster,
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that the sum of 200 dollars be appropriated to defray the expenses of the Committee and said Committee to report to a special Town Meeting if found desirable.
Article 62. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars to be expended by the Selectmen for the purpose of employing a Stenog- rapher to assist in the Town Office when needed and act fully thereon.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND THE
SUPERINTENDENT of
SCHOOLS
TOWN OF HARWICH MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR 1930
2
ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1930
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Henry M. Small, Chairman
Ralph W. Doane, Secretary
Mrs. Grace M. Fifield Nichols, Treas.
Term expires 1931
Term expires 1932
Term expires 1933
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Charles H. Pratt, A. M.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS H. D. Handy, M. D.
John P. Nickerson, M. D.
SCHOOL NURSE
Myrtle Hudson, R. N.
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
Laban Snow
3
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The most important problem for consideration at the present time is the housing of the rapidly increasing num- ber of pupils. In 1920 there were two hundred seventy-six pupils enrolled in our schools while this year we have four hundred sixty-four and the census shows an increase next year. That there are fifty-two pupils to advance from the Grades to the High School next year is an indication of advancement in the standard of the Grades.
The interest and spirit shown in the work at the High School the past year is worthy of mention. Mr. Pratt, our Superintendent though with us for a short time has grasped our situation and shown ability in helping solve some of our problems.
Our schools should be put on a single grade system and until they are, the best results cannot be attained.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry M. Small, Ralph W. Doane, Greace M. Fifield Nichols.
Mr. Small on leaving the Board on which he has faithfully served for nine years with interest and untiring efforts will be missed.
Ralph W. Doane Grace M. Fifield Nichols
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Expenditures 1930
Needed 1931
General Control
Salaries
$ 1,873.65 $ $
Other expenses
404.62
2,278.27
2,696.80
Expenses of Instruction
Supervisors
1,592.00
Principal and Teachers
21,439.00
Textbooks
365.96
Supplies
1,419.61
24,816.57 27,850.70
Expenses of Operation
Janitors
2,120.95
Fuel
2,059.30
Miscellaneous
420.55
4,600.80
4,820.00
Maintenance
Repairs, replacement, etc. 1,401.38
1,401.38
3,000.00
Auxiliary Agencies
Libraries
7.44
Health
650.00
Transportation
3,975.00
Tuition (Vocational)
95.00
Miscellaneous
216.90
4,944.34
7,060.00
Outlays
New Grounds & Building
1,255.17
New Equipment
702.60
1,957.77
Totals
$39,999.13 $45,427.50
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Appropriation for 1930
Expenditures for 1930
$40,000.00 39,999.13
Unexpended
$ .87
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
Expenditures $39,999.13
Bills Receivable :
City of Boston, Tuition $ 172.27
City of Boston, Transportation 83.55
Receipts :
$ 255.82
State of Mass., Tuition & Trans. $1,535.34
State of Mass., General
School Fund, Part I
3,202.16
4,737.50
4,993.32
Net Cost to Town $35,005.81
6
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of the Town of Harwich :
Herewith is submitted my first annual report as your Suprintendent of Schools.
The proper limitations of space in this report preclude the discussion of many of the varied problems pertaining to the schools. It would be very desirable to report condi- tions leading to the increase in transportation during this school year. Suffice it to say that at the present the Ele- mentary schools of the Port and Center are combined in such fashion as to afford one grade per teacher above the second grade. Transportation facilities have been taxed to the limit in this change yet by the cooperation of parents the result has been achieved. Expressions of approval have been heard from many people . It would be a great improvement were the first and second grades allowed the same privilege.
The work of primary grades is fundamental and every opportunity for best results at this age should be sought.
CROWDED CONDITIONS
The most urgent problems are presented at this time by reason of crowded conditions of the schools and the poor condition in which we find the buildings. I would urge that the town take action to improve housing conditions at an early date. Not only are the buildings badly in need of exterior repairs and interior decoration but problems of water supply, drainage and toilet facilities are most acute. Though many children are transported, no provision has been made for the noon lunch.
Enrollment data is shown on a later page of this report. Let us here note that the total enrollment of Grades 1 to 12 as of October first was 464. This is an increase of
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sixty-five over the enrollment of the same date a year ago.
Present indications point to an increase of at least thirty-five in the Junior-Senior High School next fall. The seventh grade may enroll as many as fifty members. The building is already filled to capacity. The largest room seats but thirty-five. What is to be done? Growth is seen in the elementary grades. It will be necessary to purchase seats for any future increase while the rooms are now filled to capacity.
BUILDING PROBLEM
It would seem unwise to expend further sums in the repair of present buildings. Considerable expense has been met during the last few years. We should recognize that our buildings are inadequate. Repairs and alterations will not suffice.
It is gratifying to note that there is a realization of the need of consolidation of schools.
While the total enrollment of our school is 464 we find only 122 in the Junior-Senior High. There is a marked drop as soon as the age of compulsory attendance is passed.
CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL
I wish you to consider the merits of a Junior-Senior High School formed in cooperation with the towns of Chat- ham and Orleans. Together these towns have an enrollment of over four hundred pupils in grades seven to twelve. Each town is now facing problems of adjustment. Neither alone has sufficient number to provide the variety of courses and specialized instruction found in the best schools of today.
Elementary consolidation could be achieved for the present in the two buildings at the Center if High School accommodations were provided elsewhere. I would recom- mend that Committees from the towns concerned investi- gate the project carefully with view to working out the details.
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FINANCES
In the report of the State Department of Education for the year ending November 30, 1930 the following facts appear. One hundred twelve towns of the state of less than 5000 population maintain high schools. Of this group there were but nineteen which had greater valuation per pupil than Harwich. Of the same group there are but six- teen which spend less per child per thousand dollars val- uation which they raise in local taxation. Thus it would appear that Harwich is well able to finance schools.
I have advocated a Junior-Senior High in cooperation with Chatham and Orleans. This is advisable for several reasons. It would be possible for these towns to finance this program with reasonable expenditure. Resources of over $14,000,000 valuation would be able to provide the best. Classical, cultural and vocational classes would be of sufficient size to allow greater variety than a single town could maintain. Special teachers of these courses could be provided.
Laboratories, shops, library, lunchrooms, auditorium, gymnasium, athletic field and play ground would be incor- porated at their best. Here among the beauties of the Cape can be developed a school system with all the attractions of the open country and with opportunities usually found only in a city.
There are many ways in which the financial obliga- tions of the plan could be shared between the towns con- cerned. These should be investigated by the committee and understood by all concerned.
The details can be arranged if advantages are ap- preciated.
Distances are short. Roads are the best. Transpor- tation is expedient. Climate is mild. The time for cooperation is at hand.
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. PRATT,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The total enrollment in the High School to date shows a decided increase over those of the past two years.
It is distributed as follows :
Grade 12
9
Grade 11
10
Grade 10
15
Grade 9
33
Grade 8
29
.
Grade 7 37
Total
133
The percentage of attendance has been very satis- factory. The recent closing of school because of scarlet fever has reduced the record of the Junior High School somewhat, but on the whole, the children are in school when it is physically possible.
The average percentages of attendance for the first four months of this school year are :
Junior High School 92.89
Senior High School 95.14
The calendar year beginning January 1, 1930 has been a busy one in the life of the school. The extra cur- ricular activities have been many and varied. These, open as they are to participation by all pupils who may desire it, offer an outlet to the energies and ideas of the pupils which is very advantageous. The results have more than justified the time and thought that they entail.
The play "The Girl Who Forgot" presented under the auspices of the class of 1930 was given in Exchange Hall before a large audience. The results of the dramatic
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training given the pupils taking part were very evident, and expressions of approval have been frequently reiterated. Financially, also, the evening was successful, and about $250 was added to the fund for the Washington trip.
On account of the irregular vacation period last spring, the Washington trip was taken earlier than usual. In spite of the hurried preparations for departure, and the uncertainty of accommodations, the Senior class enjoyed a fine trip. This educational adventure in travel to the Na- tion's Capital is, I think, an excellent climax to four years of hard study in our school.
For the second year in succession, Harwich has won the district high school spelling match. Our team showed itself superior to those of the other two schools. Miriam Baker '32 was the individual winner. If we win the contest this year we have permanent possession of the cup.
In the grade school spelling contest, sponsored by the New Bedford Standard, Mary Taylor, grade 8, was the local winner. In the sectional contest at New Bedford, Miss Taylor finished third. This is the best record made by any pupil of the Harwich schools.
An activity which was received with marked interest throughout the town was the resumption of the Prize Speaking Contest, after a lapse of many years. Nine speak- ers from the Senior High School, and Lois Abrahamsen, winner of the Junior High School contest, met in the final contest in Exchange Hall. All the orations were delivered in a satisfactory manner. The clearness of enunciation, the carrying qualities of the voice, and the case of stage pres- ence, spoke well for the quality of work which our pupils can do. Ralph Spear '31 won the first prize, Muriel Grant '30, the second, and Catherine Ryder '31, the third.
A larger and more inclusive edition of the school paper, "Oak Leaves" made its appearance in the late spring. The literary effort portrayed in this magazine was
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very interesting and of a high grade. Miss Farnsworth, teacher of English, deserves a great deal of credit for the continued excellence of her pupils' writings. The publica- tion of this volume is made possible through the financial support of friends of the school. I feel sure that the towns- people appreciate this cooperation.
The Baccalaureate service and the Graduating exer- cises of the class of 1930 were both inspirational and dig- nified. On Sunday, June 15, Rev. U. S. Davis, D. D. of the West Harwich Baptist Church, preached a strong sermon to the four members of the class. Friday evening, June 19, the Superintending School Committee, through Mr. Charles H. Pratt, its Superintendent, caused them to be graduated from the public schools of Harwich.
Entirely through the activities of the students them- selves, we have purchased and installed a radio in the school. Every room is wired for radio reception, and through gifts from generous friends, a loud speaker is avail- able in every room. The programs of the American School of the Air, the Damrosch concerts, and other broadcasts of national importance, are eagerly welcomed by the pupils. Their educational value as a teaching device is generally recognized.
Since the opening of school this fall, certain days have been designated for special attention. Constitution Day, in September, was observed in the classes in history under the direction of Mr. LeClaire. Special mention of historical significance was made in connection with Colum- bus Day, in October. In November, Education Week was observed by the entire school and the townspeople were invited to visit the school at its regular sessions. A general assembly of the Senior High School was held in observance of Armistice Day. Another general assembly of the entire school was held at the Christmas season. At this time another excellent program was presented by the pupils. These assemblies are held at the instigation of the student body : a fact which is very gratifying to me.
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Six clubs have been formed in the school this fall. A 4-H Club for boys and another for girls have been organ- ized in the seventh and eighth grades. Both these clubs are affiliated with the national organization, and come under the supervision of the county agent. In the four upper grades a dramatic club, a camera club, a commercial club, and an out-door club have been organized. This club move- ment is a new one in our school, and it has possibilities for the development of considerable student talent.
The school has been able to be of assistance to the Barnstable County Public Health Association in the matter of selling Christmas seals. Fifteen hundred seals were sold this year.
The Senior play, "A Prince To Order" by the class of 1931 was held earlier than usual this year. By doing this, we hope to be able to present a series of one-act plays later in the season. The aim for this is training in dramatics for a larger number of students.
The Harwich Woman's Club, through Mrs. A. C. Hardacker, its President, has come to the material assis- tance of the school in furnishing a rest room. The prelimi- nary work of scraping, washing, and varnishing the floor was done by the Boys' 4-H Club. The furnishings, consist- ing of a couch, chair, table, rug, curtains, costumer, and mirror, have been installed. The room is now neat and at- tractive, and adds much to our equipment.
The Scriptures tell us "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young man shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams". I hope that it may be possible soon to arrange a series of classes in a definite program for physical education. Recognizing the existence of such a need, the departments of Education of Massachu- setts, and of other states, have done considerable work in preparing such a program. Of course, additional floor space is essential for such a project. It isn't available in the school, but perhaps Exchange Hall could be used for this purpose.
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I hope that we may be able to include in our course of study a class in social ethics, or auditorium. There are phases of social life and social contact that may be taught properly in the schools. The school cannot and does not attempt to take the place of the home training, but the social consciousness of the individual in the larger group may be better developed in the school.
Some day I hope that it will be possible to do away entirely with home study, which we now recognize as a somewhat necessary evil. It can not be done arbitrarily, but must be the result of changes in the methods of the day's program.
Perhaps a longer school day, with a supervised study period in connection with every recitation period, is the solution.
Perhaps a change in instructional methods and pre- sentation of material is the solution. Some educators rec- ommend that the subject matter be presented in the form of problems, the answers to be determined individually by the pupils.
I hope to be able to try some of the new methods of instruction in certain classes during this school year.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL A. MORRIS, Principal.
Harwich, Massachusetts, December 31, 1930
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
PERSEVERANCE
We must not hope to be mowers, And to gather the ripe gold ears,
Unless we have first been sowers,
And watered the furrows with tears,
It's not just as we take it, This mystical world of ours, Life's field will yield as we make it A harvest of thorns or of flowers.
J. W. G.
Drawing is, as we all know, a required part of the school curriculum through the eighth year, then those who have ability or a liking for the subject continue hoping someday to become artists or art teachers.
In the scribble stage, the child is learning to manipu- late his pencil or crayon. The child's first attempts to express himself are very crude and one generally needs to have an explanation of the symbol to know what the child is trying to tell. In most cases a circle with a few lines attached represents a person. Animals, birds and plants are repre- sented in much the same way. From this stage, the child passes into the truth telling period, where he tries to draw things as he sees them. In this he can be assisted by being asked questions as to the size, color and proportions of the object.
In general we can divide drawing into three classes. as design, representation and construction.
The aim of design is to have the child see and feel the difference between order and disorder, and appreciate the value and importance of order; to develop the love of order and, so far as possible, the sense of beauty.
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To develop visual discrimination, memory and imagi- nation, together with an ability to describe visual experience and to express visual knowledge and ideas is the aim of representation.
In construction, the aim is to have the child learn how to follow given dimensions or directions and to use his hands.
Every year the Massachusetts Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals has a poster contest and the awards for best work consist of a blue ribbon for first, and a red ribbon for second prize attached to a bronze medal. The third prize or honorable mention award is one year's subscription to "Our Dumb Animals" which is a magazine published by the Society. Many awards were won by the pupils last spring not only in the grades, but the high school as well. I hope that there will be an equal amount of inter- est and talent shown in the coming contest and that we may have an even greater number of prizes.
There are other contests coming, in which we may have an interest shown by all pupils, especially by the high school.
Crafts work has been enjoyed by the pupils. Many of them having made pocketbooks, billfolds, belts, book- marks and looseleaf notebook covers of tooled leather; pendants and beads of clay which were painted and shel- laced; and wall hangings or pillow covers having designs either stencilled or drawn in freehand, then colored with crayons.
I wish to express my appreciation for the co-operation I have received from all teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois Gebhard,
Supervisor of Drawing.
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
"Music is the universal language of mankind."
Longfellow.
Music is God's greatest gift to mankind. It rules the Universe. Music, most divine of all the Arts, contri- butes directly to the threefold training of the child-manual, mental, and moral development-because it, more than any other study, develops hand, head, and heart; and body, mind, and soul.
Like other educational studies music is undergoing a constant change since new methods are gradually replac- ing the old ones. It has been the aim this year to have more concentrated and individual instruction, and to inculcate an appreciation and understanding of good music. Where the ability existed classes were formed for special instructions- examples of this may be found in the Rhythm Bands in the primary grades of all the Harwich schools, and the Har- monica Bands in the North Harwich and West Harwich schools.
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