USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1933 > Part 3
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Article 31. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate One Thousand ($1000.) Dollars to dredge Wychmere Harbor and channel to deep water, providing that the State and Federal Governments will contribute sufficient funds to complete the project, and act fully thereon.
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Article 32. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty ($750.) Dollars, providing the state will contribute the same for the purpose of dredging out the entrance to the Round Cove at Pleasant Bay, and act fully thereon.
Article 33. To see if the town will vote to grant to the Chatham Water Company, a franchise to install a water system within the town limits; to lay water mains in accordance with plans already drawn by Chase & Gil- bert; to rent at least one hundred (100) hydrants per year at a cost of not more than Fifty ($50.) Dollars each ; or to take any other action necessary in the matter and to raise and appropriate a sum of Five Thousand ($5000 .; Dollars therefor.
Article 34. To see if the town will raise and ap- propriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred ($1500.) Dollars to be used for the purchase of materials on C. W. A. pro- jects, said money to be spent under the supervision of the Selectmen.
Article 35. To see if the town will vote to rescind the vote of the year 1927 whereby One Hundred and Twen- ty-five ($125.) Dollars was appropriated for the improve- ment of the beach at West Harwich, said work having been completed with money from other sources, and that this amount revert back to the Town Treasury.
Article 36. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Hundred ($600.) Dollars to reimburse the Department of Public Works for dredg- ing Herring River.
Article 37. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not to exceed Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars to be paid to the Cape Cod Hospital for the es-
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tablishment and maintenance of a free bed in the hospital for the care and treatment of persons certified by the Se- lectmen to be residents of the town and unable to pay for such care and treatment, in accordance with Section 74, of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, or take any ac- tion in relation thereto, and act fully thereon.
Article 38. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500.) Dollars for the use of Harwich Post, No. 292, American Legion, in the proper observance of Memorial Day and Armistice Day.
Article 39. To see if the town will accept the re- location of Pleasant Street between Lower County Road and Shore Road, West Harwich, as made by the Select- men.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TOWN OF HARWICH
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE YEAR 1933
2
ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1933
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Ralph W. Doane, Chairman
Grace M. Fifield Nichols, Secretary
Henry W. Thompson, Treasurer
Term expires 1935
Term expires 1936 Term expires 1934
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Charles H. Pratt, A. M.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS H. F. Rowley, M. D. John P. Nickerson, M. D.
SCHOOL NURSE Hope Becker, R. N.
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
John T. Wood
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
We submit, on the following pages, reports of the departmental heads of our school organization for the year 1933. These reports give a studied understanding of mod- ern education to meet the practical and cultural tastes of all the students.
Superintendent Pratt's report of the physical con- dition in the high school states the facts mildly and should call for consideration of an emergency that may soon exist.
Health, education standards and efficiency have been as satifactory as could be expected under present working conditions.
An appropriation from the C. W. A. has been used for interior painting and the school properties are in fairly good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
Ralph W. Doane, Grace M. Fifield Nichols, Henry W. Thompson,
School Committee.
4
HARWICH FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Needed
Expenditures in 1933
1934
GENERAL CONTROL:
Salaries
$ 2,563.00
Other Expenses
214.23
$ 2,777.23 $ 2,844.60
INSTRUCTION :
Supervisors
1,600.00
Principal & Teachers
23,358.75
Textbooks
324.26
Supplies
646.70
25,929.71 27,015.00
EXPENSES OF OPERATION :
Janitors
2,000.00
Fuel
1,339.82
Miscellaneous
661.00
4,000.82
4,125.00
MAINTENANCE :
Repairs, Replacement & Upkeep
1,416.51
1,416.51
500.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES :
Libraries
1.28
Health
655.65
Transportation
4,449.00
Miscellaneous
184.35
5,290.28
5,524.00
OUTLAY :
New Equipment 564.90
564.90
Total
$39,979.45 $40,008.60
5
NET COST OF SCHOOLS 1933
Total Expenditure in 1933
$39,979.45
Receipts and Reimbursements :
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Tuition and Transportation $1,133.51
City of Boston Tuition and Transportation
1,070.70
General School Fund Part
3,390.00
5,594.21
Net Cost of Schools 1933
$34,385.24
Reimbursement for Vocational Education :
Tuition paid in 1932 $45.00
6
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of the Town of Harwich :
Herewith I submit my fourth annual report as Su- perintendent of Schools and the thirty-first since the for- mation of the present School Union.
The year 1933 has been a very busy one in the schools. There has been no curtailment in the demand for service in this line. In fact during these critical years demands upon the schools have been even more exacting.
Total school membership has increased ten since a year ago while the membership in the high school has in- creased twenty-three. If reference is made to the table showing membership by grades it will be seen that the growth of the schools has been continuous over a period of years.
During the ten year period, 1924 to 1933 inclusive, the growth of the schools has been as follows:
1924
1933
10 year Percent Increase Increase
Total membership
318
532
214
67.3
Membership Gr. 1-6
216
341
125
57.8
Membership Gr. 7 and 8
47
91
44
93.6
Membership Gr. 9-12
55
100
45
81.
It is easy to understand the crowded condition which now prevails in the high school.
Two years ago this building was filled so that chairs in the laboratory had to be used for home room seats. With- in the last two years thirty-four more have been added to the membership. In order to handle the numbers it has been necessary to narrow up aisles, fill space at the front and rear of rooms with seats, and restrict the width of
7
passageways to the extent that further increase would in- volve danger to health and safety. In case something is not done to relieve this situation, it will soon be necessary to start a double session day of approximately half time classes and double transportation.
We are fully aware of the serious financial crisis through which we have been passing. We are ready to endorse the policy that extravagance in education is never justified. Neither is preventable waste justifiable. Misuse of money is one form of waste. Misuse of time and mis- directed effort are other forms. Let me call your thought- ful attention to waste through the loss of so many boys and girls who leave school before they have received their share of the benefits for which the school is being main- tained. I refer you to the report of the Principal in which he shows that of 218 who have entered only 125 have grad- uated either here or elsewhere. It is time that provisions were made to provide for these people. Not only do they leave school but many, who through persistence and ambi- tion, complete the courses offered would have profited more by a course in practical arts for which no provision can be made in our present school plant.
The interest shown and results achieved by the boys in wood working illustrates the point in question. Only a limited field can be covered as they meet once per week in the little shop about half the size of an ordinary class room. It is a beginning in the right direction.
Results obtained in the courses in music and draw- ing are evident. These can be seen and appreciated by the public on different occasions during the year. If we believe that education should contribute to the pleasure and profit of the individual and contribute toward the enjoyment of a richer life, then certainly music and art are of fundamental importance. If we have any of the so called fads or frills in our schools they are more likely
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to be found in the older rather than in the more recently added high school subjects.
If age were an indication of need then certainly Latin is not sufficiently appreciated. The study of Greek has practically disappeared from high school courses. Thir- ty years ago these subjects were common. Two thousand years ago they were in general use. Things do change. Life and ways of living have and are changing rapidly. Our school system should be made to harmonize with con- ditions of the age. We should go even further. People in our schools today will live in a new environment later. So far as trends can be foreseen needs should be antici- pated. If we educate for the world of yesterday we can not hope to fill the need tomorrow. An early revision of our high school course of study to include practical arts is greatly needed.
The interest of the public and the cooperation re- ceived by the schools during the past year is hereby ac- knowledged. This is one of the most tangible assets which a school system can have. It is fully appreciated by your school faculty. Let me express our desire to cooperate with all interested people in the growth and improvement of the educational opportunity.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. PRATT,
Superintendent of Schools
-
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
One of the chief aims of the New Deal of 1933 in our national life is to produce fresh opportunities for those citizens who have been excluded from their usual lines of endeavor under the old regime through circumstances be- yond their control.
It is apparent on all sides that the old order has passed, and that we are now in the transitional period to- ward a new and different economic status. Those things which have appeared to be traditionally standard are, for a large number of persons, definitely changed, and every agency of our national organization is being mobilized to provide an opportunity for every potential worker to be actively engaged in a gainful pursuit.
That is to say, the economic organization which has for years been effective, is so no longer. A new deal is started, with the intention of making adjustments so that the needs of the citizens will be cared for, with the ulti- mate end the betterment of the nation.
If this is true in our national life, is it true else- where? Is it true in the greatest single activity in the nation, public education? Is it true in the school in Har- wich ?
For years the town has maintained an excellent High School of the traditional New England kind. Emphasis has been placed on the college preparatory subjects, and to all intents and purposes, rightly so. In recent years, commercial branches have been added for those pupils who were interested in secretarial studies.
Now, the question arises, does this sort of training answer the needs of the town for its young people ? Do the majority of the pupils go to college? If so, the town
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needs to continue emphasis on college preparatory work. Do great numbers of the pupils follow secretarial work? If so, great emphasis should be given the course. But what about those who do not complete the high school course ? Are their needs properly attended to ?
I believe that it is for the best interests of the town to have an educated citizenry. I believe that every child should be given an opportunity to graduate from the high school, and study the things which will be of benefit to him, and which he can master. My experience is that many pupils do not take kindly to the traditional school sub- jects, are unable to master them, leave school, and so are denied equal opportunity with those who do like and can do the traditional work.
My contention is that the town should endeavor to do something in the future, in the spirit of the New Deal, for those who would otherwise exclude themselves from the school system.
Let us look at the record, and see what the situa- tion, in regard to high school pupils, has been, and appar- ently is.
In the classes of the last ten years, that is, beginning with the class which graduated in 1924, 218 children have entered as pupils. Of these 218, only 90 have graduated. On the face of these figures, the record looks small. In addition to those who have graduated here, 25 have moved from town and completed their course and 10 have trans- fered to private schools and have done the same. That is, 218 have entered, and 125 have graduated.
The pertinent question which I want to ask is: Has the town done all that it could, or given every opportun- ity possible to the 93 pupils who entered and did not graduate ?
In further study of the record I find that of these 93, 40 stayed in school one year or less, 23 left the second
11
year, 20 left the third year, and 10 left during the fourth year. The record further shows that of those 93 leaving, a considerable number failed to do satisfactory work in the studies attempted.
Now you may ask, is there still a large number of pupils who leave school? From this year's senior class 13 have left. Of these 9 have transfered to other schools. In eight of these cases the family has moved from town. 4 left for other reasons. Ten have left the junior class, 5 have moved out of town, one died, and four have gone for other reasons.
In my opinion, the school should offer an additional course, which would be of such practical benefit to those pupils, who, through lack of adjustment, leave school, that they would remain in school and graduate thereby making themselves better citizens of the town.
Such a course would necessarily reduce book work to a minimum, and would embrace LEARNING BY DO- ING.
I am suggesting a tentative outline for such a course, and calling attention to a few of its features.
Two of the greatest stumbling blocks in the exist- ing courses are : higher mathematics, and foreign languages. In the suggested course, these would be eliminated. The course includes : four years of English, of a kind that has a practical connection to the new subject matter; two years of general science, one of which we have, and the second a non-mathematical study of the practical appli- cations of chemistry and physics as they apply to every- day life; three years of typing; two years of practical arts, home economics for girls, and various kinds of shop training for boys; three years of current history, or an understanding of the world about us; music, and drawing, which I consider extremely practical in our new life.
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In detail the course would be as follows :
First Year English Junior Business Training
General Science Civics and Occupations Music and Drawing
Second Year
English
General Science
Typing
Current History Music and Drawing
Third Year
English
Practical Arts
Typing
Economics - Current History
Music and Drawing
Fourth Year
English
Practical Arts
Typing American Hist. & Gov't.
Current History Music and Drawing
I realize that such an extensive addition to the course of study cannot be achieved immediately. There are many factors which effect the change. It will mean a consider- able increase in physical facilities such as room and equip- ment.
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Yet I submit it for your consideration, as I believe that such an addition will make for the benefit of the en- tire town, through prolonging the school life of the young people. To my mind a more completely educated citizenry is to our advantage.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul A. Morris,
Principal.
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REPORT OF DRAWING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Harwich :
I have visited all classes in the Elementary and Junior High School once a week and have outlined at that time a lesson for the grade teacher to complete during the week.
I have always felt that it was vitally necessary that the teacher of the subject of Art or Drawing should take special pains to make the subject as interesting as possible. Realizing that certain phases of the work would be more attractive to one child than to another I have brought into the class work a variety of exercises. which appeal in some part to each and every pupil and in their entirety to many.
This has been accomplished through cut and paste work, design, crayon, charcoal and pen and ink work. Recogniz- ing the value of special work to stimulate the interest of the pupils, the work was planned along the lines that each holiday held something of particular interest which could be brought out through the medium of the drawing class. The classes started in the Junior High School during the previous year in Mechanical Drawing which tied in with the Manual Training class has been continued on a satis- factory basis. The special class for the High School Boys in Mechanical Drawing has also been continued as has the special class for girls in freehand work, out door sketching, costume designing and portrait work.
Much favorable comment was aroused by the school exhibit held last Spring in the different Schools of Harwich. Our present plans contemplate a similar exhibit in the com- ing Spring.
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The pupils generally have been interested and some have shown remarkable talent.
I would express my appreciation of the cooperation and effort of the teachers. This has been of material as- sistance in making the work successful.
Respectfully submitted,
Myrtle Mehaffey (Kennedy)
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The work in vocal music has continued along much the same lines as in the previous two years. Each class is visited once a week by the Supervisor, and an outline of work to be done during the week is left with the grade teacher. Slight emphasis is being placed this year on mem- ory work, an occasional song being learned so that the boys and girls can sing it at any time without their books. As before, rote songs are taught in the first and second grades, and note reading is introduced in the second year. It is continued from the second through the sixth grade, two- part singing being introduced in the fourth grade, and an occasional three-part song in the sixth.
The Junior High lessons are slightly different, how- ever. A study of folk and national songs and tunes of the various countries is being made. This study includes the recognition of the tunes through hearing them; general familiarity with their word content with actual memori- zation of some of the most important and familiar ones ; and some knowledge as to the origin and history of both words and tunes. Some part work is done on these songs, but the broad aim of the course in these two grades is to familiarize the boys and girls with the songs which are so well loved by the older people, and which are so worthy of being known. Notebooks with attractive covers which were made in art class under the supervision of Mrs. Myrtle Mehaffey are being assembled containing all this information plus illustrations of each song.
The High School chorus in Harwich presented the operetta "Tulip Time" this year. Much of the chorus work for this performance was done in the regular class period. A large percent of the chorus which sang in March
17
at the Cape Cod School Symphony Concert came from the Harwich group, while a smaller, selected group sang Christ- mas carols to shut-ins just before Christmas. Work con- tinues with the boys' quartet, and a mixed double quartet from Harwich and Orleans took part in the Baccalaureate services in both towns in June. A real love of choral music seems to be developing among these young people which it is to be hoped they will carry with them for many years.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLOTTE PATCH,
Supervisor of Vocal Music
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REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Instrumental music instruction Harwich Schools is continuing to be of growing interest to parents and pupils. There are 45 pupils studying various orches- tral and band instruments. The advanced orchestra num- bers 30 members. This orchestra has appeared several times in various school, church, and public functions and met with appreciation on the part of the public.
Unlike other school subjects, music is brought con- stantly before the public. This public has the opportunity to discriminate and judge the results and see the progress attained from time to time. I am very happy to say that the most complimentary opinions have been expressed af- ter each performance.
Plans are already under way for the annual con- cert which has always met with a great deal of interest on the part of the parents and music lovers. The outstand- ing players of the instrumental classes are becoming mem- bers of the Philharmonic Society, Cape Cod Junior Com- munity Band and other organizations. By consent of Su- perintendent Pratt we have grown to such proportions, numerically as well as in quality, that we have adopted the idea of an orchestra made out of the pupils of our district rather than to expand through the entire Cape. This has meant great sacrifices on the part of the parents, such as transportation, purchasing of music and other ex- penses. As a result of this latter thought the Monomauset Orchestra was reorganized. This orchestra is planning a series of concerts that will surely be of interest. I am sure the public is due for a real thrill when they hear the first concert from this group.
I wish at this time to express my appreciation to
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Superintendent Pratt and the School Committee, and the people of Harwich for their loyal support and encourage- ment in my work. Principal Morris, a musician himself, is naturally interested in his high school orchestra and is giving it every chance available along with the school ac- tivities. Mrs. Crowell and Mrs. Nickerson see to it that their pupils have all the information they want at the beginning and help our work through the entire year. Miss Patch is cooperating with the instrumental department in every way. Mrs. Nassi has taken charge of the beginners' classes and is giving every pupil private attention. The pupils derive the full benefit of these classes which are of tremendous importance in shaping their lives. Music gives them something worth while to do during their lei- sure time. The community as a whole benefits by the music instruction.
In closing I wish to mention Robert Littell's pro- nouncement in a recent number of Harpers Magazine. This pronouncement is highly important from the fact that Rob- ert Littell is one of the literary giants and he is not con- nected with music in any other way except as a lover of this art. Here is a sample of his article. "Higher than almost any other accomplishment do I place music. There is no reason why any boy or girl who is not absolutely tone-deaf should not learn to play one musical instrument well enough for it to be a self-resource and a pleasure to others. I should advocate the substitution of music for Latin as a required subject. Music is, or ought to be an essential part of every civilized being's life. Economic necessity, the radio and the phonograph have put the play- ing of music beyond most Americans. Our children should bring this back."
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS NASSI,
Instrumental Music Supervisor
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The past year has been rather uneventful so far as this department is concerned. There has been no seri- ous outbreak of any contagious disease. The general health of the school children has been good.
It has been a pleasure to the examining physicians to note that many of the physical defects detected in last year's examinations have been corrected. We feel that if parents will study their children's physical examination school report, and act thereon, many a case of deafness, eyestrain, enlarged glands, rheumatism, serious heart di- sease, malnutrition and maldevelopment may be prevented.
While every one is trying to restore material pros- perity in the community, no greater tragedy could befall us than, through neglect, to sacrifice our greatest wealth : our health.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN P. NICKERSON, M. D.
HAROLD F. ROWLEY, M. D.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Since we are interested in immunizing our children from Diphtheria, the Toxin Anti Toxin Clinic started last December was continued in March 1933. We had 40 school children and 71 pre-school children inoculated on March 22, 29 and April 5. We certainly have found a check for diphtheria. We look for further clinics in early spring.
The Dental Clinic was held April 24 by Dr. Turner, running for 11 days, at the financial expenditure of $182.52 given by the Harwich Visiting Nurse Association. Children were examined up to Grade seven.
Children receiving Dental Care 93
Fillings 430
Extractions 78
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