USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1901-1905 > Part 5
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19 48
L. Wright, filling diplomas, 1901-2, 4 50
J. M. Howard, stock,! 7 29
M. K. Crosby, school committee, 15 00
Express, freight and postage,
18 61
$315 45
SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
Paid The J. L. Hammett Co., general supplies, $127 48 E. E. Babb & Co., text-books, supplies, 92 49
Ginn & Co., arithmetics, geographies, copy books, 9 75
Silver, Burdett & Co., text-books.
34 48
Leavenworth, Green & Co., erasers, ink,
6 00
Labor on supplies,
4 00
Allyn & Bacon, grammar's,
1 33
Postage,
2 59
$278 12
Repairs, furnishings, incidentals,
$315 45
Cost of school supplies, 278 12
Total,
$593 57
Sale of text-books and supplies, $2 59
Town grant for repairs and supplies, 500 00
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NEW SCHOOL HOUSE.
Paid Howard, Clark & Co., 2 tables,
$11 00
Chandler Chair Co., 2 umbrella racks,
13'00
L. Richmond, curtains,
37 50
D. K. Carpenter, electric gongs,
20 '00
C. Eddy labor and stock,
7 96
E. F. Howard, labor and stock,
4 25
N. W. Bradford, labor and stock,
10 00
F. H. Redman, labor and stock, 85 23
C. P. Howard, labor and stock, 33 00
Briggs & Crowell, labor and stock,
80 50
$302 44
CALENDAR FOR 1903.
WINTER TERM, January 5 to March 20, 1903. Eleven weeks.
Vacation, two weeks.
SPRING TERM, April 6 to June 12. Ten weeks.
Vacation, twelve weeks.
FALL TERM, September 8 to December 18. Fifteen weeks.
Recess. Thanksgiving week after Wednesday.
Vacation, two weeks.
WINTER TERM, 1904, January 5.
Changes may be made in this to accommodate, different schools.
The arrangements for janitor service at the Centre schools, include the heating, cleaning and care of the grounds. As the returns required by the State must show the expenses for all janitor work, the total
48
amount of such expenses is given for all the other schools, instead of including part in incidentals, as previously.
Our schools are working well under an excellent corps of teachers, and we appreciate the efforts of our Superintendent to maintain a high standard in the teaching force. This is not easy to accomplish in small towns that are considered lawful hunting grounds for officials from larger places.
The progress in music and drawing . under the special teachers has been very satisfactory to the pupils, teachers, and all outside friends who have observed the results.
The schools have " open doors" to all interested, and especially to the parents of the pupils. Parents can greatly increase the usefulness of the schools by visits and by securing regular attendance from their children.
The report of the committee chosen by the town in March, 1901-"to have charge of the building of a new school house"-gave the statement of their expenditures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1901.
This statement did not include some outstanding bills for furnishings received or ordered by permission of this committee; neither did the report make refer- ence to work not completed upon the building, or in the grading and fencing of the grounds, that would require some additional expense for the town.
These bills have been paid when presented, and the account of these stands by itself in the financial report of the school committee, as they do not properly belong with our regular school bills.
By some exchange of railroad bonds, the interest of which had been added by legislative action to the
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income of the state school fund, there was a temporary addition to this fund of $150,000 for one year only (1902).
It will be seen that the share of our town in the distribution of this money has given a large increase, for this year, in the amount received from the State.
The money received from the school fund can be lawfully expended only by the school committee and for specified objects.
In compliance with a request from the State Board of Education that an exact account of the expenditure of the school fund shall be kept by the town, our financial report contains a separate statement of this money.
The school committee recommended in their report for 1901, an addition of $500 to previous appropria- tions, foreseeing that this, at least, would be required to meet the increase in expenses of fuel, janitor service, etc.
This increase was not included in the estimates of the Selectmen, and the appropriation was not made by the town. The extra amount received from the State has relieved the situation in part for this year; but, even if the cost of coal should fall back to former rates, there will be absolute need of $4,500 for the support of schools for 1903 (besides the allowance for conveyance of pupils), in order to carry on our schools creditably and with proper regard for the rights of all sections of the town.
There should be chosen at the annual meeting of the town, two members of the school committee for three years.
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. We recommend the following appropriations :
For the support of schools, $4,500 00
repairs and incidentals, 300 00
text-books and supplies, 200 00
conveyance of pupils, 450 00
Respectfully submitted,
A. S. LELACHEUR,
M. K. CROSBY, School
C. H. COPELAND,
W. H. BOSWORTH,
C. P. HOWARD,
Committee.
E. B. GURNEY.
51
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of West Bridgewater, Mass.
In accordance with your regulations, I herewith present my third annual report which is the eleventh of the series of annual reports since the formation of this union district.
In this, as in my previous reports, I shall endeavor to bring before you and the town, the conditions in which the schools are, and progress made. In addition to this, I shall hope to show some of the needs which require immediate attention, and to call to your mind some more remote principles which are deserving of careful consideration.
During the calendar year of 1902 there have been several changes in our teaching corps, two teachers have resigned, one was not re-elected
TEACHERS. and one was transferred. For a more complete list of these changes consult the appendix. That our present teaching force is strong and has the true educational spirit, devotion to the work and love for the children, is shown by the zeal and manner in which nearly all of the children in town are responding to their individual teacher and are thus becoming more and more interested in their work. This is due in a large measure to the fact that as a town, West Bridgewater is paying most of the teachers good salaries, thereby rendering it easier to retain really deserving women for a long period of time. I trust that this will continue to be the policy of the town.
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In this connection, it might be well to remember that we have no large bill for High School tuition or High School teachers, consequently can well afford to place our primary and grammar schools upon a level with those of any town of equal size in the State.
The ready response of the school board to the re- quest for needed repairs is worthy of a word of commendation. As this policy continues REPAIRS. and these improvements become a part of the yearly expenditure, our teachers and pupils will perform their work easier and with less friction and will be afforded increased opportunities for lessons in order and neatness. Were the average citizen compelled to teach for one week in a room with the old style double desks and poorly painted black boards, he would readily see the advantage gained, even to the saving of the teacher's time, by these more modern conveniences. In order to still further en- hance the usefulness of our schools, I wish to call attention to the primary school room at Cochesett. The desks in use at the present time are not only in a poor condition and hardly fit for use, but in many cases do not conform to the age and height of the child. By the present arrangement of seating in this room, it is almost impossible for the teacher to maintain proper discipline and good order without undue vigilance on her part. I would, therefore, suggest that this room be provided with Chandler adjustable desks as soon as possible and that a desk be purchased for the use of the teacher. With these improvements, I feel sure that the pupils, parents and committee, would at once see an improvement in the tone and spirit of the school.
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From time to time there has been complaint that wood has been removed from the school yard at Cochesett without consent of committee and teachers. It seems to me that this difficulty might be obviated, to some extent, by the erection of a wood shed in the yard at the rear of the building near the northeast corner. The expense of these two additions would not be great and the advantage accruing would be lasting.
I have no further recommendations to make along this line, other than to call your attention again to the general repairs which were so well attended to during the summer vacation.
As will be noted in the table of attendance in the appendix this year, our percentage has been about the same as last, but it seems to me that we ATTENDANCE. ought to expect a greater percentage of the pupils in the upper or grammar grades to attend regularly.
There have been a few cases of truancy and one or two of these have been absolutely inexcusable. If parents would cause their children to attend school when it was in session and not let them remain at home with flimsy excuses, the attendance would be im- proved and habits of punctuality and regularity would be more clearly imaged in the minds of the children. Parents should know something of what their boys and girls are doing when going to and from school.
Before leaving this subject I would like to urge upon all parents the necessity of exercising greater care in causing their children to be in school promptly and regularly. As is indicated in the rules and regulations, the schools of this town may be closed during the entire four days of Brockton Fair, but if a majority of
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the pupils do not care to attend the entire four days, school will close but one of the days. Would it not, then, be on the side of discretion for the parent to take his child to the fair upon the day on which there is no school ?
Of course, in stormy or otherwise inclement weather it is impossible for us to arrange for a no-school signal. Great care, therefore, must be exercised by the parent in keeping the child at home upon stormy days. It is not the signal absence which causes the low percent- age in our attendance, but it is either the continued absence of one pupil for several days or of a large number of pupils for one day. If every parent would exercise greater care in these matters the percentage for the year in our schools would easily be ninety-five or ninety-six, instead of ninety-one and ninety-two.
We feel certain that most of the parents realize their duty in this direction and we only urge upon all the necessity of doing something to help, for in this way, better than any other, can correct habits of punctuality and regularity be taught.
During the past year there has been an assistant in the Centre Primary school, but the number of pupils has so diminished, that, unless the entering class in September is again large, I would recommend discon- tinuing her services, thus leaving CONSOLIDATION. only one teacher.
As a further suggestion along the line of economy, I wish to speak of the conditions at Jerusalem. We now have fifteen pupils in that school at a total expense of about $400. Besides these fifteen pupils, there are seven who are transported to the Cochesett grammar school at an expense of $275, or
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at about $39 per pupil. You will readily see that for these children we are paying a much larger sum each, year than for any other children in town. After a careful consideration of the matter, I have finally con- cluded that there are two ways of relieving this' expenditure. There are arguments which favor and oppose both of these arrangements. The first, method is that so often used in New England and the Middle States and which is used in a measure in West Bridgewater; it is, to close this school entirely, and transport, by coach or electrics, all of the children to some other of the schools and possibly pay tuition to Easton for some of the pupils.
In this way I think it would be safe to say that $200 could be saved to the town each year. Of course this would need the approval of the parents in the district before the committee would feel justified in carrying out the plan.
The other arrangement would not offer as good educational advantages, at the same time it might give to the smaller children an opportunity to attend school nearer home. As before stated, the price paid for transportation is large when we consider the number of pupils. I do not mean by this that the price is exorbitant for the work, but the relative cost is large. Would it not then lessen these difficulties, were we to retain the seventh grade at the Jerusalem school and transport the eighth and ninth grades to the Centre school by electrics? This could be done at an annual expense of $17.50 per pupil a year, and thus again you see we would make a saving of nearly $200 in our school expenses. i
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As a further act of consolidation, and in order to reduce our expenses further, we might arrange to transport the scholars from the East school to the Centre, providing a suitable team could be procured for this purpose.
I am almost undecided as to which or how many of these plans ought to be undertaken. In regard to Jerusalem, the first plan offers to the children increased educational advantages, especially that of greater interest in larger classes. No one can deny that there is a lack of interest if there are not more than one or two pupils in a class. On the other hand, the objections to this are that the small children would have to ride a little distance to school in all weather but the very stormy. If the second of the plans be followed, the pupils will remain longer at the home school and be less interested in their work. Nor will they have the inspiration of numbers and environment which is offered in larger schools. In regard to the East school, unless the number continues to decrease, I think it would be wiser to keep this school open. If, however, we transport this school to the Centre, it will necessi- tate the retaining of two teachers in the primary room.
It has been well said that the surroundings of the pupils educate them. If these silent influences enter into the lives of our boys and girls, DECORATIONS. how important it is that committee, parents, teachers and pupils enter heartily into this work. One of the aims of your Superintendent and teachers during the past year has been to brighten the rooms and make them
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more attractive. The greatest movement along this line has been to remove dilapidated reference books and other unsightly objects from the tables as well as to take down many pictures which possessed no educational value.
The repairs upon the blackboards, the walls, the new coats of paint and varnish, show that the com- mittee appreciate these necessities, and are willing to do all they can to beautify the rooms which are occupied so many hours by the growing children. That the teachers recognize this feature in the work is shown by their efforts to secure plants for their rooms and new pictures for the walls. Instead of the indiscriminate use of Perry pictures and others taken from various magazines, our teachers are using them largely to supplement their regular work. -
As another step in this direction, we hope before the year is out to provide each room with a piece of colored burlap or other material which will be suitable for displaying any work which is well or creditably done. In this way only the very best will will be put before the pupils, and as improvement is made, or the seasons change, these displays will change and the pupils will retain their interest and the school rooms will become more and more cheer- ful and attractive to children and visitors alike.
If any of the citizens of the town wish to leave a memorial for any school, I can conceive of none more elevating in its influence than the purchase of some artistic reproduction of a genuine masterpiece. In fact, I should be only too glad to assist any one with this intent, in making a choice for a particular school.
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It is with a great deal of pleasure that I note the increased interest shown among the pupils in regard to their work in music. Miss Jones does MUSIC. her work faithfully and conscientiously and at the same time arouses the enthusiasm of the pupils in such a way that they are willing to do their very best, either in individual vor chorus work. It would be a source of delight to all parents, whether interested or not in the subject of music, to be present during the regular singing lesson and to note the vigor and willingness with which most of the pupils work.
For a definite account of the progress made in this department the past year, I refer you to the following report of the supervisor of music. As " reading" music gives training in quick perception, and as "writing " music gives practice in accuracy, it must be seen that while music may be regarded on the æsthetic side of our studies, it is also on the practical side and helps develop, in the growing child, those faculties which assist him in becoming a well developed individual,
To the Superintendent of Schools of the town of West Bridgewater:
In presenting my second annual report of the music in the public schools of West Bridgewater, I wish first to express my appreciation of the enthusastic work of the pupils and the thorough drill given by the teachers.
In one line of work especially is great improvement to be noted-that of individual singing. Little or no hesitation is now felt by any Primary school pupil in singing an exercise or song alone. This proves in- valuable in helping our little monotones.
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In one of our primary classes in September, there were from six to eight children of this sort who could sing but two or three notes, some voices could take but a single note. Upon testing the voices again in December, every child was able to sing a complete scale. Time and continued care only are needed to give confidence, and later to make each child an aid to the cause of music in school and out.
I have noted similar cases in nearly every Primary school in town, but our aim is to have every child who enters the Grammar schools able to sing alone or in chorus. Much work has been done in learning to write music properly, and all testify to the value of such training.
In the Grammar schools the ability to write music has enabled us to become possessors of special songs selected with great care from the best classics and copied from the blackboard into music books which are the property of the pupils themselves. In some of our primary schools, also, writing has been done which would reflect credit on Grammar school pupils.
Excellent progress has been made in tone perception. In a quick test given in the Center Sub-Grammar school at my last visit, a short tune was sung for the pupils and they were requested to write the tune as it sounded to them in a certain key, nearly every paper was correct.
Realizing we are still far below our ideal, we can see sufficient progress made to encourage us forward with renewed enthusiasm. We feel also the encouragement which comes from a school board interested in our work and willing to aid us in every way, as well as that which comes from friends who show kindly apprecia-
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tion of our efforts and are always welcomed to our lessons.
Respectfully submitted, MILDRED S. JONES, Supervisor of Music.
The course of study adopted by you for use in the grades is giving good satisfaction. After a few modi- fications of this course in the subjects of COURSE OF geography and arithmetic it should be STUDY. printed and made permanent so that when a change in teachers or superintendent occurs, the schools will not be upset by the introduc- tion of ideas out of harmony with the regular course of study. In this course there should also be printed the course in drawing which has been submitted by the supervisor. With such a printed course of study and with the rules and regulations to outline the policy and desires of the school board, changes in any of the school officials will not be liable to retard the regular - work of the schools. As soon as the citizens of the town understand that the committee has a definite course , of action mapped out along the lines of both progress and economy, and as soon as they see that the Board are not asking for increased appropriations, except for necessities, then will there be greater desire on the part of individuals to assist the Board in its work.
After only a year's work of the regular supervisor of drawing, I can already note a marked improvement in this work. Pupils are learning to ob- DRAWING. serve with more accuracy, to use the muscles of their arms with more ease and to express their mental conceptions of the objects
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before them, in such a manner as to please even the in- experienced observer.
The exhibition of this work which was held ear'y in the year, showed the possibilities of the subject and gave the people an idea of what we attempted to do along this line of work.
If, for no other purpose than muscular control and development, we adopt drawing, it would more than compensate the outlay in dollars, by the training it gives our boys and girls.
Further, this subject more than any other gives the pupil a practical knowledge which will help him re- gardless of his occupation in later life. For even the farmer at times needs to know how to use the square and compass.
For a more detailed account, I would call your at- tention to the following report of the Supervisor.
To the Superintendent of Schools of the town of West Bridgewater :
During the year just passed I have endeavored to give the teachers a course of work in drawing which should be suited to the present needs of the pupils, to explain and to illustrate to them by teaching the best methods of doing this work.
I have also tried to bring up to the average standard in the town those schools which by reason of neglect of this subject or by a frequent change of teachers were accomplishing very little in drawing a year ago.
With the excellent corps of teachers which we have had since school began in September, the improve- ment in drawing has been noticeable. We can feel proud of the work done by both Grammar schools and
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some of the lower grades, in as much as the results show not only some very good work by the more talented pupils, but the work of the class as a whole is both careful and correct. This shows excellent teach- ing by the regular teachers.
I have been greatly helped in what I have tried to do by some new material for the primary grades and more especially by the compasses and drawing boards which have been purchased for use in mechanical drawing in the Grammar grades and by having these materials supplied always in ample time for use.
In the appendix is a general statement of the aim of the work and the course laid out for the year.
Respectfully submitted, LILLIAN NEWMAN, Supervisor of Drawing.
In this era of progress and industry, of rush and worry, we sometimes fear that our schools are not keeping step with the march of life. Upon PROGRESS. careful survey, however, we find that as a rule our teachers are more carefully trained and under closer supervision than formerly. From the school statistics we learn that more of the pupils are enabled to finish the Grammar school course and enter the high school than at any previous time. Gradually we are trying to make more effective, some of the subjects known as utilitarian. Among these, drawing is especially emphasized, for the average business man or artesian sees many instances when a slight knowledge of mechanical drawing would render him invaluable assistance.
Upon a closer scrutiny of the work, we notice that the esseniials, reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic,
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are receiving a due apportionment of the child's time. Although such training is by no means perfect, we are giving the child a broader grasp of these subjects than was given twenty-five or fifty years ago. Above all, were we to investigate thoughtfully, we would notice that by teaching the children correct habits, in regu- larity, punctuality, order, neatness, politeness, kind- ness and many of the other moral virtues, we not only help them grow into noble men and women, but train them to become a part of that great citizenship which was inaugurated by Washington, intensified by Lincoln and exemplified by President Roosevelt.
The following is a quotation from the report of one of our state superintendents ; it sums up many of the arguments which favor modern education: "The school will help the child as it makes it possible for him to grow, to master himself and his tasks, to feel the pulse of nature, to live in close communion with the wise of heart, to rejoice in the companionship of those who have pointed the way, and gone on before, to receive truth and embalm it in daily living, and to be glad to be alone with God in his own heart.
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