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 1920-1924 > Part 22
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12:
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
To the Members of the West Bridgewater School Com- mittee :
I herewith submit my first annual report, together with the reports of my colleagues and some statistical data. This report must of necessity deal with the future rather than with the past, as I have been superintendent too short a time to be able to point out many accomplishments.
New Building
The outstanding problem at the present time is how to properly house the pupils in our schools. In some schools we are so overcrowded that effective work is seriously hin- dered and pupils and teachers are put to great inconveni- ence. In the four room building at the Center, under or- dinary conditions there is room for about 140 pupils, but at present there are 176. When we also consider that one teacher in this building has 48 pupils in two grades and all the others with single grades have from 42 to 49 pupils, we can easily see the difficulties under which they work. At the Howard School we have a fifth grade of 24 pupils in a room that is entirely unsuited to a class of this size. The room has no means of ventilation except through the win- dows, has practically no blackboards and is so built that part of the pupils are out of sight of the teacher if she stands at her desk or at the front of the room.
We find that there has been a decided increase in the number of pupils entering our schools. Since September the net increase has been 32 or enough to fill an extra class room. Unless we construct a new building at once we shall be forced to put several of our schools on a part time plan next fall. This should be avoided if possible, as it will mean that these pupils will be losing from two to three hours of the school time due to them each day. As there is no pros- pect of any diminution in the number of pupils next fall,
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but rather a certainty that there will be an increase, we would urge the citizens to provide an up to date four room building at the Center.
The High School
The work in the High School has gone along smoothly under the efficient management of Mr. Macleod, assisted by an excellent corps of teachers. No radical changes were made at the beginning of the year but each new plan was carefully considered before being adopted.
It seems likely that we shall be able to dispense with the services of one teacher next fall. This will necessitate the careful regrouping of subjects for each teacher, but this can be done without detriment to the pupils.
I would suggest that the course in Spanish be discon- tinued after this year as there seems to be very little de- mand for it.
I would refer you to the report of the High School Principal for further information in regard to this school.
Center School
The work of this school has been greatly handicapped by the crowded conditions in the four-room building, as stated in the first part of this report. The average num- ber of pupils to a teacher is 43. It is impossible to do ef- ficient work under such conditions. Grades three and four should be separated and divisions made in grades six and seven. The fifth grade should be removed from the High School building and placed in a suitable room. Even with four rooms additional it will be possible to fill them all next fall. I hope to see the number of pupils to a teacher re- duced to 35. This is the largest number that a teacher can handle satisfactorily.
I can not refrain from commending the work of Miss MacDonald, the principal of this school. I consider her an excellent principal and teacher. Far greater than her
fluence on the pupils. I West Bridgewater thor- he schools of this town. my word of praise.
ue
nditions that are hinder- had 48 pupils in grades as had 40 in grades one, e standard of this school teps should be taken to teacher. If a new build- suggest moving the fifth new building. This will r. If possible we should s Chaffin's room, so that to her pupils.
ols
portant as the central our present system is central schools is higher
he teachers in the latter by the large number of e town. Either we must prove them. The first he only alternative is to them up to a standard ring this about we must
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an injustice to the child in the outlying districts. Of course, it is not easy to get experienced teachers to stay in rural schools, but we should make a great effort to do so, even if we have to pay more than we do at the Center. Governor Cox in his recent message to the Legislature ad- vocated the passage of a bill that would help improve con- ditions in the rural districts of the state. Second, we should take steps to make these schools model schools in every sense of the word. Flush closets and running water should be provided if possible, the interiors should be made attractive and the playgrounds well equipped. My aim is to make these schools so attractive that the pupils will leave them with regret when they enter the upper grades and High School. Furthermore, I should like to see these schools used by the people of the section as community cen- ters.
Junior High School
The pupils of the seventh and eighth grades are at an age when they demand a different type of education from that offered in the sixth grade. This difficulty has been met by establishing Junior High Schools. I believe that West Bridgewater would benefit greatly by the establish- ment of a school of this kind. It would supply a means of bridging the gap between the elementary schools and the High School. Furthermore, the work could be department- alized and a greater variety of subjects offered. The estab- lishment of this school would not involve a great expense. It would be largely a question of organization.
Domestic Science; Manual Arts
We offer no course for the boys or girls who are of a practical turn of mind. We compel them to go beyond the school to obtain training in the lines of work for which they are adapted, although we offer the best advantages for commercial or academic training. Many of our boys are
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intensely interested in things mechanical as can be seen by their work with radio or automobiles.
In one town of this state some boys were given an old Ford car for experimental purposes. They did every thing to this car that is in the power of an inventive group of boys to conceive and when the work was done each boy understood a great deal about the elements of automobile construction. The main thing in a vocational course is to provide a practical and ingenious instructor and some tools. The boys will do the rest. I am not in favor of a course devoted to the construction of worthless articles, but one that will help the boys develop their mechanical skill. The domestic science course also should be extremely practical. Let the idea be to teach the girl the duties of the housewife. This domestic science department could also be utilized to provide hot lunches for the pupils and teachers in the schools. This is a very pressing need at present.
Teachers
No school system is stronger than its teachers. No matter how fine the buildings or equipment, the work of the schools cannot progress unless the teachers are well trained, earnest and faithful. We were fortunate in being able to retain all but four of our teachers in the elementary schools last year. Their places were filled by four other capable young ladies. The teachers throughout the town have worked faithfully and well. I feel a personal sense of gratitude for the cordial way in which they received me and for the help they gave me in beginning my work in West Bridgewater.
Some Needs of Our Schools
It is always advisable to have a plan of action to aid in bringing about results. Some of the ideas here suggested will take several years to accomplish, but it is our aim to have them ultimately established in West Bridgewater.
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Some have been mentioned in the first part of this report and are repeated here.
1. A practical course of study adapted to the needs of this community. We have been using the Baltimore course of study, which is not suitable for this town. A course has been prepared in the principal subjects and is being tried out in the schools. From this a complete course will be prepared for the use of the schools next year.
2. More rapid promotion of pupils of exceptional ability. At the present time there is no incentive for a bright pupil to extend himself, as he must wait for the dull and the indifferent pupil. There is a grave danger that a pupil of great ability may become discouraged or even assume habits of laziness.
3. A well planned physical program. The health of the child is too important for us to neglect. We should emphasize playground work and corrective physical exercises.
4. Reduction of the number of grades to a teacher in some schools. If we are going to demand a standard of work worthy of West Bridgewater we must give the teacher time to do her work. If she is forced to divide her time among a large number of grades or a large number of pupils the proper standard cannot be maintained.
5. Establishment of a Junior High School.
6. Improved rural schools.
7. A good course in domestic science and manual arts.
8. Proper school room decorations.
9. Co-operation between parents and schools.
No subject is more important than this. Although it is not always convenient or agreeable for a parent to spend half a day at the school it is a duty she owes to the child. Nowadays we too often condemn a teacher on hearsay evi- dence without knowing the actual facts. Sometimes the teacher does not understand the child. If the parent would become acquainted with the teacher and her work these
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difficulties would often be avoided. We hope that all the parents of the children in our schools will feel it a duty to know the teacher and the school their children attend. Visit the school at least once a term and much oftener if possible. Much better results will be brought about if this is done. If possible give a word of praise to the teacher. This will mean a great deal to her and will greatly lighten her burden. Every parent and friend is extended the most cordial invitation to visit the schools at any time.
In conclusion allow me to express to you my apprecia- tion of your kindness to me since beginning work here. It has indeed been a pleasant duty to serve with you as I have always found you sympathetic and helpful. The citizens of the town have also been most cordial; and last, but not least, I must express my appreciation of the kindness and courtesy shown by the pupils of the schools, who by a wave of the hand or a cheery "hello" have made my work much easier.
W. J. B. MACDOUGALL, Superintendent.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my first annual report as principal of Howard High School.
The enrollment of pupils has shown a gradual increase from 127 on the opening day to 137 in December. Our registers on January 1st give the following figures :
Boys
Girls
Total
Seniors
7
12
19
Juniors
10
16
26
Sophomores
13
19
32
Freshmen
29
28
57
Post Graduates
0
2
2
Total
59
77
136
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The percentage of attendance has been good except for dismissals which we hope to cut to a minimum-cases of sickness.
A number of changes have been made in the teaching force from last year: Mr. Anderson for Mr. Taylor, Mr. Alden for Mr. Gallagher, Miss Bissonette for Miss Conklin, and Mr. Macleod for Mr. Carle. Both the new teachers and the old have co-operated in every way to carry on the work of the school.
No vital changes have been made in the program to date, but with the new year we intend to introduce the following schemes: a rotating program, clubs, and gym- nasium work for all.
A number of schools have successfully used a rotating program and it could be easily carried out here. The first two periods in the day are probably the best for work and it is hardly fair to give these each day to the same classes. By use of a rotating program studies that come in the first two periods one day would come the third and fourth periods the next, the fifth and sixth the day after, and then repeat. This play would take in all periods.
At the present time the school has no organization where the students have a real active part. To care for this need some schools have student clubs which are conducted during school hours. Every pupil must belong to one and must take part in its activities. The following are the clubs which we expect to have at Howard High: Radio, Dramatic (2 clubs), Glee, Needle, Letter, Outdoor, First Aid, and Study. The last is only for the pupils who are behind in their work. The main purpose of this scheme is social, but at the same time each of the Cardinal Principles will be emphasized, possibly more than in the class room. The knowledge that the teacher gains of the pupil and vice versa will bring them closer together. Wednesday from 1.18 to 1.52 will be our regular club period.
As our athletics are now carried on only a few of the students take part and those are just the ones who need
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exercise the least. If the Superintendent succeeds in secur- ing teachers from the Normal School to give physical instruction every pupil will take either one or two periods of that work per week in our gymnasium which is fully large enough to take care of us. Practically no new equip- ment would be necessary. This plan will assure us that every one will be getting some kind of athletics instead of limiting it to the larger and stronger pupils. Our physical exercise period from 10.10 to 10.23 should be continued for it has a very definite value in giving a change from mental work at a time when a pupil would be getting restless.
Colleges and the public in general are requiring a higher degree of work from the secondary schools. The percentage of failures is the greatest in the Freshman Class. Several reasons may be given for this; the failure to realize the value of an high school education, inability to conform to the change from grammar school to high school methods, and failure to rely upon oneself to accomplish the home work. A Junior High School might take care of this difficulty or a longer school day for Freshmen might do the same. An extra hour on the school day would mean preparation under the guidance of the teachers and just that much less home work. This would be only for the Freshmen and students who are below passing. It would also serve as an incentive for better work.
Our program is now divided into four courses of study, College, Technical, Commercial and General. The names of the first three indicate the line of work the student is taking but the last covers all and touches nothing. A sys- tem of majors (subjects) and minors would keep from smattering and the tendency to drift with no objective in view.
Domestic Science should be taught in a school of this size and especially as our students, for the most part, eat their noon meal at the school.
The suggested changes would permit a teacher of this subject without adding to our teaching force. With the
·
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elimination of Spanish and Solid Geometry we gain three periods. By combining Chemistry into one class we save another period. By careful planning we might effect an- other combination which would give us a total of five periods or the equivalent of a teacher's day. As we have some equipment for this work the introduction of Domestic Science would cost very little and the return from school lunches would help out in the expense.
The athletic program, not considering the work carried on in school time, is as follows: Football and field hockey in the fall, baseball in the spring, basketball in the winter. Our football team was coached by Mr. Mason Alger and it gave a good account of itself. The boys defeated our rival school, East Bridgewater, in two of the three games and besides gaining a first hand knowledge themselves of that sport showed it to the townspeople. The field hockey team was coached by Miss Hart and was also successful in de- feating East Bridgewater in two out of three games. A large number of the girls took part in the contests. The boys' basketball team is being coached by Mr. Anderson and the girls' by Miss Bissonette. The clubs are playing teams of neighboring high schools and recently defeated those of Bridgewater. Baseball will be taken care of by Mr. Alden. If the field next to the school could be put in condition by the town it would be a real civic investment as both the High School and Town teams could use it.
The lunch and candy counter has been ably managed by Miss Williams, profit from the former going to purchase some school necessities which we do not wish the town to buy, and from the latter to the Athletic Association. Milk in half-pint bottles is delivered each day to the school and sold at cost.
The Commercial Department under Miss Hoffman and Miss Halliday, is helping out in the office with stenogra- phers and in running off on the neostyle copies for meet- ings, examinations, etc. It may be possible later in the year to have the Senior students in groups of two actually
133
work part time in business offices. This would give them wider experience and would help in securing positions upon graduation. Such concerns would be approved by the school and the students would still be under school control.
The first issue of The Climber has recently been print- ed. This magazine is published by a staff elected by the school and is entirely a product of theirs with stories from members of the school. The English Department acts as advisor.
The orchestra, which is coached by Miss Halliday, has played at a number of public entertainments. Here is an ex- cellent chance for a student to get ensemble work and at the same time wear off self-consciousness. In the future it is hoped that the orchestra will take part in assembly on Tuesdays.
The school is duly thankful to the Trustees for the im- provements which were made last summer. Slate black- boards are a great help and the school can use more of them. The pupils are fortunate in having such a large building and such beautiful grounds.
In closing I wish to thank you and the teachers for the assistance given. It has been a pleasure to work with such people and under the conditions existing here.
Respectfully submitted,
EARLE H. MacLEOD.
.
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
Friday evening, June 22, 1923, at 8 o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
Julius Hayward, President
Marion Porter, Vice-President Lena Toomey, Secretary Clara Thayer, Treasurer
PROGRAM
1. March, "Under the Flag" C. W. Bennet
2. Prayer Rev. C. Leavens Eldredge 3. Music, "Wake, Miss Lindy" H. Waldo Warner Payson Smith
4. Address State Commissioner of Education
5. Presentation of Class Gift Julius Hayward
6. Scholarship and Honor Awards Principal H. D. Carle 7. Presentation of Diplomas Supt. Thomas E. Gay
8. Class Ode Senior Class
Written by Mildred Alden
9. Benediction Rev. John Hayes
CLASS ODE
Mildred Allen, '23 As we come to the end of our High School days And we think of days that are past, While we now start out on Life's different ways To the goal which we'll reach at last; What tomorrow will bring that is bright or sad Through hardships that will be ours, We'll only remember the joys we've had On that road of thorns and flow'rs.
The sun is now low on our High School life And we stand in the mist and dark, Straight ahead is the road with problems rife Which success or defeat will mark;
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But mem'ry will e'er breathe a tender sigh When we far away may rove,
To the days we have spent at this Howard High And the dear friends that we all love.
CLASS OF 1923
COLLEGE COURSE
Elva F. Cheney, Marion A. Potter, Clara E. Thayer, Elizabeth A. Yuill.
COMMERCIAL. COURSE
Florence A. Baker, Dorothy L. Holbrook, Lena A. Too- mey, Ruth E. Young.
GENERAL COURSE
Corelli B. Alger, Evelyn P. Alger, Mildred P. Alden, Marjorie E. Hayden, Ruth A. Hayden, Howard W. Nick- erson, Elinore F. Spencer.
TECHNICAL COURSE
Elmer L. Anderson, Allen B. Foye, Julius A. Hayward, Arthur R. Thompson.
FACULTY OF HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
H. D. Carle, Principal; Charles H. Taylor, Miss Clara Williams, Miss Alice Hart, William Gallagher, Miss Eliza- beth Conklin, Miss Grace Halliday, Miss Esther Hoffman, Mrs. Lois J. Snow, Supervisor of Music.
TRUSTEES
Barrett B. Russell, President; Albert Manley, Vice- President; Orvis F. Kenney, Treasurer; Hervey Dunham, Secretary ; Hon. Andrew J. Bailey, Miss Edith Howard, Clinton P. Howard, Harold S. Lyon, Hon. Richard Olney, John M. Richards, A. C. Boyden.
13€
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The annual report of School Physicians for the past year is as follows :
Four hundred and nineteen pupils were examined in the schools during the fall term. Many of these have had second and third examinations during the year at our of- fices. The recommendations for proper treatment were given but in many instances were not carried out by the parents. In some instances notices to parents were not de- livered by the pupil; consequently the parents were in ig- norance of the real conditions; so in the future the notices will be mailed. Many cases of mastoid and middle-ear diseases are directly due to neglected throat troubles. The local or medical treatment of badly diseased tonsils is futile and a waste of time; also is dangerous to the welfare of the child.
It has not been necessary to close any school on ac- count of contageous or infectious disease, though there have been a number of cases of diphtheria and scarlet fever in town.
By vote of the town the School Physicians have per- formed the Schick Test for the Board of Health, and par- ents have had ample opportunity to have the test applied to their children. The treatment has been delayed as the State Board of Health has been unable to furnish toxin- antitoxin in sufficient quantities to supply the need. The benefit of the Schick Test and treatments is so well estab- lished that to consider for a moment "horse asthma" or other imaginary ailments as a result of such treatment has no foundation.
The general condition of the health of the pupils in our schools is good, due largely to the efficiency and co-opera- tion of our School Nurse, whose report furnishes the de- tails of the examinations.
The Parent-Teacher Association is doing good work
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and bringing about an understanding of the responsibility of the parents and the necessity of their co-operation with school officials regarding the health of the pupils and their mental training.
We are grateful for the assistance rendered us by par- ents and officials alike.
(Signed) ELLIS S. LeLACHEUR, M. D. WALTER C. WHITING, M. D.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
I herewith submit my third annual report as school nurse of West Bridgewater.
During the year 1923 a total of 212 visits were made to the schools as follows :
Center School 69, Sunset Avenue 23, North School 20, South School 22, Matfield 16, Cochesett 24, Jerusalem 12, High School 12, 5th and 7th Grades 14.
A total of 50 home calls were made by the nurse and five children were accompanied to the hospital for treat- ment.
Beginning with the Fall term 519 examinations were made at the schools by the school physicians, assisted by the nurse.
Seventy-five children were found to have diseased adenoids and tonsils; and their parents were notified.
During the year 15 cases had tonsils removed.
Over 50 notices were sent notifying parents of defec- tive teeth in their children. It seems impossible to impress upon the parent the need of prophylactic dentistry.
Children suffering from other defects such as spinal curvatures, heart and mental diseases number about 30.
Eye and ear examinations to the number of 525 were made by the nurse.
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From 65 to 70 servings of milk are sold each day at the Center School as a mid-morning lunch. There should be a way provided that the large majority of children bringing lunches may have something hot at noon. During the prin- cipal growing period of a child's life he should not be de- prived of the benefit of a hot lunch at noon.
In the outlying schools hot lunches are served daily and a great improvement in the child's health and work is noticed by the teachers.
Through the Board of Health the Schick Test for diphtheria was introduced to the schools.
315 received the Schick test
267 showed positive reaction
48 were negative
241 were treated with toxin antitoxin
26 not treated
8 children of pre-school age and
9 adults were treated
To date we have had five mild cases of diphtheria and 200 cultures were taken during the year. .
It is gratifying to note the improvement in the sani- tary conditions at the Center and Cochesett Schools.
In closing I desire to express my appreciation of the friendly relations of the parents, teachers, school commit- tee and physicians with me in my work.
LILLIAN M. HEWITT,
School Nurse.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report as music super- visor in your public schools. As I become better acquaint- ed with your boys and girls and learn their individual tastes in music, their ability to do the work, their qualifica-
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