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 29
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WALTER C. DUNBAR,
Chairman.
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1925
General Control
$3,400.00
Salaries
33,000.00
Text Books and Supplies
2,200.00
Janitors
2,400.00
Janitor's Supplies
50.00
Repairs
2,500.00
Fuel
2,800.00
Transportation
3,600.00
Nurse
800.00
Medical Inspection
200.00
Tuition
200.00
Miscellaneous
900.00
$52,050.00
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
West Bridgewater, Mass., Jan. 22, 1925. To the Members of the School Committee and the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
In accordance with the regulations of the School Com- mittee I submit the following annual report:
TEACHERS
Six teachers out of eight in the High School resigned during the summer. We were able to dispense with the services of one full time teacher in the High School by a rearrangement of courses. When the assignments for the new school year were made it was found that there was need of a teacher to take charge of two classes in English. Miss Annis was engaged to take charge of these classes and to conduct the work in English at the Center School. This arrangement has proved very satisfactory. It is doubtful whether this plan can be continued next year as present in- dications point to a much larger High School enrollment. This may require an eighth teacher again.
Six teachers in the elementary schools have resigned during the year. Their places have been filled by teachers of experience. Much praise is due to our teachers for their efficient work, their faithful efforts and their willingness to co-operate with the Superintendent and School Commit- tee.
DEPARTMENTAL WORK
The problem of finding room for the pupils at the Cen- ter School in September was serious. The seventh grade was so large that there was no possibility of seating them in the regular seventh grade room. We were anxious to work out a plan that would allow all the pupils to have full
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time in school. To equalize the grades we promoted twelve pupils from the sixth grade to the eighth. These pupils had shown by their work during the year and by standard tests that they were fully competent to do extra work. The eighth grade was divided into two divisions. Division one consisted of those pupils who had done excellent work in the seventh grade and were fully prepared in all subjects. Division two consisted of pupils who had not accomplished as much during the year. To this latter group was added the twelve pupils from grade six. We find that the pupils who received the double promotion have been able to do extra work and to maintain an eighth grade standard. By this plan we were able to relieve the pressure on the sev- enth grade and to provide room for all seventh and eighth grade pupils.
The work at the Center School, grades seven and eight, has been put on a departmental basis. Formerly one teacher had charge of a grade and devoted her entire time to it. Under the new plan the work is divided among four teach- ers as follows :
Miss MacDonald teaches Reading and eighth grade Geography.
Mrs. Miller teaches History, Penmanship and Spelling.
Miss MacDougall teaches Arithmetic and seventh grade Geography.
Miss Annis teaches Language.
This arrangement of work has proved very successful. Each teacher has been able to devote her time to subjects in which she was interested and to prepare to teach the subjects efficiently. The pupils have added interest in their work because the teacher likes the subject she is teaching. One grade is not made to suffer because a teacher is a poor instructor while another grade has an advantage because the teacher is particularly efficient. Under the present plan each grade would suffer equally from the poor teacher and benefit equally from the good. The pupils will be better able to carry on successful work in High School where the
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departmental plan alone is in use. Miss MacDonald has arranged her program so effectually that no time is lost by teachers changing from one building to another. Changes are made at recess and noon. With more room or with both grades in the same building this departmental work could be worked out to provide very effective instruction.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education is compulsory in the Schools of Massachusetts. It is useless to give all our attention to the development of the brain and neglect to develop the body. The idea of having "a Sound Mind in a Sound Body" is as good now as when first advocated. With the willing as- sistance of the Bridgewater Normal School we have been able to do some work along the line of physical education. Young ladies who have shown fitness for this work at the Normal School have been assigned to West Bridgewater for training. Last year nearly all the girls at the High School had the advantage of two periods of athletic work each week. Another teacher had charge of the work at the Cen- ter and Sunset Avenue Schools. This year we have been unable to do any work of this kind except at the Center. Organized play, gymnastics and games are carried on by the teachers in all the schools. This work is part of the curriculum because physical development is fundamental to mental and moral development. It is not alone for those pupils who are robust but is even more for the weak and defective.
No corrective work has been done because of the lim- ited time of the teachers. The school should do something to help the children who have insufficient chest expansion or other defects by proper physical exercises. This cannot be done until we have a teacher to take charge of the work in our schools.
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DRAWING
Not sufficient attention is given to drawing in our schools. The teachers have been very faithful in their efforts but we need to have a supervisor who can devote more time to the work. We find that the best plan at pres- ent is to engage a member of the Senior Class at the Massa- chusetts Normal Art School to direct the work. This su- pervisor devotes one day each week to West Bridgewater. By utilizing every minute of her time she is able to meet the classes at the Center every week and the classes at Sun- set Avenue, Cochesett, Matfield and East Schools every other week. She can give no time to the Jerusalem, North or South Schools. Another half day a week would probably allow her to visit these schools.
We also find that the girls who enter the Normal School from West Bridgewater are unprepared in drawing. To remedy this condition a course should be arranged for those planning to enter any of the State Normal Schools.
I hope that before long we may be able to unite with some other towns in securing the services of a Drawing Supervisor as we do a Music Supervisor and Nurse.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDY
Some provision should be made for reimbursing a teacher for money spent in advanced professional study. Some teachers are satisfied to settle down in their schools and do nothing to improve their professional training. This tends to put them in a rut. Other teachers are ambitious enough to pursue certain types of work along professional lines. This work must necessarily make the teacher more valuable. If some inducement could be offered to teachers to do advanced work I feel sure that many would take ad- vantage of it.
In some school systems a bonus of twenty-five or fifty dollars is added to the salary of the teacher for the year following the completion of the course. The courses must
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be approved by the superintendent before the teacher be- gins and a record of successful accomplishment must be submitted after the course is completed. This plan has met with success in many towns and cities throughout the state. I believe it is better to offer an inducement of this kind than to make general raises of salary. Under the bonus plan the energetic teachers are rewarded for their efforts while un- der the general salary raise the most efficient and least ef- ficient are equally rewarded.
Four of our teachers are now taking professional courses in Brockton under competent instructors and an- other is taking a Saturday course at Boston University. These teachers not only have brought back many excellent ideas but from their contact with teachers in other school systems they are showing an increased enthusiasm for their work. These teachers are to be commended for their ef- forts.
REPAIRS
Considerable repair work has been done the past year but even more is necessary the coming year. Nearly all the buildings need painting on the outside. The best way to do this without too great an expense to the town would be to paint a certain number of buildings each year. By the time that all were done it would be necessary to begin again. If this is done our buildings will look well and the expense will be distributed over a period of years. The school at Jeru- salem is in great need of cleaning and painting on the in- side. It is very dark and dingy at the present time. Chem- ical toilets or flush closets should be installed at Matfield, North, South, Jerusalem and East Schools as soon as pos- sible.
OUR PURPOSES
I wish to offer, as agreeing with my own sentiments, the purposes and policies expressed in a report at hand :
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"To provide the best teachers we can get for the sal- aries we pay and to pay the best salaries we can.
To extend and improve health and physical education considerably beyond our present program.
To provide for the individual differences of children so far as this is consistent with democracy.
To provide opportunity for all pupils who are able to do so to fit themselves for college or professional schools.
To promote pupils and to grade them with the best in- terests of the pupils themselves in view, taking into con- sideration their physical development and actual age as well as their mental age.
To spend our appropriation for education carefully and wisely and to make every dollar buy as much education as possible.
To provide the best equipment possible for real educa- tion.
To co-operate with outside agencies whenever these may help in our educational program and when the initia- tive of the school program is not interfered with."
In conclusion allow me to express to the School Com- mittee my appreciation of the efficient manner in which they have given their services to the town.
Respectfully submitted,
W. J. B. MacDOUGALL, Superintendent.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my second annual report as Princi- pal of Howard High School.
The number of pupils is slightly less than last year due to a smaller entering class. The registers on Jan. 1st give the following enrollment:
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Boys
Girls
Total
Seniors
7
13
20
Juniors
11
19
30
Sophomores
13
22
35
Freshmen
26
17
43
Post Graduate
0
1
1
Total
57
72
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As usual there were several changes in the teaching force from last year, Mr. Boudreau for Miss Williams, Miss Carr for Mr. Anderson, Miss Brown for Miss Halliday, Miss Brega for Miss Bissonette, Miss Leader for Miss Hart and Miss Annis for Mr. Alden. The attitude of the teaching force toward their work and the pupils has been especially pleasing. I consider the spirit of the school to be even bet- ter than the previous year.
By omitting Spanish and Solid Geometry for which there was little demand, in fact a total of twelve pupils for three classes, we are working with only two periods of Miss Annis' time. The rest of the day she devotes to the Gram- mar School. This prevented a continuation of the rotation of classes which we successfully introduced the latter part of 1923-24. These are the only changes in the curriculum this year but for next year I recommend the introduction of a course in cooking. A school of this size should have a Domestic Science or Household Arts course. A part time arrangement with the Grammar School could be effected here and the most practical type of work could be carried on. There is plenty of room in the High School, a small stock of dishes, etc., is already on hand, and as the State would aid in the expense, such instruction could be had at a comparatively small cost. Then, too, the sale of lunch would help in the financing of it. At present our lunch counter is run by Miss Murphy, a post graduate student, with the help of two pupils. By giving a study period and their recess they have just time to prepare and serve the
188
lunch which usually consists of soup, sandwiches, cocoa and milk. All groceries are bought at wholesale and for four- teen cents a good lunch can be had.
A school library is a great asset to any system and would be so particularly to this one. With the Town Library open only on Wednesday and Saturday the pupils who live in the outlying districts are considerably handi- capped in getting extra material. The result is first, that very little outside reading can be assigned by the teachers ; second, it must be planned considerably in advance and often before the topic is desired; third, our students are not trained in making bibliographies, not familiar with texts and other versions other than their own class book, and therefore the work is considerably narrowed. To remedy this unfortunate condition I suggest a library in the High School building entirely separate from the Town Library but working with it. Borrowing books from the library and the acquisition by the school of some real ref- erence books of recent publication together with those now on hand would give a nucleus. The equipping of a room with shelves, tables and chairs could be done at a very small cost and one of the older pupils with the help of the English teacher could serve as librarian. I am convinced that this would be a great asset and if the High School had a recent set of Encyclopedias I should begin with that. At present we have no system for using the few reference books in school.
It is greatly regretted that the parents visit so sel- dom; to date there have been just two. With so many changes in the teaching force it is some time before a teacher knows the pupils intimately. Home conditions and any characteristics likely to interfere with the progress of the child could all be explained in a brief interview with either of the parents. It is true that we meet a few at P. T. A. meetings but the ideal place is at the school. A Parents' night would solve this problem but the lighting at school is not suitable for night work.
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Our commercial department is again supplying my of- fice with stenographers who do very satisfactory work. Outlines for classes, book lists, programs and announce- ments for P. T. A. meetings have been carefully typewrit- ten and multigraphed by the students ..
A number of schools have had the seniors in the com- mercial course actually go to business offices and spend there two or more weeks of school time in order that the pupils might get practical experience. Last year we tried out this idea and found that if the pupil was placed in the right office that much real good was derived. Reports from the employers of the students were very complimentary to this department. We intend to again carry out this scheme early in the Spring.
The Normal School has sent two young ladies, Misses Kent and Luddy of West Bridgewater and a Mr. Good- nough of Bridgewater to get their practice training in the school. A Miss Marshall is also training here. We are very much pleased to have them here for not only do they receive something but in the exchange of ideas and methods our teaching corps benefits as well. Much can be gained from visiting other institutions and it would be a good plan to have a visiting day on which each teacher might see some one else handle her own subject.
The Athletic program for the boys is baseball in the Fall and Spring and basket ball in the Winter. These are all coached by Mr. Boudreau. Due to the small squad and the expense of football we substituted baseball for it. Sev- eral games were played and a good many boys took part. We hope to have more out next Spring. Out basketball squad numbers fifteen and is the largest for several years. Through the generosity of the town we practice and play our home games at the Town Hall. The schedule which calls for fourteen games is smaller than usual but plenty long enough to keep up interest. The girls' sports are field hockey coached by Miss Leader and basketball coached by Miss Carr. It is quite probable that a girls' Hockey League
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will be formed by the schools in this district, if so it would be well for us to join. The sport calls for a large number of players and is full of action. The Augustus H. Smith Cup was won by the girls' team of the Sophomore class in a very fast game. Our student participation in sports is much larger due to more equipment and also the field which the Town has generously equipped. There is plenty of room for tennis courts which would be a valuable addition. All athletics are financed by gate receipts, candy counter, and magazine subscriptions.
We have had two very nice gifts to aid our music. The first, a Brunswick Phonograph, was given by the Senior class at graduation. The second, a set of drums was given by the P. T. A .. These have come in very handy and we- are grateful for them.
I wish to thank the trustees for the slate blackboards and also for the new book closet which was put to immedi- ate use. To you and the teachers I am deeply indebted for the loyal backing I have had at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
EARLE H. Macleod, Principal.
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GRADUATION PROGRAM CLASS OF 1924 HOWARD HALL Thursday, June 26, 1924
Class Motto : Each for the other and all for the Class Class Flower: Rose
PROGRAM
March Prayer
Music, "Water Lillies"
Address
Rev. F. Burton Long Karl Linders Zelotes Wood Coombs
Presentation of Class Gift
Professor of English, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Arthur G. Baker Frank J. M. Dufault
Acceptance for School
Scholarship and Honor Awards Prin. E. H. Macleod
Presentation of Diplomas Supt. W. J. B. MacDougall Class Ode Senior Class
Written by Gladys Cheney
Benediction Rev. F. Burton Long
CLASS ODE To the tune of "Silver Threads Among the Gold"
I
Now our High School days are over We are here to say adieu, And among the things we'll treasure Are the memories of you. How we've clung to you, dear Howard High, Through our joys and sorrows, too, As the time is drawing nigh We must bid farewell to you,
142
II
Four long years we've struggled onward In our aim to do the right, And dear friends you've helped us forward To the goal we've reached tonight, And we'll always keep on striving On that path that marks success, But the memories never dieing Will be those of High School days.
Refrain
Goodbye classmates, friends and teachers, May we ne'er forget the hours Spent in duties and in pleasures Underneath these High School towers.
By Gladys Cheney.
GRADUATES
College Course Dorothy Adelaide Murphy
Technical Course
ยท Arthur Guy Baker Louis Arthur Hertzberg
Eugene Blanchard Coddin
Commercial Course
Esther Edward Chadwick Mildred Elizabeth Fantom
Gladys Louise Cheney Gertrude Baker Peterson
General Course
Emeline Howland Bourne Clifford Herman Carlson Emma Frances Davis Thelma Gayton Farnham Ruth Marion Foye Fred James McCormick
Benj. Frank Roscoe
Harry James Sawyer
Ruth Williams Staples
Evelyn Amelia White
Claire Louise Wilbur
143
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. W. J. B. MacDougall, Superintendent of Schools, West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. MacDougall: In submitting my annual re- port as music supervisor in your district I find I am in- clined to repeat many of the things I said in my report of last year. However some of the obstacles to the advance- ment of our school music will have been removed by another year.
Since September we have had elective music in the high school, a very desirable and efficient change. The pupils in the chorus now are those who have chosen the work, are expected to take part in the work and are to receive credit for the same. Heretofore music being com- pulsory, there were many present in the chorus who were not taking an active part in the singing and were simply wasting their time and possibly the time of a neighbor, which time could be more profitably spent in some other class room. The music in the present group is on a better work- ing basis, and right here I might say how much I appreciate the attention and courtesy these same boys and girls give me. It certainly speaks well for the school and reflects no little credit on the home. What we need now are the new chorus books for which we have so patiently waited and which I believe we are to have soon. The present set of books has been in use for nearly five years and is in very poor condition.
The High School is fortunate in having a fine talking machine, the gift of the class of 1924. I am in hopes that some way will be found to procure records so that a class in music appreciation may be held once a month. I find in the grades, while no special time is set for the appreciation of music, occasionally some song offers itself favorably for this kind of work and we make use of the opportunity at hand.
The longer I am in the work the more convinced I am
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of the tremendously important part music plays in the life of society and of the individual.
I was much interested in reading what George East- man, founder of the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N. Y., said of music. "I am not a musician but I love to listen to music and in listening I've come to think it is a necessary part of life. In other words, for a well rounded life one must have music. Furthermore," and I think Mr. Eastman here has touched upon a very vital point, "music offers the best way of using time. As leisure increases through shortening of work hours, the use of music becomes more and more necessary. There are no drawbacks to music. You can't have too much of it. There is no residual bad effect like over-indulgence in other things." The day is past when we simply get together in the class room for a "sing." Those were good days, but these are better and the best are still ahead of us.
The work in the grades in some cases is much im- proved. It is unfortunate that there are always teachers who are weak in music, consequently the classes that come under them lack opportunity for musical training that teachers more gifted in musical ability could supply.
It is a source of satisfaction and joy to work in the third and four grade room at the Centre School since the new books were introduced. Up to that time the work was seriously handicapped because the class was using a primer when the ability of the pupils demanded a more advanced book. Therefore much time was lost and the present class at the East School is affected by this loss.
New books are needed at the Sunset Avenue, Matfield and South Schools.
The supervisor has visited the Centre and High Schools each week and the rural schools every other week, except in cases where the schools were closed on her day in town.
In closing may I quote the special message sent by President Coolidge to "Musical America." "Engrossed by the pressure of worldly affairs, we are too prone to disre-
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gard the vital importance to life of the fine arts. It is in order that these may exist that we rise above the field, the shop and the market place, that out of their bounty there may be woven into life the richness of increasing beauty, the grace of a higher nobility. It is through art people find the expression of their better, truer selves Sometimes it is expressed in literature, sometimes in culpture and archi- tecture, sometimes in painting, but of all the fine arts there is none that makes such an universal and compelling appeal as music. No other expression of beauty finds such readily and naturally ennobling response in the heart of mankind. It is the art especially representative of democracy, of the hope of the world. When at the dawn of creation, as it was revealed to the universe, that good was to triumph over evil, the thanksgiving and praise found expression in music, the stars sang together for joy."
Respectfully yours,
LOIS J. SNOW, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Nurse of West Bridgewater.
Visits have been made at the Center School twice week- ly and at the schools in the outlying districts every two weeks and oftener as time permitted.
The amount of work accomplished by way of home calls has increased. A total of 157 calls were made. The nurse has assisted in 22 operations at home for removal of tonsils and adenoids. Many other cases have gone to hospitals. The Red Cross has paid for four operations of needy cases.
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The Summer Health camp at South Hanson, conducted by the Plymouth County Health Association under the di- rection of Miss Anna J. Foley, was very successful; 4 of our girls and boys were there for a period of four weeks. The proceeds from the sale of Health Seals paid their expenses. Next summer it is hoped to extend the period to 8 weeks each and later have an all year Preventorium for children.
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