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 1925-1929 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
$4,391.13
.73
$4,391.86
Collections
$4,026.58
Abatements
143.57
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
221.71
$4,391.86
122
TAXES OF 1924
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1925 Adjustment
$29,673.08 370.88
$30.043.96
Collections
$24,068.10
Abatements
131.95
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
5,843.91
$30,043.96
TAXES OF 1925
Commitments Refund
$94,141.55
8.50
$94,150.05
Collections
$64,495.37
Abatements
77.00
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
29,577.68
$94,150.05
CATHERINE M. HOWARD, Collector of Taxes.
Report of Collector of Water Rates
WATER RATES 1921
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1925
$16.50
Collections
$14.75
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
1.75
$16.50
WATER RATES 1922
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1925
$47.25
Collections
$10.50
Abatements
17.50
Uncollected Dec. 31, 1925
19.25
$47.25
WATER RATES 1923
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1925
$79.13
Collections
$60.35
Abatements
8.25
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
10.53
$79.13
124
WATER RATES 1924
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1925
$2,767.89
Collections Abatements
$2,563.10
164.25
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
40.54
$2,767.89
WATER RATES 1925
Commitments
$16,377.14
Collections
$14,203.58
Abatements
59.50
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1925
2,114.06
$16,377.14
CATHERINE M. HOWARD,
Collector.
Report of Town Treasurer.
Cash balance Jan. 1, 1925
$10,194.81
Total Receipts for year 1925
224,957.45
Total Payments for year 1925 $212,960.19
Cash balance Dec. 31, 1925
22,192.07
$235,152.26
CATHERINE M. HOWARD, Treasurer.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1925
A. H. WILLIS, PRINTER Bridgewater, Mass. 1926
MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Edwin H. Thayer, Chairman
Term expires 1927
Mrs. Corelli C. Alger, Secretary
Term expires 1928
Walter C. Dunbar
Term expires 1926
Mrs. Laura W. Worthing
Term expires 1926
Dr. W. C. Whiting
Term expires 1928
*Rev. L. B. Codding
Term expires 1926
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in Room 4, Town Offices, on the second Monday of each month, July and August excepted, at 7.45 P. M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS William J. B. MacDougall
Office, Howard High School Telephone, Brockton 5094 Office Hours : 3.30-4.30 every school day, unless absent on special business.
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Ellis S. LeLacheur Dr. Walter C. Whiting
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER
J. C. Howard *Elected to fill vacancy until 1926.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL 1926
First Term, 8 weeks, Dec. 28, 1925 to Feb. 19. Second Term, 7 weeks, March 1 to April 16. Third Term, 9 weeks, April 26 to June 25. Fourth Term, 15 weeks, Sept. 7 to Dec. 17.
1927 First Term, 8 weeks, Dec. 27 to Feb. 18. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 28 to April 15.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1926
First Term, 7 weeks, Jan. 4 to Feb. 19. Second Term, 7 weeks, March 1 to April 16. Third Term, 8 weeks, April 26 to June 25. Fourth Term, 15 weeks, Sept. 7 to Dec. 17.
1927
First Term, 7 weeks, Jan. 3 to Feb. 8. Second Term, 7 weeks, Feb. 28 to April 15.
Report of School Committee.
We believe the conditions of our schools will compare favorably with past years.
With the addition of two rooms at the Sunset Avenue School, which was provided by a committee elected at our annual town meeting, we have been able to close two of our outlying school buildings, thus making quite a finan- cial saving. The pupils from the East and South Schools are transported to the Center.
The Sunset Avenue School now takes care of all North end pupils. By vote of the town at the special Town meet- ing, we purchased the lot east of the school, which now af- fords plenty of playground.
FUEL
Due to the lack of storage room at the Sunset Avenue School (on account of remodeling) we were unable to secure our full supply of coal. Consequently we are somewhat handicapped at the present time.
REPAIRS
The repair work done during the past year has been quite extensive.
The Jerusalem School building has been thoroughly overhauled. It has been painted inside and out, the roof has been shingled, a new outside door put on, and electric lights installed.
132
At the Center Schools we have painted the outside of both buildings, and done some interior work. The old wooden steps at the two-room building have been replaced with cement.
The South School has also been painted on the outside.
Minor repairs have been made at the Cochesett and Matfield Schools.
HIGH SCHOOL
The committee feel very grateful to the Trustees of the Howard Funds for the extensive repairs which they have made during the past year in the High School. The hallways and stairs throughout the entire building have been carpeted with Battleship linoleum. The Assembly Hall and gymnasium have been thoroughly renovated. New slate blackboards have been installed in another class room, and other numerous repairs made.
We recommend the following appropriations :
PROPOSED BUDGET, 1926
General Control
$3,300.00
Salaries
30,200.00
Text Books and Supplies
2,200.00
Janitors
2,400.00
Janitor's Supplies
75.00
Repairs
1,800.00
Fuel and Light
2,800.00
Transportation
3,000.00
Nurse
1,825.00
Medical Inspection
200.00
Tuition
125.00
Miscellaneous
550.00
$47,475.00
Report of Superintendent of Schools.
West Bridgewater, Mass., Jan. 19, 1926.
To the members of the School Committee of West Bridge- water:
I herewith submit my third annual report together with the reports of the High School Principal, Supervisor of Music, School Nurse, and School Physicians. As you have kept in close touch with the schools throughout the year this report will be addressed more especially to the citizens of the town.
RESIGNATIONS AND ELECTIONS
In June Mr. Arthur Boudreau, instructor of Science in the High School; Miss Ruth Mills, teacher of third and fourth grades at the Center School, and Miss Mildred Mac- Dougall, teacher of the seventh grade at the Center, re- signed to accept positions near Boston.
Mr. Arthur Frellick, a teacher of several years' experi- ence and for the past two years a teacher in Chelsea High School, was elected in Mr. Boudreau's place. Miss Lisle M. Collins of Hampstead, N. H., was chosen for the third and fourth grades at the Center. The addition at Sunset Ave- nue necessitated the election of two new teachers. Miss Leopold, who had been teaching in the schools of somerset, was chosen as principal and teacher of grades seven and eight. Miss Ellen Thompson of Friendship, Maine, who
184
had been teaching in Rockland, Maine, for the past three years, was elected to the fifth and sixth grade position.
We were indeed fortunate to have so few resignations during the summer as the large number of resignations each year has greatly impaired the work of our schools.
CENTER SCHOOL
With the removal of a number of the pupils of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades to the Sunset Avenue School, the schools at the Center were able to begin the year without overcrowding. Grades one, two and three and four are rather large but the other rooms have numbers so small that the teachers are able to do much better work. It is a source of satisfaction to be able to remedy the over- crowded condition that existed at this school last year. The classes at Sunset Avenue, Matfield, and Cochesett are likewise small enough for satisfactory work.
DRAWING AND MUSIC
For the past two years we have been depending upon students of the Boston Normal Art School to supervise the work in drawing. This arrangement was not satisfactory because the student after finishing the year, went to some other town because we could give only one day's work a week. The result was that our work was upset and entire- ly new methods were introduced each year. This fall we engaged Miss Margarita Halgren of Milton to supervise the work in drawing. Miss Halgren is a graduate of the School of Design and Mass. Normal Art and has supervised the drawing in Somerset and Seekonk for the past few years. In addition to her work in the grade schools she gives a weekly lesson to those pupils of the High School who are planning to go to Normal School. We expect that this will strengthen the work which, for the past two or three years at least, has been weak. I feel that the drawing in our
188
schools is now satisfactorily conducted and should show steady improvement. The work in Music has been ably supervised by Mrs. Snow. Our pupils sing well and with evident enjoyment.
TUITION AND CONTINUATION SCHOOL
Some of the town's people have not fully understood why we should have a tuition bill of $142.50 last year and a continuation bill of $75.92. The tuition is paid to the town of Bridgewater for six pupils who attend the Bridge- water Schools. Although they live in West Bridgewater, it is cheaper to send them to schools of Bridgewater than it would be to transport them to our schools. The location of their homes is such that it would require a special barge to bring them to the car. I have just been notified that three of the group have moved to Bridgewater so that for the remainder of the year there will be only three tuition pupils.
The state law requires us to provide either a continu- ation school or to pay the expenses of continuation pupils in some other town. The state on the other hand reim- burses us one-half the cost. The money paid last year was to the city of Brockton.
HIGH SCHOOL
The work of the High School is well organized under the efficient direction of Mr. Macleod, whose report I com- ment to your attention. The teachers of this school have shown a fine spirit of co-operation.
Mr. Frank Morse of the State Department of Educa- tion visited the High School in November and inspected the building and the work of the school very carefully. He stated that he found the school in good condition. He rec- ommended the purchase of more apparatus for the labora- tories and more books for the library. The board has re-
136
cently authorized the purchase of a set on encyclopedias to start a library for the high school. We hope to add to this library each year until we have a workable library. We expect to supply the necessary apparatus for the Science Department in the near future.
HOUSEHOLD ARTS
We need training along vocational lines. We can take the first step by establishing a course in Household Arts next fall. With the increased enrollment in the High School we shall probably need another teacher to help care for the extra classes. It may be well to engage a teacher of Household Arts instead of a teacher of Academic subjects. We have a room at the High School well adapted to such a course and a considerable amount of equipment. The state will pay one-half the cost of the teacher's salary and of the supplies needed. This teacher could also take over work in general science and biology and relieve some other teacher for strictly academic work.
If snch a course is established, I hope that it may be carried out along the lines of the suggestions offered by the state department which are as follows: First-the per- son taking the course must give 50 per cent. of her time to it. Second-besides the school work, the pupil must do considerable amount of work at home in the nature of a project.
The course would be of four years duration and would consist of the following lines of work: 1-Purchase and production of food. 2-Purchase, construction and care of clothing, including millinery and laundering. 3-Furnish- ing and care of home including sanitation and management. 4-Home nursing and care of children .- General Science, biology, physiology, hygiene, physics and chemistry.
It would be wise to provide for the teaching of so im- portant a subject as Household Arts as the large majority of our girls will unlimately be homemakers.
187
PROFESSIONAL STUDY
The elementary schools will continue to be the founda- tion of our school system. In these schools the boys and girls acquire the love of learning and establish habits with- out which higher education and intelligent living would be impossible. The constant improvement of quality of teach- ing is of vital importance. Courses in summer schools, Saturday courses, and professional reading, all contribute to the advancement of teaching. During the past year we have paid a bonus of $50 to each teacher who successfully completed a summer school professional course. To gain this bonus a course must be approved by the school board and the teacher must continue to teach in our schools the following year. The idea of this bonus is to allow the teacher to study at a good school without any financial loss and at the same time give us the benefit of her study. Four teachers took advantage of this during the summer and completed courses with credit. The value of this study has been shown by the increased efficiency of these teachers and by added enthusiasm for their work.
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS
During the past year we have continued our policy of checking up the class room work by giving several tests. These, together with the statements of the teachers have served as a basis for judging the work of the grade and as a standard for promotion. From these we have learned that our schools generally compare favorably with other schools in different parts of the country. Sometimes, however, we have been greatly disappointed at the poor showing. In this case we have immediately taken steps to remedy the weakness. I believe our teachers welcome these tests as it helps them to discover the strength and weakness of the pupils and shows them the lines they must follow for im- provement.
138
CONCLUSION
We extend to all parents and interested citizens a most cordial and urgent invitation to visit our schools. Only by frequent visits to the class rooms can a knowledge of the work be obtained.
At this time may I express my appreciation of the sup- port given me by the School Board. Although every plan advanced cannot be adopted it is pleasing to have it dis- cussed and considered in the friendly spirit you have shown.
I wish also to thank the teachers for their loyalty and co-operation and the pupils for their evidence of friendship.
Respectfully submitted,
W. J. B. MacDOUGALL.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
As principal of Howard High School I herewith submit my third annual report.
During the summer months an extensive program of repairs was carried out by the Trustees of the Howard Funds. The walls of the assembly hall were painted a light gray and the ceiling repaired and whitened. The gym- nasium, which was also in bad condition, was given similar treatment. The desks in rooms one and five were planed, scraped, and varnished. The blackboards in room five, which were very poor and were almost useless because of reflecting the light, were taken out and slate substituted. Linoleum was laid in the halls and linoleum treads on the stairways. These make the passing much quieter and keep the building cleaner as there is practically no dust created by the passing of the pupils from room to room. The whole effect of these repairs is a much finer building and a greater inspiration to all to keep it cleaner and in as good condition
139
as possible. I hope that in the near future the Trustees may be able to finish the installation of slate boards in the few rooms which are now without them and that they will continue with the painting. I can assure you that the pupils and the teachers appreciate what has already been done.
The enrollment this year was larger than was antici- pated due to a loss of only six pupils during the summer months and the entrance of a Freshman class of fifty-six. Of those who withdrew during the summer, three did so because of failure in school work, two for financial reasons, and one for unknown reasons. The registers at present (January 1) show the following enrollment :
Boys
Girls
Total
Seniors
9
20
29
Juniors
11
16
27
Sophomores
22
15
37
Freshman
23
31
54
-
65
82
147
Seven pupils have left since the opening of school. Of these, three moved out of town, one left to go to a voca- tional school, two to work, and one because of failure in school work.
The teaching force had only two changes this year, Mr. Arthur Frellick to teach the Sciences, and Miss Helen Leavitt, the French and Latin. Miss Harriet Annis, who taught part time in the High School last year, has charge of all the English work. Miss Irene Carr is again handling the Histories and Civics. Miss Eva Dill and Miss Evelyn Brown are continuing in the Commercial department. With so few changes and the work well outlined last spring, it was possible to start school this fall with little confusion and to run on full time the second day. The work is de- partmentalized and each teacher is teaching closely corre- lated subjects. That the teaching force is efficient may be
140
concluded from the statement that with a larger number of pupils by fourteen than in 1923-24 there is one less teacher. We have, however, dropped from our program of studies four subjects for which there was little demand.
It is interesting to note that the High School had 191 days of school last year. This is a very large number and when the length of the school day is also taken into con- sideration, I believe you will find that our pupils average more time in school than is the case in most high schools. It was advisable to omit physical exercises during the win- ter months, and five minutes of the time originally devoted to them have been set aside as a recess period. The re- maining six minutes have been divided among the regular class periods whose average time is now forty-nine min- utes. A period of this length allows time for discussion, ex- planation, and careful assignment.
This year greater emphasis is being placed on the music. We are continuing the practice of making it elec- tive and of giving credit to those who take it. Mrs. Snow is also conducting a Glee Club for which credit is given. The work has been most satisfactory and a great improve- ment in the singing at assemblies has been noticed. The orchestra, which consists of thirteen pieces, is coached by Miss Annis. Credit toward graduation is also given to its members. Those who do not elect music are given a study period.
The chief criticism from the Normal School on the preparation of the pupils from this High School is their lack of training in drawing. I am very glad that Miss Hil- gren, the drawing supervisor, is able to spend a period a week in teaching those pupils who intend to enter Normal School. I wish that it might be possible for her to give us more time so that drawing, especially mechanical, might be taught to those who desire it.
In as much as the High School has only two courses of study, commercial and preparatory for college or higher institutions, it is interesting to notice what the graduates
141
of last year's class are doing. Six are at Bridgewater Nor- mal School, two at Wentworth Institute, one at Rhode Island State College, two at Northeastern College, six are in business positions, and four are at home. From the twenty-one who graduated eleven are continuing their schooling.
The athletic program as it is working out is particu- larly pleasing to me due to the participation of much larger groups of pupils. In place of football track was substi- tuted. The boys took part in several meets and did credit to themselves. The real value of the track was that sev- eral boys who have displayed little interest in any other sport participated in the meets. The basketball teams are being coached by Miss Carr and Mr. Frellick. The squads number about twenty each which means that over twenty- five per cent. of the student body is taking part. If the number of those who played in the class teams is included the percentage is still higher. By using the Town Hall as well as the school gymnasium it is possible for both squads to practice at the same time. A schedule of fifteen games with teams of nearby schools has been arranged. The boys will probably play in the tournament conducted by the Brockton Y. M. C. A. In the spring baseball will replace basketball. The athletics as during the past year have been financed by receipts from the games and the lunch counter, not public subscription.
The Normal School has already sent four trainers to the High School. They have been of assistance to us and we hope that they have benefited by their experience here. We have had people of good character and good purpose come here for their training and we have been able to give them considerable responsibility. The pupils as a whole have shown a good spirit toward the trainers and have con- sidered them as a part of the faculty. Their work has been closely supervised by the regular class room teachers.
There are two outstanding needs of the school at the present time-a library and a course in domestic science.
142
Since I have outlined these two in my previous reports, I will refer you to them.
I wish to thank you, the teachers and the Trustees for the hearty co-operation shown me.
Respectfully submitted,
EARLE H. MacLEOD, Principal.
143
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1925 HOWARD HALL
June twenty-sixth at eight o'clock
PROGRAM
1. Frat March John F. Barth
High School Orchestra
2. Prayer Rev. John A. Hayes
3. Music, "Carmena" H. Lane Wilson
High School Chorus
4. Address Rev. Henry H. Crane
5. Presentation of Class Gift Frank J. M. DuFault
President of the Class of 1925
6. Acceptance for School Morris H. Hertzberg President of Junior Class
7. Scholarship and Honor Awards Mary Janes Scholarship Howard Temple, No. 97, P. S. Scholarship Washington and Jefferson Medal
Principal E. H. Macleod
8. Presentation of Diplomas, Superintendent W. J. B. MacDougall
9. Class Ode Written by Miriam G. May Senior Class
10. Benediction Rev. John A. Hayes
144
CLASS ODE
Words and Music by Miriam Gertrude May Now as we end our high school days We think of years gone by Of joys we all experienced At dear old Howard High.
We'll ne'er forget our classmates dear And teachers as we roam Apart on life's broad journey drear And far away from home.
For four long years we've studied hard To reach a goal in life, These years have not slipped by in vain, We've won by work and strife.
And in the future days to come, In joy or in despair, We'll e'er hold dear the time we spent In Howard High so fair!
GRADUATES
College Course
Dorothy Lois Alger Rose Clare Enos Miriam Gertrude May
Jessie Nathan Copeland
Technical Course
Francis Alexander Baker John Joseph Kent
Frank Joseph Martin DuFault Calvin Hugh Yuill
Commercial Course
Alice Wilbur Berry
Florence Ellen Bisbee Mary Louise Kinney
General Course
Elva May Butler
Gerald Edward Cogan
Emma Mary Fallon Francis Joseph Luddy
William Wells Ritch Lynt
Arthur Bertrand Patton Margaret Elizabeth Toomey Nora Ellen Toomey Josephine Elaine Tursky
Sophie Elizabeth Tursky
145
CLASS OFFICERS
President, Frank J. M. DuFault Vice-President, Francis A. Baker Secretary, Emma M. Fallon Treasurer, Florence E. Bisbee
Class Colors-Red and White
Class Flower-Carnation
Class Motto-"Energy Wins the Way"
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my report on music in the schools of West Bridgewater for the year 1925.
The schools have been visited regularly according to schedule, the High and Centre each week and the outside schools every other week, grouping the Cochesett and Jerusalem together and the Matfield, East and South toge- ther. The Sunset Avenue and North were visited every two weeks on Monday afternoon.
The early part of the year the Matfield trip was too crowded with classes, there being five in all, one in the Por- table, two in Miss Riley's building, one at the East and one at the South. This difficulty was remedied with the closing of the East and South Schools.
The eighth grade at the Centre did creditable work in part singing and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the songs from the new book. These songs are carefully graded and many are by modern composers. The boys and girls of this same class in the High School this year are doing well.
146
We very much enjoy the "Progressive Music Series." It is a delight and gratifying to see how readily the children take up the new lessons.
The technical problems, either in Tone or Time in this series, are introduced so pedagogically, and based on such a sure foundation of previous knowledge that the pupil has little trouble in understanding and applying.
We have this series in several of our schools and in time I hope it will be in every room so that the work will be kept uniform and be systematized.
The pupils of the grades have taken part in outside activities, singing at the Memorial Day Exercises, Flag Day, and furnishing the entertainment one night at a meet- ing of the Parent-Teachers' Association.
From the supervisor's point of view a straight eighth or seventh grade at the Centre or Sunset Avenue would be more desirable and give better results than the present union of these grades. Thus would be eliminated any com- plications in planning for the eighth grade graduation in June. It would also obviate the necessity of the seventh grade using the same music book two years in succession.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.