USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1933 > Part 20
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The other departments of the town have taken care of the people at either end of the town. Why not bend every effort to accomplish this for the library depart- ment, the "Adult School", the six day a week, year round institution ?
During the summer months a Reading Club of twen- ty-five children met weekly at the Heights Branch. A splendid spirit prevailed and much good reading was done under the direction of Miss Jeannette Favreau.
393
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF ROBBINS LIBRARY
The East Branch shows the largest circulation it has ever had, (29,046). The increased work has been carried on efficiently and with ease by Miss Eva Smith.
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS AND PICTURES
During the past year 3,484 books were added to the library by purchase, gift and binding, while, 2,273 were withdrawn, the net gain being 1,211. The volumes in the library now number 51,510.
Not since the year 1928 has the library added so few books. Of the books added 1,995 were new titles and 1,489 duplicates and replacements of books worn out and dis- carded.
The recataloging of the reference collection was com- pleted during this year and work started on the foreign books.
The pamphlet collection now numbers 2,020 and the picture file contains 1,735 pictures.
REFERENCE DEPARTMENT
Added use of the library means added use of the Ref- erence Department, a service which can not be measured by figures. What suitable measure is there for the end- less questions answered, the time spent in making lists of books on special topics, preparing exhibits, care of pamphlet material, picture collections, getting books through inter-library loan, checking magazine material, in fact knowing where and producing at the proper time the material desired by teacher, student, preacher and layman ?
CHILDREN'S WORK
The circulation of books for children showed a satis- factory gain, although the increase was not in proportion to the increased use of our adult department.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
1932
Loss
JUNIOR LIBRARY
59,309
1933 59,620
Gain 311 4,482
SCHOOLS
7,934
12,416
EAST
15,162
15,023
139
HEIGHTS
12,846
11,768
1,078
Total
95,251
98,827
1,217
4,793
Total gain ......
3,576
The story hours were attended by 967 children.
During the summer months the Everyland Club held ten meetings with an average attendance of 67. Never was there a more enthusiastic group which made the tour of the "Enchanted Island" (Of the Chicago Exposition) . There was much reading, a regular fair, music, games, and story telling.
Very satisfactory contacts were made with older boys through the Stamp Club, which held ten meetings.
In March, the High School Stamp Club, Parmenter School Stamp Club and the Robbins Library Club com- bined and held a creditable Stamp Exhibit in the small reading room. Several interested Arlington stamp collec- tors added tone to the exhibit by their unusual collections.
The school work has taken an increasing amount of the time of the Children's Librarian. Seventy-two class room libraries have been furnished to elementary schools. More than ever an effort has been made to co-operate with the public school department in every way.
THE LIBRARY AS A COMMUNITY CENTRE
More and varied groups have used the library for their meetings or have come by special invitation to take part in library activities.
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF ROBBINS LIBRARY
The Art Committee of the Woman's Club has been responsible for three exhibits in our gallery. They ex- hibited oil paintings by Charles Morton, an Arlington res- ident, and Donald Knowles of Brookline. In December Arthur W. McMurtry of Cambridge showed water colors. There have also been exhibits of Ship Models by Albert Hanson, a Stamp Club exhibit, Girl Scout handicraft work, consisting of hammered silver, embroidery, and soap carving; Junior High School Industrial Art Class, Mrs. Mary A. Curtin, director.
The work of art classes from Belmont, Lexington, Somerville, Stoneham and Arlington which was arranged by Mrs. Marion I. Ford, Supervisor of Drawing, was large- ly attended.
The Art Committee, Civic and Education Committee, American Home Committee, International Relation Com- mittee, Dramatic Committee of the Woman's Club have used the hall for various lectures and courses. There have been courses in Book Reviewing and Reading, Child Psychology, and International Relations.
The Garden Club, Fortnightly Club, Junior Woman's Club, Junior Garden Club and a group of Girl Scouts have held their regular meetings in the hall. The library has held story hours, Stamp Club meetings, entertained Char- les River Club during Good Book Week, and the Study group of the Parent Teachers Association of the Brackett School. On Nov. 28, a Sunday Group reading and tea was held in the Junior Library Hall. Rev. John Nichols Mark read from Wilson McDonald's poems.
GIFTS
That people have been mindful of the library needs is shown by the gifts which it has received during the year. These gifts, although not large in amount bespeak a feeling of good will, interest and a knowledge of the real
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
purposes of the library. To these many friends we ex- press thanks.
Mrs. Arthur Wellington presented a pair of wrought iron andirons. The Garden Club a Christmas wreath, Christmas tree and many beautiful and unique floral de- corations, also five dollars for the purchase of garden books.
The Woman's Club presented a pair of andirons for use in the Junior Library Hall, and a pair of ornamental iron plant containers which are fastened to the light poles at either side of the library entrance. In the summer they are filled with growing plants and evergreens in the winter.
Gift of books from the following :
American Legion Andrews, Prof. Arthur Arlington Woman's Club Arlington Garden Club
Fernald, Florence, Estate of
Foster, Miss Carol Gannett, Mrs. Charles H.
George Washington Bicentennial Commission
Howes, Mrs. Jennie J. W.
Knappen, T. M. (Author)
Lipton, Thomas J., Inc.
Mass. Commonwealth of
Mass. Dept., Spanish War Veterans
Nickerson, Elwood
Parmenter, Judge James
Parmenter, Mrs. Robert Ring, Dr. Barbara Robbins, The Misses
Sanford, Mrs. Lemuel
U. S. Shipping Board Whitney, Richard, Pres. of Stock Exchange
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF ROBBINS LIBRARY
STAFF
The personnel of the staff has remained the same throughout the year.
Miss Pauline Bennett who had been employed as a part-time worker was made a member of the staff in January, and Miss Phebe A. Alden, in September.
Various members of the staff have spoken before literary and library gatherings, Miss Esther Gannett, Classifier, and Miss Thelma Brictson, Children's Librarian.
The Librarian has spoken at the Parent Teacher's Association, High School Literary Club, Charles River Library Club, Massachusetts Library Club and Old Colony Club.
Several members of the staff have taken courses which would be helpful to them in their work.
The Librarian takes the opportunity of expressing her deep appreciation of the conscientious and effective service the staff has continued to give throughout a year of increasing demands, and her thanks for the continued cooperation of the Trustees.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCINDA FIELD SPOFFORD,
Librarian.
398
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for year ended December 31, 1933
Name of library : Robbins Library
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts
Name of Librarian: Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford
Date of founding 1835
Population served (last census)
36,094
Assessed valuation of Town 60,967,500.00
Terms of use: Free for lending
Free for Reference
Total number of agencies 3
Consisting of Central Library
1
Branches 2
Number of days open during year (Central Library) 302
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading
(Central Library) 66
Increase
Number of volumes at beginning of year 49,999
Number of volumes added during year by
purchase 3,359
Number of volumes added during year by gift or exchange 125
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn during year 2,273
Total number at end of year 51,210
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF ROBBINS LIBRARY
399
Use
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Number of volumes of fiction
lent for home use. . . 171,661
60,651
232,314
Total number of volumes lent for home use. 230,097
98,827
328,924
Pictures circulated
469
Registration
Number of borrowers registered during year .... 2,091
Registration period, years.
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers currently received :
Titles
125
Copies 140
Number of publications issued during year : Book lists
0
Number of staff, library service (including part-time)
14
Number of staff, janitor service
3
Financial Statement
Receipts from :
Trust Fund Income Balance, January 1, 1933
$1,295.25
Appropriation by Town
24,509.00
Income from Trust Funds 2,958.63
$28,762.88
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Expenditures
27,772.84
Trust Fund Balance, December 31, 1933
$990.04
Payment for:
Salaries, library service
$15,796.64
Salaries, janitor service
1,621.92
Books and periodicals
4,863.22
Bindery
1,828.60
Fuel
1,293.76
Light
913.40
Building and grounds
496.34
Telephone
144.03
Other expenses
814.93
$27,772.84
Receipts from :
Robbins Art Fund
$407.31
Expenditures :
Care of Robbins Print Collection-Salary ....
$373.00
Supplies, etc.
34.31
$407.31
Library Funds
Robbins Art Fund
$43,224.95
Henry Mott Library Fund
5,200.00
Timothy Wellington Fund
100.00
Ellen W. Hodgdon Fund
1,000.00
Children's Book Fund
5,000.00
Nathan Pratt Library Fund
10,000.00
Elbridge Farmer Fund
52,065.00
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Arlington :
The School Committee again calls to your attention the steadily increasing membership, particularly in the High School. The Superintendent's report shows an average membership this year of 6,762 pupils com- pared to 6,499 pupils last year and to 5,756 pupils five years ago.
The problems of school administration become in- creasingly difficult with a steadily increasing membership, a decreasing appropriation for school purposes and a re- duced teaching force.
Your Committee has been well aware of the need for economical administration, has accepted the situation and has expended even less in 1933 than the amount available, $683,351.01, out of an available appropriation of $696,- 302.96.
The requests for school purposes are based upon careful study of school needs, careful estimates of nec- essary expenditures and careful evaluation of the service given in view of the varying educational needs of the children of Arlington.
Your attention is directed to the fact that the actual cost of the schools to the tax payers in 1933 was much less than the $683,351.01 expended for school purposes. The school employees contributed a total of $53,945.96. Receipts from the Commonwealth and from other sources
401
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
amounted to $62,757.34, leaving a net balance charge- able to local taxation of $566,647.71. Reference to the Superintendent's report and statistical tables will furnish further details.
The question of the town policy regarding education is closely tied up with finances. Your School Committee has been and is convinced that the citizens of Arlington desire a superior school system, not just an average one. It is a fair question to ask the tax payers if our assump- tion is in accord with their desires. Should pupils be cared for according to their different needs and to what extent ? Many lose sight of the fundamental principle of education, that the varying conditions of health, physi- cal and mental characteristics, aptitudes, and economic limitations of the pupils in schools of today require courses of study and methods of instruction designed to meet these varying conditions if our schools are to render adequate service to all our youth. A one-horse shay type of education cannot meet the needs of children in an eight-cylinder era.
Continued reduction of appropriations for schools in the face of a growing demand for more education, a larger school membership, and an increase in costs of supplies will, of course, result in a less efficient and less effective school program. A pertinent question for our citizens to consider is, "Where does real economy end and unwise parsimony begin ?"
Your Committee must call attention again to the probable need for more buildings in the near future. School accommodations will need to be provided in the Hardy section and in the Pheasant Avenue district. The Morningside section can be accommodated in the pro- posed Pheasant Avenue School provided a road is con- structed connecting these two sections. We urge that consideration be given to this need.
403
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Again we call attention to the unfinished high school addition and to the need for completing this project by finishing the auditorium, constructing suitable gymnas- iums and building the proposed connecting corridor and administration unit.
It will be necessary to increase the amount provided for the care and maintenance of buildings if our large investment in them is properly protected. The Com- mittee has succeeded by careful planning, in keeping the buildings in excellent condition, but roof repairs and waterproofing which are now urgently necessary should not be longer postponed.
There has been no change in the organization of the Committee. Increased business has required that meet- ings of the whole Committee be held twice each month throughout the year. Many meetings of sub-committees have been required for consideration of special problems.
The Committee records its appreciation of the un- usually effective service rendered by Mrs. Mary A. Cur- tin, Supervisor of Special Classes and Tests and Measure- ments, whom we lost by death on July 19, 1933. Her faithfulness and deep interest in the pupils who came under her care and her wise leadership will long be grate- fully remembered.
To Miss Caroline L. Minott, who retired in Septem- ber from an active teaching service of thirty-one years in the Arlington Schools, and Mrs. Lilla L. Granfield, who retired after twelve years of service, we express our ap- preciation for their efficient and loyal service to the citi- zens and youth of Arlington.
Respectfully submitted for the Committee,
(Signed) M. NORCROSS STRATTON,
January, 1934.
Chairman.
ANNUAL REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1933
To the Honorable School Committee, Arlington, Massachusetts.
Ladies and Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the following annual report for your consideration. Conditions in general are similar to those described in the report for 1932, and for ease in comparing conditions, this report is arranged in similar form. The usual tables of attendance, expenses, etc., are given at the end of the report.
I. ORGANIZATION-ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE
Membership continues to increase. The total mem- bership in November, 1932 and 1933 shows the changes in the different groups of schools at a glance.
Nov. Nov.
1932 1933
Enrollment-elementary schools. .3579
.3605
Enrollment-Junior high schools. .1480 1586
Enrollment-junior and senior high school industrial arts classes. 104 115
Enrollment-senior high school. 1336 1456
Totals 6499
6762
404
405
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The effects of this growth have been to fill the school buildings more completely and to increase the size of classes-the teaching load-especially on account of a de- crease since 1930 of twenty or more teaching positions. The most noticeable increase has been in the Senior High School, where the number of teachers has not increased since 1931, while the number of pupils is greater by 300 ..
Taking the average membership in the High School for November, 1933-1457 pupils, the number of pupils per teacher appears to be 24.9. This average, however, does not reveal actual conditions, which can only be un- derstood by knowing the size and number of classes. On December 15, 1933, the total number of classes or di- visions was 465. The size of these divisions ranges from three (a class in Spanish) to one hundred four (a class in music). Twenty-five divisions have more than forty- one students each, one hundred seventy-three divisions from twenty-five to forty-two students, and eighty di- visions from twenty to twenty-six students. Thus, a to- tal of two hundred seventy-eight divisions, or three-fifths of the work of the school, is done in classes of twenty to one hundred four students with an average of thirty-one and three-tenths. One hundred and eighty-seven di- visions run under twenty students each. These include chiefly senior college preparatory, language, industrial arts, and drawing divisions, which for various reasons can rarely be consolidated or increased. The undesirable pressure is found chiefly in sophomore and junior classes in such fundamental subjects as English, history, mathe- matics, and science.
Increase in membership of other schools has been normal and such as could be readily accommodated by adjustment of classes, without adding to the number of teachers, but if there is any substantial increase in mem- ber ship in the fall of 1934, a few additional teachers may be needed.
406
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
II. SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS
At the present time accommodations are adequate for all pupils. Probably they will suffice for the school year 1934-1935. As soon as rapid growth of the town is resumed, however, the problem of more room will require solution. Probably the first project will be erection of the proposed Pheasant Avenue school, which would re- lieve the entire western part of the town. Through road construction and change of district lines, it might also make relief possible for much of the eastern part of Arl- ington.
III. COURSES OF STUDY
During 1933, committees of principals, supervisors, and teachers have been at work under the Superinten- dent's direction on several courses of instruction.
A thorough study has been made of all health activi- ties in the elementary schools. Revision and changes have been put into operation, and various phases of the work have been more effectively co-ordinated, with the purpose of securing greater efficiency in this important part of the school program. This study is being contin- ued in 1933-1934 in the junior and senior high schools.
Outlines in English and arithmetic for elementary and junior high schools have been revised and placed in the hands of all teachers. In this revision, more empha- sis is placed upon the major essentials of each subject.
Supervisors of special subjects provide teachers with guidance, specific assignments, and direct help in instruc- tion, and are constantly adapting subject outlines to classes and modern requirements. It might well be said that in these subjects the courses of study, while built upon rather permanent basic principles, are under con- tinual study, adjustment, and development.
407
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Household arts and manual training, for example, have been modified and adjusted to meet prevailing econ- omic conditions. Drawing is conforming to and giving expression to needs and activities of the schools and com- munity.
The whole program of vocal and instrumental music has been developing in a very satisfactory way, in spite of losses to individual pupils on account of discontinuance of paid instructors of piano and instrumental classes for elementary pupils, and of curtailment in the number of special music teachers. An interesting and inspiring event in this connection was the State Music Festival held in Arlington on May 13. Over four thousand high school students from thirty-five communities participat- ed in vocal, orchestral and band recitals, a colorful parade and a final concert of the all-state band and chorus on the Warren A. Peirce Field. No competitive rankings of or- ganizations were made, but the Arlington groups were among those receiving highest scoring.
The task of curriculum revision is a constant one. Changs in social and political conditions, economic prob- lems, science, and life in general make frequent revision and adaptation of school work essential. This is the case, for instance, in geography. Accordingly, the outline in this subject is now being studied and revised by a com- mittee of elementary school principals and teachers.
In similar though less formal manner, high school subjects are modified continually as circumstances and conditions demand.
To a greater degree than ever before the High School is being utilized by all the youth of a commumnity, both those who are preparing for advanced education and those who will complete their training in high school in other
408
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
courses. They are as needy and deserving as any, and an efficient school must endeavor to meet their reasonable requirements.
It is quite in place here to report on the athletic pro- gram connected with the schools. The development since the summer of 1931 has been very satisfactory and whole- some. At that time a change was made in the high school coaching staff and in the general organization of athletics, affecting football and baseball especially. It is gratify- ing to record both the excellent record of teams repre- senting Arlington and the wholesome prevailing spirit.
In other local and interscholastic sports as well, im- provement and school records are such as to merit ap- proval and commendation.
IV. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Our school grounds, buildings, and equipment are in excellent condition and invoke very favorable comment from visitors who know schools in this and other com- munities. The janitorial staff merits commendation for our clean, well-kept buildings. The policy of keeping property in good repair has been efficiently continued by the maintenance crew supplemented by outside contracts. We have been greatly assisted in this whole matter by workers from the town welfare department and from the Civil Works Administration.
The cost of upkeep and repairs has been exceedingly moderate in consideration of the work that has been done. Aside from ordinary repairs (and emergencies) the only extensive jobs to be done in the near future are connected with roofs and waterproofing. Roofs and gutters on sev- eral buildings are old and need replacing or extensive re- pairing. There is urgent need of waterproofing walls of several buildings to stop leakage that is injuring and de- facing interior walls and ceilings.
409
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
A great deal of work has been done the last three years on school grounds at the High, Peirce, Brackett, Locke, and Junior High West Schools. Much remains to be done at the latter school; the Parmenter School Play- ground should be graded and surfaced, and the Cutter School playground should be resurfaced.
V. FINANCIAL
Conditions have compelled severe economy in 1933. It has been evidenced in the following ways :
1. Discontinuing certain positions and activities, some as of June 30, 1932, the full effect of which is felt in the 1933 budget; others as of June 30, 1933, affecting the salary budget for the four fall months. (Twenty or more positions have been abolished in the last three years.)
2. Increasing teacher load by consolidating classes, transferring pupils and teachers, making larger divisions in junior and senior high schools.
3. Curtailment of expenditures for books and sup- plies.
4. Economies in operation and maintenance.
5. Postponement of building operations and expan- sion of school work.
6. Salary contributions and cuts.
As a result, the cost per pupil has dropped substan- tially in the last three years. Thus the cost per pupil for 1930-1931 was $112.44 and the corresponding figure for the fiscal year 1933, not including employees' contribu- tions of 10%, was $104.14.
This does not tell the whole story, however, concern- ing the actual net cost chargeable to our local tax account.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
There are very substantial receipts from other sources which are not generally known and which, unfortunately, do not appear in the town's accounting of school expenses. The relation between the budget and the actual cost for current expenses may be shown as follows. (It will be understood, of course, that receipts affect, in part, the tax rate for the succeeding year.)
School budget approved for 1933. $694,857.00
Extra contributions added. 1,445.96
$696,302.96
Unexpended balance December 31,
1933, returned 12,951.95
Expenditures for 1933.
$683,351.01
Contributions of employees .. $53,945.96
Receipts State on school account. 61,218.76
Receipts from other sources .. 1,538.58
Total receipts from other than local taxation 116,703.30
Net cost to Arlington for current ex- penses, 1933. $566,647.71
Net local cost per pupil (average mem- bership 6548) $86.53
Further information concerning expenditures is shown in Table IV, Finances, which gives the financial picture for the past five years. It should be studied in con- nection with Table III on Average Membership. These tables, being for school years ending June 30, differ from and are six months behind amounts applying to the town fiscal year. Any trend toward increase or decrease in the cost of education will appear six months earlier in town
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