USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1935 > Part 20
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
American Citizens," published by. Kellogg at Hartford in 1844, and now very rare. Thus it will be evident that although this collection is primarily one for research and is comprehensive regardless of quality, there are enough fine prints in it so that there can be many interesting changing exhibitions without exhausting its resources.
There are three card catalogues, all liberally cross- referenced: a catalogue of subjects, the major one; a cata- logue of engravers, etchers, etc .; and one of painters after whom subjects were engraved. When the cataloguing is completed it will be possible to locate any print in the collection with ease. The prints are filed alphabetically according to subject, with two exceptions: American por- traits are kept by themselves, and there are a few port- folios of individual artists who are more important, in the collector's eyes, than are most of their subjects.
Mr. Winfield Robbins had the expressed intention of as- sembling the greatest number of portraits of the greatest number of subjects that was possible for him as a collector to assemble. Miss Caira Robbins, his cousin, has been carrying out his design; and in accordance with her wishes contemporary portraits are now being added to the collec- tion. In addition, subjects are being added to help com- plete certain groups which were not complete at the time of Mr. Robbins' death.
KATHRYN McC. ACHUFF, Curator.
PORTRAITS ADDED TO THE ROBBINS COLLECTION IN 1935
Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Etching by W. H. W. Bicknell. President F. D. Roosevelt. Etching by W. H. W. Bicknell. George Bernard Shaw (Caricature: "Pshaw") Color wood- cut by James D. Havens.
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
Arthur Fiedler. Linoleum cut by Lydia Hess. Rockwell Kent. Woodcut by Norman Kent. Sinclair Lewis. Woodcut by. Norman Kent. Leo J. Meissner. Wood engraving by Meissner. (A beauti- ful self-portrait.) Charles Cotton. Etching by Wm. Strang.
James I of England. Mezzotint by Charles Turner. After F. Delaram (before letters.)
Paul Verlaine. Etching by Zorn.
Twelve lithographs by Wm. Rothenstein-the Oxford series: Sir Henry Acland. Max Beerbohm. Hilaire Belloc. F. W. Russell. Robinson Ellis. E. Ray Lankester. Professor Margoliouth. Friederich Max Müller. James A. H. Murray. Walter Pater. Frederick York Powell. John Scott Burdon Sanderson.
Six etchings by A. Hugh Fisher: Lascelles Abercrombie. Walter De La Mare. T. Sturge Moore. W. F. Revell ("Portrait of a Philosopher.") A. E. (George Russell.) Malcolm Salaman.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the Year Ended December 31, 1935.
Name of Library: Robbins Library.
City: Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian: Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of founding 1835
Population served (estimated) .
38,555
Assessed Valuation of Town .
59,643,550
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 ... . 52,817
Number of volumes added during year by purchase. 3,626
Number of volumes added during year by gift or exchange 53
Number of volumes lost or withdrawn during year 1,415
Total number at end of year 55,081
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
USE
Adult Juvenile Total
Number of volumes of fiction
lent for home use . 160,063 58,848 218,911
Total number of volumes lent for home use . 220,635 100,880 321,515 491
Pictures circulated
REGISTRATION
Number of borrowers registered during year .
1,910
Registration period, years.
3
Number of periodicals and newspapers cur- rently received:
Titles
146
Copies . 188
Number of publications issued during year: Booklists 0
Number of staff, library service (including part-time) 14
Number of staff, janitor service
3
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts from :
Trust Fund Income Balance, Jan. 1, 1935. . $2,826.21
Appropriation by Town. 24,647.20
Income from Trust Funds 2,867.40
$30,340.81
Expenditures
$27,585.96
Balance of Salary Account returned to
Treasurer
2.09
$27,588.05
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Present Expense Balance
2,752.76
Payment for :
Salaries, library service .
15,443.20
Salaries, janitor service
1,878.12
Books and periodicals .
5,144.80
Bindery
1,491.78
Fuel .
1,096.74
Light.
862.52
Building and grounds.
601.91
Telephone .
136.93
Other expenses
929.96
$27,585.96
Robbins Art Fund.
Expenditures :
Salaries .
$875.00
Prints .
193.50
Supplies, etc.
66.75
$1,135.25
LIBRARY FUNDS
Robbins Art Fund .
$44,133.27
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 .
52,075.77
E. Nelson Blake Fund .
4,000.00
Dexter Rawson Fay Fund
1,741.60
405
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Arlington:
The School Committee during 1935 sustained the loss of three of its members, whose efficient and devoted ser- vice deserves grateful acknowledgment and appreciation.
Mrs. Norine D. Casey retired at the end of her term in March, after three years of faithful and helpful service.
Mr. Mortimer H. Wells also retired after serving five years, with a notable contribution, particularly to the maintenance of the school plants.
These two places were filled by the election of Mr. Michael A. Fredo, and Mr. George S. Coburn.
Mr. Clair E. Turner, who was appointed to the com- mittee in 1928, resigned on account of work and travel abroad. As an international authority on health educa- tion, Mr. Turner brought an outstanding contribution to the educational program of Arlington. His place was filled by appointment, by a joint committee of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, of Mr. Harold A. Cahalin.
The large amount of routine business which must be attended to by the committee and the reduction in the number of sub-committees has required that at least two meetings of the full committee be held each month. Much of the, work formerly done by sub-committees, par- ticularly the finance committee, is now done in full com- mittee meetings. In addition to routine work however, your committee has given much time to discussion of
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
educational problems and needs of the school children. We refer to the Superintendent's report for specific recom- mendations and details, and particularly to the section headed "Instruction of Pupils."
The care and maintenance of buildings is occupying an increasingly large amount of the time and work of the committee. Again your attention is directed to the Super- intendent's report for what has been accomplished in this field.
A survey of several departments for purposes of study, evaluation, and if necessary, change, is being made or is contemplated. These are the departments of Commercial Education, Music, and Manual Arts. Studies of the needs in Adult Education, Physical Training, and Voca- tional Education are urged as important for committee consideration during next year.
Reductions made necessary in school expenditures by the economic crisis have lessened current school costs by more than $58,000.00 during the past five years. We are now providing a good educational opportunity at the minimum cost. No further appreciable reductions in teaching force or in general expenses, including mainte- nance and upkeep of school property, can be made with- out serious detriment to efficiency and educational oppor- tunity.
Your committee has stood steadfast for high educational standards for all of the youth of Arlington. The citizens have invariably expressed their approval of this stand. We hope that these high standards can be maintained for the benefit of your children and the future of our community.
We have been unfortunate this past year in the death of three teachers.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
William David Power, junior high school principal, died on September eighth after extended illness. He be- gan service in Arlington as teacher in the Junior High School West in 1923 and was appointed to the principal- ship of the Junior High School East upon its completion in 1927, where he served for eight years.
His sterling character, kindly nature and professional efficiency found fruition in the fine spirit and organization of both teachers and pupils. He made a rich contribu- tion to the school and the town that will exert a deep and lasting influence. The following expression of apprecia- tion was adopted by the School Committee at its meeting on September seventeenth :-
William D. Power, a teacher in Arlington schools from 1923 to 1927, and principal of the Junior High School East for eight years, since it was established, died on September eighth, nineteen hundred and thirty-five, following a long illness. Even for some months before his withdrawal from work he had carried on his duties efficiently, in spite of increasing weakness, evidencing thereby his devotion and unfailing loyalty.
The quality of his work, his mastery of adminis- tration, his sterling character, and his fine person- ality enabled him to make his school one character- ized by happiness, efficiency, and high standards. Not alone in the conduct of academic and other school activities, but also in exerting a strong and helpful influence upon the ideals and morals of his pupils, Mr. Power was masterful and inspirational.
The School Committee deeply mourns his passing, and realizes the great loss which the children of Arlington and the community at large suffer, in that
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
he will no longer serve with and among us. Yet he will long be cherished and honored in memory, and the great good he has done will not die.
The School Committee of Arlington hereby re- cords its heartfelt tribute to his faithful and splen- did service as teacher and leader of teachers, as guide and lover of children, as Christian gentleman and good citizen, and extends to members of his family most sincere sympathy in their sorrow.
Anna Dorothea Shaw, special class teacher in the Hardy School, died on March twenty-fifth, from an automobile accident. She began her work in Arlington in 1921, and continued it with increasing success until her untimely death. Patient, kindly, co-operative and devoted to her pupils and her work, she left a memory that will long be cherished.
Eleanor Carlton Burbank, primary teacher in the Peirce School since 1930, died on May thirteenth after a brief illness. A college graduate, she chose to teach little chil- dren because of her love for them. Her influence was wholesome and strong, her service devoted and efficient.
A very serious loss to the schools of Arlington occurred in the fall by the resignation of Grace Gordon Pierce, supervisor of music, who left us on December first after eighteen years of superior service to accept a position in the State Teachers' College at Lowell. Miss Pierce had built up a system here including various phases of vocal and instrumental music, such as to bring wide- spread and merited distinction to Arlington in this field. Arrangements have been made to carry on the work by those who have worked with her for a number of years.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Katharine R. Tierney, teacher of mathematics, retired under the State retirement statutes in June. Her efficient service as teacher of mathematics in the Junior High Schools since 1919 deserves a tribute of commendation and gratitude.
Dorothy E. Connor, a teacher in Arlington for twenty- eight years, since 1907, also retired under the State retire- ment statutes in June from her position as teacher of mathematics in the Junior High School West. Miss Connor's work in mathematics was recognized as of supe- rior quality and was amply demonstrated by the progress of her former students in the Senior High School.
We again take pleasure in thanking the other commit- tees, boards, and town officials for their unfailing co- operation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) M. NORCROSS STRATTON, Chairman.
January, 1936.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1935
To the Honorable School Committee,
Arlington, Massachusetts.
Ladies and Gentlemen :
This annual report is respectfully submitted for your consideration. It is similar to previous reports in order that comparisons may be readily made. Extended dis- cussion of economies has, however, been omitted as it would essentially repeat statements made in the last two annual reports.
There have been only minor changes in established policies and procedures during the year. Our endeavor has been to maintain high standards of scholarship and training, efficiency and harmony in administration, and strict economy consistent with a superior educational program, proper maintenance of school property and desirable community service.
INSTRUCTION OF PUPILS
Several factors have weighty influence upon the main- tenance of high scholastic standards. Undoubtedly, the number and excellence of the teaching staff is the most important. It has been our most anxious care to see that Arlington does not slip backward in this respect. It has been difficult to prevent this. There are nearly seven hun- dred more pupils enrolled now than there were five years ago. Instead of more teachers to take care of them, there
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
are ten fewer, resulting in a heavier teaching load and less opportunity for individual help. This is most notice- able in the junior and senior high schools, where under existing economic conditions, the number of pupils, many of whom are greatly in need of special attention, is greatly increased.
Our teachers have appreciated the necessity of economy and have given their best services, quite in excess of rea- sonable requirements, in order that pupils may receive the instruction and help they need. In the face, however, of increasing school membership, the teaching force should not be further reduced.
The large number of pupils now attending junior and senior high schools represents a wide variety of interests and aptitudes. The most important problem in second- ary school administration is probably that of adapting courses of instruction and types of work to these differ- ent groups. In large cities the problem is met by the organization of several types of high schools-Latin, English, Commercial, Mechanic Arts, Vocational Schools. In smaller places, such differentiated courses as may be feasible must be given in a single school.
The adaptation of education to individual requirements so far as possible, is wiser and more economical than forcing students to take courses for which they have little interest and use. Such adaptation calls for courses of utilitarian and civic as well as purely academic nature, for acquaint- ance with and training in manual trades, business pro- cedures, arts, etc. The value of such subjects has been amply proven the country over for many years. They can, of course, be over-emphasized. Arlington has only de- veloped or supported them to a moderate extent, and in this field is but fairly meeting the situation.
Many Arlington High School graduates continue their
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
education still further. In 1935, eighty-four seniors and nineteen post-graduates were admitted to forty-one col- leges and other higher institutions. Sixty-two students were accepted wholly by certification. It should be said in passing that the collegiate records of our high school graduates are systematically followed up, and reports re- ceived have for years been greatly to the credit of our high school.
ADMINISTRATION
Administration of schools is concerned with four general fields,-the educational program, secretarial and account- ing work, care and utilization of property, and relations with the community.
1. Educational Program
In planning or carrying out our educational work, supervisors, principals and teachers have consistently given their best judgment and efforts to preserve all that is worthy in established or traditional courses, and at the same time to take advantage of new knowledge and methods of proven value.
The content of various subjects taught in the schools is constantly studied and modified. Committees have been and are at work to introduce improvements, check up progress and achievement and keep courses of study up to date. Extra-curricular activities have been fostered, for if wisely administered they add greatly to the value of school life.
It is self-evident that effective instruction must be adapted and adjusted to individual capacities and apti- tudes, especially in grades above the sixth. The work done in tests and measurements and the study of individual children who are in any sense irregular are of the greatest assistance in this respect. No small part of our school
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
efficiency is due to this service, rendered by the director of tests and measurements and the attendance department, cooperating with principals and teachers.
It is, moreover, well recognized that school progress is strongly influenced by good health and freedom from physical defects. We have barely sufficient medical, physical training and school nursing service at present, and must continue it without curtailment, not only for its own direct value, but also as an indispensable aid to good scholarship. The intensive study of our activities, carried on during the past three years, has been very helpful in promoting the efficiency of our whole health program.
2. Secretarial Service
It is indispensable in a good school system that its records and accounts be ample and well kept. These in- clude the following :-
Complete records of all business done by the School Committee;
Transmission and record of all correspondence, direc- tions and transactions of superintendent and other execu- tive supervisors and officers;
Distribution of outlines, circulars, bulletins, notices, etc., to schools;
Complete administrative records of each school, its educational program, business and attendance records;
Pupil accounting, involving a complete cumulative record of each pupil throughout his membership in Arling- ton. Case records of problem pupils are kept in great detail.
Bookkeeping, covering all financial transactions con- nected with the schools;
Orders and records of books, supplies and equipment purchased;
Daily telephone service involving office, schools, busi- ness concerns, parents and other parties.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
We believe that this secretarial and accounting work is well and economically done. Much of it is performed by supervisors, principals and teachers and, in addition, the clerical force is kept constantly busy, with a good deal of overtime freely given, on these important records.
3. Maintenance and Care of Property
The care and utilization of school property affects the work of the schools and also the financial burden to the town. Our maintenance men and janitorial staff take excellent care of buildings and grounds. The cost of neces- sary repairs has been kept low and has, moreover, been helped out in the past two years by Federal-aided projects. Numerous projects have been completed in this way- interior and exterior painting, playground improvements, remodeling, etc .- which would otherwise have been impossible.
The most noteworthy improvements made during the past year were the following:
Replacement of worn out boiler in the Cutter School;
Installation of sprinkler system in the Locke School, the last building needing such equipment;
Changes in boiler room, basement, corridors and fire alarm system of the Russell School to eliminate fire and panic hazards, and to increase the safety of the building;
*Waterproofing sections of walls of Junior High School West;
*Regrading and surfacing Russell School playground;
*Building retaining walls, regrading and surfacing Par- menter School playground;
*Regrading playground, smoothing rear terrace, drain- ing grounds and laying cement platform in rear of Junior High School West;
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Important changes in ventilation system of Hardy School heating plant;
*Extensive painting jobs in several school buildings;
*Relaying defective floors in Peirce School.
(*These were either wholly or partly Federal-aided projects.)
Our school plants have been operated to secure the most economical use of fuel, electricity, gas and janitors' sup- plies. The degree of success in this direction is evidenced by the fact that expenses for these items in 1931 were $35,855.89 for twelve buildings and in 1935, $28,981.42 for fourteen buildings (new High School and Brackett School added), a reduction of over $6,800. Expressed differently, the average expense per building for these items was $2,988 in 1931 and $2,070 in 1935.
It is doubtful if this lower rate can be longer continued. The amount of coal annually carried over from each De- cember thirty-first has been steadily shrinking year by year, and the prices of both soft and hard coal have been increasing. The same conditions apply to janitors' sup- plies. Moreover, it is no longer possible to exchange old electric light bulbs for new without expense. There are 3,784 (or more) bulbs in use and the annual cost of replac- ing burned out lamps will be a substantial amount.
4. Community Service
The school department should and does serve the com- munity in desirable ways other than the regular education of children. Such services have, however, been curtailed during the last few years for lack of sufficient funds. Evening schools were discontinued in 1934 and much Americanization work was given up at the same time. For two years, 1931 and 1932, evening supervision of play- grounds was carried on, but since then it has not been
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
possible except as welfare or E.R.A. workers could be secured.
Community services which are still rendered are as follows:
Spy Pond Field is available for various sports for all youth (and adults under certain restrictions).
A supervised summer program is carried on each year involving ten playgrounds. The season of 1935 was very successful, on the basis of number of children and type and quality of activities.
Gymnasiums are used quite freely during the autumn and winter for young men's organizations. Some engage in amateur basketball games, others in general physical exercises with the addition of some cultural work. Due in large measure to the efforts and aid of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Chamber of Commerce, and other organi- zations, these desirable activities have greatly increased.
Extensive use is made of schools for a variety of whole- some purposes-parent-teacher association meetings, local civic and study clubs, approved entertainments by various organizations, local and sectional conventions and gather- ings, community orchestra rehearsals, special classes (nur- sery, physical training, lip reading, etc.), E.R.A. or W.P.A. activities, branch libraries, precinct meetings, voting, meetings of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, school entertain- ments, etc.
Part of the cost of such services is borne by parties using school facilities, such as rental charges and janitors' fees, but the whole program involves a net expense to the school department of probably $12,000.00 a year. The corresponding expense in 1932 was at least $5,000 more than in 1935.
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
It is well to bear in mind that this expense, while it has practically nothing to do with the regular school program, is charged up in local and state reports to current school expenses and adds about $2.00 to the present annual cost per pupil.
Although this wider use of school property does involve unavoidable expense, it is highly desirable and worth while. It enables the people to enjoy more fully the facil- ities they own and support, provides wholesome surround- ings and influences for young people, and adds to the attractiveness of Arlington as a place of residence.
THE OUTLOOK
The past five years have not been a time for expansion of educational privileges. The problem instead has been one of maintaining worthy standards and of avoiding curtailments that would cripple the schools. Arlington has been more fortunate than many other communities and every reasonable effort should be made to preserve and promote the good school system we have.
The major elements of such a school system are (1) adequate number of competent teachers; (2) a sound educational policy, well administered and supervised; (3) sufficient supplies and up to date books for pupils' needs; (4) buildings and property well kept and main- tained in good repair; (5) sound economical business man- agement; (6) sufficient appropriations to finance the schools and their program of work and service.
May I in conclusion express my sincere appreciation of the uniform assistance and cooperation of the School Committee, the Town officials and the public, in the rather difficult task of administering the schools in these trying times. Our group of school employees, too, has been unfailingly loyal and devoted in their service. It
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