USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1939 > Part 24
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448
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
It is the consensus of opinion of your superintendent and the three junior high school principals that an improve- ment in the French course of study should be made next year by changing the French offered in the junior high school from a high school preparatory course to a course in cultural French. A strictly college preparatory French course is unnecessary in the junior high schools because three years of French are already provided in the senior high school. A course in cultural French would be con- ducted according to the direct method which furnishes a greater opportunity for proficiency in oral French than ob- tains under the present method. It could also be so taught as to acquaint the pupils with a much broader view of French life and civilization.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
From the report of the principal of the High School come the following comments :
"The enrollment of pupils in the Senior High School on October 1, 1938 was 1760. On October 1, 1939 the enroll- ment was 1877. This shows an increase of 117.
"Last June a graduating class of 464 received diplomas. This year the graduating class at the present time numbers 530. This number will decrease somewhat by the end of the school year, but the graduating class next June will be larger than any of the preceding classes in the history of the school.
"Since my report to you a year ago, a few changes in the curricula have been made. Second year algebra has been placed in grade ten along with plane geometry, the algebra coming three times a week and the geometry two times. Next year, and thereafter, these subjects will be continued in grade eleven with the algebra coming two times a week and the geometry three times. By this ar- rangement, we hope the pupils will find it easier to master the second year algebra than under the former plan, which placed this subject entirely in grade eleven. I believe it is too early for us to judge surely the value of this new plan.
449
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
"In my report last year, I listed a number of needs to help improve the work we are doing in the school. Briefly, these needs are a modern assembly hall, a new administra- tion unit, a room telephone system, a new gymnasium, more teachers. We are grateful to you and the School Commit- tee for hiring some additional teachers during the past two years. This has made it possible for us to carry on the usual classroom work without overburdening the teachers. To continue this condition we shall probably need one or two additional teachers next year on account of our ex- pected increase in enrollment. I believe, however, as I pointed out in my report last year, much could be done to improve the work in our school if we could have a sufficient number of teachers.
"We need to have a faculty manager or co-ordinator of athletics as a regular part of our school organization. I hope the School Committee will be able soon to appoint one of our men teachers to this position and to provide so that in the future the position will be filled regularly."
REDUCTION OF FAILURES
One of the problems concerning Mr. Gammons and the high school faculty has been that of reducing failures. I am happy to report that much progress has been made in this direction. It has been recognized more clearly than ever before that public high school students with varying abilities should not be held to the same standards of per- formance. Once this is recognized the logical conclusion is the setting up of several standards, insisting only that each student work to his mental capacity. With such an under- standing, failures are bound to be reduced. There still re- mains for many, however, the need for broader educational opportunities. Your superintendent, the secondary school principals and the heads of the various departments have given much thought to this matter during the past year. This year we are using the bi-monthly rank sheets similar to those that have been used in the elementary and junior high schools during the past two years. These sheets show
450
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
clearly the percentage of failures in each class and we feel that it is our job to know the reason for these failures. I feel that by this method the percentage of failures will be materially reduced in the next year. Failure is not only bad for the pupil but each failure is an added expense to the school department.
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Our high school at the present time has an enrollment close to 1900 pupils. Many of these boys and girls are there due to the economic conditions that make it impossible for them to find employment. In far too many cases the courses we have to offer do not meet the needs of the pupils. Surrounding cities and many towns and cities in outlying districts have met the needs of these pupils by starting voca- tional schools. At the present time we have seventy-eight pupils attending vocational schools in Somerville, Medford, Boston, Jamaica Plain and Cambridge, under Chapter 74, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws which requires towns and cities to pay tuition of pupils who attend vocational schools in other communities if the resident town does not offer this opportunity.
It has cost the town of Arlington this past year approxi- mately $9000 to pay the tuition of Arlington boys and girls who are attending vocational schools in surrounding cities. Fifty percent of this will be reimbursed by the State which, of course, would be true if we had a vocational school of our own that would accommodate many more boys and girls than we are reaching at present. I believe, after much study, that there is a place for vocational training in the school system of Arlington. Such a school would relieve the crowded conditions at the high school which is now filled to its capacity, and would more adequately meet the needs of a large number of boys and girls who are now floundering around in courses that are not of interest to them. Vocational training is moving forward all over the United States. The number of students demanding this kind of education is larger and larger each year, and this trend is evident in Arlington.
451
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
I recommend that a committee be appointed to study this matter and make a report at some date in the near future.
CHANGES IN THE TEACHING STAFF
Resignations:
Helen T. Rice-High School, Household Arts.
Henry D. Hormel-High School, History and Athletic Assistant.
H. Pauline Pattison-High School, English (deceased) . Dorothy Perkins-Junior High School Center, French and English.
Christine M. Hooper-Junior High School West, Social Studies and French.
Avis L. Lane-Brackett School, Grade II.
Helen E. Porter-Brackett School, Grade VI.
Edith C. Caswell-Brackett School, Grade III. Winifred Trask-Crosby School, Grade IV.
Marion B. Johnson-Crosby School, Grade II. Louise M. Barber-Cutter School, Grade VI.
Catherine M. Smith-Cutter School, Grade IV. Alice M. Wilson-Hardy School, Grade III.
Esther M. Thomas-Hardy School, Grade III.
Myrtle M. Davis-Locke School, Grade I (deceased) .
Retirements:
Flora E. Fuller-Locke School, Principal.
Helen M. Dow-Parmenter School, Grade I.
Leaves of Absence:
Frances B. Murray-High School, Commercial Sub- jects.
Lois B. Wright-High School, English.
Nina E. Flagg-Brackett School, Grade V.
Appointments:
George F. Fusco-High School, History and Athletic Assistant.
452
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Dorothy Rooney (substitute) -High School, Commer- cial Subjects.
Ella Tewksbury (substitute) -High School, English. Roger L. Warner-High School, Mathematics and Sci- ence.
Marjorie Burr-Junior High School Center, House- hold Arts.
James R. Powers-Junior High School Center, French and English.
Clarice Gott-Junior High School East, English.
John P. Bradley (substitute) -Junior High School West, Mathematics.
Ruth Scallan-Brackett School, Grade III. Mary Doyle (substitute)-Crosby School, Grade IV. Helen O'Brien (substitute)-Hardy School, Grade I. Virginia Hart-Parmenter School, Grade I. M. Elizabeth Shannon-Peirce School, Grade II. Ruth E. Madden-Peirce School, Grade V (returned from year's leave of absence) .
Transfers:
Geneva M. Starrett-From Junior High School Center, Household Arts to High School, Household Arts. Dorothy L. Burbank-From Junior High School East, English to High School, History.
Iris C. Brown-From Junior High School East, English to High School, English.
Marguerite Holland-From Peirce School, Grade V to Brackett School, Grade V.
Grace E. Fettretch-From Russell School, Grade I to Crosby School, Grade II.
Margaret E. Brennan-From Parmenter School, Grade IV to Hardy School, Grade III.
Helen Roberts-From Locke School, Grade VI to Locke School, Acting Principal.
Mary Lawler-From Peirce School, Grade I to Locke School, Grade I.
453
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Of the changes in the personnel of our staff in 1939, nine of our teachers resigned to be married, one took a position elsewhere, three resigned because of home condi- tions, two retired and two died. Two high school teachers and one elementary school teacher are taking a year's leave of absence.
In the elementary schools, due to reorganization, we found it unnecessary to make new appointments to cover eight vacancies. In the High School two additional teach- ers were appointed due to increased enrollment.
PROFESSIONAL STUDY
In a progressive school system a teaching force must keep informed of the newer developments in education and newer methods and practices. Professional study is the greatest aid to this end. Ten high school teachers, thirty- one junior high school teachers and forty-six elementary school teachers in our school system have taken summer and extension courses during the past year, and have thereby made themselves more valuable to our school system. It is hoped that more teachers will avail themselves of this oppor- tunity in the near future. Many school systems offer an increase of fifty dollars more than the normal increase once in three years to the teachers who have attended summer school and received sixty hours credit, or the equivalent in extension courses. I hope the time will come when we will give some consideration to our progressive teachers.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
The excellent spirit of co-operation between the home and the school has been fostered by the growth and devel- opment of seven parent-teacher associations. The member- ship of these groups has increased each year and the pro- grams have been constructive and educational. Each asso- ciation meets regularly once each month for educational and social activities. The objectives of these associations are the welfare of the children in the schools and an undor- standing of the problems of education. Their co-operation
454
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
is evident in all the aspects of community life which affect the schools, and appreciation is expressed for what has been accomplished by them in Arlington during the past year.
SCHOOL HALLS
The school department has eleven school halls and four gymnasiums under its direction. The public use of these facilities has greatly increased and has become one of the important problems in the administration of the schools. Many of the halls and all of the gymnasiums are in constant demand for public functions. It has been our practice up to the present time, if money were available, to allow cer- tain organizations, namely : the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and the Parent-Teacher Associations to a certain extent, the use of these facilities free of charge. Other groups who have used these halls have paid the janitor fees and those groups using the halls for commercial purposes have paid a rental charge as well as janitor fees. The intention of the School Committee in charging for the use of these halls for commercial purposes was in no way intended to be in com- petition with private halls.
We have been informed by the town accountant that in the future all use of these halls and gymnasiums must be paid for from the school budget; in other words, these or- ganizations cannot pay the school janitors, as has been our previous practice. This means an approximate increase in the school budget of about $3,000 for janitorial service alone. The total cost for community activities in the use of these facilities is approximately $12,000. This amount is charged to the cost per pupil in the State reports, yet has nothing to do with the cost of public school education. I believe these are facts about which the public should be in- formed.
ATHLETIC COUNCIL
The Athletic Council which was organized in your school system over three years ago has continued to func- tion and all athletic funds are handled in a businesslike
455
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
manner. Instead of a deficit which existed at the time the Council was organized, at the present time there is a com- fortable balance, on which we depend to run our athletics for the balance of the year. Football is the only sport from which we realize any surplus. The other sports do not pay for themselves, nor have they for a period of years. In fact, football in a large measure pays for all of the other sports.
I feel that we should express our appreciation to the Rotary Club for the splendid banquet which was tendered to the football squad, the high school principal, coach and assistant coaches. It was a wholesome thought, and I be- lieve meant much to the boys to feel and realize the interest that the men in the community have in them and their activities.
REPAIRS
Following is a report by the Supervisor of Maintenance of some of the major items of repair accomplished during the past year, including work done by the W. P. A., the Welfare and the Unemployment departments :
Retubing of two boilers at the High School, old build- ing.
Replacement of 125 units of classroom furniture at the Junior High School Center.
Installation of new asphalt flooring in three classrooms, two offices, clinic, and stair landings up to the second floor and down to the basement, also the installation of Linotile stair treads with rubber nosing up to sec- ond floor and down to the basement at Junior High School Center.
Painting of three classrooms and first floor corridor, Junior High School Center.
Complete replacement of copper gutters and conductors, also other minor roof repairs at the Junior High School Center.
456
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Continuation and completion of replacement of copper gutters and conductors, also other minor roof re- pairs at the Crosby School.
Complete replacement of gutters and conductors with copper, also other minor repairs, at the Parmenter School.
Installation of about 380 lineal feet of 8-ft. chain link fence at the Brackett School playground.
Repairing and painting of all exterior flag poles.
Remodeling of toilet and shower rooms in boys' locker building, Spy Pond Field.
Remodeling of old sewing room into a classroom at the High School.
Replacement of about 469 lights of broken glass in windows, etc.
Work Done by W. P. A .:
Making of building plans for various school buildings. Completion of painting project at the Hardy, Locke and Peirce Schools.
Installation of wood carvings at High School entrance in old building and around stage of auditorium in old building.
Completion of unfinished area in basement of old build- ing so it may be used for paint shop and finishing room.
Painting of grandstands and fence around Warren Peirce Playground.
Work Done by Welfare Department:
Construction of indoor cinder running track in un- finished basement area in High School, new building. Assisting caretaker at Spy Pond Field in upkeep of grounds, etc.
457
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Work Done by Unemployment Department:
Erection of section of stone wall around Brackett School playground.
WORK RECOMMENDED TO BE DONE IN 1940
Changes made in sprinkler piping of fresh air stack rooms so that sprinklers may be in operation in these rooms during the cold weather period. This work is needed at the Crosby, Locke, Cutter and High Schools.
A certain sum of money should be provided each year to complete the sprinkler systems and make other changes and additions to the school buildings as rec- ommended by the Fire Insurance Rating Association. Completion of inside telephone system in new High School building and changing of telephone system in old building so that principal may communicate with all classrooms. At present there is no com- munication.
Through W. P. A .:
Completion of projects already submitted and approved by W. P. A. authorities for the Crosby, Brackett, High, Junior High West, Parmenter and Peirce Schools, and Spy Pond Field.
A new roadway with curbing should be installed at the Junior High School West.
All playgrounds should be given a coat of stone dust and rolled with a gas roller.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS
In regard to school accommodations I can only repeat what I stated in my report for 1938, in which I called at- tention to the need for completion of the high school audi- torium. I wrote at length on this matter in my report of 1937, so merely mention it at this time.
A year ago, I also called attention to the great need of additional accommodations at the Hardy School and roc-
458
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ommended that a committee be appointed to bring in plans and specifications for an addition to that building.
I also recommended that consideration be given to replacing the present Russell School building and brought to your attention that Junior High School Center is filled to capacity.
Besides the building needs I again wish to call to your attention the need of playground equipment.
I hope that careful thought and study will be given to these matters not only by our School Committee but also by our citizens.
SCHOOL COSTS
Our average cost per pupil for the school year ending June 30, 1939, as compared with the cost for the eight preceding years, is shown in the following table, as com- piled from the annual reports of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Education.
1930-31
1931-32
1932-33
1933-34
1934-35
1935-36
1936-37
1937-38
1938-39
Elementary Schools
$86.50
$88.10
$82.00
$80.05
$76.31
$78.86
$75.70
$79.44
Junior High Schools
125.83
132.42
117.47
109.55
105.10 124.36
100.18
$75.46 100.86
99.67
103.09
High School ..
154.93
151.25
138.45
124.07
114.85
114.91
111.22
106.94
Arlington's average
108.58
111.08
102.29
97.10
93.50
92.43
91.26
90.70
92.88
You will note by the above table that there has been a decrease of $7.06 in the cost per pupil in the elementary schools since 1930. In the junior high schools there has been a decrease of $22.74 in the cost per pupil; and in the senior high school a decrease of $47.99. The average cost per pupil for the school year 1930-31 was $108.58, and for the school year 1938-39, $92.88, showing a total decrease in cost per pupil of $15.70. Our average cost per pupil is at present considerably lower than the State average.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
459
460
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CONCLUSION
Public education is for all of us a public trust. It is the business of every one to develop this project of com- mon interest to its fullest extent. To this end intelligent and constructive criticism is most welcome.
There will never be a time when we may justly say, "There is no expectation of further improvement." We must never rest content with present attainments. "The better of tomorrow must ever replace the good of today." "We must see to it that our reach exceeds our grasp," for in no other way can we have a progressive educational atmosphere.
It is my settled purpose and earnest desire through the cooperation of the School Committee, our admirable teaching force, and our generous citizens to make the sys- tem of Arlington public schools second to none, so worth- while in all its branches that we may feel an increased pride in it, so well spoken of elsewhere that prospective citizens may find it an added incentive to locate here, and so sensible and thorough in its training that there can be no well founded doubt as to its worth. I hope to stimulate in our teachers more confidence in themselves, an abundant faith in childhood, a keen professional spirit and a consum- ing ambition to do better teaching each year.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation for the great measure of freedom you have given me in the dis- charge of my duties and the cordiality of our relations. I wish also to express my consciousness of the loyal coopera- tion of the principals, supervisors, teachers, the supervisor of maintenance and all others connected with the Arling- ton School Department.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH S. KEATING,
Superintendent of Schools
January, 1940.
461
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
LIST OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
1939
*HONOR PUPILS
Adams, William Clayton, Jr.
* Ahern, Regina Marie Aldrich, George W. Allen, Robenia Allen, William Crowell
Allosso, Frank Nicholas
Duxton, Robert Walter Cadagan, James Joseph Cade, Robert Warren
Callahan, Margaret Mary
Campbell, Dorothea Frances
Antony, Audrey C. Aubrey, Francis Paul Augustus. Elmer William Aurilio, Rose Mary
Cannon, Robert Augustine
Babb, J. Warren
Bailey, Mary Angela
Baker, Eva T.
Baker, Hollis
*Baker, Margaret H.
Cassidy, Mary Frances
Catalano, Mary Lucy
Catoni, Virginia Dolores
*Cavalieri, Louise Teresa Cave, Robert R. Chambers, Anne E.
Barry, Mary Patricia
* Beers, Malcolm A. Bennett, Elizabeth H. Bennett. Marie Florence Benshimol, Robert Sinnott Benson, Elsa Henrietta Bergstrom, Arthur H. Birch, Clifford W., Jr.
* Bixby, Ruth Furness Black, Edna Mary Blanchard. Linden O. Boreson, Thelma A. Bouzas, Barbara Elizabeth Bowen, Gordon L. Bowker, Clarence W.
Bradford, Marian Ruth
Brawley, Richard H.
Bresnan, Donald Francis Brickley, Anne Marie Briggs, Ruth J. Brodie, Lilla Brown, Irving M. Brown, Kenneth T.
Buck'e, Dorothy Frances Buckley, Marie Margret
Bugden, Charles Thomas Bullock, Pauline Claire
Burke, Harold W.
Burke, Thomas F.
Butler, John F.
* Alsen, Margaret Clare Alvero, Edward Jose Ambrose, Doris Moore Anderson, Mary Elizabeth
Campbell, Dorothy Ruth Canavan, Phyllis Muriel
Caples, Frances Catherine Carlson, Harold Verner Carmody, Thomas James
Casali, Frank James Casali, Joseph J.
* Baker, Nancy E. Bamberg, Ruth Anita Barker, Doris F. Barnstead, Sidney G., Jr.
Chick, Ward Fogue, Jr. Clinch, George Peter Cobb, Carleton M., Jr. Coelsch, Alma Barbara Coffey, Virginia Comstock Coleman, Helen Dorothy Collier, William Hurle Constantine, John William Cooke, Alice Coombs, Clyde D.
*Cooper, Dolores Henrietta Corbett, Francis Cox, Grace Ethel Coyle, Muriel Ruth
* Crimmins, Ruth Ellen Cronin, Robert William Crosby, Helen Elizabeth Crosby, Paul Joseph Cummings, Phyllis
*Curley, Paul Dacey, Edward James Daley, Regina Ann Davis, Robert L. Decker, Margaret Elizabeth
462
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
LIST OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES-Continued
1939
*HONOR PUPILS
*Demers, Noella Cec le Dengeleski, Pauline Marie Dennen, Ruth Gertrude Dente, Eugene Anthony DeVries, Marie Louise Dick, Priscilla Ruth DiModica, Angelo John Dobbs, Mary Ruth
Doble, Letitia Florence
Dockrill, Natalie Easter
Dodge, Mary Randolph Doherty, Bernard Ivers Doherty, Catherine Ann Doherty, Charles Joseph Doherty, Helen Frances
Doherty, James A., Jr.
Doherty, Mary Marjorie
Doherty, Patricia Mary Dolan, Blanid
Donahoe, Louise Therese Donahue, Madeline Mary Donlon, Marguerite Lillian
* Donnelly, Dorothy Anne Donnelly, Mary Katherine Donovan, Esther L. Donovan, William P.
Dooley, Richard Francis
Dorrington, Robert L.
Doucet, Alfred Joseph Douglas, Marion Down, George Philip Downey, Dorothy Isabelle
*Downing, Edward Thomas Doyle, Gregory Edgar Doyle, Mary Patricia *Dozier, Shirley M.
*Driscoll, Kathryn Clare Driscoll, Thomas Edward Duddy, Mary Margaret Duggan, John W. Dwinell, Paul Alexander Eikelboom, Mildred Jane
*Eldridge, Dorothy L. Elliott, Robert Harvey Ellis, Francis Fred Estabrook, Priscilla Ewe, Eleanor Martha Fellman, Harold S. Ferguson, Thomas J. Ferreira. Paul Francia Fil'more, Marion Cornelia
Fitzgerald, John Edward
Fitzgerald, Robert Edward
Fitzpatrick, John H., Jr.
Flack, Josette Emily
Florentino, Louise Ann
Forest, Bernard .Arthur
Foritano, Jennie
Fosberg, Elizabeth H.
Fowler, Stanley G.
Frasell, John J.
Freeman, Marjorie
Friend, Marjorie Rita
Frost, Lillian Frances
Gallagher, Mary Catherine
Gechijian, Arshag
Genge, Irma Gwendolyn Mary Giblin, Anna Louise
*Giove, Hilda Alma Giuricich, Louis A.
*Gorvine, Albert Gott, Elizabeth
*Gott, Verna Evelyn Grannan, Katherine Gray, Elizabeth E. Gray, Leonard Warren
Greeley, Herbert Theodore Paul Greeley, James David Greene, Miriam Lois Guange, Joseph James Guarente, Charlotte Elaine
Guertin, Francis B. Guinan, Mary Elizabeth Guiney, William P. Guzelian, Marjorie Hacunda, Margaret M.
Hagan, James Henry
* Hall, Harry S. Hanson, William Albert Harding, Helen Claire Hartling, Marguerite B. Harvey, James E. Harwood, Alan Hasson, Margaret Mary Hastings, Nancy Lee Hauser, Robert Hazlett, Violet Marye
Healy, Alyce Patricia Healy, Ryta Marie
Hickey. Joseph Francis
Higgins. Grace Christine Highland, Mangare: Anr
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