USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1916 > Part 3
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200
Sealer 50
Allowance for
expenses and fees 100
Forest Fire Warden 10
Town Accountant,
700
Board of Health, Chairman
50
Allowance for fees of
2nd member
25
Cattle Inspector 60
3rd member
25
Called for by
Selectmen
Recommended
ARTICLE 5.
Automobile for Moth Department
No action taken
ARTICLE 6.
Rust Street extension
$700 $700
the work to be done by public contract
Overseers of Poor
Chairman $ 50
2nd member 25
67
TOWN REPORT.
ARTICLE 7.
Grade and Oil Maple Street $200 $200
ARTICLE 10.
Appointment of Legislative Com- mittee 250
250
ARTICLE 11. Aid to Ipswich Hospital
No action taken
ARTICLE 12.
Chebacco Road
1500 Notrecommended
ARTICLE 13.
Pumping Test 1000 1000
ARTICLE 14.
Widen and grade Arlington
Street 350 350
ARTICLE 15.
Transfer to Reserve Fund from
Excess and Deficiency Fund 1000 1000
ARTICLE 16.
Borrowing after January 1, 1918, in anticipation of taxes. We recommend authorizing the treasurer to borrow as set forth in this Article of the Warrant.
68
TOWN REPORT.
ARTICLE 17.
Printing Valuation Book, 1916, $275 $275 €
ARTICLE 18.
Transfer from Excess and De- ficiency Fund to meet over- drafts in certain accounts, 1916
Bonding Officers
$ 45 00
Police
59 39
Health
709 74
Insp. of Cattle
3 63
Snow Removal
2356 42
Poor
872 34
Ins. on Schools
10 50
Boiler Ins.
45 35
Treasurer
12 34
$4,114 71
$4,114 71
ARTICLE 19.
Decoration Day observance
$ 50 00 $ 50 00
ARTICLE 20.
Finishing Main Street
$696 02
$696 02
(from Excess and Deficiency fund)
Grand total of appropriations rec- ommended
.
From surplus
$8,030 72
From taxes 61,081 00
From all sources
$69,111 72
69
TOWN REPORT.
[Corresponding totals in 1916, ap- propriated in two Town Meet- ings were as follows :
From surplus
$8,217 69
From taxes 64,640 00
From all sources
$72,857 69]
Respectfully yours,
REGINALD C. ROBBINS, Chairman,
FRANK P. TRUSSELL,
RAYMOND C. GOULD, LEVERETT A. HASKELL,
Finance and Advisory Committee, Town of Hamilton.
جهان
SCHOOL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1916
LEX.
HAMILTON
SE
A
. HA
ETTS.
· INCORP
21.1793
SALEM, MASS. BARRY PRINTING CO. 1917.
School Committee's Report.
Annual report of the School Committee of the Town of Hamilton for the year 1916.
ORGANIZATION.
MERRILL S. LOVERING, Chairman, Term expires 1918
FLORENCE M. LULL, Secretary,
66 1919
ADELAIDE D. WALSH, 66 66 1917
ADELAIDE D. WALSH, Purchasing Agent
EDWARD P. FITTS, . . Superintendent JOHN G. CORCORAN, M. D., School Physician
The School Committee in making their annual report to the citizens of the Town, for the year 1916, are pleased to be able to say that they feel much progress has been made in the efficiency of our schools during the year.
The condition of the schools, as a whole, is good ; although the district school is a serious drawback to the efficiency of any school system, and in our Town is a problem which must be dealt with in the near future.
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4
SCHOOL REPORT.
We have been extremely fortunate in securing the ser- vices of the present teachers to fill the vacancies caused by the resignation of former teachers, many of whom went to better paying positions.
If we are to hold our best teachers we must be prepared to pay better salaries, and have considered such increase in making our estimate for 1917.
We feel that much better results can be obtained if the Town will provide an independent building for the High school, thus eliminating much existing friction between the High and elementary schools.
One condition which the committee has been forced to meet is the cost of fuel and supplies, which has been increas- ing steadily during the year, with no sign of diminution for the coming year.
For the year, January 1 to December 31, 1917, the com- mittee recommends an appropriation of $18,000.
Also, an additional appropriation of $300 for new roof- ing on the north side of the South school which is a contin- uation of the roofing commenced a few years ago.
MERRILL S. LOVERING,
FLORENCE M. LULL,
ADELAIDE D. WALSH,
School Committee.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Hamilton,
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN :-
With the work of a full year to report, and many changes to record during that time, there will be much ma- terial with which to show that this has been a busy and eventful year.
First there has been a change in the administration of affairs, which is bound to have lasting effects, for no two Boards have just the same opinions as to how schools should be managed. Mr. George K. Knowlton, after long and most faithful service, found it necessary, because of increasing in- firmities, to refuse re-election. I knew him for only a short time, but long enough to appreciate his sterling worth, his firm hold of every detail connected with school affairs, his love of justice, his position upon every question leaving no doubt as to where he stood. Public servants often never know how much they are appreciated, while in office, but when the citizens are brought to consider what has been done, grateful hearts are not slow to show their indebted- ness. We are glad to record that the people of Hamilton, the teachers and the pupils, tried, in a small way to be sure, to show their obligation to this friend of all of them.
The removal of Mr. Norwood from town made another vacancy. We shall always remember him for his energy
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6
SCHOOL REPORT.
and legal lore, which was always placed at the disposal of the Board.
Now let us look at some of the things which have been undertaken this year.
We have no more room at the South school than we had last year, but we have been able to accommodate the pupils, because by raising the age of entrance to five years and eight months there were fewer to enter the first grade, and, consequently, that room has taken all of the first grade and part of the second grade. The next four rooms have had two grades in each room, and the eighth grade is placed in the remaining room. We would much prefer not to split the grades, but we have to make a virtue of a necessity.
The most important change, so far as the arrangement of pupils is concerned, has been in transferring to the South school all seventh-grades from the North, Center, and East schools. This leaves four grades in the North school, the same number in the East, and six at the Center school. It is hardly possible to estimate the advantages to these schools in having fewer grades to teach, and the immensely better conditions for work provided those children in the South school, who have come from these schools. They are now with children of their own age exclusively, they are in com- petition with minds surely their equal, they are under a teacher who has time to devote to them far in excess of what they have had. If they do not succeed it will not be the fault of the committee who have made these advantages possible.
The teaching force in the grades has had three changes. Miss Moulton comes back to us to take the place of Miss Wildes, whose services we could no longer have. Mrs.
7
SCHOOL REPORT.
Hurlburt strengthens the force by taking the sixth and seventh grades in the South school, and Miss Pingree has been placed in charge of the North school, so long and so ably taught by Mrs. Stone.
Having plenty of good pupils with good teachers, the next essential is good books. Hamilton has had the same books for many years. Much progress has been made in the production of text-books during the last few years. They are not only better adapted to their purpose, but they are artistically more beautiful, in a word, they meet the require- ments of the present day. For these reasons we are pleased that new books in spelling, in arithmetic and in reading have been adopted, and that they promise to create new enthusi- asm, both in teachers and pupils, as new books are wont to do.
A further advance has been made in employing a spec- ial teacher for drawing and sewing. While before, each teacher did good work in her own way, now the subject is unified with proper graduation and with a teacher who has won the respect and cooperation of all with whom she labors. We are now in a situation to provide preparation for our pupils who wish to enter Normal School, and must be pre- pared in this subject.
Our High school has suffered most from a change of teachers. In the new list only the name of the principal will appear of those who were on the roll last year. And this is not the worst of the story, for new teachers have had to be supplied as substitutes, besides those who will appear in the report of this year. So many changes are not beneficial though they may be necessary.
We have lost our strongest teachers because other places were willing to pay more, and did we pay as much as these
8
SCHOOL REPORT.
places, there are times when it is impossible to hold teachers, because of the inducements which these places offer in size and professional advancement, over which we have no control.
In making our selections of new teachers, we have se- cured the highest scholarship which our salaries would com- mand, and such experience as we could get in connection with it.
The High school needs, on the part of its pupils, a more , serious and appreciative attitude toward the opportunities which are offered, and on the part of teachers and parents a hearty co-operation.
We understand that it takes time for a freshman class to adjust itself to the changed conditions under which it works in comparison with that in the grammar school. There they remained in one room and were under the con- stant guidance of the same teacher; when the High school is reached they pass from room to room, and have to adapt themselves to the direction of several teachers. We must meet these conditions in the right spirit, learn self- control, and make school life the business while it lasts.
We are proud of the exhibition made by the last gradu- ating class showing that they had appreciated their advan- tages, had held on to the end, had something to show for their hard work, and have gone out into the world much better prepared to meet life's difficulties and opportunities, because of the strength gained in High school.
We wish to reiterate the suggestion, made by the last year's committee, that it is desirable to make a selection of, and purchase, a suitable lot on which to erect a High school building, when it becomes absolutely necessary to have one. It would be a great blessing to both High school and grades were they in separate buildings.
9
SCHOOL REPORT.
The same cordial relations have existed this year, as last, with all whom it has been my pleasure to work, and for this hearty co-operation my thanks are most gratefully given. The special reports which follow are worthy of careful read- ing, and they show how many activities are connected with our school administration.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD P. FITTS, Superintendent of Schools.
Hamilton, Dec. 30, 1916.
Report of the High School Principal.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
I have the honor to submit my third annual report of the Hamilton High School.
The High School opened September 6, 1916. The course of study for this year has been altered somewhat. A straight four-year course has been followed, with no fifth year requirement. This has raised the standard, and pupils, in order to graduate must have 16 units, the same as before.
The three-year commercial course has been discontinued. The school still holds its certification privileges to Simmons and Dartmouth, with specimen privilege to the other New England Colleges, except Harvard and Yale. Now it is for those who enter other higher institutions to "make good," and thus reflect honor upon themselves and their school, so that the privilege may be continued.
Last June a class of 19 were graduated, and these are meeting with success in their various occupations. Five of them are attending other higher institutions of learning. There is a strong Alumni Association who are much interested, and it was partly through their efforts that the Washington trip has been continued.
On December first, 1916, it was with deep regret that we accepted the resignation of Miss Marion E. Hart, head of the commercial department, who left us for a much higher position. Miss Hart's work was of a high character, and
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11
SCHOOL REPORT.
under her instruction and guidance pupils made great ad- vancement. Miss Gertrude Horan has been elected to fill the vacancy, and is taking up the work with considerable interest.
Good work is being done in all departments. At the close of this report you will find a copy of our course of study.
A year's work in each subject constitutes one unit of the course and requires a minimum of 350 periods of instruc- tion, preparation and recitation. A period is 40 minutes long. Passable grades in sixteen such units are required for a diploma and in the Commercial course seventeen units will be required, one of which shall be in penmanship.
Greek and Roman History will alternate with English History, and Physics with Chemistry.
The number of units credited each year should be such that the diploma may be earned in four years.
Not all subject courses in the program can be given in any one year. It is necessary therefore to know as early as possible what are most desired for the coming year, in order that a program and schedule may be arranged before the close of the present year that will need little or no alteration on the opening of school in September.
Will the parent or guardian please mark with a cross to the left of each subject course selected for next year ? Conflicting periods may interfere with the selection made, but this is much less likely to happen if a provisional choice is made at the present time. Consultation may be needed before the pupil's curriculum can be approved by the Prin- cipal. If the Preparatory Course is elected please name the college or normal school for which preparation is desired.
12
SCHOOL REPORT.
No unit will be allowed for a foreign language unless it is taken for two years and then two units will be allowed.
The following interpretation of marks as recommended by the State Board has been adopted beginning with 1915- 1916. A or B, or a mark of 80 or above, means that the teacher considers the work of sufficient value ; C, or a mark of 70 to 79 gives a unit for graduation ; D, from 60 to 70 means that the teacher, in consideration of the effort and progress of the pupil, allows half credit towards graduation. (A school may, however, decide not to give such half credit). E, or a mark of 0 to 59, means that the work receives no credit.
Mechanical drawing was introduced this year for the first time. With a special drawing teacher and new ap- paratus, this course affords an opportunity to fit for the School of Technology. This makes one more course, and makes it still more difficult to arrange classes in the limited number of rooms that we have. If the citzens should visit our school and see us teaching all of the subjects that are required for college entrance, viz .: English, Latin, French, German, Algebra, Geometry, Drawing, Biology, History, Community Civics, and Elementary Science, together with all the commercial subjects, and six typewriters going every period of the day, and see where classes have to be held, it seems to me they would say, " Let us have a new building at once." A new building is necessary, in order that we may meet the needs of the students and compete with other schools.
The work in music consists of one period a week of in- struction in singing, and a period for practice at other times during the week.
13
SCHOOL REPORT.
I take this opportunity to express an appreciation of the co-operation of the teachers who have worked with me in the school, also, I extend thanks to the Superintendent, School Committee and Citizens for their counsel, advice, and support.
Respectfully submitted, NELSON S. MITCHELL,
Principal.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Dec. 30, 1916.
To Mr. E. P. Fitts,
Superintendent of Schools, Hamilton :
As I have been connected with your schools for a very short period of time, it gives me pleasure to be able to state that the prospects for the year's work are very pleasing. What has been accomplished so far shows decided interest and effort on the part of both teachers and pupils.
DRAWING.
The art instruction in the public schools covers a large field of work, commonly divided into three classes: the ability to represent free-hand nature and common objects,
14
SCHOOL REPORT.
to be able to plan and make patterns and construct useful articles, and to show good taste in dress, in home decoration, and in the selection of all manufactured articles, also to make all their school-work attractive.
Picture study also is an important feature, although I believe it is of the most value when taken up to illustrate other subjects as the need arises, and the merits of the work and the lives of the artists discussed at that time. No school-room need be without a good collection since Perry or Brown's pictures, or the reproductions in many magazines can be obtained so easily.
SEWING.
There are two classes in sewing in the South school : the fifth and sixth grades in one and the seventh and eighth grades in the other. The first class is learning the most com- mon stitches, and applying them to such articles as dusters, bags, towels, etc. In the second class the ability is so varied, as a result of some having done more work than others in the summer, that the children are doing different kinds of work according to their individual needs. Already many articles of clothing have been made.
HIGH SCHOOL.
One forty-minute period a week is devoted to mechani- cal drawing under instruction. Work for another period is given, so that the boys may learn to work independently, and also gain practice in the use of the instruments. In short periods one is apt to feel hurried, and the best work is not accomplished. Two periods in succession would be more satisfactory.
15
SCHOOL REPORT.
I wish to thank the teachers, and all who are helping to make the work a pleasure and a success.
Respectfully submitted,
PAULA LANG CLOUGH.
Report of the Supervisor of Music.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
The time given to the supervision of music in the Ham- ilton schools is the same this year as last. A few changes have been made in the arrangement and length of periods in the South school, but no change whatever has taken place in the district schools.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
In the first grade individual attention is given to the children. A record is kept of the range of each child's voice and great care is taken in extending the range. Ex- ercises are given to develop a soft, sweet singing tone. Rote songs form the basis of the work.
In the second grade rote songs are given, as in the first grade, and after the Christmas recess a beginning is made in the reading of music and in the study of the rudiments. In this grade the work is mostly individual.
In the third and fourth grades the work is both individ- ual and collective. Much time is given to the study of the rudiments of music.
16
SCHOOL REPORT.
In the remaining grades the singing is collective. The children needing especial attention receive this attention in a period set apart for coaching.
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
At the North, East and Center schools instruction is given in three divisions. In the first division rote songs form the basis of the work. In the next two divisions most of the time is taken up in the reading and singing of songs and exercises in the books ; the reading is mostly individual and the singing, collective. Since grades are combined in these divisions, the same kind of work cannot possibly be done that is done in the respective grades of the South school.
HIGH SCHOOL.
In the High school there is greater volume in the sing- ing this year than last. It is to be regretted, however, that there are not more tenors in the school, that this section might better hold its own with the other sections.
The kindness of the Superintendent and the hearty co- operation of the teachers are gratefully acknowledged and appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY L. STONE.
17
SCHOOL REPORT.
Report of the School Physician.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
The schools for the past year have been very free from epidemics, the North school being the only one compelled to close, and that for only two weeks because of a case of in- fantile paralysis in the neighborhood.
The routine work has been carried on as in past years.
JOHN G. CORCORAN, M. D., School Physician.
Report of Attendance Officer.
To the Superintendent of Schools :--
I hereby submit my report as Attendance Officer for the year ending Dec. 31, 1916.
I have made 48 calls during my term of office, which commenced June 6, 1916. In many cases there were good excuses for absence, but in others the pupils have been en- couraged to stay out to work. The people who hire pupils of school age, without a school certificate, are liable to a heavy fine. Not only the absentees, but the people who hire them should be held responsible in the future.
OSCAR A. WOOD, Attendance Officer.
COURSE OF STUDY - HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
PREPARATORY COURSE
COMMERCIAL COURSE
FIRST YEAR
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
English Algebra
Introductory Science
Introductory Science
Community Civics
ELECTIVE
Latin or French Community Civics
ELECTIVE Algebra or Arithmetic Latin or French
SECOND YEAR
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
English Algebra
English
Introductory Business
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Greek and Roman History
Typewriting
Biology Latin or French
Bookkeeping
One course from preparatory list
THIRD YEAR
REQUIRED
FEQUIRED
English Geometry
English
Introductory Business
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE
Physics French or German Latin
Stenography
Bookkeeping
One course from preparatory list
FOURTH YEAR
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
English U. S. History and Civics
English U. S. History and Civics
Com. Arithmetic and
ELECTIVE
Com. Law
Physics
French
ELECTIVE
German
Typewriting
Latin
Solid Geometry and
Math. Reviews
Stenography Bookkeeping One course from preparatory list
In the diploma course at least two units must be taken in Bookkeeping and two units in consecutive years in stenography. A general course may be laid out in which Algebra and Geometry are not required.
Any course listed above, not already credited and needed for college entrance, three to be elected.
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English
Stenography
Typewriting
19
SCHOOL REPORT.
Teachers.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Nelson S. Mitchell, Principal.
Katherine Call, Assistant.
Dorothy Taylor,
Rachel W. Morse, 66
M. Gertrude Horan, 66
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Margaret P. Buell, Principal.
Hazel E. Ramer,
Edna F. Hurlburt,
Ellen E. Bennett,
Ada E. Moulton, Edith L. Fletcher,
Nelly G. Cutting.
CENTER SCHOOL.
Edith M. Anderson.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Eleanor Pingree.
EAST SCHOOL.
Miriam D. Harding.
SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Henry L. Stone.
SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Paula L. Clough.
20
SCHOOL REPORT.
School Registration, 1916.
Totals
Boys 5 to 7 years of age 19
Girls 5 to 7 years of age 30
49
Boys 7 to 14 years of age 130
Girls 7 to 14 years of age
122
252
Boys 14 to 16 years of age 37
Girls 14 to 16 years of age
18
55
Total
356
Educational Certificates issued
51
Employment Certificates issued
13
Total 64
ATTENDANCE DATA September, 1915, to June, 1916.
SCHOOL
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
AVERAGE MEMBERSHIP
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
PER CENT. ATTENDANCE
Center
22
12.5
12
96
North
32
26
23.7
91.4
East
35
29.6
26.5
89.4
South Grade I
39
31.5
29.3
92.1
South Grades II and III
45
35
32.2
91.9
South Grades III and IV
40
39.6
37.3
94.2
South Grades IV and V
46
40.4
38.3
94.8
South Grades VI and VII
46
41.7
36.6
87.7
South Grade VIII
37
33.3
31.2
93.7
High
85
77
70.8
92
Table showing grades and number in each, December, 1916.
TOTAL
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
S
9
10
11
12
North
2
4
5
3
14
East
7
8
8
10
33
Center
5
2
1
4
1
4
17
South
7
31
17
26
37
32
24
28
202
High
23
19
10
13
65
21
41
30
30
53
39
24
28
23
19
10
13
331
EYE AND EAR TEST.
Number of pupils examined
343
Number found defective in eyesight
24
Number found defective in hearing
5
Number of parents or guardians notified
29
.
.
.
.
SCHOOLS
GRADES
23
SCHOOL REPORT.
Roll of Honor.
Pupils neither absent, tardy nor dismissed.
FOR A YEAR. HIGH SCHOOL. Bertha Johnson
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Joseph E. Dufton Lorena M. Case A. Louise Day Helen K. Gorman
Arthur Mason Harry Holmes George Morrow A. Pearl Foss
FOR A HALF YEAR.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Wilbur S. Daley
Scott Libby
Robert B. Trussell Myrtle D. Conrad
Gertrude Sculley
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Francis J. Denneen Norman Peatfield Henry Gobeille Ralph G. Hatt Robinson Mason
Anna T. Drew Thelma Ball
Kevin Gorman Walter Wronkowski Malcolm Donaldson Arthur Turpin Augustine Drew
Regina K. Drew Primrose Mason
24
SCHOOL REPORT.
Dorothy Morrow Mary Powers Gladys Poole Vera Addison
Margaret McVey Thelma Smerage Alexina Morrow
Florence Turpin Agnes Choate Mary F. Lightbody Helen Cross Florence Mc Vey
Eleanor Sculley Evelyn Hatt
NORTH SCHOOL.
Martha Pierce
EAST SCHOOL. Joseph Lake
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