USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1934 > Part 7
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Police
1,800 00
1,774 80
1,800 00
Fire Department
3,440 56
3,440 56
2,800 00
Sealer
300 00
300 00
300 00
Petroleum Inspector
25 00
25 00
Moth, Town
1,900 00
1,899 42
1,900 00
Moth, Private Property
1,200 00
1,145 41
1,200 00
Moth Special-New Truck
500 00
480 07
Tree Warden
900 00
900 00
900 00
Forest Fire Warden
200 00
185 66
200 00
Game Warden
15 00
10 00
15 00
Health
4,200 00
4,008 41
4,500 00
Salaries of Board of Health to be :
Chairman
50 00
2nd Member
25 00
3rd Member
25 00
Inspector of Animals
75 00
75 00
75 00
Maintenance Essex Sanato- rium
1,037 38
1,037 38
1,281 96
Highway
18,000 00
18,000 00
13,000 00
Salary of Surveyor to be :
1,500 00
Snow
16,200 00
16,200 00
9,500 00
Street Lighting
8,350 00
8,349 91
8,400 00
Mill Street Drainage
500 00
499 90
Linden Street Sidewalk
150 00
149 86
Public Welfare
17,500 00 17,161 24
15,500 00
Salaries of Overseers of
Public Welfare :
Chairman
50 00
2nd Member
25 00
3rd Member
25 00
. .
. .
181
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
State Aid
220 00
220 00
400 00
Soldiers' Relief
2,157 50
2,157 50
2,000 00
Schools
** 41,925 47
41,577 30
41,950 00
School-Vocational Training
200 00
93 25
200 00
School-Domestic Science ..
600 00
511 66
250 00
School-Athletics
250 00
School Special, Seeding Play- ground
250 00
Public Library
2,233 62
2,233 62
2,400 00
Public Library-Lighting
200 00
109 70
Parks
150 00
141 88
150 00
Memorial Day
300 00
198 00
300 00
Town Reports
550 00
550 00
600 00
Town Clock
150 00
150 00
50 00
American Legion
250 00
235 00
300 00
Reserve Fund
1,500 00
1,487 92
7,000 00
Boiler Insurance
150 00
97 34
75 00
Insurance Fund
1,200 00
1,056 67
1,600 00
Cemetery
1,633 50
1,633 32
1,450 00
Salaries of Cemetery Com-
missioners to be $15 each
Interest
5,100 00
4,838 36
4,000 00
Maturing Debt
8,000 00
8,000 00
8,000 00
Appropriated at January,
1935, Meeting
7,500 00
$165,459 94
$150,766 96
Balances from previous years
and transfers from Re-
serve Fund
5,651 91
Amount raised by Taxation $159,808 03
Article No. 5
15,000 00
Article No. 6
2,000 00
Article No. 7
5,000 00
Article No. 12
1,800 00
Article No. 13
1,000 00
Total recommended and asked
for Appropriations ...
** Including Dog Tax.
$175,566 96
182
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Article No. 5. We recommend that the amount called for be appropriated.
Article No. 6. We recommend that the amount called for be appropriated.
Article No. 7. Under the agreement made with the State and County, we are getting the most favorable terms of any of the Chapter 90 roads, as under the present agreement our share is only 25% of the total, as against one-third under the previous agreements, therefore we recommend this appropriation.
Article No. 8. We recommend this appropriation as this is merely confirming the vote passed at the Special Town Meeting held July 24, 1934.
Article No. 10. We recommend that this be done under the Highway appropriation by the Surveyor of Highways.
Article No. 11. We do not recommend that an appropriation be made for this work.
Article No. 12. We recommend that this article be laid on the table.
Article No. 13. We recommend that this article be laid on the table.
Article No. 14. We recommend that this article be laid on the table.
WILLIAM W. BANCROFT, Chairman. GEORGE v. L. MEYER. STANDISH BRADFORD. EDGAR D. ANDREWS. JOHN G. KING.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1934
MAS
EX
A
HILTON
. HAM
TTS.
INCORP
793
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS
1935
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The School Committee respectfully submits its report for the operation of the school system during 1934.
EDUCATIONAL
The primary aim of education is to develop citizens who will be assets to the community in which they live as well as to. them- selves. If this can be accomplished money spent on education is an excellent investment. The school committee has endeavored to insure this end, through cooperation of all units throughout the school system; addition of a new course of study, encourage- ment in athletics, and insistence on discipline. The committee has also purchased new equipment. The committee welcomes constructive criticism and hopes that all citizens of the town will cooperate with the school by offering such criticisms; and that parents will cooperate by continued training of the children at home. No school system is capable of producing the best type of citizen if the school curriculum is not supplemented at home by the parents.
The athletic program seems to have progressed smoothly and has not gained a position of undue prominence. The spirit on the football field, especially, has shown a marked improvement over last year. The committee hopes that the encouragement of athletics at school will lead to individual well-being and the desire for healthful recreation in the years after school.
The committee has procured new equipment for the domestic science class, having purchased six of the best cooking cabinets.
4
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Unfortunately the activities of the East School had to be cur- tailed, as the committee felt that owing to the small number of students in attendance a more valuable arrangement would be effected by the transfer of one teacher and some pupils to the South School. Next year, however, the committee expects a large first-year class warranting a probable return to the old system.
FINANCIAL
In 1934 the School Committee received from the town $41,808.60 plus dog tax to run its schools. At the end of the year there was a credit balance of $350.17 which was returned to the town. In addition the town was reimbursed by the State $3,690.00, which resulted in the net cost of $37,885.30 to run the schools during 1934.
In 1935 the school committee is asking for $41,956.93. This is approximately the same as 1934 but the committee hopes to accomplish more than it did last year.
Substantial savings have been effected in the salaries of new teachers but this saving has been offset by allowance for the prob- able rise in prices of supplies necessary to the school and increased cost of transportation.
The committee is asking for a special appropriation of $500. for athletics so that the teams may be well-equipped and trans- ported to their various engagements. Good equipment will lead to increased school spirit and protection of the player. Trans- portation in one bus will insure safe and punctual delivery to the place of the contest and return home. The committee feels very strongly that athletics at the school are in a position to warrant this outlay.
If the following budget is voted, the committee feels that it can safely say that the value of the schools in Hamilton will con- tinue to increase.
5
SCHOOL REPORT
BUDGET
1935
1934
General Expenses :
School Committee
Clerk to Committee
$ 75.00
$ 50.00
Superintendent
Salary
1,540.00
1,540.00
Salary of Clerk
327.60
327.60
Travelling Expense
20.00
20.00
Truant Officer and Census
50.00
50.00
Expense of Office
15.00
Expense of Instruction :
Substitutes
High
75.00
75.00
Elementary
75.00
75.00
Teachers' Salaries
Principals-High
2,600.00
2,600.00
Teachers-High
11,650.00
11,866.00
Teachers-Elementary
9,550.00
9,600.00
Music-High
70.00
Music-Elementary
105.00
50.00
Drawing-Elementary
50.00
50.00
Sewing-High
1,000.00
1,200.00
Manual Training-High
1,400.00
1,600.00
Expenses-High
25.00
25.00
Textbooks and Supplies :
Textbooks-High
375.00
300.00
Textbooks-Elementary
175.00
175.00
Supplies-High
500.00
500.00
Supplies-Elementary
325.00
350.00
Manual Training-High
100.00
100.00
Domestic Science-High
100.00
100.00
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Operation of Plant :
Janitors
.
High
1,333.33
1,300.00
Elementary-South
1,300.00
1,300.00
Elementary-A. D. Walsh
400.00
400.00
Assistance
150.00
275.00
Fuel-High
1,000.00
825.00
Fuel-Elementary
1,000.00
900.00
Electricity-High
375.00
300.00
Electricity-Elementary
125.00
125.00
Janitor's Supplies-High
100.00
135.00
Janitors' Supplies-Elementary
100.00
100.00
Gas-High
25.00
25.00
Maintenance of Plant :
Repairs-High
250.00
200.00
Repairs-Elementary
250.00
200.00
Auxiliary Agencies :
Physician-High
100.00
100.00
Physician-Elementary
200.00
200.00
Nurse-High
250.00
200.00
Nurse-Elementary
560.00
560.00
Medical Supplies-High
15.00
15.00
Medical Supplies-Elementary
10.00
10.00
Transportation-High
1,757.50
1,757.50
Transportation-Elementary®
1,973.50
1,757.50
Miscellaneous
Graduation-High
60.00
60.00
Telephone-High
90.00
90.00
Telephone-Elementary
65.00
65.00
Intelligence Examination-Elementary
5.00
5.00
Removal of Ashes
35.00
25.00
SCHOOL REPORT
Outlay : New Equipment High
125.00
125.00
Elementary
25.00
25.00
Athletics
75.00
75.00
$41,956.93
$41,808.60
Specials :
Vocational
200.00
200.00
Athletics
500.00
New Equipment
350.00
The committee wishes at this time to express their appreciation to Mr. Bancroft, our Federal Administrator, for his cordial co- operation in the work on the High School grounds.
This area was graded and levelled (at no cost to the town) which not only beautified the school grounds, but made possible the development of an athletic field.
The School Committee wishes to thank the faculty, parents, pupils, and townspeople for their cooperation during the year. May any ideas or grievances be unhesitatingly brought to the notice of the committee during the ensuing year.
JAMES H. CONWAY,
Chairman. FREDERIC WINTHROP, JR.,
Secretary.
ROBERT ROBERTSON, JR.
8
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee, Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present herewith my twelfth annual report concerning the schools.
ENROLLMENT-SEPTEMBER, 1934
Grade
South
Adelaide Dodge Walsh High
1
37
2
27
2
3
35
3
4
34
4
5
27
5
6
36
3
7
42
8
34
9
30
10
37
11
28
12
34
Post Graduates
6
Total
196
17
211
Grade Total
424
TEACHERS
South School.
No changes in the regular teaching force have been made at the school during the year. Miss Thelma Bailey was added to
9
SCHOOL REPORT
the teaching force on December 1st to coach pupils, about twelve in number, in need of individual instruction.
Adelaide Dodge Walsh School.
Miss Katherine Malone resigned as teacher of grades one, two and three and was succeeded by Miss Anna Barron when schools opened in September.
Miss Wilhelmenia Ready, teacher of grades four, five and six, was transferred to the Junior-Senior High School on December 1st.
As the enrollment in the school was but twelve at this time it seemed advisable to place all the pupils under the instruction of one teacher, Miss Anna Barron.
High School.
Mr. George Bowden succeeded Mr. Nelson Progin as Manual Training and Physical Training Instructor; Mr. Bryce B. Walton succeeded Mr. Forrest Branch as teacher-coach; and Miss Made- line Featherstone succeeded Miss Ruth Barker as teacher of Domes- tic Science and Girls' Physical Training.
The several changes made it possible to realize a financial saving for the town of approximately $300. as well as to give employ- ment to several local teachers.
UNIT WORK
In grades one to four a plan for Unit Work has been developed. Around one unit or topic the larger part of the work in the grade is built for a week or month as necessary. Under this plan the teacher so organizes the work that pupil interest is aroused because of the fact that each pupil contributes something toward building up the unit of work.
Meetings are held once in two months for all teachers of grades one to four in this Union at which time demonstrations of the
10
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
work are given by the teachers of the town where the meeting is held.
A demonstration will be given by the teachers of Hamilton at the April meeting.
BUILDING INSPECTION
"The Self-Inspection Blank for Schools" prepared by the Board of Fire Underwriters was recently used for recording an inspection of the buildings by the principals, janitor and myself.
Questions on the blank were so worded that a negative reply indicated an unsatisfactory condition.
The results of inspections at the three buildings are :-
South School.
Two negative replies :- One pertaining to panic locks for exit doors ; one, exceeding size of fuses recommended (15 amperes).
Adelaide Dodge Walsh School.
Three negative replies :- one pertaining to panic locks for exit doors ; one, exceeding size of fuses recommended (15 amperes) ; one regarding provision for sounding fire alarm from second floor.
High School.
Two negative replies :- one relating to metal receptacle with self-closing cover; one, exceeding size of fuses recommended (15 amperes) ; one relating to provision of fire-resisting blanket for domestic science room.
The small number of negative replies is exceedingly favorable demonstrating that the necessary precautions are generally being taken to safeguard our children from fire hazards. The necessary changes to make all three buildings 100% free of fire hazards will not exceed $100. and would seem to be a wise expenditure of money.
11
SCHOOL REPORT
NURSERY SCHOOL
It has not been possible to maintain the Nursery School since June due to there being no local person qualifying for the work. Whenever a local applicant qualifies it is anticipated that the school will be operated for the benefit of all children of required ages. At the present time Mrs. Samuel Tyack and Miss Katherine Duffy are conducting a private Nursery School in the South Building.
DENTAL CLINIC
A large number of pupils have availed themselves of the oppor- tunity to have their teeth cared for through the dental clinic at a charge of sixty cents per operation. A thorough dental examina- tion is given all children. They may then have the necessary work done through the clinic or by their family dentist.
The school department provides a room and some dental equip- ment, but otherwise the dentist in charge furnishes all necessary materials.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS
Your attention is called to the reports of Mr. Payne and Miss Stobbart, as these two reports most adequately set forth the work as done by both in their respective departments.
COURSE OF STUDY
The State Department of Education has provided the following courses of study prepared by the special committee on Curriculum Revision :-
Course of Study in English for Junior High Schools.
Course of Study in Physical Education.
Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6
12
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Manual for Teaching :- The Effects of Alcohol, Stimulants and Narcotics Upon the Human Body.
By the adoption of courses published by the Department, it is possible to have the most recent approved standards as guides in organizing the work of the schools.
HOBBIES
During these times as never before educators are asked to help direct the pupils' use of leisure time. Pupils are surrounded with many worth-while things to do, but somehow do not seem to take advantage of the many opportunities at hand. They neglect these opportunities largely because of lack of guidance or appre- ciation of the satisfaction to be derived from doing something worth while. They often have a feeling that doing something which they are not required to do amounts to but little in the estimation of adults.
That our pupils may make better use of their leisure time and have the satisfaction of doing something in their own way which may be recognized by adults as commendable and from which much pleasure is derived, pupils are now being encouraged to have a hobby.
Teachers will encourage pupils to have a hobby with the hope that the home will assist by making it possible for the hobby to be carried out. If reasonable results are achieved, an exhibit of hobbies will be held at the school during the early part of the next school year.
COURSE ON HEALTH EDUCATION
We were fortunate in securing the services of Dr. Fredrica Moore, Consultant in School Hygiene, of the State Department of Public Health to give six lectures for the teachers of this Union.
Topics discussed by Dr. Moore were :-
13
SCHOOL REPORT
1. General Health Problems.
2. The Teacher and Her Health.
3. Teacher's Relations to Control of Communicable Diseases.
4. Correlation of Defects and Retardation in Grades 1-8.
5. How to Make Health-Teaching Interesting.
6. Selection of Materials for Health Teaching.
From the interesting lectures teachers gained much useful in- formation to take back to their classrooms for the general improve- ment of our health curriculum.
STANDARD TESTS
A standard test in reading recently given all pupils in grades three to six showed that seventy-seven per cent of all pupils exam- ined were up to the standard or above for the grade in which enrolled. In all grades several pupils received a score consider- ably above that of their grade.
During the remainder of the year special emphasis will be given the teaching of reading to those pupils whose reading standard for the grade in which enrolled is below the median score.
CONCLUSION
I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the splen- did service, and cooperation rendered by all who have in any way made it possible to maintain the standard of our schools as a whole and to make improvements in the several instances.
Respectfully submitted,
J. D. WHITTIER,
Superintendent of Schools.
February 6, 1935.
14
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. John D. Whittier,
Hamilton, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I present herewith my third annual report as Principal of the Junior-Senior High School for the year 1934.
School opened last September with the pupils facing three im- portant changes. These were: first, changes in faculty; second, a six-period day instead of seven; and third, a general course added to the curriculum. The new teachers are fitting in well with the school program. Miss Madeline Featherstone is in charge of the domestic art courses and physical education for the girls. Mr. George Bowden teaches the manual arts and physical training courses to the boys. Mr. Bryce Walton teaches the social sciences in the Senior High School and coaches the boys in all competitive sports, as well as being director of physical education. In October Miss Wilhelmenia Ready took over the duties of Miss Evelin Hagglund as the Junior High School English teacher.
The six-period day schedule is one which is widely used. This schedule excels the seven-period day in that it allows the subject teacher more opportunity to actually teach her subject. The periods are a few minutes longer, thus allowing the teacher time to assist her pupils in obtaining a good start in the preparation of their lessons for the next day. I believe that both pupils and teachers find this arrangement more favorable.
A general course was added to the curriculum. This course was needed in order to allow pupils who were not fitted to pursue the college course because of lack of adaptability to successfully pursue the advanced subjects of mathematics, languages, and sci- ences ; or the commercial course because of a lack of need or desire for the advanced subjects of stenography, typewriting and book- keeping, to select any subject offered during the year which would be of most benefit to the individual who desired a general high
15
SCHOOL REPORT
school education. The requirements for graduation under the general course are to satisfactorily complete three years of Eng- lish, one year of U. S. History, and three years of physical edu- cation.
A new subject called "Everyday Problems of American Democ- racy" was introduced for the first time this year. This subject now completes our social science program. It means that there now is offered a related subject in the social science field to the pupils each year. This subject is a very practical one and is rec- ommended by the State Department.
The student council is functioning this year in a commendable manner. This body controls student activities in the Senior High School. There is a similar group of young people in the Junior High School which is known as the Student Senate. This is the first year of the Senate and it is conducting itself and its busi- ness very successfully. The Senate was organized in order that the Junior High School group would feel more like an organized group, independent of the Senior High School and capable of conducting its own activities. The Senate is to the Junior High School what the Council is to the Senior High School.
I would like to explain a few of the school regulations so that parents may have a better understanding of them.
Pupils are expected to be present each session of school. When pupils are absent they must bring a note from a parent or guardian on their return to school explaining the reason for the absence. A pupil is penalized if he does not bring this note on his second return from home. Absences are classified either as excused or unexcused. Excused absences permit pupils full credit in their make-up work. These are allowed for unavoidable ab- sences due to sickness, death, or some emergency. Unexcused absences result in the pupil receiving a zero in the subjects missed. There are too many pupils absent for minor reasons. These ex- cuses are not accepted and are usually offered by the pupil who can least afford the low mark and the loss of class instruction.
16
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Such excuses as 'doing an errand,' 'didn't get up in time,' or 'missed the bus' are classified as unexcused. It is hoped that parents will do all within their power to help prevent unnecessary absences from school. It is the one biggest factor in causing low marks and failure.
Individual pupil report cards are sent home every ten weeks. In addition to these a notice is sent home to those who are failing in any subject, at the end of the five-week period following the sending of the report card. These notices are called deficiency slips and are made out by the subject teacher. They inform the parent of the subject with which the child is having difficulty and give the opinion of the teacher as to the probable cause. Both report cards and deficiency slips require the signature of a parent and a prompt return to school.
Each pupil is assigned a locker. Each locker has two sections. One section is for books and the other for clothing. A key is rented each pupil for the nominal rate of twenty-five cents for the year. When the key is returned the money is refunded. If a key is lost and then later found by someone else, it is returned to the owner without charge. It is very essential that a pupil keep his locker locked at all times. The pupil is held responsible for all school supplies loaned him and the safety of these supplies calls for a locked locker. This is especially important now that the school building is frequently used by the public. Parents could aid their children in this respect by helping to remind them to take their locker key to school with them.
The school has a regulation gym suit which all pupils are required to furnish personally. These suits are sold to the pupils at the lowest possible cost. It is very important that each piece of clothing be marked so that identification may be made if neces- sary. If these suits are kept at school in the locker they will always be available when needed. It is necessary for a pupil to have a suit in order to appear for a gym class.
17
SCHOOL REPORT
The principal social event of the year might possibly be the Junior Prom. It was acclaimed by the many who attended as a gala event. There have been minor dances conducted during the spring and fall months, but these could not be classified as finan- cial successes. There are so many organizations and individuals in town trying to earn money in similar ways that the school has to take its share of the reduced profits. The Community Stunt Nite which I inaugurated last year was very successful and will be tried again this year. Last year nine local organizations par- ticipated and it is hoped that even more will cooperate this year.
Graduation exercises were held during the evening of June 22. They were very effective, the central theme being 'History of Education Locally and in the State.' Appropriate musical selec- tions were rendered as a part of the program. The gift of the class to the school was a large banner with the word "Hamilton" on it. This banner is now suspended over the stage in the audi- torium. The names of the graduates and those on the honor roll may be found in the Superintendent's Report.
The sports for boys this year are under the able guidance of Mr. Bryce Walton, a graduate of Purdue University. He is well liked by the boys and gets considerable work from them in a credible manner. Miss Madeline Featherstone is doing a good piece of coaching with the girls' basketball team.
There is great need for financial assistance in maintaining com- petitive sports. Gate receipts amount to only enough to pay for officials. This leaves the cost of equipment and transportation to be met by profits from dances and other money-making schemes. These, at present, are not profitable. I sincerely hope that trans- portation may be provided our teams this coming year so that all participants representing the school may ride together and be supervised. The football team needs new equipment. The present uniforms have been used four years and are beyond repair. I hope that the townspeople, as well as the parents will realize this
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