USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1937 > Part 7
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During the year 1937 there were overdrafts in seven depart- ments in the total amount of $3,087.03. These overdrafts were covered to the extent of the $2,000 Reserve Fund, leaving a balance of $1,087.03. In order for overdrafts to be cov- ered out of the Reserve Fund, they must be of an extraordi- nary or unforeseen nature. In addition, the law provides that
184
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
no department shall incur liability in excess of its appropria- tion "except in cases of extreme emergency involving the health or safety of persons or property," and then only by vote of two-thirds of the selectmen. If the head of a department be- lieves that a department will exceed its appropriation in any year, it is good practice for the department head to confer with the Selectmen and the Finance Committee to ascertain in ad- vance of the overdraft as to whether it is lawful and of an extra- ordinary or unforeseen nature.
The Finance Committee wishes to take this occasion to thank the department heads for their co-operation during the year and to report that, in its opinion, many of the department heads make a decided effort not only to operate within their budgets, but to operate with an efficiency which will turn part of their appropriations back to the Town. The appropriations for 1937 and those recommended for 1938 are as follows:
Selectmen
1937 $1,200.00
1938 $1,200.00 12,500.00
Increase
Decrease
Selectmen Unemployment
14.500.00
2,000.00
Accounting
1,350.00
1,350.00
Treasury
1,000.00
1,025.00
25.00
Collector
1,250.00
1,250.00
Assessors
1,800.00
1,820.00
20.00
Other Finance Accounts.
10.00
10.00
Law
300.00
300.00
Town Clerk
650.00
650.00
Election and Registration
500.00
1,000.00
500.00
Town Hall
2,300.00
2,300.00
Town Hall Stoker
500.00
500.00
Police .
2,300.00
2,500.00
200.00
Water Committee
300.00
300.00
Fire
3,000.00
3,000.00
Fire, Shingling Roof
175.00
175.00
Sprayer
1,285.00
1,285.00
Moth, Private Property
1,100.00
1,100.00
Tree Warden
900 00
900.00
Forest Fire Warden
200.00
150.00
50.00
Game Warden
15.00
15.00
Sealer
. .
300.00
300.00
200.00
Fire, Painting Truck
200.00
Moth, Town
2,000.00
2,000.00
185
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Health
1937 3,000.00 75.00
1938 2,700.00 75.00
Increase Decrease 300.00
Inspector of Animals
Highway
13,000.00
13,000.00
Highland. Bridge, Asbury Sts.
Chap. 90 plus bal. & rec.
7,500.00
3,500.00
4,000.00
Chap. 90, Maintenance ..
500.00
1,000.00
500.00
Snow
2,500.00
6,000.00
3,500.00
Street Lighting
8,200.00
8,200.00
Public Welfare
17,000.00
18,500.00
1,500.00
Soldiers' Relief
1,200.00
1,700.00
500.00
State & Military Aid
1,200.00
1,000.00
200.00
Schools*
41,684.02
42,643.32
959.30
Vocational
300.00
300.00
450.00
Educational Trips
50.00
50.00
175.00
Fertilizer
50.00
50.00
Ipswich Tuition
150.00
150.00
New Piping
150.00
150.00
Playground Equipment
75.00
75.00
Fire Door
135.00
135.00
Tables and Stools
92.80
92.80
Manual Training Machines Cafeteria Dishes
94.75
94.75
Public Library
2,400.00
2,400.00
American Legion
300.00
300.00
Boiler Insurance
150.00
75.00
75.00
Committee on Playground ..
25.00
25.00
Insurance Fund
1,600.00
1,200.00
400.00
Memorial Day
300.00
300.00
Parks
150.00
150.00
Reserve Fund
2,000.00
2,000.00
Town Clock
50.00
50.00
Town Reports
600.00
600.00
Cemetery
1,450.00
1,450.00
Interest
3,300.00
2,950.00
350.00
Maturing Debt
7,000.00
7,000.00
Overdrafts 1937
(Article 9)
1,087.03
1,087.03
152,259.02 152,005.35
10,911.33
11,165.00
.
.
.
...
. . . .
..
. .
* Without deduction for receipts from Dog Tax.
** If the Reserve Fund is not taken from the Overlay Reserve Fund under Article 13 of the Warrant, the 1938 appropriation should be increased accordingly.
In addition to the above recommendations, appropriations may also be made under the following Articles in the Warrant.
337.45
337.45
Desks, Elementary
450.00
Electric Refrigerator
175.00
186
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Article 7 deals with the acquisition of land on a portion of the Emily P. Mandell estate under Chapter 122, Acts of 1902, and amendments thereto, providing for supplying water. The Finance Committee believes it will favor this proposal, but for its final decision will await the determination of the terms on which this land can be acquired.
Article 8 is for the purpose of appropriating money to waterproof the south and east sides of the high school and to do such other repairs as shall be necessary on the inside in connection therewith. In general, the Finance Committee be- lieves that the waterproofing and repairs should be done, at least in part, this coming year, and is making a further investi- gation of the inatter.
Article 10 suggests the appropriation of $1500 to construct permanent sidewalks on both sides of Walnut Street from Main Street to the Wenham line. It is believed that at least one sidewalk can be built and paid for out of the Unemploy- ment Fund and with W. P. A. labor. If this is possible, the Committee is in favor of handling it in this way, in which case no appropriation need be made under Article 10.
Article 11 is to appropriate $175 for the purchase and instal- lation of curbing on the southwesterly side of Memorial Green. It is believed that this can be done in the same manner as is suggested for the sidewalk in Article 10, in which case no appropriation will be necessary under this article.
Article 12 is to publish and distribute a valuation book for the year 1938. At the public hearing held by the Finance Com- mittee on February 10, 1938, for the purpose of consideration of articles in the warrant, the proponents of this article did not appear. Objections were raised at the hearing to an expen- diture estimated to be $1,000 for publication of the book and doubt was expressed that such an expenditure would be war- ranted in view of the fact that the assessors' records were avail-
187
REPORT OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
able at the Town Hall for anyone to examine. In the absence of arguments in favor of the article, the Finance Committee is constrained to recommend against this appropriation.
Article 13 is to see if the Town will vote, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, to transfer the sum of $3,000 from the Overlay Reserve Fund to the Reserve Fund. The Overlay Reserve Fund has been built up over a period of years to a larger amount than neces- sary. This transfer will, therefore, save an appropriation of $3,000 to be otherwise raised out of the 1938 tax levy, and the Finance Committee recommends that this be done.
Article 14 is to determine if the Town will purchase or take by eminent domain certain land for the purpose of establishing a park for playground and swimming pool purposes. The report of the Playground Committee is not at this date avail- able, and the proponents of Article 14 were not present at the Finance Committee's public hearing. The Finance Committee therefore is unable at this time to make any recommendation for or against this proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
STANDISH BRADFORD, Chairman. JOHN G. KING, LAWRENCE R. STONE, PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE, JOHN M. RAYMOND, Finance Committee.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR 1937
MASSA
EX. HA
ILTON
. HA
TTS.
ยท INC
17
RP. JUNE
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS 1938
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The annual report of the School Committee for the year ending December 31, 1937, is herewith submitted.
EDUCATIONAL
During 1937 there was but one change in the teaching personnel when Mr. Frederick Wales replaced Mr. George Bowden as manual training instructor. Mr. Wales came to us from Chatham, Massa- chusetts, where he had been for some time. If Mr. Wales lives up to his record at Chatham, Hamilton should be fortunate in having secured him as its new faculty member.
Due to illness, Miss Nellie Cutting, teacher of grade one, had an assistant from March through June. In September grade one was divided into two sections, with Miss Thelma Bailey taking the second section. Miss Bailey had previously been in charge of the coach group, which was disbanded because of small enroll- ment.
ATHLETICS
The basketball and baseball seasons were comparatively success- ful with a fair attendance of participants. However, the school committee would like to see more interest in these sports. They believe that sports for all is a most valuable adjunct to classroom instruction. With this in mind, the committee voted to discon- tinue football during the autumn of 1938, because of the lack of interest during 1937, when an average of only fifteen boys were engaged in football. Soccer or association football, which has been most successful in six neighboring towns, will be instituted next year. Intramural as well as inter-scholastic games will be encouraged.
The girls were also encouraged to play field hockey.
4
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
TRANSPORTATION
At the end of the year, 142 pupils were being transported at the town's expense. Due to insistent requests from various parts of the town, the bus route was materially lengthened so that the committee felt the town was obligated to pay the transporter more than his contract bid. The committee voted to increase his pay by $1.50 per day.
FINANCIAL
The committee received $41,684.02 as a regular budget on which to operate the schools and this was entirely spent with the excep- tion of $.68.
The committee is asking for $42,745.32 as a regular budget on which to run the schools for 1938. There is a slight increase over last year's budget due to the increase in transportation, added services of a matron, and for necessary repairs which must be taken care of during the year. The special items include voca- tional $300., educational trips $40., painting two rooms at the Lam- son School $160., fire doors masonry $135., four lunchroom tables and sixteen lunchroom settees for the Lamson School $198.60, floor tile for the high school $90., boiler grates $59.90, lunch tables and stools for cafeteria $92.80, cafeteria dishes $94.75, and machines for the manual training department $401.35.
PLANT IMPROVEMENT
An electric refrigerator was purchased for the domestic science department in the high school building. New desks were pur- chased for the Lamson School as well as a second-hand gas range. New grates were installed in the boilers at the high school. Some desks were refinished, and several other necessary repairs were made.
5
SCHOOL REPORT
On the whole, when schools opened in September, it seemed as if 1937 would be a satisfactory, if uneventful year. However, on October 25th there was an indication of a complete breakdown in school morale, and a lack of respect for discipline and author- ity, when 100 out of 180 pupils in the high school went on strike for shorter hours and less homework. The committee, feeling that there must be some reason for such a breach of good conduct, decided to meet with the children's parents in the high school. A great number of parents and non-parents attended the meeting and vociferously supported the demands of the pupils, specifically requesting a single session school day from 8.15 to 1.15 with a twenty-minute recess. Bearing this in mind, the committee voted to install the following schedule after the Christmas holidays. High School, 8.15 a. m. to 1.30 p. m. with a twenty-minute lunch period; Jonathan Lamson School, 8.50 a. m. to 3 p. m. with a one-hour lunch period; Adelaide Dodge Walsh School, 8.15 a. m. to 1.40 p. m. with a one-hour lunch period.
This new schedule necessitated feeding nearly all the children at the high school. Mrs. Madeline MacGregor was appointed with a wage of $1.50 per day to prepare the meals.
The committee, however, feels that the perfect schedule is yet to be attained and with this end in view are in communication and consultations with the Supervisors of the Department of Edu- cation at the State House.
The committee hopes, during the ensuing year, to make further progress towards the goal of good education and training for the children of the town of Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC WINTHROP, JR., Chairman FRANK E. WITHEE, Secretary GRACE B. LAMSON
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
Dear Madam and Sirs:
I herewith present my fifteenth annual report for your con- sideration.
ENROLLMENT, SEPTEMBER, 1937
Grade
Jonathan Lamson
Adelaide
Dodge Walsh High
1
38
4
2
29
4
3
24
3
4
30
2
20
22
4
6
33
1
36
8
27
9
34
10
27
11
24
12
23
Post Graduate
5
Total
176
18
176
Grand Total
370
SCHOOL REPORT
TEACHERS
As in previous reports I mention the teaching staff as upon it largely depends the success of the system. Parents are doubtless more concerned about the teacher of their children than about anyone with whom the children come in contact during their ele- mentary and secondary school career. The parent rates the school largely upon the impression, good or otherwise, the pupil has of the teacher. The subject matter as well as the method of pre- senting the same is secondary to the pupil. Children "rate" their teacher by their own yardstick and upon this "rating" depends much of the success of the teacher as well as of the pupil. The combined rating of parent and pupil gives the teacher a "com- posite score" by which she is generally known in the community. The average of these scores for all teachers gives the school system its community rating as high or low but seldom as medium.
A superintendent's rating of his teaching staff must of neces- sity take into consideration many qualities of a teacher not gen- erally rated by either parent or pupil. In the final analysis he must be able to state whether or not the teacher knows her sub- ject matter, has correct teaching methods, and if the pupil has obtained from the subject matter and instruction offered that which is of immediate as well as of lasting value as a member of society.
An examination of the Teacher's Directory appended to this report shows that but one teacher is new to our system during the school year. The range of service in the town of Hamilton is from one to twenty-three years. The average length of service for teachers in the town is nine and two-tenths years. This splen- did record of service is very definite proof that parents, school committee members, and superintendents have been rating our teachers highly over a period of years and, therefore, their services have been retained.
8
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
CHANGES IN ORGANIZATION
There being thirty-eight enrolled in grade one and only five in the special class at the opening of school it seemed advisable to send the five in the special class back to their regular grade that the service of the special class teacher be made available to instruct a division of the first grade. The special class pupils have not suffered materially by this change but it has been of great value to have two divisions in grade one. These pupils now have suf- ficient individual attention to give them a background for future work in so far as instruction and drill are concerned.
On January 3rd an entirely new schedule of hours was put into effect for all schools. School hours are now as follows: Junior- Senior High School 8.15 a. m. to 1.30 p. m. with an allowance of twenty minutes for lunch, Jonathan Lamson School 8.50 a. m. to 3.00 p. m. with an allowance of one hour for lunch, Adelaide Dodge Walsh School 8.15 a. m. to 1.40 p. m. with an allowance of one hour for lunch. That the pupils who are transported might not be required to leave home earlier in the morning the stipula- tion in the transportation contract requiring that pupils be deliv- ered at the school fifteen minutes before the opening of school was cancelled. According to our present schedule the earliest any pupil must meet the school bus in the morning is seven-thirty. In the afternoon high school pupils get home at approximately quarter past two while the elementary pupils reach their homes at three thirty-five unless unforeseen circumstances arise. Al- though it is highly desirable that all pupils be delivered at the schools and homes at a regular time it is much more important that they are transported safely and, therefore, bus drivers are instructed to use their best judgment as to speed when roads are hazardous.
The shortened hours at the high school necessitated securing the services of a matron for the lunchroom. Mrs. Madeline Mac-
9
SCHOOL REPORT
Gregor is now devoting about four hours daily to this work which consists of preparing and serving lunches and leaving the rooms clean.
Through the co-operation of parents, pupils, and teachers, the shortened time schedule and necessary changes have apparently worked out most satisfactorily for all concerned.
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
The large number of pupils graduating from our high school year after year is an indication that many parents are most desir- ous that their children receive a high school education. In cer- tain cases the high school course of four years is pursued for the purpose of securing admittance to some higher institution of learning. In other cases the high school course is the end of formal education. In the latter case the pupil has a trained mind but he is not fitted to do any particular piece of work be- cause of his four years in high school. To be self-supporting he must take most any position offered him and he generally finds that this leads him nowhere in particular. Disappointment fol- lows because he feels that a high school education has not fitted him for earning a suitable living. This disappointment need not occur so generally if parents consider with their children the type of training adaptable to the boy or girl who wishes to complete his or her formal training at the end of three years beyond the junior high school.
Many boys and girls would find it to their liking and advan- tage to consider entering the Essex County Agricultural School at Hathorne or one of the trade or vocational schools in Beverly, Salem, or Boston. Tuition to these schools is paid by the town and transportation can in many cases be provided by application to the School Committee. Girls can find courses in Art, Home Making, Dietetics, and Millinery in the Girl's Trade School of
10
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
Boston or in the Essex County Agricultural School at Hathorne. Boys would find it possible to pursue an agricultural course at the Essex County Agricultural School or to take a course in Interior Decorating, Printing, Cabinet Making, Auto Mechanics, and Sheet Metal Work. and Plumbing, in at least one of the voca- tional schools located at Beverly, Salem, or Boston.
The completion of a course in any one of these schools is equiva- lent to the completion of a high school course. The pupil then has a vocational education which fits him for a position and, thereby, gives him the advantage of securing a position in prefer- ence to a high school graduate who has pursued but a general course.
I am requesting the Principal to acquaint himself with the requirements of admission and courses offered in these several vocational schools that he may advise parents and pupils should they wish to make inquiries about the schools.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
Pupils of grades five and six were taken by busses for a day's trip during June. Under guidance of their teachers they visited the Peabody and Agassiz Museums at Harvard University, the Christian Science Printing Plant, Public Gardens, and State House. Very few of the pupils had previously had the oppor- tunity of visiting these places and were quite naturally thrilled with the provided opportunity.
An allowance in our budget will make it possible to take other pupils on trips during the year.
SCHOOL BAND
Plans are now underway for the organization of a school band as several of the pupils have expressed a desire to secure instru- ments and take weekly lessons. At the present time ten pupils
11
SCHOOL REPORT
are enrolled and others will doubtless join the band if they can secure instruments. It is possible that some adults in town may have instruments which they would give, loan, or rent to assist us in promoting this work in our schools.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Extension of courses in the shop that pupils of the senior high school, not desiring to pursue the college or commercial course, may here find opportunity to receive a more practical training. This can be done if necessary machines, tools and other equipment is provided and if the instructor is allowed full time for work pertaining to the shop.
Equipment of a room at the Lamson School for use as a lunch- room for the sixty to eighty pupils finding it necessary to eat at the building and provisions for furnishing a warm dish to those desiring to purchase the same.
CONCLUSION
It has been my purpose to so direct the work in your schools that teachers and pupils may have the best possible conditions in which to work; that pupils may receive the best possible educa- tion; that taxpayers may feel their money has been wisely ex- pended : that the School Committee may be pleased to have served the town in so important work.
It has been a pleasure to work under your leadership.
I thank you for your co-operation which has made possible the excellent standing of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. WHITTIER
12
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. John D. Whittier,
Superintendent of Schools,
Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir :
I present herewith my sixth annual report to you as Principal of the Hamilton Junior and Senior High School for your consid- eration and approval.
A change in the daily schedule from a two-session to a single- session day went into effect at the opening of schools following the Christmas holidays. It is functioning satisfactorily. Very few pupils go home to lunch. They either bring their lunch or purchase it in the school cafeteria. It was necessary to have two lunch periods as the cafeteria would not accommodate the entire school enrollment at one time.
The school day is now from 8.15 o'clock till 1.30 o'clock P. M. with twenty minutes for a lunch recess. Pupils who come to school by bus do not have to leave their homes any earlier in order to get to school for this earlier opening. The last half-hour of the day which was a study period four days of the week, and the half-hour longer gym class once a week, has been dropped. Each class period has also been reduced two minutes in length. These necessary changes resulted in the change of schedule. The latter portion of each recitation period is still devoted to supervised study by the subject teacher.
new idea was carried out at the graduation exercises last June. Instead of the usual class speakers, a pageant entitled, "The Greatest Discovery," was presented by the members of the Junior class. It concerned four important phases in the life of Horace
13
SCHOOL REPORT
Mann. Mr. Mann was a native son of this state and his educa- tional philosophy and achievements are recognized throughout the world. He was often called the father of American education. We joined with other schools of the nation in honoring the one- hundredth anniversary of the entrance of Horace Mann into the educational field as secretary of the State Board of Education.
The Bennett Trophy, which was presented by Mrs. Percy Ben- nett of Ipswich, was awarded for the first time at graduation. It is to be presented each year at graduation to that pupil who excels in leadership, character, scholarship, and the love for some sport. The winner is determined by five members of the faculty. Miss Minnie Wetson was unanimously chosen to be the first recipient of this beautiful trophy.
The graduating class left an amplifying set to the school as its gift. This consists of an amplifier, two loud speakers, and a micro- phone. It was a very acceptable gift as it facilitates better hear- ing for those in the rear of the auditorium. We have used it several times this year in assemblies. It will also be used for those who wish experience in speaking through a "mike".
Mr. Frederick Wales is the only new member of our faculty this year. He is proving to be a very good teacher and is well liked by both the pupils and his fellow-teachers. It is my hope that machinery may be installed in the manual training department in the near future. Not until this is done can the interest of the senior high school pupils be aroused to action in this department. It will greatly arouse the interest and enthusiasm of the pupils and increase the possibilities of this department.
There are between fifteen and twenty pupils who are planning on going to Washington during the spring vacation. Most of these pupils either have all their money or most of it. They have voted to go on the Green Tours as previous classes have done. They will be taking the nine-day trip which includes a trip through the Shenandoah Valley.
14
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
American Education Week was recognized last November by an invitation to the parents to meet the teachers and talk over problems and conditions affecting their children. There were quite a few parents who took advantage of this opportunity. It is my desire that parents should not wait for a special invitation, or an American Education Week, before visiting school. It would be a most beneficial gesture to their children if they would visit school more frequently.
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