USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1921-1930 > Part 13
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By vote of the Cemetery Commissioners no sum less than One Hundred Dollars per single lot can be accepted as an endowment for perpetual care.
The ornamental figure in Forest Hill Cemetery, part of which is occupied as a Soldiers' lot, has been widened out to the Avenue line and thoroughly trimmed over and shaped up, seeded and rolled.
Respectfully submitted, SETH H. RUSSELL, Chairman DEXTER F. PARKER, Sec. ARTHUR BRYANT
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CHARLES J. BOLTON Born 1849
Died 1923
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
APPROPRIATIONS ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, 1923
General Government
$ 4,000.00
Schools
18,000.00
Highways
11,300.00
Memorial Day
150.00
Protection
750.00
Charities
1,000.00
Street Lights
2,800.00
Reserve Fund
1,000.00
Fire Department
3,000.00
Interest
1,600.00
Debt
5,500.00
Liability
500.00
State Aid
240.00
Moth Tax
862.81
Cemeteries
400.00
Library
550.00
Tree Warden
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500.00
Hospital Tax
494.11
Parks
300.00
Painting Library
200.00
Fire Alarm
300.00
Branch Library Building
804.00
Old Town House
. . . . . . . 200.00
$54,450.92
Estimated Credits
Bank Tax
$ 285.67
Corporation Tax
495.71
Income Tax
2,500.00
Interest on Taxes
738.65
Interest on Bank Balance
87.82
Poll Taxes, 377 at $2.00
754.00
Rent of Town Hall
144.00
Rent South Hall
199.00
State Aid
240.00
Soldiers' Exemption
40.30
Inspection of Barns, Etc.
25.00
Cemeteries Sale of Lots, Etc.
58.00
Sealer Weights and Measures, Etc.
14.33
B. & M. R. R.
101.38
Moth Supt.
400.00
Court Fines
. 75.00 . .
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Town of Wakefield
59.50
Highway Dept.
30.50
Supt. of Schools Salary
290.00
High School Transportation
2,406.26
Tuition
688.14
City of Lynn
230.00
City of Peabody
50.00
Parents Tuition
72.25
Licenses
59.50
South School Fund
. . 1,000.00
$11,045.01
Appropriations, Annual Town Meeting, 1923
$54,450.92
State Tax
4,200.00
County Tax
3,973.93
State Highway Tax
418.60
State Moth Work
564.78
$63,608.23
Estimated Credits deducted
11,000.00
52,608.23
Overlay
1,546.56
54,154.79
Moth work
254.00
$54,408.79
Warrant to Tax Collector
54,408.79
Poll Tax Warrant to Collector, April
$ 1,885.00
Rate of Taxation $24.30.
TABLE OF AGGREGATES, APRIL ASSESSMENTS
Number of Residents assessed on property 504
Number of Non-residents assessed on property 219
Number of Corporations assessed on property -
9
Number of Polls at $5.00
377
Value of personal property
$ 281,134.00
Value real estate
1,947,458.00
2,228,592.00
Total value taxable property Rate per $1,000 -- $24.30
Tax on personal property $ 6,831.93
Tax on real estate 47,323.99
Tax on polls
1,885.00
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Tax on Moth Work
254.00
Number of horses
91
Number of cows
216
Number of sheep
4
Number of neat cattle
7
Number of swine
61
Number of fowl
3304
Number of dwelling houses
503
Number of acres of land
6028
NO. DECEMBER ASSESSMENTS ABATEMENTS, 1923
Levy of 1921
$ 258.19
Levy of 1922
498.96
Levy of 1923
333.23
GEORGE H. BANCROFT, Clerk
The illness and death of the chairman of our Board, Mr. Charles J. Bolton, during the past year, marks the close of a long period of conscientious service in public office, for the Town of Lynnfield, as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor and Assessor, he faithfuly sought to fulfill the duties of his various positions and his knowledge of general business, and experience in town affairs, makes his death, a serious loss to the Town and community.
GEORGE H. BANCROFT, Clerk of Board
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
In submitting our report for the year ending December 31, 1923, we wish to call to your attention our financial statement and the. Superintendent's report printed elsewhere.
During the year we were obliged to elect a new Superintendent, Mr. Lord having accepted a flattering offer with the State Board of Education. The committees of the towns in the district held several meetings and examined candidates, after which they voted unani- mously to elect Mr. John D. Whittier of Burlington, Vermont. Your Committee feels that no mistake was made in electing Mr. Whittier as he is handling the schools in an excellent manner.
Last Summer the roof of the South School was reshingled and new slate blackboards were installed as planned. On instructions from the state building inspector we metal-lathed and hard-plastered the basement ceiling of the South School. Other expensive altera- tions were ordered at the same time and will probably have to be done the coming year.
On the completion of the new High School at Wakefield it was deemed advisable to send all pupils to Wakefield instead of sending graduates from the South School to the Peabody High, and parents of pupils who graduated in June from the South School, also parents of pupils who attended Sub-Freshman class at Peabody last year were advised that said pupils would enter Freshman class at Wakefield in September. It was planned to allow the pupils entering second, third and fourth year classes at Peabody to complete their studies. and graduate at Peabody provided this was done in three years. However, with one exception all pupils in the second and third year classes voluntarily transferred to Wakefield, so that we now have at Peabody only eight seniors and one junior.
The Wakefield High School offers a wide range in subjects, has an excellent corps of teachers, and the most up-to-date equipment and the Committee feels that pupils are especially fortunate to be able to attend a school of this type.
The different problems arising during the course of the school year have been dealt with fairly and we hope with satisfaction to you ..
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD A. RUSSELL, Chairman MARTHA D. MANSFIELD, Secretary JOHN S. CALDWELL
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Lynnfield:
Madam and Gentlemen :- I have the honor to present herewith my first annual report of the schools of Lynnfield.
The world and national conditions at the present time constitute a challenge to all institutions and especially to the educational insti- tutions of which the public schools are a large part. So much pre- judice, snap judgment and unreasoning mob activity menace all in- stitutions that it behooves the schools to develop a high standard of intelligence as a foundation for judgment and action. To quote from Dr. Bagley, one of the foremost educators in our country; "The de- velopment of democracy has been unquestionably towards the eleva- tion of the common man to a position of supreme collective control. It is now as it has never been before, a race between education and annihilation. If education is to save civilization, it must lift the common man to new levels and not so much to new levels of industrial efficiency as to new levels of thinking and feeling."
Every school system worthy of public support should accept this challenge. Neither taxpayer nor teacher should regret the opportun- ity of working for and with the boys and girls to train them to think straight, to glorify work and attain a type of leadership in which all people may find satisfaction, peace and confidence.
The ideals and objectives of education seem to be well established in the minds of those who are associated together for the training of the youth of our country.
May I quote the purpose of education in a democracy from the National Educational Association, "So to organize society that each member may develop his personality primarily through activities de- signed for the well being of his fellow-members and of society as a whole. Education in a democracy, both within and without the school, should develop in each individual the knowledge, interests, ideals, habits and powers whereby he will find his place and use that place to shape both himself and society toward ever nobler ends."
A recent report by a committee to outline the Aims in Education states that they should be as follows:
I, Health. 1
II. Command of Fundamental Processes.
III. Worthy Home Membership.
IV. Vocation.
V. Citizenship.
VI. Worthy Use of Leisure Time.
VII. Ethical Character.
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HEALTH
It is worth while noting that health is placed at the head of the list and undoubtedly will receive much attention during the next few years.
No school system can hope to attain a high standard of efficiency which neglects the health of its school children. All handicaps to health should first be overcome that we may then expect a reasonably high grade of work on the part of the pupils.
FUNDAMENTAL SUBJECTS
From the early establishment of schools much stress has been given to the three R's. From results of daily work and examination reaching the superintendent there yet seems to be a necessity of stressing these subjects.
Several standardized tests in the more important subjects of the curriculum have been given and will be followed by others after teach- ers have had sufficient opportunity to profit in their work following the first tests. Thus it will be noted that we are using the tests; to learn where we stand in our work; to improve upon the poor work; to bring our schools up to as high a standard of efficiency as pos- sible.
WORTHY HOME MEMBERSHIP
Worthy Home Membership calls for the development of those qualities that makes the individual a worthy member of the family that he may benefit and be benefited thereby. It has a bearing upon their present day living as well as upon their future. It is said that "Character is determined by our habits and ideals." That our boys and girls may have the right character, it befalls upon every teacher and parent to train them in right habits and ideals. The work is of such a nature that no one agency can do it all and none should shirk its duty.
It is a mistaken idea that, "You can earn your living without work if you get an education." We should instill in our pupils' minds the need of an education to make them a more profitable mem- ber of society. We should not hesitate to require a certain amount of manual work from every school child about the home for to do so has a tendency to discourage work on his part and thereby leads him to believe that he should substitute education now and hereafter for work.
VOCATION
All School systems are more and more endeavoring to give atten- tion to pupil guidance whether of an educational or vocational nature. One of the severe criticisms made upon our present day system of education is that pupils go through the schools without having decided
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for what they wish to fit themselves. It is the purpose of our system in so far as possible through regular classes, assemblies and teacher contact with pupils to guide the pupils in their study to fit them for their particular vocation.
CITIZENSHIP
In our history and civics classes we seek to develop ideals of good citizenship. It is not sufficient that the pupils simply study such a subject as civics and thereby expect that he will mature into a full grown citizen at the conclusion of such a course. It is necessary that the pupils assume certain responsibilities which may be for his own personal advantage, for the advantage of his class, school or town. The pupil should be led to feel that he is not always to receive com- pensation for such services rendered but that he performs certain services for the group of which he is a member. Whenever the op- portunity presents itself for such pupil participation in the school organization we endeavor to give him the opportunity to participate.
WORTHY USE OF LEISURE TIME
Authorities having made a study of youth and gang instinct have very plainly pointed out the fact that every boy and girl needs whole- some play to counteract the spirit of lawlessness. Our boys and girls are no exception. It is not the child's fault that he finds enjoy- ment in unwholesome surroundings if he has not been taught other- wise. It is the duty of the school system to so direct the leisure time of the child that he will look for and enjoy wholesome activities within his immediate surroundings.
The teachers are giving their very best efforts to interest the pupils in play activities in and out of school, to interest them in read- ing of the best literature and to find enjoyment in doing of worth while things. In this work there is an opportunity for parental participa- tion in providing suitable stimuli for their boys and girls when not in school. Such stimuli may be a well equipped playground or gym- nasium; a reading room well supplied with the latest books of refer- ence and current magazines; a well organized and directed social pro- gram.
ETHICAL CULTURE
Our last objective to be considered is the development of a strong ethical character. Our emphasis in this should be of a moral nature which should tend to develop a better class of employers, employees, professional men, artisans and merchants. In teaching the ethics of business life and good citizenship emphasis needs to be laid upon com- mon honesty. Our boys and girls of this generation are no different than those of generations past but their surroundings are much dif- ferent and therefore the demand for a change in methods in shaping the minds of them.
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The strong personalities and moral characters of leaders in our community life will train up a generation which will go far in chang- ing the many social problems which are perplexing us in this present generation.
EDUCATION WEEK
The following is quoted from the Report of the Commissioner of the Education of the United States: "Education in the United States is controlled by the people and not by the Government. Every citi- zen has a voice in determining what kind of schools we shall have. The people determine in the ultimate analysis how much shall be spent upon the schools, whence the money shall come, what kind of teachers we shall have, etc. Naturally, experts and educators know a great deal more about schools than do the average citizens; but, eventually, we cannot make much sound and permanent progress in the improve- ment of schools without an intelligent approval and support of public sentiment."
With the above in mind the National Bureau of Education, The National Education Association and the American Legion co-operated in carrying out the following Education Week program: Sunday, Dec. 3, "For God and Country"; Monday, American Citizenship Day; Tues- day, Patriotism Day; Wednesday, School and Teacher Day; Thursday, Illiteracy Day; Friday, Equality of Opportunity Day; Saturday, Physical Education Day. Through carrying out this program in the schools an attempt was made to focus the minds of the teachers, pupils and school patrons on the needs and objectives of the schools. It is hoped that by the observance of Education Week annually we may se- cure "a larger and more united effort in behalf of our schools."
STATISTICS
Your attention is called to the following statistics taken from the Annual Reports of the Department of Education.
Expenditures for schools in Massachusetts including repairs, but not new buildings, alterations and permanent repairs.
Increase over previous year
Table I
State
Lynnfield
State
Lynnfield
1920-21
$42,638.115.83
$20,835.29
.16
.18
1921-22
47,876,587.00
23,942.91
.12
.14
1922-23
51,960,445.67
24,517.10
.08
.02
Table II
Valuation per pupil in net average membership Year ending June 30
Rank in
Group IV
1921
$9,470
23
1922
9,238
24
1923
9,760
23
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Table III Expenditures for School Support from Local Taxation year ending
December 31, per
Rank in
$1,000 valuation
Group III
Rate of total tax per $1,000 valuation $25.50
Rank in Group III
1920
$8.38
41
41
1921
8.57
58
27.70
23
1922
9.92
36
28.50
27
Table IV
Expenditure for Support exclusive of General Control, Grades 1-8 (elem.)
Grades 9-12 (high)
Amount
Per pupil in average membership
Amount
Per pupil in average membership
1920-21
$16,128.55
$94.32
$2,567.98
$ 52.41
1921-22
14,768.21
80.26
6,009.18
120.11
1922-23
15,458.92
87.83
5,475.48
105.29
1
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COMPARATIVE COSTS
Expenditure per pupil in average membership exclusive of General Control in this supervi- sion district is:
Grades 1-8
Grades 9-12
42
Essex
Hamilton
Lynnfield
Topsfield
Wenham
Essex
Hamilton
Lynnfield
Topsfield
Wenham
1920-21
$59.16
$78.57
$94.32
$79.25
$ 92.41
$ 89.99
$211.73
$ 52.41
$255.52
$97.76
1921-22
47.20
81.91
80.26
71.37
85.64
122.50
239.22
120.11
206.48
88.17
1922-23
49.31
77.16
87.83
83.41
107.05
169.56
198.99
105.29
159.74
85.08
Table I. Shows that increases in expenditures over the three year period for Lynnfield compares favorably with that for the entire State.
Table II. Shows that the valuation per pupil places Lynnfield in the same rank for 1923 as for 1921.
Table III. Shows that Lynnfield is steadily advancing in rank in Group IV.
Table IV. Shows that there has been a slight falling off in ex- penditures for grades 1-8 while expenditure for grades 9-12 has in- creased. ,
Table V. Shows that expenditures in Lynnfield compare very favorably with those of other towns of this Supervision Union for grades 1-8. The expenditures for grades 9-12 (high school) is low due to the fact that pupils are schooled out of town.
The question is often asked, "Can we afford to spend so much for. education ?" Mr. H. G. Wells in "The Outline of History" says, "The essential factor in the organization of a living state, the world is coming to realize, is the organization of an education." The ques- tion then naturally arises, "Can we afford not to spend so much for education?"
Massachusetts is dependent upon its educational system to enable her industries to prosper in competition with states having greater natural resources. Therefore, the educational systems throughout the Commonwealth should be supported in carrying out an educational program worthy of the state which was a pioneer in providing free. public schools.
SCHOOL SAVINGS
Arrangements have been made with the Lynn Institution for Savings to install an Automatic Stamp Seller in each of the buildings in order to encourage the children to save their money and start a bank account.
It is hoped that the parents will endorse this work and encourage their children in so far as possible to practice thrift. It is hoped that in the next annual report a very creditable showing on school savings may be given both as regards amount deposited and number of depositors.
TEACHERS
At the close of schools in June Miss Gladys L. Mann resigned as principal of the Center School. Miss Della R. Rich was secured to fill the vacancy.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS
Teaching is a profession which is continually changing its stand- ards and without doubt changes as much if not more than any other in the same period of time.
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That our teaching force may be kept up to as high a degree of efficiency as possible it is desirable that we encourage and when neces- sary require that our teachers take the necessary steps to improve themselves professionally.
Improvement may be obtained as follows: Extended travel, Summer school courses, Saturday courses, Extension courses, Cor- respondence courses and by extensive reading on definite topics as related to the school work.
It is of interest to note that our teachers have endeavored to im- prove themselves professionally as follows:
Two teachers took a Summer Course.
A few teachers have taken extension courses.
SCHOOL NEEDS
The Center and South Buildings need fire alarms installed in the buildings. There is also need of gongs on outside of buildings.
Playground equipment is needed for the Center School grounds. Electric lights should be installed in the rooms at the South Building as necessary.
Co-operation of parents in reducing the number of failures of our high school pupils. Pupils failing should be required to confer with their teachers and to do more home study.
Where the pupils in the grades of our local schools have failures, as shown by the report cards, the parent should confer with the teach- er.
May I at this time express to the School Committee, the teaching force and patrons of the schools my appreciation for the hearty co- operation in carrying out the educational program for the town.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN D. WHITTIER, Union Supt. of Schools
South Hamilton, Mass.
January 23, 1924
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir :- I herewith submit my annual report for the town of Lynnfield.
The work of the school physician and nurse, from October 1, to January 1, 1924, shows the following results :
Number of children examined
190
Number of children having defective teeth
92
Number of children having enlarged tonsils
42
Adenoids or nasal obstruction
15
Number of children having defective vision
11
Number of children having defective heart
6
Number of children having defective lungs
2
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Notices sent to parents or guardians 109
A very thorough and complete physical examination of each child has been given. £ Many defects of a corrective nature are yet present, and parents are urged to confer with the school nurse with the idea of having these defects remedied.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN E. PURDY, R. N., School Nurse
REPORT OF THE DRAWING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- The drawing course this year has been carried out along definite lines with a definite aim in view namely :
Objective:
My aim in teaching art in the schools is to stimulate a keen sense of observation for beauty by appreciating the forms and color in na- ture and art; to improve housefurnishings, furniture and dress, and to teach pupils to appreciate the beautiful things of life, as well as to use art as a means of expressing themselves freely. This may be ac- complished by the following outline:
Representation :
Making pictures, general shapes, perspective and position of the. parts of the body. (Nature drawing included.)
Design :
A To recognize the laws of order in nature and art.
B Lettering.
C Color.
Construction: To develop the habits of
A Creating in material.
B Accuracy.
C Hand skill.
D Following directions.
The work has so far gone along very successfully. It is a great pleasure to deal with pupils who manifest such an interest in their work. In the first and second grades the pupils like it so much that it is certainly encouraging to work with them. The third and fourth grades as a rule are extremely interested and they are willing to try anything. If the problem is of interest to the fifth and sixth grades they will co-operate in the work.
In closing, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to teachers, pupils; and school officials for their co-operation in my work.
Respectfuly submitted,
MADELEINE S. HOPKINS, Supervisor of Drawing
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. John D. Whittier, Superintendent of Schools, Lynnfield, Mass.
Dear Sir :- The aim of music in our schools is to train the boys and girls first of all :- to love music and want to sing; second, to sing at sight with good tone and interpretation. When they have finished the Eighth Grade they can go out into the world and take an active part in church work, concerts and glee clubs and do commendable work.
I believe this training should be accomplished before the end of the Eighth Grade as a large percent of boys and girls do not go through High School.
The First Grade work has consisted chiefly of the elimination of monotones, the teaching of rote songs and the first technical steps in music.
In the Second and Third Grades many rote songs are taught and the child has his first lesson in reading from the music book. This work is continued up through the grades where each year new tech- nical steps are introduced. In the Fifth Grade some two part work is done; in the Sixth Grade three part work, in the Seventh and Eighth Grades four part singing is introduced if basses appear.
I feel that in almost every class there has been definite advance- ment since the first of the school year.
I have taught some folk dances and singing games in the lower grades with good results but with limited time am unable to develop this line of work as much as I would wish.
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I want to thank you for the co-operation and help you have given in all my work during this year and also the teachers who have sup- ported and worked with me so earnestly.
Respectfully submitted, MAUDE L. THOMAS, Supervisor of Music SCHOOL CENSUS As of April, 1923
Boys
Girls
Number between five and seven years of age
17
19
Number between seven and fourteen years of age
74
69
Number between fourteen and sixteen years of age
18
13
-
-
Totals
109
101
Total Census
210
AGE OF ADMISSION
No child will be admitted to the first grade at the opening of school in September who was not five years of age on or before the first day of April preceding his entrance.
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Pupils are admitted to this grade only during the first two weeks of school in September unless they have attended school in some other town.
VACCINATION
Children who have not been vaccinated will not be admitted to school in September unless they present a certificate from a regular practicing physician stating that they are not fit subjects for vac- cination. Parents are requested to attend to this matter during the Summer vacation as certificates of vaccination or exemption must be presented at the opening of school to entitle children to admission.
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