USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1910-1919 > Part 36
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At our first business meeting. Mr. Benjamin Loring was chosen chairman and Mrs. Nellie Sparrell secretary and treasurer. It was voted to print and distribute "Pro- posals for Wood and Transportation." The bids on wood were publicly opened at No. 2 schoolhouse, Feb. 1. 1918. and were as follows:
District No. 1, 6 cords hardwood and 2 cords kindling.
Benjamin Loring $56.00
Beach & Fessenden 63.00
District No. 2, 5 cords hard wood.
Benjamin Loring $35.00
Beach & Fessenden 42.50
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
District No. 5. 6 cords hard wood and 2 cords kindling. Beach & Fessenden $63.00
District No. 7. 6 cords hard wood and 2 cords kindling.
Beach & Fessenden $63.00
F. E. Henderson $56.00
High School, 2 cords hard wood and I cord kindling.
Beach & Fessenden $23.00.
Contracts were awarded as follows :
Benjamin Loring, No. I . $56.00
Benjamin Loring, No. 2. 35.00
Beach & Fessenden, High School 23.00
Beach & Fessenden, No. 5 63.00
F. E. Henderson, No. 7. 56.00
The bids for Transportation were opened publicly, March 20. 1918, and were as follows :
Carlton O. Litchfield, Route No. 3. . . $25.00 per week John F. Osborne, Route No. I . 24.00 per week John F. Osborne, Route No. 2. 22.50 per week C. A. Dunbar, Route No. I . 20.00 per week
Frederick Erickson, Route No. 2 22.00 per week
John H. Sparrell, Route No. I 22.00 per week John H. Sparrell, Route No. 2. 24.00 per week Minot F. Williamson, Route No. 4. . 22.00 per week
The contracts were awarded as follows :
John H. Sparrell, Route No. 1. . $22.00 per week John F. Osborne, Route No. 2 .. . 22.50 per week Carleton O. Litchfield, Route No. 3. . 25.00 per week Minot F. Williamson, Route No. 4. . 22.00 per weck
91
TOWN OF NORWELL
In April we installed three more heating plants. The experiment in heating the No. I Grammar room having proven entirely satisfactory, similar systems were installed in No. I Primary and in both rooms of No. 5. We feel we now have the best system of heating and ventilation in these buildings possible under the existing conditions.
The bids on heating systems for No. I Primary and No. 5 Primary and Grammar were as follows:
Frederic T. Bailey & Co.
Galvanized iron casings, each $64.50
Brien heater for No. 5 . . 529.00
Richardson & Boynton heater for No. 5 453.00
George C. Turner. 1
Galvanized iron casings, each $75.00
Hall & Torrey.
Galvanized iron casings, each. $79.00
Harry S. Merritt.
. Galvanized iron casings, No. I $65.00
Galvanized iron casings. No. 5 . 63.00
The contracts were awarded to
Harry S. Merritt.
I casing, No. I. $65.00
2 casings, No. 5. I 26.00
Our superintendent left us in July and Mr. Stephen G. Bean, a Harvard College graduate with the experience of teaching all the grades and High School, was chosen to take his place. He expects to reside in his district in the
92
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Spring and we urgently request parents to make his ac- quaintance.
Our teaching force in the grades remained the same as last year with one exception. Miss Blenis of No. I Primary left us and Miss Mildred C. Wing of Bridgewater Normal School was elected in her place. Mr. Nichols, our High School principal, and Miss Doris M. Wheeler, the business course teacher, remained with us for this year, but Miss Hokanson and Miss McLennan left us, necessitating many interviews with the agencies before getting satisfactory teachers to fill their places. Miss Margaret Tolman, a Nor- well High and Radcliffe College graduate, and Miss Mar- garet Cochran, a Jackson College graduate, were chosen and are both doing well.
Miss Wheelock, our music supervisor, we are pleased to say, returned to us in September. Music is now a pleasing as well as instructive part of the daily program in our schools. Our High School music had improved enough in the year to elicit a compliment from so eminent an au- thority as Mr. John H. Gutterson, who honored the school again at graduation by giving his services as organist. Mrs. Eldredge, our drawing supervisor, is giving more time in the grades, with somewhat more in the way of materials than in former years. The effects of the change can readily be seen, some excellent work being the result. It is hoped an exhibition in drawing may be given later in the year. We are fortunate, indeed,, in our supervisors.
The business course in our ' High School has already proven its worth. Pupils who would otherwise leave school remain to take the course. One graduate of 1918 returned for this purpose. We urge the graduates of the future to avail themselves of this privilege.
The local history course is being carried out in the High School by Mrs. Mary L. F. Power, who generously gives her time for the work.
93
TOWN OF NORWELL
Our attendance the past year has not been what we would care to have it. Good work cannot be done if the pupil is absent even occasionally. Unless illness prevents. the pupil should be in school every day school is in session. If a pupil is absent, upon his return the conscientious teacher makes an effort to pull him up to his grade. In so doing. either she must take the time belonging to others and do it in school, or her own time and strength by working after school. Either procedure is an injustice to perfectly inno- cent parties and should be stopped from a sense of fair play. Few parents realize how strict the State laws are in regard to attendance : "Every person who has under his control a child of school age shall cause him to attend school and if he fails for five day sessions or ten half-day sessions within any period of six months, to cause such child to attend school he may be punished by a fine of not less than Șio nor more than $50." However, when a contagious or infectious disease exists in the home, do not send pupils from that home and expect us to allow them the privilege of attending school, thus exposing pupils and teachers in the school rooms and barges. Your Board of Health has issued books giving full instructions in regard to this point. But since its publication Spanish influenza has appeared. therefore we would like to add the following : As a means toward checking the spread of Spanish influenza, no pupil of a household where Spanish influenza exists, shall be allowed to attend any school of the Town of Norwell, until the attending physician shall issue him a certificate allow- ing him to return when the proper length of time shall have elapsed after his last exposure.
Our school physician reports a smaller percentage of physical defects this year. Several operations for adenoids and tonsils were performed last year, in accordance with his directions and improvement in the health of the pupils so treated has been noticed. A few cases of eyes which needed
94
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
glasses and many cases of decayed teeth have been attended to.
As it prepares this report, the committee is in receipt of a petition signed by all the grade teachers respectfully requesting an increase of at least $2.00 per week in salary, based upon the increased cost of living expenses. We fully realize the justice of the request and have made allowance in our 1919 budget to carry it out under certain conditions. Our experience in hiring teachers in June, taught us' that we are paying less than other towns for corresponding work and ability.
Our facilities for transportation of pupils have been improved during the year. A third route was motorized 'n April and we confidently expect the fourth and last route to be similarly cared for within a very short time.
The Town of Norwell now has two associations, whose interests centre around our schools-the Parent-Teachers' Association, which meets at No. I schoolhouse. Ridge Hill, the last Wednesday of each month from September to May. inclusive, and the Home and School, which meets at Norwell Centre the second Wednesday of each month from Septem- ber to June, inclusive. Speakers are usually obtained who speak upon educational subjects or topics of civic interest.
The committee realize the splendid help these associa- tions have given our schools even in so short a time, and grasp this opportunity of expressing its appreciation. The invitation has been extended to parents and citizens in general to join the association near at hand, learn the needs of the schools and help in their betterment.
The repairs on our buildings have been a steady drain on our finances the past year and we have done little other than make them livable.
The time and need for an adequate central building which .shall do credit to the Town of Norwell has arrived and it is earnestly hoped that some plans may be formulated
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TOWN OF NORWELL
by which a community school may be built. The Primary, Grammar and High Schools could then be safely housed under one roof, one efficient heating and possibly lighting system being sufficient for the three schools thus consoli- (lated. What more fitting memorial could the Town of Norwell erect in honor of the boys who so nobly fought for the cause of democracy and who were trained in our public schools. A building of this kind would fill a long needed want in our town. The idea of a community centre is an important one and a building could be erected that would not only prove a blessing to the students in our midst but could be used for all our civic interests as well. Your Nor- well High School teachers and pupils are worthy a better setting. Cannot this town, always active in good works. rouse itself to this most important need that we have before us. The vision of a better village life through better schools is full of promise and has proven successful where it has been tried. A school as a memorial to the boys in blue and khaki will be a gift permanently inspiring to the whole town, not only now but in the years to come.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJAMIN LORING. AMY W. SYLVESTER. NELLIE L. SPARRELL.
Financial Report
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1918
HIGH SCHOOL FUND
Unexpended balance in 1917
$387.42
Received from State, 1918.
500.00
$887.42
J. M. Nichols, teaching
$300.00
Margaret Cochran, teaching 150.00
Margaret Tolman, teaching 140.00
Doris Wheeler, teaching
140.00
Sam's Stationery, paper
7.25 737.25
Unexpended balance, 1918
$150.17
EXPENDITURES FROM GENERAL APPRO- PRIATIONS
TRANSPORTATION
Balance of 1917 contract.
Paid : C. O. Litchfield
$264.00
J. H. Sparrell 264.00
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TOWN OF NORWELL
M. F. Williamson
264.00
Fred Erickson
240.00
$1.032.00
Contract for 1918.
Paid :
C. O. Litchfield $650.00
J. H. Sparrell
572.00
M. F. Williamson 572.00
J. F. Osborn
585.00
2,379.00
Total for year 1918. $3.411.00
SUPERINTENDENT
Paid :
James S. Hayes
$360.00
Stephen G. Bean
283.65
$643.65
JANITORS
Paid :
Oscar W. Lambert $200.00
G. A. Goodnough I33.00
Levi Olson 66.00
William C. Tolman 57.00
56.00
Charles A. Bruce
$512.00
TEACHERS' SALARIES
Paid :
J. M. Nichols, High School $1.140.00
Valborga Hokanson, High School .. . 360.00
Celia F. McLennan, High School ... 330.00
Margaret Cochran, High School. . . 150.00
Margaret Tolman, High School
140.00
*
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Doris M. Wheeler, High School. .i . L
. . 300.00
Ella F. Osborn, Dist. No. 570.00
Bessie L. Blenis, Dist. No. 1 275.00
Minnie F. Gardner, Dist. No. 240.00
Mildred E. Wing, Dist. No. 1 260.00
· Florence B. Pinson, Dist. No. 5.
570.00
Marion G. Merritt, Dist. No. 5. 532.00
Dorothy G. Litchfield, Dist. No. 5. 282.00
Maria W. Tolman, Dist. No. 7 532.00
Rosalie H, Wheelock, music 600.00
. A. Gertrude Eldridge, drawing
105.00
$6.386.00
FUEL AND FITTING
Paid :
John Whalen, wood $7.00
Lyman Lincoln 5.00
William T. Dunbar 3.00
Beach & Fessenden 86.00
Benjamin Loring 91.00
Oscar Lambert 2.00
F. E. Henderson 56.00
J. F. Osborne 12.50
C. H. Baker 5.50
Phillips, Bates Co. 54.43
$322.43
BOOKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES
American Book Co. $37.35
E. F. Babb & Co. 153.57
Ginn & Co. 5.34
D. C. Heath & Co. 13.17
William L. Hallworth
9.75
Houghton, Mifflin Co. 3.98
Allyn & Bacon
12.26
99
TOWN OF NORWELL
Sam's Stationery 7.40
Milton Bradley Co.
26.94
J. L. Hammett Co. 24.61
Lyon & Carnahan 6.71
Oliver Ditson Co. 4.00
A. I. Randall 21.65
Kenney Bros. & Wolkins 6.14
N. E. State Blackboard Co. II.75
N. E. Typewriter Exch. Co. 1.50
Benjamin H. Sanborn & Co. 6.47
$352.59
SUPPLIES AND INCIDENTALS
Joseph Frame, M.D., medical services $3.00
C. O. Litchfield, transportation of committee 1 5.00
A. O. Gooch, transportation of com- mittee 6.45
N. Molla, cleaning out chimney at No. 2 1.50
National Typewriter Exchange Co.,
2 typewriters 97.00
Carrie M. Ford, printing and station- ery 14.50
John F. Osborne, auto service 29.50
Benjamin Loring, cash paid, expenses 70.69
Harry S. Merritt, materials and labor
222.07
Hanover Greenhouses, flowers . .
2.00
Kenney Bros. & Wolkins, blackboard 5.40
E. C. Forsman, supplies .60
Wheeler's Grocery, supplies 2.82
W. W. Wade, tuning pianos 9.00
WVm. H. Harney, material and labor 18.24
E. E. Babb & Co., supplies 40.72
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SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Nellie L. Sparrell, cash paid and ex- penses 61.46
Adams Express Co., express 1.50
Timothy Sheehan, cleaning vaults 6.00
James S. Hayes, expenses 4.85
Hall & Torrey, supplies 10.22
C. A. Bruce, labor 5.50
Walter J. Wagner, cleaning vaults . .
Harrison L. House, lettering diplomas 5.50
Clarence I. Winslow, cleaning vaults 4.00
4.00
W. C. Soule, material and labor .
21.28
Eva L. Winslow, cleaning No. 7. ... 8.00
Rachael Beach, cleaning No. 5. . ... 12.00
Geo. A. Turner, material and labor . . 15.75
J. F. Totman, supplies and stamps . . . 26.37
G. A. Goodnough, labor 8.25
J. E. Wheeler, cleaning No. I 9.00
E. B. Robinson, cleaning No. I .... 9.00
Oscar Lambert, cleaning High School II.00
Stephen G. Bean, traveling expenses 7.20
C. S. West & Son, supplies 12.97
H. S. Turner & Co., supplies 1.29
J. H. Lehan, supplies and labor 1.50
J. H. Sparrell, auto service 25.38
Walter T. Osborn 4.00
$805.51
SUMMARY
HIGH SCHOOL FUND ACCOUNT
Unexpended in 1917 $387.42
Received from State in 1918 500.00
$887.42
Withdrawn
737.25
Unexpended in 1918 $150.17
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TOWN OF NORWELL
AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR GENERAL EXPENSES
Town appropriation for schools. . .. $10,000.00 Town appropriation for Superinten-
dent 350.00
State for Superintendent and teachers 416.66
State for tuition and transportation
of State wards
130.50
Interest, Mass. School Fund
865.98
Dog tax of 1917 and 1918
342.25
$12,105.39
EXPENDITURES
Superintendent
$643.65
Transportation
3,411.00
Teachers
6,386.00
Janitors
512.00
Fuel and Fitting
322.43
Books
352.59
805.51
Supplies and Incidentals
12,433.18
Exceeded appropriation $327.79
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Norwell :
This, my first annual report as Superintendent of Schools will, because of the short time that I have held this position. take the form of a survey of educational conditions in the system as I have found them. For convenience I have divided the report into sections, the first of which I shall caption :
BUILDINGS AND SITES
Under this head as considered: (a) the structures. their lighting, heating and ventilation, and seating; (b), outhouses from the standpoint of sanitation and hygienic conditions; (c), school grounds with regard to their utility and aesthetic qualities.
Structures-To outward appearances all of the buildings in use seem in a good state of general repair. Within, con- ditions are less satisfactory, chiefly from the standpoint of lighting conditions. Many of the schoolrooms seem poorly lighted; not so much for lack of light as from imperfect distribution. In all of the schoolrooms harsh cross lights vie with one another to produce eyestrain for all occupants of the rooms. Proper lighting conditions call for tempered light from the left side and back; but never from left and right in almost equal intensity. It would be advisable to block up part of the right hand windows already existing
103
TOWN OF NORWELL
and place the frames in the spaces between the windows on the left side of the rooms, and where necessary to cut addi- tional windows in the back of the rooms.
In addition to changing windows, tinting of walls and ceilings and proper arrangement of shades of correct color would help very materially in properly diffusing the light. Too much importance cannot be ascribed to this element of lighting. It bears a very close relation to the efficiency of both pupils and teacher. Many cases of nervous irritation resulting in disciplinary conflicts and poor progress are traceable to the effects of poor lighting.
Heating and Ventilation seem to be very well provided for in the Norwell schools. The jacketed stoves are ac- complishing the purpose for which they were designed. If there is any criticism, it is that the foul air ducts are some- what small in comparison with the fresh air inlets.
Seating is also well provided for in all schools, adjusta- ble chairs and desks being found in all buildings. Care should be taken, however, that advantage be taken of this adjustability and that children be so seated as to conform to the hygienic rules of posture. The women teachers, how- ever, should not be expected to perform the task of adjust- ment when it becomes necessary.
Outhouses -- These nuisances attendant on most rural schools are a perennial problem. Of course flush closets are not to be expected in places where running water is not available, but there are on the market so many devices designed to ameliorate this undesirable condition and at no great expense, that it seems a pity to find the old type of sani- tary facilities in use in any town in this progressive State. Immediate consideration should be given to this matter with a view to improvement if we are to continue to use the existing school buildings.
104
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Sites-In placing school buildings an important con- sideration is frequently neglected; that is the adequacy of the school grounds. Plots are selected and buildings are placed seemingly without regard for the educational func- tion of the surroundings. Too often the approach to the building is an offense to the eye. Playgrounds full of stones and coarse gravel (lead up to steps scarred and mud- stained because of the nature of the approach and give no very good lesson in orderliness to the entering pupil. There is no incentive to keep such a place tidy and once used to such an approach to his school why should not the child be satisfied with a similar condition at home. We need more space around our buildings, and playgrounds behind them and not bordering on the highways. We need green things and flowers growing in the midst of a smooth grass plot cut by decent walks leading to the doors of our schools. Chil- dren soon learn to appreciate and care for such an approach and will have a corresponding care for similar property be- longing to others. Many a valuable lesson in civic pride and social responsibility can be taught outside the classroom by means of well planned and well kept school grounds.
Teachers-Norwell is fortunate in its corps of teachers ; fortunate, indeed, to be able to hold them at the salaries paid. The present demand is far in excess of the supply and sala- ries are obeying the fundamental economic law. Had we not a goodly number of "home folks" in our schools we should be hard pressed indeed.
Curriculum -- A new course of study is in force in the town and a copy is in the hands of each teacher. No course of study is static, however. It should be subject to revision so as to keep step with advance of education as resulting from scientific study. In the past we have been haphazard in our study of this subject with the result that many things have been forced upon children on the plea that they
105
TOWN OF NORWELL
"trained the mind" in a general sense. Modern investiga- tions indicate that such general training does not occur and that teaching to that end is vain. On this basis certain of the traditional topics and methods are from time to time omitted from the progressive course of studies as nonessen- tials. This line of action is frequently criticized by those whose ability to make such criticism is limited, but whose sphere of influence is sufficient to embarass the authorities supposedly expert in this department. Many proponents of "the little old red schoolhouse" type of education forget the comparative complexity of social conditions in this gen- eration and that.
Pupils-There were in attendance in the Norwell schools, according to data collected from teachers as of the date of October 1, 1918, 198 pupils. They were graded as shown by the age and grade distribution given in the table appended. Of this number as tabulated, 44 are in the High School, although this is not the total enrollment of that school. The remaining 154 pupils are in the three elemen- tary and grammar school buildings. This policy of concen- tration of pupils in a few buildings is in accord with the best modern practice, and a still greater concentration in one modern, central building with a single grade to each teacher would be still more desirable. I believe this to be the eventual course which will place rural education on a par with that offered in the cities. There is of course the attendant problem of transportation, but in these days of the motor car this is increasingly less of a problem.
It will be seen from table opposite, which also serves as an index of retardation and acceleration, that 34 pupils or 17.7 per cent. of the enrollment are below grade. To bal- ance this we find 13 pupils or 6.6 per cent. are above grade. In a city school system this preponderance of retardation over acceleration would call for investigation, but it seems to be what one should expect under conditions such as
106
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
face teachers having from three to five grades in her room and a comparatively short day to do her work in. Had we a single grade to each teacher, or even two grades per teach- er no doubt these figures would change. With proper con- centration such an arrangement would be possible without adding to our present teaching force. This is Norwell's most pressing problem. Excellent progress has been made: now for the final step.
Age and Grade Distribution Showing Acceleration and Retardation
Age
5 6 7 8 9
10
:11
12
13
14 15
16
17
18 O.A
Per cent.
U. A
Per cent.
T
Grade
1
I
| 11
|7 |1
-
II
10
7 |3
| 3
15
20
III
5
13
4
1
1
1 6
25
1
24
IV
1 7
5
1
1
2
2
14
16 | 4
16
25
VI
4 7
5
5
2
7
30
4
17
23
VII
7
5 |
2 |1
1 3
20
1
15
VIII
-
4 | 6 |3 |1|
1 1
1 7 | 4
28
14
1st
15
11 | 4 |
1
1 5
24
21
2d
1 . | 1 |4
| 1 |
1
1
11
1
11
9
3d
1
| 4 |1|
|1 |1
16.7
-
6
4th
1 5 3|
-
T
11 17
13 27 27 10 23 16 14 17 11 6 5 1 34
17.7
I
13
6.6
198
-
1
14
V
1
4 |14
3 1
4
-
-
1 4
-
TOWN OF NORWELL
107
1
19
| 1
53
I
-
8
KEY-Heavy leading diagonally across table indicates normal age limits for the various grades; O. A. indicates retarded or over age pupils; U. A. indicates accelerated or under age pupils ; T column on right shows numbers in various grades; T column at bottom shows totals of that age in school; 1st, 20, 30, Ith indicate High School classes.
108
SIXTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL
Elsewhere will be found the report of the Principal of the High School. It is not my purpose to duplicate his efforts. Modesty may deter him from saying what should be said; that the administration of that school is highly sat- isfactory. Remarkably good work is being done under deplorably poor conditions. A new building is a very press- ing need. Nearly everything is bad about the building now in use, so far as school purposes are concerned. There is not a single classroom fit for the purpose that it serves. Ventilation is bad and lighting is worse, and the location is far from desirable.
GENERAL
The eye and ear tests have been made as required by law. and where necessary notices have been sent to parents. It is to be regretted that too frequently these notices are dis- regarded. It seems a reasonable supposition, that if such rough tests as teachers are required to give indicate need of attention to either of these very important senses, it behooves the parents to heed the warning lest a worse condition follow.
An endeavor is being made to unify the textbooks in use in the various schools. A generous appropriation for this purpose will be needed for the coming year. In rural schools where a teacher's time is divided among so many grades, pupils are particularly dependent on their books. They should have the best and a good variety.
It is to be regretted that the present school year has been so badly broken up. Teachers and pupils will be forced to work under greater pressure than usual and even then the full year's work will hardly be done. Parents should see to it that the children lose no hour of school without extraordi- nary reason. When it becomes absolutely necessary for a
109
TOWN OF NORWELL
child to be absent it is the duty of parents to see that an ex- planation of such absence reaches the teacher.
Two live associations of parents and teachers in one small town is an excellent evidence of its progressive spirit. These associations should receive support, and have an attendance on meetings, second to no union of individuals in any cause whatsoever. This is a duty hardly second to the religious duty.
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