USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1920-1929 > Part 41
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These necessary expenditures are in addition to the reg- ular running expenses but we trust you will agree with us that they are necessary to keep up the standard of our schools. It is only with this aim in view that we give of our time and energy.
Respectfully submitted,
NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Sec. GRACE DINSMOOR, BENJAMIN LORING
School Superintendent
To the School Committee of the Town of Norwell :
I submit with pleasure my fourth annual report as super- intendent of schools of the Town of Norwell.
SCHOOL SAVINGS
Great interest has been exhibited by the teachers and pu- pils in the school savings system introduced this fall in the schools of Norwell through the co-operation of the South Scituate Savings Bank.
Following is a report of what has been accomplished since the inauguration of the system.
Total amount deposited October 4 to December
31, 1927 $657 60
Average monthly deposits 219 20
Average weekly deposits 54 80
Average number of weekly depositors 165
Average per cent of pupils depositing each week 62%
DISTRIBUTION OF CHILDREN
Our pupils are comfortably distributed with slightly crowded conditions in but two spots. The distribution of children in the classrooms of the town is not a problem such as many towns have to contend with. The situation
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TOWN OF NORWELL
in the high school remains comfortable. In the grammar department, the only crowded spot is the former library room occupied by the eighth grade.
At the Center Primary School, the number of pupils entering the first grade being much smaller than the preced- ing year, both rooms have reasonable numbers. The pri- mary room at Ridge Hill, which had 21 pupils two years ago, has at the present time 46 pupils.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Our high and grammar building is much improved by the attention given the grounds. Norwell has a central school building which compares more than favorably with the average in the small town.
To thoroughly modernize the school plant, attention should be given to the Center Primary and Ridge Hill Schools. To avoid too much expense at one time, a single improvement might be made in a building each year. We owe suitable facilities to our smaller children as well as to our older boys and girls.
THE TEACHING STAFF
Two changes in the high school faculty occurred during the past year. Mr. Edwin Phillips, principal, who had served faithfully and efficiently for two years, resigned to accept a position in Florida. After interviewing a large number of candidates, the School Committee elected as principal to succeed Mr. Phillips, Mr. Willis B. Gifford of West Tisbury, Massachusetts. Mr. Gifford is a graduate of Rhode Island State College and has also studied at Brown University. He has taught at Thompson, Connec- ticut; Edgartown, Massachusetts; and Turners Falls,, Mas-
126
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
sachusetts. Mr. Hollis E. Clow resigned to enter Yale Medical School. His place was filled by the election of Mr. Irving C. Keene of North Weymouth. Mr. Keene is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont.
In the grammar school, Miss Florence M. Mortimer re- signed to accept a more lucrative position in Watertown. Miss Josephine L. Hatch of Rockland, a graduate of the Les- ley Normal School, was elected to fill the vacancy. The large number of pupils at the Ridge Hill School necessi- tated the employment of an assistant. To fill this post, Miss Alice L. Blossom, of Norwell, a graduate of Norwell High School, was appointed.
Miss Dorothy M. Kanrich, supervisor of music and phy- sical training, resigned to take up other studies. The need of supervision in drawing being felt strongly, and because of the obvious impossibility of acquiring a full time teacher capable of giving adequate instruction in music, physical training, and drawing, the School Committee appointed sep- arate supervisors for these subjects. Mrs. Pansy E. Stet- son of Hanover Center, whose training was acquired at the New England Conservatory of Music, and who has had long and successful experience in near-by towns, was ap- pointed as supervisor of music. Miss Christine J. Drisko of Lubec, Maine, a senior at the Massachusetts School of Art, was appointed supervisor of drawing. Miss Drisko is also a graduate of the Washington (Maine) State Nor- mal School and has taught at Lubec and Cutler, Maine. Miss Elizabeth Morris, of Wollaston, a senior in the three year course at the Posse-Nissen School was appointed su- pervisor of physical training.
I feel very much gratified with the composition of the teaching staff. We have a well-trained, efficient, and cap- able staff of teachers in Norwell. The teachers are ever
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TOWN OF NORWELL
eager to co-operate in any undertaking promising the ad- vancement of the school system.
ENROLMENT
The enrolment figures remain substantially the same as those of last year.
The enrolment in detail as of October 1, 1927 as is fol- lows :
Norwell High School
60
Seniors
13
Juniors
10
Sophomores
20
Freshmen
17
Norwell Grammar School
111
Grade VIII
33
Grade VII
18
Grade VI
22
Grade V
29
Grade IV
9
Norwell Center Primary School
59
Grade IV
12
Grade III
13
Grade II
20
Grade I
14
Ridge Hill School
46
Grade III
15
Grade II
14
Grade I
17
Total
276
NORWELL AGE AND GRADE DATA AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1927
BOYS
Age
5 6
7
8
9 10
11 12
13
14
15 16
17 18
19 Total
Grade
I
5
7
1
13
II
9
8
1
18
III
4
3
3
1
11
IV
4
4 3 1
12
V
3
8
3
1
1
16
VI
5
6
1
12
VII
2
1
4
1
1
9
VIII
4
9
7
1
21
IX
1
4
3
2
10
X
3
4
3
10
XI
3
1
1
5
XII
1
1
2
Total
5
16
13
4
10
20
10
14
14
14
11
6
2
139
128
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
NORWELL AGE AND GRADE DATA AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1927
GIRLS
Age
5 6 7
8 9
10
11
12
13
14 15
16 17 18 19 Total
Grade
I
9 7
1
1
18
II
8
6
1
1
16
III
8
8
1
17
IV
3
4
2
9
V
3
8
1
1
13
VI
2
6
2
10
VII
3
1
1
2
2
9
VIII
4
7
1
12
IX
3
3
1
7
X
2
3
3
1
1
10
XI
1
2
1
1
5
XII
7
1
2
1
11
Total
9 15 15 12
8
15
9
9
14
8
8
9
2
2
2
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TOWN OF NORWELL
129
130
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL
The work of the high school has continued with the us- ual efficiency. Our new principal has demonstrated marked ability in administration. The faculty has continued to function ably.
The Norwell High School is rated as a Class A High School acredited by the State Department of Education and the New England College Entrance Certificate Board.
The extra-curricular activities have been carried on ef- fectively as in the past few years.
I should like to see instruction in domestic science and manual arts included in the high school curriculum.
An improved high school reference library is needed, as the state supervisor of high schools has stated.
The school lunch has been operated capably this year as in past recent years.
New desks and chairs have been provided in the commer- cial room, leaving only the laboratory in need of suitable furniture. Modern laboratory tables are needed badly. Slate blackboards have been purchased for two of the rooms so that now all of the rooms will be equipped with slate boards.
A more detailed report of the needs and accomplish- ments of the high school is given by Principal Willis B. Gifford in his report.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
During the past year, the work of the elementary schools
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TOWN OF NORWELL
has been carried on with the usual efficiency, perhaps even a little more so. All teachers have carefully constructed programs, follow a uniform course of study, and keep plan books which give attention to the aim and procedure of the lessons taught. Uniformity in the text books used in the town is a matter of importance which is receiving attention.
Additional supplementary reading material is a general need. A table in each room containing books for "brows- ing" would be a desirable asset.
Instruction in physical education and in manual training in the grades are needs which I hope the town will feel financially able to afford to fulfill at some future time.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS
Meetings of the teachers of the superintendency union consisting of Hanover, Hanson, and Norwell have been held regularly during the year. One feature of the meetings this year has been the issuance of a set of Superintendent's Bul- letins to Teachers, the object of the bulletins being to assist in the supervision and administration of the schools by providing the teachers of the district with a complete and permanent memorandum of the details connected therewith. Professional reading is required of all teachers.
The Hanover-Hanson-Norwell Teacher's Club, affiliat- ed with the State Federation of Teachers' Clubs, has been carried on successfully, during the year. A substantial contribution was made to the teachers' home, Riverbank Lodge, in Sherbon. On the social side, a Christmas party attended by the teachers of the three towns was held in December at which thirty-eight were present.
132
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
ALL NEW ENGLAND ARITHMETIC CONTEST
The pupils in grades three to seven have participated in the State Wide Arithmetic Contests arranged and carried through by the School of Education of Boston University.
The results obtained have been satisfactory, the scores attained by the pupils of Norwell comparing favorably with those of other towns and cities in the state.
SIGHT AND HEARING TESTS
As usual, in accordance with state law, the pupils of Nor- well were given sight and hearing tests early in the school year and the results reported to the superintendent of schools.
The combined reports of the teachers for the past two years follows :
1926
1927
Number of pupils examined
282
277
Number found defective in eyesight
34
30
Number found defective in hearing
3
7
Number of parents or guardians notified 34
34
STATE CLINIC
The annual examination of mentally retarded children was held as required by state law. Eight Norwell children were recommended for examination last year. Reports from this examination received this year showed seven of these to be three or more years mentally retarded. The state law requires a special class if there are ten or more such children.
This year five children were recommended for examina-
133
TOWN OF NORWELL
tion. Examination was made of one of these who had not been examined last year by the state clinic. The others were not re-examined. Reports have not yet been receiv- ed giving the results of this year's examination.
LOCAL COST OF SCHOOL OPERATION
I should like to emphasize again the difference between the amount of money expended for schools and the net local cost to the town for schools. A considerable amount of money is received which reduces the cost of operating the schools to the town.
The town received reimbursiments this past year as fol- lows :
Part I General School Fund $1 900 00
Part 11 General School Fund 3 478 20
Superintendent's Salary and Expenses 692 37
High School Grant 1 142 85
Tuition of State Wards 554 67
Tuition of City of Boston Wards 73 56
County of Plymouth, 1926 Dog License Refund 446 43
Town of Rockland, Tuition
82 50
Total Receipts on Account of Schools $8 370 58
It may be seen than that the net cost of school opera- tion to Norwell is over eight thousand dollars less than the amount expended for schools.
GENERAL STATISTICS
The following figures taken from the annual report of the State Department of Education for the school year ending June 30, 1927 for the Town of Norwell are again includ- ed for what general interest they may contain.
134
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Populations, State Census, 1925 1 466
Valuation as of April 1, 1926 $1 740 975 00 Average number of days school were in session 176
Expenditure for school support from local taxation per $1000 valuation 11 32
Expenditure for support of schools from all sources per pupil in net average membership 103 69
Expenditure for support of schools from local taxation per pupil in net average membership $76 65
THE OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION
Seven objectives of education have come to be universal- ly recognized. They are :
1. Health.
2. Command of Fundamental Processes.
3. Training in Citizenship.
4. Vocational Guidance.
5. Worthy Home Membership.
6. Worthy Use of Leisure.
7. Ethical Character.
We are striving in Norwell as our resources and oppor- tunities permit to come nearer to a realization of these ob- jectives, ever bearing in mind that the study of books' should not be our sole consideration.
THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD
The school department recognizes the child as the center of the school system, the object of instruction for which teachers, buildings, text books, and all the rest exist. It is our intent to make the services of the school fit more exact- ly the needs of the individual child. One big handicap in
135
TOWN OF NORWELL
attaining this end is the size of the recitation groups. A teacher who has forty pupils to instruct has scarcely time for much individual instruction.
"The old education assumed a standard type of child- hood and provided, but one pathway for its development. Modern education recognizes an infinite variety of child- hood and offers many pathways, so that each may find a road suitable for its progress."
CONCLUSION
In bringing to a close this report, I wish to express again my appreciation of the support and guidance given me by the School Committee, the loyalty and service of the teach- ers, and the co-operation of parents and pupils evidenced in so many ways during the year ended.
I recommend to your careful consideration the reports of the other school officers which follow.
Respectfully submitted,
LEON M. FARRIN,
Superintendent of Schools
High School Principal
Mr. Leon M. Farrin, Superintendent of Schools :
My report as Principal of the Norwell High School must be rather general since my connection with that school has been of brief duration, merely four months. Furthermore, I cannot but feel that a report to either the Superintendent or the School Committee is a bit superfluous since each has been exceptionally attentive and has kept well posted in school matters through frequent visits and consultations.
To date sixty pupils have been enrolled though our pres- ent enrollment is but fifty-six. Each of the four withdraw- als has been due to a change of residence. In other words, no one has found this school so non-beneficial that he has left. I will take this opportunity, however, to predict the not far distant withdrawal of two or three, who, from some cause or another, are not adapted to fulfill successfully those requirements which should be met if a pupil is to be a de- sirable member of this organization. In this school a pupil is earnestly and sincerely influenced to stay just SO long as it is believed he will be better off here than elsewhere and just so long as he gets from this school enough benefit to offset the benefits which he, because of one or another indi- vidual idiosyncracy, may keep others from receiving. If, however, he proves himself a nuisance, a drone, or otherwise a social burden who does not care to or can not be influenced to adapt himself to the conditions and to the mode of the majority he should and will be advised to occupy a space less
137
TOWN OF NORWELL
valuable, socially and financially. Last year it cost $183.00 per pupil to maintain this high school. By no means can we measure success in education or in learning by dollars and cents, but occasionally we can say to a pupil, "Your benefits from school DO or DO NOT warrant your remaining en- rolled as a pupil in this school." Since I believe that the greatest good for the greatest number should be realized, I deem it unfair to the tax payers, to worthy pupils, to teach- ers, and even to the pupil himself to allow any pupil to re- main in school if by so doing the efficiency of this school to the community is lessened.
What is the function of this school in the community ? In other words what is our goal, if any? Though no goal has been designated at which I should focus all effort I sincerely feel that that goal at which I am trying to steer this ship with its valuable cargo of young humanity is the ultimate port of Good Citizenship beyond which and incidental to which may lie College Preparation, Business Training, or other forms of specialized education. It has been said that civilization is a race between education and catastrophe. The well known Dr. Bobbitt says, "The business of education to- day is to teach the growing individuals, so far as their orig- inal natures will permit, to perform efficiently those activ- ities which constitute the latest and highest level of civil- ization." Years ago John Ruskin wrote, "Education does not mean teaching people what they do not know. It means teaching them to behave as they do not behave. It is not teaching the youth the shapes of the letters and tricks of numbers, and then leaving them to turn their literature to lust. It means, on the contrary, training them into the per- fect exercise and kingly continence of their bodies and souls. It is a painful, continual and difficult work to be done by kindness, by watching, by warning, by precept, and by praise, but above all-by example."
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SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
What has Norwell High School to offer in the way of this training for good citizenship? First, allow me to say that it has four conscientious teachers who give generously of their time in any worthy field where there is the slightest amount of student interest. The three assistant teachers teach six full successive periods five days a week and reserve a sev- enth period daily for some special outside activity, with an occasional additional period after school for still other ex- tra-curriculum activities which will help to develop the well rounded, versatile, independent, alert American citizen.
Three distinct courses are offered. Each is designed for specific training though this is subordinated when necessary to emphasize that higher training already mentioned. The College Preparatory course offers the opportunity to pre- pare for practically any college in the country. The General course is designed chiefly for those who desire a more or less practical background for the duties coming to them after graduation. It does not aim to prepare for college, though, with a careful selection of subjects one might use it for such. The Commercial course, at present enrolling the majority of the students, offers specific training in commercial work and office practice. In this the student receives training in business arithmetic, operations and methods, along with practical experience in bookkeeping and banking. These courses overlap in places and yet are distinctly separate in that each has certain definite required courses of study. Ex- tra-curriculum activities deserve and receive a definite place A. A. Douglass says, "Such activities are now regarded as truly educative. In fact the position is often maintained that they contribute just as effectively if not more effectively to- wards the realization of the aims of secondary education than do the regular studies." Of these activities Norwell High School has a generous assortment which offers every- one an opportunity to receive training as varied as the pupils themselves. These activities along with the several courses will be discussed individually.
139
TOWN OF NORWELL
The College Preparatory Course offers ample prepara- tions to the extent of the standard requirement of four years of English and one year of American History, four years of Latin, three of French, three of Science, and three of Math- ematics in addition to various electives including other cour- ses in History, Drawing, and several commercial subjects such as shorthand and type writing which are of advantage to any college student. (These latter studies are taken in this course merely as electives and may not be substituted for credit in replacing required courses. Some ambitious students take an extra course each year though this is rarely recommended and seldom allowed.) The students who com- pose this group in the class of 1928 give excellent promise of being successful in continuing their studies in higher insti- tutions of learning next year. I await with confidence the reports of their progress and success.
The General Course, rarely elected, allows a liberal choice of electives, which, however, must be chosen after consul- tation with and advise from a teacher. This course is of value to those who appear to give little promise of complet- ing four years of work. With this elasticity such as a pupil may be given work which will more nearly fit his particu- lar mental makeup than will any non-flexible course des- igned for a group.
Our Commercial Course I consider second to none con- sidering the size of the school . Our instructor is not the typical commercial teacher but one who has received college training in addition to education in her specialties at other schools. This college training gives her a far broader view point in addition to making her certified to teach certain courses in English and Mathematics, truly a valuable asset in any commercial teacher. The department is well equip- ped with apparatus though no extravagance has been shown. Care has been taken to have three leading standard makes
140
SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
of typewriters that students may receive training which will prepare them for practically any modern office. Other pieces of apparatus in the department by means of which the stu- dents receive training for their work are the "Mimeograph" which has been recently renovated and the new "Ditto," an- other modern and leading office duplicating machine. Al- ready this department has on its shelves cups significant of successful scholastic competition and it is now preparing for coming competition in which it is confident it will again suc- ceed and bring credit to the town and to the school. Through the kindness of the South Scituate Savings Bank officials certain members of the Senior class have been given the op- portunity to manipulate certain machines which a high school of this size can not afford to purchase. We are proud of our Commercial Department and feel confident that our graduates will compare favorably with those of high schools of much larger enrollment. Some of these students desire to take and are preparing for further instructions in this work in schools specializing in commercial training. Others are planing to go directly to positions after graduation.
In general, throughout every course each student is re- quired to study English. We believe that a student should be able to read, understand, write, and express himself clear- ly in the popular tongue of the land. Here each teacher, laboring under handicaps, endeavors to be an English teach- er whether the medium through which he approaches the subject be History, Latin, Mathematics or commercial sub- jects, each of which presents ample opportunity for training in clear and concise expression of thought. Results in this are slow to realize since the teacher is in actual contact with the pupil but a small portion of the time. Once outside of the classroom many pupils forget the previous minutes of instruction. This, with occasional indifference on the part of parents at home, renders of much less value training which if utilized and practised might prove of considerable
141
TOWN OF NORWELL
value later. An excellent and practical course in Civics is offered to all and accepted by the majority of the pupils. American History is required of all students. In addition there are many other courses such as those in Languages, Mathematics, Science, and commercial subjects, making a total of twenty-three individual courses which is more than liberal for a school of this size.
A "non-too-observant citizen" through rumor or casual sight might be led to believe that class instruction is too often curtailed for other activities. These activities, to be men- tioned, are to the teachers the most difficult and trying to put across. Never is class instruction limited by crowding in other activities unless it is felt that it will be for the ulti- mate good of most of the pupils.
Thrift. A period each week is devoted to banking. Through the courtesy of the South Scituate Savings Bank students of the school are able to participate in a school sav- ings program. Contrary to the opinion of many a layman this in itself is in no way a source of revenue to the bank. It is merely to stimulate thrift amongst the young people. The details of the work are executed by members of the Commercial Department under the direct supervision of the instructor and are further checked by the bank officials. In connection with this work the students each week are en- abled to receive training in office practice, filing, and the use of certain office appliances such as the adding machine and others.
Lunchroom. Though no credit toward graduation is given for work in the lunchroom the various duties are divided amongst the members of the Senior Class. Our simple menu is ready for the inspection of the most critical. The food itselfs is clean, wholesome, and appetizing, and is served in generous portions at practically cost. The sale of
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