USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1926 > Part 9
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Two general inspections of our sewerage system have been made dur- ing the year to ascertain whether an accumulation of sewerage was build- ing up, particularly on lines where only a few houses are connected. In a few instances a systematic process of cleaning and flushing was found necessary to thoroughly clear lines that were partially blocked.
Twenty-four house connections have been constructed during the year by the sewer department men with a total length of 1587.60 feet. The number of houses which are now connected with the sewerage system is equivalent to about 52% of the total number of connections available from the present sewers. This is an increase of 4% over last year. There are 43 connections constructed in past years that can be completed whenever the property owners desire, and 109 have been run either to the curb or sideline of the street to obviate the expense of such work after resurfacing the highways. There still remains 169 connections possible for which no applications have been made by the owners of the property.
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RECOMMENDATIONS:
There will be required a one-ton truck to replace the one that the Dept. has had since 1918 and which is now beyond the point where it can be economically repaired.
I recommend an extension of the main sewer from the junction of Temple and Woburn Streets, in Temple Street to Summer Avenue, and the interceptor from Temple Street to Morgan Court, a greater part of which will be necessary on account of the construction of the new Junior High School. This work should be done by contract.
PARK DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Public Works:
Gentlemen :- The following is the yearly report of the Park Depart- ment :
General Appropriation
$ 2,600.00 Expended :
Memorial Park
Pay Roll, care of Park
$ 709.63
Pay Roll, Supervised Play
700.00
Bills
596.53
Total
$ 2,006.16
Common and Main Street Parks
Pay Roll, care of Parks
66.49
Bills
171.14
Total $ 237.63
Leach Park
Pay Roll
$ 43.44
Bills
0.00
Total
$ 43.44
Summary Expenditures :
Total Pay Rolls
$ 1,519.56
Total Bills
767.67
Total
$ 2,287.23
Balance
$ 312.77
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By closing the gate in the dam early in the fall of 1925, a large area was flooded in the open brook section of Memorial Park, which afforded good skating before the heavy snow storms came in the early part of the month of February.
On April 26, the general care of the grounds and minor necessary re- pairs to the barn were begun to make ready for the coming season. Par- ticular care was given to both entrances (Main and Salem Streets) and to that portion used by the children during the summer months for their activities. This section was kept constantly mown, raked and picked up and the walks constantly repaired with sugar gravel, which was available at the park.
A larger area was taken care of this year than ever before. This was made possible by having a power lawn mower which the town purchased in the fall of 1925. At the close of the season, the old wooden bridge leading to Harrison Street was done away with, it having become danger- ous to use, a solid wall of heavy fieldstone, cinders and sand was substi- tuted. The barn was repaired by shingling it on the south and west walls and some work was done on the roof. It was found necessary to purchase a new slide for the children, the old one having become badly cracked in many places and too dangerous to use another year. The gate in the dam was closed early in the fall and a large area flooded and is now being used for skating.
The success of the summer activities at Memorial Park is attributed to Mrs. Gay and Mrs. Thompson of the Reading Woman's Club, who gave unlimited time, effort and personal care to the work. The Board of Public Works wishes to express their sincere appreciation to these two ladies for their untiring efforts.
Common, Leach and Main Street Parks
The Common and Main Street Parks were kept mown, raked and picked up during the year and the trees were taken care of by Mr. Donegan. At the end of the season minor repairs to the band-stand were made and a new flag pole halyard was secured for the flag pole.
Special attention was given to Leach Park this year, and it was kept in better condition than for several years past.
Recommendations
1. That the same appropriation be made for the Park Dept. for 1927 as was made this year.
2. That the flag pole and band-stand on the Common be painted.
3. That new trees be set out on the Common to replace those which have died this past year.
The following is a report of the Reading Woman's Club of Playground activities at Memorial Park :
120
Report of Playground Committee
The eighth season of the Reading Playground opened on the afternoon of June 30, 1926, with informal exercises. Mrs. Gay speaking for the Reading Woman's Club, greeted all and asked for the co-operation of the children, the parents and the instructors.
We were very fortunate in again securing Mrs. Margaret Tyacke of Medford as Supervisor and the same corps of assistants that served last year. Mrs. Lulu Johnson of Melrose was engaged to instruct the children in crepe paper work, and during the opening exercises she gave a very good description of her work as planned. Various games were played and the afternoon ended with the usual treat of ice-cream cones to the four hundred children and friends attending.
As in previous years, each day had its own special work or class. Monday morning was devoted to the basketry classes under the direction of Miss Eva Webb of Reading.
Wednesday, a story hour was held under the direction of Mrs. Ida Lucas, many ladies giving their time to entertain the children. Also on this day a special program was arranged by Mrs. Tyacke and her assistants for the entertainment of the mothers and friends of the children.
On Thursday morning, Mrs. Johnson had her crepe paper class, and much interest was shown. The afternoon was given to the women of Reading, and those desiring instruction paid fifty cents a lesson to Mrs. Johnson.
The other days were given over to games and tournaments, the chil- dren working for medals and letters. Folk dancing was a special feature of the summer, the children taking advantage of the new piano given the Playground by the Reading Woman's Club, and the new floor that had been laid during the winter in the Community Building. Mr. Barclay organized a baseball team, and it had its practice on the Town Field. Various games were played with out of town teams. One day was given over to the champion teams of the Boston Playgrounds. Our Reading children held their own, winning several of the games, thus showing the result of their fine instruction. These contests were in baseball, tennis, squash ball, etc.
Little equipment was needed and very few repairs required. Mrs. Tyacke and her assistants were greatly aided in their work by the stop- watch purchased by the committee, as it enabled them to accurately time the races, running, etc.
On the morning of August 19th, the Playground Committee presented at the Reading Theatre a program planned by the Massachusetts Safety Council. This consisted of songs and dances by various children from the Playground, a talk by Miss Greenwood, a film comedy and safety pictures. The children and public were invited to attend free. The Woman's Club paid for the use of the film, the Committee paid the organist and operator. The proprietors gave the use of the theatre and the committee feel these gentlemen were very kind.
121
The first of August, work began on the crepe paper dresses which were to be worn in the parade to be held as a closing feature. Mrs. John- son had the co-operation of the mothers, and gave Tuesday afternoons free of charge to them to make the costumes. The Playground closed August 25 with a parade, starting at the Park, passing through Reading Square and back to the Playground, where the children took part in the exercises planned by Mrs. Tyacke, Mrs. Johnson and the assistants. The music was furnished by Mrs. Terry of Everett. Prizes were awarded for the prettiest costumes and letters were given both boys and girls for their athletic work during the season.
The Committee in charge feel that the interest, spirit and the co- operation of the Playground has increased each year and much more has been accomplished this past year. At the close of the season it was found that a new slide was needed and this purchase was made.
Once more the Committee wishes to thank the Board of Public Works for its ever ready advice and assistance. All who have in any way helped to make the summer so very successful have the sincere thanks of the Committee.
HELEN L. THOMPSON KATHRYN E. GAY
Joint Chairmen
A. GERTRUDE KILLAM President Reading Woman's Club
To the Board of Public Works:
The Playground Committee would recommend that the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) be appropriated by the Town of Reading for the work assigned to it.
It would suggest that the sum be not definitely divided for salaries and expenses.
HELEN L. THOMPSON KATHRYN E. GAY
Joint Chairmen
A. GERTRUDE KILLAM
President Reading Woman's Club
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REPORT OF EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
To the Board of Public Works:
Gentlemen :- The following is the yearly report of the executive office : Appropriation Expended :
$ 5,100.00
Salaries and Misc. Supplies $ 5,099.81
Total
$ 5,099.81
Balance
$ .19
The following table shows the expenditures made this past year in all Departments, the pay roll of each, and the entire expenditures of the Board of Public Works.
Bd. Public Water
Works
Dept.
Highway Dept.
Sewer Dept. $3,345.92 $1,519.56
Park Dept.
Totals $51,009.32
Pay Roll $4,596.00 $17,274.83 $24,273.01
Bills 503.81
40,844.09
69,985.92
15,897.35
767.67
127,998.84
Totals $5,099.81 $58,118.92 $94,258.93 $19,243.27 $2,287.23 $179,008.16
The following list of unpaid bills are being held for thirty-day pay- ment, the materials ordered to be used in 1927 and charged up to next year's accounts
Name of Concern
Account
Amount
Banker & Tradesman
Water
$ 10.00
Chandler & Farquher Co.
4.41
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co
58.50
L. W. Dickinson & Son
Highway
.68
L. W. Dickinson & Son
66
2.16
L. W. Dickinson & Son -
Water
1.16
Lumsden & Van Stone Co.
39.00
Mead-Morrison Mfg. Co.
Snow and Ice
96.00
National Meter Co.
Water
49.80
National Meter Co.
11.15
Red-Hed Mfg. Co.
270.00
Standard Oil Co.
36.40
Sullivan Mch. Co.
66
43.05
Walsh's Holyoke Steam Boiler Works
Snow and Ice
23.00
Wendell Bancroft & Co.
Sewer
33.50
Wendell Bancroft & Co.
3.52
In closing this report, the Superintendent wishes to express his ap- preciation of the co-operation and interest of all those in any way asso- ciated with him in carrying on his work, and to acknowledge the helpful suggestions and assistance which he has received from other Department heads in the Town. HARRY B. COLLINS, Superintendent.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
For the Year Ended December 31
1926
124
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Albert R. Shepardson, Ch., 48 King St. Mrs. Josephine H. Fowler, 65 Temple St. Mrs. Ruth A. Lumsden, 116 Summer Ave. Mrs. Marion B. Temple, 55 Hill Crest Rd. Dr. Harold A. Carnes, 39 Grand St. Malcolm C. Davis, 12 Federal St.
Term Expires 1928
Term Expires 1928
Term Expires 1927
Term Expires 1927
Term Expires 1929 Term Expires 1929
School Committee Office, High School
Clerk, Margaret Hunt Residence-30 Hill Crest Rd. Office Hours, 8.30 a. m. to 4 p. m., except on Saturdays, 9 to 12 a. m.
Superintendent of Schools
Adelbert L. Safford, Office-High School Residence-26 Middlesex Ave. Office Hours, 9.00 to 9.30 a. m. on school days.
Supervisor of Standards and Guidance
Ida C. Lucas, 435 Franklin St. Office-High School
Attendance Officer
Abigail H. Mingo, 123 Haven St. Office-High School
School Physician
Charles R. Henderson, M. D. 126 Woburn St.
School Nurse
Mabel M. Brown, R. N. Office-High School
Residence-84 Fellsway East, Malden
Janitors
Salaries
High School, Charles W. Richardson, 107 Haven St.
$1,560.00
Matron: Mrs. Ara Pratt, 29 Orange' St.
1,040.00
Highland School, Jesse W. Hutchinson, 79 Bancroft Ave.
1,560.00
Matron: Mrs. Emma Tibbetts, 13 School St. 780.00
Center School, Edward W. MeBrien, 18 Salem St. 1,560.00
Union St. School, Edward W. MeBrien
Lowell St. School, Sylvanus L. Thompson, 8 Intervale Ter.
1,040.00
Prospect St. School, J. Fred Richardson, 17 Prospect St. 1,040.00
Chestnut Hill School, Harry S. Lovejoy, 47 Hopkins St.
520.00
125
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1926
To the Citizens of Reading:
The past year has been a very busy one for the School Committee, and has brought many unusual problems. Chief among them has been the prep- aration for the readjustment which will take place when the Junior High School is transferred to the new building, and the 6-3-3 year program is put in operation. Careful study has been given this subject by the Super- intendent and the High and Junior High School Principals, with relation to courses of study and reorganization of the teaching staff. The Com- mittee have also carefully considered the financial phases of this reorganiza- tion.
Much time and thought has necessarily been spent upon the problems arising in connection with the arrangement and furnishing of the new building.
Some changes have been made in the methods of handling the business of the department. The Committee holds weekly meetings; and at each meeting passes upon all bills received, and is in constant touch with the department finances.
A large number of changes have been made in the text books; changes that would have been made several years ago but for the pressure for funds for other uses.
The study of the needs of the backward pupils has been extended, and the work the department is doing in this way is already producing marked results.
The committee also have under consideration the best use to be made of the rooms to be vacated at the Highland School; at all' events we shall be able to relieve the strain upon some teachers who now have 45 to 50 pupils under their charge.
An evening school has been started, and is meeting a long felt need. This work will be extended from time to time, as the demand increases.
An increase in the teaching staff and number of janitors will be in- evitable when the new building is opened; but the committee do not expect the cost of maintenance of the department to be increased; in fact we have asked for slightly less than was asked in 1926.
For the School Committee:
ALBERT R. SHEPARDSON, Chairman HAROLD A. CARNES MALCOLM C. DAVIS JOSEPHINE L. FOWLER
RUTH A. LUMSDEN MARION B. TEMPLE
126
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, 1926
To the Honorable, The School Committee
of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts.
In several respects, the year of nineteen hundred twenty-six appears to have been a very important one in the progress of the Reading Public Schools. In the future, seen in perspective, this year is likely to be regarded as the beginning of a new epoch ushered in by four outstanding developments: 1-Changes in the School Committee and its procedures, including the accession of a new chairman and two new members, a new form of organization as committee of the whole without standing sub- committees, new rules and regulations based on the recommendations of the state department of education, and weekly meetings of the school committee for the authorization of expenditures, approval of bills, re- ceiving of reports, conference with the superintendent and other employees, and the consideration of any other matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools. 2-The adoption of the three-year Junior High School and the erection of a suitable new building for its use thereby incidentally relieving crowded conditions in the Elementary Schools by giving over the Highland School entirely for the use of elementary grades. 3-Extension of the Personnel Service to Pupils by organizing the Opportunity School of individualized instruction and learning by doing for the benefit of pupils not getting on successfully in class groups and by the addition of a new Assistant Director of Standards and Guidance in order to extend to other schools,-particularly to elementary grades-the methods of individ- ualized instruction; to promote a more extensive use of objective and standardized tests in the Junior High School and the Senior High School; and to put into operation in the Junior High School and the Senior High School an adaptation of the Allen plan of pupil guidance used in the High School of Providence, R. I. 4-The beginning of Adult Education in Reading Public Schools by the opening of evening classes for adults in the Reading Opportunity School. Individualized instruction was given in these classes as in the other departments of this school. The aim of this method, either among children or among adults, is to make education a release of power from within rather than a mere imposition of fact from without and to give scope to this creative power of the individual unin- terrupted and unhampered by the activities and requirements of other pupils. Education for adults in their spare time at public expense has received scant attention and support in the United States compared with some European countries, notably Denmark. Reading has neglected it heretofore altogether notwithstanding the example set by our near neigh- bors, Wakefield, Stoneham and Woburn, and many other towns and cities in this vicinity. Mr. Frederick P. Keppel writing in "The Yale Review" on "Education for Adults" says: "Our steps in the movement for adult education have been limited almost uniformly to those which will pay
127
and, in the great majority of cases, the enterprise is frankly commercial in character * * * * It means an overwhelming emphasis on vocational courses in which the student can see a quick return for his investment." These vocational courses have "overshadowed and even tended to stifle the educational opportunities which prepare one for living rather than for gaining a livelihood." "What nationally we lack the most, as I see it, is the habit and in most communities the opportunities as well-of consecutive study in some subject for its own sake-history, literature, science, the fine arts, what you will-not to fill the pay envelope, directly or indirectly, but to develop in the student what experience has proved to be one of the most durable satisfactions of human life * * * This overwhelming emphasis on the vocational in our adult education isn't inevitable. In England and in Denmark, the two countries which have most to teach us, the most interesting work is being done in the non-vocational field * * * * If we are not satisfied with things as they are and if we are not fatalists, it is, I submit, well worth while to turn our attention to adult education, not as a means of bringing about the millenium but as an agency of very definite importance in mak- ing life better worth living for the American Citizen." Dr. Joseph K. Hart, Educational Editor of "The Survey" in his monumental volume on "Adult Education" says: "Some take education lightly as if it were a luxury in the general scheme of things. It is not. The task of education -not of children but of the race of men-is the real task of the future- if there is to be a future of our civilization. For this is the undeniable fact: The mind of our age is not equal to the problems of our age * Education is the hardest task facing the human race. It is the task of saving civilization from its own stagnations, its own complacencies, its own dogmatisms, its own decay. It is the task of releasing the inner forces of life; imagination, growth, thought, aspiration, belief in life-so that the healing and vitalizing processes of nature can get onward." Hitherto Reading Public Schools have not been doing their part in this great enterprise so far as it relates to the Education of Adults.
A Brief Review of 1924 and 1925
In the school report for 1924 it was said that "we are in the midst of a period of critical, scientific study and re-organization of education with respect to both its main objectives and its methods of procedure * * * * . The new education aims to educate the whole child, to organize his life and enable him to use his powers with hundred per cent. functioning for promoting the welfare of the world and therein achieving his own happiness and the abiding satisfaction of living. Such a funda- mental re-direction of education involves more or less re-organization and re-adjustment of the educative process." In the same report is a brief summary of the agencies then existing in the schools themselves and of the co-operative agencies outside the schools which were contributing to improved child guidance and the promotion of the new ideals of educa- tion. In the school report for 1925 two major problems of our school
128
situation were presented and discussed: "A suitable building program to satisfy the present and prospective requirements" and "the improve- ment of school methods and procedures to keep pace with the increasing difficulty of pupils in adjusting themselves to life situations in a civiliza- tion constantly becoming more complex and worldly wise."
Advancement in 1926
The year nineteen hundred twenty-six has given increased momentum and scope to efforts to put these policies as outlined into practical operation. The advancement in this work this year has taken the form in part of a greater use of knowledge of the individual pupil gained from intelligence tests and achievement tests and in part of changes in the curriculum and in the text books furnished the pupils for study and for guidance in their projects. During the past year over fifty pupils, whose achievement tests indicated a maturity two or more years ahead of the grade they were in, were given special instruction for rapid advancement and received at the end of the year a double promotion. The work of these pupils after the double promotion has been carefully checked up individually by the Director of Standards and Guidance and I am informed that everyone is succeeding well. This saves a year of their lives for more advanced study or for creative work, and, what is more important still, stimulates these pupils to extend themselves: that is, to use their abilities at their optimum capacities instead of "taking it easy" or dawdling or drifting. The other pupils who did not receive double promotions were benefitted also through a reduction in the size of classes and by more homogeneous grouping with consequent improved adaptation of the instruc- tion to their individual needs.
A steady drive has been made to distinguish between tool-knowledge which is indispensable to the pupil for solving problems, accomplishing projects, and for further advancement (for example, the multiplication tables) and mere exercises of solution of problems which apply knowledge previously acquired. Drills and projects are of course desirable and neces- sary in their places but pupils should not waste time and energy drilling over and over on things they already know nor should they be obliged to stand idly waiting for their slower companions to catch up. The tool- knowledge should be mastered by each one individually, one hundred per cent. perfect, and the time allowed each child should be suited to his individual requirements, regardless of the time needed by others. When the test is passed, the pupil should be given at once the next assignment. The application of tool-knowledge in the solution of problems or in pro- jects may be individual or it may be in co-operative group activities. The integration of the individual to function efficiently in team-work is one of the most important ultimate objectives of education but this is taught best generally in creative enterprises and group projects rather than in connec- tion with the acquisition of the basal knowledge and skills which are the tools for solving problems and accomplishing projects or are fundamental to the understanding of the more advanced phases of the subject. We are chiefly indebted to Superintendent Washburne of Winnetka, Illinois, for
129
our plans for individualizing the teaching of tool-knowledge but we have received valuable suggestions also from Superintendent Stoddard of Bronxville and Scarsdale, New York, from Assistant Superintendent Spain of Detroit, from the Principal of the Dalton, Massachusetts, High School, Mr. Ernest D. Jackman, and from numerous books and magazines includ- ing Wilson's "Education for Responsibility," Agnes de Lima's "Our Enemy the Child" (a condensed outline of the methods in vogue in the principal experimental schools in the United States), Superintendent Wash- burne's "New Schools in the Old World," and Miss Hamaide's "The DeCroly Class, " J. M. MacKinder's "Individual Work in Infant Schools," Collings' "Expeirment with a Project Curriculum." Russia has organized its entire school system in a manner similar to that described by Collings and worked out in practice by the Walden School, New York City, and the Edgewood School for Organic Education at Greenwich, Connecticut. Homogeneous grouping approaches the problem of adapting instruction to individual needs from the direction opposite to that of individualized as- signments. Both methods are of value. We have done most in homogeneous grouping in the first grades and in the Junior High School. We have individualized the work throughout the Opportunity School and in certain classes in the Junior High School and a beginning has been made in the Senior High School and in some of the elementary classes. The technique of procedure is based on a division of essential tool-knowledge into assign- ments which will be in a form that will enable the pupil to proceed, after the assignment, under self-direction (as in a correspondence course) and to check his results enough to estimate his own progress and determine when he should be tested. The second step is to prepare and administer stand- ardized diagnostic tests covering every essential of the assignment. Any failure of the pupil in this test will indicate precisely the part of the assignment which he has not yet mastered. These tests should be divested of every non-essential and one hundred per cent. should be required for passing.
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