USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1908-1913 > Part 6
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23rd. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate money for destruction of gypsy and brown tail moths, and act in relation to the same.
24th. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate money for the repair and equipment of schoolhouses, and act in relation to the same.
25th. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate two hundred and fifty ($250) dollars to purchase extinguishers and other apparatus, the same to be placed with the forest wardens in the various parts of the Town and used for extinguishing forest and building fires, and act in relation to the same.
26th. To see if the Town will vote to purchase a power sprayer to use in the destruction of the moth pests, raise and
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appropriate money therefor, and act in relation to the same.
27th. To see if the Town will vote to purchase safes for the protection and preservation of the records of the various town officers, and act in relation to the same.
28th. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate money for medical inspection in the public schools, and act in relation to the same.
29th. To see if the Town will vote to accept the deeds from Francis W. Banister, Frank C. Drew, J. Henry Fletcher and Amanda T. Fisher, conveying to the Town for highway purposes, certain premises on the Cummings, Providence, and Lowell roads, and act in relation to the same.
30th.
To see if the Town will ratify and approve the arrange- ment made with John C. Abbot in regard to laying a drain in his premises situated upon the northwesterly side of Main street in Westford Centre, as evidenced by a writing, executed by the Selectmen, dated February sixteenth current, and act in relation to the same.
31st.
To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, or a majority thereof, to borrow during the municipal year beginning February first in antici- pation of the collection of taxes of said year such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, but not exceeding the total tax levy for said year, giving the notes of the town therefor, payable within one year from the dates thereof. All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from the taxes of the present municipal year.
32nd. To determine the manner of collecting taxes for the ensu- ing year, also the rate of interest on taxes remaining un- paid at a time to be fixed by vote of the Town, and when
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and how said taxes shall be paid into the treasury, and act in relation to the same.
33rd. To choose a Finance Committee.
34th. To choose all other Town Officers necessary to be chosen by hand vote, and act in relation to the same.
35th. To see if the Town will vote to move the fire house, located in the rear of the Town Hall, to Parkerville and authorize and empower the Selectmen to acquire, by purchase or otherwise a site therefor, and act in relation to the same.
36th. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Fire Engineers to lease for a term of years from the Abbot Worsted Company the premises upon which the fire house at Forge Village now stands together with sufficient land to gain access thereto, and act in relation to the same.
37th. To see what action the Town will take in regard to renovating the Town Hall, and act in relation to the same.
38th. To hear the report of the Finance Committee in regard to the salaries of the various town officers, and act in relation to the same.
39th. By request of the Veteran Association, to see if the Town will appropriate the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) to commemorate Memorial Day, and act in relation to the same.
40th. By request of the citizens of Graniteville, Forge Village, and Parkerville, to see if the town will appropriate the sum of seventy-five dollars ($75) for the purpose of
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distributing books from the Public Library in these three villages, and act in relation to the same.
41st. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to act as its agents in any suit or suits that may arise during the current year, and act in relation to the same.
42nd. To see if the Town will appropriate money for the suppres- sion of the liquor traffic in town and instruct and authorize the Selectmen to employ or appoint Con- stables or Police Officers to enforce the law, and act in relation to the same.
43rd. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to offer a reward of one hundred dollars ($100) for the arrest and conviction of any person or persons setting forest or other fires in town, and act in relation to the same.
44th
To see if the Town will accept the bequest under the will of Eunice F. Mazuzan whereby the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) is given for the perpetual care and main- tenance of a lot in Fairview cemetery, and act in rela- tion to the same.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting up true and attested copies at the Town House and each Depot in said Westford, eight days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of holding the meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this Twenty-fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Nine.
OSCAR R. SPALDING, WESLEY O. HAWKES, EDWARD M. ABBOT, Selectmen of Westford.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF WESTFORD, MASS.
FOR THE
School Year ending February 1, 1909.
WESTFO
TOWN
RI
INCORPO
1729.
R
T. 23
TED
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LOWELL, MASS. COURIER-CITIZEN COMPANY, PRINTERS
1909
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1908-1909.
HOMER M. SEAVEY Term Expires 1909.
CHARLES O. PRESCOTT
Term Expires 1909.
ALBERT R. CHOATE, Chairman
Term Expires 1910.
HENRY B. READ
Term Expires 1910.
WALTER C. WRIGHT, Secretary Term Expires 1911.
JOHN SPINNER .
Term Expires 1911.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
ARTHUR B. WEBBER, Littleton, Mass.
COMMITTEE ON TEXT-BOOKS.
CHARLES O. PRESCOTT, HENRY B. READ.
TEXT-BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
WALTER C. WRIGHT.
TRUANT OFFICERS.
EDSON G. BOYNTON, JOHN A. HEALY.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
CYRIL A. BLANEY, M. D.
3
Report of the School Board.
To the Citizens of Westford:
The School Board herewith presents its annual report.
The past year marks the completion of the new Center school building. The building was finished in the early summer and was ready for occupancy at the beginning of the school year. It is a spacious, four-room building, arranged for two grades in each room, with a warm, well lighted basement, which serves as an excellent lunch and playroom in cold and stormy weather. It is fitted with the most approved heating and ventilating apparatus, as well as a modern sanitary system, and having been newly furnished throughout is a thoroughly up-to-date building of which the town may well be proud. All that is needed now to make the school complete is a suitable playground. The surrounding land is too rough and marshy to be available in its present condition. This should be remedied as soon as possible. By expending a few hundred dollars each year the land could soon be brought into the proper condition for a good athletic field, which would be used by the High School as well as the Grammar School.
The pupils from four of the small outlying districts are now transported in comfortable barges to the Center school and are thus enabled to enjoy the many advantages of a graded school.
At Forge Village the school building has been enlarged by the addition of two more rooms, thus giving another four-room building with two grades in each room. There is also a good basement which can be used for a playroom, and with excellent heating, ventilating and sanitary arrangements, this building will meet the needs of Forge Village for a long time to come. We now have three excellent graded schools, housed in three most satisfactory buildings.
It seemed best to the Committee that these three buildings at Forge Village, Graniteville and the Center should have special names and consequently they have been called the Cameron
4
School, the Sargent School and the William E. Frost School respectively, in memory of three of our late townsmen.
During two months at the beginning of the school year before the building at Forge Village was ready for occupancy, by the courtesy of the Abbot Worsted Company, the sessions of the school were held in their Clubhouse. Although this arrangement was very inconvenient in many respects, still with the able corps of teachers there the work was carried on very satisfactorily.
The conditions at Parkerville, Stony Brook and Nabnassett remain unchanged, excepting that a new heater has been placed in the Stony Brook school building to replace the old one which was very unsatisfactory.
The Committee, in behalf of the Town, wish to express their gratitude to Mrs. John C. Abbot, by whose generosity and painstaking efforts, hot soup and cocoa have been provided through the winter months for those children who are obliged to remain at the school building during the noon recess. This is much appreciated by the sixty or seventy children who bring a cold luncheon.
We wish to call your attention to the reports of the Superin- tendent of Schools, the Principal of the High School and others which follow showing the very satisfactory condition of our schools.
ALBERT R. CHOATE, Chairman.
WALTER C. WRIGHT, Secretary. HOMER M. SEAVEY, HENRY B. READ, CHARLES O. PRESCOTT, JOHN SPINNER.
TEXT-BOOKS AND SUPPLIES FURNISHED.
High School $120 75
The William E. Frost School 128 99
Amount carried forward. $249 74
5
Amount brought forward $249 74
The Sargent School
109 91
The Cameron School
116 31
Nabnassett School
24 22
Stony Brook School
32 59
Parkerville School
36 05
Minot's Corner School
14 75
$583 57
EXPENSE OF SUPERVISION.
Salary paid by Town
$800 00
Rebate from State 625 00
Net cost to Town
$175 00
TEXT-BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Appropriation.
$600 00
Amount expended 592 82
Balance unexpended $ 7 18
APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR FISCAL YEAR 1909-1910.
Schools
$9,114 00
High School
2,600 00
Text-books and supplies
700 00
Miscellaneous
500 00
$12,914 00
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Financial Statement.
INCOME.
Balance unexpended from last year $ 149 92
Appropriation, schools 7,200 00
Appropriation, High School
2,300 00
Tuition from State children
18 00
From State on acct. of Supt. of Schools . .
250 00
From Cavalry Association for coal in Center school 12 50
Income from Mass. School Fund
1,108 40
$11,038 82
EXPENDED.
Tuition for scholars at High School $1,625 00
Teachers 6,378 12
Transportation
1,256 70
Fuel
851 64
Janitor service, cleaning, etc. 824 85
10,936 31
Balance unexpended $ 102 51
7
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
To the School Committee of Westford:
Gentlemen :- I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1908. It is the 17th in the series of superintendents' reports.
The opening of the new building at the Center and the remodelling of the Forge Village schoolhouse have made possible a great increase in the efficiency of the school system. West- ford now has a well graded school system with an almost ideal number of pupils to each teacher thus allowing for a good deal of individual attention.
The work this year is necessarily along lines of adjustment. Owing to the epidemic of last year, and the further handicap because of the prevalence of chicken pox, which interfered with the work of this year, the intermediate classes at the Center are decidedly backward, and the grading is questionable.
The necessary expenditure for new arithmetics, and the increase in the enrollment of the Academy by incorporating the ninth grade in that school has decidedly increased the cost of text-books. Next year new readers and histories will be needed in the grades, and owing to the increase in the Academy a con- siderable outlay will be required for text-books there.
This year we have endeavored to bring into the work more of the constructive spirit. In the study of an industry in each grade in the geography work the children are led to a clearer conception of the relation of mankind to the earth and to each other, and at the same time through the group work a more definite idea of the community interest and cooperative spirit is engendered.
The daily lessons, in scope and character, the methods of the recitation, the modes of expression all tend to a monotonous routine which offers little or no play for the creative intelligence of the child either in thought or deed. To off-set this, various forms of hand work involving the constructive idea have been introduced. In this the practical has been kept to the front, yet the creative idea adhered to. Imitation trains to conformity.
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It holds the creative instincts in abeyance, until at maturity, it is the exceptional man or woman who is not hopelessly bound by convention. Creative work however crude transforms the individual; through it, alone, he grows and maintains a per- sonality that makes him different from others. In view of this I would urge that increased time and material be given for manual work. This has been brought into force in Littleton through the aid of the Woman's Club who have taken up the instruction in sewing for the girls; and a class in basketry for the boys is provided. If the ladies of Westford could be induced to take up a similar work, and some of the citizens interested in developing handicraft for the older boys, much would be gained.
The conditions at Nabnassett deserve attention. The school has a large primary section and needs a strong, ex- perienced, tactful teacher. Its situation renders it very difficult to secure the proper teacher, and to have the building cared for as it should be without undue expense. The numbers enrolled are more than an inexperienced teacher can handle, and if increased by an entering class in the Fall there will be more than one teacher should be asked to undertake. These children as a rule leave school at the earliest possible date, and coming largely from homes where little English is spoken, they need more attention than the average pupil, if they are to be trained to become strong, helpful citizens. Since conditions seem to make it inexpedient to transport them to the Center, and as so many of the pupils at Stony Brook come from the neighbor- hood of Brookside, would it not be possible to unite the two schools in a two-room building, using the present building perhaps as a basis till such time as a new building is possible?
The teachers now in service have responded well to the duties laid upon them as to teaching, and deserve recognition. The corps at Forge Village have manifested an especially strong cooperation which will put their school well to the forefront. In union there is strength, in teaching as in other lines, and the spirit of united response which has been shown at that school under the trying conditions of the Fall term stands as an example worthy of following by others.
To retain the teachers who are making good will call for
9
an increase in salary. As I called attention last year to the fact, so I again would remind the citizens that Westford is pay- ing less for the services of her grade teachers than other towns, and we cannot hope to keep teachers long on a minimum salary. In all increase I would urge the consideration of merit along lines of personal advancement. No one can afford to pass many years without attendance at some good summer school. To our teachers the spirit of such a school as that at Hyannis, with the exchange of views and experiences with other teachers from various sections, would be of inestimable value.
The course of study was printed and distributed at the opening of the year, covering the branches of arithmetic, lan- guage and geography. Another year the course in history will be ready. The work in nature study is being carried on along the lines laid down in the text-book furnished the teachers for reference.
The changes in the Academy have worked out better than we expected. The admission from the eighth grade has made the work of the freshman and sophomore years somewhat variable, but with one or two exceptions the work so far has been sufficiently good to warrant the success of the plan. Mr. Woodward has met the conditions with good judgment and tact. The increase in the teaching staff allowing Miss Bartlett to give her whole time to academic work has resulted in broad- ening the course and giving more attention to the individual. The question of offering a course which shall appeal to the majority who are not to go further, covering more commercial branches, and including training in agricultural lines seems to press for solution in view of the small number now enrolled who intend to go to higher institutions. For further consider- ation of the Academy I refer you to the report of the principal appended.
The work in Music and Drawing has followed the lines initiated last year. A cantata by the grades was started at the Center last year, but the epidemic interfered so seriously with the work that the public performance was abandoned. The same piece was performed by the children of the Cameron School this Fall with credit. The Drawing work has been
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showing a steady gain and is now on a good basis. I include herein the reports of the supervisors in these branches.
Teachers' meetings have been held as seemed wise for the special instruction in drawing, manual work and the consider- ation of topics in the regular work of the course. At the January meeting Supt. F. L. Kendall, of Chelmsford, spoke upon "Work in Arithmetic." Teachers also attended the conventions held at Boston and at Ayer. The teachers have formed reading circles for the last half year.
Through the kindly interest of Mrs. John C. Abbot, those children who come by barge, or who are obliged to walk so far that it is impossible to go home at noon, have been supplied with hot soup and cocoa during the cold weather. This has meant much to the children, and I wish to express the heartiest appreciation of this interest.
The Horace K. Turner Art Exhibit was placed in the central schools during January, and aside from the financial gain, which is to be devoted to school decoration, parents and children cannot have failed to get inspiration from the reproductions of the great masterpieces of the world's art. The exhibits and social features connected therewith gave the children a training in organization that will prove valuable in the future.
The attendance in many instances is not what it should be. Parents are manifesting a willingness to have their children stay at home too often for trifling causes, and many are keeping their children out of school to help in the home. This is unjust to the child. The school work is so planned that each day counts. A child who loses one day a week because of home duties soon falls behind, loses interest in his work and fails of promotion. The law recognizes no excuse save sickness, and the home duties should be so arranged as to allow of their per- formance before or after school hours and upon days of no school.
Recent tests which have been given throughout the district show a spirit of indifference and carelessness which can only be corrected with the earnest cooperation of the home. Too many parents today send word that the poor report card will not be signed-implying that the teacher is to blame instead of the child. If dissatisfied let the parent take counsel with the
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teacher. We are all ready to talk matters over, show the children's daily work, and more than glad to learn of any peculiar circumstances in the case.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR B. WEBBER.
REPORT OF WESTFORD ACADEMY.
Mr. A. B. Webber, Superintedent of Schools, Westford, Mass.
I have the honor to submit the annual report of Westford Academy. The total enrollment of the school since September 8th of the present year is 54; boys 29, girls 25. The average membership for the same period of time is 51.13, the average attendance 48.59, the per cent. of attendance 94.98. The regis- tration of the school at the present time is as follows: seniors 4, juniors 4, sophomores 20, freshmen 22.
While the attendance has been good it might be improved by a little effort on the part of a few pupils. The school work is so planned that it is continuous. The work of each day and week depends upon the work of the preceding days and weeks. If a pupil is absent a day, now and then, he or she soon loses the connection between one day's work and another, then loses interest, becomes discouraged, and leaves school. Regularity of attendance and promptness in meeting school duties produce good habits and good habits once formed attend the child through life. Absences, tardiness and dismissals should be approved by the parents for very necessary reasons only.
The school is fairly well supplied with material for doing the work required but to obtain the best results some changes are needed in text-books, especially for the first year's work in English. The book in use is an old text and somewhat out of date. It should be replaced by a more modern text. Wall maps for the teaching of history are much needed. There is but one in the building and that is badly worn. The increase
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in the number of pupils will make it necessary to purchase a few pieces of apparatus for the use of the class in Physics next year, but the outlay for them will not be large.
A change has been made in the system of Bookkeeping taught by the introduction of Ellis' Practical Bookkeeping from which good results are expected.
At the beginning of the year a new course of studies, to meet more fully the requirements of the State Board of Educa- tion, was adopted. The change seems to be working well and the amount of work has increased.
The pupils as a whole are faithful and conscientious and the year's work has been one of harmony and progress.
Respectfully submitted,
W. A. WOODWARD, Prin.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Mr. A. B. Webber, Supt. of Schools: .
Dear Sir :- I submit the following report in drawing for the Town of Westford.
Taking the schools as a whole a decided gain has been manifested in quality and quantity of the work.
The Forge district deserves special recognition for its organization. Commencing in the Fall under adverse condi- tions it has steadily advanced its drawing under difficulties, that to say the least were very trying. This organization has steadily been adhered to in the new building and if continued, must prove a strong and efficient school.
The Graniteville section has also steadily gained and the new principal has worked hard and conscientiously toward a better school unity. The introduction of the handcraft work had a tendency to affect the general trend of the drawing. This should not have been, as the natural sequence of the drawing was planned to lead up to and strengthen the handcraft end.
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Failure on the part of the teachers in not comprehending the natural trend of the work probably lies at the door of the Super- visor. However, as our loyalty is larger than our mistakes, we can welcome criticism and go forward with renewed courage.
The conditions at the Center are somewhat similar. The great gain in getting the teachers and pupils together in associa- tion and community of interest must necessarily lead to larger results. This was no doubt the end in view in planning the new building and the people of Westford are to be commended for their foresight.
The work at the Academy has been very satisfactory and progressive; many of the handcraft products have been of a high standard.
The majority of the district schools have done exceptionally strong work, and it is to be regretted that they could not have been under one roof for the value of contact and association of ideas.
The manual work has been of decided value to all the grades and I would recommend that twenty dollars be set aside for this phase of the work for another year.
In closing, I desire to express my appreciation of the help and consideration shown by all in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
W. LORING ADAMS, Supervisor.
Saxonville, February 2, 1909.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the Superintendent and School Committee:
Gentlemen :- The musical work of the schools moves steadily forward.
Regular graded work, upon the foundation laid last year is being successfully carried on in all intermediate and grammar grades.
The written tests of last year, the first ever given in music in our schools, were productive of many really splendid papers.
The Weaver Slips are used in connection with the technical work one day and part work from the books the following day.
The town is especially fortunate in its primary teachers, the work in that department being most gratifying.
At the Academy the Cantata "Ruth" is being studied and will be performed later in the school year.
This Cantata is a decided step in advance over "The Building of the Ship," last year's Cantata, which was not nearly so diffi- cult.
At the suggestion of the Supervisor, the matter of procuring a new piano for the Academy was taken up, with much zest by principal and pupils. A splendid instrument has been secured which will add much to the musical work of the school.
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