USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1931-1932 > Part 12
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That new building lagged 43 per cent behind enrollment.
That cost of teaching increased 43 per cent less than the enrollment.
That the seventh grade is more than twice as large as it was ten years ago.
All of this goes to show that whatever may have been the orgy of spending in some communities, the local schools are being run at a cost which would seem too low for efficiency. We have only, however, to call attention to the success of our high school gradu- ates to show that the fabric of our educational offering is sound, even though the embroidery be missing.
What Lies Ahead?
In every department of life that is always an important question. It is probably more important in these days of stress than it has ever been within the memory of most of us. Foresight is a necessi- ty to the successful administration of a school system. Forecasts of future trends must be made in the light of experience.
Based on the experience of the past decade we may expect an annual increase in enrollment of 6.2 per cent. This means that in September of this year we may expect 66 more pupils in school than are enrolled at present. To all practical purposes this means an increase of two rooms in our requirements for seating accommo-
122
dations. As well be seen from the report of the Principal of the High School, this requirement will manifest itself in the high school building. In June we shall graduate about 32 pupils and in Septem- ber ahout 100 pupils will enter the high school building. At present the building is used to more than 20 per cent of its rated capacity. It was built to accommodate 200 pupils and is used by over 400. In September the percentage will be increased to 233 per cent. or two and one-third times its normal rating. As Mr. Hood has indicated in his report, this will require a two session plan of ad inistration. It will mean for both high and junior high school sections a loss of more than 20 per cent of time in school. All attempts at directed and supervised study will be either lost or turned over to parents. Home work will necessarily be doubled and the people at home must see that it is done. All school activities not carried on in classrooms will in a large measure have to be abandoned. Those things which build what might be called school morale will be all but impossible. We shall conduct a "knowledge factory" instead of an educational institution, and there is a vast difference between the two.
The loss will not be wholly spiritual. There will be a very defi- nite increase in financial loss also. The school day will necessarily lengthen with attendant increase in expense of heat and light. A decided increase in transportation will appear, due to the change in classes at noon. We may be forced to change, by lenythening, the hours of all of the other schools in order to make the trans- portation in the morning and afternoon synchronize with the new school hours in the High School. This will necessitate a late after- noon walk for many children. Additional teachers will be needed; one for the senior high and one for the junior high school divisions.
The homes of school children, especially of those in the six upper grades, are bound to note an upset in schedules. Breakfast will be earlier, noon meals either earlier or later, sometimes both, if there are children in different grades. Children of the seventh and eighth grades will have to be supervised in study during the mornings at home; those in the four upper grades will be an afternoon problem for some busy mothers. Even more serious difficulties for parents may arise from this turning loose for half a day of four hundred and more boys and girls of the adolescent age groups. It is likely to prove a very serious problem and a source of distinct social loss for the community.
The writer is no pessimist. No attempt to alarm is intended. Such statements as are made are but the offerings from a quarter of a century of experience with boys and girls and difficult school problems. It is our duty to put forward just what the difficulties may
123
. be in the circumstances which are with and before us.
.The solution of the problem is, of course, simple. The answer is; more room. It is too late to expect that solution: now. The pre- sent situation was forecast several years ago and definite proposals were made to the town to avoid it. Unfortunately nothing was done at that time, and economic conditions have so changed since then that present action seems impossible. It would appear certain how- ever that the annual aggravation of conditions must eventually force the town to provide more adequate facilities for the education of the children in the six upper grades of the school system. We must make sure that the community be informed as to the seriousness of the conditions.
The Elementary Schools
At present physical conditions are fairly satisfactory in the ele- mentary schools. There is no overcrowding. There is still room for a. slight expansion in some sections. We do, however have a very uneconomical situation in that so many children are being trans- ported from the section of Burlington Avenue, Forest Street, Ald- ,rich -Road, and even lower Chestnut Street to the Whitefield School. The economical procedure would be to provide a building some- .: where in the neighborhood of Boutwell Street, to take care of the increasing number of children of the elementary grades found lo- cated in this section. As it is, two busses have to pass over the Forest Street route in order to take care of the children. Many of these pupils are carried to the Whitefield School. The West School can provide accommodations for only the first two grades from this locality. Children in the remaining ten grades are i ansported ; those in grades three, four, and five to the Whitefield School, and those . above the fifth to the Center and High Schools.
With very few changes in the teaching staff the progress in the elementary grades is following its usual even and efficient course. Teaching is being done very satisfactorily, as a whole, and Wilming- ton is really receiving a remarkable high return on its educational investment. Our plant and curriculum are not pretentious, but are educationally sound. We are weak in embroidery, but our plain sewing is excellent. This applies from grade one to graduation from high school.
Changes in Personnel
Several changes in the teaching staff have occurred during the year. It was found that by consolidating classes one less teacher was absolutely needed in the Senior High School. In June, there- , fore, Miss Wisotsky was released. The horde coming into the . seventh grade in September together with the two session plan, made necessary another teacher in grades seven and eight. Miss
124
Margaret Delaney of Lowell was secured for this position. The Belmont school officials after seeing Miss Powell at work con- cluded that their school needed her services and her resignation followed. The position thus vacated was filled by Miss Alice Hatha- way, one of our own graduates, and an honor degree holder from Radcliffe College. Matrimony claimed Miss Helen Blanchard from the Center School, where she was succeeded by Miss Ruth Giles. At the close of the fiscal year, Miss Nodding of Reading replaced Miss Maynard in the Whitefield School, when the latter took charge of the Opportunity Class.
While considering the teaching staff, an activity of theirs is called to mind which deserves mention.
During the Winter months of last year the teachers as a unit made an unsolicited contribution for welfare work among school children. A percentage of each month's salary was pooled in a fund which was administered by the Teachers' Club and the School Nurse. This fund was used to purchase clothing and shoes, and rubbers for children who might be kept from school for need of such.
In the report of the School Nurse will be found the record of another fine piece of public service performed by a group of teach- ers. The proceeds from this have been used for the physical bet- terment of children who might otherwise have had to be neglected.
These activities were carried out quietly without any advertising and probably escaped the notice of the local general public. They are instances of the type of teachers working for the town and should go far to change the opinion that teachers are "down on" their pupils. In fact the reverse of this is true. Teachers, good teach- ers, are extremely loyal to their classes. Their endeavors are for the good of their charges, even when what seem to be stern dis- ciplinary measures are invoked. Parents often fail to realize this fact, and by giving sympathy and support and even criticism of the teacher, vitiate the intended good.
Transportation
During the summer, bids were requested for transportation of school children. The contract was awarded to Holland Brothers of Woburn. A very distinct saving in cost was realized for a two year period. This saving came from a reduced cost per mile and from the reduction in mileage made possible by removing all "dead end" trips. We had been paying the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway for the mileage from the time their busses left the car barns in Woburn until their return thereto. Now we pay mileage from the point where the first child is picked up to the place where the last is let off. This makes no small difference in daily mileage.
TABLE I
AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION Oct. 1, 1932
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12 13 14
15 16 17
18 19 7 UA Pet. OA Pet
I
15
86
18
5
1
125 15 12 125
6
5
II
1
14
82
13
8
5
1
1
TIE
10
65
24
4
4
1
108
9 8.3
IV
1
17
61
21
15
2
1
118
18 15.5
V
1
17
55
29
7
8 4
1
123
18 14.6
20 16.2
Vi
14
53
26
10
3
3
109
14 12.9
16 14.4
VEI
15
45
26
14
14
2
116
15 12.9
30 25.8
VIII
1 12
29
23
14
3
1
83
13 15.7 11 14.6
18 21.7
IX
11 29
X
1 12
25
12
3
1
54
13 24.1
4 7.4
XE
1
12
12 11
10
3
1
39
13 33.3
4 10.1
T
16 100 111 101 110 100 118 94
86 86 90 52 29
11 2 1107 166 115 149 13.4
10 8.4 18 15.2
Enrollment Statistics
drivers to keep their loads within legal bounds.
reduces crowding in the various vehicles. It is thus possible for the
cured in enforcing the rules for transportation. Tickets are pro- vided to children entitled to transportation and their use greatly
A further advantage is found in the better co-operation se-
125
Heavily-leaded diagonal "steps" show age limits for each grade.
Roman Numerals indicate grades UA Children young for the grade OA Children old for the grade
21
12
1
1
75
14 18.6
14
6 1 32 11 34.4
1 3.1
15 12 15 12
126
TABLE II SCHOOL AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION As on Oct. 15, 1932
III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII I II
'T
South
11
14 9 34
West
19 23
42
Maple Meadow
16 15 14 18
63
Silver Lake
25 14 19 24
82
Walker
28 25 28 33
34
148
Whitefield
30 23 35 49
41
178
Center
49 109
153
High
113
84
74 56 37 32 336
Total
120 121 105 124 124 109
113 84 74 56
37
32 1116
Conclusion
The co-operation and faithful service of all my associates is deeply appreciated. Their faithful service during a difficult year has been an inspiration.
For the aid and sympathetic understanding of the School Com- mittee a profound gratitude is felt.
Respectfully submitted; STEPHEN G. BEAN
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. S. G. Bean,
Supt. of Schools, Wilmington, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I submit horewith my fifth annual report as principal of the Wil- mington Junior-Senior High School.
Forty pupils, the largest graduating class in the history of Wil- mington High School, received diplomas in June, 1932. Two mem- bers of this lass are attending college; three are enrolled in other schools: three had been accepted by colleges for admission in Sep- tember but had to defer their education to another year due to financial reasons; and a few others are considering the possibility of continuing their training at some of the schools in Boston. We wish that the number in attendance at college might be larger for this
127
class contained several who would profit by such training. Many of our pupils come from homes that are unable to finance education beyond the high school, and as a result, comparatively few of our graduates are in a position to seek collegiate training.
During the past eight or ten years, our teaching staff has demonstra . ted that it can prepare the young people of Wilmington to enter the best colleges or to fill positions of trust and responsibility in the business world. Consequently. the school is fortunate in that there were few changes in the teaching staff this past year. Miss Powell left in June to accept a position in Belmont at a considerable in- crease in salary. Miss Alice Hathaway, a graduate of this school in 1928, and an honor graduate of Radcliffe in 1932, was engaged to fill the vacancy left by Miss Powell. Miss Margaret Delaney, a graduate of the Lowell State Teachers College was employed to care for the increased enrollment in the junior high school. The election of Miss Delaney did not angment the number of teachers because Miss Wisotsky, a teacher in the senior high school, was not re-clected for the sole reason that we did not care to increase the faculty and the cost of instruction. The classes taught by Miss Wisotsky were added to the teaching load of the principal and re- Il. ning senior high school teachers.
The athletic situation continues to be unsatisfactory. Due mostly to the crowded condition of the building, we are unable to build up any systematic plan of athletic activities or physical education. We restrict our offerings to boys' baseball in the spring, girls' field hockey in the fall, and girls' physical education for about ten weeks in the fall and ten weeks in the spring when the weather permits the use of the Common.
The girls' field hockey team completed an unusually successful season. The first team won every game on the schedule and did not have a goal scored upon it during the season. The second team was also victorious in all of its games and was scored upon just once during the season. We played teams from such schools as Malden, Methuen, Manchester, Woburn and Billerica. Miss Coburn, the coach, and the members of the teams deserve great praise for establishing such an unusual record.
Wilmington Junior and Senior High Schools were organized as a single six-year high school three years ago when such organizations were relatively few in number. At the present time the six-year high school is rapidly gaining in popularity not only because it reduces the school cost, but also for the reason that it tends to keep the pupil in school longer than either the junior and senior high schools or the elementary and four-year high schools did. Practically ail pupils who finish the sixth grade are too young to leave school; therefore,
128
quite as a matter of course, we have them enrolling in the seventh grade or the first year of the six-year high school. There is no gap or convenient dropping-out place between entrance and gradua- tion in the six-year high school; consequently the tendency is for pupils to remain in school longer.
In the last survey of secondary education, just completed by the Federal Government, we find the authorities in charge of that pro- ject, recommending the adoption of the six-year high school for towns and smaller cities. Dr. F. T. Spaulding of Harvard University, a member of this survey board, states that educators are coming to believe that the junior high school as a separate three-year school is not producing the results expected of it. He further states that the tendency is to abandon such a plan and to combine the junior and senior high schools into one six-year unit. Quincy, Massa- chusetts, is rapidly changing its junior high schools into six-year high schools which will serve the various sections of the city.
The number of pupils enrolled in the high school building has in- creased from two hundred and eleven to four hundred and six in the short interval of time from 1928 to 1932. One is able to gather the proof of this statement in the following table :
Year
Pupils
1923
165
1924
184
1925
192
1926
200
1927
205
1928
211
1929
238
1930
335*
1931
367
1932
406
*First year of the six-year high school plan.
From the information available in your office it may be conservative- ly estimated that the enrollment for 1933 will approximate four hun- dred and fifty pupils. This fact intensifies the critical situation in the high school, for the ever increasing number of pupils continuously presents new problems. Last September, it was evident that we would be unable to accommodate all pupils this year at a single ses- sion because every available space was insufficient to provide for the entire student body seeking admittance. As a consequence, we found it necessary to place the pupils of the first two years on a part time plan of attendance so that the high school session is now organized in three-shifts. Grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve at- tend from eight-thirty to two o'clock. Part of grades seven and eight attend from eight-thirty to twelve o'clock and the remaining
129
pupils of grades seven and eight attend from twelve to three-thirty o'clock.
This is not an ideal situation by any means, but seemed to be the only possible plan to adopt for this year without adding to the cost of pupil transportation. However, such a schedule will not work another year due to the continuous increase in enrollment.
Moreover, inadequate accommodations cause the students to be very crowded. There isn't enough room for the pupils to eat lunch in comfort; there isn't sufficient coat room space; there is no room available for the work of the physical education department; and there is no room large enough to assemble even one half of the school. It is difficult to operate a school of more than four hun- dred pupils without being able to have it meet for the purpose of explaining school policies and obtaining pupil co-operation.
Already, we have given considerable thought and study to the organization of the school for the year 1933-1934 and it does not seem possible to continue the present plan. A probable increase of forty or more pupils indicates that we must provide for an additional section in grade eight. With this in mind we recommend the adoption of a two-shift plan of attendance for the high school withi grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve attending from eight-thirty to twelve o'clock and grades seven and eight attending from twelve- thirty to four o'clock.
If the above recommendation is accepted, the present six-period schedule of the upper grades will be condensed into five periods. This will mean that the pupils of the upper grades will have to do MORE HOME PREPARATION than at present. The average pupil will have one study period in school; he now has two. Members of the eleventh grade now have one study period in school; next year they will have no study periods. Pupils in grades seven and eight will have the same number of hours in school as at present, namely, four class periods and one activities period.
We have studied and planned for the past three years to avoid this situation. We have to provide for a certain number of pupils and there is only a limited space available. We regret exceedingly that these pupils are to be deprived of a fair chance to secure an education on a full-time basis. The hours spent in school, even when on full-time, are all too short for the slower pupil. Now he is to be penalized and his opportunity to secure an education lessened.
The average person spends but few years in school in comparison to the years spent at work. It is becoming increasingly difficult to earn a living and a great deal depends upon the amount of educa- tion secured. Time lost at school can never be made up as most children receive but one opportunity to attend school. Nevertheless, the pupils of grades seven to twelve will be attending school for
130
part-time next year because we haven't rooms and seats to accommo- date them. Undoubtedly when times are better the citizens of the town will take steps to see to it that their children have full-time schooling and an even chance when starting out in the world.
We will need an additional teacher in grade eight next year, also an additional teacher for the increased classes in grades nine to twelve. Both of these additions to the teaching force result from the increased number of pupils and the changing over to a shorter school day.
To summarize: The number of pupils attending school in this building will increase this coming school year ; this increase will necessi- tate formation of a third section in grade eight, with the employment of an additional eighth grade teacher; the increased enrollment will force the adoption of a two-shift school day, with upper class pupils attending mornings and lower class pupils attending afternoons; the two-shift plan will compel us to shorten the upper class session from six to five periods; the increase in upper class enrollment will oblige us to employ an additional upper class teacher, who will teach partly in the commercial and partly in the general departments; and finally, if the school is to develop as an educational institution fit- ting for the duties of citizenship some thought should be given to providing a place where the school as a whole may assemble.
In closing permit me to express my appreciation to you, the school committee, teachers, and pupils for the consideration and forbearance shown me in these trying times. Without this splendid support it would be impossible to carry on the work of the school under the present crowded conditions. I have found the teachers very helpful and willing to work hard for the best interests of the school. What- ever measure of success we may have had is the result of all teach- is working together in harmony.
Respectfully, J. TURNER HOOD, JR.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Stephen G. Bean, Superintendent of Schools, Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
131
I have the honor to submit herewith my fourth annual report as Supervisor of Physical Education.
The Physical Education in the schools has, as in other years, been carried out along definite lines. The objectives of physical education are :
1. To inculcate health habits.
2. To develop the body harmoniously through a general system- atic exercise procedure.
3. To correct and remedy physical defects.
4. To give a fund of exercise material for use in after-school days.
5. To give opportunities for the development and! . guidance of play spirit.
6. To provide situations which will arouse and increase the psychical qualities of courage, fair play, see suffice and loyalty.
7. To give positive instruction in citizenship through leadership and response to commands.
Last May, the schools gave their annual physical education de -.. monstration on the Common. Every child from the first to the. sixth grades and all the High School girls took part, demonstrating different types of work carried on during the school year. The : Irish Jig danced by a group of fourth grade boys and the Balloon Dance by the fourth grade girls, along with the clowns; seemed to receive the greatest rraise.
As was the case last year, the High School girls have all their phe ?: sical education classes on the Common. It is possible to be out of. .. doors for about twelve weeks in the fall and twelve in the springy . During the winter months all regular gymnastics are omittel, and the girls have one class in hygiene each week. We are able to have tumbl. ing and tap dancing after school.
Inter-scholastic comipetition is limited to field hockey .. The girls had : a very successful season and should be comprended. The scores of the games pleyed were as follows:
First Team Score
Malden at Wilmington
()
Wilmington at Malden
0
Woburn at. Wilmington
5
0
Wilmington at Methuen
1
0.
Billerica at Wilmington
5
.0
Manchester at Wilmington
1
. 0
Rockport at Wilmington
1
0)
Second Team
Malden at Wihnington
3 0
132
Wilmington at Malden
4
1
Woburn at Wilmington 4
0
Wilmington at Methuen
4 0
Billerica at Wilmington
5 0
Manchester at Wilmington
3
0
Rockport at Wilmington 1
0
In the spring the girls have class competition after school in out- door basketball and baseball. In fact, last May, the girls base- ball team played Billerica High School at Billerica and won, 26-8.
The seventh and eighth grade girls have two one half-hour periods of physical education a week. In the spring and fall the girls play hockey, baseball, basket ball, and soccer, out of doors. In the winter we concentrate in corrective exercises, Danish, Swedish, and German gymnastics, done standing in the aisles of the class rooms.
All seventh and eighth grades, boys and girls, have hygiene once a week. The basis of this work is "Science and the Way to Health". This book contains worth while information about health and the formation of fundamental health habits. The spirit and method of modern med- icine and hygiene are also suggested in the lives of great health heroes like Leewenhock, Pasteur, Lister, Koch, Trudeau, Reed, Noguchi Goldberger and others. These men were not only scientists but also citizens of the world who devoted themselves with zeal to the public welfare.
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