USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Rutland > Annual report, City of Rutland, Vermont, 1913 > Part 10
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On this ground I believe the School Board of this city should encourage Vacation, Evening, and Continua- tion Schools open to all persons who really desire to continue their education and become more efficient and intelligent citizens.
MEDICAL INSPECTION
By recent State ยท enactment School Boards are authorized to appoint medical inspectors for the schools
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provided the voters at their annual meeting so instruct the Commissioners.
At the last annual meeting of the city Medical In- spection was authorized. The School Commissioners after due deliberation appointed a sub-committee to investigate this subject as related to the schools in this city and to report to the full Board. Inasmuch as the vote in favor of Medical Inspection was small the School Board directed its sub-committee to insert an article in the' Warning for the coming annual meeting for the voters to again pass upon this subject; and it is prob- able that, if the voters still favor it, the School Board will be prepared to carry out their wishes in a thor- oughly effective and business-like manner.
Medical Inspection in the schools is based upon the idea that the well developed child should possess a sound body as well as a sound mind; the physical side of the child's nature is receiving more and more attention from educators, and, since school attendance is compul- sory, the school officials are bound to protect the child's health while in school and as far as possible remove physical defects, too often overlooked by careless or indigent parents, and which prove so often a serious handicap to the child.
The Vermont State Board of Health favors Medical Inspection and suggests three details of the work. "First-The early detection and exclusion of conta- gious diseases ; second-Routine examination and records of the physical condition of all school children, and third-Responsibility for the sanitation of the school plant."
I am convinced that this subject will commend itself to all thoughtful parents who have children in the schools and I believe a plan of inspection can be adopt-
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ed that will prove a great protection to pupil's health, and, at the same time, prevent serious interruption of school work due to epidemics and communicable dis- eases.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
Annexed to this report will be found those of the Principal of the High School, Supervisor of Music, Supervisor of Drawing, Supervisor of Manual Training, Supervisor of Domestic Science, and Truant Officer. We ask your careful attention to these reports which give a general idea of the scope of work done in these various departments.
CONCLUSION.
In closing this report I again wish to make hearty acknowledgment of the unfailing courtesy. good will and assistance, so generously extended to me during the past year by all with whom I have been associated
Respectfully submitted. DAVID B. LOCKE Superintendent of Schools. % , bruary 14th. 1914
Report of the Principal of the High School
Rutland High School, February, 1914.
To the Superintendent of Schools, D. B. Locke :
I have, herewith, the pleasure of submitting to you my fifth annual report of the High School.
While statistics can give only facts and never, by any possibility, reasons for facts, and while reasons for facts are much more interesting than the facts themselves, sometime facts, revealed by statistics, are in themselves interesting. It is in the hope that this may prove to be true in the following statistics that I offer a few: the enrollment of the school thus far this school year is 483, an increase of 163 since the Board provided additional room in 1908. Of that num- ber 29 have, up to this date, withdrawn from school, and it is interesting to note the reasons for their leav- ing school. Four have gone elsewhere to school, 3 have moved out of the state, 2 have married, 10 have obtained positions in business of one kind or other, and the remainder, all girls, are staying at home, mak- ing themselves useful there in various ways. Considering that, every year, many enter high school merely as a makeshift, until something "turns up," the loss of 29, the first half year, out of 438 is neither great nor sur- prising. It is further interesting to see from what classes the losses have come. From the post-graduate 3, Teachers' Course 2, A Class 1, B Class 4, C Class 6, D Class 14. ,
(13)
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Closely related to this group of statistics is an- other, smaller but even more interesting. In the fall of 1913, 38 of the graduates of Rutland High School entered college or some other school for ad- vance work, and up to the present time this year 42 have expressed their desire to take advantage, next year, of the same opportunity. It is this awakening of a desire in boys and girls to seize opportunities to fit themselves for their best in every way that gives to any school its highest claim to fine service to the community in which it stands; and, in view of the fact that it is better for the boy to incite him to higher effort than to persuade him to take lines of least resist- ance, no matter what his path in life may be, and of the further fact that it is a finer service to the com- munity to keep open for all the door to larger oppor- tunity than to close it against even one by inducement to a premature choice of vocation, it seems to me that the phrase "fitting for life," is already showing itself to be both specious and misleading. In other words the boy who can be awakened to see and incited to lay hold of larger opportunities for himself is pretty surely "fitting himself for life." -
At this writing I am not able to give a report of the work of our boys and girls in college this year, as the first semester examinations are but just over, but for the past four years reports have been uniformly up to the expectations of the school. There has been growing, all this time, a very wholesome influence of the boys and girls in college upon those coming up in the school, which is showing itself in more serious work and in a greater desire among an increasing number, to fit themselves as well as possible for future service. A fine instance of this influence and interest
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was shown in the fall in the unselfish and unstinted service of one of our graduates on the football field. It has been a very great pleasure to watch the growth of this spirit that gives and asks no return and that urges others to their best.
To the good work in the school this year some other things have greatly helped, and for these sin- cere thanks are due to the School Commissioners, an acknowledgment I am glad to make. The additional teacher has relieved the overwork of the past two years and given to the teaching force just that margin which makes it feel it has time to prevent the many little, unobstrusive, but important things from being un- done. The continuance of the solid session on Fridays has completely justified itself in every way, e. g .: The tardiness for the fall term of fifteen weeks, 120 actual sessions, with an average daily attendance of con- siderably over 400, amounted to 214, or about one tar- diness for every two pupils for the fall term. Or to put it in a more striking way, out of a possible 48,000 tardinesses there were only 214. This is the first year in which all the entering class have begun the Algebra in the High School, and, as far as can be judged in one-half year, the change is fulfilling all that was ex- pected of it. Especially grateful are the ampler spare and larger equipment given to the teacher of drawing, and the larger amount of the time of the teacher of Domestic Science at the disposal of the high school. The great increase of pupils in both these departments is warrant for the wisdom of the Board in granting what was asked for them. Last, but not least, is a sep- arate room for the principal's office; the value of this addition is not easily put into words.
I cannot conclude without an additional word of
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thanks to the Board of Commissioners for their con- tinued confidence in the management of the high school and an assurance in the name of all the teachers, that our best efforts will continue to be put forth not only to maintain but to enhance the excellence of the High School.
Respectfully submitted, ISAAC THOMAS, Principal.
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Report of the Supervisor of Music
To David B. Locke, Superintendent of Schools :
I here present my report as supervisor of music for the year ending with December, 1913. During part of the past year some schools have been laboring under adverse conditions which have prevented the best re- sults in the study of music, but the outlook is now brighter and I feel confident of more rapid gain on the part of the pupils in this really important, although sometimes underated, study. There is a slow but sure increase of interest manifested which betokens good fruit to come. A system of sight reading from indi- vidual slips is about to be re-installed in the lower grades after several years of disuse. A frequent resort to the use of these slips keeps the teacher constantly informed as to the ability and progress of each pupil, and this knowledge properly acted upon by the teacher should measurably increase the musical attainment of the pupils. A feature of music study which is very interesting and instructive to the pupils, is the recog- nition of phrases of songs which are placed upon the board, frequently in different keys from the book ver- sion. The ability of attentive pupils to name the phrase from mentally hearing it, is very gratifying, and this phase of the study is being developed as much as time will permit in all but the lowest grades. The result of more systematic work with young, changed voices in the grammar grades is becoming manifest in the freshman class of the high school, each year show-
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ing a greater number of tenors and basses conversant with their new clef and part progressions, and courage- ously doing their share of the assembly singing. The study of music in the upper classes of the high school, where it is elective, has not been undertaken during this first term.
The plan of encouraging the young ninth grade players of orchestral instruments to begin rehearsing together in preparation for such work in the high school orchestra will doubtless result in a larger and better band of players than to delay such work until their freshman year. Rehearsals are held twice a week, the pupils attending in small groups to insure more in- dividual attention.
Since the last report the schools have sung before the public but three times; at the Lincoln day lecture; at the Memorial day exercises of the grammar grades, and at the commencement of the high school.
The orchestra gave some selections at the Athletic club fair, and at the class day exercises, and furnished creditably all the instrumental music at the commence- ment held in the Shrine theatre.
Respectfully submitted, CHAS. V. H. COAN,
Supervisor of Music.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing
To David B. Locke, Superintendent of Schools:
The report of the Supervisor of Drawing for the year 1913-14 is hereby presented.
A former art director of a Massachusetts town, in answer to the question 'Why do we study Art ?' says: "We study art that we may learn to see under- standingly and feelingly, to find beauty and truth in the things which surround us, to be filled with en- thusiasm for all hand work which requires skill, thus developing power to create something expressive of the thought and character of the individual nature."
So many people seem to think that art is taught in the public schools solely to develop the power to draw straight lines, for we often hear the remark, "When I was in school, I never could draw a straight line." The ability to draw straight lines is not the aim of art instruction. The acquaintance of the gen- eral public with the work accomplished, gained by a visit to the annual school exhibit or by visiting classes throughout the year, would disprove this idea.
It also seems to be the conviction of many that good results are wholly dependable upon genius. If that were true, art instruction could not legitimately be included in the public school curriculum for, to quote from one authority, not more than one child in a hundred has real talent. Art is for all, not for the talented child alone, and good results are dependent chiefly upon good teaching and in the primary grades are solely dependent upon the instruction given.
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Our aim is to train the power to see, the power to express oneself and the power to appreciate the beautiful and lastly to discover talent. The same principles are followed year by year with as varied an application and method as possible. In the fall and spring nature furnishes most of the material and in the winter manufactured articles of beauty of line and color serve as models. The next step is to put into practice in pure and applied design, the knowledge gained. To make the work in design of practical value, an attempt is being made to correlate the design in grades six to nine with the work in sewing.
There are no new developments in the grade work. Two teachers' meetings are held monthly for teachers of grades one and two and of grades three and four and other meetings are held as occasion requires.
An advance has been made in the department of art instruction in the High School. The rear of the assembly hall is now used for both the mechanical and freehand classes. The number of drawing tables has been doubled and for use in the freehand classes a screen has been made, casts for charcoal work have been purchased and a set of new models for ob- ject drawing are soon to be placed in the class room. A cabinet, in harmony with the furnishings of the room, for the keeping of supplies is greatly needed.
Two new mechanical drawing classes composed of manual training boys are about beginning the in- struction to correlate with the manual training.
The increase in size of the teacher training class and a better arrangement in the amount of time de- voted to art have made the work more satisfactory than heretofore. A great hindrance to good results with these classes is a lack of foundation training.
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Some have never had instruction in drawing before they enter the class and some who have completed three or four years of high school work have never elected the subject.
To repeat a statement in last year's report, all who have any idea of teaching ought, without fail, to elect drawing as a part of their high school course.
The number of pupils electing drawing in the High School this year has more than doubled that of the last few years and the total registration is larger than it has ever been.
The work of our public schools was displayed at the Dana School last June and efforts were made to secure the attendance of parents and friends, the in- terest shown being somewhat better than the year before. All who help to make the exhibit a success would be greatly encouraged and helped by a still larger attendance at our next annual exhibit.
Teachers and pupils show much interest and the cordial and friendly spirit in which all co-operate makes the work a great pleasure and cannot fail to secure good results. Sincere. thanks are tendered to all who give and receive instruction and to all who assist in so many other ways.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION G. LEES.
Supervisor of Drawing.
February 2, 1914.
Report of the Supervisor of Manual Training
To David B. Locke, Superintendent of Schools:
In presenting my second report as supervisor of manual training, I would like to divide it into two distinct parts :
1-"What We Are Doing."
2-"What We Would Like To Do."
Before dealing with the first topic, I would like to say just a word regarding industrial education:
We are finding as time rolls on that industrial education is rapidly pushing its way toward the front, and that our classical courses, however perfect they may be, are steadily decreasing in numbers.
Educators the world over are devoting a great deal of time in bringing this important branch of education to the front. Professor James states : "The most colos- sal improvement which recent years have seen in sec- ondary education lies in the introduction of manual training schools, not because they will give us a people more handy and practical for domestic life and better skilled in trades, but because they will give us citizens with an entirely different intellectual fibre."
The foregoing in brief is what these courses in manual training are doing for the future citizens of this country.
"What We Are Doing."
The courses in manual training in this city com- mence with the seventh grade and continue through
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the first year in the high school. Commencing with the simplest exercises possible the boy gradually be- comes accustomed to the use of the different tools by a series of graded articles which bring into use a new tool or a different way of using an old tool.
The boy, as he continues, gradually finds himself attempting a number of cabinet-making problems, which are not only interesting, but become useful in the home or elsewhere.
The course being elective in the high school, we try to give the student in the ninth grade some simple blue print reading which is interspersed throughout with estimating the amount and cost of stock consumed in the construction of his different exercises.
The high school work, which is largely cabinet work, has interspersed throughout the course the mathematics involved and also lectures on the different woods, tools, etc., as well as a complete knowledge of simple blue print reading. The student also is of ser- vice to the school by being able to repair articles which become mutilated during the school year such as scrap- ing and re-finishing desks, seats, etc., thereby saving the city the expense of new ones.
The efficiency of this department has been greatly increased by the installation of satisfactory machinery, thereby placing it in a position to undertake any problem that might arise in the mind of the student at work.
"What We Would Like To Do."
A short time ago we were fortunate in having with us Mr. Hunter, supervisor of the manual training de- partment of Fitchburg, Mass., who addressed the teach- ers on the subject of "Part Time System." To my
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mind, we have in this city excellent accommodations for starting a similar course, and conferring with a number of manual training students upon the subject, I find that there is considerable enthusiasm among them for the establishment in Rutland of such a course.
We are going to benefit the employer by giving him a more educated apprentice and eventually a better and more skilled mechanic than he could get in any other way. We are also going to double the capacity of the manual training department of our high school which may delay for a time an increased expense to the city by the addition of more space. .
In explanation of the above we must understand that one-half of the students are at work in the shop while the other half are at work in school and visa versa, alternating each week.
The hearty co-operation of the parents, manufac- turers and those interested in the Industrial Course will do much in establishing the "Part Time System" in this city.
Commencing with the next school year, the super- visor would like to have installed a sufficient number of lathes so that those wishing to continue their work in this line through a second year may do so.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere appre- ciation to the Board of School Commissioners of this city for the purchase of the necessary equipment need- ed for the further development of this department.
In the recent death of my co-worker, Warren R. Rice, the schools have suffered the loss of a faithful teacher and friend; in his department, one who was beloved by all and who untiringly performed the duties required of him. His hearty co-operation aided to a great degree in making the work most successful
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and his untiring efforts along these lines will not soon be forgotten, especially by those whose privilege it was to be so closely associated with him.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD B. ADAMS, Supervisor of Manual Training.
February 2nd, 1914.
Report of the Supervisor of Domestic Science
To David B. Locke, Superintendent of Schools :
A report of the work of Domestic Science for the year 1913-1914 is herewith presented.
Naturally, with a change of teachers, the outline and methods of the Domestic Science course has been changed, especially in sewing. On account of the con- tinual change of teachers every year or two, there should be a regular outline of the course in sewing which could be adapted to the method of the individual teacher, but which would be fixed firmly enough to allow the child- ren a steady progress.
Sewing is taught in the last four years of the gram- mar school grades. In the sixth and seventh grades the object of the course is to teach the child to take class directions, to learn the technic of making stitches, to apply these stitches to articles of use, and to awake an interest in sewing.
This year the sixth grade has less than a half hour and the seventh grade three-quarters of an hour of sewing a week, owing to the very large attendance in the various schools. These periods are made possible by the kind assistance of Mrs. Cardelle of the Teacher Training Class. The children in the sixth grade learn the stitches first on canvas, then try them on cotton cloth, and when sufficient knowledge has been attained they are applied to some useful article. The work of the next year is to acquire more skill in sewing by mak-
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ing articles for themselves and to learn how to darn, patch, mend, and make button-holes.
In other years the eighth grade has made dolls' clothing but now they are making a set of undergar- ments for themselves. The pieces are large and we are handicapped by lack of room, equipment, and time, but by doing outside work the girls have managed very well.
This year the ninth grade is not doing the work. which next year's class will do. The work will begin by making a simple apron for machine practice, con- tinue with making the cooking outfit, and the rest of the year will be devoted to dressmaking. This year dressmaking will be omitted because of inexperience in handling large pieces of cloth, and for lack of time.
Cookery is studied during the first two years of the high school course. The number of girls electing cook- ery has increased continually so that the Domestic Science teacher must give two entire days a week to the High School. It is to be regretted that this course is elective and that the credit and time giveri to it are not equivalent to the benefit which should be derived. How- ever, it is hoped that a four year course will be started next September, because sewing and cookery are only a part of the study of home-making; the questions of home organization, management, care, repair, sanita- tion, and decoration are also important and should have their place in Domestic Science in every High School. These subjects must, however, be preceded by some knowledge of physics, chemistry, and physiology ; and should be surrounded by academic work in English, Languages, History, and Mathematics.
In the first year the classes are instructed in the complete care of the kitchen, the study of and ways of
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cooking the various foods; fruits, vegetables, starches, cereals, sugars, milk, butter, cheese, eggs, meat, fish, gela- tine, salads, and frozen desserts. The class is also taught the elementary rules for table-setting, for plann- ing, preparing, and serving simple meals.
The work in the sophomore year begins with pre- serving foods, a few lessons on reviewing principles learned in the previous year, and is followed by a com- plete series of lessons on batters and doughs, pastry, salads, frozen desserts. The subject of nutrition and diet is extended covering the ground of composition of body and food, classification and uses of foods, diges- tion, nutritive and fuel value, and digestibility of foods, planning of cooking and serving a well-balanced meal.
In closing I wish to thank the teachers and parents for their kindly interest and willing co-operation, and to extend to them the assurance of a hearty welcome if they care to visit any of the classes in Domestic Science. I also wish to thank Mrs. Cardelle of the Teacher Train- ing Class, who has responded so enthusiastically to my appeal for assistance, thereby making my elementary work possible by taking five of my classes.
Respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE GOLDSMITH,
Supervisor of Domestic Science and Art. February, 1914.
Report of the Principal of Teacher Training Class
To Mr. D. B. Locke, Superintendent of Schools :
I hereby submit my report for the Teacher Train- ing Class of the Rutland high school.
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