New Britain herald., 1915-11-13

course of it's consideration of candi- oates Tor the position of physical di- rector made vacant by the resignation UT Miss Beth Marcy became convinced d that possible reorganization and extension of the work of the physical training department should receive the attention of the school committee With view to increased usefulness and efficiency in this work.
 At the present time two special teachers for this subject, both women are employed. One of these devotes practically all of her time to the di- rect teaching of physical training in the Grammar and PrevocationaI schools, the size of this school being such that no time is left to this teacher to devote to the schools of lower grades. The other teacher, is in the High school where she di. vides her time between the teaching of physical training for girls and elo- cution for boys and girls.
 "It will be seen that this arrange ment leaves all the elementary schools having grades I to VI inclusive, and all of the boys of the High school without provision of any sort for physical training. We believe that this is a serious omission and that measures should be considered for placing the work of their department upon a more satisfa ctory basis.
 The modern school, which de- mands practically all of a child's time for it's work and leaves only a nar- row margin for physical exercise and relaxation, must recognize it's respon- sibility and provide for physical as we'll as intellectual development. s.,e
 "Your. committee therefore recom- mends that a special committee of five members be appointed to consider the subject of physical training in all grades and the High school, and make such recommendations as to reorganization of the course of study and the teaching force for this sub- ject, as may seem for the best in- terests of the. schools, and that this committe present report not later than the regular January meeting of the school committee.''
 Truant Officers Report. Truant Officer Andrews report showed 164 absentees of whom 72 were sick and 57 at nome for other causes. There were eight truants and 15 were tardy.
 Motion Picture Machine. A communication from Miss Sarah A. Townsend, secretary of the Par ents' and Teachers association of the Grammar, and Prevocational Grammar schools, was received in regard to the installation of a moving picture ma chine. Dr. Kelly favored laying. the l matter on the table. President Calf ney thought it should be referred to the finance committee. Dr. Kelly thought if such a thing is needed Su- perintendent Holmes should know. He didn't think the Parents and Teachers association should presume to dictate I in such matters. MT. Holmes believed there is no such intention. He thought if such machine is bought the board might well consider the pur- chase of films. The aim is educa- tional and such machines have been installed in the Hartford and New York schools. The state of New York employees a man to instruct in oper- ating moving picture machines in it's schools The machine will cost $20O. After the first year the maintainance will be $75 plus expressage. He said the nlacnlnC IS IlreprOOf and IS ap- proved by the board of fire underwrit- CTS. MT. Hatch was in doubt as whether the ire underwriters had ap- proved this particular style of machine MT. Holmes assured him that it is safe. The films are non inflammable The communication was referred to the finance committee with power
 Prize Essay on Safety.
 The Connecticut company has offered prizes for the best essay on How I Keep Safe on the Streets and Roads," to the pupils in High, Grammar and grade schools in Connecticut. Presi- dent Gaffney read the communication from the company on the subject, giv- ing the conditions in detail. Gold prizes of $20 and $1 Dare offered. The essays must be submitted before De- cember 1, 1915.
 Superintendent Holmes distributed copies of the condensed school report in pamphlet form, 5000 of which were ordered printed
 The meeting adjourned at 5:,3O o'clock.