The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-18

their children should be coopera- tive, Sportsmanlike unit. I believe that my work with the pupils in the high school ill developing a noted reputation for good sports manship reflects the fact that have always placed teamwork above personal interests. I cannot re- main part of an organization which has become so personal that my ethics of true sportsmanship must be sacrificed.
 I have always placed pupil inter- est above everything else, but have realized that faculty interests, well promoted and considered, will always result in pupil benefits. The morale ! of our faculty is depressed due pri- marily to the fact that the Thom- 1 aston teachers are at present given little consideration in things of vital concern to them. and they have not ] been accorded respectful representa- ] ton in such matters. Faculty ln- i terests have been neither promoted nor defended during the past year, 1 We function without written con- tracts, with salaries always remain | ing indefinite, because at present i there is not salary schedule. Fur f thermore, individual merit, eXperi- ence. and advanced education are not given just consideration. Initia- ! tive has become restricted apd stifled by untactful and inconsider- ate supervision. The faculty defin- ! ;taI1, To ol.1 tl,a co,,fi5a,,no onI co- curity that such a conscientious group deserves.
 Differs With Davenport
 i The teachers have been willing and ready to prepare themselves by i individual or group cooperation to enter upon their work in the new school next year, yet, except for a few things of minor importance, there has been nothing done this year to prepare the faculty to func- ,ion confidently and more efficiently in the new building. I have been told by MN Davenport that the teaching load ill our school is en- tirely too light. that the teachers classes should be larger next year, and that large class can be taught as efficiently as small one l be- lieve that such an arrangement, un- less absolutely necessary, would be detrimental because the teaching load determines the effectiveness and morale of the teacher-pupil relationships and, if the load is unnecessarily great, the mental and physical balance of the faculty nat urally would be affected.
 When an issue arose over the standards of seniors for graduation, MT. Davenport told me that the board of educatoin could overrule the teachers marks if 1t SO desired. Furthermore, the question of putting Physical Education on a voluntary basis has arisen, but this, even if possible, would certainly be- negl- gent to the best interests of the Thomaston pupils in the use of their fine new gymnasium. If either or both of these changes should be- come effective, the result would be definite lowering of standards.
 I cannot bring myself to the point of view where can work ill a school in which the foregoing con- ditions may exist, without forsaking certain aspects of my educational background. However, whenever l have disagreed with MT. Davenport on any matter, have been bluntly told that my failure to agree is due to a Hack of background" I be- leve sincerely that my training be- fore coming to Thomaston and my experience and training during my work here have equipped me with a sound background rather than the lack of one.
 Given Evasive Reply
 When MT. Davenport assumed his position as superintendent of schools in Thomaston, I expected that he would formulize some sort off sound. clear cut policy of relation ship between the superintendent's and principals duties. Since he did not take this up with me, ap- approached him, and although I was given an evasive reply, was made to feel that everything seemed to be in good shape and that I should proceed to carry on high school functions as principal. There was no friction between us so long as I fully agreed with everything I was told, but whenever expressed any viewpoints on the basis of my convictions. unnecessary tension re- suited. Gradually within the past two months, certain high school du- ties have been assumed by MT. Dav- enport without even consulting me in the matter. Moreover, we had worked together on some details per- taining to the new building, but af- ter l had spent many hours in CO., operation on the curriculum, assign ments and schedules for the student body, and had this plan approved by MT. Davenport and ok'd by the board I was recently informed that changes were to be made which l believe cancelled certain sound plans for the new school. I have no ob- jection, whatsoever to having the seventh grade occupy place in the new school if 1t would not result in some unnecessary overcrowding for that class is an easy administra- tive and disciplinary problem. In order to function, as new building of the fiIe quality of the Thomas ton high school should function. there should not be any overcrowd- ing anywhere, do not think that the cafeteria should be used for a classroom or that any classes should have to be held in the auditorium. yet I was informed that such was to be the case. since 1t would never do to have fewer pupils in a new building than could possibly be seated there.
 By the addition of the seventh grade the new building will become crowded and the present high school building will have unused rooms. The plans made for teacher and room assignments for the purpose of sound administrators were dis- c2fded and the plan as now fofmu- lated would end in handicapped ad- riinistrntlon and unneceheAfy cons fusion. I could not bring myself t0 fhe Ho{uk Of vieW where ealiiH