Library Collections: Document: Full Text

Disbursements

Assets

SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS

O. H. COBB, Treasurer.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

To the Board of Managers:

I submit herewith my report on the condition of the Syracuse State School for the year ending June 30, 1921:

ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES

ENROLLMENT

Per capita cost of maintenance, $385.08.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Conditions regarding employment and deliveries and prices of supplies improved toward the end of the year. The grade of new employees, particularly men, was noticeably higher. Abundant crops, milk supply and canned fruits and vegetables produced by the institution afforded a plentiful and varied diet throughout the year.

The health of the school has been excellent. Influenza appeared in a few mild and scattered cases. Two children and three uninoculated employees contracted typhoid. There were no epidemics. Children requiring endocrine treatment received special attention.

Improvements included an electric dough mixer, milk pasteurizer and electric lighting at Fairmount.

School

The large number of new children, nearly all of moron grade, made a busy year in the school. Most of these children are good material for later parole. The boys manual classes made 944 mattresses for the school and teachers training department and attractive flower boxes for all dining rooms. Three new teachers replaced those who had resigned, and Misses Hallett and Morrow visited the schools at Waverly and Wrentham to study methods. Dr. Davies conducted a six months' course in psychometric testing, attended by the teachers who also completed the course in the teachers' training department.

For entertainment, in addition to weekly movies and dances, the children attended the circus and State Fair, where the orchestra gave several concerts. All were entertained by Mrs. Cobb in group parties at the Superintendent's house or on picnics. For those with good work and behavior records frequent entertainments were given in Music Hall.

PAROLE

The purpose of parole is to place out every child capable of self-support and not liable to become a social menace, and to relieve the institution of the maintenance of all but those of school age or who because of limited mental capacity, poor health or personality defect require custodial care. As the mental defective is peculiarly susceptible to surrounding conditions it is essential that the best possible environment be provided and that by frequent visits and reports the parole officer know all that is well, or learn of developments in time to avert trouble.

Although the wishes of parents always receive due consideration it is in many cases advisable that the child be placed elsewhere. The average boy is better stabilized and more contented on a farm than in the city, and the best place for a girl is as assistant in a middle class home. The employers take a conscientious interest in their charges and amply provide for their welfare and happiness. In return the boy or girl does good work and more than makes up any deficiencies by loyalty and affection for his employer. The girls make tireless and devoted caretakers of children, as they are affectionate and endowed with the instinct of motherhood.