USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1907 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC,
FOR THE
E
C
OF
TOV
MASS
INCO
1876.
ORATI
D
Year Ending January 31,
1907.
MERRIMAC, MASS., PRINTED BY THE MERRIMAC BUDGET, CLIFTON B. HEATH, MANAGER. 1907.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Selectmen, School Committee, Water and Light Boards, and Town Officers. OF
The Town of Merrimac,
FOR THE
Year Ending January 31,
1 907.
MERRIMAC, MASS., PRINTED BY THE MERRIMAC BUDGET, CLIFTON B. HEATH, MANAGER. 1907.
SCHOOL REPORT.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
F. E. SWEETSIR, Chairman, SILAS L. MORSE, Secretary, C. A. LANCASTER,
Term expires 1907 Term expires 1908 Term expires 1909
MELVILLE A. STONE, Superintendent
TEACHERS.
Charles W. Cutts,
Susanna I. Sayre,
Louise Thacher,
Charles E. Perkins,
Lilla M. Phelps, Mary H. Head,
Hattie A. Baxter, S. Blanche Cunningham, Annie M. Sargent,
Mary A. Hughes,
William E. Hartwell,
Nettie J. Spofford,
Principal High School First Assistant Second Assistant Principal 8th and 9th Grades 6th and 7th Grades 5th and 6th Grades 3d and 4th Grades
Primary Merrimacport Bear Hill Supervisor of Music Supervisor of Drawing
Samuel Scofield, Truant Officer.
-
-
Thirty=first Annual Report of the
School Committee.
We hereby respectfully submit the report for the past year, together with those of the Superintendent, the Prin- cipal of the High School and the teachers of Drawing and Music, all of which have been adopted.
The School Committee organized after the March Town meeting with
F. E. SWEETSIR, Chairman. REV. S. L. MORSE, Secretary. C. A. LANCASTER, Purchasing Agent.
Our union with North Andover in employing a Superin- tendent was discontinued with that town at the end of the fiscal year, Sept. Ist. as they desired the services of a Su- perintendent all of the time. It was with regret that we parted with Mr. Chickering, who in the several years that he served as our Superintendent of Schools he made many warm friends.
We were fortunate, however, in being able to obtain a union with Reading and Topsfield, thus securing the ser- vices of Mr. M. A. Stone, who had served us in the same capacity some years ago for a short time, and consequently was not a stranger to us.
During the past year some rather expensive improve- ments and repairs have been made.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
At the schoolhouse on the Plains one of the stoves gave out, as well as some of those at the Centre building.
As we had had previous trouble in heating the Plains building in extreme weather, a furnace. the "Brien Heater," was installed, much to the comfort of the teachers and scholars.
The extra stove that had been used at the Plains was moved to the Centre building.
In the change that was made by which five teachers do the work of seven, all of the primary grades come to- gether at the Centre building.
In the room used by the primary children, the floor was badly worn by many years of continuous use, and a new hard wood floor was laid.
The Centre school building has been given a coat of paint for the first time in ten years.
The High School building had received but one coat since the repairs several years ago, so this has also been painted.
Your attention is particularly called to that portion of Mr. Cutts report, which relates to the hygienic condition of the out buildings, also to the recommendations regard- ing the commercial course.
Because of a smaller enrollment of scholars the average cost per pupil has increased in the past few years, so that the committee recommend, after careful consideration, that we no longer attempt to raise the legal amount, i. e., the average amount cost per pupil of the three preceding years, which would necessitate asking for $8782 for gen- eral school purposes. Our estimates for the year are as follows ;
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Teachers salaries,
$5720
Janitors,
II42
Superintendent,
510
Transportation,
500
Fuel,
500
Books and Supplies,
500
Incidentals and repairs,
200
Total,
$9072
We shall have owed us from the State Board of Chari- ties for transportation and tuition, payable in April, about $300. Dog tax, $150. Massachusetts School fund, $858. Total, $1308.
Therefore we have decided to ask that you appropriate for general school purposes $7000. Transportation, $500. Superintendent, $375. Total, $7875. This will give your School Committee for the ensuing year the sum of $9183. Respectfully submitted,
F. E. SWEETSIR,
S. L. MORSE, . C. A. LANCASTER,
School Committee.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Merrimac, Mass. Gentlemen :-
.. As my supervision of your schools has been of so short duration, you will hardly expect me to give you much in- formation regarding them which you do not already pos- sess. It is a pleasure to report that the teachers were found doing so good work as the physical environment of the several schools would permit.
Everyone seems ready to admit that the rooms of the Center School are not up to the required standard regard- ing heating and ventilation. Accordingly it seemed proper to study the situation, with a view to getting every pos- sible advantage out of the best rooms in the town, and dis- carding these ill-suited rooms as far as circumstances would warrant.
Early in this term it became necessary to provide a sub- stitute for Miss Colby, whose illness proved so serious that she felt obliged to tender her resignation, greatly to the regret of the committee and the superintendent.
In December Miss Marion Smith resigned to take up
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SCHOOL REPORT.
commercial work, while Miss Hosford also resigned at Bear Hill.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.
Upon studying the situation it was found that the schools might be consolidated without exceeding the legal limit of enrollment, and a number of incidental adantages be se- cured. A loss in enrollment of fifty pupils over that of the previous year made it possible to arrange so that for the remainder of this year five teachers could do the work done by seven under the former arrangement. Next September, however, it will be necessary to provide one additional teacher at the Center School, as one room surely will have an enrollment of over fifty pupils.
First, it was necessary to locate the upper grammar grades in the High School building, and this in turn called for changing the furniture of the recitation room up stairs into the room left vacant by taking the primary school to the Center School.
The room thus vacated at the Center School became available for the entire enrollment in Grades I and II, so that here one teacher can do what two were required to do under the former arrangement.
By reseating the fine rooms at the Prospect School, the third and fourth grades are accommodated in the room of Miss Baxter, while in the upper room the fifth and sixth are well provided for under the arrangement of Miss Mary Head.
This leaves for Miss Phelps in the upper room at the Center School the entire seventh grade, as before, and a
9
SCHOOL REPORT.
part of the sixth grade instead of the eighth according to the former arrangement.
This plan will allow for growth by giving an assistant next year to Miss Cunningham, who has the room of pri- mary grades, also to Miss Phelps in the work of the seventh and eighth if the enrollment requires such assist- ance.
With the present ninth grade passing into the High School, the present eighth grade will finish their prepara- tion for High School with no other grade enrolled with them to share the time of the teacher, which will give an opporunity to secure eight periods a week for the regular work of the High School.
With this addition to the teaching force it will be pos- sible to give the work in English the proper amount of time, five periods a week instead of three, and I recommend that this change be made in the High School curriculum, together with such other changes as may be necessary to make the work planned acceptable to the College Entrance Examination Board. This will be a favorable opportunity also for instituting the system of diploma points referred to in a recent report of the principal, and which is working out so good results in other schools that have adopted the plan. I certainly recommend its adoption here.
One word regarding the number enrolled in the High School in comparison with the total school enrollment and considering the population of the town. A membership of 67 in a total school membership of 360 gives the large per cent. 18.6. With the population of 1884 by the census of 1905, we have the high ratio of 35.5 per thousand of population. This should be a source of pride to the citi- zens of the town, and I have no doubt that this is the case.
10
SCHOOL REPORT.
There is nothing in which a community should take SO great general interest as in the training provided for the boys and girls in school.
By a comparatively small outlay the equipment of the High School may be made to serve a large number of those who need the work of a full commercial course, so that they may be fitted to take positions as stenographers and typewriters immediately upon graduating. The sugges- tions of our Principal, Mr. Cutts, are well worthy of con- sideration, especially at this time when the change already explained makes it possible to make a beginning in that work this coming year I sincerely hope the logic of the facts presented will prevail.
One more word regarding the High School. With over fifty large pupils of the grammar schools located in the building, better sanitation becomes an urgent necessity, and should be provided at once.
I recommend further that the course of study in the elementary schools be so changed that only eight years be required for preparation.
I make this recommendation for the following reasons :
Experience with the eight-year plan below the High School has shown that at least three-fourths of the pupls are found capable of such mental development that they can profitably undertake the work of the High School course, and so gain a year in their preparation for college or other advanced study.
In the case of those who take the commercial course or who leave school for work, a gain of a year in study is the result, or a gain of a year of earning, if the matter is viewed from that standpoint. Incidentally the town is the
II
SCHOOL REPORT.
gainer when twelve years suffice to give the education once calling for thirteen years.
LENGTH OF YEAR.
In accepting this change it will be necessary to plan for a year of forty weeks for all grades to accomplish the work in a satisfactory manner., though this increase of time and increase of work does not mean that our pupils are to be overworked. No less an authority than Prof. Paul Hanus of Harvard claims that six years are sufficient to master the elements of Mathematics, Language, History and Geo- graphy, i. e., the subjects of the lower grade work, to fit the pupils to undertake with profit the subjects belonging to the curriculum of the High School. This, however, needs to be understood clearly, for he did not intend to state that pupils could master all of those topics that have for years found a place in most of the grammar schools in this section of the country.
We expect that something of English Grammar, some- thing of Arithmetic, something of History and Geography will remain for the pupils to acquire in connection with their High School work, after gaining mental power by working in subjects new to them.
Even admitting that by the eight years plan some enter upon High School work before they are fully prepared for it, the fact that the great majority carry on their work with credit and profit, simply shows that the broader out- look furnished by the High School curriculum has been denied in the past to many who might have realized most of its advantages.
12
SCHOOL REPORT.
A word regarding the session of the High School and the Grammar School now located in the same building.
I note the treatment of this subject by my predecessor. and I agree with him in the opinion that it rests with the patrons of the schools to decide whether they can hold the pupils to the necessary home work by the one session plan, as well as by a two session plan.
This gives me an opportunity to state my belief regarding the responsibility of parents for the mental training of their children.
The teacher may plan never so wisely for the work at school and for the home lesson, yet, if the parents do not co-operate to secure the proper independent work on the part of the pupils, they will fail to do the proper work of the grade, and so require a second year on the same grade of work.
In case a boy leaves schoool to go to work on reaching the age of fourteen years, he finds a day of eight or nine hours awaiting him, and few call that length of day too severe for his years. If a boy has the chance to improve his future prospects by remaining in school and gaining a mental power denied the others by force of circum- stances, he ought not to consider it a hardship if his school work requires nearly as many hours per day. That is his business and the way he is making capital for his life work, and should be so regarded by all his immediate friends. At home a definite time should be set apart for his special work, and a place where he may be free from the usual work and excitement of the family life. It may mean for the future the difference between earning a wage of two dollars a day or twenty or more, for by acquiring the proper mental habit of concentration he becomes fitted to
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SCHOOL REPORT.
profit by the advantages offered in higher institutions, while, by allowing other matters to divert his mind while attempting to prepare his lesson, he fails to develop that mental power without which success in many lines of busi- ness is impossible.
From the beginning to the end of the public school course the manner of acquiring knowledge is of greater moment than the amount of knowledge acquired, and this calls for watchfulness on the part of teachers of every grade to note particularly the mental growth of each pu- pil, the ability to work out independently every task as- signed.
I cannot refrain from calling your attention to the ex- cellent opportunity now presented for introducing the work of Manual Training for the benefit of the boys of the up- per grammar grades.
One of the rooms just vacated in the Center School building is admirably adapted for sloyd work, and if once the stimulation of the work should be experienced by the boys enjoying its benefits, all interested would wonder why so great good had not fallen to the lot of these growing boys before. Times have changed in thirty years, and boys do not find at home so many opportunities to work with tools and gain that mastery over matter-wood, iron, stone -which were daily experiences with boys of earlier days.
What home conditions lack in this respect the school should supply so far as is reasonable, for by the training of hand and head together lies the surest way to an all round education.
CARE OF PROPERTY.
It was gratifying to find that a good deal of work was
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SCHOOL REPORT.
devoted to varnishing the desks last summer. It will be a source of pleasure to see what changes have been wrought upon old desks found in the basement of the Prospect School in securing the proper number to furnish the primary room at the Center School.
TEACHING PATRIOTISM.
I desire to call the attention of the public to one little item among the resources of the School Department-40 cents collected as fines for the abuse of books owned by the town and loaned to the pupils free of cost.
I believe such lessons impressed upon pupils in our schools are productive of great good in training them to become loyal, patriotic citizens, having due respect for law and order. Such experience tends to check the spirit of graft, or thinking that whatever is furnished by the town is of little worth and that all is to be secured that may come within reach.
Besides these practical ways in inculcating a spirit of genuine patriotism, we also make use of the anniversary days of great men and great historic events, and so en- deavor to make our children so familiar with much of our early history that they shall appreciate in large measure our good heritage.
HUMANE EDUCATION.
Among the virtues enumerated in the list required by our statutes to be wrought into the characters of the youth of the Commonwealth will be found kindness,
15
SCHOOL REPORT.
As a very helpful means of keeping this vividly before the minds of the children we have organized the grade schools as Bands of Mercy, and by appropriate exercises at intervals and by distributing the honors of the offices among many of the school we aim to interest the pupils in the needs and the rights of the dumb animals that render us so valuable service so willingly.
STAMPS SAVINGS.
Another, virtue to be inculcated in our future citizen is prudence, thrift, a proper appreciation of the value of money. In many schools the stamp savings system has been adopted, and the influence has been helpful in various ways in developing the best possibilities in all who deny themselves the present gratification of the appetite for the sake of a future good made possible by the accumulation of the small pieces of money otherwise frittered away. I recommend that an effort be made to establish this system in our schools.
COMPENSATION OF TEACHERS.
In order to give the children all the benefits they are entitled to during their school life it is necessary to secure teachers endowed by nature with these qualities of mind and heart that shall develop the best in their pupils, and such teachers are worthy of a fair compensation for their services. The schools of Merrimac have been fortunate in securing the services of excellent teachers at small salaries, because circumstances have cornpelled them to work near home at such salary as could be secured, but
16
SCHOOL REPORT.
with continued service these faithful ones ought to receive additional compensation, now additional work has been put upon them.
The success of all school work depends largely upon the enthusiasm, the skill and the loyalty of the regular teachers.
REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS.
The reports of the Supervisor of Music, Drawing and of the Principal of the High School will give you a good idea of their aims and the needs of those departments.
Their suggestions are worthy of your careful considera- tion.
I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the en- encouragement given me by the members of the committee and for the hearty manner in taking up the work under the new order on the part of the teachers.
With such co-operation the work of the schools must surely make good progress toward the best possible.
Respectfully submitted,
MELVILLE A. STONE.
17
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
Merrimac, Jan. 24, 1907. To the Superintendent of Schools :
The progress made by the High School during the past year has been generally satisfactory. During the term ending in June the work was somewhat interrupted by the continued absence of one of the teachers and the conse- quent employment of two or three substitutes to carry on her work. But with the present year the disposition toward the work, and consequently the general scholar- ship, have improved. The work of the year has begun well and the prospect for the year is excellent.
The total registration remains practically the same as last year. The relative number of boys and girls has changed somewhat, however. The majority of the class that was graduated in June were boys, while of the class that entered in September, less than a fourth were boys. Hence the proportion of boys in the school is somewhat less than for several years. This is due to perfectly natural causes, and the same causes will, in the course of a year or two, tend to increase the proportion of boys.
There seems to be an increasing demand for a business training. A large per cent. of our school take the com- mercial subjects now offered. It seems only just that the
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SCHOOL REPORT.
needs of so large a number be fully recognized, and so far as our resources will permit, that these needs be met with a more adequate commercial course. I suggested this matter a year ago, and experience and observation since confirm the opinion that such a course would serve the needs of a large number of our students. The course of study as a whole should be made as flexible as possible that it may be made to yield for each individual student the greatest possible results. To accomplish this it should be made largely elective. This does not necessarily mean any great change in our program of studies. It would mean, however, the adoption of the point system of giving credit for work done, and consequently promotion by subjects instead of by years. With a fixed amount of work ex- pressed in points required for graduation, it may be so ar- ranged that a pupil can adopt his work to his ability or condition. He may be able to complete the required amount in three years, or he may not be able to complete it in less than five years. I believe the diploma should represent work done, not time spent in the High School, Manual Training is coming to be recognized more and more as an important factor in education. It is a most valuable means of training the powers of observation and of developing and fixing habits of applicaton and accuracy in doing things. The minds of very many are most effectively touched and developed by this objective work with the hands. I believe it is perfectly feasible to introduce Manual Training in the smaller towns, and I hope the time is not far distant when we may receive the benefits of this training. I believe a beginning in this work can be made at once, and that the slight expense necessary to make a beginning would be more than justified by the results.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
The change that has recently been made, bringing into the High School building the eighth and ninth grades em- phasizes the need of immediate improvement in the sanitary arrangements. The present conditions are far from sat- isfactory, endangering alike health and good morals, and ought not to be tolerated longer than is necessary to make the required changes.
The school, upon the whole, is in excellent condition. Our building is comfortable and fairly well equipped. A good number of our pupils are preparing for college or technical schools, a fact that tends to raise the general av- erage of scholarship and to promote a commendable ambi- tion.
In conclusion, I wish to express my gratification because of the loyal and responsive spirit of the pupils, the earnest and faithful co-operation of the teachers and the active support and sympathy of the people of the community and of the school officials. Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. CUTTS,
Principal of the High School.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Merrimac, Jan. 25, 1907.
Mr. M. A. Stone, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir-Your supervisor of drawing has the pleasure of submitting a report of progress for the school year of 1906.
Teachers, scholars and, I believe, the parents, are co- operating with me to make the work in drawing both pleasant and valuable.
No radical changes have been made in the course of study, but the effort to simplify the subject and add thor- oughness is continual. One working with the upper grades must daily realize what a valuable part of the school curri- culum drawing is, training the pupil as it does to habits of neatness and accuracy, and helping, we hope, to an in- creasing extent, the formation of taste for the best in the things of life that make our material environment.
One change, I think, would be decidedly to the advan- tage of the supervisor and all the students concerned- that of making drawing in the High School elective throughout the whole of the course. It is now compulsory the first year. By the time a scholar enters the High School he knows whether or not he has an aptitude for drawing. Now "art is long" as long as the languages, or mathematics, which are given three, four or five periods a week. "Art" in the Merrimac High School is given one period a week, and the supervisor is forced to give as much
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SCHOOL REPORT.
time to those scholars who have no aptitude for the subject as for those who have real ability. Indeed, more time must be given those who have little skill and are indifferent, for those who care for drawing are painstaking in their work, and occupy themselves with their own efforts longer, though help from the supervisor would show much more desirable results. A drawing backed with a scholar's name should not be the work of the teacher, but the scholar's work, plus little improvements suggested by the teacher. If the supervisor were allowed the one brief pe- riod a week to work only with those scholars who wish to advance themselves in her subject, much more satisfactory results would be accomplished.
The expense for drawing materials must appear large to one not considering the added necessities which the recent reorganization of schools has brought. Where as formerly one set of painting and drawing materials was all absolute- ly necessary for the three grammar schools of the 'Center Building, now two new sets are needed, since these three schools are in as many different buildings.
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