USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1908 > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF MERRIMAC,
FOR THE
KERRI
AC
OF
NMOL
MASS
INCOR
1876.
R
Year Ending January 31,
1908.
MERRIMAC, MASS., PRINTED BY THE MERRIMAC BUDGET, CLIFTON B. HEATH, MANAGER. 1908.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
The Selectmen, School Committee, Water and Light Boards, and Town Officers OF
The Town of Merrimac, Mass.
FOR THE
Year Ending January 31,
1908.
MERRIMAC, MASS., PRINTED BY THE MERRIMAC BUDGET, CLIFTON B. HEATH, MANAGER. 1908.
SCHOOL REPORT.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
SILAS L. MORSE, Chairman .. Term expires 1908 C. A. LANCASTER, Purchasing Agt. . Term expires 1909 F. E. SWEETSIR, Secretary. Term expires 1910
MELVILLE A. STONE.
.. Superintendent
TEACHERS.
CHARLES W. CUTTS. . Principal High School SUSANNA I. SAYRE. . First Assistant LOUISE THACHER Second Assistant CHAS. E. PERKINS .... 3d Asst. and Principal 9th Grade ELLEN T. MORRISON .7th and 8th Grades A. MABELLE WARNER ... Assistant 7th and 8th Grades MARY H. HEAD .5th and 6th Grades
FLORENCE I. HAMBLETT 4th and 5th Grades
JULIA M. NOYES. 3d Grade S. BLANCHE CUNNINGHAM Primary ANNIE M. SARGENT. Merrimacport
MARY A. HUGHES.
Bear Hill
WILLIAM E. HARTWELL
Supervisor of Music
EDITH AMES.
Supervisor of Drawing
THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
We hereby respectfully submit the report for the past year, together with those of the Superintendent, the Princi- pal 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
REV. S. L. MORSE, Chairman, F. E. SWEETSIR, Secretary, C. A. LANCASTER, Purchasing Agent.
At a meeting of the Joint Committee, held in the Com- mittee room of the Reading High School in April, it was voted that our union with Reading and Topsfield in employ- ing a Superintendent be dissolved at the close of the fiscal year, September 1, 1907.
The committees representing the towns of Reading and Merrimac formed a new union, and elected Mr. Melville A. Stone, Superintendent, Reading to have three days of his time at a salary of $1,120 and Merrimac two days, paying therefor $580. In the consummation of this union we con- sidered ourselves fortunate as about all the towns in the State had already formed unions.
At the opening of the schools after the Easter recess, it was plainly seen that an assistant was needed for the rooms of the primary and 7th and 8th grades. After consultation
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SCHOOL REPORT.
with the Superintendent, it was voted to engage Mrs. Ellen T. Morrison of Alfred, Maine, as assistant to Miss Phelps and Miss Cunningham.
The graduation exercises of both the High and Grammar Schools in June we feel need to be commended by your committee. We believe that having the pupils participate on such occasions creates a greater interest on the part of pupils and parents than the heretofore stereotype addresses of the imported speakers.
At the close of the schools in June, the resignations of Miss Lilla Phelps, Miss Harriett A. Baxter and Miss Nettie J. Spofford (all of whom have done excellent work for our. schools) were received and accepted. The vacancies were filled by Mrs. Ellen T. Morrison, Miss Christine Ross of Lynnfield, and Miss Mabel Lowrey of Swampscott.
During the summer recess the schoolhouses were cleaned and made sanitary. At the High School your committee feel that perfect sanitary arrangements have been installed under the specifications submitted and approved by the State Board of Health. At the first it was planned to place the closets in the main cellar, but after carefully considering the objections it was finally decided to excavate under the vestibule of the building, and build a retaining wall and install the closets, lavatory and urinal therein, which plan separates and creates a privacy that would have been im- possible under the original plan. What has been done at the High School we feel that it is only a question of time when similar sanitary improvements must be made at the Centre and Prospect Street Schools.
Owing to an increased number of pupils electing mechani- cal drawing in the High School it became necessary to pro- vide a separate room for this special work. Your com-
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SCHOOL REPORT.
mittee had a portion of the upper hall-way set apart and made into a room. Suitable tables and chairs have been placed therein. This addition has made the appointments of the school very satisfactory.
Your committee received a bill for rental of land adjoin- ing the Prospect Street School lot, covering a period of three years at $15.00 per year, from the George W. Sargent Estate. After careful consideration, we referred the matter to the Board of Selectmen, stating that it would be better to submit the matter of purchase or rental of said land to the annual Town meeting rather than establish the prece- dent of paying the bill from the School Fund.
When the schools opened in September it was found that the teacher elected to the 4th and 5th grades at the Pros- pect Street School had resigned her position to accept a school in Wakefield. Miss Florence I. Hamblett of Lowell, was chosen to fill the vacancy. Miss Lowrey, supervisor of drawing, resigned to accept a better position with the Town of Swampscott. Miss Mary C. Skinner of West Upton, was elected to the position. Miss Mabel Warner of New- ton, was elected assistant teacher at the Centre School.
Owing to the influx of pupils in the primary grades it became necessary to open another room at the Centre School and place the third grade therein. Miss Julia M. Noyes of Haverhill, was elected and placed in charge.
It was regretted on the part of the committee, teachers and pupils that Miss Skinner decided to resign as super- visor of drawing at the Thanksgiving recess to accept a more lucrative position with the Abington Schools. Miss Edith Ames of Dedham, was elected to the vacancy.
Your committee desires, with much pleasure, to make mention of the two socials and entertainments given under
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SCHOOL REPORT.
the auspices of the local Teachers' Association for the pur- pose of meeting the parents and others interested in our schools. We believe that more of these pleasant evenings should be given by the Association because they have a ten- dency to . create an interest between the public, teachers, superintendent, and school officials that could not other- wise be obtained.
It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr. Samuel Scofield, who filled the position of janitor at the Center School so acceptably that he had endeared himself to the pupils, teachers and school officials.
In conclusion, we feel that the schools were never in - a better and more prosperous condition. Superintendent Stone is thoroughly alive to the situation and never spares himself nor hesitates to make known to your committee when and where extra effort should be placed to bring our schools to a higher standard and get better results from the scholars. We would call your thoughtful attention to that part of the Superintendent's report advocating an enlarged commercial course for the pupils of the High School. If this can be done without materially increasing the expense of said school, we think the time has come for the inaugura- tion of such a course, and that these advantages should be given to pupils desiring such an education and who cannot afford to pay tuition in a business college or elsewhere.
Your committee estimates that the following amounts will be required for the maintenance of our schools the coming year :
Teachers' Salaries $6,157
Janitors 640
Superintendent 375
Transportation 500
S
SCHOOL REPORT.
Fuel 500
Books 300
Supplies 300
Repairs and Incidentals
350
Total $9,122
Of this amount we shall expect to receive :
From the State Board of Charity
$300
Dog Tax 140
State Fund
800
Account of Superintendent.
525
Total
$1,765
Therefore, we have decided to ask that you appropriate for General School Purposes $7,357
Transportation of Scholars 500
Superintendent 375
Total
$8,232
This will give your committee for the ensuing year the sum of $9,997.
Respectfully submitted,
S. L. MORSE, C. A. LANCASTER, F. E. SWEETSIR, School Committee.
9
SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Merrimac, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
In reporting upon the work of the schools I wish to ex- press my thorough appreciation of the manner in which the citizens of Merrimac responded to the call for funds to improve the sanitation of the High School building. That urgent need has been met in a splendid way. Now that the High School is provided for in this matter, I would remind you of the need for improvement in the sanitary conditions at the Centre School.
Here caution in the matter of spending money upon this old building, either for sanitation or for heating is neces- sary, lest the State Police Board condemn the building.
Another need which affects the physical well-being of a number of pupils is an adjustable desk, which will allow a pupil of unusual size to be comfortably seated for work.
With the best arrangement possible with the desks now used a number of pupils will be found in cramped positions, which in the present condition of their growing bodies threatens distortion of one kind or another. I recommend in this connection that a few adjustable desks be purchased to relieve these pupils now suffering from this cause.
By means of light gymnastics and physical culture exer- cises we aim to give considerable attention to the physical
SCHOOL REPORT.
development, of our children. This is the first and a very important demand of the growing child, that the physical conditions be made as comfortable as possible.
For the development of the higher natures of the chil- dren, the intellectual and the moral, we must also consider their environment, and so far as possible provide the means for a healthy growth of both mind and heart.
For this work the teacher is the most important factor, for no matter what may be the course of study outlined, unless the teacher appreciates his part in arousing in his pupils the strong desire to know the things offered as the subject matter, both for their own sake as information well worth having and for the sake of the power gained in their acquisition, the results are meagre for the time spent upon them. The teacher must lead, not drive; must inspire to one's best endeavor, not suffer the pupil to be discouraged over failure, either partial or complete. Severe dealing either with the tongue or the rod seldom yields good results.
The smiling face that indicates a real interest in all life, especially in the young life placed in charge, will secure a more healthy soul growth than any amount of moral teach- ing as commonly understood.
Plants thrive in the sunlight, so thrive the blossoming lives of the children when placed under the guidance of those who understand the pupils' needs and their own re- sponsibilities.
Our teachers are doing well and are gaining in power to mould the lives of those entrusted to their care. One word may be said right here regarding the number of teachers employed now and last spring.
The increase in enrollment the last term has been almost wholly in the lower grades, so that it became necessary to
II
SCHOOL REPORT.
provide an extra room with an enrollment of about forty pupils of third grade and this called for another teacher. We are making good progress in bringing up the work in the grades to the eight-year standard.
The present ninth grade will be able to make a beginning upon some of the work of the High School course in the near future. The eighth grade will complete the work in Geography by the close of the year, so that they will be able to begin some High School subject still earlier in their ninth year. The seventh and sixth grades also show a gain that indicates an ability to fulfill their part of the plan.
As stated in my last report, this plan contemplates giv- - ing to the seventh and eighth grades forty weeks of school, the same as that now required by the High School.
One advantage to be gained from this plan is the intro- duction of the pupils to the broader range of subjects of the High School course, and even in case of those who may require five years for securing the diploma, the time spent here cannot fail to be a means of great gain in culture, and a general preparation for life. The adoption of the system of diploma points emphasizes the importance of carrying the work attempted to a certain degree of perfection from the first month of the course.
- As stated in my last report, I feel that we are not giving to those who elect the commercial subjects a sufficient training to enable them to undertake the work in an ordi- nary business office.
At present we find fifteen of twenty Freshmen. twelve of fifteen Sophomores, four of fourteen Juniors and two of twelve Seniors, or thirty-three of sixty-one total enrollment, who have elected commercial work with no prospect of securing any preparation in Typewriting or Stenography.
·
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SCHOOL REPORT.
This seems sufficient to indicate a demand for more prepa- ration for the world of business and affairs.
There is a feeling on the part of some in every commun- ity that the schools of today are costing too much, and in case of a few that the High School especially is costing too much per pupil for the results secured. I mean this not as a criticism of the work that is done in our own High School, but referring in a general way to the objections raised to providing instruction in the secondary school for the benefit of all the youth between fourteen and eighteen years of age.
All over our country this argument is met with the an- swer, that the very stability of our National government and our standing in the industrial world demands that our youth and young men be trained to the fullest extent possi- ble in all lines of civic, social and industrial life. Consider- ing the per capita cost of the secondary schools in compari- son with that of the elementary schools, we find it from fifty per cent. to one hundred per cent. more than the lat- ter, according to the nature of the training given in the High School and the equipment needed for the same. But when we consider the efficiency in the ordinary business of life of the educated man who directs great enterprises or the edu- cated, skilled artisan we find that the wage-earning power increases in almost exact proportion to the intellectual stand- ard attained by the workers.
If this is true when considered from the industrial side alone, how much more is it true that the advantage lies with the policy of preparing as many as are fitted by nature for such development to enter upon their training for the vari- ous professions.
One strong reason why the State or the local communi-
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SCHOOL REPORT.
ties should support schools for such training lies in the fact that so many who are well endowed by nature with the powers necessary to success in the various professional call- ings come from homes not blessed with sufficient means to · undertake the struggle for such an education, so that the State secures for its higher service many a boy who other- wise would be unable to render his best service to society.
Without following this argument further, this is the ques- tion that interests everyone in this community who has a boy or a girl that ought to prepare for a business career, or who considers that those of varying ability and of diverse gifts ought to be considered equally with those who see a college career before them.
Are we doing justice to those who show fitness and a necessity for commercial work when we fail to provide for them the necessary equipment? Shall we deny to the large percentage of the school who elect commercial work at first the opportunity of rounding out their course so as to be ready for such positions as are frequently open to those of their age and educational qualifications, or shall we at an additional expense of about $300 provide this instruction right here at home, as we now fit for college or normal school ?
As stated before, more than half the present enrollment of the school have elected commercial branches, yet no pro- vision is made for continuing their work so as to be ready for an ordinary commercial position, but at the expense of individual parents the work here must be supplemented at some institution out of town, a condition that many times results in more harm than good.
But this whole question is a matter for the voters and the patrons of the school to decide at the Town meeting.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
If it appeals to our people as a wise course to pursue so that the necessary money is forthcoming, we shall be only too glad to do our best to carry out their wishes.
The course of study found inserted later indicates the work planned for the school and now carried out so far as teaching force will permit.
At the close of the school year, Miss Lilla M. Phelps ten- dered her resignation and so severed her connection with the Merrimac schools after thirteen years of faithful service. Mrs. Ellen T. Morrison, who was secured to assist her in the spring, was elected her successor, and Miss A. Ma- belle Warner of Newton, N. H., was elected as assistant for both the grammar and the primary schools at the Centre.
At the Prospect School it was found necessary to grant a short leave of absence to Miss Harriett M. Baxter, who later decided that it was not wise for her to continue the work of teaching. For the spring, Miss Marcella Martin served as substitute teacher, and in August Miss Florence I. Hamblett was secured for the position.
After receiving at a late date the resignation of Miss Mabel E. Lowrey of Swampscott, who was elected super- visor of drawing, we at last secured the services of Miss Mary C. Skinner of West Upton, who was also engaged for similar work in Abington. At the Thanksgiving recess she resigned to accept more work at Abington, and it became necessary to secure another teacher for this work. Miss Edith B. Ames of Dedham, has been secured and as she also holds a similar position in West Newbury we hope that this arrangement will prove reasonably permanent. In case of such a subject as Drawing, the change in plans conse- quent upon a change of supervisor is a serious loss to the work,
15
SCHOOL REPORT.
All that was said a year ago regarding the value of a short course in Manual Training is equally true today, and the opportunity to open a Sloyd shop in the rear room of the Center School still stands, but if the necessary expense of securing the equipment proves the barrier to our prog- ress in that direction, I recommend that under our super- visor of Drawing we introduce some of the Arts and Crafts work and at small additional salary secure the services of Miss Ames for an additional half-day, or two days in all.
Miss Ames is well equipped for this work, and it is very nicely carried on in connection with Drawing.
All work of this nature serves a double purpose of de- veloping brain power and giving the pupils a correct notion of what constitutes an education. I may also include a third great advantage, that of toning up the moral fiber of the pupil as he exercises the patience and perseverance needed to make many of the articles attempted as well as when exercising special skill to make an article that shall serve some useful purpose or contribute special pleasure to the recipient of the gift.
This whole question of doing the most possible for the all-round development of our children while in school im- presses one more and more with the great responsibility of the teacher and of all who direct the work.
Again, I call attention to the item in the financial report that shows our persistence in following up those who are guilty of abusing books and other property. A small fine promptly collected proves a great saving of books through- out the schools. Something has been done toward interest- ing the pupils in the care and humane treatment of animals.
As the work progresses, we expect to find a greater in- terest manifested in definite programs, and in a practical
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SCHOOL REPORT.
working out of the principles taught.
The work of our pupils in gardening the past year was a very encouraging beginning. Wherein any failure was ap- parent we will try to avoid the same in future. This is a matter of slow growth and it requires time to derive the full benefit for the community.
It was encouraging to find the Town Improvement So- ciety interested in this work, and I feel personally that just at this point is a fine opportunity for effecting a vital con- nection between our schools and the homes of the people.
The education of our children is a broader matter than the work secured with the use of text-books in school, and whatever may be done to strengthen the bond of sympathy between teacher and parent is sure to yield excellent results.
The special reports which follow will indicate the needs of our schools, as those in special charge of the work fully understand, and it is to be hoped that their plans may meet with your approval.
During the holiday vacation our hearts were saddened by the death of Mr. Samuel Scofield, who for a good number of years had served as janitor at the Center School. He had won the hearts of both young and old by his kind and cheerful words of greeting, and his uniformly faithful and accommodating service.
In closing this, my second annual report to you, I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for the hearty support you have given to my efforts to improve our schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MELVILLE A. STONE,
Superintendent of Schools.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my annual report as Principal of the High School.
The total attendance remains practically the same as for the past few years. The average attendance has been rather better than usual. The condition of the school in other re- spects is most hopeful. The standard of scholarship has gradually improved. The attitude of the pupils toward the work, and the ambition to do really good work is perhaps better today than ever before.
A radical change has been made in the course of study. All subjects save English and Music have been made elec- tive. It is expected that this change will render the course much more effective, and hence will promote a higher grade of scholarship and make the school of greater service to a greater number. In making this change, some attention was given to expanding the business course. More time has been given to Business Arithmetic and also to Book- keeping. This seems to be in the direction of a popular de- mand. The course may very profitably be further ex- tended, as much, in fact, as our resources and the limita- tions of other necessary subjects will permit.
SCHOOL REPORT.
The change in the program of studies has also made necessary an increase in the teaching force. This need has been met by assigning several classes to the Principal of the Grammar School. This arrangement does not adequately meet the demands of the school. The work of the school . has expanded so that the full time of another teacher is re- quired for the most successful conduct of it.
The increased facilities for the work in Drawing have greatly added to the efficiency of that very important work, and consequently to the interest in it. I should be very. glad to have still more time given to Mechanical Drawing, for thereby I believe the preparation for scientific schools, or for industrial work, would be greatly strengthened.
Industrial education is assuming a very important posi- tion in the modern educational scheme. I am in hearty sym- pathy with this tendency. I believe we have unusual oppor- tunities to accomplish something in this line for our boys, and that their interests and the interests of the community would be promoted thereby. For instance, I believe it to be possible and perfectly feasible to make arrangements with some of our public-spirited manufacturers, whereby a boy can spend a definite amount of time each day in a shop and under the direction of a skilled workman begin, at least, the learning of a trade such as carriage trimming, painting, body-making or blacksmithing. For the work thus done credit can be given towards a diploma. If there should be a demand for work of this character, the experiment, I be- lieve, would be well worth trying.
The new piano, secured through the efforts of the school under the leadership and inspiration of Mr. Hartwell, is all that can be desired. It is a first-class instrument and in ex- cellent condition. We were very fortunate to obtain it. In
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SCHOOL REPORT.
this connection, I wish to acknowledge the gift of fifteen dollars for this object from Mr. C. A. Lancaster. Acknowl- edgment has previously been made of a gift of twenty dol- lars for the same purpose from the Alumni Association. By the will of Mrs. Poore, an excellent mineral cabinet, filled with a well-chosen collection of minerals, was left the school.
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