USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1892 > Part 11
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Respectfully, WILLIAM P. LUNT, Superintendent.
ANNUAL REPORT.
THE HIGH AND PUTNAM SCHOOLS.
HIGH SCHOOL-E. C. Adams, A. M., principal ; O. B. Merrill, A. M., Miss Sara A. Leonard, Miss Mary T. Spalding, Miss Emma H. Parker, Miss Bertha M. Stiles, assistants.
PUTNAM SCHOOL-Miss Mary R. Bond, Miss Harriet Piper, assistants.
The High and Putnam schools have continued under the same management as last year. The increased membership, however, made another teacher necessary, so, early in the year, Miss Bertha M. Stiles was temporarily employed as an assistant. She contin- ued her work through the year.
The average membership and average attendance have been most satisfactory throughout the year, as a reference to the table of statistics will readily show. We believe that this record can hardly be surpassed by any school of equal size, and that it shows the high appreciation in which the privileges of the school are held by both pupils and parents. In every case parents have done all in their power to promote the regular and punctual attendance of their children, and the latter, almost without exception, have ex- pressed regret over any necessary absence. This regularity of at- tendance has, in no small degree, aided in promoting the scholar- ship and progress of the schools.
In matters of discipline, much effort has been put forth to de- velop the pupil's self-control. No measure has been adopted sim- ply for its immediate effect, but for its permanent influence upon the pupil's character. Any system of management that does not strengthen a pupil's power to direct himself is a failure.
5
It is a pleasure to be able to state that a ready response to higher motives is usually given, and that the spirit of the school is such that mean and disorderly conduct is frowned upon by the pupils. It is not strange, under such circumstances, that no seri. ous breach of discipline occurred during the entire year.
The standard of scholarship, we believe, has been fully main- tained. All pupils who were recommended for admission to high- er institutions of learning were successful in passing entrance ex- aminations. The number applying for such admission was larger this year than ever before. Two young ladies entered Wellesley college, and one the Harvard Annex, while another was admitted to the latter institution as a special student. Two young men were admitted to Amherst, six to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and one to Lehigh University ; three passed prelimi- nary examinations at Harvard, and nine at the Massachusetts In- stitute of Technology.
The natural method of instruction is employed as far as possi- ble. This is especially true of all work in natural science and in language. In all branches, the pupil is taught and trained by do- ing. This method of work makes large demands upon a teacher's time and strength. The "text-book" method is, of all, the easiest for the teacher, as it is the most barren for the pupil.
The Toppan prize every year proves the wisdom of its founder. From the first it has stimulated the interest taken in the study of civil government, and has not tended to awaken jealous feelings or wrong motives of study in the minds of the pupils. In many cases it has led to extended reading upon the subject and aroused an interest that will be abiding.
This year the prize was awarded to J. Lewis Gilman, and hon- orable mention was made of John T. Lunt. The committee of award, consisting of Mr. N. N. Withington and Robert E. Burke, esq., commended the general character of the papers submitted to them for examination.
Early in the fall a new telescope was presented to the High school by Rev. William O. Moseley. The instrument is a valua- ble one, and has proved very useful and an inspiring help, both to those who study and to those who teach astronomy. Such gener- osity as this shown by Mr. Moseley is an encouragement to those who are responsible for the management of the schools of our city,
6
and is highly appreciated by pupils and teachers alike. Mr. Mose- ley has, as he surely deserves, the sincere thanks of our citizens.
It is with regret that we report the resignation of two faithful teachers, Oliver B. Merrill, A. M., and Miss Emma H. Parker. For five years Miss Parker taught successfully the natural sci- ences. She had entire charge of the laboratory, and was unspar. ing in her efforts to make her department strong and efficient. Her ideals were high, and she realized them in no ordinary de- grec.
Mr. Merrill's career is too well known to need extended men- tion in this report. For more than thirty years he served the citi- zens of Newburyport with a faithfulness rarely, if ever, surpassed. A man characterized by the highest integrity, a keen sense of jus- tice, a quick sympathy with the struggling learner, he impressed himself upon the expanding lives of his pupils in a way that tended to make them true men and women, and good citizens- the true function and highest privilege of a teacher.
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STATISTICS OF THE HIGH AND PUTNAM SCHOOLS.
1891-1892.
Whole membership of boys in High school 76
Whole membership of girls in High school 81
Whole membership of High school 157
Average membership of boys in High school 72.5
Average membership of girls in High school .
73.4
Average membership of High school 145.9
Average attendance of boys in High school 70.1
Average attendance of girls in High school 70.5 .
Average attendance of High school 140.6
Per cent. of attendance of boys
96.5
Per cent. of attendance of girls
96
Per cent. of attendance of school
96.4
Whole number of boys in Putnam school
32
Whole number of girls in Putnam school 55
Whole number of pupils in Putnam school 87
Whole number of pupils in High and Putnam schools 244
Average age of boys in I. class, High school . 17.2
. Average age of girls in I. class, High school . 17.4
Average age of boys in I. class, Putnam school 17.5
Average age of girls in I. class, Putnam school
17.3
Average age of boys in II. class, High school . 17.2 .
Average age of girls in II. class, High school . 16.8 .
Average age of boys in II. class, Putnam school 16.8
Average age of girls in II. class, Putnam school 16.4
Average age of boys in III. class, High school 15.9
Average age of girls in III. class, High school 15.6
Average age of boys in III. class, Putnam school 15.9
Average age of girls in III. class, Putnam school 16.0
Average age of boys in IV. class, High school :14.9
Average age of girls in IV. class, High school 14.8
Average age of boys in IV. class, Putnam school 14.8
Average age of girls in IV. class, Putnam school
15.0
Number over fifteen years of age, boys, in High school . 59
Number over fifteen years of age, girls, in High school 59
8
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF '92.
AT CITY HALL, JUNE 29.
PROGRAM.
Singing-Anthem : "Call Upon Me." Chorus
Prayer.
Singing-Chant and Anthem. . Chorus Essay-(salutatory rank.) "Growth of Knowledge." Mary W. Dean Essay-"The Ballot." Hall J. Leigh Essay-"Language of the Bells.". Fannie H. Drake
Mary L. Greenleaf Solo-"Voices of the Woods." Rubinstein-Watson. . Alice A. Bartlett Essay-"Critics."
Essay-"Poetry in Nature."
. Joseph N. Haskell
Class History .
Edith H. Greenleaf
Singing-"'Come Away to the Daisies." Arr. from Bellini . Chorus
Essay-"Newspapers." Lawrence C. Huse
Essay-"Our Feathered Songsters." Lillian F. Haines
Violin Solo-"Introduction et Polonaise." C. N. Aller Robert S. Lunt Essay-"The Historic Feeling.' . Julia J. Hubbard
Essay -- "Roads."
J. Lewis Gilman
Solo-"Love's Dream." Gregh Ella Duchemin Essay-"Gossips.' Louise H. Spalding Essay-"Dreams." Georgie E. Thurlo
Singing-"To Thee, O Country." Eichberg Chorus Essay-"The Columbian Exposition." . John T. Lunt Essay-"The Golden Touch," with Valedictory Cora W. Rogers
Award of Toppan Prize.
Presentation of diplomas.
.
9
Singing
Class Ode
WRITTEN BY LILLIAN G. GOODWIN.
As the ships that spread their canvas Catch the breeze and sail the bay, Heeding not the clouds that gather Nor the lights that o'er them play;
So for years have we been gliding On a calm and peaceful sea, With the sunbeams brightly glancing, Filling all our hearts with glee.
Now the tides sweep us asunder, And we part, perhaps for years; God grant that all may reach the harbor, Where there'll be no parting tears.
Benediction.
(2)
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GRADUATING CLASS.
High School.
ALICE ADELAIDE BARTLETT,
BESSIE REMER BAUMGARTNER,
MARY ALICE WOODWELL,
ANNIE EATON BROWN,
GEORGE HENRY BLISS,
MARY WILLIAMS DEAN,
JOHN LEWIS GILMAN,
CHARLOTTE KATHERINE DICKINS, LILLIAN GERTRUDE GOODWIN.
· BENJAMIN HALE, JR., JOSEPH NOYES HASKELL,
EDITH HOYT GREENLEAF,
LAWRENCE CARLTON HUSE,
MARY LAWSON GREENLEAF.
GEORGE OTIS KENT,
LILLIAN DODD HAMILTON,
JOIIN THOMAS LUNT,
JULIA JENKINS HUBBARD,
HERBERT STORY NOYES,
FANNIE ELLEN LITTLE,
JAMES DEXTER TAYLOR, .
ADELAIDE HAINES PRITCHARD,
JULIAN ERNEST WOODWELL.
Putnam School.
GERTRUDE WILLARD CARLETON,
FANNIE HOBBS DRAKE,
LILLIAN FRENCH HAINES,
BERNARD CAMPBELL EATON,
MABEL TIBBETTS JEWETT,
ELWELL FAIRFIELD KIMBALL,
CHARLOTTE BRONTE MATTHEWS,
HALL JACKSON LEIGH,
LILLIAN NEWMAN,
CORA WHITTIER ROGERS,
ROBERT SOMERBY LUNT, FRANK HENRY ROGERS.
JOHN F. YOUNG, PRENTISS H. REED, EDWARD G. MOODY, GEO. W. WORCESTER, EDWARD OSGOOD, FRANK E. CUTTER,
High School Committee.
JOSEPH E. MOODY, on part of trustees of Putnam Free School.
GEORGIE ELBRIDGE THURLO,
LOUISE HATTIE SPALDING, ELIZABETH FRANCES TODD,
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
It was formerly the custom here, as elsewhere, in the annual re- ports, to take up each school and its teachers, with criticisms or commendations, almost always the latter. This practice has be- come at the present time nearly obsolete, and we think wisely so. The results of such criticisms, although gratifying to those who received the most praise, were not conducive to the welfare of the schools or to good feeling among the teachers.
The commendations, and certainly the criticisms, should be made to the teachers themselves, and not to the public.
In the last annual report, attention was called to the excellent showing of the grammar schools, particularly at the examination of candidates for admission to the High school. The work for the present year has shown no falling off, and in some of the schools there has been marked improvement.
Our schools labor under some disadvantages in their efforts to produce results equalling those of other cities of the common- wealth. We have no special teachers in penmanship, drawing, music, calisthenics, military drill, sewing or cooking. In some of the larger cities all of these are employed, and in most places of equal size there are special teachers for drawing and music. Much of the excellent work in those branches would be impossible were it not for these teachers.
In the other and older branches of instruction much satisfac- tory work is done. Arithmetic, I think, is the strongest point in our favor, when comparisons are made, although the practical work in language has greatly improved with the last few years. At the present time the grammar teachers are making special efforts in reading and penmanship, both branches deserving more
12
attention than they have generally received. The best conditions for satisfactory work in our grammar schools seem to be where there are two grades to a room, with not over 20 pupils in each grade. Such an arrangement allows one class to study while the other is reciting. Unfortunately, the schools here are so con- structed and situated that in some rooms there is one grade, in some there are two, in several three, while those in the suburbs have even more.
A just consideration of what is accomplished by the different teachers will take into view the favorable or unfavorable condi- tions under which they work. We cannot reasonably expect that skill in penmanship and drawing, without special teachers for those departments, that is shown where such special teachers are employed. Nor can we expect as good results in any branches, when there are three or more grades to a room, as where there are only two. Considering the facilities for work in our schools, we should be gratified that on the whole so much is accomplished.
The division of the Forrester street boys' school into two rooms has proved to be of great benefit to that school, giving the teach- ers better conditions for teaching, and making the discipline less arduous. Last August the girls' room in that building was divided in the same way, and the work of the school will undoubt- edly be improved in consequence.
The annual demand for increased accommodations in the Kelley school was responded to by the enlargement of what had been called the office, on the second story. The dressing rooms on each side were taken down, and a room thus formed capable of accommodating about 40 pupils. In it were placed parts of the fifth and sixth grades, which last year occupied room D, on the lower floor. Room D is now used for the fourth grade of the training school.
Among the improvements which appear to be demanded by the best interests of the grammar schools is the introduction of a sim- ple history of the United States. The two upper grades are studying Montgomery's History, and while exercises in history are included in the course of study for the seventh, no book has yet been provided.
MOULTONVILLE SCHOOL.
Attention is called to the small number of pupils attending this
13
school. About three or four years ago, in response to a petition of the residents of that locality, a separate grammar department was established. At that time the number of pupils was much larger than at present. Undoubtedly the efficiency of the school was greatly increased by the separation of the pupils into two rooms, one for the primary classes, and one for the grammar grades. It is a question whether any different arrangement could be made, whereby the children of that locality would not suffer. And yet the number of pupils seems to be small for the employment of two teachers. In order to make the rooms some- what uniform in numbers, the fourth grade is now in the grammar room, although belonging to the primary department. Number of pupils at the present time in principal's room, 19; in the assist- ant's room, 21. If the fourth grade were placed in the assistant's rooin there would then be 26 in that room, and 14 in the grammar department. It may happen that the establishment of more busi- ness at the North-End will increase the number of children suffi- ciently to obviate the necessity of any change in the present ar- rangements.
KELLEY SCHOOL, GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT
L. G. SMITH
Principal.
ABBY SHORT
Assistant.
EVA J. SMITH .
ANNA L. WHITMORE
LIZZIE C. IRELAND
66
Number of different pupils
233
Average membership .
.
202
Average attendance
187
Per cent. of attendance
92.5
Average age
12 yrs. 6 m.
Number over 15 years of age
13
Number admitted to High school without examination
9
by examination . 9
NAMES OF THOSE ADMITTED TO HIGH SCHOOL.
E. Josephine Coffin, Edna C. Dwinnells, Charlotte A. Noyes, Bertha Newhall, Carrie B. Balch, Charles H. Richardson, Alice G. Noyes, Agnes S. Kezer, Winfred A. Bridges, Edgar F. Porter,
14
Alice H. Townsend, Charles R. Sargent, Mary L. Plumer, Edward Sexton, Edward H. Little, J. Leslie Brown, Arthur M. Constan- tine, Carrie E. Goodwin.
JOHNSON GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
ANNA L. COFFIN, Principal. EMMA M. LANDER, Assistant.
Number of different pupils 74
Average membership . 61
Average attendance 57
Per cent. of attendance
93 1-3
Average age 12 yrs. 4 m.
Number over 15 years of age 6
Number admitted to High school without examination 3
66 66
by examination 3
NAMES OF THOSE ADMITTED TO HIGH SCHOOL.
Ellen Greenleaf, Bertha F. Dearborn, Grace M. Pierce, Jennie E. Osgood, Luetta C. Jackson, Annie G. Little.
BROMFIELD STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
PRISCILLA G. CRAIG, Principal. SUSIE B. LOWELL, Assistant.
Number of different pupils 78
Average membership . 64
Average attendance 61
Per cent. of attendance
95
Average age 12 yrs. 6 m.
Number over 15 years of age 6
Number promoted to High school without examination . 3
None applied for admission by examination.
NAMES OF THOSE ADMITTED TO HIGH SCHOOL.
Hattie M. Smith, Minnie W. Dodge, Dorothy C. Packer.
15
JACKMAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
GEORGE W. BROWN, Principal. RHODA TILTON, Assistant.
Number of different pupils . 97
Average membership . 85
Average attendance 80
Per cent. of attendance
94
Average age 12 yrs. 11 m.
Number over 15 years of age 6
Number promoted to High school without examination . 10
Number admitted to High school by examination 1
NAMES OF THOSE ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL .
Louis A. Blaisdell, Walter S. Binley, W. E. Torrey, F. A. Bean, Frank W. Snow, W. N. Johnson, Myron R. Currier, Syd- ney O. Noyes, E. E. Jaques, Henry Harris, Willis P. Noyes.
CURRIER (GIRLS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
SARAH E. WHITMORE, Principal. ELLEN FROTHINGHAM, Assistant.
Number of different pupils
78
Average membership
65
Average attendance 60
Per cent. of attendance
92 1-3
Number over 15 years of age
3
Average age 12 yrs. 4 m.
Number promoted to High school without examination . 5
Number admitted by examination
0
NAMES OF PUPILS ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL.
Jessie M. Douglas, Nellie J. Hicken, Mary O. Howe, Hattie P. Lunt, Mary F. Whitmore.
16
CUR RIER (BOYS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
SARAH B. CHUTE, Principal. EMILY A. HALE, Assistant.
Number of different pupils
80
Average membership . 65
Average attendance
58
Per cent. of attendance
90
Average age
12 yrs. 6 m.
Number over 15 years of age
2
Number admitted to High school without examination .
6
66
by examination 3
NAMES OF PUPILS ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL.
Henry W. Bridges, John Boyle, Arthur P. Currier, Thomas M. Frederickson, Charles H. Henderson, Louis A. Peabody, Frank Keniston, John C. Maynard, Hugo Parton.
WESLEY STREET GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
IRVING H. JOHNSON, Principal.
Number of different pupils
43
Average membership
35
Average attendance
32
Per cent. of attendance
91 1-3
Average age 9 yrs. 3 m.
Number under five years of age 0
Number over 15 years of age 3
Number promoted to High school without examination . 2
Number admitted by examination
1
NAMES OF THOSE ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL.
Joseph P. Cullivan, Lucy A. Kezer, Mary A. Donahoe.
17
MOULTONVILLE GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MABEL B. SANBORN, Principal. ELEANOR J. TOWLE, Assistant.
Number of different pupils .
61
Average membership
49
Average attendance
42
Per cent. of attendance
85 2-3
Average age
Number under five years of age
10 yrs. 0
Number over 15 years of age
2
13|
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
--
The public are to be congratulated on the rapid growth of bet- ter methods of instruction for young children,-methods more in accordance with child nature. It is not many years since the lit- tle ones were confined to the study of books and the unnatural and premature use of undeveloped faculties. The body, full of the push of growth and new life, was allowed no chance of activ- ity, unless by breaking the rules of the school and disturbing the mutual harmony of teachers and pupils. There was constant suppression of natural and necessary activity.
The school now, in most cases, is a happy place for the chil- dren-a place where they like to be. The exercises are short, not usually more than 15 minutes in length; the recitations are interspersed with interesting changes, such as singing, gymnas- tics, and other exercises combining instruction with a chance for life and motion.
There are no public kindergartens, as yet, which precede the primary schools. But many of the kindergarten exercises are used with the younger children in most of the schools, and every effort is made to encourage those teachers who have been accus- tomed to the older fashions of teaching, to introduce these exercises into their school, so that at the present time three-fourths of all the classes of the first and second grades are taught by teachers who are able to use successfully such methods of instruction.
Of seventeen teachers of primary grades five are graduates of the training school, and most of the others have adopted methods of instruction taught there.
In the first grade no books whatever are used till the latter part of the first term, and for the remainder of the year a reader only. Numbers are first taught objectively. In the second
19
grade books are but little used, in the third rather more, while in the fourth grade still more use is made of them, so that upon en. tering the grammar school the pupils will be able to alternate periods of study with recitations.
The increasing popularity of the training school, and the efforts of parents to secure admission for their children to that school, should induce teachers of other primary schools to adopt, as far as possible, the methods of instruction pursued there. This has been done already, to a considerable extent, particularly with the first and second grades, with good results. With the grades above there have been also some changes in that direction.
The work of the schools in the upper part of the city was seri- ously retarded by the prevalence of diphtheria, which not only caused the closing of the schools for three weeks, but broke up the attendance for a much longer period. While no parent can be blamed for serious apprehension where this disease breaks out, no teacher is at fault if long periods of absence prevent the child's promotion.
JOHNSON GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
FRANCES J. PEARSON, Principal. JENNIE P. HASKELL, Assistant.
Number of different pupils . 83
Average membership
·
72
Average attendance
67
Per cent. of attendance
93
Average age
8 yrs.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school . 16
BROMFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL.
ABBIE L. FROST, Principal. ELIZABETH HOXIE, Assistant.
Number of different pupils .
107
Average membership
83
Average attendance
76
Per cent. of attendance
91 1-2
Average age
8 yrs. 6 m.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school
23
20
JACKMAN PRIMARY SCHOOL.
HELEN M. CURRIER, Principal. REBECCA W. PERKINS, Assistant.
Number of different pupils .
99
Average membership .
80
Average attendance
76
Per cent. of attendance
95
Average age
9 yrs. 7 m.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school . 20
TEMPLE STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
SUSAN I. ADAMS, Principal.
Number of different pupils
57
Average membership .
33
Average attendance
30
Per cent. of attendance
91
Average age
9 yrs.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school . .
9
PURCHASE STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MARY A. ROAF, Principal.
Number of different pupils . 61
Average membership 39
Average attendance
34
Per cent. of attendance
87
Average age
Number under 5 years of age
6 yrs. 11 m. 2
21
TRAINING SCHOOL.
FRANCES W. RICHARDS, Principal.
Number of different pupils . 228
Average membership
182
Average attendance
162
Per cent. of attendance
89
Average age
8 yrs.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school . 36 .
CONGRESS STREET SCHOOL.
CLARA J. EDGERLY
Principal.
ELIZABETH N. CHEEVER
1st Assistant.
SARAH L. Ross .
2d
KATE B. SYMONDS
3d 66
Number of different pupils
209
Average membership
150
Average attendance
134
Per cent. of attendance
89 1-3
Average age
8 yrs. 7 m.
Number under 5 years of age
0
Number promoted to grammar school
25
·
ASHLAND STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
FRANCES L. PETTIGREW
Principal.
SARAH F. BADGER
Assistant.
Number of different pupils
94
Average membership .
65
Average attendance
59
Per cent. of attendance
90 3-4
Average age
8 yrs. 9 m. 0
Number under 5 years of age
Number promoted to grammar school .
. 18
22
ASHLAND STREET SCHOOL (WARD ROOM)
FLORENCE A. TRUE, Principal.
Number of different pupils . 51
Average membership
27
Average attendance
23
Per cent. of attendance
85
Average age
6 yrs.
Number under 5 years of age . 1
PROMOTIONS.
The following plan for promotions has been adopted by the school board. It went into operation for the first time in June, 1892 :
Pupils of the first, second and third grades are to be promoted according to the judgment of the teacher.
In all grades above the third a monthly record of the standing of each scholar shall be kept, and at the close of the school year, of all classes numbering not less than four, one-half of the class shall be promoted without a final examination ; and of all classes numbering not less than 8, not exceeding two-thirds shall be pro- mnoted without a final examination, selecting those who have main- tained the highest general average, always provided that those so promoted shall have an average rank of not less than 80 on all studies, or an average rank of not less than 75 on each. All oth- ers must take a final examination, on which an average of 70 will be required for promotion. This rule also applies to candidates for the High school.
TRAINING SCHOOL
This school was established in June, 1889, and commenced in September of that year. Its object was to furnish trained teach- ers for Newburyport schools. It entered upon its fourth year with 198 pupils and 12 pupil teachers. The principal, Miss Fran- ces W. Richards, has shown excellent qualifications for her posi- tion. This is apparent from the favor with which the school is re- garded by the parents, and by the success achieved in developing efficient teachers from her inexperienced pupil teachers. This fact seems to be appreciated by superintendents of other cities, as one of this year's graduates received a call from one of the larger cities, at a maximum salary. Five pupil teachers have graduated during the year, all but one of whom are now teaching,-two in this city, one in Newbury, and one in Kansas.
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