USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1895 > Part 15
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May Edith Boynton, Edith Vernon Currier, Lydia Bernice Eaton,
Minnie Evelyn Forsaith,
Margaret Moody Ilsley, Frances Amelia Lord, Jennie Eva Rogers,
Grace Penniman Thurlow,
Lena Harris Winn,
Webster Derby Adams,
Ernest Foss, Charles Wells Jacoby,
Oscar Howe Nelson,
Mabel Parton, Eunice Atkinson Smith,
Mabel Stevens Walton, Mary Sophia Whittier,
Isabel Wylie Young, Carroll Wilder Brown, Calvin Noyes Pingree, Louis Winthrop Rogers, Horace Russell Sawyer, John Frank Howe Smith.
Watson
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
Fewer changes than usual have occurred among our grammar school teachers during the past school year. Those who have just completed their first year's work in these grades have all proved efficient in the management of their rooms, showing that no mistake was made in their selection. In no instance has there been any lowering of the standard of work or of discipline, while in some cases noticeable improvements in both have been observed. These changes were all in the rooms of assistants.
We have been fortunate in retaining without change the principals of these schools. Most of them have been in their present positions for many years. It is gratifying to know that they have lost none of their interest in school work, while they bring to its performance the advantages of long experience and the prestige of success.
The various branches were taught with the usual amount of success, and some of them with improved methods and results. Grammar schools are less responsive to progress generally, than primary grades, but some advance has been made during the year. The reading, which was criticized in the last annual report, has been somewhat improved in most rooms. and in some great progress is observable. This was partly due to the use of supplementary reading of standard authors, but mainly to increased effort by the teachers to secure better results. There is still ample room for further improvement.
Arithmetic was taught as well as usual, though more practi- cal work could be introduced with advantage. Besides securing
14
accuracy and rapidity, which are essential in business, the pupil should make measurements of all accessible articles in the school room or about the premises, finding himself dimensions, areas and contents, also the cost of floors, plastering and painting in the school room at local prices of labor and material. The con- tents of piles of wood and lumber and their value at current rates should be found by the pupil's own measurements.
This is already done to a limited extent, but all teachers should realize that it is not the text book, but the subject in its practical bearing that is to be taught, that the way to make each principle vital and impress it upon the mind of the scholar is by bringing him into actual contact with the object itself. The same method should be employed in other branches. Books are to be used as aids and means, but not as ends.
Penmanship though much better in our schools than when copy-books were employed, would be far better than it now is, if the forearm movement could be secured and made habitual in all the written work of the school. This is very difficult, but it is possible. Beautiful specimens of penmanship are of very little value, where they are rather drawn than written. To judge of the real value of such specimens it is necessary to see the pupil at work. Legibility, rapidity and freedom of movement are the main features in good writing.
The first step in this direction is for the teacher to secure personally that movement and ease which she aims to teach, and to see that good models are before the pupils in all work upon the blackboards or hung around the room. While it may seem desirable to preserve the individuality of each person's hand- writing, good form, ease and grace of movement are not at all in- compatible with personal characteristics. It is a remarkable fact that the written work in many of our schools bears, as a whole, a striking resemblance to the handwriting of the different teachers. In many cases the room from which the work comes can be told by its general resemblance to the penmanship of the teacher.
Probably there are many other characteristics of the teacher which affect in a quiet, unnoticed way the general character and mental attitude of the school. The calm and happy teacher, the fretful and impatient one, the just and generous, the noble
15
minded and charitable, the quiet and systematic, the únsystematic and slovenly if such there be, are undoubtedly reproduced on an enlarged scale by their schools. The school, like the world, is often a mirror in which we find ourselves.
Much improvement is shown in the methods by which history is taught by many of our teachers. It is hoped that this improve- ment will become general. What the pupil should certainly have on leaving the grammar school is an intelligent conception of the system of government under which he lives, with a clear outline in his mind of the chief events connected with its birth and development, and he should also understand the bearing of those great questions which have arisen at different periods, some of which are still debated. No teacher can handle these sub- jects who does not read outside of the text-book, or who does not take an eager interest in current topics and events.
The intellectual development of the pupil will seldom rise higher than the source from which he draws his supply, neither will he feel interest and enthusiasm when his teacher has none.
A recent writer has said: "Don't be satisfied with your boys' education or allow him to handle Greek or Latin until you are sure that he can-
Write a legible hand ;
Spell all the words he knows how to use ;
Speak and write good English ;
Write a good social letter ;
Add a column of figures rapidly ;
Make out an ordinary account ;
Deduct from it any given per cent ;
Receipt it when paid ;
Write an ordinary receipt ;
Write an advertisement for the local paper ;
Write a promissory note ;
Reckon the interest or discount on it for days, months or years ;
Draw an ordinary bank check ;
Make neat and correct entries in daybook and ledger ; Tell the number of yards of carpet for your parlor ;
Measure a pile of lumber ;
16
Tell something about the great authors and statesmen of the present day."
It is believed that many of the pupils in our grammar schools, at least in the upper grades, can do nearly all of these. It might be well for each teacher to ascertain how many pupils can do each or all of them. To the list might also be added the ability to read ordinary English so that it will be intelligible to himself and to those who hear him.
17
KELLEY SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
IRVING H. JOHNSON, Principal.
LAURA F. WETMORE, S LIZZIE C. IRELAND ANNA L. WHITMORE, Assistants CLARA J. EDGERLY
Total enrolment
275
Average membership
223.42
Average attendance .
210.76
Per cent of attendance
94.3
Cases of tardiness
4II
Dismissions
469
Average age
12 yrs. 5 mos.
Number over fifteen years of age 20
Number admitted to high school without examination 12
Number admitted to high school by examination 7
Names of pupils admitted to high school :
Phebe Cotton, Helen Dearborn, Helen Pearson, Frank Nourse, Edith Porter, Carrie Stockman, Grace Cook, Louise McBurnie, Alice Creasey, Nellie Littlefield, Nellie O'Connell, Mary Page, Frank Porter, Alfred Pearson, Mary A. Manning, Mary D. Adams, Grace H. Legate, G. Lillian Edmands, Eliza- beth J. Waters.
JOHNSON SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
ANNA L. COFFIN, Principal. EMMA M. LANDER, Assistant.
Total enrolment
76
Average membership
64
Average attendance .
60.5
Per cent of attendance
94.5
Cases of tardiness
54
Dismissions
-
Average age
12 yrs. 5 mos.
[3]
18
Number over fifteen years of age 6
Admitted to high school without examination
2
Admitted to high school by examination . I
Names of pupils admitted to high school : Edith Stevens, Carrie Dodge, Ada N. Tucker.
BROMFIELD STREET SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
PRISCILLA G. CRAIG, Principal. ABBIE L. FROST, Assistant.
Total enrolment
102
Average membership
77.1
Average attendance .
72.2
Per cent of attendance
93.7
Cases of tardiness
123
Dismissions
203
Average age
I2 yrs. 6 mos.
Number over fifteen years of age 9
Admitted to high school without examination
8
Admitted to high school by examination . O
Names of pupils admitted to high school :
Oscar G. Thurlow, Edward A. Osgood, Carl E. Hardy, Ellen A. Torrey, Amy P. Churchill, Carrie L. Chase, Alice Mackinney, Ethel W. Creasey, Dorothy Dean.
19
JACKMAN SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
GEORGE W. BROWN, Principal. ANNA M. LAMPREY, Assistant.
Total enrolment
99
Average membership
.
91
Average attendance .
85.7
Per cent of attendance
94
Cases of tardiness
170
Dismissions
244
Average age
13 yrs. 3 mos.
Number over fifteen years of age 13
Number admitted to high school without examination I5
Number admitted to high school by examination 2
Number admitted to Putnam school . I
Names of pupils admitted to high school :
R. C. Reed, F. W. Bean, Wm. Hamilton, H. S. Moody, Moses Brown, J. W. Somerby, A. W. Kimball, W. F. Plummer, W. G. Chase, W. N. Todd, Harry Porter, F. B. Ireland, F. W. Adams, W. A. Dearborn, Clarence Thomas, A. W. Pope, F. W. Piper, Geo. R. Spalding.
--
CURRIER (GIRLS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL
S. E. WHITMORE, Principal. ELLEN FROTHINGHAM, Assistant.
Total enrolment
73
Average membership
65
Average attendance . Per cent of attendance
62
Cases of tardiness
53
Dismissions
I2I
Average age ·
12 yrs. II mos.
Number over fifteen years of age 7
95
Number admitted to high school without examination 7
Number admitted to high school by examination 2 Names of pupils admitted to high school :
Blanche S. Fox, Bessie M. Kezer, Daisy C. Magowan, Car- rie L. Manson, Goldia S. McArthur, Addie F. Safford, Edith A. Stanley, Rebecca Edwards Wills, Esther M. Bowlen.
20
CURRIER (BOYS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SARAH B. CHUTE, Principal. INEZ G. HULBERT, Assistant
Total enrolment
73
Average membership
.
68
Average attendance
64.6
Per cent of attendance
93.3
Average age
12 yrs. II mos.
Cases of tardiness
75
Dismissions
145
Number over fifteen years of age
IO
Number admitted to high school without examination 7
Number admitted to high school by examination 2
Names of pupils admitted to high school :
Fred. L. Medcalf, Walter Whitmore, Ernest W. Mitchell, Benj. G. Fogg, Harry S. Fogg, Osmond D. Hunt, George E. Bartlett, Harry F. Robinson, James McGrath.
WESLEY STREET GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY SCHOOL
NELLIE G. STONE, Principal.
Total enrolment
36
Average membership
30
Average attendance
27
Per cent of attendance
89
Cases of tardiness
16
Average age
12 yrs.
Number over fifteen years of age
2
Number under five years of age
0
Number admitted to high school by examination ·
I
Name of pupil admitted to high school : John A. Newhall.
21
MOULTONVILLE SCHOOL
HELEN S. MERRILL, Principal. FLORA PETTIGREW, Assistant.
Total enrolment
65
Average membership
42.7
Average attendance .
36.6
Per cent of attendance
86
Cases of tardiness
256
Dismissions
87
Number over fifteen years of age
3
Admitted to high school without examination 2
Names of pupils admitted to high school :
Arthur R. Menut, Maud G. Menut.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
-
No changes have occurred during the year in the corps of primary teachers. The present teachers are faithful to their duties and as a whole accomplish admirable results. While much is done in the way of using the more modern methods of instruc- tion, the principal efforts of the teachers are directed to the standard branches of study-reading, spelling, writing and number work.
In these branches a good degree of success is attained, not in all cases such proficiency as might be desired, but still results which are certainly deserving of commendation. It is felt that no fancy work, that may serve to make a show or may even tend to the development of the natural powers of the child, should be allowed to interfere with or take the place of the more solid branches of instruction, upon which depend, not only his ability to take up the work of higher grades, but also much of his power for application and industry when he will be obliged to rely less upon the teacher and more upon himself.
Two new features have been attempted the past year. One, a little nature work in most of the rooms. This is not a new study, but rather an effort to call the attention of the child to what he daily sees, and to have him tell his own observations in his own words. It is hoped and believed that these exercises, which are more of a relief from work than added labor, will lead to habits of observation, to improved language, to apprecia- tion and enjoyment of the beauties of nature, and to a more cultivated taste. Every enlargment of the field of rational and
24
healthful pleasure is so much taken from the temptations of life, while the cultivation and development of the child's powers of attention and observation are great helps to him in the future.
The other new feature of this year's work was instruction in fractions, objectively by means of paper disks. These were cut from stiff paper by the children themselves, and were after- wards divided into halves, fourths, eighths, sixteenths, thirds, fifths, etc.
The whole disk, representing a unit, was then reconstructed and all of the various operations in fractions were performed objectively. The pupils thus found by actual observation how many of these parts make a whole, and the results of the addition or subtraction of these parts from the unit or from each other. This naturally and easily led to percentage, in its simple opera- tions. It was found that in a short time the disks could be dispensed with, and the various operations performed mentally. It was surprising to see how readily quite difficult problems were solved, and how clearly they were understood after this drill. As most of this work in practical and business life is with small fractions, such as halves, thirds, fourths, etc. it is of importance that much of the time devoted to this subject should be such as to give a clear understanding and great readiness and accuracy in such operations.
Reading and spelling in the primary schools are generally well taught. It being recognized by the teachers that there are two objects to be attained in reading, first the thought, and second the expression of that thought. Much of the reading, outside of school at least, is silent reading. In school there should also be silent reading of a sentence or paragraph. The pupil should then be required to give in his own words the sub- stance of what he has just read. If he has clearly grasped the thought he will be able to do this, and just in the measure of his understanding of what he has read will be the accuracy and ex- cellence of his expression.
25
JOHNSON SCHOOL (Primary Department)
JENNY P. HASKELL, Principal.
GRACE E. BARTLETT, Assistant.
Total enrolment
99
Average membership
77.3
Average attendance
70.6
Per cent of attendance
91
Cases of tardiness
158
Dismissions
165
Average age
8 yrs. I mo.
Number under five
I
Promoted to grammar school without examination
IO
Promoted to grammar school by examination
6
BROMFIELD STREET SCHOOL (Primary Department)
ELIZABETH HOXIE, Principal. ALICE A. BARTLETT, Assistant.
Total enrolment
107
Average membership
80.6
Average attendance
73.4
Per cent of attendance
90.5
Cases of tardiness
174
Dismissions
125
Average age
8 yrs. I mo.
Number under five years of age
I
Promoted to grammar school without examination
9
Promoted to grammar school by examination 4
JACKMAN SCHOOL (Primary Department)
JOSIE W. KIMBALL, Principal. LILLIAN HAMILTON, Assistant.
Total enrolment
79
Average membership
67
Average attendance
62
Per cent of attendance
92.6
Cases of tardiness
192
Dismissions
332
Average age
9 yrs. II mos.
Number under five years O
Promoted to grammar grade without examination
II
Promoted to grammar grade by examination · 3
[4]
26
TEMPLE STREET SCHOOL
SUSAN I. ADAMS, Principal.
Total enrolment
43
Average membership
36
Average attendance .
33
Per cent of attendance
91 2-3
Cases of tardiness
86
Dismissions
63
Average age
8 yrs. 8 mos.
Number under five
O
Promoted to grammar school without examination
2
Promoted to grammar school by examination
7
TRAINING SCHOOL
FRANCES RICHARDS, Principal.
Total enrolment
231
Average membership
182
Average attendance
162.8
Per cent of attendance
89.5
Cases of tardiness
328
Dismissions
266
Average age
8 yrs. I mo.
Number under five years of age
O
Promoted to grammar school without examination
29
Promoted to grammar school by examination
9
CONGRESS STREET SCHOOL
ELIZABETH CHEEVER, Principal.
SARAH A. Ross, Ist Assistant. GERTRUDE E. LEWIS, 2d Assistant.
ANNIE P. TOPPAN, 3d Assistant.
Total enrolment
165
Average membership
146
Average attendance
131.4
Per cent of attendance
90
Average age
9 yrs.
Cases of tardiness
561
Dismissions 298
I
Promoted to grammar school without examination
27
Number under five years of age
Promoted to grammar school by examination
7
27
ASHLAND STREET SCHOOL
FRANCES L. PETTIGREW, Principal. SARAH F. BADGER, Assistant.
Total enrolment
104
Average membership
90.5
Average attendance .
85.6
Per cent of attendance
94.7
Cases of tardiness
282
Dismissions
195
Average age
8 yrs. 9 mos.
Number under five years of age 0
Promoted to grammar school without examination
17
Promoted to grammar school by examination
S
PURCHASE STREET SCHOOL
MARY A. ROAF, Principal.
Total enrolment
62
Average membership
45.4
Average attendance .
39.7
Per cent of attendance
87.5
Cases of tardiness
IIO
Dismissions
13
Average age
6 yrs. 9 mos.
Number under five years of age
O
ASHLAND STREET WARDROOM SCHOOL
JULIA HUBBARD, Principal.
Total enrolment
41
Average membership
30.07
Average attendance .
27.2
Per cent of attendance
90
Cases of tardiness
I30
Dismissions
76
Average age ·
6 yrs.
Number under five years of age
·
O
28
CONGRESS STREET WARDROOM SCHOOL
CHARLOTTE K. DICKINS, Teacher.
Total enrolment
43
Average membership
27.2
Average attendance .
24.6
Per cent of attendance
90
Cases of tardiness
186
Dismissions
23
Average age
6 yrs. I mo.
Number under five years of age
·
O
TRAINING SCHOOL
The school year ending June 29, 1895, was a successful one at the training school. The work of the previous year had been much hindered by irregularity in the attendance of the pupil- teachers. This has been overcome, and it is now understood that no one is to enter who does not intend to take the entire course of one year and a half, unless by special permission of the committee in charge of the school.
September, 1894, opened with a large senior class. The middle class had only two members, and before the close of the year one of these was obliged to withdraw on account of ill- health. The junior class commenced with four members, one of whom withdrew in September, leaving Ella Richardson, Char- lotte Holmes and Bessie Pike, who will graduate in January, 1896.
In February, 1895, Lillian Goodwin, Mary Colby, Alice Hopkinson, Mary Greenleaf, Eleanor Robinson, Nora Whittier and Hattie Baxter completed the course, on which occasion the graduating class listened to an eloquent address by the late Mrs. Louisa Parsons Stone Hopkins.
As the new senior class consisted of only one member, it was thought advisable by the school board to retain one of the graduating class to assist in the work of the school. Miss Hop- kinson was chosen for this purpose and remained through the term.
The class entering in February consisted of four members.
30
In June the one member of the senior class, Caroline Hardy, graduated.
It is pleasing to know that all of the eight members who graduated during the year that desired to teach have secured po- sitions, two in the schools of the city, one in Groveland, one in Newbury, one in Merrimacport, one in Georgetown, and one in Charlton City.
Considerable attention has been given this year to nature work, with gratifying results. Plants growing in the vicinity have been studied more than anything else, the aim being to have the child observe and love what he daily sees.
The study of fractions, usually so difficult to teach in a way intelligible to the child, has been taught objectively with disks, in such a manner that the children have not only gone far beyond the usual limits, but have thoroughly enjoyed the work. They have " learned to do by doing," and " know because they do," and, inversely, " do because they know."
Much effort has been made this year to have the child do for himself, guided by the teacher, and then to express in his own way the results of his observation, investigation and thought.
There are at the present time twelve pupil-teachers in the training school. The senior class has three members, Charlotte Holmes, Ella Richardson and Bessie Pike. The middle class has four members, Jennie Adams, Maude Huntington, Alice Ste- vens and Grace Morse. The junior class, with five members, is composed of Georgie Bartlett, Annie Lowell, Cora Oliver, Mar- garet Cockbun and Blanche Carr. Six of these belong in New- buryport.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The evening schools opened at the usual time, the Monday after Thanksgiving, with Mr. Emory O. Howard as principal. Mr. Howard had as assistants in the boys' school, Miss Mar- guerite Sargent, Miss Elizabeth Dodge, Miss Harriet Colman and Miss S. Carrie Brown. In the girls' school he was assisted by Miss Elizabeth Pearson and Mrs. Amos Geary.
The attendance was unusually good for evening schools, partly owing to the interest taken by the better class of pupils, and partly to the exertion of the truant officer in looking after the illiterate minors who are required by law to attend at least seventy per cent of the whole number of sessions, under penalty of losing their chance of employment. Newburyport would be almost free from this class of people were it not for those who come from foreign countries to seek work in our manufactories.
· The committee having these schools in charge did all in their power to make them a success. At the close of the usual time for ending the school, it was found that some could continue longer if there was an opportunity. In consequence, the sessions were kept up for several weeks, as long as the attendance justified.
Some of the pupils in both schools were adults, who took solid interest in their studies, and were given all the attention and assistance they required. To them, in particular, the school was of great benefit. On the whole the schools were satisfactory, and undoubtedly greatly helped those who attended.
QUESTIONS FOR PROMOTION
Pupils belonging to the first three grades are promoted without a final examination. A large proportion of all the other grades are also promoted without a final examination. The following examination was given to those in each grade who were not otherwise promoted.
FOURTH GRADE Arithmetic
I. Add 627 ; 968 ; 896 ; 495 ; 674 ; 567 ; 765 ; 1001 ; 999 ; 777.
2. A. had 1-2 a dollar, 3 quarters, and 40 cts. he bought 3 1-2 lbs. of coffee at 30 cts. a lb. How much had he left?
3. 10101 X202 ; 490070 -:- 70 ; 90001-89999 ; Add results.
4. Bought 48 lbs. of camphor at 33 cts. a lb. and sold it at 4 cts. an ounce. What did I gain.
5. 67X9 ; 88+6 ; 43-7; 6×9 ; 121: 11 ; Add results.
6. Bought I 1-2 doz. eggs at 20 cts. a doz., 3-4 1b. of tea at 60 cts. a lb., 4 lbs. coffee at 45 cts., I pr. shoes for $3. Change back from $10?
Teacher select five of the above.
Language
I. Plural of man, daisy, ox, mouse, foot.
2. Dictate : Did they write those letters with their right Jane's mother said "Do your work quickly."
hand?
3. "Don't touch those birds' nests," said George.
4. Correct : reverend mr. smiths church is on green st., newburyport, mass.
33
5. Abbreviations for United States, forenoon, doctor, pound, cents.
6. Write sentences using correctly sit, written, lie, too,
learn.
Geography
I. Minerals in the Appalachian mountains?
2. Name the south Atlantic States and their capitals.
3. Name six cities, two rivers and one mountain in Mass.
4. Largest city in New England, and its direction from Newburyport ?
5. What lakes and rivers border on New York? Capital of New York.
6. Bound Newburyport.
Spelling
guess
pitied
receive
seen
aunt value
color
nuisance
necessary
debt
coarse enemy
grocer Salisbury quiet Ipswich
knows square increase queer
mysterious curious
caught collar
beefsteak twelfth
sincere
thorough
Teacher will please select twenty-five words in spelling and five questions in each of the other branches.
FIFTH GRADE
Arithmetic
I. Miss F. had $1000. She gave 1-2 of it to A., 1-4 to B., and 1-6 to C ; what did she have left?
2. How many half pint bottles will hold 725 gals. ?
3.
Cost of 16 spools of cotton at 54 cts. a dozen ?
4. Add 6 gold eagles, 7 nickels, 9 dimes, 7 quarters, 3 dol- lars, 6 cts.
5. At 4 for halt a dime, how many pickles for $2.00?
6. 63X7X5X4X6X14:21×7×3X20X12×7.
[5]
34
7 From the L. C. M. of 200, 300, 70 take G. C. D. of 17 and 19.
S. 707-909 to lowest terms.
9. 100-22 3-5 ; So 2-3-18 ; 25 4-5+16 1-2; 16-5 1-8; add results.
10. If 2-3 of a gal. costs IS cts. what will 7-9 of a gal. cost ?
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