USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1896 > Part 15
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At least three or four times as many recitation periods are devoted to this important study now as ten years ago, and no efforts are spared by the teachers to bring this department to a place where our school, in common with other High schools, shall be free from the unfavorable criticisms made, justly or unjustly, by college examiners upon the teaching of English.
During the past year a change was made in the course of study, so that pupils begin physics the first year and finish chem- istry the third year, thus giving opportunity for another study in the senior year; possibly more changes can be made in the course, so that several branches once taught in the school but
9
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
now omitted can be pursued as optional studies in the senior class.
Here it may be said that the scientific department in a mod- ern high school can be maintained only with the expenditure of a considerable sum of money, as physical and chemical laborato- ries require a great deal of costly apparatus, which being used by inexperienced pupils, must occasionally be replaced.
A thousand dollars could well be spent upon physical appar- atus alone, especially as the last large appropriation for this pur- pose was made in 1856 and was then only $600, while the full time of two instructors and several hundred dollars a year for apparatus, could well be used by the department of natural science.
Could the trustees of the Wheelwright fund, who have given our boys such generous aid at the Institute of Technology, be in- duced to establish in our school a department of natural science, its good effect would appear in the better training of pupils for the higher institutions.
At the close of the school year the institution was obliged to part with its principal, who for eleven years had been the wise, careful and energetic director of its work. Another field of labor invited him, and although the committee held out to him all the inducements in their power, they could not persuade him to re- main. The task imposed upon the sub-committee of filling Mr. Adams' place was not an casy one.
Realizing their responsibility they spent much time in ex- amining credentials, talking with candidates and using all means in their power to form a correct judgment and to decide which one of more than fifty candidates was in all respects best fitted for the place. After much deliberation, the man who seemed to the sub-committee to be the most promising candidate in ability, scholarship, experience and in general knowledge of men and things, was Mr. George A. Dickey, and he was unanimously elected.
Mr. Dickey's term of service has not been long enough for us to be able to say much about his work, except that he seems to be gaining the respect and esteem of the pupils. We can see
10
ANNUAL REPORT
nothing to prevent the school, under Mr. Dickey's care, from maintaining, in the future, the reputation that it has enjoyed in the past.
The period of eleven years, covered by Mr. Adams' princi- palship, and ending in 1896, was an era in the history of the school that ought not to pass unnoticed.
In 1868 the Brown High, Female High and Putnam Free schools, which up to that date had been entirely separate, each in its own schoolhouse, were united and placed in the building now occupied by the consolidated High and Putnam schools.
This union took place in the face of strong opposition from many citizens, who believed that consolidation would be bad for the schools, as well as an unwise business arrangement for the city. This gave rise to a feeling of dissatisfaction in the com- munity and acted unfavorably upon the reputation of the schools, so that the results were less satisfactory than they otherwise might have been.
In 1885, however, an agreement was made between the trus- tees of the Putnam Free school and the city authorities as to financial matters and the management of the schools, of such manifest advantage to the city that the most captious citizen had no reason to complain. This action brought an end to the un- certainty that had existed as to the permanent union of the schools, and gave rise to a feeling of harmony that was very favorable to the work of a new principal. At this time Mr. Adams came into the school as principal, and soon won for him- self the confidence of trustees, school committee and parents by his wise and careful management of affairs.
During his principalship and under his direction such changes were made in the course of study and in the methods of teaching as were needed to place the institution in line with high schools of the first grade.
The manner of teaching natural science was entirely changed ; a laboratory was put in so that students could practice by themselves instead of merely watching the teacher perform an experiment; English was taught in a very different way, as has already been stated ; the musical talent of the pupils was devel-
11
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
oped, not only directly by training the voice, but indirectly by giving encouragement to them to practice upon various musical instruments ; a fine piano was purchased-partly, however, with money raised before Mr. Adams came-and a valuable working library of standard books was collected.
During this time also great improvements were made upon and around the school building ; new floors were put in; modern seats replaced those of a former age; desks convenient for writ- ing took the place of settees in the recitation rooms ; a new porch was built on the front of the school house; the unsightly fences gave place to a neat iron fence that protects without con- cealing the well kept grounds ; the brick buildings in the rear of the yard were removed and neat sanitary conveniences provided in the basement of the school building ; gas and city water were introduced and no efforts were spared to make the school prem- ises useful, pleasant and attractive.
Such having been the condition of things during the last decade, the school authorities hope, and the people naturally ex- pect, that the past high character of the institution will be main- tained, and that the earnest efforts of teachers and pupils will re- sult in keeping the High and Putnam schools up to the standard of the best institutions of the kind.
On accepting Mr. Adams' resignation the following resolu- tions were unanimously adopted by the Board of School Con- mittee :
"The school committee of the city of Newburyport accept with deep regret the resignation of Mr. E. C. Adams, principal of the High and Putnam schools.
"They feel that by his departure, the schools lose an efficient. able and energetic manager, and the young people of this com- munity, a conscientious adviser and friend.
"They realize that the high standing of these schools, at home. as well as at the colleges and scientific institutions, is due in a marked degree to his wise and careful management.
"They cordially recommend him to the people of his new field of labor, as an honorable and upright man, as well a highly respected citizen of Newburyport.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
"They congratulate the school of which he is to take charge upon its good fortune in securing the services of a principal of such excellent executive ability, sound scholarship, and success in teaching."
1
SCHOOL CENSUS, CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, MAY 1, 1896
Compiled by the Truant Officer
NUMBER OF CHILDREN BETWEEN FIVE AND FIFTEEN YEARS OF
AGE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
NEITHER AT SCHOOL NOR AT WORK
AT WORK
TAUGHT AT HOME
TOTALS
5
G
8
10
11
13
14
16
1
Males - Females -
15
15
335
416
11
--
00
10-
00
0919
-
00
23
21
00
00
00
00
00
00
10
11
19
0 0
00
0
0 0
0
407
81
140 136 |154
134
151 166
158
183 120
1529
59
57
54
48
12
597
3
1
5
3
0
1 0 1
2
83
15
19
2
3 1
S
12
132
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
32
99
131
1 5
0 1 1
1' 1
0
0 0 1
11
242º
MALES FEMALES
From 5 to & 330
332
8 to 14
680
616
14 to 15 160
155
15 to 16 .
52
1222 1200 == 2422
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT G. ALLEN, Truant Officer.
WARDS
₲
-1
9
10
11
12
13
G
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
5
6 |
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
G
8
9
10
12
18
14
15
G 7 -1
10
11
12
13
14
15
TOTALS BY
430
Mules - Females -
Malex - Femnies -
51-1
-1%
142
230
10-1
15-1
201
110
5-1
١ - ثبت
9-1
10
109
:
154
00
..
519
00
00
0
:
=100
0
00
9 13 22
0
0 0
0
0
3
17
Females
0 Ct
387
F
Inies - Frmates
01-1
198 2412
115
18
12
400
3
9
-
158
00
-
12
0
of
408
4
Miales Femunles
353
9
01
..
00
0 0
0
377
99
--
00
CO
..
Co
28
11
00
--
01
00
112
169
500
-19
190
-119
11
97
59
TOTAL
TOTALS
TOTALS
TOTALS
TOTALS
WARDS
SEX
5
9
12
0
+3-1
=1 +
00
01
00
00
==
11
14
1
13
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
STATISTICS OF THE HIGH AND PUTNAM SCHOOLS 1895-1896
Whole membership of boys in High school. 83
Whole membership of girls in High school .. 97
Whole membership of High school 180
Average membership of boys in High school. 77.9
Average membership of girls in High school. 89.8
Average membership of High school. 167.7
Average attendance of boys in High school
76.4
Average attendance of girls in High school 85.9
Average attendance of High school. 162.3
Per cent. of attendance of boys.
98.0
Per cent. of attendance of girls
95.6
Per cent. of attendance of school
96.8
Cases of tardiness in High school. 382
Whole number of boys in Putnam school. 49
Whole number of girls in Putnam school. 43
Whole number of pupils in Putnam school. 92
Whole number of pupils in High and Putnam schools 272
Cases of tardiness in Putnam school. 31
Average membership of boys in Putnam school. 43.6
Average membership of girls in Putnam school. 40.5
Average attendance of boys in Putnam school. 42.5
Average attendance of girls in Putnam school. 39.2
Per cent. of attendance of boys
97.5
Per cent. of attendance of girls
96.8
Per cent. of attendance of school.
97.2
Average age of boys in I. class, High school.
17.5
Average age of girls in I. class, High school. 17.8
Average age of boys in I. class, Putnam school. 18.3
Average age of girls in I. class, Putnam school. 17.0
Average age of boys in II. class, High school 16.8
Average age of girls in II. class, High school. 17.9
Average age of boys in II. class, Putnam school. 16.7
Average age of girls in II. class, Putnam school. 16.8
Average age of boys in III. class, High school. 15.6
Average age of girls in III. class, High school. 16.1
Average age of boys in III. class, Putnam school 15.8
Average age of girls in III. class, Futnam school 15.5
Average age of boys in IV. class. High school. 14.9
Average age of girls in IV. class, High school. 14.8
14
ANNUAL REPORT
Average age of boys in IV. class, Putnam school. 15.1
Average age of girls in IV. class, Putnam school .. 14.5
Number in High school over fifteen years of age, boys. 62
Number in High school oyer fifteen years of age, girls 83
Cases of dismissal in High school. 145
Cases of dismissal in Putnam school 75
15
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF '96
AT CITY HALL, TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1896.
PROGRAMME.
Music-Coronation March C. H. LeThiere High School Orchestra.
CHANT-From Psalm XCI.
School. PRAYER.
CHANT-"Oh, come, let us sing unto the Lord." School.
SALUTATORY in Greek, with Essay-Heir of All the Ages. Rena I. Bisbee.
ESSAY-Good Citizenship.
Frank B. Fogg.
Bartlett
PIANO SOLO-"Polka de Concert .. E. Josephine Coffin.
ESSAY-Fads. Jessie M. Douglass.
ESSAY-Annual Elections.
Walter S. Binley.
VIOLIN SOLO-Sonate.
Maude B. Johnson.
ESSAY -- A Reply.
Mary Plumer.
PROPHECY.
Bertha Newhall. .... .Stobbe
ESSAY-Heredity.
Mabelle Wadleigh.
PIANO SOLO-Valse Chromatique.
Agnes S. Kezer.
Godard
ESSAY-Underground Philosophy Bertha F. Dearborn.
ESSAY-Biennial Elections.
Charles L. B. Anderson.
Schubert
MUSIC-Lyric Overture.
School Orchestra.
ESSAY -- Bicycle Legislation. Eugene E. Dudley.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
SINGING-"Spring delights" Muller
School. ESSAY-Jingoism.
Arthur M. Constantine.
ESSAY-Unrecorded Deeds, with Valedictory.
Grace C. Moody. AWARD OF TOPPAN PRIZE. PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
SINGING-Class ()de (Tune, Lux Benigna)
Words by Carrie A. Ross.
From memory's harp, the faint sweet echoes flow Of pleasures past. From by gone days, the strains steal soft and low, Sinking at last. Soon we must part, as classmates meet no more ; Sad are our hearts, ere parting griefs are o'er.
The past is gone, the future still draws near, With joys and pains. We have a work in each succeeding year, A goal to gain. True to ourselves then let us always be, True to our God that we His home may see.
BENEDICTION.
GRADUATING CLASS
HIGH SCHOOL.
Dorothy Catherine Packer, Mary Louise Plumer, Mary Florence Whitmore,
Teresa Mary Woods,
Charles Louis Bates Anderson,
Walter Seymour Binley,
John Boyle, John Leslie Brown,
Luetta Clay Jackson,
Maude Bisbee Johnson, Agnes Saenz Kezer, Harriet Philbrick Lunt, Charlotte Allen Noyes,
Arthur McGregor Constantine.
Arthur Pearson Currier,
Charles Edward Ives,
Frank Whipple Snow.
Carrie Boynton Balch, Rena Isobel Bisbee,
Esther Josephine Coffin,
Berthia Florence Dearborn, Jessie Maria Douglass, Edna Chase Dwinells, Carrie Emma Goodwin,
17
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mary Agnes Davenport, Dora Mabel Goodrich, Carita Jewell Knowles, Grace Carleton Moody, Bertha Newhall, Carrie Anna Ross, Mabelle Lane Wadleigh,
PUTNAM SCHOOL.
Harvey Ashley Chase, George Norman Christie, Eugene Elmer Dudley, Frank Mason Edmonds, Frank Batchelder Fogg, Thomas Fowler Owen, Moses Kellum Pike, George Turner Perry.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
The grammar schools have pursued the even tenor of their way, with but little change in their methods or in the results of their yearly work. Such changes as have taken place consisted more in efforts to improve upon methods already in use, than in the substitution of new ones.
In the fall of 1895, Walsh's Course in Mathematics was sub- stituted for the Greenleaf's arithmetics, which had been in our schools for a long period of years. The change was desired by nearly all our grammar school teachers, and was recommended after careful consideration by the committee on text books. Up to the present time no reason has been seen to regret this change. Our schools have always stood well in this branch of study, and it is expected that they will maintain their rank in the future.
Much improvement in penmanship was noticed during the year in nearly all grades, as shown by the written exercises at the monthly examinations, rather than by specimens designed as tests only of writing. This was particularly the case in the work of the principals' rooms. At the close of the school year, which ends in June, the school board voted to introduce vertical pen- manship in all grades of primary and grammar schools. It is too early at the present writing to form a decided opinion as to the results of this system of penmanship in our schools, but in other places where a more extended trial has been made, the results have been exceedingly gratifying.
The study of history has been pursued with increased suc- cess. At no time before has this subject been taught so well as at present. The pupils seem to have an intelligent understand-
20
ANNUAL REPORT
ing of the great questions which have arisen from time to time, of the way those questions have been decided, and of the impor- tant events which have occurred in the past, and of the influence they have had upon the history of this country. But little at- tention has been given to memorizing unimportant details, such as the killed or wounded in battle, but the story of our nation in its birth, its development, its trials and its progress, has been well studied and understood.
In language and grammar the course of study pursued for several years has been continued. While a limited amount of technical grammar has been taught, special attention has been given to practical language. Some effort has been made in this branch to correlate with other studies, such as history and geog- raphy. Some very excellent work has also been done in connec- tion with the current topics of the day.
Few changes occurred during the year in the corps of gram- mar school teachers ; none among the principals, although owing to the ill-health of the principal of the Jackman school, it was necessary to supply a substitute for about half the year. Mr. H. W. French, of Quincy, took charge of the school during Mr. Brown's absence. Miss Hulbert, the assistant in the Forrester street boys' school, resigned to take a more advantageous situa- tion in the western part of the state. Miss Alice A. Bartlett, the third assistant in the Bromfield street school, was transferred to fill the vacancy.
Miss Ireland, who had been granted leave of absence during the fall term, resigned her position in the Kelley school in De- cember, and Miss Alice W. Hopkinson, who had acceptably taught the room during her absence, was appointed her successor.
While most of our grammar schools are doing excellent work, better results still might be obtained by the cordial co-op- eration of all the parents. In some schools this is shown in vari- ous ways, and is of the greatest help to the teacher and the child. There is better attendance, there are fewer dismissions, while the moral support which the parent gives at home makes the pupil more respectful, obedient and industrious at school. Whatever the short-comings of the teacher may be, the parent who has any
21
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
regard for the good conduct and progress of his child, will never uphold him in neglecting his duties at school, or in showing a want of obedience and respect to his teacher. Much of the suc- cess of our best teachers is due to the confidence and support they have obtained from the parents of their pupils, and to the prestige of a long and successful experience in the schools.
With the new teacher this prestige is wanting, and the road she must pursue is beset with many difficulties. Every act or word is more carefully examined and criticised.
This subject is particularly applicable now, for we are liable at any time to lose those teachers who have so long and so suc- cessfully taught in our grammar schools, and it is difficult to fill their places.
22
ANNUAL REPORT
KELLEY SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
IRVING H. JOHNSON, Principal.
LAURA F. WETMORE. ALICE W. HOPKINSON, ANNA L. WHITMORE,
Assistants CLARA J. EDGERLY.
Total enrolment
253
Average membership
210
Average attendance
198
Per cent. of attendance
94.4
Cases of tardiness
407
Dismissions
258
Average age .
12 yrs. 4 mos.
Number over fifteen years of age 19
Number admitted to High school without examination 15
Number admitted to High school by examination 9
Names of pupils admitted to High school :
Edith Barton, Mary Sargent. Alice Burke, Katherine Blum- pey, Retta Marr, Grace Dickins, Pauline Adams, Alice George, Blanche Worcester, Alfred Pearson, Ernest Choate, Mary Brews- ter, Grace Page, Bessie Morrison, Cornelius O. Connell, Ella Par- sons, Joseph Harold Brown, Arthur E. Mannning, Ray W. Wil- son, George H. Sargent, Henry J. Waters, Edith R. Bradbury, Edith H. Adams, Orithyia W. Knapp.
JOHNSON SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
ANNA L. COFFIN, Principal. EMMA M. LANDER, Assistant.
Total enrolment
73
Average membership
62
Average attendance
58
Per cent. of attendance
93.5
Cases of tardiness
41
Dismissions
149
23
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Average age . 12 yrs. 5 mos. Number over fifteen years of age 3
Number admitted to High school without examination . 3
Number admitted to High school by examination . 2
Names of pupils admitted to High school :
Annie F. Quill, Nellie E. Allen, Alice P. Welch, Inez M. Patton, Ethel M. Ryan.
BROMFIELD STREET SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
PRISCILLA G. CRAIG, Principal.
ABBIE L. FROST, Assistant.
Total enrolment
94
Average membership
75
Average attendance
71
Per cent. of attendance
94.6
Cases of tardiness
186
Dismissions
133
Average age .
12 yrs. 7 mos.
5
Admitted to High school without examination
5
Admitted to High school by examination
. 2
Admitted to Putnam school
.
I
Names of pupils admitted to High school : Bessie E. Davis, Edith M. Annis, Alice L. Neal, Margaret P. Hewitt, Louise N. Plumer, Mary P. Brown, Amelia E. Dame.
JACKMAN SCHOOL (Grammar Department)
GEORGE W. BROWN, Principal. ANNA M. LAMPREY, Assistant.
Total enrolment
99
Average membership
91
Average attendance ·
.
.
.
·
.
. 85.9
Number over fifteen years of age
·
24
ANNUAL REPORT
Per cent. of attendance
93.6
Cases of.tardiness
294
Dismissions
177
Average age 12 yrs. 3 mos,
Number over fifteen years of age 6
Number admitted to High school without examination 13
Number admitted to High school by examination 11
Number admitted to Putnam school
1
Names of pupils admitted to High school :
Ambrose Merrill, Harry Higgins, William Chase, F. P. Brown, Warren Woods, F. P. Little, H. W. Bean, Frank Hobson, David Hobson, Newell Adams, Jesse Gunnison, Harold Kimball, George A. Bryant, George W. Sinclair, George E. Roberts, Ar- thur E. Safford, Hermann F. Arens, Clifford Smith, William P. Marshall, Edward E. Moody, Howard W. Packer, Howard E. Smith, Charles H. Colby, Herman A. Roeding,
CURRIER (BOYS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SARAH B. CHUTE, Principal.
ALICE A. BARTLETT, Assistant.
Total enrolment
71
Average membership
61.8
Average attendance
58.1
Per cent. of attendance
94
Average age
12 yrs. 10 mos.
Cases of tardiness
. 131
Dismissions
50
Number over fifteen years of age
3
Number admitted to High school without examination 5
Number admitted to High school by examination . 3
Names of pupils admitted to High school :
Albert E. Lunt, James S. Currier, Fred L. Carter, Belmont A. Fogg, Arthur W. Bartlett, Dillwyn S. Rollins, James A. Pur- cell, Harry Curtis.
25
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
CURRIER (GIRLS') GRAMMAR SCHOOL
S. E. WHITMORE, Principal. ELLEN FROTHINGHAM, Assistant.
Total enrolment
79
Average membership
67.7
Average attendance
63.4
Per cent. of attendance
93.5
Cases of tardiness
68
Dismissions
169
Average age
12 yrs. 4 mos.
Number over fifteen years of age . 9
Number admitted to High school without examination 3
Number admitted to High school by examination 3
Names of pupils admitted to High school :
Katie Boyle, Elizabeth M. Chisnell, Mary A. Mitchell, Ethel G. Langley, Alice A. Fallon, Nellie S. Brown.
STOREY AVENUE GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY SCHOOL
NELLIE G. STONE, Principal.
Total enrolment
31
Average membership
22.4
Average attendance
20.1
Per cent. of attendance
89
Cases of tardiness
32
Dismissions
89
Average age
12 yrs.
Number over fifteen years of age
2
Number under five years of age
0
MOULTONVILLE SCHOOL.
HELEN S. MERRILL, Principal.
FLORA PETTIGREW, Assistant.
Total enrolment
53
Average membership
.
36
26
ANNUAL REPORT
Average attendance
32
Per cent. of attendance
88.8
Cases of tardiness
176
Dismissions
47
Average age
Number over fifteen years of age
10 yrs. 1
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
But few changes occurred among the teachers of these schools during she school year. Miss Susan I. Adams, teacher in the Temple street school, resigned her position, and Miss Lillian Goodwin, who had successfully substituted for her, was appointed to the vacant position. Miss Adams had proved an excellent teacher and had brought her school to a high standard of excel- lence.
Miss Alice A. Bartlett, third assistant in the Bromfield street school, was transferred to the first assistant's position in the For- rester street boys' school. Miss Mary T. Colby was appointed to fill the vacancy.
At the close of the school year Miss Elizabeth Hoxie re- signed her position as second assistant in the Bromfield street school, and Miss Lillian Greenleaf was appointed in her place.
At no time have the primary schools been, as a whole, in bet- ter condition than at present. Here, as elsewhere, improved methods of instruction have obtained more general adoption than in schools of other grades, and have produced better results, than were ever secured under the conditions which once prevailed. Of eighteen teachers now in primary grades, thirteen have had the benefit of instruction at the training school, while nearly all the others are familiar with the improvements that have taken place in methods of teaching.
Particular attention is now being given to the language of the pupils, not only in trying to secure correct written and oral work, in the school. but also in correcting the common errors of speech, which the child sometimes acquires in his associations out-
1
28
ANNUAL REPORT
side of school. Teachers have been requested to write down some of the more common errors of language and send them to the superintendent, also to drill their classes in the proper form of speech to use in correcting such errors.
At the opening of the schools in September, it became neces- sary to find temporary accommodation for the Ashland street school, until the enlargement of the schoolhouse should be com- pleted. It was very difficult to secure suitable rooms, but after many places had been inspected it was decided to place one of the schools, that presided over by Miss Badger, in the room used as a mission and lecture room by the Rev. Mr. Pope. The other school, the principal's, under Miss Pettigrew, was removed to the vacant building at the foot of Woodland street. Considering the inconveniences to which these schools have been subjected, the teachers and pupils have done remarkably well in carrying on their work with so little loss in either their studies or in discipline.
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