USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1851-1866 > Part 14
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In reference to these changes your Committee would say, they were rendered necessary by the new location of the school rooms, and the re-organizing of the schools attendant thereupon. It will be seen at once that the Primary scholars must be provided with suitable rooms in their immediate neighborhood, to secure a good attendance in all weathers, especially when not attended by older children. And this necessity was increased, by the utter refusal of parents to send their young children across the railroad to school.
It was found that there were 90 Primary scholars to be provided with school rooms west of the railroad. . For these we had only the Vinton street school-house, giving us two full Primary schools, of 45 scholars each. In addition to these, 14 of the larger scholars have been sent to the 2d Primary from the Primary schools east of the railroad, mak- ing 104 in all belonging to the 1st and 2d Primary schools on Vinton street.
Both rooms of this building being required for the 1st and 2d Primaries, it was necessary to remove the 2d Grammar school, formerly kept in the upper room of the Vinton street school-house, to the upper room in the Lynde street school- house, the only place provided, which was done Sept. 6th, at the commencement of the fall term. This school room accommodates the district very well.
The schools formerly kept in the Engine house and the vestry of the Universalist church, were discontinued, and the pupils otherwise provided for.
It became necessary to establish a Primary school in the lower room of the Centre school-house, 55 Primary scholars being left in this district, after sending as many as we could to the Green street and Lynde street Primary schools. To accommodate these, the 1st Grammar school was removed to the new school room on Green street. This location may seem unhappy for a school ranking next to the High school,
24
pupils having to go from the Highland district on the north and west, and from west of the railroad to Stoneham line, on an east and west line drawn from the junction of Main and Essex streets ; and this district gives fewer scholars to the Green street Grammar school than to the Lynde street. There are in the town of Melrose at least 86 scholars who should attend the Grammar schools, making it absolutely necessary that there should be two schools of this grade.
It seems to us that one of the three following things must be done :- Break up the grade of the schools as now estab- lished-provide another Grammar school room in a different location, or submit to things as they are for the present. As to breaking up the grading of schools, it would seem to your Committee to be one of the most unhappy movements that could be made, and would undo much that has been done for the advancement of our schools for the last five years. The committee of last year strongly urged, and forwarded as far as they were able, the grading which has been carried out this year in part, (for there still remain some scholars in the Upham street school who ought to be members of the Green street Grammar, and some in the Centre Primary who should be members of the Vinton street 2d Primary,) and the present Committee have satisfied themselves of its bene- ficial results thus far, especially as shown in the Vinton street school, where the effect has been most happy, giving new life and energy to both departments.
With regard to classifying schools, all can see that it would not be wise to introduce into our High school children of four years of age, to learn the alphabet, because the teacher could be better employed in instructing more ad- vanced minds ; neither would he wish to be embarrassed with the multiplicity of studies and classes required between a knowledge of the highest and lowest branches. This is the principle to be carried out in the grading of schools. It has been settled by the experience of the public schools in Boston, (second to none in the world,) that the more per- fectly schools are graded, the greater is the efficiency of the teacher and the progress of the pupil. If we are to have good schools in Melrose, it seems to us that this idea must be carried out by teachers, committees and parents, as a settled principle of action, not to be yielded to by any trifling pressure of circumstances. If we have taken right views of this matter, we wish the cordial support of the friends of education in this community.
25
We do not at present need any more school room than we now have, neither does it seem desirable to change the location of the school-house on Green street. It seems therefore for the present that no better arrangement can be made than that which now exists.
In the organizing of schools of the same grade, scholars must be sent to the nearest school room. If, for instance, there are 86 scholars to be divided among two schools, when 43 scholars have been assigned to one school, 43 remain for the other, we cannot in justice to scholar or teacher, assign 66 to one school, and 20 to another, although it might be desired in some cases. To do strict justice to all, impartial rules must be laid down and observed. We must not be influenced by personal preferences.
Your Committee have been thus particular in stating the motives which have governed them, and their desires for the future, because they know that in some instances they have been unjustly blamed for bringing about circumstances over which they had no control ; and because they wish constant and rational progress in the schools under their supervision.
We wish to have only three grades of schools. The Primary, Grammar and High; that the studies for each grade shall be defined in writing, so that each scholar may know exactly the requirements for the next higher grade ; and when these are fulfilled, and he has received the recommen- dation of his teacher and the superintending committee, he may be received into it. This will give a definite mark for each scholar to aim at, and stimulate his pride not to be left behind by his companions.
At the suggestion of your Committee, the principals of the High school and one of the Grammar schools, have recom- mended the following requirements of scholars for admission to the Grammar schools for this year :- In mental Arithmetic, well versed as far as Fractions ; thoroughly acquainted with the Multiplication and Division Tables, and be able to add and subtract quickly. In Geography, they should finish Colton's Primary. They should read easy reading without hesitancy, and spell common words fluently.
For admission to the High School-in written Arithmetic they should be well versed in Fractions, both Vulgar and Decimal, also good in Mental Arithmetic. In Geography, they should finish if possible, at any rate as far as Africa, in Colton and Fitch's. In Grammar, they should be well ac-
4
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quainted with the text book, and be able to parse some. A good knowledge of reading, spelling and writing should be deemed essential.
Your Committee would give the following summary of the registers of the different schools in town, and add such re- marks as may suggest themselves on their condition. This record will date from the re-organizing of the schools in September.
HIGHLAND PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Mary A. Webster.
Whole number days of school, 105
of scholars, 45
of attendances, 2479
66 of times tardy, 978
Average attendance, 27
This was after some ten scholars had been assigned to the Green street Grammar school. The attendances and the number of times tardy are as stated in the register-no scholar perfect in attendance, being either absent or tardy.
This school has been particularly unfortunate in the changing of teachers, and is now to receive a new one, as Miss Webster declines to serve further. There is need of much greater sympathy between parents and teachers, than has ever existed in this district. The school has retrograded within the last year. We are anxious to remedy this state of things, and would be happy to hear any suggestions from those interested, that may help to place this school in its proper position.
GREEN STREET PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Kate E. Coburn.
Whole number days of school, 190
of scholars, (winter term,) 44
of attendances, 1781
of times tardy, 139
Average attendance, 39
This school has been since its foundation a primary school, and has had in Miss Coburn a faithful teacher, one who has constantly and kindly advanced her scholars, combining in an uncommon degree mildness and firmness. The district has met with a great loss by her resignation.
.
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GREEN STREET GRAMMAR. Teacher-Miss A. R. Poor.
Whole number days of school,
105
of scholars, (winter term,) 32
66
of attendances, 1203
66
66 of times tardy, 75
25
Average attendance,
This school is doing very well. (Miss Poor came well re- commended, and has not disappointed our expectations.) The order is excellent, and the progress satisfactory to a high degree, especially in arithmetic. We regret that any should have deprived their children of the advantages here afforded, by not sending them to the school to which they were as- signed.
UPHAM STREET SCHOOL. Teacher-Miss Christiana Upham. Whole number days of school, 190
66 of scholars, (winter term,) 53
66
of attendances, 2333
66 66 of times tardy, 331
Average attendance, 34
Miss Upham has been the only permanent teacher con- nected with this school since its foundation, and has gained the confidence of your Committee, as a faithful and indus- trious teacher. The great drawback to the advancement of pupils here is its mixed grade, pupils remaining (as last year) who ought to be in the High and Grammar schools, and not progressing as they would when associated with those more advanced than themselves.
LYNDE STREET PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Sarah E. Batcheller.
Whole number days of school, 190
of scholars, (winter term,) 55
66 66 of attendances, 1988
66
66 of times tardy, 50
Average attendance, 38
The girls of this school deserve great credit for their punc- tuality this term. Out of nearly 500 attendances, there were only four instances of tardiness, and three of these were marked to one scholar, making the most perfect school in town in this respect, and this a Primary school. The average attendance is not large, but those who came at all, came in
28
season. We have here a good example of the beneficial results of permanency in teaching. The recitations were thorough and satisfactory in a high degree.
LYNDE STREET GRAMMAR.
Teacher-Miss Phebe A. Norris.
Whole number days of school, 190
66 of scholars, (winter term,) 44
66 of attendances, 1915
66 of times tardy, 96
Average attendance, 36
The average attendance in this school is very good, but we are sorry to see quite so much tardiness. One Miss is marked with 24 attendances, and 11 times tardy. The spirit of this school is excellent; the best of feeling exists between the teacher and the pupils, and an earnest desire for improve- ment is stamped on every face. With such a condition of things, we look with pleasure for future progress, if the health of the present teacher will allow her to continue her labors.
VINTON STREET FIRST PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Mary J. McLaughlin.
Whole number days of school, 105
of scholars, (winter term,) 52
66 of attendances, 3402
66 66 of times tardy, 62
Average attendance, 33
We have in this school more scholars under five years of age, than in any other in town, there being eight. The pupils for the most part are progressing finely, and so far as we have heard, the labors of the teacher are well appreciated by the parents in this district.
VINTON STREET SECOND PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Louise A. Norris.
Whole number days of school, 105
66 66 of scholars, (winter term,) 52
66 66 of attendances, 2155
66
66 of times tardy, 60
Average attendance, 41
This school is composed of pupils between the ages of 8 and 15. At the commencement of the September term, a classification was made of all the scholars who would attend these schools, (103 in number,) according to their ages and scholarship, the older scholars being assigned to Miss Norris.
29
This change has been productive of the happiest effects in both departments. All the scholars are now in a few well- arranged classes, and are progressing rapidly in their studies. The teacher has a peculiar faculty of subduing unruly boys, which she has had occasion to test in several instances with the best success.
CENTRE PRIMARY. Teacher-Miss Helen E. Adams.
Whole number days of school, 105
of scholars, (winter term,) 55
66
of attendances, 1852
66 66 of times tardy, 72
Average attendance, 39
The girls of this school deserve credit for being punctual in their attendance, having but 13 marks for tardiness, to 783 attendances, 6 of these belonging to one girl. The boys have 59 tardy marks to 1067 attendances, 16 of these be- longing to two boys in one family, leaving a very clean record for a Primary school in the winter. This school is well located for the accommodation of the district, and is im- proving in the order and intelligence of its pupils, under a kind and faithful teacher. Some three or four of the older girls would be vastly benefited by a removal to a more ad- vanced school, as was suggested last year ; and it will be a good time to do this at the beginning of the school year.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Teachers-Mr. Edward Stickney, and Miss Lydia C. Proctor. General summary for the year.
Whole number of schools days in the year, 208
Different scholars during the year, 78
Average number 624
Average attendance " 66
54,1
Per cent, 86,8
Whole number of attendances should have been, 12,795
There have been
11,117
Leaving 1678 absences, or one-seventh the attendance, Tardinesses, 776, or one-sixteenth the attendance.
We can give our heartfelt praise to the teachers of this school, for their earnest endeavors to advance their pupils. We believe that they have not rested with the mere duties required of them, but have sought to know the wants of those committed to their care, and to meet them. The class of young ladies in Latin, consisting of Misses Adams, Eastman and Kimball, deserve particular notice for the correctness of
30
their recitations, and their perseverance in completing the twelve books of Virgil. They have done honor to themselves and their teacher, and deserve this public commendation. We were sorry to see no masters in the class with them. There is no better way to acquire a knowledge of our own language, than by the study of the Latin and Greek lan- guages. We hope to see a large class of boys and girls in Latin next term. And we hope some of the masters will now start on a collegiate course, or at least fit themselves for college, which they can well do in the four or five years which some of them spend in this school. We think with your former committee, that there is too much haste to withdraw children from this school, at the very time when they most need its influences.
The recitations in Algebra were clear, showing a definite knowledge of the principles involved in that science. The first class have finished the text book. Class in History ex- cellent and thorough in their recitations. Writing good. Of the Maps exhibited, some were very beautifully and accu- rately drawn. We would recommend the drawing of Maps to the schools generally, as a most improving exercise, culti- vating the tastes of the pupils, rendering them accurate in the use of the pen and pencil, and imparting knowledge of the most definite kind .- The class in Natural Philosophy would be greatly aided in their studies, by a suitable apparatus for the illustration of the principles of that science. We hope some means will be taken to procure one ; a part may be purchased this year, and more in the future, as may be needed. A liberal but judicious generosity is the best econ- omy, certainly in a school of this grade.
Our schools are not faultless ; and how we shall correct their faults and favor their progress, is a momentous ques- tion-one in which not we alone are concerned, but our common country, to whose glory or dishonor our children will soon contribute. A bad scholar is not apt to make a good citizen. We would earnestly invite all parents to visit our schools frequently, to sympathize with their children and teachers in their arduous duties, (the smile of a mother has been the making of many a man,) make themselves acquaint- ed with the standing and progress of their own children in school and at home, and show to them that an interest is taken in them, by those they respect and love. Co-operate with your Committee, whose first and only wish is to promote the best interests of your schools, and one step at least will have been taken in the right direction.
-
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PUPILS.
According to the report of the Assessors, there were 436 children between the ages of 5 and 15, (the school age,) in Melrose, the 1st of May, 1858 ; being a decrease from the previous year of 55. In addition to these, there are on the school registers 29 children over 15, and 21 under 5.
Our attention has been directed by the teachers to the subject of tardiness. Your committee of last year think that a mere mention of the subject would remedy the evil ; but it has not done so, and we would again ask the attention of parents to this subject. A perusal of the tables prepared, will show the extent of the evil. In one district there were nearly 1000 tardinesses to a little over 2000 attendances, and this in one of the most compact districts in town, one scholar being present 96 times and tardy 46 times ; another, present 87 times and tardy 42 times ; others standing as follows- 78 to 35, 75 to 35, 78 to 36, 102 to 38. It is not pleasant to dwell on these things, but it is a duty to do so. How shall this evil be remedied? By each scholar coming to school ten minutes before school begins, taking his seat, and behaving quietly ! Will parents assist their children to do this, and then a great source of annoyance to teachers will cease. A good town clock would also help to remedy this evil.
In our high school, as reported by the principal, the pro- portion of the absences to the attendances are as one to seven ; and this from a school whose instructions are supposed to be of more value than any other in town. Cannot this be remedied ? No scholar should lose the advantages of school for a single day, unless from unavoidable necessity, and then, if possible, the studies should be made up at home, on the advance, as it cannot be well done on the review. Teachers should look carefully to these back lessons, and not retard a class to favor them. If they do so, the evil will be continued. In many studies, particularly Arithmetic, Algebra, Latin and English Grammar, and Natural Philosophy, the first princi- ples are so connected with those that follow, that no definite knowledge can be gained where they are omitted or imper- fectly learned. Studies are hated, because not understood ; rank in school is lost, and not unfrequently the whole life influenced for the worse, by an irregular attendance in the commencement of a boy's school career. The evil, for the most past, exists in a few families.
32
TEACHERS.
The teachers have been advertised for, and have been selected after a careful examination of their qualifications and references. As a body, they have been faithful to the im- portant trusts committed to their charge.
The wages of the teachers have been, for High School,
Principal, per year, $800 00
Assistant, " 6 250 00
6 50 per week.
Principal Grammar Schools, 66 Primary 5 50 « «
We hope that an advance will still be made on the wages of our female teachers, both to the assistant in the High school, and the teachers in the Primary schools. No class of teachers work as hard for the money paid them, as those in our Primary schools. After board is deducted, the pittance remaining is scanty enough, for one well qualified for the station. We do not yet pay as much as Saugus, Stoneham or Malden.
SCHOOL FUND .- We would recommend that the School Fund should consist of money appropriated only for the fol- lowing purposes, as returned in the Report to the Secretary of State-Wages of Teachers-Fuel for Schools-Care of Fires and School Rooms. All other expenses to be charged to a School Contingent, or the General Contingent Fund. This would save a good deal of inconvenience to the school com- mittee, and would enable them at once to determine the length of schools without exceeding the appropriations.
The appropriations needed for the present year, for 40 weeks schooling, at the present rate of wages for teachers, would be,
Principal for High School, S00 00
Assistant for 66 66 250 00
Two teachers in Grammar Schools, 520 00 Seven teachers in Primary 66 1540 00
Fuel, about 200 00
Care of fires and school rooms, . 283 00
$3593 00
Respectfully submitted by the School Committee,
MOSES PARKER, WM. H. MUNROE, GEO. N. NOYES.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
FINANCIAL CONCERNS
OF THE
TOWN OF MELROSE,
From March 16th, 1859, to March 15th, 1860,
WITH A LIST OF
RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT TAXES
Assessed in 1859,
AND THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
BOSTON : SAMUEL HARRIS, PRINTER, 32 Congress Street. 1860.
MELROSE TOWN OFFICERS, For 1860.
Town Clerk, E. R. KNIGHTS. - -
Selectmen,
WM. J. FARNSWORTH, GEORGE EMERSON, NELSON COCHRAN.
Treasurer, CALEB HOWARD.
-
School Committee,
E. O. PHINNEY, 2 years, ELBRIDGE GREEN, 1 year, AARON GREEN, elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of B. F. Bowles, who was chosen for 3 years.
Assessors, JONATHAN COCHRAN, WM. B. BURGESS, GEO. M. FLETCHER.
Collector, STEPHEN J. PHINNEY.
Constables, JAMES G. EMERSON, WM. J. FARNSWORTH, SAMUEL D. TAYLOR.
ANNUAL REPORT.
1
Treasury Department. Dr.
To Balance in the Treasury, March 16, 1859, - - $1088 31 " Taxes uncollected for 1855-8 inclusive, 3472 91 " Cash Received of S. J. Phinney, Collector, 9066 78
66 66 66 for ll Cemetery Lots, -
300 00
66 66 for Grass in Cemetery, - 48 00
66 66 66 refunded for Support of Poor, 71 94
66 6: from State School Fund, 93 40
66 66 from town of Malden, 161 80
66
from sundry sources, - 177 11
$14,480 50
Treasury Department. Cr.
By Cash Paid on Town Orders, - 9059 65 66 66 for Interest on Town Debt, 1629 76 66 66 60 Note of Samuel Sprague, 100 00
66 66 of Mary Sprague, 100 00
66 66 66 Endorsement on Note of Mrs. Dix, - 307 42
66 66 66 Assessment on Malden Bridge, - -
65 00
66 66 6 State for Sealing Weights and Measures, 66
6 50
66 Town of Stoneham, 114 37
66 Taxes uncollected for 1855-8 inclusive, - 1050 00
66
66 on Dogs Refunded, - - 139 00
Abatement of Taxes assessed in 1857 and 1858, 13 14
66 Balance of Cash in Treasury, March 15, 1860, 1895 66
$14,480 50
4
COLLECTOR.
Dr.
To Taxes committed for 1859,
$11,769 77 Cr.
By Cash Paid to the Treasurer, - $9066 78
" Abatement of Taxes for 1859, - 111 45
" Disc. on Taxes paid before Oct. 1st, 319 70
" Cash Paid for County Tax, 620 73 -
66 for State Tax, - - - 270 00
" Taxes uncollected and in hand, 1331 11-$11,769 77
CONTINGENT EXPENSES.
Appropriation, $1500 00
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Paid Caleb Howard for supplies after fire,
$11.42-Sundries, .30, $11 72
A. Kilby for half barrel Crackers, 2 00
66 J. M. Ellis, care of Engine and house, 6 25
66 T.T. Sweetser, care Engine & apparatus, 43 34
Geo. M. Fletcher, work for Engine, &c., 2 51
66 D. H. Walker, repairing Hose Carriage, 25
66 Robinson & Fisher, sundries for Engine, 1 80
66 E. A. Newton, work for Engine, 1 00
Shelton & Cheever, do. do. 6 63
66 Thomas McCoubry, do. do. 6 67
66 E. Fuller, 2 gals. Sperm Oil, 3.50-Ex- press, .37, 3 87
66 E.Gardner & Co.,Fuel, 8,50, lumber, .66, 9 16
66
J. Hurley, Stove and labor for E. House, 3 83
" S. Emery, repairs on Engine House, 1 00
66 T. B. Herrick, do. do. do. 5 00
H. B. Newhall, Paper and hanging do. 10 80
" M. Ellis, hauling Stoneham Engine Home, 2 50 -- 118 33
RUT FILLER.
Paid D. H. Walker, for making Rut Filler, 18 08 Thomas McCoubry, Ironing do. do. 30 00
Wm. J. Farnsworth, time and travel twice to Chelsea for do. 3.00-cash paid for Pattern, .30, 3 30~51 38
5
RENTS.
Paid Benj. Linikin rent of Hall,
75 00
66 Caleb Howard, do. do. 25 00
G. P. Burnham, do. do.
25 00
66 Joseph Wood for use of Burnham's Hall for Town Trial, 6.00-do. for Fire Inquest, 12.00-use of E. R. Knights' Hall for witnesses, 5.00-use of Uni- versalist Vestry for trial of Jefferson
Burns, 6.00-Stationery, 1.20,
30 20 -- 155 20
LAND DAMAGES.
Paid Wm.J. Farnsworth for Quit-Claim Deed of land sold by Jos. Holbrook as land of Josiah Townsend, the same land being also taxed to Stevens & Paine, (for tax of 1857,) 20 00
The following order on file is supposed to have been paid by the Treasurer :
" To Geo. M. Fletcher,
Chairman of the Selectmen of Melrose: Sir-Please deliver to S. O. Dearborn, or order, a Town Order for forty dollars, the same being the amount awarded to the heirs of Jacob Lynde by the Selectmen, for land taken to widen Lynde Street in 1857,
40 00
Melrose, Nov. 29, 1859. D. W. GOOCH, Guardian and Agent." T. Bennett, Land Damages on Linwood Ave., 15 00 -- 75 00
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