USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1862-1879 > Part 31
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107
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EXPENSES.
Recognizing the fact that our fellow-citizens are, as they should be in these times, jealous of the management of the school funds, we would ask your attention to a few words upon this subject.
In 1872-3, Melrose was the ninth town in the State in the amount expended per capita for education.
In 1873-4, we were No. 13, the amount being $22.00 per capita.
In 1874-5, we were No. 15, the amount being $20.15 per capita.
In 1875-6, we were No. 30, the amount being $16.86 per capita.
It will thus be seen that within three years the expense per annum of educating each child in this town has been reduced $5.14 ; and this steady reduction from the ninth to the thirtieth town in ratio of expense per capita has been attained without lowering the standard of the schools. The expense per capita for the entire State for 1876 was $19.68, or $2.82 per capita higher than our own. Melrose cannot, therefore, be numbered among the towns that are extrava- gant, being one that helps to reduce the average.
We submit these facts with considerable satisfaction, and claim, without any further argument, that we have figures to prove economical management.
It will be noticed that the contingent expenses exceed the appropriation. There are good and sufficient reasons for this. In the first place, $1,000 is not enough to keep in repair and comfortable seven buildings, most of which are old and worn out. No bills have been contracted that were not considered necessary ; but especial effort has been directed towards making the buildings healthy, cleanly, and
108
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
comfortable. We trust you will deem it proper to grant a larger appropriation this year, in order that we may keep within it.
We would add here, simply as a matter of record, that there were last year in this State 305,776 school children between five and fifteen years of age, and the amount expended for their education was about $6,000,000.
The number of children in Melrose, May 1, 1876, between five and fifteen years of age, was 815.
GENERAL REMARKS.
All systems, however perfect, are capable of improve- ment, for as times change people change with them, and what suits one generation ill fits the next. There is more or less captious criticism of our present school system, and there would be under any circumstances. Time and experience regulate and improve. There is ample ground for the belief that the present system is best adapted to the present gen- eration. Our schools are not intended for gymnasiums, but are to train the intellect. In these times it is the prevailing sentiment that "the pen is mightier than the sword," and education is based largely upon that theory. The hours of school, recess, vacation, and holidays are so arranged that no child can suffer who is properly managed at home ; and all have ample time for play and physical exercise. The re- quired standard of scholarship is not based upon the brightest but the average minds ; and there are few children in our schools who, if they are faithful to their tasks, cannot easily keep up to the standard. If all parents were as particular in their care of children at home as our teachers are in school, we should hear little complaint of over-study. It has been the experience of the committee that the children who are
109
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
overworked are those that are permitted to spend their evenings at dances or sociables at a time of their lives when they need regular and abundant sleep. It is not to be wondered at, that some appear worn when they reach the close of their school life ; but to charge it wholly to over-study is absurd. We have pleasant schools and a superior corps of teachers, many of whom have served the town long and faithfully, are of mature experience and the best judgment.
The future welfare and character of the town depend very much upon the education of the children who are now pass- ing through our schools. A wise and generous policy in dealing with them will at some time produce its good results in a high order of citizens.
We have no doubt that you will, as heretofore, make liberal provision for their support.
Respectfully submitted.
S. A. RANLETT, For the Committee.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
SECTION 1. The schools shall commence during the year at 9 A. M. and 2 P. M., closing at 12 M. and 4 P. M. No extended session allowed.
SECT. 2. The school year shall consist of forty weeks, commencing on the first Monday in September, and closing on the last Friday in June.
Vacations shall occur during the school year as follows : -
Close of Fall Term, from the Saturday previous to the annual Thanksgiving to the Monday following.
Close of Winter Term, from the second Saturday to the third Monday in February.
Close of Spring Term, from the fourth Saturday in April to the first Monday in May.
Close of Summer Term, end of school year.
Also, all legal holidays.
SECT. 3. Teachers shall be in their school-rooms fifteen minutes before the opening of the school, admitting pupils, commencing exercises promptly at the hours specified.
SECT. 4. Teachers themselves shall hear all recitations.
SECT. 5. Teachers are not to absent themselves from school, or procure substitutes, without the consent of the committee. All such absences are to be distinctly recorded in the school registers, and the chairman of the committee notified of any unavoidable violation of this rule.
SECT. 6. Teachers are required to report all damages to school property, unless repairs are immediately made at the expense of parent or guardian.
111
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
SECT. 7. "The several school teachers shall faithfully keep the registers furnished to them, and make due return thereof to the School Committee; and no teacher shall be entitled to receive payment for services until the register, properly filled up and completed, shall be so returned." * A fortnight's notice required of resignations, except in case of sickness.
SECT. 8. In case of inclement weather, when, in the judgment of the committee, it shall be thought proper to omit the forenoon or afternoon session, notice will be given by ringing the town bell at a quarter before 8 A. M. or a quarter before 12 o'clock, A. M.
SECT. 9. Teachers may temporarily suspend pupils from school for truancy or gross violation of rules, informing the committee at once of such suspension, and the reason therefor.
SECT. 10. Pupils must attend schools in the district in which they reside ; must be at least five years of age, and obtain a permit, before entering, from the committee. Alphabet scholars admitted only at the beginning of a term.
SECT. 11. Pupils are required to furnish themselves with such text-books as are authorized by the committee. In case of refusal or neglect, the books will be furnished by the committee, and the town assessors be notified, that the value may be collected from the parent or guardian. Orders sent by teachers to the town agent must have the name of the parent or guardian. Books furnished to indigent scholars shall be considered the property of the school, and be retained when the pupil is discharged.
SECT. 12. Pupils shall not be dismissed before the close of the school (alphabet classes excepted ) without a written request from the parent or guardian. Frequent and repeated requests can be disregarded, and the committee informed of
* Extract from Revised Statutes.
112
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
the evil. Parents shall be notified of absences or tardiness of pupils when explanation or information is deemed neces- sary.
SECT. 13. Pupils absent a term, or not present at the quarterly examinations, shall be considered new pupils, liable to lose their connection with their class, and needing on their return a permit from the committee (alphabet scholars excepted ) .
SECT. 14. Pupils shall have a recess of twenty minutes at each morning session, and no pupil will be allowed to leave the school-grounds without a special permit from the teacher.
SECT. 15. Pupils guilty of defacing or injuring school- houses, school-furniture, outbuildings, fences, or school property in general, shall be subject to such penalty as the statute prescribes or the committee deem proper.
SECT. 16. Pupils are not allowed in school-yards after school-hours, Wednesday or Saturday afternoons, or during holidays or vacations ; are not allowed in other school-yards than their own, at any time, unless sent with messages.
SECT. 17. The duties of the several janitors shall be to sweep each school-room and entry twice every week; wash the floors and windows during each of the vacations of May and November ; clean and wash all outbuildings as often as necessary ; keep steps and paths free from snow in winter ; close gates when schools are not in session ; report to teach- ers or committee all injuries to property ; prepare and put in the coal and wood, practise rigid economy in its use, and have a general oversight of the buildings in their care. No extra pay for any of the above services.
SECT. 18. No wares or amusements shall be advertised in the schools without the consent of the committee.
SECT. 19. Teachers shall read to the pupils at such times as they deem expedient any or all of the foregoing Rules and Regulations.
TABLE OF STATISTICS.
SCHOOLS.
PRESENT NO.
AVERAGE NO.
PER CENT OF
ATTENDANCE.
AVERAGE AGE,
March 1, 1877.
High, First Class
Second Class
10
93 8
16
10
Third Class
24
97.3
16
1
Fourth Class
42
97 5
15
3
First Grammar .
53
51
96
14
7
Second Grammar
65
61
94.6
13
4
Third Grammar (Miss Porter)
49
47
93.5
12
7
Third Grammar (Miss Cate)
55
47
94 5
12
Centre Intermediate
46
44
96
9
7
Lynde Street Intermediate
46
44
92
10
8
Vinton Street Intermediate
49
40
89
10
7
Centre Primary
68
63
90.5
7
Lynde Street Primary
51
51
92
7
8
Vinton Street Primary
5.5
52
88
7
6
Upham Street Mixed .
31
29
89
9
8
Green Street Mixed
45
39
83
8
9
Highland Mixed
41
41
80
8
3
742
609
92.8
Yrs. Mos.
12
98.1
17
10
8
REPORT ON MUSIC
IN THE
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF MELROSE,
BY
MRS. GEORGIE N. BORDMAN, MUSICAL INSTRUCTOR.
REPORT.
MELROSE, Feb. 1, 1877.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the School Committee: -
I most respectfully submit the following report, showing the present condition of the music in the public schools of Melrose : -
FIRST GRAMMAR.
In this grade I have used "The Hour of Singing" almost exclusively. The book contains many difficult part songs for bass, tenor, alto, and soprano. Some of these the pupils have learned and rendered with admirable taste, and in strict accordance with all the rules of music. Three-part songs, being less difficult and better adapted to the voices, are soon perfected. The general deportment and interest shown by the school has been all that I could possibly desire; and I look forward from week to week with most delightful antici- pations, knowing that in all my labors I shall be met more than half-way by the united efforts of the school, and the hearty co-operation of the principal, Miss Turner, whose gentle but firm discipline shines along the ranks with most gratifying effect.
SECOND GRAMMAR.
As a large portion of the scholars in this school owned " The Hour of Singing," I thought best to adopt it here also, using two-part songs, with the addition of tenor, if possible.
118
REPORT ON MUSIC.
The leading voices are among the best in town. Some of the boys upon whom I depended last season for alto, have arrived at that age when I know it is difficult for them to sing or even produce musical sounds, so that in these in- stances I consider them excusable. I always meet with a kind welcome here, and knowing it is the hardest grade of all for musical instruction, I allow the class to lean upon me more than in the lower grades. Miss Bisbee fully sympa- thizes with me in my work, and realizing the importance of practice, she gives me all the time and assistance she can afford, and do justice to her classes in other directions.
THIRD GRAMMAR.
I have commenced with two-part syllable exercises here, and the children are making excellent progress. We use the five-cent book of graded exercises which gave the committee so much pleasure last season, and from which I anticipate the same gratifying results this year. Songs and melodies have thus far been put upon the board, copied by the class, and memorized, so that this necessitates an extra amount of labor in the absence of books (an expense that I do not deem ex- pedient this term). The musical recitations show the care and painstaking of the class, and Miss Porter endeavors in all directions to assist me and keep the attention and interest of the school as much as possible.
CENTRE GRAMMAR.
The promotions have brought together in this grade truly " a bouquet of artists." It is fully equal to last year, and I think perhaps a little in advance. There are some remark- ably clear, sweet voices, and the bulk of the class read readily, which of course is the most delightful part of it, for both
119
REPORT ON MUSIC.
teacher and pupil. The children are wide awake and ener- getic, and sing because they love to "and can't help it." " Nature has given the breath of melody for science to perfect." I have selected choice songs from the "Third Music Reader," which have been put upon the board, copied and memorized. No books have been introduced. Miss Cate has all the ner- vous energy requisite to inspire her school, and to her I owe" a great deal for the success and progress which has thus far characterized the lessons and promoted the welfare and hap- piness of the children.
CENTRE INTERMEDIATE. VINTON STREET INTERMEDIATE. LYNDE STREET INTERMEDIATE.
As these schools are about on an average, it will not be necessary to specify each one. Whenever it is possible, I am endeavoring to encourage two-part singing, for I think that the sooner children become accustomed to hearing differ- ent tones in harmony, the better it will be for them as they rise to higher grades, and meet with greater difficulties. I specially enjoy this grade of school, as there is more time allowed me, and I do not feel as if I encroached on other recitations. I have introduced a few of my little songs in addition to black-board work, and also some motion songs, which the children are at work upon now with hearty delight. I have given away a great many of my publications, and here make reference to one entitled "Transposition by Sharps"; a simple form showing the gradual progressions of the nat- ural scale up to four sharps, which I think the children com- prehend, and will ultimately enjoy the benefit of. The teachers all follow my plans with excellent success. In all new departures from the natural scale, I know that in these grades the work must be necessarily slow and sure.
120
REPORT ON MUSIC.
CENTRE PRIMARY. VINTON STREET PRIMARY. LYNDE STREET PRIMARY.
Here we begin with the " A B C" of music. The simplest forms of the scale are presented to the first classes only. . The babies are allowed to open their mouths, and carol forth their little notes in their own natural way. The young ears are soon attuned to each new lesson, and the power of imita- tion is so strong that the room fills up at once with sweet melody, and the song goes along its own right way without much urging. Musical notation from the chart and board is constantly presented, however, to the whole school, and the little minds are exercised as far as commensurate with their years and mental ability. The daily exercise for the teach- ers in this direction is very hard, and requires a deal of pa- tience. The result of their faithful labor is constantly before me, and I fully appreciate every effort that is done for my support and advantage.
HIGHLAND MIXED. GREEN STREET MIXED.
It is impossible to grade the music in these schools, which are made up of primary and intermediate classes. I am glad to say that there is a vast improvement since the term commenced. The schools seem more united, and the little ones carry along their part with more precision. I am only using one-part songs this season, with the addition of motion songs and the Transposition paper before mentioned. I have always felt a peculiar interest in these schools, from the affectionate reception that is always waiting for me, and the double-distilled anxiety in the hearts of the teachers to have everything appear to my satisfaction. I always find many of my best friends there.
121
REPORT ON MUSIC.
UPHAM STREET MIXED.
I feel bound to close my report with a special reference to the little school at the top of the hill. It is " so far and yet so near" to my heart. The class have learned this season nine two-part songs from the music chart, in keys ranging from one sharp and one flat up to four sharps and four flats. This is a very remarkable and a very unusual thing in a school of this grade. The progressions and intervals, in many of these songs, would almost puzzle even a teacher at first sight, and I have been perfectly astonished at the pro- gress of this little school away on the outskirts. It has been brought about by Miss Melcher's energetic and persistent drilling ; and I think she deserves the warmest praise of the committee for the happy result of her ambitious labors.
I have represented briefly the condition of the music in the schools. If I could have visited each department once a week, the improvement would have been much more rapid and satisfactory, but I accepted the situation and have en- deavored thus far to accomplish all that the time would allow. The months have passed pleasantly, with no unfriendly dis- cords, and my hours with the children are a constant reminder that there is a great world of hearts always waiting to wel- come me, while patient eyes look on and listening ears all try to make each hour a most important chance to gather up and treasure well "some new-born thought for mental calcu- lation."
Thanking the committee for past courtesies, and also for the confidence which they have expressed in my efforts for the cultivation of music in the public schools of Melrose,
I remain, very respectfully,
MRS. GEORGIE N. BORDMAN, Musical Instructor.
REPORTS
R
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF MELROSE,
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1878.
BOSTON : BABB & STEPHENS, 79 WATER STREET. 1878.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1877-8.
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Overseers of Highways. WALTER BABB.
HENRY G. FIELDS.
NATHAN D. BLAKE.
Town Clerk. JOHN LARRABEE.
Treasurer. GEORGE NEWHALL.
Collector. ANSEL B. PIERCE.
JOHN R. JONES.
Assessors. JAMES C. CURRIER. CHARLES T. STEVENS.
Water Commissioners.
JOSEPH R. SIMONDS
Term expires 1880.
W. IRVING ELLIS
66
1879.
JOSEPH D. WILDE
66 66 1878.
School Committee.
THOMAS B. PECK, Chairman, . ·
Term expires 1878.
LAFAYETTE BURR, Secretary,
1880.
MOSES S. PAGE
66 1880.
MISS PHŒBE A. NORRIS
MRS. MARIA W. CURRIER
MRS. ANN M. KUNHARDT
66
1878.
Engineers of the Fire Department.
ARTHUR E. WORTHIEN, Chief. JULIAN M. THOMAS, Clerk. ROSWELL W. CHANDLER.
Trustees of the Public Library. FREDERIC KIDDER. ELBRIDGE H. GOSS. CHARLES C. BARRY. HANNAII LYNDE. ADDIE A. NICHOLS.
66 66 1879.
66 1878.
4
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1877-8.
Representative in the General Court. W. IRVING ELLIS.
Auditors.
JOHN R. NORTON.
FRANK E. ORCUTT.
Constables.
ANSEL B. PIERCE.
HENRY C. RICHARDSON.
JOSEPH HOLBROOK. HENRY B. NEWHALL.
Measurer of Wood and Bark. SETH E. BENSON.
Weigher of Hay and Coal. JAMES D. LITTLEFIELD.
Surveyor of Lumber. GEORGE M. BRIGHAM.
GEO. NEWHALL.
Committee on Cemeteries. NATHANIEL HOWARD. JOHN LARRABEE.
OTIS HOWARD.
Field Drivers. HORACE W. CUSHMAN.
FRANK GIBBONS.
1
Lock-Up and Pound Keeper. HENRY G. FIELDS.
Police Officers.
A. B. PIERCE. H. W. CUSHMAN.
JOSEPH HOLBROOK. HENRY ROBINSON.
H. C. RICHARDSON. FRANCIS E. BARBER, JR.
H. B. NEWHALL. THOMAS E. DRAKE.
J. D. LITTLEFIELD. H. G. FIELDS.
E. H. YOUNG.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
FELLOW CITIZENS :
The close of another financial year imposes upon us the issue of the usual reports, which cannot fail to be of interest to every citi- zen who has the welfare of the town at heart.
We find that as our town has increased, so have the labors of your officials in a corresponding ratio. During the past year it seems to have been thought by some that the Board of Selectmen were the proper parties to listen to all the troubles that flesh is heir to. We have exercised a large patience, given all a respectful hearing, and where we have had nothing else to give, have always given good advice, which we trust has been heeded.
The year just closed has been a hard one financially. Business men, of which our town is largely composed, have been struggling for even an existence. Every prudent man has curtailed to the last degree, and it is right that towns, as well as individuals, in view of these facts, should keep their expenditures within the smallest possible compass.
The appropriations for 1877 were much less than previous years, but by a judicious distribution they have mostly served the purpose. The hard times have largely increased the number of worthy poor, and unless business soon revives, the number must necessarily in- crease. We have given employment to our own poor upon the highways in preference to others, and in this way have saved some from calling upon the town for assistance who otherwise would have been obliged to.
The placing of the highways under our charge bequeathed us quite an additional source of labor. We have endeavored to put our
.
6
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
streets in a good condition, and feel that every dollar expended was placed " where it would do the most good."
We respectfully ask your careful attention to the detailed state- ment of the various departments, for from this more than anything · else, can the intelligent citizen form an opinion of the necessary appropriations to carry us through the year upon which we are just entering.
POOR.
We have been conscious most of the year that this fund was being more rapidly expended than we had anticipated at its com- mencement. The result has been that on the first of January we had nearly or quite exhausted our appropriation. We have sought to remedy any evils that might exist under our system ; we have scanned most rigidly the rights and claims presented for assistance, have determined all settlements as promptly as possible, and charged to their respective municipalities all who were not legally our own. We are aware that charitably disposed persons are liable to be im- posed upon by the criminal classes, who will crowd themselves upon us, and make loud demonstrations of their rights and claims for help, and thus crowd out the more modest and worthy ; but we be- lieve that there has been no lack of vigilance on the part of your executive officer, and that, in short, the duties of the board have been faithfully performed. The increased expenditure over that of the preceding year, has been caused mainly by two families, who were thrown upon us, one by the husband's desertion of his wife and six children (one an infant), and the other who was committed to the County House for a crime, leaving a wife and four children, one of which was an infant. Sickness by scarlet fever, and one death, causing physicians and burial expenses, which, with the other bills for the support of these two families, have reached nearly to six hundred dollars.
We have to charge the destitution and suffering of these families, together with many others who call upon us for aid, to the vice of
7
REPORT OF SELECTMEN.
intemperance. In many instances the man is shut up for drunken- ness, or for crime caused by it, for months, and sometimes for years, while their families eke out a miserable subsistence on the temporary aid for food, fuel and shelter, furnished by the town, and we question the propriety of punishing, to such an extent, not so much the drunkard as his wife and children, instead of the person who sold him the liquor and made him drunk, and who profits by it, while we have to support him. We think such persons ought to be made responsible, in some way, for the damage sustained by the public, in consequence of their traffic. We are sorry to say that the same causes for increase of the poor, which we reported one year since, have not ceased to exist with the close of this year, but continue to a greater extent. Steadily increasing numbers call upon us for aid, with the general complaint that they never saw such hard times, and that they are unable to get work at any price. It is a serious matter, that men must be permitted to lead idle lives, who would bend cheerfully to the decree that " man shall eat bread by the sweat of the brow." We commend the policy adopted by those who employ only their own settled citizens upon their public works. In all the departments of labor, they have been careful in this respect to protect themselves and thus help their own adopted citizens. We notice by the incoming reports of several places, where this course has been followed, that their poor expenses have been twenty per cent. less this year, than for preceding years. We have many persons, resident in Melrose, who were attracted here in former years by the prosperity of our town in search of a market for their labor, which was the only riches of which they were pos- sessed. These have gained settlements here, and are reluctant to break them by removing elsewhere. We think that it would be wise to employ this class of persons upon the work of the town, and that all contracts for necessary work should be shaped to this policy. We know that true riches lie in the bosom of the soil, and that instead of remaining in the crowded and overworked centres, where the labor supply has become so much greater than the demand, that
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