USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 12
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Should it be necessary, as it seems almost certain, to open a new school, that would involve the expense of an additional teacher.
NEED OF MORE SCHOOL ROOM.
With the return of "better times" our town is gradually filling up with young and thrifty families. While rejoicing in this inflow of new population, it brings with it a pressing demand for more school room. The primary department is already overflowing. It seems pretty certain that another school of this grade must be opened near the Centre in early spring or summer. Where is a place for it? The lower grammar and intermediate schools are also crowded. More accommodation will soon be imperative.
There is another serious consideration to which the Chair- man would invite the especial attention of the citizens of Melrose. The rooms occupied by the First Grammar School are entirely unfitted for school work. They are situ- ated directly under the roof of the High School Building. In winter they are very cold, and in summer very hot. In warm days, in spite of careful ventilation, the air is oppres- sive and unwholesome, and children have occasionally fainted. But the worst evil of all is an evil that cannot be remedied. Owing to the peculiar construction of the building the light is extremely defective. The Luthern windows in the French
106
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
roof, necessitating deep recesses, admit only a feeble and re- fracted light, which proves injurious to many eyes. There has been a constant complaint of this evil. Whether any sight has been permanently impaired we do not know. This, however, is true, that on many dark afternoons of the short days, scholars have not been able to pursue their studies to advantage after three o'clock. Then again, it is a very weari- isome climb, passing up so many flights of stairs to reach these rooms. And this toilsome climb must be performed, often in a hurried manner, three or four times a day, by sixty or seventy pupils at a critical period of life.
Now, shall we carefully inculcate the laws of health and continue to subject the growing children to such perilous treatment? Can we afford it? Is health or money best worth saving ?
WHAT SIIALL BE DONE ?
Without imperative necessity the town would not be justi- fied in the erection of another school building. It is certain, however, that more room must be provided. It has occurred to the School Boaod that possibly the best and cheapest way to meet the emergency, would be a partial remodeling and enlarging of the High School Building. The large space occupied by the centre stairways (which are not needed) and a suitable projection of architectural finish, would make two or three beautiful school-rooms on the sunny side of the building, easy of access. This would not be a very expen- sive matter, as no money would be required for payment of land. Neither would it be necessary to disturb the other school rooms. This by way of suggestion.
FINANCIAL ITEMS.
A small sum from the contingent fund has been expended in making some necessary repairs and additions to the elec- trical and chemical apparatus of the High School. Good work can only be accomplished by having good tools placed
107
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
in skilful hands. We are glad to acknowledge, in behalf of the same school, the liberal gift of $50 from Mrs. G. N. Bordman. This gift was in return for assistance cheerfully rendered by some of the pupils in a musical entertainment at the Town Hall, during the winter. By the suggestion of the Principal, the money was expended in the purchase of a valuable set of Johnson's Encyclopædia. These volumes will be of great value to the school for many years to come. We may add that thanks are also due to Mr. Moses S. Page for a beautiful clock, placed in the Vinton-street Upper School, in remembrance of the death of his son, little " Frankie."
APPROPRIATIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
There will be required, to maintain the schools on their present schedule of expenses, the same amount as was in the Committee's hands the past year. This will necessitate an appropriation of $12,500. The demands from the contin- gent fund are always various and uncertain. The Centre- school building must be thoroughly painted, and perhaps concrete walks laid, and a front-yard fence erected. The Highland-school building and fences must also be painted. Something ought to be done for the barren and undivided grounds of the High-school premises. As suggested else- where, it is probable that a place for another primary school · will have to be provided, fitted up, and furnished. There will be the usual demand for school supplies. The appro- priation need not be greater than that of last year.
TEACHIERS AND SCHOOLS. MUSIC.
This part of the school work has continued during the year under the instruction and supervision of Mr. C. E. Whiting, of Boston. His services have been prompt and faithful, and have given general satisfaction. We believe no part of the school funds yields a richer return than the small
108
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
amount expended in teaching the principles of music. The practice is wonderfully adapted to cheer and interest all grades of pupils, and at the same time gives them a source of sweet enjoyment to last through future life.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
The Centre, the Lynde-street, and the Vinton-street are very large, comprising more than one hundred and fifty pupils under eight years of age. The teachers, in the order named, are Miss Barker, Miss Gilman, and Miss Lewis. Differing a little in personal qualities, they have been faithful workers, and are each deserving of praise.
The Centre Primary has been unfortunate in having a change of teachers twice during the year. The resignation of Miss Howland was accepted at the close of the spring term. Miss Temple, from Marlboro', taught the summer term, and was exceedingly liked. Preferring to teach at home, she resigned during the long vacation, and Miss Grace O. Barker, a teacher from the same town, we think equally good, was secured to fill the same position.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
Three of these are partly Primary and partly Intermediate. They are the Highlands, the Green-street and the Upham- street schools. The first and last are the smallest in number of any in town. The former has been favored with the con- tinued services of Miss M. A. Whitney, of whom it is suffi- cient to say, she has retained the favor aud confidence of the Committee. Also, nothing but good words can be said of Miss Nichols, and her school - work. At the Upham- street, there has been a change of teachers. Near the close of the Winter, Mrs. Batchelder's resignation was received and accepted. Miss Hattie Lanc, who had graduated with honor at the Salem Normal School, was elected to fill the position. After an earnest effort of three weeks her health utterly failed, and she was obliged to
109
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
give up her long anticipated work. A careful search on the part of the Committee, resulted in securing the services of Miss Mary A. George of Greenwood ;- a teacher of large ex- perience and of excellent recommendations. It was, we be- lieve, a fortunate choice. Both teaching and discipline are now thoroughly good. We only regret that so excellent a school has not a larger number of pupils. Miss Mendum has con- tinued to perform an earnest, faithful work in the Green- street upper department. Laboring under the disadvantage of having rather too many pupils, and these of two different grades, she has with wonderful courage pursued her daily task with untiring zeal and devotion.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
These are three in number and are very largely attended. More room in the near future will be needed. Forty pupils of this grade are quite enough for one teacher, however ex- cellent she may be. More than this number will cause the work to be thinner and poorer. We are personally glad that the same teachers remain. The school-rooms of Miss Emer- son, Miss Long and Mrs. Bascom have continued to be very bright and sunny places. The valuable hints and ideas pro- sented by Col. Parker's "talks" a year ago, have not been forgotten.
THE SECOND AND THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The teachers, Miss Bisbee, Miss Porter, Miss Cate, and Miss Melcher are among our excellent "stand bys." Main- taining strict discipline without undue severity ; presenting clear ideas and thorough methods of work, it is always a treat to visit their schools.
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
At the earliest meeting of the new Board, after due delib- eration it was voted to continue Miss Southwick, as Principal. It was felt that no stranger could step in, not even a compe-
110
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
tent master, and do the work so well for those who had been thus far in the school year under her training. We be- lieve it was a wise decision. The discipline of the school, as well as the teaching, continued to be vigorous and thorough. Meantime the matter of employing a male teacher at the be- ginning of the Fall term was under constant advisement. Finally, the necessity of paying a much higher salary, with no certainty of securing any better work, or even so good, decided the Committee to waive the matter indefinitely.
The First Grammar Schools of Malden, Lynn, Wakefield, and other large towns, employ lady principals. Near the end of November, Miss Southwick resigned her work to en- ter into new relations in life. True to her convictions and conscientious in her methods of teaching and discipline, she rightly received and retained, the esteem of the entire Board. A new Principal, possessing superior ability, experience and culture, was immediately sought. After some painstaking and some disappointments, Miss Harriet Fairbanks of Natick was duly engaged. We trust she will prove as eminently successful in this new position as her high recommendations would seem to warrant. At the beginning of the Spring term, Mary I. Vinton, a young lady of Melrose and a grad- uate, of the Salem Normal School, was elected assistant teacher. Commencing with no previous experience, she has exhibited an earnest fidelity and a marked improvement. She took the place so nobly filled by Miss Nye, who had been enticed away by the offer of a larger salary.
HIGH SCHOOL.
While the discipline has been mild and beneficent, it has, at the same time, been suitably strong and wholesome. The moral tone has been good. The example of a courteous spirit on the part of the teacher has been duly reciprocated. Things have run smoothly. The tone of the teaching has been in the direction of solidity. Pupils have been taught to think as well as to memorize. The six years of consecu-
111
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
tive teaching of the Principal in the same school, has, we believe, increased his efficiency. Mr. Whitman is more than a technical teacher. By his studious habits his knowledge is ever widening, and is much broader than that of the mere text books. Miss Bugbee, the first assistant, continues to fill her position eminently well. Classical teaching is her especial forte. She can do other things well, but this is her delight.
During the Summer vacation Miss Henshaw, who held the place of second assistant, sent in her resignation. It was another instance of being enticed away by the allurement of larger pay. By her refined and pleasing manners she had won the esteem of many. Fortunately several appli- cants of especial merit were ready to fill the vacant position. The Committee made choice of Miss Annette Clark of Law- rence, a teacher of tried ability, and an ardent lover of edu- cational work. We are abundantly satisfied with our selec- tion. Possibly we labor under a pleasant delusion, but we believe the High School never had better instruction.
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
These were held on the evening of June 25th, in the Town Hall, which was completely filled by citizens and friends. Owing to the extreme heat, and perhaps a little to the rather lengthy essays, the real merits were not, we fear, quite ap- preciated. We are glad to place on record a brief descrip- tion from the genial pen of the local correspondent of the Boston Daily Journal :
"The stage was prettily decorated with flowers, and pendant from the arch was a floral horse-shoe with the figures ''80.'
The programme opened with the High School March, and was followed by essays, declamations and music, filling 21 numbers. The Latin salutatory by Miss Florence M. Ellis, and valedictory by Miss A. Josephine Vinton, were well written and delivered. The French essay. by Miss Mary Alice Goss was also worthy of commen- dation ; the class prophecy by Miss Isabella Paul witty and lively, and" The Ride of Jennie McNeal" most finely rendered by Miss Em- ma A. Weeks. The essay, "Aim in Education," by Miss Minnie L. Woodman, was most excellent. All the pieces were well pro- nounced, and showed signs of thought, study and discipline."
112
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
WHAT IS THE REMEDY.
The frequent changes in the School Board is a matter to be regretted. Persons best qualified to serve with efficiency soon weary with the perplexing duties. This is not surpris- ing. The unlimited wants and complaints that constantly arise ; the perpetual care and supervision that are imperative ; the unceasing taxing of time and patience ; the sharp, and unjust criticisms that occasionally appear in public prints ; the daily interference with personal employments and duties ; to say nothing of the meager remuneration, naturally results in frequent changes. What shall be done? How shall the evil be remedied ? Shall the whole work and responsibility be given to a wise and judicious Superintendent? Is the town ready to take this new departure in its educational work ? It would certainly meet the hearty approval of every member of the present School Board.
GENERAL REMARKS.
There has been no material change in school books. Fre- quent changes are unwise. New publications and new editions should be cautiously introduced. Books with slight varia- tions are getting too numerous. They are often made with no better reason than to enrich the publishers. Old standards are in many instances better. It may here be mentioned, there has been a careful revision of the School Regulations. They will be found printed, as usual, at the close of the Re- port. We hope they will be carefully read. Mr. Cushman, one of the truant officers, has rendered some excellent ser- vice during the year. Several idle and malicious boys have been sharply looked after and brought into school. It must be understood by all that truancy will not be allowed, and that the law of the State will be strictly enforced.
Hoping our public schools will continue to maintain an honorable standing, and that the town will continue to guard and foster them with a liberal policy, we respectfully submit this Report. In behalf of the Committee,
CLIFTON FLETCHER.
113
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATES.
CLASS OF 1880.
ABBIE M. BEMIS.
FLORENCE A. STILPIIEN.
A. JOSEPHINE VINTON.
EMMA A. WEEKS.
MINNIE L. WOODMAN.
*HENRY A. BOARDMAN. JOSEPII R. GIBBONS.
TALBERT II. HAYWARD.
¡HENRY J. HERSEY.
*FRANCES L. SNOW.
¡MARK S. W. JEFFERSON.
* English Course.
+College Course. Not markel, Classical Course ..
FIRST GRAMMAR-SCHOOL GRADUATES.
CLASS OF 1880.
LILLIE A. ATWOOD.
OLIVER J. BOURNE.
MARY II. NORTON.
ALFRED H. BURLEN.
LOUISE H. ORCUTT.
EDWIN L. CRAGIN.
SARAII A. PERRINS.
CHARLES R. COBURN.
LIZZIE W. PRENTICE.
GEORGE W. DOWLING.
FRANK H. REED.
LORING DEAN.
GRACE E. RICHARDS. WALTER C. STEVENS.
LORIETTA I. DAVIS.
MARY E. SHERBURNE.
MAYBELLE N. DRAYTON.
SUSIE M. STANTIAL.
OLIVE A. ELLIS. WILLIAM S. EDMONDS.
MARY G. SARGENT.
ADELAIDE FRENTZ.
MEGGIE C. STETSON. INEZ E. WORTHEN.
MARY E. HAWKINS. HELEN G. HARRIS.
DAVID M. WILKINSON.
JENNIE C. HARRIS.
ETHEL H. TWITCHELL.
EDWARD B. WALTER.
DANIEL J. IIURLEY. G. LILLIAN JONES. ETTA P. MERRILL.
EDITII L. WILDE.
ARTIIUR H. WIIITTEMORE.
FLORENCE M. ELLIS.
*H. AGNES FOSTER. *MARY ALICE Goss.
*HELEN M. LEAVITT. * ANNIE P. LONG. MARY LYNDE. *ISABELLA PAUL.
JULIA C. MCINTYRE.
NELLIE C. DEMPSEY.
FRED C. SIIEPARD.
114
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TABLE OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JAN. 1, 1881
SCHOOLS.
Maximum No. from Janu-
Average attendance during
same time.
Maximum No. from Sep-
tember 1 to January 1. '81
Average attendance during
same time.
Number of Pupils Jan. 1,'81
l'er cent. of attendance for
the year.
Average Age Jan- uary 1. 1881.
Years
Mos.
HIGH, First Class
19
17.8
11
9.1
9
98.2
18
-7
Second Class
11
8.7
11
10.9
11
98.8
15|10
Third Class
22
18.4
26
24.7
25
98.2
15 10
Fourth Class
42
34.8
40
39.1
40
96.5
15
-7
Totalş
94
79.3
88
83.6
85
97.9
16 5
First Grammar
62
58.7
64
60.4
61
96.1
14
S
Second Gram., Emerson St.
41
37.5
48
44.9
47
96.1
13
Second Grammar, Centre
38
34.4
49
45.9
49
95.4
13
5
Third Gram., Emerson St.
53
45.
50
45.
50
92.4
12
Third Grammar, Centre .
49
46.
49
42.2
44
94.
11
8
Intermediate, Centre
49
43.
46
40.
45
95. 1
10
7
Intermediate, Vinton St.
46
40.
42
38.
42
94. +
10
9
Intermediate, Lynde St. .
41
35.2
46
37.8
41
95.
10
Green St. (upper school).
39
35.
44
39.8
41
94.
10
9
Green St. (lower school).
43
31.4
43
38.1
37
92.4
7
7
Highlands (mixed) .
42
35.
38
32.5
36
91.5
7
4
Upham St. (mixed)
36
26.
27
22.5
27
76.9
8
6
Primary, Centre
48
39.23
61
50.18
56
93. +
7
1
Primary, Lynde St ..
45.
63
49.
55
92.
7
7
Primary, Vinton St.
62
53.6
55
52.1
58
95.
7
4
Total
803 684.33 813
721.98,774
93.
ary 1 to July 1.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
I. The school year shall consist of forty weeks, begin- on the first Monday in September.
II. The following holidays and vacations shall be granted : Every Saturday ; Thanksgiving Day and the remainder of the week ; Christmas week ; one week, beginning the third Monday in February ; one week, beginning the fourth Mon- day in April; the weeks between the close of summer term and the beginning of the school year ; all legal holidays.
III. The daily session of the High School shall begin at 8.30 o'clock A. M., and close at 1.30 o'clock P. M., from December to May ; and for the rest of the year it shall begin at 8 o'clock A.M., and close at 10 o'clock P.M. There shall be two recesses, - one of twenty minutes, the other of ten minutes.
The hours for keeping school, except the High School, shall be from 9 o'clock A. M. until 12 o'clock M., with a recess of twenty minutes ; and from 2 P. M. until 4 p. M., with a recess of ten minutes in Primary and Intermediate Schools. No variation from these hours shall be allowed without the express permission of the Committee.
IV. In case of stormy weather, when, in the judgment of the Committee, it shall be thought proper to omit forenoon or afternoon sessions, notice will be given by ringing the town bell at a quarter before 8 A. M. or a quarter before 12 A.M.
V. Teachers shall be in their schoolrooms fifteen minutes before the opening of the schools, admitting pupils, begin- ning promptly at the hours specified.
VI. Teachers shall hear all recitations.
116
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
VII. 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 notified of any unavoidable vio- lation of this rule. But for the purpose of observing modes of discipline and instruction, teachers may visit other schools to the extent of one half-day each term, at such times as may be arranged between them and the sub-committee of the respective schools.
VIII. Teachers are required to report all damages to school property, unless repairs are immediately made at the expense of parent or guardian.
IX. Teachers shall not detain pupils after the close of the morning session.
X. Teachers may temporarily suspend pupils for violent or pointed opposition to authority, informing the parent or guardian and the Committee at once of such suspension, and the reason therefor.
XI. "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 fort- night's notice required of resignations, except in case of sickness.
XII. It shall be the duty of the teacher to report at once, in writing, to the Chairman of Committee every case of cor- poral punishment ; which report shall state the name and age of the pupil, the amount of punishment, and the reason for its infliction.
XIII. It shall be the duty of all the teachers to give vigilant attention to the ventilation and temperature of their- schoolrooms.
XIV. No teacher shall contract a bill for repairs on any
* Revised Statutes.
117
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
school buildings, furniture, or grounds ; or make any pur- chase of any article to be charged to the town.
XV. In case of absence, tardiness, or dismissal before the close of the session, a written excuse from the parent or guardian shall be required. The younger classes in Primary Schools are to be dismissed at recess. All cases of habitual truancy shall be reported to the Committee.
XVI. No pupil shall be admitted to any public school without a permit from some one of the Committee, who will require satisfactory evidence that the child is five years of age, and has been vaccinated ; and no pupil will be admitted to any of the Primary Schools except during the first two weeks of each term, unless qualified to enter existing classes.
XVII. 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 town agent must have the name of parent or guardian. Books furnished indigent scholars shall be considered the property of the school, and be retained when the pupil is discharged.
XVIII. Pupils absent one month, except on account of sickness, shall be considered new pupils, liable to lose their connection with their class, and needing on their return a permit from the Committee.
XIX. No non-resident child, nor one who has only a temporary residence in the town, shall be received or re- tained in any school, except with the consent of the School Committee ; who may require parent or guardian of such child to pay the average cost per scholar in such school, for the time the child is instructed there.
XX. Pupils guilty of defacing or injuring schoolhouses, school furniture, outbuildings, fences, or school property in general, shall be subject to such penalty as the statute pre- scribes or the Committee deem proper.
118
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
XXI. Pupils are not allowed in school-yards after school hours, or during vacations or holidays ; are not allowed in other school-yards than their own at any time, unless sent with messages. No pupil shall be permitted to leave the school-yard at recess, except with permission of the teacher.
XXII. No wares or amusements shall be advertised in any of the schools without the consent of the Committee.
XXIII. Teachers shall read to the pupils, at such times as they deem expedient, any or all of the foregoing Rules and Regulations.
XXIV. The duties of the several janitors shall be to sweep and dust each schoolroom and entry twice every week ; wash the floors and windows during each of the vaca- tions 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 teachers or Committee all injuries to property ; prepare and put in the coal and wood, and practice 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.
Janitors shall not contract a bill for repairs on any of the school buildings, furniture, or grounds ; or make any pur- chase of any article to be charged to the town, unless author- ized by the Committee.
WARRANT
FOR
TOWN MEETING,
MARCH 7, 1881.
WARRANT.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Melrose, in the County of Middlesex: GREETING.
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify the Inhabitants of the Town of MELROSE, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet at the TOWN HALL, on Monday, the seventh day of March, A. D. 1881, at 12.30 o'clock, P. M., then and there to act on the following Articles viz. :
I. To choose a Moderator.
2. To bring in their votes, on one ballot, for Selectmen, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, Assessors, one Water Com- missioner for three years, Public Library Trustees, Highway Surveyor or Surveyors, or for Road Commissioners, (as the Town may decide), one Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioner for three years, Auditors and Constables. Also, on a separate ballot, to bring in their votes for two members of the School Committee for three years.
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