USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 18
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99
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
cal apparatus ; to globes, charts, or text-books. We are by no means sure that this is a matter for pride. It is very cer- tain that some new things would impart additional value to the school. The fine set of encyclopædias, obtained by the kindness of a friend a year ago, was a gift in the right direction. The volumes have been well appreciated. If a library embracing a few hundred works of a scientific and historical character could be secured, it would be a perpetual benefit. Such works, well selected, bound, and kept for incidental study and reference, would be worth their weight in gold. The High School of a neighboring town has recently received from an intelligent friend the generous gift of $1,000 for this very purpose. We divide our envy between the heart of the giver and the good fortune of the school. Will it be too much to hope that some generous friend or citizen of Melrose will kindly receive this timely hint? We venture to say that small gifts would be grate- fully received and larger ones in an increased ratio. What a golden opportunity to hand down a generous name to posterity.
We are happy to mention that an interesting lecture on the topography of the battle-field of Bunker Hill was given before the school, at a convenient time, by the kindness of Col. S. A. Drake. A diagram, nicely drawn on the black- board by one of the scholars, representing a part of Boston Harbor, the Heights of Charlestown and the roads leading to Cambridge, added much value to the vivid description. We believe that similar lectures on different familiar topics, given without expense, might occasionally be introduced with considerable profit.
The graduating exercises were held at the Town Hall, on Friday evening, July first. As usual, the hall was crowded with admiring friends. The platform was prettily decorated with a large array of flowers, ferns, and evergreens. The programme was not wearisome in length, and every part was distinctly heard. The hearty applause of the audience, rather
G
100
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
than the presentation of numerous bouquets, indicated a generous appreciation. As will sometimes happen, the graduating class was unusually small. The following are the names : -
ANNIE M. SPRAGUE. EDITH N. SPEAR. ¡
OTIS T. STANTIAL .*
MABEL L. Goss.}
ETTA D. TRAFTON .*
CHARLES L. SIMMONS. #
NELLIE A. MANSFIELD.} WILLIAM R. WOODBURY. #
WINFIELD P. PIERCE. ¡
GENERAL REMARKS.
No cases requiring severe methods of discipline have oc- curred during the year. In only a few instances have teach- ers been under the necessity of resorting to even the milder forms of corporal punishment. According to requirement, those instances have been immediately reported to the Chair- man of the Committee. The Board has small faith, except in extreme cases, in the rattan and ruler mode of discipline. It must, however, be remembered that good discipline is the first requisite of a good school. To secure this, it may some- times be necessary to punish a little severely, rather than resort to what we consider inexpressibly worse, -the stigma and shame of expulsion. We are free to say we have taken pride in the general appearance of our public schools. If we mistake not, there has been discernible in the upper grades an air of refinement, of respect, and of kindly feeling. Perhaps; in some instances, more sparkle and animation in certain recitations would add to the pleasure of visitors. There is always a tendency on the part of some pupils to fall into the habit of low tones and indistinct utterances. Though this may be natural, it is far from being pleas- ing. Ideas well expressed in a clear voice, and answers distinctly given, are requisites of the highest importance. It is an attainment not difficult to acquire, but in value worthy to take rank with one of the fine arts. It may also
* Classical Course. + English Course.
# College Course.
101
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
be suggested that scholars, and not teachers, should exhibit the knowledge contained in the text-books. Were it not paradoxical, we might say it is not helpful to be too helpful. Some excellent teachers are liable to err in doing a little too much in the work of recitation. If an indolent pupil cannot readily answer, it may be well to leave him to his own embarrassment. It may act as a spur to nerve him in the future to make a more thorough preparation.
HEALTH. - A WORD TO PARENTS.
Be careful of the health of your children. See that during the bleak days of winter their feet and arms are well protected. Remember that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." Devote especial care to those who reach the age of the higher grades of study. No work is so exhausting as brain work ; no work tells harder upon the nervous system, and no brain work is more exacting than the close application to the study of the higher mathematics and the languages. Misses from fourteen to seventeen years of age, who are over-ambitious and delicate, are liable to receive lasting injury. If wisely guarded they will go through safely amd make the best of scholars. Under proper restrictions they should be allowed to take a large amount of out-door exercise : in summer, riding, walking, and picnicing ; in winter, skating, coasting, and sleigh-riding. A small amount of household work will not be harmful. Only a little should be exacted, and that little should be well done. Extra studies, or accomplishments, as they are sometimes called, as lessons in painting, sketching, crocheting, or dancing, during term time, should not be allowed. Late parties, balls, theatres, and the vitiating influence of romance reading should be strictly prohibited. If these must come let them come after the school years are ended. In the growing period of youth nothing should interfere with long hours of wholesome sleep in well-ventilated rooms. Physical health is the primary foundation for a happy life.
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CO-OPERATION.
It will pay well for parents to take pains to become acquainted with the teachers of their children. Social recognitions and kind courtesies will be duly appreciated. Discreet inquiries about the studies of the schools and the methods of teaching will not fail to be suggestive and help- ful. It will also impart additional interest if you bear in mind the public visiting days, which are the last Wednesday afternoons of every month, and plan to be present as often as possible. You little realize what an inspiration these visits will be, both to teachers and pupils. They will also serve to lift you out of the routine of domestic life, and per- haps impart to you some new and valuable ideas.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL BOARD.
It would be impossible to exhibit in words or figures the entire amount of time and effort expended during the year. From thirty to forty Board meetings have been held; about one-third of these have been from four to six o'clock on the afternoons appointed, and the others at later hours, in the evenings. At these meetings innumerable subjects relating to school work have been freely discussed. Hundreds of bills, amounting to thousands of dollars, have been carefully examined, corrected when needed, approved, and placed in the hands of the Town Clerk.
In the four months succeeding the first of September, two hundred visits were made by the Committee to the different schools, and more than five hundred during the year. Not included in these were a large number of brief calls of five or ten minutes each, for various purposes. Some visits were also made to schools in Boston, Malden, and other places, to learn, if possible, the most advanced methods of school work. Nearly every week more or less time was taken in hunting up, and buying at lowest prices a large amount of school supplies. Included in the list were such articles as brooms, brushes, feather dusters, dust-pans, door-mats, thermometers,
103
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
black-board dressing, ink, ink-wells, pens, pencils, slates, paper, books, crayons, erasers, bells, and various articles of furniture. There was, also, the necessity of looking after a great many wants, and repairs of various kinds. The em- ployment of carpenters, painters, slaters, masons, plumbers, and janitors. The amount of time and patience consumed by the numerous calls from applicants for schools, book agents, dissatisfied parents, teachers and pupils need not, perhaps, be mentioned. Other items were, examining re- ports of the teachers' meetings, comparing their papers, giv- ing them written instructions, answering many letters, and distributing the monthly supplies.
We are happy to say that no time or thought was wasted in replying to the brief and amusing criticisms that once or twice appeared, as items of news, in some of the Boston papers. While we deprecate frequent changes in the School Board, we are more than willing to yield our honors, our pleasant duties and large renumeration to others of greater culture, wisdom, and ability.
SCHOLARS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL.
First Class.
DELIA F. BURNS.
CHARLES H. BENNETT.
JENNIE F. CONANT.
THOMAS S. BURR.
MARELLA J. GIBBONS.
GEORGE H. CONANT.
CLARISSA W. LYNDE.
EDWARD W. FRENTZ.
HARRY G. ALDRICH.
CHARLES D. JONES.
ARTHUR W. BARRETT.
WM. S. KENT.
HENRY C. MILLER.
Second Class.
NELLIE C. BARRETT. CARRIELLA P. BODGE.
ABBIE G. SMALL.
FLORENCE PETTINGILL.
MARY E. FARR.
WOODMAN BRADBURY.
MARGARET A. LECRAW.
PERCY BRYANT.
EDITH L. LORING.
WALTER B. FARR.
MARION H. MORGAN.
NATHANIEL R. JONES.
FRANK E. SARGENT.
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Third Class.
LILLIE A. ATWOOD.
HATTIE L. ORCUTT.
ANNIE W. BROWN.
GRACE E. M. RICHARDS.
NELLIE C. DEMPSEY.
MARY G. SARGENT.
AGNES DRAKE.
SUSIE M. STANTIAL.
MABELLE C. DRAYTON.
MAGGIE C. STETSON.
OLIVE A. ELLIS.
INEZ E. WORTHEN.
SARAH F. EMERY.
HERBERT L. BOWDOIN.
ADELAIDE FRENTZ.
ALFRED H. BURLEN.
ANNIE E. GOULD.
EDWARD L. CRAGIN.
NELLIE G. HARRIS.
WM. S. EDMONDS.
MARY E. HAWKINS.
DANIEL J. HURLEY.
GRACE L. JONES.
WM. H. PREBLE.
ROSALIA S. KENT.
FRANK H. REED.
CARRIE M. LEONARD.
FRED. C. SHEPARD.
ETTA P. MERRILL.
EDWARD B. WALTER.
MARY H. NORTON.
ARTHUR H. WHITTEMORE.
MERTON G. WOODBURY.
Fourth Class.
MYRTIE J. BOWKER.
MARY E. SULLIVAN.
MARY L. BOWKER.
ESTHER N. UPHAM.
BERTHA E. BROOKS.
FRANKLIN C. ALBEE.
SARAH A. BURNS.
WILBER F. BEALE.
HERMINIA W. CASS.
CHARLES H. BUGBEE.
ELIZA A. CHUTE.
GEORGE W. DOWLING.
SARAH W. DEMPSEY.
GRANT DRAKE.
MILLIE T. DOWLING.
ELMER S. DUNN.
ANNA L. FINGER.
FRED. E. ELLIS.
HELEN E. FISHER.
EDMUND E. FERNALD.
NELLIE O. FRENCH.
. WM. H. GREENLEAF.
GERTRUDE M. Goss.
KATHARINE A. KENT.
WM. H. HOWES. HARRY H. HUNT. GARDNER I. JONES.
ISABEL C. LOVETT.
CARRIE L. MORSS.
LEWIS H. KUNHARDT.
CLARA E. RICHARDSON.
CHARLES S. LIBBY.
FLORENCE W. SEAVER.
FRED. W. NOYES.
ELIZABETH F. STRATTON.
WM. A. SHEAFE.
FRED. A. YOUNG.
105
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
.
Deacon Durant.
In closing our Report, the Board deem it fitting to place on record a brief tribute to the memory of him who, for several years, was the careful and faithful janitor of the High School building. His death, which occurred in the early part of November, was wholly unexpected. Probably few are aware with what unremitting pains and fidelity he per- formed his official duty. During the coldest mornings, for several past winters, he was accustomed to rise a long time before light, and with his lantern in his hand, go to the school building, and replenish the fires, that the rooms might be suitably warm for the pupils. Always precise and dig- nified in his deportment, remarkably true and conscientious in every relation in life, he will long be missed and re- membered.
And now, reiterating the hope that our public schools will continue to maintain a high 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.
106
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TABLE OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JAN. 1, 1882.
SCHOOLS.
Maximum Number from Jan. 1
Average Attendance during the
Maximum Number from Sept. 1
Average Attendance during the
Number of Pupils Jan. 1, 1882.
Per cent. of Attendance for the
Average Age Jan. 1,
Years.
Mos.
HIGH, First Class
9
8.6
14
13.3
13
97.8
16 11
Second Class
12
10.8
14
12.8
13
98.2
16
5
Third Class
25
23.3
34
32.6
33
97.5
16
2
Fourth Class
40
36.6
40
37.3
37
98.4
14
6
Totals.
86
79.3
102
96.
96
98.
16
First Grammar
64
57.
67
61.
62
95.7
14/10
Second
66
Emerson street. .
49
40.2
53
45.1
50
93.81 13
4
Second
Centre
48
43.1
46
42.2
43
94.3
13
5
Third
66
Emerson street. .
50
45.4
49
45.9
50
94.8
12
1
Third
Centre
48
38.5
55
48.4
50
96.
12
3
Fourth
Town Hall
50
46.6
50
42. +
48
95. +
10
+
Intermediate, Centre ...
46
39.
41
33.5
36
90.
8
8
Intermediate, Vinton street.
44
36.5
41
36.4
40
94.7
9
6
Intermediate, Lynde street.
44
34.7
43
39.4
40
96.6
9
4
Green street (upper school)
41
36.
46
39.7
43
92.5
10 11
Green street (lower school)
43
36.5
42
37.
41
91.5
7
3
Highlands (mixed)
41
30.3
40
35.8
40
89.
7
5
Upham street (mixed).
38
24.3
33
27.5
28
85.8
8
5
Primary, Centre. .
60
50.4
52
43.
53
91.
6
6
Primary, Lynde street
70
49.
58
49.
55
92.1
7
6
Primary, Vinton street
67
48.6
64
53.2
56
96.4
6
6
Totals.
889
835.4
892
775.1
831
93.2
1882.
to July 1.
same time.
to Jan. 1, 1882.
same time.
year.
.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
I. The school year shall consist of forty weeks, beginning 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 Monday 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 1 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 M., with a recess of twenty minutes ; and from 2 P.M. until 4 P.M., with a recess of ten minutes in Pri- mary 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 after- noon sessions, notice will be given by ringing the town bell at a quarter before 8 A.M. or a quarter before 12 M.
V. Teachers shall be in their school rooms fifteen minutes before the opening of the schools, admitting pupils, beginning promptly at the hours specified.
VI. Teachers shall hear all recitations.
VII. Teachers are not to absent themselves from school, or procure substitutes, without the consent of the Committee. All
108
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
such absences are to be distinctly recorded in the school-registers, and the Chairman notified of any unavoidable violation of this rule. But for the purpose of observing modes of discipline and instruc- tion, 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 reg- isters 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 com- pleted, shall be so returned." * A fortnight'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 corporal pun- ishment ; 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 school rooms.
XIV. No teacher shall contract a bill for repairs an any school buildings, furniture, or grounds, or make any purchase 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 satis- factory evidence that the child is five years of age, and has been
* Revised Statutes.
109
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
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 indi- gent 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 sick- ness, shall be considered new pupils, liable to lose their connec- tion with their class, and needing on their return a permit from the Committee.
XIX. No non-resident child, nor one who has only a tempo- rary residence in the town, shall be received or retained 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 school houses, school furniture, out-buildings, fences, or school property in general, shall be subject to such penalty as the statute prescribes or the Com- mittee deem proper.
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 Regula- tions.
XXIV. The duties of the several janitors shall be to sweep and dust 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 out-buildings as often as necessary ; keep steps
110
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
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 purchase of any article to be charged to the town, unless authorized by the Com- mittee.
WARRANT
FOR
TOWN MEETING,
MARCH 6, 1882.
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 sixth day of March, A. D. 1882, at twelve o'clock M., then and there to act on the 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 ('om- missioner for three years, Public Library 'Trustees, Highway Surveyor or Surveyors, one Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioner for three years, Auditors and Constables. Also, on a separate ballot, to bring in their votes for three members of the School Committee two for three, years, and one for one year.
3. To bring in their votes in answer to the question, "Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town." Form of ballots : to be "YES" or "No."
4. To choose all other necessary Town Officers.
5. To authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow money for the purpose of meeting the demands of the Town, with the approval of the Selectmen.
6. To raise money for Schools.
7. To raise money for School Contingent Expenses.
8. To raise money for Highways.
9. To raise money for Sidewalks.
IO. To raise money for Crossings and Gutters.
II. To raise money for the Support of the Poor.
I2. To reise money for the Fire Department.
13. To raise money for lighting and care of Street Lamps.
14. To raise money for additional Street Lamps.
15. To raise money to pay Watchmen and Policemen.
16. To raise money for Contingent Expenses.
I7. To raise money to pay Interest on the Town Debt.
18. To raise money for the Reduction of the Town L'ebt.
19. To raise money for the Public Library.
20. To raise money for Water maintenance and use of same.
2I. To raise money for Salaries of Town Officers, and to fix the compensation of all Officers and Committees elected or appointed by the Town.
22. To raise money for Drainage, Bridges and Culverts.
23. To raise money for deficiencies in accounts for the past year, and for all other necessary expenses for the ensuing year.
24. To determine the method by which the taxes for the year shall be collected.
25. To see if the Town will perfect the drainage of Otis Street, by a continuation of the drain pipe which runs through the premises of D. L. Taylor, or by any other plan which may be deemed advisable andl raise money for the same, on petition of R. F. Maxwell and others.
26. To see if the Town will accept and adopt a design for a Town seal.
27. To see if the Town will authorize their Selectmen to purchase a heavy roller and an improved road scraper and raise money for the same.
28. To see if the Town will authorize their Selectmen to petition the County Commissioners to widen and straighten Washington street, near Malden line.
29 To hear and act on the reports of committees, and for the transaction of any other business which may legally come before this meeting.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the several places of Public Worship, and at the De- pots, seven days, at least, before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your (loings thereon. to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two.
DANIEL NORTON Jr. ) Selectmen HENRY G. FIELDS. of
JOSEPH F. BOYD. Melrose.
A true Copy. Attest,
ANSEL B. PIERCE, Constable.
REPORTS
1
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF MELROSE
FOR THE
Financial Year ending December 31, 1882.
MELROSE : PRINTED BY THOMAS W. RIPLEY. 1883.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1882-83.
Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Highway Surveyors. DANIEL NORTON, JR.
HENRY G. FIELDS. JOSEPH F. BOYD.
Town Clerk. JOHN LARRABEE.
Treasurer. GEORGE NEWHALL.
Collector. JONATHAN C. HOWES.
Assessors.
GEORGE C. STANTIAL. JAMES C. CURRIER .*
DEXTER PRATT.
Water Commissioners.
JOSEPH D. WILDE, Chairman. Term expires 1884.
W. IRVING ELLIS .
1885.
JOSEPH R. SIMONDS*
1583.
Commissioners of Water Loan Sinking Fund.
DANIEL RUSSELL, Chairman
Term expires 1884.
ROYAL P. BARRY
1883.
JOHN W. FARWELL
1885.
School Committee.
CLIFTON FLETCHER, Chairman . Term expires 1883.
LEVI W. GILMAN, .
1884.
JULIUS S. CLARK, Secretary
1885.
MRS. MARTHA A. ADAMS
" 1883.
MRS. SARAH W. BRADBURY
.
", 1884.
MRS. A. K. MILLER
.
1885.
Trustees of the Public Library.
FREDERIC KIDDER. ELBRIDGE H. GOSS.
CHARLES C. BARRY.
HANNAH LYNDE.
* Deceased.
.
4
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1882-83.
1
Auditors. JOHN R. NORTON. FRANK E. ORCUTT. ERNEST MENDUM.
ANSEL B. PIERCE.
Constables. JOSEPH HOLBROOK.
Representative in the General Court. WINGATE P. SARGENT.
Engineers of the Fire Department. F. EDWARD HOWE, Chief. L. FRANK HINCKLEY, Clerk. DEXTER PRATT.
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