USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1879-1884 > Part 24
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101
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GREEN STREET.
The two schools located here have been favored with their usual prosperity. Miss Mendum happily holds the warm love and respect of parents and children. The same may be said of Miss Harden, whose bright and cheery man- ner admirably fits her to be the successful teacher of the forty-four little ones in the lower room.
HIGHLANDS.
Of the ungraded schools, this has grown to be the largest. It now numbers in all forty-nine pupils, with an average attendance of forty-two. If the pressure continues and increases, as undoubtedly it may, more and better school room will become a necessity in the near future. Miss Alice B. Woodruff continues to be the acceptable teacher, and under peculiar disadvantages fills the position with wonder- ful spirit, courage and fidelity.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
These have an average number of forty-two pupils. The children are quite young, their ages averaging nine years and three months. The present teachers are Miss Alice H. Long, at the Vinton Street ; Miss Effie C. Sweetser, at the Lynde Street; and Miss Ella F. Norris, at the Town Hall. As these schools are but one grade above the Primary, the constant aim should be to make them very bright and cheer- ful. Expert and happy illustrations on the blackboard, and in other ways, should keep all the eyes and ears interested. No exercise should be over ten or fifteen minutes in length. Especial pains should be given to phonetic spelling and to script writing. While the discipline should be mild and un- conscious, it should be sufficiently strict to admit of no unnecessary noise or confusion.
FOURTH GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
These are two in number, located in close proximity, one in Boardman Hall, the other in the Centre Building. The number of pupils in both is just ninety, nearly equally di-
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
vided ; or, to be definite, forty-four and forty-six. The average age is eleven years and three months. The teach- ers, K. W. Bascom and M. A. George, are too well known and appreciated to need what might justly be added, merited words of praise.'
THIRD GRAMMAR.
These are the same in number, under the quiet and faith ful teaching of Susan D. Melcher and Helen J. Barrett. The last has taken the place so long and admirably filled by Miss Emma M. Cate ; but when gold is exchanged for gold of the same value, there can be no reasonable ground of com- plaint. Miss Melcher's school is somewhat smaller than for a long time, and looks, in her large, beautiful room, a little thin. We presume the number will be increased at the open- ing of the next school year.
SECOND GRAMMAR.
These are also two in number, embracing ninety-one pu- pils, Miss Bisbee having forty-four, and Miss Sewall forty- seven. The average attendance has been for the year ninety- three, plus,-being nearly equal to that of the First Grammar, which has been ninety-four, plus. The average age of Miss Bisbee's pupils is thirteen years, and of Miss Sewall's, twelve years one month. Many excellent things might be said in regard to the above teachers, but they, having received well-earned laurels in the past, need no new words of praise. Miss Sewall was elected one year ago from among the long- experienced teachers of Malden, to take the place of Miss Julia M. Porter during her leave of absence, or until she should be able to resume her loved employment. This will probably be at the beginning of September next.
FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
The matter of holding one session during the Winter, cor- responding to that of the High School, came again before the Committee, under the pressure of a strong petition. After being thoughtfully considered and thoroughly discussed, as
103
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
it had been several times before, the subject was finally laid upon the table. There was one item, especially, which had considerable weight toward a negative decision. So far as known to the School Board, no town or city in the Common- wealth had adopted the plan of one session for any grade below that of High School. Doubtless there has been here and there an instance where the experiment has been tried, but with no permanent satisfaction. It would seem, there- fore, to be the prevailing sentiment that children under four- teen or fifteen years of age are too young to endure the strain of a five hours' session without receiving more or less injury. It was also urged by some members of the Board that not only better health, but more and better work could be secured by the majority of pupils by adhering to the old custom of having a long noonday change, recreation and rest, with proper physical nourishment at the home table.
What was said in last report respecting excellent teaching and discipline has remained emphatically true during another year.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The teachers have labored in harmony and been untiring in their efforts to secure the best results in their several departments. If we judge correctly, they have aimed to impart a thorough knowledge of the studies pursued ; and at the same time to kindle a permanent love for culture, learning, and refinement. It must be evident to all who have had a just inspection of the work performed, that the English classical and college courses have each been well cared for.
Seven of the thirteen comprising the graduating class were fitted to enter the best Universities of New England. Choos- ing, according to their individual preferences : Jennie F. Conant went to Smith College; George H. Conant, to Amherst; Arthur W. Barrett, to Amherst ; Thomas S. Burr, to Williams; Edward W. Frentz, to Colby ; Charles D. Jones, to Boston University ; and Harry C. Miller, to Har-
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
vard. These young friends, as well as others, who have graduated from our town, are full of promise for the future. We are glad to place on record a new feature in the history of our High School. The Franklin Fraternity has offered three prizes for highest attainments in mathematics and English literature. These prizes, we understand, are intended to be annual, and the first award is to be made at the close of the present school year. Their united value is expected to be not far from twenty-five dollars.
We regret that the suggestion made a year ago in regard to a High School Library has, as yet, awakened no personal response. We hope it will not be forgotten, for a small library of classical, scientific, and historical books, to be increased a little year by year, would be of unspeakable value.
As a word of commendation may not be amiss, we are happy to refer to the beautiful little paper published for a short time by some of the older and more ambitious pupils of the school. While the articles were entirely original, many of them were remarkably bright and sparkling. Like a wild flower, the "Record " had, as was expected, only a brief day of life, but the few numbers carefully laid away will be precious souvenirs to the authors in twenty-five or fifty years to come.
The graduating exercises of the High School were held in the Town Hall on the evening of July 29th. The front part of the platform was prettily decorated with rare ferns, plants, and flowers. The large audience was well pleased with the clear and distinct execution of the evening's programme.
The following are the names of the graduates.
*DELIA F. BURNS. #CHARLES H. BENNETT,
İJENNIE F. CONANT. ¡THOMAS S. BURR.
¿MARELLA J. GIBBONS,
+GEORGE H. CONANT.
ĮCLARA W. LYNDE.
+EDWARD W. FRENTZ.
+HARRY L. ALDRICH,
+CHARLES D. JONES.
ARTHUR W. BARRETT.
*W. STEDMAN KENT.
¡HARRY C. MILLER.
* English Course.
t College Course. # Classical Course.
105
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GRADUATES OF FIRST GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
June 30, 1882.
Names.
JENNIE MAY ALDRIDGE.
AMY FRANCES BARRY.
MABLE GRACE BARRY. MARY EMMA COCHRANE.
MARY M. DEMPSY. BERNARD BRADFORD DUNBAR.
GEORGE EDWARD FENN.
ANNIE ALICE LYDIA FOX.
GEORGE HURD HARDY.
LIZZIE MABLE HARRIS. ROBERT PUTNAM HOOD.
ANNIE FRANCES HYDE.
WILLIAM EDWARD KEATING.
DAVID ROSS LECRAW.
JENNIE PHINNEY LEWIS.
Names.
FRANCES MAY LERNED.
NELLIE IMOGENE MERRILL.
GEORGE KENDALL MOREY. SADIE NELSON NORCROSS.
KATIE MARION NORRIS.
FRED. PIERCE.
WALTER WILLIAM ROBBINS.
GEORGE NICHOLS SARGENT.
ROSE MAY SILVER.
BERTHA LELAND SMITH.
ABBIE ISABELLE TINKIIAM.
CARRIE DELIA VINTON.
MINNIE EVA WHITFORD.
DAVID HARVEY WOODWARD.
WILLIAM HANSON WOODWMAN.
ALBERT SYDNEY LOVETT.
MUSIC.
This important branch of knowledge has continued under the instruction of Mr. Whiting, who has manifested the same zeal and fidelity with which he began his work in our schools over three years ago. While laboring under one disadvantage, which somewhat interferes with perfection in teaching, he has accomplished all that could reasonably be expected. The small salary of $300, we believe, has been thoroughly earned.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The number of pupils now enrolled is eight hundred and eighty-six, being a gain of fifty-five over that of one year ago. The greatest increase has been in the First Grammar, which now numbers eighty-one, against sixty-two at the beginning of the year. The Highland has also increased from forty to forty-nine, and a few others have gained
106
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
a little, while two or three have somewhat diminished. The diminution was partly caused by the formation _of another Fourth Grammar at the beginning of September, which happily relieved the overflow of the three Inter- mediate Schools. There have been made, after mature examination, two or three changes in text books. The Eclectic History of the United States, a concise and finely illustrated book, with very clear type, has been adopted for use in the First and Second Grammar grades. There have also been furnished for these lower schools suitable appli- ances for teaching the metric system. In the High School, by the advice of the teacher in ancient languages, White's Greek Lessons have been substituted for Leighton's, which had been in use for several years. A new Music Reader, especially adapted to the pupils of this school, after strong recommendation by a sub-committee, was finally adopted. These changes have given much satisfaction to teachers and scholars, and are believed to be in the line of true progres- sion. While it is not wise to have frequent changes of text books, it is quite as unwise to ignore what is found to be truest and best for no other reason than avoiding a little extra expense. It is poor economy to work with ill-con- structed and antiquated tools, when superior ones are to be found in the open market.
CLOSING WORD.
As the Chairman by limitation of office gladly retires in a few weeks from the work' of the School Board, he can but hope his official mantle will fall upon a more competent per- son. Bearing cheerful testimony to the fidelity of his co- workers, present and past, and to their uniform kindness and friendship, he will ever hold them in grateful remem- brance. For the best advancement and prosperity of the schools of Melrose, he will not cease to be deeply interested.
107
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TABLE OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JAN. 1, 1883.
SCHOOLS.
Maximum number from
Jan. 1 to July 1.
Average attendance dur-
ing the same time.
Maximum number from
Sept. 1 to Jan. 1, 1883.
Average attendance dur-
ing the same time.
Number of Pupils, Jan.
Per cent. of attendance
for the year.
Average age Jan.
| Yrs.
Mos.
HIGH, First Class.
13
12.5
1.7
16.5
17
97.3
16 10
Second Class
13
10.7
17
15.4
15
96.9
16
8
Third Class
33
29.7
27
26.1
26
96.4
15
3
Fourth Class.
36
35.1
32
30.9
31
96.0
14
9
Totals
95
88.
93
88 9
89
96.
15 10
First Grammar
61
50.
81
74.6
81
94.2
14
6
Second
Emerson Street. .
50
43.5
45
42.3
44
95.8
13
Second
66
Centre
43
36.2
50
45.1
47
90 6
12
1
Third
66
Emerson Street. .
53
46.6
36
31.5
35
93.7
12
5
Third
Centre
54
48.
45
41.
45
95.
12
Fourth
66
Centre
46
37.8
43
36.4
46
90.5
11
6
Fourth
66
Boardman Hall. . (New school).
45
40.
44
94.5
11
Intermediate, Town Hall.
38
31.8
41
36.4
41
92.5
8
9
Intermediate, Vinton Street.
43
36.4
36
32.6
36
91.1
9
3
Intermediate, Lynde Street.
43
35.8
50
43.7
49
92.7
9
9
Green Street (upper school)
49
38.9
44
37.2
42
91.
111
6
Green Street (lower school)
43
32.9
47
42.2
44
85.7
7
Highlands (mixed). . ...
48
38.1
49
42.1
49
89.1
Upham Street (mixed).
28
23.8
23
19.6
21
89.7
8
Primary, Centre.
62
51.3
61
57.
60
90.
6
9
Primary, Lynde Street.
61
44.5
60
51.
56
89.1
6|
8
Primary, Vinton Street.
65
45.
64
53.5
57
96.
6
6
Totals
882
728.6
913
814.
886
92.+
1,1883.
1, 1883.
108
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The following Statistics will interest many of our citizens. The Table is made up from the School Reports of 1881.
STONEHAM.
MELROSE.
MALDEN.
Money raised for schools.
$11,750.00
$12,500.00
$32,800.00
Money raised for contingent.
1,500.00
1,700.00
5,500.00
Expended for heating ..
1,340.00
725.00
1,744.00
Salaries of Janitors
860.00
900.00
2,158.00
Salaries of three Com., six Com., and Supt
400.00
325.00
2,200.00
Salaries of Principals of High Schools.
1,550.00
1,600.00
1,750.00
Salaries of First Assistants
500.00
800.00
800.00
Salaries of Second Assistants ..
500.00
500.00
(3each) 600.00
Salaries of Principal of First Gram. School
485.00
750.00
1,100.00
Highest Salaries of other Teachers.
475.00
550.00
900.00
Lowest salaries of other Teachers.
200.00
450.00
400.00
Full amount of salaries in High Schools.
2,750.00
2,900.00
4,350.00
Cost per pupil in High School ...
41.124
30.204
40.65Į
Average cost per pupil in all the schools.
13.24}
12.38
15.37
Number of children from 5 to 15 years of age
860
919
2,160
Average daily attendance ..
715
775
1,643
Per cent. of attendance for the year ..
92
93.2
89.2
Number of pupils in the High School ..
62
96
107
Number of Graduates from High School.
6
13
16
Number of Teachers in each town ..
23
22
48
NOTE .- It will be seen that the cost in Malden is nearly $3 per pupil more than in Melrose. That amount saved on eight hundred and fourteen pupils (our average number the past year) makes a sum, after discounting a fraction, of over $2,430. Possibly, by securing a good superintendent and expending this additional amount of money per year, our schools would reach a standard that would satisfy our most exalted critics. It will also be noted that both in Stoneham and Malden the expense per pupil in each High School is over $10 more than in Melrose. Another fact may be noted in regard to Stoneham : For heating the same or a less number of schoolrooms the expense was $1,340, or $575 more than with us. This large difference is partly explained by the fact that in the High School building of Stoneham they had substituted steam heat for furnace heat. In their Report, the Committee say : "From twelve to fifteen hundred pounds of coal have been used in a day, and sometimes more."
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 oclock 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. On very stormy days in winter the schools may hold one session and close at 1 o'clock P.M. ; except Primary, which may close at 12 o'clock.
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 schoolrooms fifteen minutes before the opening of the schools, admitting pupils, beginning promptly at the hours specified.
VI. Teachers shall hear all recitations.
110
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 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 schoolrooms.
XIV. No teacher shall contract a bill for repairs on 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-
* Revised Statutes.
111
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
factory 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 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 Regu- lations.
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 vacations of May and
112
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
November ; clean and wash all out-buildings as often as neces- sary ; 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 purchase of any article to be charged to the town, unless authorized by the Com- mittee.
-
WARRANT
FOR TOWN MEETING,
MARCH 5, 1883.
12 M.
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 fifth day of March, A. D. 1883, at 12 o'clock 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 Commissioner for three years, Public Library Trustees, Highway Sur- veyor or Surveyors, one Water Loan Sinking Fund Commissioner for three years, Auditors and Constables. Upon a separate ballot, to bring in their votes, for two members of the School Committee, for three years. To bring in their votes, also upon a separate ballot, in answer to the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town." Form of ballots to be "YES" or "No."
3. To choose all other necessary Town Officers.
4. To authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow money for the purpose of meeting the demands of the Town, with the approval of the Selectmen.
5. To raise money for Schools.
6. To raise money for School Contingent Expenses.
7. To raise money for Highways.
8. To raise money for Sidewalks.
9. To raise money for Crossings and Gutters.
IO. To raise money for the Support of the Poor.
II. . To raise money for the Fire Department.
I2. To raise money for lighting and care of Street Lamps.
I3. To raise money for Additional Street Lamps.
14. To raise money to pay Watchmen and Policemen.
15. To raise money for Contingent Expenses.
16. To raise money to pay Interest on the Town Debt.
I7. To raise money for the Reduction of the Town Debt.
18. To raise money for the Public Library.
19. To raise money for Water, maintenance and use of same.
20. To raise money for Salaries of Town Officers, and to fix the compensation of all Officers and Committees elected or appointed by the Town.
2I. To raise money for Drainage, Bridges and Culverts.
22. To raise money for deficiencies in accounts for the past year, and for all other necessary expenses for the ensuing year.
23. To determine the method by which the taxes for the year shall be collected.
24. To see if the Town will appropriate a further sum of money for the drainage of Otis Street, on petition of R. F. Maxwell and others.
25. To raise money for the building of the extension of Foster Street, as laid out and accepted.
26. To see if the Town will accept a Street as laid out by the Selectmen, leading from Melrose Street, northerly to Franklin Street, and raise money for the building of the same.
27. To see if the Town will accept a street as laid out by the Se- lectmen, leading from Lebanon Street, easterly, over Home Association lands (so called) now known as Second Street, and raise money for the building of the same.
28. To see if the Town will accept a street as laid out by the Se- lectmen, leading from Lebanon Street, easterly, over Home Associa- tion lands (so called) now known as Third Street, and raise money for the building of the same.
29. To see if the Town will build a School House on land recent- ly purchased by the Town, on Franklin Street, Highlands, and raise or appropriate money for the same, on petition of J. G. Taylor and others.
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