USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1905 > Part 2
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18
CITY OF MELROSE
public and now it is freely offered to us by his children to be forever kept as a recreation ground and a breathing place for our citizens. We should accept the offer and express our grati- tude to the family of the donor.
I am aware that questions may be raised as to whether we can afford to contribute our share of the expense of its main- tenance, but I have investigated the cost of taking care of the Park and I believe that we can provide the sum necessary for the care of the property. I therefore recommend its acceptance and I shall send a communication to the Board of Aldermen at their next regular meeting with reference to the same.
SPOT POND WATER CLAIM.
No settlement was reached with the Commonwealth of the claims of Malden, Medford and Melrose on account of the takings at Spot Pond by the Metropolitan Water Board. An offer was made by the Commonwealth, but it not being satisfactory, was rejected. We received, however, the sum of $107,628.93 on account, of which sum $100,000 was placed in the sinking fund to the credit of the water loan and the balance, $7,628.93, to be held by the treasurer for the purpose of defraying the expenses in prosecuting the suit against the Commonwealth. This suit is now being heard before auditors appointed by the Supreme Court. There is every prospect of its being determined in a very short time.
SPOT POND BROOK.
This ever present source of trouble to the welfare and comfort of those of our citizens who live in its vincinity, has at last re- ceved the consideration of the Legislature, and under Chapter 406 of the Acts of 1904, a commission was provided who should hear all parties interested and make awards of the proportion of expense of carrying out the plan as recommended by the Metro- politan Water and Sewerage Board in 1903, this award to be divided between the Metropolitan Water District and the cities of Malden and Melrose. The petition for the appointment of
19
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
the commision was duly filed by the City Solictor and is now awaiting action. Nothing can be done at present until the Spot Pond Water Claim now being heard shall be disposed of.
BROWN-TAIL AND GYPSY MOTHS.
I believe the citizens are fully alive to the fact that unless there is prompt and vigorous action with united effort on the part of the city and themselves, the brown-tail and gypsy moth pest will so overrun our streets and land as to destroy all our beautiful trees and shrubs. The Aldermen have willingly and generously voted money to be used under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works for the suppressing of these pests, and individuals have formed an organization to continue the work on private premises. An association has been formed, known as the Massachusetts Association for the Suppression of the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moth, whose object is to arouse public sentiment, to bring about united action with individuals, muni- cipalities and the state, and to secure suitable legislation. I commend their efforts and ask your hearty co-operation in as- sisting by every honorable means in your power these organi- zations.
GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHTING.
The lighting of a city today has become a public necessity and has assumed a position in the community with the other public utilities of water and sewers. We are suffering today not only from poor service, but from an expenditure which the con- ditions under which these commodities are produced do not warrant.
I have been in communication with both the Gas and Electric Light Companies which supply light to our city ; I have patiently listened to complaints from our citizens, I have carried my bur- dens to the Commissioners at the State House, and it seems to be of no avail. Now, I have no particular use for the theories of the so-called socialists, who no doubt are honest in their beliefs and efforts to ameliorate the conditions of mankind in general, but it is the purpose of a municipality to furnish its citizens with
20
CITY OF MELROSE
the best service possible at the least expense; therefore, I think we should begin to consider the practicability of establishing a municipal lighting plant. I am confident that if the city should own and operate a plant, it could produce better light than what we are receiving today and deliver it at less cost, and I recommend that a committee be appointed to consider this question.
MELROSE HOSPITAL.
As has been our custom in the past to appropriate money for this worthy institution, I heartily recommend a continuance of the same. The work of the Hospital is invaluable to our city and should receive the hearty support of all.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
This most important of our municipal departments, upon which we expend more than one-third of our appropriations and which assumes the education of more than 3000 pupils, shows an increase of attendance and a continuance of a policy which places Melrose in the front rank of the schools of the Com- monwealth. The urgent necessity of additional accommodation for the normal growth of the school population, leads me to recommend that either a new 16-room building on the High School grounds be built, or an enlargement of the present High School building, to provide for the ninth grades and High School growth. My judgment would be, and in this decision I have the support of the Superintendent of Schools, that an enlarge- ment of the High School building by the extension on each side would be most acceptable for the following reasons :- The architectural effect of the present building would be improved, and the school administration would be easier. I shall bring this to your attention later.
DEPARTMENTS.
I have no special recommendations to make for the Charity, Police and Fire Departments. I can, however, record my
21
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
hearty commendation of their desire to give to our citizens the best service possible, and are ever watchful and vigilant in the discharge of their duty.
PUBLIC LIBRARY. .
During the year the beautiful building for our Library has been completed and opened for the use of our citizens. It is surprising and gratifying to note the increased attendance at the reading room, especially of our school children; and great credit is due to the management in providing an educational branch which is so well appreciated and highly prized by our scholars.
CONCLUSION.
I have outlined briefly the work that has been done during the year past, with as few recommendations as I could consist- ently make with the amount available for expenditure.
I have given you figures in detail for your information and guidance, and in closing I invite you, at any time, to confer with me about any measure that may be brought before you, because I believe that the best way to achieve a successful ad- ministration is by a hearty co-operation of the officers of the city and by giving due respect and consideration to the honest opinions of each other, we may arrive at a happy and successful solution of the many serious questions that we must meet in the discharge of the duties we have assumed.
Government of the City of Melrose
1905.
Mayor. SIDNEY H. BUTTRICK
President of the Board of Aldermen. AARON HILL, JR.
Aldermen at Large.
ALBERT A. DAY .
Term expires January, 1907
AARON HILL, JR.
1907
EUGENE H. MOORE
66
1907
CHARLES J. BARTON
1906
ANDREW J. BURNETT
1906
ARTHUR H. FOLGER
1906
OLIVER B. MUNROE
.6
1906
Ward Aldermen.
Ward 1. WILLIAM A. CARRIE
HARRY F. SEARS
Ward 2. LESLIE F. KEENE
WARREN S. TOWNER
Ward 3. JOEL C. PAGE
JOHN C. F. SLAYTON
Ward 4. GEORGE E. CORNWALL
CHARLES W. H. FREDERICK
Ward 5. WILLIAM D. GOWER
LOWELL F. WENTWORTH
Ward 6. JOHN BUFFUM
CHARLES C. SWETT
Ward 7. LEVI ELMS
JOHN J. MCCULLOUGH
* Resigned July 1, 1905.
Clerk of the Board. W. DEHAVEN JONES, City Clerk
. Standing Committees of the Board of Aldermen.
President of the Board of Aldermen. AARON HILL, JR.
Accounts and Surety Bonds. Aldermen CORNWALL, BARTON, WENTWORTH, PAGE, SEARS.
Buildings. Aldermen SLAYTON, BURNETT, SWETT, KEENE, CARRIE.
City Clerk and Cemetery. Aldermen BUFFUM, TOWNER, ELMS, DAY, CARRIE.
Claims. Aldermen TOWNER, GOWER, MUNROE, PAGE, FREDERICK.
Elections and Returns, Printing and Supplies. Aldermen GOWER, KEENE, BUFFUM, SEARS, MCCULLOUGH.
Finance. Aldermen BARTON, TOWNER, SLAYTON, WENTWORTH, FREDERICK, CARRIE BUFFUM.
Fire Department, Electric and Telephone Wires. Aldermen MOORE, BURNETT, MUNROE, WENTWORTH, KEENE.
Highways, Sewers, Water and Public Grounds. Aldermen SWETT, MOORE, FOLGER, CORNWALL, PAGE, GOWER, MCCULLOUGH.
Nominations and Resolutions. Aldermen PAGE, TOWNER, BURNETT, CORNWALL, ELMS.
Ordinances, Rules, Orders and Legislative Matters. Aldermen CARRIE, MUNROE, DAY, SWETT, FREDERICK.
Police Department and Licenses. Aldermen KEENE, GOWER, ELMS, CORNWALL, MCCULLOUGH.
24
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Public Charities. Aldermen ELMS, DAY, BUFFUM.
Public Health. Aldermen, WENTWORTH, SLAYTON, SEARS.
Public Schools and Public Library. Aldermen MUNROE, BARTON, DAY, PAGE, GOWER.
Solicitor and Collector. Aldermen FOLGER, CARRIE, BARTON, SLAYTON, BUFFUM.
Special Committee on Settlement with Metropolitan Water Board. Aldermen FREDERICK, FOLGER, BARTON, MUNROE, PAGE.
Special Committee on Spot Pond Brook for Conference with His Honor the Mayor. Aldermen SEARS, KEENE, SLAYTON, MOORE, SWETT, CORNWALL, MCCULLOUGH.
State Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief. Aldermen DAY, BURNETT, SWETT.
Street Railways and Public Lighting. Aldermen BURNETT, MOORE, FOLGER, TOWNER, ELMS.
Treasury and Assessors. Aldermen MCCULLOUGH, SEARS, MOORE, FOLGER, WENTWORTH.
Clerk of Committees. VICTOR C. KIRMES.
CITY OFFICERS.
City Clerk. W. DEHAVEN JONES.
Assistant City Clerk and Clerk of Committees. VICTOR C. KIRMES.
City Treasurer. WILLIAM R. LAVENDER.
City Collecter. JAMES W. MURRAY.
City Auditor. EDWIN C. GOULD.
Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works. W. DABNEY HUNTER.
Mayor's Clerk. EMMA L. LEIGHTON.
City Solicitor. FRANK L. WASHBURN.
Chief of Fire Department. JOSEPH EDWARDS.
Chief of Police. FRANK M. MCLAUGHLIN.
Inspector of Buildings. W. AUGUSTUS GOODNO.
Inspector of Plumbing.
JOHN T. BARKER .
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar WILLIAM S. BRIRY.
Inspector of Animals, Provisions and Food Products. FRANK P. STURGES.
Sealer of Weights and Measures. WILLIAM L. PIERCE.
26
CITY OFFICERS.
Agent State and Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief. CHARLES O. BOYD.
Burial Agent. ALBERT L. CARLETON.
Assessors. FRANK R. UPHAM, Chairman.
I .. FRANK HINCKLEY. WILLIAM MORSS
JOHN C. CROLLY, Clerk.
Assistant Assessors. MERTON G. WOODBURY.
ALDEN B. SMITH.
THOMAS SMALLWOOD.
Board of Health. CLARENCE P. HOLDEN, Chairman.
EDMUND L. GRUNDY. ARTHUR A. HAYDEN.
GRACE A. COLBY, Clerk.
Overseers of the Poor. THOMAS M. GOGIN, Chairman.
MATILDA E. STANTIAL. WILLIAM S. SOULE.
GRACE A. COLBY, Clerk.
Matron Pratt Farm. MRS. MABEL F. WORTH.
School Committee.
E. CLIFFORD FISH, 17 Wyoming avenue Term expires January, 1907
ISABELLE STANTIAL, 146 Florence street
1907
OSCAR F. FROST, 10 Vine street
1907
WILLIAM D. STEWART, 21 Woodland avenue
1908
SARAH A. DAY, 45 Ashland street 1908
CHARLES A. CASTLE, 98 West Emerson street
1908
GEORGE H. HILL, 16 Summer street
1909
MARY P. HOLDEN, 32 Lake avenue
66 1909
EDWIN S. SMALL, 273 Main street
1909
WILLIAM D. STEWART, Chairman.
ISABELLE STANTIAL, Secretary
27
CITY OF MELROSE.
Sinking Fund Commissioners.
JOHN W. FARWELL
Term expires 1908
DANIEL RUSSELL
1907
CHARLES C. BARRY
1906
Trustees of the Public Library.
CHARLES C. BARRY
Term expires 1906
EDWARD M. MUNYAN
1906
NEIL A. DIVVER
66
1907
ANNA T. BUSH
66
1907
ELBRIDGE H. Goss
1908
MARY L. CHARLES
.
66
1908
Cemetery Committee. JOHN P. DEERING, Chairman.
WILLIS C. Goss LEWIS HENRY KUNHARDT. EDWIN C. GOULD, Clerk. ROSCOE A. LEAVITT, Superintendent Wyoming Cemetery.
Registrars of Voters.
EDWIN L. CRAGIN, Chairman
Term expires 1907
1906
*HERBERT A. MARSH +HARRY C. WOODILL VICTOR C. KIRMES
66 1906
66
1908
W. DEHAVEN JONES, City Clerk, ex-officio.
*Resigned. tAppointed to fill vacancy.
Engineers of the Fire Department. JOSEPH EDWARDS, Chief. THOMAS J. HAWKES, 1st Asst. FRANK H. CHEEVER, 2d Asst.
Measurers of Wood and Bark, Weighers of Hay and Coal. GEOGRE M. HALL GEORGE GOODWIN FRED H. Goss
OTIS W. PIERCE
FRANK E. NEWELL WILLIAM L. PIERCE. CHARLES B. Goss.
Fence Viewer. CHARLES F. WOODWARD.
28
CITY OFFICERS.
Field Driver. HARRY W. WORTH.
Pound Keeper. HARRY W. WORTH.
Police Officers.
FRANK M. MCLAUGHLIN, Chief.
OSBORNE E. DROWN.
WILLIAM A. CASWELL.
REDFORD M. RAND.
WILLIAM C. MCCARTHY.
CHRISTOPHER B. THOMPSON.
LOUIS B. HEATON.
FRANK N. PIERCE.
Special Police Officers.
PATRICK F. MURRAY. JOHN H. WING.
A. WILBUR LYNDE.
EDGAR E. SHERBURN.
HENRY T. ENSLIN
ALBERT P. LITTLE
JAMES H. MAINE.
OSCAR H. LOWE.
ISAAC C. GORMAN.
M. JAMES HANLEY
HARRY W. WORTH. JOHN H. THYNG.
ALBERT A. MCBETH.
Constables.
GEORGE W. BURKE. WILLIAM L. PIERCE
FRANK M. MCLAUGHLIN OSBORNE E. DROWN.
Bail Commissioner. SIDNEY H. BUTTRICK.
Civil Service Commissioners.
GEORGE H. DEARBORN.
WILLIAM A. DOLE.
W. DEHAVEN JONES, Clerk.
GEORGE E. FULLER HARRY BROWN
ALLSTON H. PINEO.
WILLIAM H. DOHERTY
Election Officers for the Year 1905-6.
Ward 1.
PATRICK W. CURRY, Republican Warden
HARRY A. BATCHELDER, Republican
Deputy Warden
CORYDON W. HARLOW, Democrat. Clerk
WILLIAM H. GREENLEAF, Democrat
.Deputy Clerk
GEORGE S. MCNEIL, Republican
Inspector
CHARLES A. PECK, Republican
Deputy Inspector
WILLIAM F. BUCK, Republican
Inspector
CHARLES W. JONES, Republican
Deputy Inspector
MICHAEL REARDON, Democrat Inspector
SIMEON CRAGIN, JR., Democrat
Deputy Inspector
FRANCIS N. BEMIS, Democrat
. Inspector
THOMAS F. TROY, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
Ward 2.
GEORGE W. BURKE, Republican
Warden
CALVIN W. SAWYER, Republican
Deputy Warden
AUBREY W. DUNTON, Democrat Clerk
.
FRANKLIN R. CARR, Democrat
Deputy Clerk
FRANK E. MORTON, Republican
Inspector
JAMES F. FERNALD, Republican
Deputy Inspector
ALDEN B. SMITH, Republican
Inspector
DANIEL K. COLLAMORE, Republican
Deputy Inspector
OTIS W. PIERCE, Democrat
Inspector
FRANK W. LEWIS, Democrat,
Deputy Inspector
FRANK L. TERWILLIGER, Democrat
Inspector
GEORGE W. STINSON, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
Ward 3.
FRANK TOWLE, Republican Warden
EVERETT E. TARBOX, Republican
Deputy Warden
FRANCIS W. HOFFMAN, Democrat Clerk
STEPHEN HOPKINS, Democrat
Deputy Clerk
C. H. ROCKWOOD, Republican
Inspector
CLIFTON A. PENDLETON, Republican
Deputy Inspector
STEPHEN A. LOVEJOY, Republican Inspector
MARTIN L. STACY, Republican
Deputy Inspector
JOHN J. KEATING, Democrat
Inspector
GEORGE W. VAN HORN, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
PETER J. CURRAN, Democrat
Inspector
FREDERICK M. KIRMES, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
30
ELECTION OFFICERS.
Ward 4.
CHARLES H. BUTTRICK, Republican . Warden
EDWARD J. KITCHING, Republican
Deputy Warden
DAVID G. MURPHY, Democrat Clerk
HAROLD E. WATERHOUSE, Democrat Deputy Clerk
H. RUSSELL SAWTELLE, Republican
Inspector
CHARLES A. PAGE, Republican
Deputy Inspector
WILLIAM P. LIBBY, Republican
. Inspector
CHARLES S. ALLEN, Republican
.Deputy Inspector
GEORGE E. HYDE, Democrat
Inspector
EDWARD E. BABB, Democrat Deputy Inspector
WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN, Democrat
Inspector
GEORGE A. DEAN, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
Ward 5.
MERTON G. WOODBURY, Republican Warden
BENJAMIN F. STAFFORD, Republican
Deputy Warden
GEORGE H. DEARBORN, Democrat . Clerk
SAMUEL DEARBORN, Democrat Deputy Clerk
ALFRED H. FRENCH, Republican .Inspector
CHARLES E. COLBY, Republican
Deputy Inspector
FRANK E. NEWELL, Republican
Inspector
JOSEPH E. GRUNDY, Republican
Deputy Inspector
THOMAS J. HAWKES, Democrat
Inspector
THOMAS P. CONNELLY, Democrat Deputy Inspector
JOHN KEEFE, Democrat Inspector
JOHN E. MCKINNON, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
Ward 6.
GEORGE H. TOWNE, Republican Warden
BERTRAM E. LOVEJOY, Republican Deputy Warden
WILLIAM J. DUFFY, Democrat Clerk
JONATHAN H. ATKINSON, Democrat Deputy Clerk
FRANK B. DROWN, Republican Inspector
FRANK L. MCNALLY, Republican
Deputy Inspector
EDWARD P. WAITT, Republican
Inspector
ARTHUR A. HAYDEN, Republican
Deputy Inspector
STEPHEN C. DEERING, Democrat
Inspector
JOHN A. LEISK, Democrat . Deputy Inspector
WALTER F. PICKETT, Democrat
Inspector
ALLEN L. LEACH, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
31
ELECTION OFFICERS.
Ward 7.
GEORGE A. BAILEY, Republican. Warden
ALBERT A. DADLEY, Republican
Deputy Warden Clerk
HENRY E. JOHNSON, Democrat
JOHN J. BUCKLEY, Democrat
. Deputy Clerk
WILLIAM L. KERSHAW, Republican
Inspector
JOHN C. FLATLEY, Republican
Deputy Inspector
WALTER B. COPELAND, Republican
Inspector
WILLIAM F. RUSSELL, Republican
Deputy Inspector
CHARLES F. DOHERTY, Democrat .
. Inspector
EDWARD P. HENNEY, Democrat
Deputy Inspector
DANIEL J. FOLEY, Democrat
Inspector
EDWIN D. BAKER, Democrat
.Deputy Inspector
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE 1
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
CITY OF MELROSE
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING JANUARY 31, 1906.
MELROSE : DUNTON PRINTING COMPANY
1906
IN THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, MELROSE, April 9, 1906.
Voted,- That the annual report of the Superintendent of Schools be accepted and printed as the report of the School Committee.
F. H. NICKERSON, Recording Secretary.
CONTENTS OF SCHOOL REPORT.
Calendar 4
School Committee (Membership and Organization) 5
Report of Superintendent of Schools 7
1. Statistical Matter :
I. School Census and Enrollment 7
II. Summary of Principals' Reports for the School Year, 1904-1905 8
III. Number of Teachers in Different Departments 11
IV. Number of Pupils in the Different Grades 12
V. Average Number of Pupils per Teacher in the Average Membership of the Schools 13
VI. Changes in the Teaching Force during 1905 15
VII. Annual Financial Exhibit for 1905 19
VIII. Comparative Financial Exhibit covering the period since Melrose became a City. 20
2 The High School :
I. Changes in Teachers 22
II. Attendance 23
III. Recent Graduates 24
IV Choice of Studies 24
V. Cost of High School. 25
VI. The Course of Study 25
3. Progress of the Year in General:
I. The School Exhibit 32
II. Lengthened Sessions for Grades VII, VIII, IX 33
III. Promoting Teachers with their Classes 34
IV. Changes in Curriculum and in Text-Books 36
V. School Accommodations 36
VI. Music 37
4. Vacation School 37
5. Conclusion 37
6. Appendix :
I. Program of High School Graduation 40
II. Honors and Prizes 41
III. Pupils promoted from the Ninth Grade to the High School 43
IV. Organization of School Staff 45
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1906.
WINTER TERM.
First Half. Begins January 2, and closes Febuary 23. Va- cation, one week.
Second Half. Begins March 5, and closes April 27. Vaca- tion, one week.
SPRING TERM.
Begins May 7, and closes June 29. Vacation, nine weeks.
FALL TERM.
Begins September 5, (Wednesday) and closes December 21. Vacation, one week.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME.
Every Saturday, Washington's Birthday, Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, June 17, and Thanksgiving Day, with the half day preceding and the day following it.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1905.
MEMBERS.
E. Clifford Fish, 17 Wyoming avenue
Term expires Jan. 1907
Isabelle Stantial, 146 Florence street
" 1907
Oscar F. Frost, 10 Vine street
1907
William D. Stewart, 21 Woodland avenue
1908
Sarah A. Day, 45 Ashland street
1908
Charles A. Castle, 98 West Emerson street
66
66
1908
George H. Hill, 16 Summer street
“ 1909
Mary P. Holden, 32 Lake avenue
6 1909
Edwin S. Small, 273 Main street
1909
ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEE.
William D. Stewart, Chairman.
Isabelle Stantial, Secretary
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEE.
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held in the Committee Room, High School Building, on the second and fourth Mondays of every month except July and August, at eight o'clock p. m.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Fred H. Nickerson, A. M., 77 Upham street. Office: High School Building. Office hours: 8 to 9 a. m. on school days, and 4 to 5 p. m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Telephone 210-2.
SUPERINTENDENT'S CLERK.
Rosetta M. Pendleton, 179 Trenton street.
SUB-COMMITTEES.
Hill.
ACCOUNTS. Small.
Castle.
COURSE OF STUDY AND TEXT-BOOKS.
Holden.
Stantial. Hill.
SUPPLIES AND PRINTING.
Day. Fish.
Day.
TEACHERS AND SALARIES. Fish. Stantial.
SPECIAL STUDIES.
Castle. Holden.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Stantial.
Day. Castle.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Castle.
Holden. Small·
Small.
SCHOOL HOUSES AND JANITORS. Hill. Frost.
VISITING COMMITTEES.
Stewart.
Day.
Castle.
CENTRE.
Stantial.
Frost. Day
WYOMING.
Small.
Holden. Hill.
EAST SIDE.
Fish
Castle
Holden.
Frost.
Fish.
HIGHLANDS.
REPORT OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MELROSE :
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :- The following report upon the administration of the schools for the past year is submitted for consideration.
TABLE I.
SCHOOL CENSUS AND ENROLLMENT.
No. of persons between 5 and 15 years of age residing in the city September 1, 1905 2706
No. of persons between 7 and 14 years of age residing in the city September 1, 1905 1987
3086 No. of different pupils enrolled during the school year, 1904-1905 . . No. of pupils over 15 years of age enrolled during the school year, 1904-1905 460 No. of pupils between 5 and 15 years of age enrolled during the school year, 1904-1905 2577 No. of pupils between 7 and 14 years of age enrolled during the school year, 1904-1905 1904
No. of pupils under 5 years of age enrolled during the school year, 1904-1905 49
40
TABLE II. SUMMARY OF PRINCIPALS' REPORTS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR, 1904-1905.
1. BY SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS
No. of Different Pupils Enrolled
No. of Boys
No. of Girls
Average Member- ship
Average Attend- ance
% of Attend- ance
Corporal Punish- ment
High
427
188
239
397.31
378.61
95.30
Franklin
345
180
165
314.98
296.02
93.91
6
Washington
407
202
205
368.88
356.20
96.56
Lincoln
319
161
158
312.92
297.70
95.13
1
Horace Mann
343
167
176
308.30
292.30
94.81
1
D. W. Gooch
327
174
153
323.17
306.04
94.69
1
Livermore.
192
87
105
186.82
177.81
95.17
Warren
143
70
73
135.78
123.60
91.03
Winthrop
133
63
70
128.48
121.59
94.63
1
Sewall
177
106
71
176.17
167.83
95.03
6
Whittier
213
112
101
180.45
166.72
92.39
1
Converse
34
15
19
33.40
30.91
92.54
Ripley
26
14
12
27.97
24.92
89.09
Total
3,086
1,539
1,547
2,894.63
2,740.25
94.66
17
-
CITY OF MELROSE.
2. BY GRADES.
GRADES
No. of Different Pupils Enrolled
No. of Boys
No. of Girls
Average Member- · ship
Average Attend- ance
% of Attend- ance
Corporal Punish- ment
High
427
188
239
397.31
378.61
95.30
Grade 9
195
87
108
182.87
172.36
94.25
Grade 8
234
114
120
224.89
214.75
95.49
2
Grade 7
313
164
149
298.06
282.84
94.89
1
Grade 6
277
137
140
251.65
240.51
95.57
4
Grade 5
308
166
142
286.65
272.09
94.92
Grade 4
339
162
177
316.53
303.55
95.89
8
Grade 3
305
158
147
296.38
283.43
95.63
1
Grade 2
297
165
132
282.43
267.47
94.66
1
Grade 1
331
169
162
296.49
268.81
90.66
Combined 1-2-3
60
29
31
61.37
55.83
90.97
Total
3,086
1,539
1,547
2,894.63
2,740.25
94.66
17
SCHOOL REPORT.
41
42
CITY OF MELROSE.
COMMENT ON TABLE II.
Comparison with a similar table in the report for the previous year shows that during the past year there has beenanincrease of 2% in the average membership of the schools and a decrease of 3-10% in the regularity of attendance.
Of the seventeen cases of corporal punishment that are re- corded, twelve are confined to two buildings, and, chiefly, to two grades. Ninety per cent. of the teachers have conducted their schools without a case of corporal punishment. This indicates commendable moderation in the use of whipping as a means of government in our schools.
In view of the difficulties involved in managing and teaching from 30 to 50 children throughout the school year, it seems a tribute to the purpose, patience, and moral power of our teach- ers, as a whole, that so few find it necessary to use the rod in their schools. -
Undoubtedly it would be a source of gratification to all who are responsible for the administration of the schools, if it were never necessary to resort to corporal punishment in the man- agement of pupils. I fear, however, that the process of evol- ution must go on for some time yet before we may reasonably expect such a condition to prevail.
Superintendent Southworth of the Somerville, (Mass.) schools, in discussing this subject says :- "Those of us who have the good fortune to be living in the millennium will doubtless hear nothing of corporal punishment either in the school or in the home. The necessity for it will have ceased to exist. Until that happy period comes, however, and so long as human nature is what it is, so long as force is needed anywhere to secure com- pliance with rules and law, so long as parental govenment is weak, and so long as no restraint is placed upon wayward children outside of school, both teachers and parents will be com- pelled to resort to this means to secure order and obedience."
It is probably true that the possibility of conducting a school system so as to yield the best results without an occasional resort to corporal punishment is remote, but it is also true that in the best school systems the rod is used very sparingly today ; and, on the whole, it does not appear that school discipline has
43
SCHOOL REPORT.
suffered by the attempt to reduce corporal punishment to the minimum. With respect to our own schools, I am convinced that, in the best sense, the discipline, today, is better than it was when corporal punishment was more largely practiced. We have, still, pupils who are annoying and sometimes vicious, and occasionally a room that is generally disorderly because the teacher lacks the requisite power of leadership with children, but, on the whole, the discipline in our schools today is excellent, -the relations between pupils and teachers in general are cordial and courteous, and the majority of the children are happy in their work in the schoolroom.
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