USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1890-1895 > Part 37
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M. W. MISENER.
DRAWING.
Much attention has been given to this subject during the year, but the work as a whole is far from satisfactory. Draw- ing, like music, is a department in itself; and I believe a knowledge of the subject is of more importance. It is a subject, also, upon which much time is often wasted; for if the children are not made to see and represent accurately, very little good is derived from the subject.
The work in the lower grades was made up of color work, paper cutting, clay modelling, etc. The work in the upper grades was in inventional geometry, with rule and com- pass. The subject has been taught since September, with good results.
The necessity of giving more time, or rather greater at- tention, to this subject is evident. Drawing is now used as a
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means to assist in developing all of the faculties of the pupils, but more especially in training the powers to observe and think.
The time is at hand when Norwood must have a special teacher in drawing. The estimated cost would not exceed two hundred dollars, while the value of such instruction can not be estimated fully.
If manual training is to take its place with mental train- ing, drawing will be of utmost importance as a means of expressing thought.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Teachers' meetings are held from time to time. They have been called for the purpose of directing attention to errors that required attention in methods of teaching or dis- ciplining.
Thus far the meetings have been for all grades, and exer- cises in methods of teaching were exemplified by the different teachers. I have taken the opportunity to call especial at- tention to such faulty teaching as I observed when visiting the different schools.
We propose to continue the teachers' meeting, and also to hold grade meetings regularly, where a uniform plan for grade work will be arranged, and the best methods of teaching considered.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The Evening School opened immediately after the Christ- mas holidays. The attendance is not large, but the pupils show an eagerness to acquire knowledge. Mr. John Geary and Miss Lizzie C. Tucker are employed as teachers.
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The following outline was adopted as the course of study : -
ARITHMETIC.
1. Oral and sight arithmetic.
2. Writing and reading integers.
(1) Addition and subtraction.
(2) Multiplication and division.
3. Simple concrete illustrations of fractions.
(1) Writing and reading.
(2) Units of United States money, liquid and dry measures, {avoirdupois , weight, 'measurements of distances, surfaces, and solids.
4. Principles of percentage, with application to simple interest.
READING. .1.
1. Recognition of words and of their elements.
2. Reading of easy sentences in natural tones.
3. Equivalent of First Reader.
(a) Individual attention will be given to beginners at first, but classification will follow as soon as possible.
(7) Script will first be used in teaching pupils to read.
(c) Blackboards shall be used first with begin- ners.
B.
Attention to forms of words, including articulation and pronunciation.
Reading of higher grade when progress of pupils will permit.
Note. In all the work in reading, the object must be to have the pupils understand what the words on the page before them mean.
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The object to be attained is :
(1) To obtain the correct thought. (2) Proper expression of thought.
HISTORY.
The work in history should be conducted as exercises in reading. General information to be given on such sub- jects as :
(1) Pre-historic America.
(2) Explorations and settlements.
(3) Revolution and Confederation.
(4) Formation of Union.
(5) Important topics under the Administrations.
(6) Rebellion.
(7) Reconstruction, and important events since.
(8) Constitution of United States. Rights, duties, and responsibilities of citi- zens should be considered and ex- plained.
WRITING. .1.
1. Forms and names of letters learned.
2. Copying words and sentences. Write same from diction :
(1) Blackboard. (2) Slips.
3 Exercises. Bills, notes, receipts.
4. Dictation. In blank books.
Note. Make the work a class exercise.
Objects to be attained :
Uniformity in use of hand, arm, and fingers.
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B.
Dictation exercises.
To use correctly :
(1) Capitals.
(2) Marks of punctuation.
Note. The exercises under B should be taken from books in the hands of the pupils, or from blackboard, so as to allow the pupil to correct his own work.
Letter writing, including friendly and business letters, notes of invitation, applications for position, etc.
GEOGRAPHY.
1. Forms and motions of the earth.
(1) Of land.
(2) Of water.
2. Land.
(1) Surface.
(2) Climate.
(3) Soil.
(4) Occupations.
(5) Productions.
(6) Civilization.
3. Physical and political geography of the United States.
Note. The teacher should use the wall maps, especially in teaching the political divisions.
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TEACHERS.
The number of changes in the corps of teachers was fewer this year than last. In February, Miss M. E. Jordan resigned, to accept a position in Brookline. At the end of the Spring term, Miss M. E. Danforth resigned, to accept a position in Minneapolis, and Miss Janette Billings, to accept a place in Somerville. Miss Annie Guild, who succeeded Miss Billings, resigned, and accepted a position in the western part of the State. Miss Guild was succeeded by Miss Martha Parker, who, after a long and successful experience in the primary department of the East School, consented to take charge of the more difficult class that was in the upper room. Miss Mary Hewins, a teacher of experience and of good ability, was elected to succeed Miss Parker. At the end of the Spring Miss Viola Littlefield resigned her position as teacher in the primary department of the Balch School. The long and efficient service rendered by Miss Littlefield won for her the admiration and respect of the entire community. The large number of pupils who have gone out from under her instruction can only remember her as an excellent teacher and a kind friend.
Miss Amy Gay, formerly a teacher in Dedham, was elected to succeed Miss Littlefield. Miss Anna P. Moore, a teacher of marked ability, succeeded Miss Danforth in the grammar department of the Everett School.
The changes in the High School are noted in the School Committee's Report.
With fitting respect for the ability and qualifications of those who have resigned during the last two years, I am of the opinion that in culture, natural ability, and fitness for position, our present teaching force will not compare unfavorably with the former teachers.
Of course teachers will accept positions in the community where they will receive the most money, and for this reason, if Norwood was able to increase the appropriation for teachers' salaries, it ought to be done. In view of the fact that large
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gains in the school population has rendered it necessary to open new schools, necessitating the employment of extra teachers, and that the present tax rate is a warning to exercise prudence in expenditures, I am inclined to recommend that, with a few possible exceptions, the same salaries be paid this year as last.
On the other hand, we must recognize the right of the teacher to accept a call from that community where her ability will command the highest salary.
At the same time, in justice to the pupils, it is no more than fair to expect from the teachers a reasonable notification of the intended resignation, and in future two weeks' notice will be required from the teacher who intends to resign.
I can not close this part of my report without expressing iny gratitude to the teachers for their hearty co-operation and professional courtesy always accorded to me.
GRADUATION.
At the end of the Spring term those pupils who completed the course of study proscribed for the grammar school were presented with a diploma. The graduation exercises were held in the main room of the Everett Building, and the full attend- ance of the parents and citizens is proof of the interest that the public has in our school system. The diplomas were presented by HI. T. Atwood, Esq., Chairman of the School Committee. P. J. Mahony, Esq., also of the School Board, delivered a short address to the graduating class.
The John C. Lane mnedal, awarded to a certain number of the pupils, for excellence in studies, was presented to the following, by Judge Lane :
Maggie Higgins. James Pendergast.
Sarah Hayden. Delbert Sargent.
Maud Woods. John Manning.
In addition to the above, Emily Braye, Annie Collins, Eva Hutchins, Martha Nugent, Josie Norton, Fannie Turner,
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Alice Turner, John Folan, Cornelius Murphy, Albert Olson, and Frank Farnsworth received diplomas.
FLAGS FOR THE SCHOOLHOUSES.
By vote of the School Committee Columbus Day was cele- brated in a fitting manner.
Previous to the day the teachers of the East, North, and West Schools collected from generons citizens sufficient money to float flags over the different buildings.
Because of an unfortunate delay in sending the poles they were not up on Columbus Day, but temporary arrangements were made to throw the flags to the breeze. The exercises opened at the Everett building with J. J. Feely, Esq,, as Master of Ceremonies. Commander Stetson, with his G. A. R. comrades, then took charge of the flag, and, raising it over the Everett Building, gave such a salute to the old flag as can only those whose lives were endangered for its defence. After rendering the national program, patriotic addresses were made by some of the local clergymen, and Rev. Theron Brown, ex-member of the School Board. After the exercises at the Everett building, the line of march was taken up to the Balch School, thence to the West, to the East, to the North, and then to the High School, where the exercises of the day closed. It was expected that the poles would be placed in position as soon after Columbus Day as possible, and the contract was placed in the hands of a local contractor, but owing to lack of time on his part, and then the inclemency of the weather, it was finally decided to postpone the placing of of the poles until Spring.
The total amount of money collected by children was $84.87. The cost of placing the poles is yet to be met, after which the balance will be returned to the several schools, to establish a flag fund for each. The above amount does not in- clude what was collected by pupils in the High School.
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CONCLUSION.
In ending this report I will state that our schools are in a progressive condition. With an excellent corps of teachers, all devoted to their work, I have every reason to expect excellent results during the ensuing year. My sincere thanks are due members of the School Committee for their hearty co-operation ; and to the parents and pupils for the very many tokens of respect and courtesies extended to me.
Respectfully submitted,
M. J. O'BREIN,
Superintendent of Schools.
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" Esse quam rideri."
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE SENIOR CLASS OF THE NORWOOD HIGH SCHOOL,
NORWOOD, MASS., TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 28, 1892.
Exercises to Commence at 7.45 o'clock.
PROGRAMME.
1. Music. Chorus. " Hail, Smiling Morn." Spofforth.
2. Ballad Songs and National Melodies, with the Salutatory. CLARA WENTWORTH RICH.
3. Music. Duet. " Boatman's Song." - Abt.
4. Essay. Self-help.
GERTRUDE ISABELLE BIGELOW.
5. Music. Chorus. "Gloria." From Bordese's Mass in F.
6. Essay. An Educated Woman's Opportunity. CHARLOTTE MARIA WELLINGTON.
7. Music. Trio. " Wake Not, Dreaming Maiden." Bishop.
8. Essay. Ideals.
JOHN JOSEPH GEARY.
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9. Music. S a. Chorus. Spring Song. Pinsuti.
2 b. Chorus. Damascus. " Naaman."
10. Essay. Plurality of Worlds. EMMA ABBOTT MORRILL.
11. Music. Duet. " When Life is Brightest." Pinsuti.
12. Essay. Labor and Success, with the Valedictory. HARRY AUGUSTUS BIGELOW.
13. Music. Chorus. " When the Morning Sweetly Breaking." " Italiani in Algeria."
AWARDING THE MEDALS.
PRESENTING DIPLOMAS.
PARTING SONG.
Words by C. M. Wellington. Thuringian Popular Air.
Classmates, we gather now, Our parting song to sing, Ah ! how the memories cling Round happy days ! The years have quickly gone, The moments flown apace, And now at lengthi we've gained The longed-for place.
Days gone are past recall, And now the present hours, With all our noblest powers, We must improve. Follow our motto true, "' Be and not seem to be," Thus we shall find our way On life's broad sea.
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Into the future far Fain we would east a look ; But 'tis a sealed book Now to our gaze. We'll trust our lives and hopes Now to our Father's eare ; And as He wills may!we Our burdens bear.
PRAYER.
BENEDICTION. Rev. Mr. Loder.
-
REPORT OF THE GUILD SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE.
In response to the request of the School Committee, the town at its last March meeting appointed a committee of five, consisting of Tyler Thayer, F. M. Baker, E. J. Shattuck, J. J. Feely, and H. T. Atwood, to inquire into the need of addi- tional school accommodations.
At the April meeting the Committee reported in favor of erecting a four-room school building on the lot opposite the Everett School building.
The town adopted the report, voted to appropriate eleven thousand dollars to carry the recommendations into effect, and appointed a Building Committee, consisting of the same indi- viduals who had served on the Investigating Committee.
The Building Committee immediately organized by mak- ing choice of Tyler Thayer for Chairman, and H. T. Atwood for Secretary, and it was voted to employ S. D. Kelly as architect.
Mr. Kelly prepared plans and specifications, and in due time the construction was begun and pushed forward as rapidly as possible under the supervision of Tyler Thayer, who also took charge of the filling and grading. Contracts were awarded as follows : -
To Leyden & Drummy, for stonework.
To Spear & Smith, for brickwork. To M. H. Howard, for building. To Smith & Anthony, for furnaces. To E. J. Winn, for plumbing.
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There were three competitors for the building contract : Geo. F. Bagley, Walker & Goodwin, and M. H. Howard. The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, M. H. How- ard, to whom the thanks of the Committee are dne for his promptness and courtesy.
Early in January the building was so far completed that the two east rooms were oeeupied by pupils.
The new building has been christened the "Guild School," in honor of a former respected resident of this village, and the owner at one time of a large estate, ineluding the lot on which the new building stands. The name was suggested by Mr. Shattuck, who has contributed the large gilt letters and assumed the expense of placing them conspieuously over the front entrance.
An itemized statement is appended, by which it appears that the total expenditure is considerably in exeess of the appropriation.
The construction and equipment of the modern sehool- house, in conformity with the exaeting requirements of the inspeetors of public buildings, call for larger expenditures than would appear necessary to one who is not familiar with the undertaking.
The Committee's original estimates and specifications had to be considerably modified to meet the approval of the in- speetors, and in every instance modifieations of the original plan involved a larger outlay. The furnaces, ventilating staeks, cesspools, sanitaries, and basement finish and furnish- ing all made heavy dranghts upon the appropriation.
Then again, in making up the original estimate, your Committee had in mind a plan of a building with rooms some- what smaller than those in the building as it now stands. The halls were to have been narrower, and not so well lighted; the stairways, narrower and steeper; two of the rooms were to have been left unfinished for the present ; and means of heating and ventilating were to have been provided for only two rooms.
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Upon further inquiry, your Committee were unanimous in the opinion that larger rooms, a wider hall, and broader stairs, would be far more satisfactory. They also agreed that it would be much more practicable and more economical in the end to complete the building at once. An important change in the plan of the roof was deemed advisable; and that, too, added somewhat to the cost, but enabled tlie Com- mittee to finish off a convenient room on the third floor, 19 by 24, which will be available for school purposes.
The whole structure has been built with a view to its enlargement, when more room shall be needed; and this, too, has made the building somewhat more costly than it otherwise would have been.
In conclusion, your Committee desire to state that they have labored from the beginning harmoniously, with the pur- pose to provide, at a moderate cost, a plain, substantial struc- ture, complete in every essential particular, and equipped with all the appliances necessary to render the building convenient, comfortable, and serviceable.
TYLER THAYER. FRANK M. BAKER. EDMUND J. SHATTUCK. JOSEPH J. FEELY. HORACE T. ATWOOD.
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STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS MADE BY THE GUILD SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE.
Paid Lewis Day, for land, $2,121 00
Paid Leyden & Drummy, for building eellar, $317 05
George E. Metcalf, for stone, 160 00
Spear & Smith, for 64,600 brick laid, 1,065 90
Robert Rogers, for taking levels,
11 00
Warren Cottrell, for plank,
1 00
Walker & Goodwin, for lumber,
7 00
J. E. Plimpton, for iron pipe,
1 25
E. L. Hubbard, for irons, 11 88
1,575 08
Paid Milton H. Howard, as per contraet, $6,793 00
Milton H. Howard, for ehanging roof, 100 00
Milton H. Howard, for finishing room in third story, 160 00
Milton H. Howard, for cellar stairs, doors,
door cheek, sinks, etc., 75 00
7,128 00
Paid Barstow Stove Co., for stack heaters, $80 00
Smith & Anthony Stove Co., for 2 No. 34
Hub Furnaces and fixtures, 683 00
Spear & Smith, for 9,175 briek, 87 16
Spear & Smith, for setting furnaces and building hot air ducts, 110 48
F. A. Fales, for cement and lime,
16 80
Estate of E. F. Talbot, for sand, 2 25
E. L. Hubbard, for iron beam, 9 90 989 59
Paid E. J. Winn, for plumbing water closets and sinks, $570 00
Milton H. Howard, for woodwork on water closets, 276 00
John Fisk, for 576 feet plank, 14 40
S60 40
Amount carried forward, $12,674 07
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Amount brought forward, $12,674 07
CONCRETING CELLAR.
Paid F. A. Fales, for cement,
$108 46
Spear & Smith, for labor, 98 11
Estate of E. F. Talbot, for gravel,
23 75
230 32
PLASTERING CELLAR.
Paid M. HI. Howard, for lumber,
$10 94
M. H. Howard, for labor, 14 00
J. D. Smith, for plastering,
76 00
100 94
GRADING LOT.
Paid Bartley Flaherty, for 4} days' work,
$9 00
Patrick Connelly,
66
9 00
Peter Conlon,
43
66
9 00
Robert Oldham,
66 + 8 00
John Murphy, 66 4
8 00
Martin Leyden, 221 66 66
45 32
John Connolly,
63 66 66
13 50
Patrick Collins,
66 7
14 00
William Geary,
66 5
66 66
10 00
Daniel Horrigan, 3 66 66
6 00
Andrew Kelly, 4 11 66
22 00
Dennis Higgins,
" 10
66
20 00
Daniel Murphy,
21
5 00
Albert Clay, for man and team, 453 days, at $3.70,
167 97
John Nugent, for man and team, 135 hours, at 60 cents,
81 00
John Nugent, for man, 1 day, 2 00
Nathan A. Johnson, for man and team, 553 hours, at 60 cents, 33 50
George E. Metcalf, for man and team, 180} hours, at 60 cents,
108 31
Eben F. Gay, for man and team, 92 hours, at 60 cents, 55 20
626 80
Amount carried forward,
$13,632 13
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Amount brought forward, $13,632 13
Paid Fred. L. Fisher, for man and team, 79
hours, at 60 ecnts, $47 40
Lawrence Tisdale, for man and team, 76} hours, at 60 eents, 40 50
Estate of E. F. Talbot, for 1,015 loads of sand, at 12 eents, 121 80
Estate of S. E. Morse, for 70 loads of loam, at 25 cents, 17 50
G. E. Sanborn, for drain pipe, 7 57
234 77
BUILDING TWO CESSPOOLS.
Paid Martin Leyden, for 10 days' work, $20 00
Dennis Higgins, for 7 days' work, 14 00
Estate of S. E. Morse, for 11 areli stone, 7 50
George E. Metealf, for drawing stone,
5 40
Albert Clay, for drawing stone,
3 70
Spear & Smith, for 1,000 briek,
9 50
Spear & Smith, for labor,
10 50
George E. Sanborn, for drain pipe,
7 40
F. A. Fales, for cement,
2 90
SO 90
Paid Samuel D. Kelly, for plans, $160 00
Tyler Thayer, for superintending the build- ing, 150 00
Tyler Thayer, for laying out eellar and grading lot,
100 00
410 00
$14,357 80
Appropriation,
11,000 00
Balance due the Committee,
$3,357 80
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF THE DISTRICT POLICE, COMMONWEALTH BUILDING. BOSTON, MASS., February 25, 1893.
H. T. ATWOOD, EsQ.,
Chairman of School Committee,
Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir: I have made a partial examination of the new Guild School house, at Norwood, and find the heating and ventilation to be excellent. There is a full supply of pure fresh air furnished, and the foul air is removed without un- comfortable draughts. The heating apparatus appears to be fully adequate to warm the building in the coldest weather. The temperature of the rooms is very uniform. The sanitary closets are excellent.
The building not being fully occupied at this time, I am unable to give you a full report; but will say, I am satisfied this is the best ventilated and heated building in your town, and you may be proud of it as a model schoolhouse. I con- sider the money spent by your town in the construction of this building as well and economically expended.
Very respectfully yours, JOSEPH A. MOORE, State Inspector of Factories and Public Buildings.
TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. NORFOLK, SS.
To either Constable of the Town of Norwood, in said County,
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Norwood, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet in Village Hall, in said town, on Monday, the sixth day of March next, at nine o'clock A. M., then and there to act on the following articles, viz .: --
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderater to preside in said meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To choose all necessary town officers for the year ensuing.
ARTICLE 3. Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town ? The check list shall be used, and the vote shall be " Yes" or "No" in answer to the question.
ARTICLE 4. To hear and act on the report of the Audi- tors on the Selectmen's, Treasurer's, Collector's, and Water Commissioners' accounts.
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ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will aeeept of the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen, and posted as required by law.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the town will authorize the Col- lector of Taxes to use the same means as a Town Treasurer may use when acting as Collector.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the town will fix the time within which taxes assessed therein shall be paid, and authorize the Colleetor to charge interest at the rate of seven per cent. or less a year on all taxes remaining unpaid at that time.
ARTICLE 8. To see what compensation the town will allow for the collection of taxes.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Seleetmen, to borrow money in anticipation of taxes for the ensuing year, and to issue notes of the town therefor. The debts inenrred under the authority of this vote are hereby made payable from said taxes.
ARTICLE 10. To hear and act on the reports of com- mittees.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the support of the Publie Library.
ARTICLE 12. To see what action the town will take towards providing a building for the Public Library, and raise and appropriate or borrow money for the same.
ARTICLE 13. To see what disposition the town will make of money received for dog lieenses.
ARTICLE 14. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the prosecution of illegal sales of liquor, and agree on a manner of expending the same.
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ARTICLE 15. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars for the use of George K. Bird Post, No. 169, Grand Army of the Republic, for the purpose of decorating soldiers' graves on Memorial Day.
ARTICLE 16. To see what action the town will take in regard to the unexpended appropriations of 1892.
ARTICLE 17. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the support of the Fire Department the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 18. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the support of schools the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 19. To see what smm of money the town will raise and appropriate for the teaching of music in the public schools.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or borrow the amount of money expended by the Guild School Building Committee above the appropriation voted in 1892, or take any other action in the matter.
ARTICLE 21. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the repairs of highways.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the town will accept of Rock Hill Avenue, so called, leading west from Washington Street, near the house of Frank Evans, as laid out by the Selectmen, and raise and appropriate money to build the same.
ARTICLE 23. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for widening Winter Street from Walpole Street to Highland Cemetery, or any portion thereof.
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