USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1895-1899 > Part 13
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he should not drink in this beauty until it becomes a part of' himself.
Drawing has been started in the High School, but we can as yet call it only a beginning. We hope to see before the end of the year results in design, model and mechanical drawing.
I wish to thank the Superintendent and teachers for their faithful cooperation ; also the Committee for the generons way they have provided materials.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE ROBINSON.
IN GENERAL.
Whether we are attempting too much or not enough in our public schools, there is clearly a difference of opinion among educators. There are many who believe that we are trying to teach so much of so many things that we cannot be thorough enough in our work; that much should be eliminated from the course, and the remainder so correlated as to allow no excuse for superficial teaching. On the other hand, there are those who believe, with President Eliot, that more should be attempted and accomplished, and that the grammar school course especially should be " enlarged and enriched." Which of these extremes is correct, if either, or at just what point between the truth may lie, we shall not presume to say. Time and the tendency of our institutions under faithful guidance to best subserve the public welfare will disclose the solution.
Whether we teach many subjects or few is of secondary importance to the question whether we are teaching the chil- dren good manners and morals, good citizenship, and self- reliance in thought and study. It is not our business to teach subjects, but to educate children. If we do strengthen the minds of our pupils and upbuild character, if we do train
143
them so that they know how to study and how to think, then it is really a matter of little consequence whether they have studied a large number of subjects or not.
Grammar school work and training should of course con- stitute a thorough preparation for entrance to the High School. It should also be a well-rounded and complete course in and of itself. The reason of this is apparent when we consider that a large number of pupils complete their course in the grammar school.
In the lower grades the elementary processes of arithmetic should be thoroughly mastered, and by drill and practice the operations in the fundamental rules should be made so familiar that in skill and certainty the child should become automatic, as it were, in performing them. Reading, writing, geography, spelling and language, in the limited amounts assigned to these grades, also should be thoroughly pursued. System and untiring perseverance and patience on the part of the teacher are required, and until the work is well done the child is not prepared to receive the full measure of advantages awaiting him in the upper grades.
After two years' trial in our schools, we are convinced that we can get more satisfactory results in vertical writing than in the slanting. The writing, even in the primary grades, is remarkable for its neatness and legibility.
The upright system is easy to teach and easy to learn, principally because the positions of body, eyes, hand and pen are all perfectly natural and will be assumed by the pupil with the least possible effort. Almost every primary teacher will admit that a child's first attempts with pen or pencil are nearly perpendicular, and that it is only by long continued admonition that he can be forced to the required slant.
Another reason why vertical penmanship is easy to teach is that pupils can approximate very closely to the perfection of the copy-a thing impossible with the old style except among boys and girls of uncommon ability in mechanical execution. The effect of this possibility upon the minds of
144
children is simply incalculable, and because they can do so well in the new system they are constantly spurred on to attain greater excellence.
We have long wished that the books in our public library were more read by the pupils of our schools, and also that the library contained more books suitable to their age and develop- ment. There are many books that the pupils ought to read and would read if they knew of them, or were directed to them by their teachers. The children could thus be fed with good literature instead of being poisoned with bad, for they will read. Now, if a graded and classified catalogue of such books on various subjects as would be useful for the pupils to read in connection with their studies could be compiled, and a copy of such catalogue be placed in the hands of every teacher, the advantage would be obvious to all. Thus, whether the subject under consideration, and which the teacher may wish to have enlarged upon by outside or supplementary read- ing, were history, biography, geography or science, she could, in a moment's tinte, by referring to the indexed catalogue, direct the pupil to the available book or books on the sub- ject under consideration. With such a guide the teacher would know just where to direct and the pupils where to find. Thus much more might be done to promote a taste for good books, and to bring more closely into cooperation two of the primal factors of educational progress, the public schools and the public library. Such a catalogue we are informed is about to be prepared.
The necessity of physical culture in our schools is more and more every year pressing its claims upon us, and I trust before long some system of calisthenics may be uniformly introduced. There are several systems of school calisthenics, any one of which we could use with profit. In them all hurt- ful movements are eliminated, and all the movements are scientifically adjusted on hygienic principles, and must result, under proper guidance, in an increase of health and physical vigor to the pupils of our schools.
145
In the matter of spelling it has for some time been apparent to the Committee and others that proper results were not being attained. Our graduate could not spell. The cause of this, we believe, is the banishment of the spelling book, and leaving spelling to be taught incidentally. The result of this course here and in other places has been one or two generations of poor spellers. We have, therefore, placed a spelling book in the hands of all the grammar school pupils, believing that a proper study of its lessons will in time develop the ability to spell the words they will after- wards need to write.
The teachers, by their earnest work in the class rooms, their ready and active participation in the teachers' meetings, and by their interest in whatever pertains to the welfare and advancement of the schools, have cooperated with me in my efforts, and I hereby express my thanks to them.
To the School Committee and to the friends and patrons of the schools I express my sincere appreciation for the con- fidence and support so generously accorded.
Respectfully submitted,
H. ALLEN HALSTEAD,
Superintendent of Schools.
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TABLE OF GENERAL STATISTICS.
SCHOOLS.
Whole Number
Enrolled.
Average
Membership.
Average Daily
Attendance.
Percentage of
Attendance.
Number Over
15 Years of Age.
Number Between
8 and 14 Years.
Number Neither
Absent nor Tardy.
High School,
96
86
83
97
74
12
2
Everett Grammar, . 8th grade,
74
71
69
97
22
52
8 00
66
6th
=
48
47
44
93
B
45
7
.6
5th
46
45
43
95
0
46
5
Balch Grammar,
4th, 5th, and 6th grades,
31
28+
27
95
0
31
3
Guild Grammar,
4th grade,
51
49
47
96
0
51
10
Guild Primary, 2d and 3d grades,
50
50
46
93
0
9
S
East Primary,
1st
29
26
25
96
0
1
3
North Primary.
1st grade,
51
49
46
93
0
0
2
66
2d and 3d grades,
53
52
50
96
0
53
5
West Primary,
1st grade,
33
30
29
96
0
0
B
37
35
94
0
31
4
Balch Primary,
1st grade,
47
44
42
95
0
19
6
883
841
791
04
100
508
91
66
51
50
49
97
1
47
8
Mixed 66
43
43
42
97
0
40
5
Mixed "
49
48
45
95
0
46
5
1st grade,
52
47
32
68
0
1
5
.€
2d and 3d grades,
42
41
39
96
0
24
2
.
66
2d and 3d grades,
7tlı
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
To the School Committee of Norwood :-
It is my pleasant duty to again report the High School - pleasant, for I can report real improvement and an encouraging outlook for the future.
A year ago we were cramped for room. The addition to the building not only supplies our present need, but will give adequate accommodations for years to come. The new rooms are large, pleasant and convenient. When I add that the rooms are beautifully furnished, and that our list of reference books has been increased by two copies of the Standard Dictionary and a set of Johnson's Encyclopædia, you can see one reason why the High School building is a pleasanter place than it was last year.
The academy plan of preparing the lessons at home and coming to the school room only to recite, which we were obliged to adopt for twelve weeks until the addition was com- pleted, worked better than many feared; indeed, the faithful, ambitious pupils lost very little. Some, who can never study save when they have to, or whose will power was not equal to their good intentions, did get behind in their work.
During these twelve weeks the work in music had to be omitted ; but as Mr. Misener is at present giving double time to the High School, and the pupils are working with enthusi- asm, I am sure the work in this department will be even better than last year.
A class of twelve was graduated last June, and in Sep- tember a class of fifty was received -forty-eight from our grammar school and two from out of town schools.
148
We have enrolled thus far this year one hundred and thirteen pupils, classified as follows : three special students, taking partial work, five seniors, twenty-two juniors, thirty- one third class, and fifty-two fourth class. The senior class is very small. Of the number who entered the High School nearly three-fourths dropped out during the first half of their course.
The growth of the High School for the past few years has been unusually rapid. September, 1892, there were only fifty-one pupils enrolled; September, 1895, there were one hundred and six.
This increase is not peculiar to Norwood, but is seen --- though to a less extent - all over the State. Free text-books and supplies have made a high school education possible to every ambitious youth ; and a wider range of studies, more attractive school rooms, and a growing sense of the value, not to say necessity, of an education to fit one for the varied duties of life, are bringing four-fifths of our grammar school graduates to the High School. It is true that at present many of these have no intention to finish the course : that some are satisfied with getting their names on to the High School regis- ter. Yet I believe the next few years will see a great im- provement in this respect. The number entering colleges, technical and normal schools, is rapidly increasing, and these all require of their applicants for admission the equivalent of a good high school course.
At the commencement of school in September it was found necessary to start a class in German, although it is with difficulty that a school like ours can with four teachers sustain a two years' course in two modern languages.
After the Christmas vacation, by vote of the Committee, classes were formed in mechanical and free-hand drawing. It is too soon to report results, but the measure is not an experiment. There are few Higli Schools of our grade where drawing has not been taught for years.
149
The per cent. of attendance for the year ending June, 1895, is 97.3; for the fall term just past, 97.4.
The early hour at which we commence and the long dis- tance many have to walk make prompt attendance difficult these short winter days, but there is a commendable effort on the part of the pupils to be on time, and I think the record of this winter will be an improvement on that of last winter.
I wish to express my appreciation of the faithful, efficient work of my assistant teachers. They are giving their best efforts for the good of the school.
In closing, allow me to thank you, members of the School Committee, for your kindly consideration and uniform sup- port, which has added much to the pleasure and efficiency of our work.
Very respectfully, A. C. RUSSELL, Principal.
COURSE OF STUDIES FOR THE NORWOOD HIGH SCHOOL.
TABULAR VIEW.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
YEAR.
TERM.
ENGLISHI.
SCIENTIFIC.
CLASSICAL.
1st.
Fall.
Algebra.
Algebra.
Algebra.
Physical Geography.
Physical Geography.
Physical Geography.
English.
Latin.
Latin.
Winter
Algebra.
Algebra.
Algebra.
and
English History.
English History.
English History.
Spring.
English.
Latin.
Latin.
150
2d.
Fall. Geometry.
Geometry.
Geometry.
French.
French.
Greek.
Rhetoric.
Latin.
Latin.
Winter.
Geometry.
Geometry.
Geometry.
French.
French.
Greek.
Geology and Botany.
Latin.
Latin.
Spring.
Geometry.
Geometry.
Geometry.
French. -
French. Latin.
Latin.
Fall. 3d.
Botany and Geology. Advanced French. Arithmetic. German.
Advanced French or German.
French.
Advanced Mathematics.
Greek.
Latin.
Latin.
Rhetoric or Physiology
Physiology.
Physiology.
Grcek.
Winter. Advanced French. Algebra. German. Physics. Advanced French.
Spring.
Geometry. German.
4th. Fall.
Physics. Astronomy. Advanced German.
Astronomy. Advanced Mathematics, II.
Latin.
Winter.
Chemistry. Advanced German.
Chemistry. Advanced Mathematics, II.
Latin.
Spring.
English Literaturc. Chemistry. Advanced German. English Literature.
Chemistry.
Advanced Mathematics, II. Latin.
French. Greek. Latin. Physics. French. Greek. Latin. Physics.
151
Wednesdays.
1st.
Music.
English.
Elocution.
2d.
Music. Englishı.
Elocution.
Elocution.
4th.
Music. Englislı.
Advanced French or German. Advanced Mathematics. Latin.
Physics.
Advanced French or German. Advanced Mathematics.
Latin. Physics.
Arithmetic.
English Literature.
Grcek Latin. Algebra.
Greek. Latin. Geometry. Greck. Latin.
Civil Government and Political Economy. Greek History. Roman History.
3d. Music. English.
Preparation for graduation.
152
" Knowledge is Power."
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1895,
NORWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, VILLAGE HALL,
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 18,
AT 7.45 O'CLOCK.
PROGRAM.
Chorus. "Bridal Song."
From " The Rose Maiden"
Prayer.
Salutatory. Essay. " A Glimpse of Norwood in 1824."
EMILY A. LEACH.
Declamation. " A Tribute to Lincoln."
LINCOLN D. ROBBINS.
Class History.
E. FLORENCE BERWICK.
Double Quartette. "Now is the Month of Maying."
Thomas Morly
Debate. "Should Massachusetts Adopt the Norwegian System of Licensing ?" Affirmative, ARTHUR F. EVANS. Negative, WILLIS G. JEFFERSON.
Recital. " The Minute Men of '76."
LOUISA C. RHOADS.
Quartette. "The Three Bumble Bees." Arranged by Steele
MESSRS. HALL, SQUIRES, BAGLEY, AND ROYCE.
153
Schiller
Scene from Mary Stuart.
Queen Mary, HARRIET E. DAVENPORT. Queen Elizabeth, ANNA R. ELLIS. Attendants.
Declamation. "The Future of America."
JOHN Q. PETERSON.
Chorus. " The Boys and the Bee." Coldicott
" A Midsummer Night's Dream."
FLORENCE I. KEIBER.
Oration. " Arbitration."
WALTER S. BAGLEY.
Essay and Valedictory. " Knowledge is Power."
CATHARINE L. BIGELOW.
Double Quartette. "The Song of the Shepherdess."
E. N. Anderson
Awarding the .J. C. Lane Medals.
JUDGE J. C. LANE.
Presentation of Diplomas.
WINSLOW FAUNCE, CHAIRMAN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CLASS ODE.
Words by Walter S. Bagley. Music by Emily A. Leach.
The time for parting now is come, Our High School course is o'er; In the halls and in the class-room We must part to meet no more. We think of happy High School days, Of each pleasant, bygone hour, And remember these few words always, That " Knowledge, it is Power."
154
And as I look around the class, On each bright and smiling face, I wonder how the years will pass, When in life each takes his place. From the din of many a hard won fight, From the strife of every day, May each come victorious into light, And to fortune find the way.
PARTING SONG.
Audience please join in the singing. AIR, Auld Lang Syne.
Shall school acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind ? Shall school acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For days of auld lang syne at school, For days of auld lang syne; We'll have a thought of kindness. yet For days of auld lang syne.
We oft have cheered each other's task, From morn to day's decline; But memory's night shall never rest On days of auld lang syne. Etc.
Then take the hand that now is warm, Within the land of thine; No distant day shall loose thy grasp Of days of auld lang syne. Etc.
CLASS OF '95.
Classical Course.
ARTHUR FRED EVANS. WILLIS GROVER JEFFERSON.
155
Latin Scientific Course.
CATHARINE LEIGHTON BIGELOW.
HARRIET ELEANOR DAVENPORT. ANNA RACHIEL ELLIS. EMILY ALDEN LEACH.
English Course.
WALTER SUMNER BAGLEY.
EMILIE FLORENCE BERWICK. FLORENCE IRENE KEIBER. JOHN QUINCY PETERSON. LOUISA CHILDS RHOADS. LINCOLN DIX ROBBINS.
NORWOOD SCHOOL CALENDAR.
The Fall Term begins the Tuesday after Labor Day, which is the first Monday of September. Read down the columns. Italics for leap years only.
The Fall Term
Begins Tuesday, (in different years.) The Fall Terin continues The Fall Term ends Fri- day,
16 wks.
16 wks.
16 wks.
16 wks.
16 wks.
Sept. 7. 15 wks.
Sept. 8. 15 wks.
Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following are holidays.
Dec. 19. Dec. 20. Dec. 21. Dec. 22. Dcc. 23. Dec. 17. Dec. 19.
Christmas week and New Year's week are vacation.
Two weeks vacation.
The Winter Term
Jan. 5.
Jan. 6.
Jan. 7.
Jan. 8.
Jan. 9.
Jan. 3.
Jan. 4.
Begins Monday, The Winter Term (ex- cept in leap year) con- tinues
13 wks.
13 wks.
12 wks.
12 wks.
12 wks.
13 wks.
13 wks.
Washington's Birthday (Feb. 22) is a holiday.
The Winter Term in leap year continues
13 weeks.
13 weeks.
13 weeks.
12 weeks. ,12 weeks.
13 weeks.
13 weeks.
The Winter Term (ex- cept in leap year) ends Friday,
Apr. 3.
Apr. 4.
Mar. 29. Mar. 30. Mar. 31.
Apr. 1.
Apr. 2.
The Winter Term in leap ycar ends Friday,
Apr. 2.
Apr. 3.
Apr. 4.
Mar. 29.
Mar. 30
Mar. 31.
Apr. 1.
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The week beginning with the first Monday of April is vacation.
Sept. 2. |
Sept. 3. Sept. 4. |Sept. 5. Sept 6.
The Spring Term (except in leap year) be- gins Monday,
The Spring Term in leap year begins Monday,
The Spring Term (ex- cept in leap year) con- tinues
10 wks.
10 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
11 wks.
The Spring Term in leap year continues
10 weeks. 10 weeks.
10 weeks. 11 weeks.
11 weeks.
11 weeks. 11 weeks.
The Spring Term) ex- cept in leap year) ends Friday,
June 19. June 20. June 20. June 22. June 23. June 24. June 25.
June 18.
June 19.
June 20.
June 22. June 22.
June 23.
June 24.
TOTAL, 39 WEEKS SCHOOL.
The Summer Vacation (except in leap year) con- tinues
11 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks. 10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
10 wks.
The Summer Vacation in leap year continues
11 weeks.|
11 weeks. 10 weeks.
10 weeks. 10 weeks.
10 weeks. 10 weeks.
The Fall Term
(except in leap year) be- gins Tuesday,
. Sept. 2. Sept. 3.
Sept. 4.
Sept. 5. |Sept. 6. Sept. 7.
Sept. S. Sept. 7.
Sept. 8.
Sept. 2.
Sept. 3.
Sept. 4.
Sept. 5.
Sept. 6.
April 19, Memorial Day (May 30), and June 17th are holidays.
High School Gradua- tion is Tuesday, Everett School Graduation is Wednesday, and promo- tions are the last day of the closing week of school.
[The Spring Term ends the week previous to the entrance examinations at Harvard College, except when the term ends June 18, which is the second week previous.]
157
1
Beginners must enter the Primary Schools at the beginning of the Fall Term.
The Fall Term in leap year begins Tuesday,
Apr. 13. Apr. 14. Apr. 8. Apr. 9.
Apr. 10. Apr. 11. Apr. 12.
Apr. 12.
Apr. 13.
Apr. 144.
Apr. 8.
Apr. 9.
Apr. 10.
Apr. 11.
The Spring Term in leap year ends Friday,
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 second day of March next, at eight o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles, viz. : -
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers. The following are to be chosen by ballot, viz: three Selectmen, who shall be Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, and Surveyors of Highways, one Town Clerk, one Town Treasurer, one Col- lector of Taxes, three Auditors, three Park Commissioners, six Constables, all for one year; one member of the Board of Health for three years, one member of the Board of Health for two years, one member of the Board of Health for one year, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Com- mittee for three years, two Trustees of the Public Library for
159
three years. All Town Officers except as above named are to be chosen for one year. And also upon the same ballot to vote upon the question, "Shall license be granted for sale of intoxicating liquors in the town ? "
ARTICLE 3. To hear and act on the report of the Auditors, on the Selectmen's, Treasurer's, Collector's, Ceme -. tery Commissioners', and Water Commissioners' accounts.
ARTICLE 4. To see if the town will accept of the list of Jurors, as prepared by the Selectmen, and posted as required by law.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will choose a Committee to whom all subjects involving an expenditure of money shall be referred for examination, with instructions to report upon the same to the town. This annual meeting to be adjourned for that purpose.
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 Collector to charge interest at a rate of ten per cent. or less a year on all taxes remaining unpaid at that time.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the town will appropriate two hundred dollars to be expended painting the Pumping Station and the Reservoir fence.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of taxes for the present municipal year, and to issue notes of the town therefor. The debts incurred under the authority of this vote are hereby made payable from said taxes.
160
ARTICLE 10. To hear and act on the reports of Com- mittees.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate money for the support of the Public Library.
ARTICLE 12. To see what disposition the town will make of money received for dog licenses.
ARTICLE 13. 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.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate 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 15. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the support of the Fire Department the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 16. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the support of schools the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 17. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the teaching of music in the public schools.
ARTICLE 18. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for paying the expense of children at the truant school.
ARTICLE 19. To see what action the town will take in regard to the unexpended appropriations of the past year.
ARTICLE 20. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate to convey children living in the outlying districts to the Norwood schools.
161
ARTICLE 21. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to furnish standpipes and to water the streets the present year. .
ARTICLE 22. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for the repairs of highways.
ARTICLE 23. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for setting edgestones and for building concrete walks the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 24. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to be expended grading Foundry Street.
ARTICLE 25. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate for lighting streets the current year.
ARTICLE 26. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appropriate to widen Washington Street as ordered by the County Commissioners.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the town will vote to accept of Davis Avenue as laid out by the Selectmen and raise and appropriate money to build the same.
ARTICLE 28. To see if the town will vote to accept of the extension of Vernon Street from Washington Street to Broadway as laid out by the Selectmen and raise and appro- priate money to build the same.
ARTICLE 29. To see if the town will accept of the widening and relaying out of that portion of East Chapel Street between the location of the Old Colony Railroad and Guild Street as reported by the Selectmen and raise and ap- propriate money for the same.
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