USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1852-1874 > Part 2
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Robert Moore,
25
$51 00
Paid E. A. Allen, Medical atttendance on John Hays, . . $10 25
Total, .
$107 50
Recapitulation.
Paid for Schools, . . $2,884 64
6 Roads and Bridges, .
49 47
66 " Surveyors of Highways,
1,543 67
66 " Town Expenses,
280 66
66 " Funeral Expenses, ·
101 24
66 Town Officers and Committees,
313 87
66
" Law-suit vs. Hiram Wild, .
516 32
66
" Town Paupers,
1,182 82
" State Paupers, . .
699 72
' Other Towns' Paupers,
98 41
66 Medical Attendance on Paupers,
107 50
Total, . . $7,778 32
ZENAS FRENCH,
SELECTMEN ISAAC TOWER, OF
BRADFORD L. WALES, RANDOLPH.
RANDOLPH, MARCH, 1852.
·
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REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDING SCHOOL COMMITTEE, OF
THE TOWN OF RANDOLPH,
1851-52.
DURING the past year, the several schools under the supervision of your Committee, have been in operation as usual ; and the advance- ment in learning in the schools, has given them general satisfaction. Though the doings of the Prudential Committees of some of the dis- tricts, were not so communicative to the Superintending Committee as would result in general benefits, still, all of the schools are onward.
DISTRICT NO. 1.
Proportion of school money, $284 47; number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 101.
The summer term of this school commenced with a slight prejudice, of a small portion of the district, against the Prudential Committee. This prejudice was based upon no good cause; and as the school terms advanced and closed, sufficient evidence was visible to your Committee, for their continuance of that opinion.
The first part of this term was under the teaching of Miss Harriet P. Tinkham. The school seemed promising at its commencement, but, after a few weeks' continuance, general complaints were made of her inattention to the scholars ; and upon investigation, one of your Committee, on visiting the school, offered her such advice as he thought was pertinent to the complaints, which very evidently was effective, as. she used different means for governing, and applied her- self more strictly to the management immediately after. This change of management did not satisfy the district ; for not only the scholars, but some of their parents, became more and more clamorous; so much so, as to induce the Prudential Committee to close the school at the end of fourteen weeks; which was done without the knowledge of your Committee. The sudden close of the school aroused a feeling
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in the district, which caused a meeting to be called for investigation- an incident for the mirthful-for it appeared at the meeting, that those persons who were the most clamorous against Miss Tinkham while teaching, were of the first and foremost for her to commence the school again. The district, at the meeting, instructed their Pruden- tial Committee to offer Miss Tinkham a continuance of the school, which was done; and after the lapse of a little time Miss Tinkham refused. The precise advancement of the school, during this term, your Committee are unable to report. They are of opinion, however, from their limited knowledge, and such knowledge of the district as they thought was to be relied on, there was advancement among some of the scholars.
. The school then was put under the instruction of Miss Emeline Meacham, and was conducted, for the short term of eight weeks it was under her care, in a manner which gave general benefit to the pupils.
The winter term of this school was taught by Mr. Thomas B. B. Brown. It commenced December 1, and closed February 16. The school was suddenly closed, without the least preparation for an exam- ination, giving your Committee and visitors an opportunity of witness- ing its precise condition and advancement. During the eleven weeks' continuance, the scholars were very studious ; and at the close, there seemed to be a spirit of general interest and energy manifested by them, which, if continued, must eventually elevate them to a high standard in learning.
One class of new beginners, in the first steps in numbers, com- menced the book at the commencement of the school, and advanced perfectly to the 46th page.
Another class, quite large in numbers, commenced Smith's Arith- metic, and advanced as far as the 132d page. The teacher promised to be responsible that every scholar of the class would solve any sum preceding the mentioned page. Your Committee promiscuously se- lected some of the most intricate sums within the page, and assigned them to the scholars of the class, all of which they very readily solved. Much credit is due this class for their thoroughness in frac- tions.
Other classes, in other Arithmetics, were equally as successful in advancing, especially the class of two in Greenleaf's National. Map drawing was practiced by some of the scholars. Interesting compo- sitions were read by most of the grammarians.
DISTRICT NO. 2.
Proportion of school money, $220 57 ; number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 53 ; number attending school in summer, 61 ; average attendance in summer, 44 ; number attending in winter, 46 ; average attendance in winter, 37.
The summer term of this school commenced April 23, and closed September 25. It was taught by Miss Louisa Keith. The scholars attending this term were quite young, 8 of the number did not average 32 years of age; and only 8 had arrived to the age of 12. The teacher was very active and laborious. The scholars made good ad- vances, particularly those who commenced the school in the alphabet.
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Geography, as a study with some of the largest scholars, seems to have become almost obsolete. Your Committee are of opinion, that reviewings and repetitions with students are not generally very injurious. Considerable credit is due a class of young females for their rapid advances in algebra.
The winter term was taught by Mr. Robert P. Capen. It com- menced December 1, and closed February 27. Mr. Capen was appar- ently slow in his management, and somewhat relaxed in his government. Notwithstanding, the scholars did not fail to learn. At the closing examination, the reading and spelling was very commendable ; some beautiful specimens of penmanship were exhibited, which perhaps have not been surpassed in any of the schools. A class in Colburn's Arithmetic reviewed twenty or thirty pages rapidly, and did not miss.
A class in Greenleaf's Introduction solved some intricate questions upon the black-board, given them by the Committee, much to their credit. A class of young ladies advanced from the 128th to the 278th page in Day's Algebra. Questions to solve on the black-board were allotted them by the Committee, which were readily performed with extraordinary rapidity. The same class of girls made rapid strides in physiology. Your Committee are of opinion, that no schol- ars in all the schools are entitled to more credit, for thoroughness of knowledge in these two branches, than are these classes. Geography, compared with the former standing of this school, has, in a great measure, fallen away. The grammarians made respectable progress. No compositions.
DISTRICT NO. 3.
Proportion of school money, $269 83 ; number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 90 ; number attending school in summer, 98 ; average attendance, 68 ; number attending in winter, 96; average attendance, 68.
There is decidedly too many scholars in this district, for the advan- tageous cultivation of any one teacher ; neither is there room enough in the school-house to conveniently seat all the scholars, were they all present at the same time. Your committee deem it necessary that some new arrangement, relative to the school-house and school teachers, be soon adopted by the district. Since writing the above, report says that all necessary arrangements are being mnade, which will obviate the trouble before mentioned.
The summer term commenced May 12, and closed October 17. The school was taught by Miss Louisa Brett. Soon after its com- mencement, Miss Brett found it impossible for her to give due atten- tion to all of the scholars; consequently, Miss Hannah Spear was employed as an assistant, who took charge of most of the small scholars for a time.
At the closing examination your Committee were of opinion, that no class of readers, in any of the schools, had made more improvement than the first class, particularly in tone, punctuation and articulation. Considerable credit is due both to the teacher and scholars.
The alphabet class had advanced to monosyllables. Good advance- ment was made both in geography and grammar.
The winter term was taught by Mr. Levi Z. Thomas, which
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commenced December 27, and closed February 27. Mr. Thomas must have labored under embarrassment; for by his register, it appears that there was not a scholar attending, that had not been either tardy or absent during the term. This school, at the close, bore a good examination in reading, geography, arithmetic and book-keeping. One class of young men passed nearly through Greenleaf's National Arithmetic, and solved several intricate miscellaneous questions upon the black-board, given out to them by your Committee. Your Com- mittee feel incompetent to make full report of the progress of this school, on account of so many scholars, about one-third, being absent at its close.
DISTRICT NO. 4.
Proportion of school money, $200 60 ; number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 38 ; number attending school in summer, 45 ; average attendance, 35 ; number attending in winter, 49 ; average attendance, 35.
The summer term was taught by Miss Mary P. Churchill. It com- menced May 7, and closed September 27. The average attendance of this school is greater than any other school in town, being only four less than the census. This school made general progress in all the branches taught. The teacher soon succeeded in gaining the affec- tion and confidence of her scholars. She had perfect control of them all. A class of grammarians first commenced the study at the com- mencement of the school, and advanced nearly through Smith's Grammar. At the close, they parsed simple sentences very well. Some writings were neatly executed, evincing good improvement.
The winter term commenced December 1, and closed March 4. It was taught by Mr. William S. Clark, who did not fail in obtaining the confidence of his scholars. Rapid advances were made in most of the branches taught. The grammar class, which commenced in the summer, continued through this term much to their credit.
Compositions were not neglected; many original specimens were given, and some of them quite pithy. They made a general onslaught of neighborhood dissipation. They wounded the politician, reeled the yarn of the tattler, and cast away its contents. They buried the drunkard,-and all were unanimously determined on having a new school-house. Perhaps no school, of equal advantages, has done better than this.
DISTRICT NO. 5.
Proportion of school money, $223 23 ; whole number of scholars between five and fifteen years of age, 55 ; number attending in summer and winter, 67; ave- rage attendance, 44.
This school was instructed by Mr. George F. Britton, both summer and winter. It was partially conducted in two terms, or it had one vacation. It commenced April 14, and closed March 9 following. During this space of time the school was in progress eight months. Your Committee were not informed of the close of the first term or vacation, consequently they were not present at that time. They can only report the school as one term. They are of opinion that advance-
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ment was made in all the branches taught. In writing, there was decidedly great advancement. Mr. Britton, at the closing examination, seemed somewhat relaxed, and the school did not manifest that degree of activity in their recitations as did some of the other schools. The scholars appeared pretty efficient in some of the branches taught; but in their habits or manner of recitation, they were deficient. This school needs to be aroused into new life and energy. There is no lack of intellect in the scholars. The school-house is decidedly the best in the town. It is on an elevated site, well arranged for ventila- tion ; and its walls are high.
DISTRICT NO. 6.
Proportion of school money, $289 80 ; whole number of scholars between five and fifteen years of age, 105 ; number attending in summer, 112; average attend- ance, 74 ; number in winter, 76 ; average, 47.
The summer term of this school was taught by Mr. Benjamin Dick- erman, Jr. This school commenced April 14, and closed October 31. On the commencement of this school, and at the first visit your Com- mittee made, there were ten scholars in one class in the alphabet; only one of which told all the letters that were asked. There were nine in another class, who read by telling the letters of words of one syllable, and in spelling words of the same reading once through the class, only four words were spelled. Mr. Dickerman must have labored in carrying through the term his extensive arrangements commenced at the beginning. At the closing examination, the scholars evinced a goodly degree of studiousness. The classes in reading and spelling made respectable advances, particularly the small or least advanced classes mentioned at the commencement. Recitations in grammar, geography and arithmetic, were good. A class in algebra, consisting of young ladies, made very good progress A class in Manual of Morals and Philosophy deserve great credit for strength of memory in their recitations. This class excels all other schools in these branches.
The winter term commenced December 1, and closed as per register February 6. This school term was under the instruction of Mr. Wil- liam Woodsum. Your Cominittee visited the school at the commence- ment, as usual; other than this they know nothing of its advancement, excepting by the return register. The school closed without any notice to your Committee. The teacher, on returning his register, asked whether it was his or the Prudential Committee's duty to notify. The answer he received was, that it might be the duty of both.
DISTRICT NO. 7.
Proportion of school money, $200 60 ; whole number of scholars between the ages of five and fifteen, 38 ; number attending in summer, 38 ; average attendance, 21 ; number attending in winter, 37 ; average attendance, 25.
The summer term commenced May 6, and closed October 2. It was under the instruction of Miss Sarah F. Sawin. Though she bore a good examination, yet during the first part of her service she did not please your Committee in her management. This being the first
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commencement of her school-teaching, suitable allowances were made her on that account. She however impressed your Committee, that her services as a teacher would eventually be valuable. Soon after her commencement of the school, some of the scholars left for rea- sons unknown to your Committee, which reduced the number of scholars in the school considerable. Those who remained in the school, consequently had more service bestowed on them; and as the teacher advanced in her school, she rapidly improved in her manage- ment; which continued to be more and inore advantageous, to the end. At the closing examination, there was decided evidence of im- provement in the scholars as well as in the teacher.
The winter term commenced December S, and closed February 24. It was under the instruction of Mr. P. B. Goodsell, who made new life and interest in the school. It is to be regretted that he was obliged to leave the school so soon. His course of teaching was different from most teachers. In questioning, he had no text-book questions, but gave such as naturally flowed from his mind at the time. The school advanced rapidly for the time Mr. Goodsell was in it. In spelling the small scholars, he taught them to make continued repeti- tions, until they became familiar with the word, and could pronounce it with ease. Good advances were made in all the branches taught.
DISTRICT NO. 8.
Proportion of school money, $501 49; whole number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 264 ; upper department, whole number of scholars, 1st term 71, 2d term 62, 3d term 55 ; average attendance, Ist term 52, 2d term 52, 3d term 42 ; middle department, whole number of scholars, 1st term 81, 2d term 91, 3d term 83; average attendance, Ist term 56, 2d term 70, 3d term 61 ; lower department, whole number of scholars, Ist term 116, 2d term 140, 3d term 106; average attendance, Ist term 65, 2d term 55, 3d term 61.
The different departments of this school commenced April 7, and closed November 7. The upper, or grammar department, was taught by Mr. Thomas B. B. Brown. Mr. Brown commenced the school under some embarrassment, knowing from actual strife that a portion of the district were opposed to a man's school under any circumstances. This dilemma, in which Mr. Brown was placed, caused no visible delirium to him or the school. He evinced a deep interest in the advancement of his school, and at the close your Committee had the satisfaction of witnessing the fruits of his labor. A radical change was wrought in every branch of his teaching. He did not permit his scholars to advance with so much rapidity as scholars are gen- erally accustomed to, but systematized them in every particular. His aim was to have them understand what they practiced. . The advancement of this school was not any greater than some other schools, but his thoroughness excelled all other schools. This school advanced in grammar, arithmetic and geography. Map draw- ing was practiced very successfully. Many very interesting composi- tions were read by the grammarians.
The middle department was taught by Miss Cara B. Wales. This school, at its commencement, was very rude; the scholars did not give due attention to the addresses of the teacher, and seemed to have
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wandering looks about the school-room, as if they had nothing to do. The school was large in numbers, and much labor was needed to be done. Miss Wales aroused new energy, sparing no pains to secure the control of her school, which she very soon accomplished. At the close, the examination was encouraging to your Committee ; more ad- vancement was made during the school terms than they had reason to expect. The school excelled in geography, reading and spelling ; no teacher had better respect to their addresses, by their scholars, than had Miss Wales.
Lower department. This juvenile school was under the instruction of Miss A. F. Packard. In point of numbers it excelled every other school in town, its greatest number of scholars being 116. This school affords a pleasing variety of stature and tone. You may see, in the same alphabet class, the child of three and the boy of thirteen ; one stretching up to see with all his might, the other bending to get sight of the letter. Miss Packard's labors were excessive and un- ceasing. Though her numbers were large, she maintained good order and appropriate behavior through the whole term. Her scholars were neat and tidy. Good advancement was made in her school. One or two classes advanced far enough, and entered the middle school. Credit is due Miss Packard for her composure during the school term.
DISTRICT NO. 9.
Proportion of school money, $275 16; whole number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 94 ; upper department, number of scholars in summer, 61; average attendance, 50 ; number in winter, 65 ; average attendance, 59; lower de- partment, number in summer, 41 ; average attendance, 35; number in winter, 61 ; average attendance, 38.
Your Committee, on consulting the Prudential Committee, divided this school into two departments. The upper department of the sum- mer term commenced May 5, under the instruction of Miss Julia A. French. The lower, or juvenile department, commenced at the same time of the upper department, under the instruction of Miss Mary H. French. It is to be regretted that the notes of your Committee, con- taining the doings of these schools, were by accident so much defaced as to make them unintelligible ; consequently, recollection only can take their place. So far as the mind of your Committee contain the doings, the departments at the closing examinations were very satisfac- tory, evincing a goodly degree of improvement and general interest. A class of young ladies, in the upper department, made good advance- ment in algebra, much to the credit of the teacher as well as to them- selves. The school improved in grammar, geography, arithmetic and composition.
The winter term of the upper department commenced November 9. and closed March 2. It was under the instruction of Mr. A. Howard Flint. Mr. Flint cultivated a kind and courteous feeling towards his scholars, which was heartily responded to by them. His labors during the term were very arduous. Excepting district No. 4, the average attendance of the scholars, in proportion to the whole number, is greater than any of the schools, only falling six short of the whole
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number. A large number were neither tardy nor absent during the term. At the closing examination, the school evinced more than a due proportion of studiousness ; their recitations were nearly perfect. According to the register, a number of the scholars had not recited an imperfect lesson during the whole term ; many had neither been ab- sent nor tardy. This school has done as well as any of the schools.
The winter term of the lower, or juvenile department, commenced December 1, and closed March 2. This department was under the tuition of Miss Mary H. French, both summer and winter. Miss French was very. attentive to her scholars, and particular in. her government, in which she has been very successful. In this depart- ment not only reading and spelling is taught, but geography and arithmetic. In reading, one class had advanced to the Introduction of the Common School Reader. In spelling, an exercise was prac- ticed differently from any of the other schools, which was this ;- every scholar selected his word, and arose in his seat and spelled. This exercise had very good effect in rivalry amongst the scholars mentioning and spelling the most difficult words. One class in Mitchell's Primary Geography, another in Smith's which commenced map questions, had advanced to part third.
DISTRICT NO. 10.
Proportion of school money, $256 52; whole number of scholars from five to fifteen years of age, 80; grammar department, number attending in summer, 78; average attendance, 42; number attending in winter, 77 ; average attendance, 37; juvenile department, number attending in summer, 43; average attendance, 37; number in winter, 46 ; average attendance, 35.
Your Committee, soon after the commencement of this school, recommended a division, by taking out those of seven and under.
The grammar department was under the tuition of Miss Charlotte W. Sampson, who continued teaching through both summer and win- ter terms. The summer term commenced April 28, and closed Sep- tember 13. The winter term commenced September 22, and closed January 2. The scholars of this school are the least regular in attendance of all the schools, averaging but a trifle over 50 per cent. Miss Sampson must have been embarrassed in her classes on account of it. The school suffers severely on account of irregular attendance and a want of a more steady co-operation of parents with teachers. Miss Sampson managed the school pretty well, though at intervals she was a little relaxed in government. At the closing examination of the terms, the school appeared well, evincing a general improvement in most of the branches taught. Very good compositions were recited, much to the satisfaction of your Committee, and very creditable to the composers and the teacher.
The juvenile or primary school, summer term, commenced May 12, and closed September 16. The winter term commenced September 22, and closed January 2. The summer and winter terms were both under the tuition of Miss Mary T. Beal, who taught in the Baptist vestry. Miss Beal has a remarkable faculty of securing the attention of little children; no more so than she has ability of imparting to them the requisite instruction. This school has never before been
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divided, consequently this division, to many of the district, must appear rather experimental.
Your Committee, viewing the accommodation of the school-house insufficient for all the scholars, thought it not amiss to order the division. During the visits of your Committee while the school was in progress, and at the examination, abundant evidence was made manifest of the advantageous result.
In some of the schools the least advanced classes were taught by the more advanced female scholars. This arrangement of teach- ing is not general in the schools, though some of the teachers have been permitted to indulge in it as an assistance to them. Your Com- mittee view this course rather advantageous to the scholar assistant, more especially so if the scholar assistant is ever expecting to become a teacher of common schools. Some complaints have been made to your Committee of the partiality which some of the teachers manifested towards a few of their scholars. This complaint your Committee are of an opinion, arises principally from scholars not so far advanced as those of the higher classes, and abides in the ambitious parents who are unwilling to wait the proper lapse of time necessary for their children to come forward. It is very evident that scholars the most advanced, and having the largest amount of studies, would interest teachers more than scholars less advanced, with less studies. There- fore all scholars of high attainment and good behavior, will, at the close of their school education, be received with more interest by teachers, than at the earlier part of their school attendance. Therefore let parents wait until their children arrive upon this advanced stage of education, when theirs, as well as others, will enter into this par- tiality.
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