USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1852-1874 > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
.
53
the reach of the town, and they would respectfully submit that it could be arrived at by a small additional appropriation to the sum donated by the will of Mr. Stetson. Then elevate the studies there, to a higher grade than those taught in our gran- mar schools ; let the higher English branches be pursued, and the classics taught thoroughly. Erect also a Female department in the same school for the more advanced, and provide a female assistant to the head master. In fine, make it what it should be, a "High School." This would require no change of teacher nor more room than is contained within the walls of the present " Stetson Hall." If these few remarks should call the attention of the Town to this subject beneficially, then would the committee feel repaid for any criticisms they may draw upon themselves, by this apparent departure from what some might consider the strict line of their duty.
In their visits upon many of our schools, your conimittee have noticed that too much attention is paid to mere exercise of mem- ory, and it may be, in some cases, too little to the exercise of the mind, as such. In the study of geography and spelling, the memory, perhaps, more than any other faculty is called into re- quisition. In mathematics and other kindred studies, the reason- ing faculty is more enlisted. When both are unnecessarily called into use, at the same time, each suffers. This truth is perfectly illustrated when a child is called to his recitation, and a question in Colburn's Mental Arithmetic, embracing a number of distinct propositions, is given out. The scholar is first re- quired to repeat the entire question without the aid of the book. This is a simple act of the memory. After this commences the arithmetical sylogism. Soon the memory fails under the 'effort to reason, and reason falters in its attempt to draw memory along with it. The child, confused in this double task, fails altogether, and becomes disheartened, and perhaps disgraced in school. If the recitation in arithmetic is to strengthen the memory alone, Geography, Spelling, or some similar branch should be substitu- ted ; if it is to exercise the reasoning faculties of the pupil, he should recite with the text book in his hand, where no answers
54
are given. He can then reason much better, not being per- plexed by carrying on uselessly two mental operations at the same time. Itis not to be expected, nor is it desirable that Colburn's Mental Arithmetic should be committed to mem- ory ; it is all sufficient that its problems are understood and solved.
Again, in grammar ; no member of a grammar class should be suffered to use an ungrammatical sentence when making any remark, in school or out of school, within the hearing of the teacher. Bad grammar is often the result of bad example, and soon becomes a habit. Here, instant and persistent corrections by the teacher are indispensable. The same remarks are true with regard to faulty pronunciation, and other vulgarisms. All should be corrected by the teacher as soon as they meet the ear, and upon the spot where they occur.
The appropriations of money for the support of schools is in the hands of the town. The table at the end of this report exhibits the amount of the various appropriations, and the sums expended by ycur committee. By reference to that table it will be seen that the committee have confined themselves within the sums allowed them. They have been able to employ good teachers, but not in every instance to retain them. We have already lost a very valuable teacher, who leaves us for a salary of $1000 per annum; but are in hopes of retaining the others, at least for the present. So long, however, as our neighboring towns exceed us in the liberality of their school appropriations, and by the offer of a larger salary entice our teachers from us, we shall be constantly subjected to the great injury resulting from' a change of teachers.
The price of everything is regulated by the demand. If we are too poor, as a town, to retain good teachers, it is a misfor- tune which we must submit to with Christian resignation. If the failure to continue them results from any other cause, it is a disgrace. If we can retain our present excellent teachers by the wages we have given them during the past year, no greater than the last school appropriation will be needed. The sum thus set
.
·
55
aside by the town for the education of its youth has enabled your committee to furnish, during the year, schooling in the
Primary and Intermediate Departments for the space of 38 weeks In the Grammar or High Schools, . 40
No. of schools in Summer, 20
66 66 " Winter, .
21
Teachers employed, 22
The sum appropriated by the town for each child between five and fifteen years of age, $1 81.5
Appropriated last year, .
4 84
Average appropriation in Norfolk County, 7 87
· through the State, .
6 34
In some of our schools there is a total deficiency of the ne- cessary apparatus of a school room. In each, there should be either outline maps or globes ; in some, setts of geometrical solids, and in all, many of those simple inventions of modern times, so admirably calculated to assist the student in his pursuit of knowledge. Feeling greatly the want of these things, your committee have included them in their table of estimates here- with presented.
Your committee cannot conclude this report without calling the attention of the town to the propriety of having our differ- ent school buildings designated by some appropriate names, such as the wisdom and taste of our citizens may suggest. Now that our districts are abolished, there is no concise way of .refer- ing to them. At present when speaking of them, we are obliged to recognize districts that »do not exist, or indicate them by a description of their locality.
By giving to each a suitable name, this inconvenience can be remedied, and an opportunity given to the town of perpetuating the memory of some important event, or name honored within its limits.
A. LORING CUSHING, ORAMEL WHITE,
School
ISAAC TOWER, Committee.
56
Personal .- The undersigned, members of the School Com- mittee, learn with deep regret the determination of their es- teemed associate, Oramel White, Esq., not to suffer himself again to be presented for re-election to this board. In parting with him we cannot but look back with pleasure upon the long time he has been with us, assuming cheerfully a great share of the manifold duties of our office ; and with sorrow that we and the town are about to lose the benefit of his services.
The duties of a member of the school committee are not light, nor always pleasant ; nor even in a pecuniary sense remu- nerated. But if ever zeal in a noble cause, fidelity and untiring industry in the discharge of imposed duties, can be rewarded by a consciousness of having done to the extent of his ability, and by abundant evidence of resultant good, then must our colleague take with him in his retirement full recompense.
A. LORING CUSHING, ISAAC TOWER.
TEACHERS' REPORT.
To the School Committee of the Town of Randolph :
Gentlemen,-The following is, I believe, a correct report of the state of the Grammar and High School, in the 9th District, during the year just closing.
I. SCHOOL AT THE OPENING OF THE YEAR.
No. of Scholars,. 44
At the opening of the term, May, 1859, the school was very chaotic in its character. It was made up of the regular public school, of a private school, and of those who had attended neither. Consequently, it was impossible to so classify the school as to do impartial justice to pupils more advanced, and no injustice to those less advanced, in the several branches.
'There were several divisions in Arithmetic. These were reduced to two. There were also as many separate divisions in Algebra. These, in like manner, were reduced to two classes. Pupils from a number of classes in Latin were put into the same class. The same condensation was effected in other departments.
But the scholars felt the want of facilities which could be offered in no other way than by a still more vigorous re-arrange- ment. In the course of the next term, however, unfinished text books were completed, and other odd ends of the school out-grown, leaving a somewhat more open field of action.
58
II. DURING THE YEAR.
There have been classes in Astronomy, Higher and Interme- diate Geography, and in English Analysis. These studies have been completed.
Composition .- Since May, the members of the school have written 576 compositions. The topics were assigned them.
Declamations .- In the same time, there have been 272 declamations. "In addition to these, there have been other gen- eral exercises.
III. PRESENT CONDITION OF SCHOOL.
No. Scholars, . 54
No. over fifteen years of age,. 30
No 66 under twelve 0
The following is a list of the studies of the present term, and the number of pupils in each division :
THIRD CLASS.
Arithmetic,. 17
History,
14
History,
5
Grammar, .
18
Reading and Spelling, 18
Latin, (first lessons),
10
SECOND CLASS.
Arithmetic,. 10
Arithmetic, .
15
Algebra,
19
Grammar,
13
Reading and Spelling,
12
Book Keeping,
12
Latin, (Cæsar)
13
FIRST CLASS.
Geometry, .
6
Latin, (Virgil,) 3
At the commencement of the present term it was very prop- erly thought by the committee, that the advanced character of the classes and their number demanded more time than could be given by a single teacher ; and Miss M. E. Lincoln was, accord- ingly, engaged as an assistant teacher. Full justice is now being done the various branches taught, and there can be no necessity, as heretofore, of children leaving to attend schools in other towns. Under the present arrangement one entering the school,
59
and stopping a certain length of time, can complete a regular course of study.
The committee will allow me to suggest, that the present Grammar and High School is but an experiment, and is being tried with a good deal of hazard. If the standard of the school is kept where it now is by not allowing scholars to pass from a lower to a higher grade till properly qualified, the school may become a flourishing one. If, on the other hand, classes are pressed forward from the lower schools, scholars that are advanced, and now members of the school, will continue, as in past years, to leave town to enjoy privileges that are found in other towns.
During the present term there are in school fourteen distinct classes. There will be no less the coming term. And if any arrangement be made whereby classes are multiplied, by the admission of young scholars, the consequence will be that ad- vanced classes will be curtailed. Any such result would be a positive detriment to the town, and disastrous to the present experiment of High and Grammar Schools.
The above is very respectfully submitted.
T. FLORIAN CURRIER, Teacher.
To the School Committee, & c.
When I took charge of this 'school one year ago, I divided the classes as equally as possible, giving the assistant one half and retaining the other half myself. The division which was then made has been continued till the present time, and the scholars thereby have enjoyed the privilege of reciting to the same teacher during the entire year. A plan of instruction was at that time formed, the beneficial results of which are becoming every day more apparent ; for all educational plans require more or less time for their full development, and a year at least is necessary to thoroughly test any experiment.
While the other studies of the school have not been neglected,
60
especial attention has been given to Grammar, which we believe can be successfully taught only in schools where the system is permanent. For in acquiring a knowledge of that important science and art, the young 'mind must be led on slowly, surely, and systematically, and any break in this systematic and pro- gressive course, by a change of method consequent upon a change of teachers, often occasions a loss to the scholar, which it will require months to repair, besides producing a distaste for the study. About half of the scholars under my immediate in- struction are now studying grammar, and there are many more in the school qualified to commence the study, but their irregular attendance defeats every attempt that I can make for their im- provement. Their parents seem to be utterly ignorant of the principles upon which our public schools are founded, and do not consider that every day their children are absent from school, they receive an irreparable injury themselves, and retard the pro- gress of every scholar in the class of which they are members.
Three scholars in school study Latin with good success, and it is hoped, that before the close of another year, another and a much larger class will be formed. No study can be pursued with more profit than Latin, for it gives the scholar a command of language, which can be attained in no other way, and is of the highest value as a disciplinary study.
We have a class of four in Natural Philosophy, but we labor under a great disadvantage in having no apparatus. We have a class of five in Greenleaf's Algebra, a text book, in which. Alge- bra is made no child's play. My first class in Arithmetic, has used, for a text book, "Farrar's Questions." It contains one thousand arithmetical questions, and is designed as a supplement to the Arithmetics, in common use in our schools. It has not a rule or note in it, but leaves the scholar to his own resources, and tests completely his knowledge of Arithmetic. It is thus eminently practical and fixes the principles firmly in the mind. The class have solved, during the past term, two hundred and thirty of the thousand problems with but little assistance from me.
The reading classes except the first class have been under the
61
instruction of Miss Belcher, who has also had the classes in Geography and some of the classes in Arithmetic. I would re- commend, if proper, that the scholars who shall enter the school in future from the intermediate, be examined in the whole of the Primary Geography, the first ten sections of Colburn's Arithme- tic, and in the " Third Reader," and that unless they be familiar with these three books, they be rejected. The school at present, I think, is in good working condition, and if the present system can continue and the same scholars be retained for another year, I have reason to believe that it will become, in fact what it is now in name, a High School,
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM L. THOMPSON.
To the Superintending School Committee :
On assuming the charge of the Grammar and High School in District No. 10, I classified the pupils by actual examination, and reserving as many of the more advanced classes as I could possibly hear, consigned the remainder to the charge of Miss Laura A. Odell, Teacher of the Intermediate Department.
Many members of the classes thus assigned to Miss Odell, were, and are, members of the Intermediate School.
The connection then established between the Grammar and Intermediate Schools still subsists, and seems to be necessary in consequence of many pupils in both schools having advanced farther in some studies than in others.
Although, however, it would seem inexpedient at the present moment to sever the connection between the schools, that con- nection can be severed within the coming year with advantage to both schools.
There are now sent from my room to Miss Odell's, five classes daily, and all'of these classes are made up partly of scholars belonging in the Grammar school, and partly of those belonging in the Intermediate.
62
There are twelve classes that recite to me, and the recitations are so arranged that ten recite daily.
Many of these classes will within six months finish the text books on which they are now engaged. At the opening of the Winter terr, classes can be formed in Latin, Geometry and American History.
The classes now in school are as follows:
1 in Latin, containing. 3 pupils.
1 66 French, 4 66
1
" English Grammar, containing. 14
." Reading, Spelling and defining, containing. 28 66
" Arithmetic, containing, (respectively) .... 4, 11, 6 and 14
3 " Algebra,
3, 4 and 9 60
1 " Geography, 66
· 6
Most of these classes have been larger. For various reasons the school is smaller now than usual. Chief among these reasons is the preference which many parents entertain for send- ing their children to schools nearer home, especially during the winter. I am convinced that the children suffer from this prac- tice. There are not in the smaller schools at the West Corner, Tower Hill, and North Street, advanced scholars in sufficient number to give the schools that tone which a school composed entirely of advanced scholars naturally possesses, nor is there the competition and emulation which belongs to a graded and classed school.
During the past year there has, in my opinion, a very great change for the better taken place in the condition of the school in District No. 10. That which has been learned has in general been well learned, and many of the scholars are now learning things entirely new to them, and therefore possessing for them an interest, which they cannot be made to feel in the old studies of which they have become tired.
I would recommend an examination at the beginning of the Winter term of such scholars as desire to enter the school and that none be admitted who cannot read in the 5th Reader and pass examination in Greenleaf's Common School Arithmetic as far as fractions.
In reference to the arrangement of the school for the Summer and Fall terms, I would recommend that all pupils, now attend-
63
ing any of the smaller schools, from which the Grammar School in District No. 10, receives scholars, and qualified to enter classes actually existing in that school, should be sent to it, and that scholars not so qualified should remain in the schools which they are or may have been attending.
This I recommend in order that the number of classes may not be increased, it being the number of classes and not of scholars which makes work.
All which is respectfully submitted.
WHEELER F. CLARKE.
No. of District.
Term.
Names of
Teachers.
No.Scholars at- tending school.
Average attend-
ance
Per cent. of at-
tendance.
No. attending
ov'r 15 y'rs age.
No.attend'g un-
der 5 years age.
No. schol's who
have not been absent.
Primary and intermediate Departments combined.
65
48
.74
0 0
0
7
I.
Summer, .
Mary E. Belcher, Same Teacher,
44
33
.70
Winter, . .
Primary and intermediate Departments combined. Mary Lewis, -
70
58
.80
0
6
4
II.
Summer,.
Joannah W. Penniman,
62
51
.82
3
4
Winter, .. ..
Primary and intermediate Departments combined: Rachel A. Thayer, Primary Department.
38
28
.73
0
1
1
64
Winter,.
Intermediate Department.
31
29
.93
1
0
G
Rachel A. Thayer, Intermediate Department.
12
34
.80
1
0
1
IV.
Addic Mayhew,
41
33
.80
4
0
6
Summer, .
Sarah R. French, Primary Department.
49
36
.73
0
6
1
Emilie J. Pratt,
35
21
. 60
1
4
2
Summer, Winter, ..
Same Teacher, .
Primary and Intermediate combined.
35
26
.74 .77
0
2
0
V.
Isidora Arnold,
39
30
0
0
0
Winter, . ..
Ella Tower, Intermediate Department.
57
40
.70
1
0
-
50
38
.76
0
0
6
Winter, . .. .,.
Primary Department.
67
53
.79
0
11
0
Summer, . ..
VII.
Winter, ..
Susan J. Dickerman, Same Teacher,
-
57
43
.75
0
5
3
-
-
-
65
51
.78
0
3
1
IĪI.
Summer, .
S. F. Sawin,
-
Winter, .
-
Summer, . ..
VI.
Summer, .
Myra V. Clarke, Isidora Arnold,
2
-
-
-
10
0
3
VIL
Summer, .. ......
Primary and Intermediate Departments combined. Annie M. Thayer, Same Teacher, -
60
53 40
.88 .80
1
0
0
Grammar and High School.
William L. Thomson,
114
79
.70
11
0
0
Hattie A Belcher, Assistant,
99
79
.80
12
0
4
Winter, .. ..
First Intermediate Department.
81
67
.82
0
0
2
Summer, ·
80
55
. 68
0
0
2
Winter, . .
Second Intermediate Department.
64
52
.81
0
0
0
Summer, . ...
59
44
. 74
0
0
0
Winter,.
... .
Primary Department.
82
63
.76
0
5
0
II. M. Roel, -
78
52
.77
1
2
1
Winter, . .
Grammar and High School.
T. F. Currier,
44
37
.84
10
0
5
Mary E. Lincoln, Assistant, S
54
50
.93
29
0
15
Same Teachers,
Intermediate Department.
44
40
.91
0
0
3
Lucinda F. Reed,
50
46
.92
0
0
11
Winter,
Primary Department.
60
47
.78
0
2
0
Summer, .
Mary F. Vining,
47
40
.85
0
2
2
Winter, .. ·
Grammar and High School.
46
38
.82
10
0
()
Wheeler F, Clarke,
54
37
. 69
16
0
4
Laura A. Odell, 1 -
43
37
.86
0
0
1
Summer, . ..
35
30
.86
1
0
2
Winter, .. .
Primary Department.
59
45
.76
0
6
2
Summer,. ..
Winter, . .
Jennette B. Spear, - Same Teacher, -
54
38
.70
0
0
6
-
1
0 1
0
0
50
-
Winter, ..
VIII.
Summer, . ..
-
-
Same Teachers, -
1
Sarah E. Shankland,
Same Teacher,
-
9
IX.
65
Summer, . ..
-
Winter,. .
Summer, .
.. Same Teacher,
1
-
-
Same Teacher,
-
X.
-
Summer, .. Winter, . .
Same Teacher, Intermediate Department.
Same Teacher,
-
·
-
-
Lydia E. White,
Same Teacher,
-
Summer,. ..
Same Teacher,
-
-
66
TABLE OF ESTIMATES FOR REPAIR OF SCHOOL HOUSES, AND FURNISHING THE SAME, GRADING YARDS, AND FOR INCI- DENTAL EXPENSES.
DISTRICT No. 1 .- The cellar under this school house is so wet as to cause the building to decay ; and the fuel stored there is much injured by the water. This can be remedied to a great extent by placing gutters and conductors upon the house, and by banking up around it. For this there will be needed, . $30 00
No. 2 .- The school house needs painting, and yard graded, at an expense of, .. 30 00
No. 3 .- For repairing pump, and some general repairs,. 10 00
No. 4 .- Painting and repairing well and pump,. 50 00
No. 5 .- Cleaning out well and grading, .
10 00
No. 6 .- Repairing well and out-houses, .. 10 00
No. 7 .- Painting, and some general repairs. 35 00
No. 9 .- The new school house is set so low upon the ground, that the cellar is wet ; but can be made compara- tively dry, by a slight change in the conductors, and some banking up. The fence on the street should be painted, and that on each side, and in the rear of the building white-washed. For this will be required ..
No. 10 .- The grounds around the building are so washed by the rains, as to render some grading necessary. They should also be divided in some convenient way for the accommodation of the female schol- ars. All of which can be done for, .......... 75 00
50 00
For seating lower room in new school house at East Randolph, furnishing necessary apparatus for schools, and incidental expenses, .. 600 00
Total,
$900 00
67
TABLE OF APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR 1859-60.
Amount raised for schools, · $6,000 00
State appropriations,
241 50
Sale of salt grass, .
30 50
Interest on Coddington donation,
60 00
Received of the town of Braintree,
Tuition, .
22 85
.6
" Abington,
18 13
66
66
66
" N. Bridgewater, “
22 63
Total,
$6,395 61
Amount expended for schools the past year, including wages of teachers, fuel, [care of school rooms and building fires,
$6,189 01
Balance unexpended,
$206 60
Amount appropriated, at annual Spring Meeting, for the repair of school houses and furnishing the same, and for incidental school expenses,.
$800 00
Sum appropriated by Town at Fall Meeting following, for seating new school house in East Randolph, . .
300 00
Total,
$1,100 00
Amount expended, .
1,039 51
$60 49 Balance unexpended,
68
ENUMERATION OF SCHOLARS IN TOWN, AND NUMBER AT-
TENDING SCHOOL.
Whole number of scholars in Town between the ages of five and fifteen, as returned by the assessors, 1246
Increase since last year, 9.6
SUMMER.
Number of scholars attending school, 1147
Average attendance, 911
Per cent. of attendance, (same as last year), - .80
. Number of scholars attending schools over 15 years of age, 44
Number of scholars attending school under 5 years of age, - 42
Number of scholars between 5 and 15 years of age, not attending school, *185
WINTER.
Number of scholars attending school, 1057
Average attendance, - 817
Per cent. of attendance, - .77
Gain of per cent over last year, .01
Number of scholars attending school over 15 years of age, 73
Number of scholars attending school under 5 years of age, 21
Number of scholars between 5 and 15 years of age not attending school, +284
Number of scholars not absent from school during summer term, 32
Number of scholars not absent from school during winter term, 84
Number of scholars not absent from school during the school year, viz .; 11
FRANCES E. WHITE,
MARY J. AUSTIN,
MARY L. WHITE,
LILLA SHANKLAND,
MARY ELLEN WHITE,
ELEANOR WHITE,
ALICE HUDSON.
FRANK WHITMARSH,
HERBERT WALES,
ZENAS A. FRENCH,
WILLIAM A. KANE,
* From this number is to be deducted the number of scholars attending the Stetson High School and the Private Schools in the West Village.
+ From this number is to be deducted as above.
STETSON SCHOOL FUND.
Complying with the letter donating the " Stetson School Fund" the Trustees submit to the Town their statement of the receipts and expenditures since the last Annual Report, as also the present condition of the Fund, which remains invested in the following Banks, viz :
10 shares Shawmut Bank,
Boston, par value $1000
10
Webster Bank,
1000
10
Eliot Bank,
6.
1000
10
Hide and Leather Bank,
66
1000
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.