USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1890 > Part 8
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7. Geometric problems suggested by the intersection of lines, angles about a point, and the angles of triangles.
8. Working drawings of Sloyd course.
II. CONSTRUCTION.
Material : clay, card-board, wood, paste, glue.
Tools : of the Sloyd course.
1. Construct forms drawn. Test accuracy of all problems by cutting out and comparing.
2. Continue work of previous grades.
3. Make solids (plinths, pyramids, prisms).
4. Industrial designs in colored paper.
5. First Sloyd course.
.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
NINTH YEAR.
Continuation of eighth grade work.
Simple geometric problems, including tangents, and the construc- tion, areas, and comparisons of quadrilaterals and triangles.
Draw to scale, 34 inch equal 1 foot. Make simple oblique sections.
Draw and construct patterns for solids of given dimensions in connection with problems in arithmetic.
Drawing and construction in clay of forms of historic ornament and architecture.
Industrial designs in colored paper.
Working drawings and tool instruction of Second Sloyd course.
Thus at slight expense the boys receive considerable training of eye and hand, and are taught the use of the T square, triangles, and compasses. Although it is yet early for definite results, the interest and zeal shown by the boys seem to warrant great expectations. We are confident that this addition to our curriculum will prove of more than ordinary advantage. The superintendent and the drawing supervisor are certainly to be congratulated.
In this connection we wish to express our thanks to Mrs. Quincy A. Shaw, through whose kindness and liberality some of the privileges of the North Bennett-street Industrial School, Boston, have been extended to about fifty of our pupils and twenty-four teachers. Since September last, a class of twenty girls from the ninth grade has enjoyed a weekly lesson of two hours in cookery, while twenty-eight boys have received instruction in wood-working -twelve from the eighth grade in Sloyd, and sixteen from the ninth grade in joinery. Your committee venture to hope that the near future will enable us to establish schools of our own in both wood-working and cookery.
It may not be out of place to mention the fact that during July and August a summer school in Sloyd, supported by private subscrip- tion, was held in the basement of the L. V. Bell Schoolhouse, under the direction of Messrs. Morse and Hathaway, two of our grammar principals. The school was composed of four classes of sixteen pupils each, and proved a decided success. Soon after its close the
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
equipment of the school was offered to the city, but upon such condi- tions as thus far to preclude its acceptance.
The sewing department, remaining under the faithful and effi- cient supervision of Mrs. Coffin and Miss Boyd, is in flourishing condition. The work, characterized in general by increased thorough- ness, has gradually been systematized, until our course, if not perfect, has secured the enthusiastic commendation of many authorities from other cities, and has been adopted by Cambridge, Lowell, and Water- town.
In June a public exhibit of the work in sewing and drawing was shown in Bow-street Hall. This attracted much attention, and proved a powerful incentive to the pupils. Too much credit cannot be given superintendent and teachers for their successful management.
The following extracts from the reports of the sewing teachers present a summary of the year's work : -
MRS. COFFIN'S REPORT.
SOMERVILLE, December, 1890. To MR. S. NEWTON CUTLER,
Chairman of Committee on Industrial Education : -
DEAR SIR, - Eight months of the time devoted to sewing last year were used entirely for practice work, two months of that time being given to patching, fine darning, and stocking darning, great skill in this branch being attained in the higher grades, and good work in all. The two months following the May vacation were used in making large articles for the June exhibition. The pupils were not allowed a choice of articles, except in special cases. Each grade was required to make a full-sized duplicate of the small article already made in the practice work. The result proved conclusively that the theory of the system is practical. There were upwards of six hundred articles made, a large proportion showing exquisite work, probably not more than thirty pieces being decidedly poor work.
In September of the present school year, the three lowest grades took up the work assigned them, and are pursuing it with good
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
results. The highest grades, after a short review, have taken new work not previously taught in our schools. This work is measuring and laying tucks accurately. I have given the work almost entirely for the manual training, but, of course, require neat sewing. The measurements are surprisingly correct, and the interest unbounded. I propose to continue the work through the winter according to the schedule made out for each grade.
The work has progressed steadily from the beginning, and the method has increased in favor with the scholar, parent, and teacher.
I would like to call attention to the fact of the steady increase in the number of children to be taught sewing, while there has been no increase of the time devoted to the subject. This growth of numbers is more rapid in some districts than in others, hence there is great disparity in the amount of teaching given. A class of eighteen in one building receives an hour's instruction, while another class of forty receives only three-quarters of an hour. This cannot be avoided under existing conditions. To insure equal privileges to all, I would suggest that some means be found to equalize the classes, many of which are too large to handle well.
Sincerely yours, C. M. COFFIN.
LIST OF ARTICLES MADE IN EACH GRADE FOR THE EXHIBITION.
(Mrs. Coffin's Classes.)
GRADE 4. A pillow-slip by the best sewers.
GRADE 5. Either a pillow-slip or plain apron, by each regular attendant.
GRADE 6. One of the following articles by each member of the class : gathered apron, cotton or flannel skirt, plainly made.
GRADES 7, 8, and 9. Gathered apron, cotton or flannel skirt, corset-cover, children's aprons, infants' skirts, etc., all handsomely
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
trimmed and finished with button-holes and buttons. The trimmings were nearly all made by the pupils, at my suggestion. As a special favor, two pupils made a dress, and four made an infant's dress with yoke, the work on each of these articles being exquisite.
In all, upwards of six hundred articles.
MISS BOYD'S REPORT.
To MR. S. NEWTON CUTLER,
Chairman of Committee on Industrial Education : -
DEAR SIR, - In presenting a report of the work done in my department during the past year, I will first state what the classes have done since the schools opened in September and are now doing.
The fourth grade have finished basting and backstitching, and are to start on overcasting for their next lesson.
The fifth grade have finished overhanding on folded and selvedge edges, reviewed hemming, basting, and back-stitching, and will soon take up darning.
The sixth grade have had running-stitch, gathering, laying, or stroking, gathers, and the setting of gathers into bands. Nearly all the classes in this grade are patching on cotton cloth.
The seventh grade commenced their year's work with button- holes, and special attention has been given to them in this branch. At present, they are darning stockings. Button-holes will be intro- duced all through the year as supplementary work.
The eighth and ninth grades do about the same work. A review of button-holes was given them with excellent results. This included tailor button-holes made with silk or twist. They have also had stocking darning, patching on calico, tucking, blind-hemming, hem- stitching, feather and herring-bone stitching, cutting and joining bias bands. After a short time spent in general review of their previous work, I hope to introduce a simple system of draughting and cutting of patterns.
The work this year shows a much higher standard than ever before, and the results are more satisfactory to parent and teacher.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
The pupils take a great deal of interest in their work, and there are very few absentees on sewing day.
My classes, with the exception of one or two, are easily managed as to number. Each class receives one hour of instruction a week, except three, and they have from forty-five to fifty minutes. I find opportunity in my large classes to see each child's work at least once during the lesson, and sometimes two or three times. The best results, however, are obtained in classes not exceeding thirty pupils.
The exhibition of the work held in June last was a great success, and afforded the parents and friends of the pupils a good opportunity to see the different kinds of work done in the several classes. Each child sent a contribution, either in sample or well-made article. The fourth grade furnished handkerchiefs ; the fifth, pillow-slips and plain aprons ; the sixth, white aprons with gathers ; the seventh, flannel skirts ; and the eighth and ninth, child's plain undergarments, cut out and made by themselves, they having first draughted the pattern. A large variety of all kinds of sewing, including button-holes, patch- ing, darning, and fancy stitches, was also exhibited.
I have been asked, "Can we not do without sewing in our two highest grades?" I should say, "Yes, at least in the ninth"; but if · time could be found, would continue to have it in the eighth. Four years would be ample time for a pupil to learn all that pertains to plain sewing and mending.
Very respectfully, MARY L. BOYD, Teacher of Sewing.
DECEMBER 9, 1890,
Supplementary to the regular course in sewing, there have been two classes of about twenty pupils each connected with the evening schools, one at the Prescott and one at the Bell School. These classes have received two two-hour lessons per week for about twelve weeks. The results, while not entirely satisfactory, have been good.
To the suggestion that the regular teachers be required to give instruction in sewing under the direction of a single supervisor,
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
your committee have given some consideration, but have as yet failed to satisfy themselves of its wisdom. It seems advisable, how- ever, to reduce the length of the course from six years to four, although a fifth year could probably be used to advantage.
The appended scheme exhibits the proposed four years' course.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION IN SEWING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
GRADE IV. - FIRST YEAR OF SEWING.
Folding.
Basting.
Backstitching.
Overcasting.
Hemming.
Overhanding.
Proper wearing and use of thimble in connection with needle.
Right length of thread, threading needle, and making knots.
Holding of work by left hand.
Position of work and needle taught in connection with stitch given ; also beginning, joining, and fastening of thread.
Stitches should first be drawn upon paper, using the ruler to insure accuracy in length of stitch.
Hems, wide and narrow, may first be turned upon paper, using the ruler for a measure.
Each new stitch should be preceded by a drill in the proper position of the hands and fingers while making the stitch ; also a drill for the arms in the motion of drawing the thread and needle through the cloth.
Models : Articles brought from home may be towels, napkins, and handkerchiefs to hem.
GRADE V. - SECOND YEAR.
Review previous year's work.
Overhanding on folded edges.
Overhanding on selvedges.
Wide hems.
Plain fell.
Running. Especial drill given in the position of the fingers in
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
making this stitch ; also teaching the pupils to use the side of the thimble.
Darning tear.
Simple drafting.
Models : A pillow-slip, plain apron without gathers, or small sheet, bibs.
GRADE VI. - THIRD YEAR.
Review previous year's work.
Gathering, laying, or stroking, gathers, putting gathers into band by backstitching and hemming.
French fell, straight fell, reversible seam.
Darning tear with silk.
Patching on cotton cloth.
Button-holes, four-holed buttons sewed on.
Feather and herring-bone stitches.
The proper way of tearing or cutting cloth for bands or ruffling, viz. : straight or across the grain.
Draughting simple under-garments from measurements.
Models : Apron with band, plain white cotton or flannel skirt with band, button-hole, and button sewed on.
GRADE VII. - FOURTH YEAR.
Review previous work.
Review button-holes and sewing on buttons.
Patching on calico and woollen goods.
Stocking Darning.
Darning tear with ravellings.
Putting in gussets.
Cutting bias bands and joining same.
Tucking and ruffling.
Hemstitching. Blind-stitching. Gathering, as done on dress skirts.
Gathers overhanded to band.
Draughting child's dress.
Models: Some garment to be made combining the stitches learned, and teaching the cutting and putting together.
Suggestions : In all grades particular attention should be given
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
to the position of the pupils while sewing. Accuracy of rule and measure is to be insisted upon.
Soft, half-bleached cotton cloth and colored thread may be used for practice work, the colored thread showing the shape and size of the stitches better than white.
Materials for practice work for one pupil for the first year are as follows : One-half yard of half-bleached cotton cloth ; one spool of red cotton, No. 50; one spool of blue cotton, No. 50; one spool of yellow cotton, No. 40 ; one thimble, pinball filled with pins, and sew- ing bag made from one-half yard of calico, with owner's name sewed upon it.
In conclusion, we desire to express our appreciation of the inter- est and support of the Board, and at the same time earnestly to invite the continued co-operation of every member. The question of manual training is certainly one of the leading educational questions of the day. As such, we bespeak for it your careful consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
S. NEWTON CUTLER, CHARLES I. SHEPARD WILLIAM P. HILL, A. H. CARVILL, M. W. CARR, ADDIE BIXBY UPHAM, J
Committee on Industrial Education.
REPORT
OF
COMMITTEE ON DRAWING AND PENMANSHIP.
To the School Committee : -
The committee on drawing feel that there has been a marked improvement in this important branch since the appointment of a special instructor. Teachers have been working more systematically and practically, pupils have been studying form and its expression more from models and objects, instead of the old method of imitating flat copies. They have become interested in their work, and good results have naturally followed.
This must have been apparent to any who witnessed the excel- lent exhibit in June of the various specimens of drawing and con- struction from the grammar and primary schools. The most import- ant change in this department during the year is the teaching of mechanical drawing and construction to the boys in the grammar schools, while the girls are employed in sewing.
A more thorough course is being given by the instructor of drawing in the High School.
The schools are not suitably supplied with models, and the com- mittee recommend that sets be furnished to the High and grammar schools.
PENMANSHIP.
This branch has been taught in the usual manner, and the results have been as satisfactory as in other studies.
The use of pen and ink in the third classes has proved quite successful, and it is thought best to continue it.
In many cities, a special instructor is employed in this depart-
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ment. Most of the Board have been interviewed by an expert desirous of teaching this branch in our schools. While a specialist might awaken a new interest in this important subject and produce better results, the committee feel that for the present, at least, it should be taught by the regular teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
Q. E. DICKERMAN, S. NEWTON CUTLER, CHARLES I. SHEPARD, JAS. F. BEARD,
Committee on Drawing and Penmanship.
REPORT
OF
COMMITTEE ON MUSIC.
To the School Committee : -
The sub-committee on music present the following as their report : -
Of the studies under special instructors, in the curriculum of the public schools of Somerville, there is none more important than music.
State Agent Geo. H. Martin, in a recent report to the Board of Education, says : "The doctrine that the school is for the child, and for the whole child, calls for instruction in music, not as a 'fancy branch,' but as indispensable to a complete development."
For twenty-two years this important department has been under the personal supervision of Mr. S. Henry Hadley. The successive annual reports of the School Committee have spoken in the highest terms of his success and the progress of the schools under his in- struction.
He is employed in our schools four days in the week, and the time is divided as follows :-
In the High School each class has a lesson of forty-five minutes under the special instructor twice in three weeks.
In the grammar schools the time given to music by each class is nominally one hour per week. The instructor meets the classes for a half-hour lesson, and the balance of the time is occupied in
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
daily exercises under the regular teacher. This is the rule as far as the third and fourth grades, where the increase in the number of schools compels the instructor to omit some of his visits. These grades receive a lesson from him once in two or three weeks, as circumstances will permit.
The primary schools are not visited by the instructor in music, although some excellent work is shown by teachers who are fond of this study.
In the lower grades the work is elementary, and the time is occupied with the rudiments of the science. As soon as practical the class is divided into two parts, so the girls, as a rule, may sing the upper, and the boys the lower, or alto, part.
In more advanced grades the class is divided into three parts, and in the upper classes the boys carry the base and tenor parts so successfully as to excite favorable comment from all.
This preparation and practice well fits the pupils for the more advanced music studied in the High School, where the choruses are so well balanced as to make the rendering of a high order of music both possible and profitable. The singing has brought many com- pliments to our High School from persons capable of giving an opinion worthy of respect.
The enthusiasm of our instructor and the valuable assistance of the regular teachers have given this study a recognized position in our school work.
The music committee have for some time had under considera - tion plans that would give more attention to music in the lower grammar grades, and extend systematic instruction into at least one of the primary classes.
The increase in the number of schools ought not to gradually crowd the teaching of music from the lower grades. Some of the neighboring cities do their best work in the lower classes, and have practically demonstrated that music may be profitably taught in the lowest grades.
Our special instructor has also given the matter his consideration, and gives it as his opinion that if he could have an assistant, whose time could be employed for two days in the week, he could cover all the grades, and practically do all that is expected in a complete musical course in the public schools.
We recommend this matter to the Board as something worthy of
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
consideration, and trust it may find a place in the financial budget of another year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. BEARD, N. W. BINGHAM, G. W. BRYANT, S. NEWTON CUTLER,
Committee on Music.
SOMERVILLE, December 29, 1890.
1
REPORT
OF
COMMITTEE ON EVENING SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee : -
In compliance with the requirements of the public statutes and the regulations of the School Board, evening schools for the instruc- tion in grammar school studies have been held in the Prescott, L. V. Bell, Burns, and Cedar-street schoolhouses. They have been con- tinued for a term of twelve weeks, the sessions being held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, from half-past seven till half-past nine o'clock. The law has made evening schools obligatory since 1884. They have now become a fixed part of our educational system and highly important, not only to the individual, but to the community.
Each school has been under the special charge of one member of the committee.
The city contains a large number of uneducated persons, who are employed during the day, and must receive instruction in evening school, or not at all. It has been a source of pleasure and encourage- ment to observe the interest manifested and the rapid progress made by some of the adult pupils. The greatest hindrance to the success of these schools is the lack of punctual and regular attendance. " If anything is going on, they stay away," say the teachers. The com- mittee have endeavored to counteract these influences by placing the schools under the charge of experienced teachers, and furnishing all
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
the facilities enjoyed by the day schools, with the hope that they would reach and hold a large class of those who would be benefited by the instruction.
They feel that progress has been made, that a better class of pupils have been in attendance, and the results more satisfactory than in previous years.
EVENING DRAWING SCHOOLS.
A course of thirty-two lessons in industrial and free-hand drawing has also been given in the High School building. An exhibition of the work given in March showed very creditable results, both to pupils and teachers. Much more could be accomplished in these classes if proper facilities were afforded them. The conditions have been somewhat improved this year, as the committee on public prop- erty have furnished electric lights and portable closets for the safe keeping of material. These classes need rooms for their exclusive use, and we hope to have them when additional accommodations are provided for the High School.
Respectfully submitted,
Q. E. DICKERMAN, M. W. CARR, CHARLES I. SHEPARD, S. NEWTON CUTLER,
Committee on Evening Schools.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of the City of Somerville : -
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, -In accordance with the prescribed duties of the superintendent of schools, I have the honor of submit- ting my third annual report of the condition of the public schools of this city for the year 1890.
The following is the summary of statistics :-
Population of the city, United States census, 1890,
40,117
Number of persons in the city between five and fifteen years of age in May last, as ascertained by the truant officer
6,469
Increase over last year.
In East Somerville District
1,213
40
In Prospect Hill District
2,477
75
In Winter Hill District
997
49
In Spring Hill District
976
46
In West Somerville District .
806
124
Total
6,469
334
Number between eight and fourteen
years of age
3,916
High School.
Grammar and Primary Schools.
Total.
Whole number registered during the year,
442
7,436
7,878
Average whole number belonging
423
6,062
6,485
Average attendance
405
5,670
6,075
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
VALUATION.
Valuation of the city May 1, 1890
$32,557,500
Real estate
$29,981,700
Personal estate
2,575,800
Rate of taxation . .014
Estimated value of school property
$508,600 95 ·
DWELLINGS.
Number of dwellings in the city May 1, 1890 6,792
Number of dwellings constructed during the year or in
process of construction 426
SECTION I.
REVIEW OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
The School Board of 1890 organized with one new member, from Ward Four, Dr. Giles W. Bryant, who took the seat so long occupied by Dr. H. P. Makechnie, and a president of the Common Council, Mr. Charles B. Osgood, who succeeded Mr. Edmands. The usual resolutions were passed in approval of the services of the retiring members.
In March the community was shocked by the news of the sudden death of Dr. Horace P. Hemenway, of Ward One, who had served many years on the Board in a manner acceptable to his constituents, and very helpful to teachers and the schools. As a member, he was thoughtful, considerate, painstaking, and judicious, always on the side of progress, a powerful supporter of every good measure, and always interested in making the schools of Somerville, as to buildings, appliances, sanitary regulations, teachers, and methods, the best that could be had. He was a friend to the teachers, always ready to
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
listen and advise; he was a welcome visitor in the schools, and added cheerfulness and encouragement to the work.
A special meeting of the Board was called March 8th, at which suitable action was taken, and a committee appointed, which reported the following resolutions at the next meeting : -
IN MEMORIAM.
It was with profound sorrow that the members of the Somerville School Board learned of the death of their associate, Dr. Horace P. Hemenway, which occurred at his home, March 6, 1890.
His many and varied qualifications by natural endowment, care- ful observation, and close study, together with his devotion to the best interests of our schools, eminently fitted him to be a valuable member of this Board.
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