USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1900 > Part 16
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Teachers are enjoined to take every precaution to prevent the overstraining or misuse of the eves of their pupils. Every avail- able ray of light should be admitted, blackboard writing should be very distinct and visible at a proper angle, books and seatwork should be at normal distance from the eyes, and on dark days eye- work should be entirely suspended.
"The subject of the hearing of school children is also begin- ning to receive the attention it deserves, and investigations in many places have tended to establish the following points :-
1. At least one child out of every five has some defect in one or both ears.
2. In the majority of cases neither parent, teacher, nor child is aware of the defect.
192
ANNUAL REPORTS.
3. Children defective in hearing are usually counted care- less, inattentive, or positively stupid by parents and teachers, who are ignorant of the real cause. Such children are often kept two. or more years in the same grade, and, being the largest children, are not infrequently given seats in the rear of the room, where their chances of hearing are reduced to a minimum. This point is so important that it deserves special notice. Out of 961 chil- dren examined in two cities, 176 were found to have defective- hearing, while only two out of the 176 were known to be deaf by their teachers.
4. A child who is hard of hearing can hear better at certain times than at others. This fact often leads parents and teachers- to misjudge a child. The remark is often heard, 'Don't tell me Johnnie is deaf, he can hear as well as anybody when he wants to."
5. It is estimated that ninety per cent. of the cases of de- fective hearing can be cured if taken in time."
It is hoped that the establishment of the expected system of medical inspection will result in the disclosure of all physical de- fects in school children, and lead to their remedy when possible.
Who is Responsible ? A generation of school children have- passed through the thirteen grades of our public schools, and have- received the instruction provided by law concerning the injurious. effect of narcotics and stimulants. This instruction has been re- peated and reiterated over and over again. Notwithstanding, the use of tobacco by boys and young men, particularly in its most pernicious form, cigarettes, has steadily increased, and to-day as- sumes alarming proportions. Smoking by boys is now done in the open, not clandestinely, as fornierly. They are not infre- quently seen smoking on their way to school, and even on school premises, while it is not uncommon to find large numbers prac- ticing the vice on playgrounds and in the streets. Who is respon- sible? Teachers seem to have done everything in their power in the way of instruction. Parents recognize the evil, condemn it, but in many cases are powerless to prevent it. It has been thought necessary to call in the civil power to reinforce the authority of weak or negligent parents in keeping their children: off the streets after nine o'clock. Why not help them in other directions? A law is on the statute books prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to children under sixteen years of age. Why should not extreme effort be made to enforce this prohibition? Indeed, the absolute prohibition of the sale of cigarettes to any one in the city would work no hardship commensurate with the good it might accomplish.
The question is not one of morals simply, but is closely con- nected with the mental vigor and progress of the boy. No fact is better established than that the use of tobacco by a growing stu- dent interferes seriously with school work. Some institutions of learning refuse to receive tobacco users. One Western town has made a rule prohibiting the admission to its schools of any person
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
using tobacco in any form. The remedy lies chiefly with parents, but the attitude of all school authorities should be one of em- phatic condemnation. Certainly their active influence should be combined with that of good citizens everywhere for the suppres- sion of a vice the growth of which cannot fail to result in impaired health and vigor, physical, intellectual, and moral.
Suggestions Summarized. It may serve the purpose of con- venience if we group together suggestions of what may be done during the coming year to the advantage of the schools.
1. Some provision should be made for the better accommo- dation of the High Schools.
2. An additional schoolhouse should be provided in Ward 7.
3. A new building in Ward 1 should replace the three anti- quated wooden structures that have done duty so long.
4. Schoolhouse grounds should be made attractive by curbing, lawns, and flower beds maintained at public expense.
5. All schoolrooms should be provided with adjustable fur- niture.
6. The work of providing additional light for dark rooms should be completed.
7. Voting booths should render the use of schoolhouses on election days needless.
8. The establishment of vacation schools at public expense should be begun.
9. The question of the extension of kindergartens, or their merging with first primary grades, should be carefully considered.
10. Provision should be made for instruction in manual training and in cooking.
11. Possible changes in the course of study should be dis- cussed. 12. The hearing of school children should be carefully tested.
13. The improvement of evening schools should be consid- ered, and an evening high school opened.
On the part of teachers especial effort should be made :-
1. To individualize instruction and to adapt requirements to the varying conditions of health, capacity, and environment.
2. To cultivate the power of attention, of concentration, of independent investigation and conclusion, and the spirit of self- reliance.
3. To develop the moral nature, to teach self-control, to se- cure right conduct by presenting right motives and worthy ex- amples.
The Outlook. The rapid growth of Somerville during the last decade is doubtless largely attributable to its desirability as a resi- dence. Chief among the advantages it presents in this direction is the reputed excellence of its public schools. This is a matter of just pride to its citizens. One factor of this excellence is that
194
ANNUAL REPORTS.
they receive such generous confidence and support. Bonds and sureties are exacted of officials having in charge financial trusts, but far more valuable interests are committed to the hands of our teachers by parents and the public, with no surety but their honor. It is worthy of remark that this confidence is rarely abused.
It is, however, the right and duty of all citizens to hold those who are responsible for our schools to a rigid accountability. The large expenditures annually made for their support would alone justify this, but the momentous character of other interests involved renders this duty imperative. Inquiries and investi- gations are always in order. Intelligent criticism should not be withheld. It must not be forgotten, however, that such criticism is based on exact knowledge of facts and on a thorough acquaintance with underlying principles of education; that it is not narrowed by prejudice or self-interest; that it regards the diversity of the demands ; and that it is controlled by what shall seem to be the greatest good of the greatest number. One's point of view naturally affects his judgment. To this man the ideal school is the one that best qualifies its graduates to conduct his special business. To another it is the school in which his boy- hood was spent, idealized, perhaps, by the lapse of time and the memory of some gifted teacher. This critic sees that thirty or forty graduates enter college each year, and demands that courses shall be modified to facilitate their progress, whatever may be the needs of the large majority. One demands fewer studies, more moderation, greater thoroughness, another asks for a wider range, a greater diversity, more culture ; one holds the school largely re- sponsible for moral conduct in the community, and his opponent feels that something should be left to the home, the church, and the civil authority.
Due weight should be given to all these opinions, but it is evident that no one of them should be allowed to control action. As has been said elsewhere, the ideal school is in process of evolu- tion. Its present status is the result of the best thought and ex- perience of those who have made the study of educational prob- lems the work of a lifetime. But perfection has not yet been reached. Important and difficult problems remain to be solved. To their solution we must contribute our share, and be ready to welcome any changes or burdens that shall fit our schools the bet- ter to train children in the ways of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue.
We stand to-night on the threshold of a new century, facing new duties, new opportunities, new blessings. Let it be with a faith that the past is prophetic of the future. A century of mar- velous progress in all that promotes civilization and makes life better worth living is behind us. But the best is yet to be. The same courage, the same high purpose, the same honest endeavor, the same hearty co-operation that has made the past secure will exalt and crown the future. Let us beware the spirit of com- placency that precludes the outreach for better things. Let us
195
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
be on the watch, not for the new alone, but for the best. Let the standard of attainment be higher and higher. Let all the forces that make for enlightenment, for purity, for righteousness, come into closer alliance. Let us seek to promote the education that creates and realizes ideals, that strengthens the will, that over- comes obstacles, that quickens the conscience, that refines, ele- vates, and enriches character, that leads to self-sacrifice and altru- istic endeavor. So shall the youth of to-day, the citizens of to- morrow, be prepared to render with skill and honor whatever ser- vice the welfare of the state or the good of their fellowmen may demand.
In conclusion, the Superintendent wishes to express his grateful appreciation of the zeal and fidelity with which super- visors, principals, and teachers have labored for the success of the schools, to extend his thanks to the members of the Board for their generous forbearance and support, and to acknowledge the obligations which the schools are under to the local press and to the citizens of Somerville in general for the sympathy and co- operation which have rendered more effective whatever service has been rendered.
Respectfully submitted,
G. A. SOUTHWORTH.
Somerville, December 31, 1900.
ORGANIZATION OF SOMERVILLE SCHOOLS.
Information concerning our schools is frequently sought by citizens or by school men in other localities. Following are the principal facts concerning them. Additional knowledge may be gained from the Rules and Regulations :-
Kindergartens .- The city supports four kindergartens, in the Hanscom, Jackson, Prospect-hill, and Glines Schools. Vacci- nated children between four and five years of age are admitted to the kindergarten nearest their residence during the months of September and April, and may remain until the July following their fifth birthday. Sessions from 9 to 12.
Head kindergartners receive $600. One trained assistant is allowed when the number exceeds thirty, at a salary of $275, $350, or $425, according to experience. Kindergarten teachers give five hours daily to their work, the afternoon being employed in visitation, preparation, mothers' meetings, and the like.
Primary Schools .- Our elementary school course covers nine years, the first three of which are spent in primary schools. We have no exclusively primary school buildings, the ninety-one pri- mary classes being distributed among the twenty-three school- houses.
Vaccinated children five years of age, or who will reach that age on or before the first day of October, are admitted during the month of September only, provided they have never attended school before. Children able to enter existing classes will be ad- mitted at any time. Applications for admission should be made to the principal of the school.
At present the primary classes contain 4,113 pupils, 38.1 per cent. of whom are in the first grade, 32.1 per cent. in the second. and 29.8 per cent. in the third. Average number to a teacher, 47.
Only trained or experienced teachers are employed, the sala- ries being $300, $400, $500, $600, or $650, according to length of service. Normal training is equivalent to a year's experience, and experience in other places is counted in determining salary.
Teachers with classes numbering fifty-six are allowed an as- sistant, who is paid $200, $275, $350, or $425, according to years of service.
Grammar Schools .- The grammar classes are found chiefly in eleven large buildings of twelve rooms each. The course covers six years, and includes only those studies which the statute requires, with the addition of music, sewing, and elementary science.
Nine hundred ninety-six pupils were promoted into the fourth grade in June last, at an average age of nine years three months. Four hundred and thirty-four were graduated in June,
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
at an average age of fifteen years five months. There are at the present time (December, 1900) 5,058 in the grammar schools, divided among the grades as follows :-
Fourth 1,109, 21.7 per cent.
Seventh 756, 14.9 per cent.
Fifth 1,111, 22.0 44
Eighth 641, 12.7
Sixth 920, 18.2 "
Ninth 521, 10.3
The average number to a teacher is 44.8.
The salaries of grammar school teachers are the same as those of primary teachers. Masters are paid $1,900, and their assistants $725.
Promotions .-- Promotions in all grades, from the first to the thirteenth, are made in June by the regular teacher and the prin- cipal, with the approval of the Superintendent and district com- mittee. They are based on the estimate of the pupil's daily work made by the teacher and recorded bi-monthly. An occasional, brief, unannounced, written test is a factor in this estimate.
Where there is reasonable doubt of a student's fitness, he may be promoted on a trial of three months. In such cases the parent is notified and kept informed of his child's progress. At the end of this probationary period he may be returned to his former grade, provided it seems for his interests. In 1900 less than one per cent. of those promoted on trial fell back.
Children capable of more rapid advancement may be pro- moted one or more grades at any time. Ninety-four were thus promoted in 1900.
Fitness for graduation or for admission to the high schools is determined in precisely the same way. Diplomas are given in grammar and high schools to those who have satisfactorily com- pleted full courses.
Latin, High School .- In September, 1895, in the forty-third year of its existence, the Somerville High School was divided, the classical, or college preparatory, departments remaining in the old building, erected in 1872, and the English departments occupying a new building, erected in 1894-'95.
Some facts concerning the Latin School are presented in the following table :-
School Year.
Average Number Belonging.
Number Entering.
Gradu- ates.
Cost of Instruction
Per Capita Cost.
Teachers.
Pupils to a Teacher.
1895-6
257
69
50
$11,702
$45.57
9
28.6
1896-7
262
81
51
11,840
45.19
9
29.1
1897-8
273
86
55
11,921
43.67
9
30.3
1898-9
264
78
51
11,935
45.21
9
29.3
1899-0
245
65
48
12,491
50.98
9
27.2
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
The course of study in this school is determined chiefly by the requirements of Harvard University. Its graduates find ready admission to any college. The head master's certificate of quali- fication is honored wherever examinations are not required.
Special courses are marked out to meet the wants of those pupils who desire special preparation for college or professional. schools.
The regular time for completing the course is four years. Pupils, at the request of their parents, can make the work of each year easier by taking five years for the course. Those who are capable and have good reason for shortening the time of prep- aration are allowed to complete the course in as short a time as. their ability will permit.
Graduates of grammar schools are admitted to either High School on presenting a certificate of qualification signed by a master. All other pupils are admitted by an examination in grammar school studies, given usually on the Saturday preceding the opening of the schools in September.
The tuition for non-residents is the per capita cost for the year, payable in advance. The sessions of the school are from 8.30 to 1.30. The salaries paid High School teachers are given: on later pages of this report.
English High School .- This school was organized in Septem- ber, 1895. Information concerning it is found in the following table :-
School Year.
Average Number Belonging.
Number Entering.
Gradu- ates.
Cost of Instruction.
Per Capita Cost.
Teachers
Pupils to a Teacher.
1895-6
456
213
67
$20,102
$44 13
21
21.7
1896-7
531
235
70
23,010
43 33
21
25.3:
1897-8
535
224
75
24,843
46 44
22
24.3:
1898-9
575
231
86
26,159
45 49
23
25.0
1899-0
669
316
83
31,322
46 82
27
24.8
The course of study covers four years. Graduates are ad- mitted to special courses when the conditions are favorable .. Candidates for technical and normal schools take specific pre- paratory work.
Each student is required to take at least fifteen periods of prepared and five periods of work that requires no previous prep- aration. Unprepared work consists of drawing,-optional after the first year,-elocution, ethics, and music,-required through- out the four years,-manual training and typewriting,-optional. English language and literature, and composition, together with
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
history, are compulsory studies throughout the course. Algebra and geometry are required during the first and second years.
The wide range of elective studies is a distinctive feature of the school. The choice of the first year may be one of the fol- lowing: Latin, French, German, biology (botany and zoology), manual training, and mechanical drawing. To these physics is added for the second year, and chemistry, geology, and astronomy for the third and fourth. After the second year two or more electives may be taken.
During the third and fourth years the student may elect in a business course bookkeeping, commercial arithmetic, commer- cial law, penmanship, stenography, typewriting ; in mathematics, advanced algebra, solid geometry, analytical geometry, and trigonometry; in advanced science, work in botany, zoology, physics, chemistry, and drawing.
Of the fifteen periods of prepared work, the course prescribes ten periods the first year, eleven periods the second year, seven periods the third year, and seven periods the fourth year. The pupil has the privilege of selecting from the list of elective studies subjects whose recitation periods each week, or their equivalents, when added to the required prepared work, shall equal the neces- sary fifteen periods.
Concerning admission, sessions, etc., see Latin School.
A simple, healthful, inexpensive lunch is served at the recess midway of each session to pupils desiring it.
Manual Training .- Three rooms are fitted and equipped in the basement of the English High School for its manual training department. The course includes carpentry, wood-turning, and carving, clay modeling, pattern making, moulding, and casting. A fourth room is devoted to mechanical drawing, with a full course. Manual training has not been extended to include gram- mar schools.
The sub-master in charge of the manual training department is paid $1,700, and his assistant $1,350.
Sewing .- Sewing is taught to the girls in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grammar grades in weekly lessons of one hour each.
Three special teachers are employed at salaries of $650, $600, and $500.
Music .- Weekly instruction in music is given exclusively in the High Schools, and in part in the three upper grammar grades by a specialist, who is paid $1.500 for four days' service. This sum also provides the orchestral music needed at graduation ex- ercises. The books used are "The Euterpean" and "The Cecilian Series of Music and Song." Nos. 3 and 4.
In the six lower grades musical instruction is given by the regular grade teacher, under the supervision of a specialist, who visits each class once every twelve days. She is paid $900. The Normal System of Music, with its books and charts, is used.
200
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Gymnastics .- In the English High School twelve minutes are taken daily for free gymnastics, under the general direction of the teacher of elocution. In elementary grades the Ling sys- tem of Swedish gymnastics is practiced daily. No special teacher is employed.
Recesses .- The Latin School has two brief recesses, breaking the daily session into thirds. The English School has a single recess at the end of the third period.
The four lower elementary grades have a five-minute recess midway of each session. The five upper grammar grades have no recess, though no unreasonable physical restraint is placed upon any pupil.
No detention of pupils is allowed at noon, and but a half- hour's detention at the close of the afternoon session, "for willful neglect of duty only."
Corporal Punishment .-- Corporal punishment, "which in- cludes any infliction of physical pain or application of physical force," is not prohibited. It must, however, not be administered until twenty-four hours after the offense, the approval of the prin- cipal being first obtained. Each case must be reported in detail to the Superintendent. There were 312 cases in 1899, and 270 in 1900.
Drawing .- A special teacher of drawing is employed in the English High School, at a salary of $900. In that school free- hand drawing is compulsory for first-year pupils, and elective for all others. Drawing is not taught in the Latin School.
In the primary grades daily lessons, and in the grammar grades semi-weekly lessons, are given by the regular teacher, under the direction of a supervisor, who visits each class once a month, and is paid $1,000.
The course includes pictorial drawing from nature, models, and objects ; structural drawing from type solids; decorative drawing, designing. and color-work, historic ornament and picture-study. No drawing books are used. Colored pencils are provided in primary grades. and water-colors and brush in grammar grades.
Penmanship .- Intermedial slant writing is in use in the eight lower grades of the elementary schools, the Smith system being used. The Wells Natural Movement method of slant writing is taught in the ninth grade. No copy books are used. The super- visor visits each class once in three weeks, and receives $1,200.
Student Teachers .- At the present time one student teacher is employed in each high school. They are graduates of college or technical schools, and serve without pay, under the direction of the head master. A secretary and librarian is employed in each High School. at a salary of $500.
The Public Library .- The English School has a working li- brary of 1,000 volumes, but it draws constantly on the public library, located in an adjoining building.
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
For four years there has been a constant use of the library by school children. Circulating libraries of fresh books are in use in the smaller buildings. Books are delivered and collected each week at the large grammar schools. As far as they can, the teachers aid in the selection of books by children, and the libra- rian and his assistants cheerfully render all the help in their power.
Evening Schools .- An evening drawing school for freehand and mechanical work is open in the Latin schoolhouse from October to April, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 7.30 to 9.30. The principal is paid $6, and assistants $3 and $4 an evening.
Elementary evening schools are open in the Prescott, Bell, and Highland buildings from October 1 on four evenings a week, from 7.30 to 9.30. The length of the term is dependent on the interest and attendance. The course of study followed is that prescribed by the statute. Principals receive $3 or $4, and as- sistants $2, $1.50, or $1 each evening.
Truants .- The city employs one active truant officer, who is paid $1,100. Truants are sent to the county truant school at North Chelmsford. There are now six truants from Somerville in the school.
Janitors .- These important officers are appointed by the Commissioner of Public Buildings, and are under his direction and that of the school principal.
Supervision .- The Superintendent of Schools is the executive officer of the board, and upon him devolves the general manage- ment of the schools under its direction. He serves as the secre- tarv of the board and supply agent. His salary is $3,000, and he is allowed a clerk, who receives $650. His office is in the City Hall Annex, and his hours are from 4 to 5 each school day, and from 8 to 9 on Saturday. His office is open from 8 to 12 and from 1.30 to 5 on school days, and from 8 to 10 on Saturday.
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