USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1901 > Part 17
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
But all questions of the improvement of schools focus at last in the teacher. To improve our schools we must improve our teachers. They vitalize what would else be, however well clad, nothing but a lifeless body. Herein lies the secret of the suc- cessful administration of school interests. Only through the best teachers are our ideals to be reached, only they can ensure us an equivalent for our generous expenditures. To secure and retain large-hearted, broad-minded, well-educated, thoroughly-trained, completely-equipped, constantly-aspiring teachers is the one es- sential demand if we would improve, or even maintain, our standard of school efficiency. And this is a difficult task. Woman's manifest destiny interferes with its accomplishment. Similar needs in more fortunate communities make it harder. The time required for suitable preparation and growth, low standards, and pecuniary necessities sometimes complicate the situation. But the demand is recognized, and the supply is in- creasing with encouraging rapidity. Gradually, but surely, the conviction grows that the prosperity of the community and the safety of the people lie in the wise education of the young, and that this supremely important task should be committed only to those qualified by nature, education and experience to accom- plish it successfully.
The Superintendent desires to acknowledge with thanks the consideration, forbearance and guidance of the members of the committee, and the co-operation and help of supervisors, princi- pals and teachers in the work of the year. To the members of the local press, to parents, to the City Government, and to citi- zens generally, grateful acknowledgments are due for their con- tributions to render the schools more efficient.
Respectfully submitted, G. A. SOUTHWORTH,
Superintendent.
Somerville, December 27, 1901.
208
ANNUAL REPORTS.
In Memoriam.
At the November meeting of the School Board, the Super- intendent announced the death of Annie L. Savage, a teacher in the Bennett School.
The following order, offered by Mr. Poole, was unanimously adopted by rising vote :-
Ordered : That the following memorial be entered upon the records of the Board, and a copy sent to the bereaved family :-
Miss Annie L. Savage was born in Charlestown September 21, 1851, and died, after a week's illness, in Cambridge Novem- ber 7, 1901. She was graduated at the Somerville High School in 1869, and at the Salem Normal School in 1872. She began her work as teacher in the Webster School in September, 1873, and served the city for an uninterrupted period of twenty-eight years.
The School Board of Somerville desires to place on record its grateful recognition of her long and valuable service. Her patience, her sympathy, and her tender regard for the welfare of the children under her charge gave especial value to her work, and won for her the respect and affection of all who came under her influence. She was faithful to the sacred trusts committed to her care, and lives in the memories of those she served.
BENJAMIN G. BROWN SCHOOL.
209
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
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, Baxter, and Glines Schools. Vaccinated children between four and five years of age are admitted to the kindergarten nearest their residence during the months of Sep- tember 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 primary 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 4,080 pupils, 37 per cent. of whom are in the first grade, 32 per cent. in the second, and 31 per cent in the third. Average number to a teacher, 45.3.
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.
First-grade teachers, with classes numbering fifty, are al- lowed an assistant, who is paid $200, $275, $350, or $425, accord- ing 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 sixty pupils were promoted into the fourth grade in June last, at an average age of nine years, five months.
210
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Four hundred and ninety-seven were graduated in June, at an average age of fifteen years, four months. There are at the present time (December, 1901) 5,292 in the grammar schools.
The salaries of grammar school teachers are the same as those of primary teachers. Masters are paid $1,900, and their assistants $725. Other ninth-grade teachers are paid $700.
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 for- mer grade, provided it seems for his interests. In 1901 less than ten 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. Forty-seven were thus promoted in 1901.
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 occu- pying 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
1900-1
271
104
56
12,676
46.74
9
30.0
COURSE OF STUDY IN THE LATIN HIGH SCHOOL.
The object of the school is, primarily, to furnish a suitable preparation for those pupils who desire to pursue either a regular
211
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
or a special course of study at higher institutions of learning, but the school is open to all pupils who wish to take the courses of study offered.
FIRST YEAR .- CLASS I.
Latin .- First lessons, with translation of easy Latin prose, and in- troduction to Caesar.
Mathematics .- Elementary algebra through quadratic equations. History .- Ancient history, with historical geography.
English .- Introduction to English literature, with special study of works of American authors. Rhetoric and English composition.
Elective Drawing.
SECOND YEAR .- CLASS II.
Latin .- Easy Latin prose, with four books or less of Caesar's Gallic War. Latin prose composition.
Mathematics .- Plane geometry.
English .- English literature, including part of the works pre- scribed in the requirements for admission to college. Rhetoric and English composition.
One of the three following languages :-
1. Greek .- First lessons, with translation of easy Greek prose and introduction to Anabasis.
2. German .- First lessons, with translation of easy German. German conversation and written composition.
3. French .- First lessons, with translation of easy French. French conversation and written composition.
One of these languages may also be elective. Elective Drawing.
THIRD YEAR .- CLASS III.
Latin .- Selections from Sallust, Nepos, Caesar, and Ovid. Aeneid, four books. Cicero, three orations.
Mathematics .- Algebra reviewed and completed to satisfy the re- quirements for admission to college.
History .- History of Greece and Rome. Ancient geography.
English .- English literature, including part of the works pre- scribed in the requirements for admission to college. Rhetoric and English composition.
Elective Physics .- Elementary principles, with experiments and a course of laboratory exercises Friday afternoons dur- ing the year.
One of the three following languages :-
1. Greek .- Selections from Anabasis, Hellenica, and other Greek prose. Greek prose composition.
212
ANNUAL REPORTS.
2. German .- Translation of German prose and poetry, with con- versation and written composition. Grammar.
3. French .- Translation of French prose and poetry, with conver- sation and written composition. Grammar. One of these languages may also be elective.
Elective Chemistry.
Elective Drawing.
FOURTH YEAR .- CLASS IV.
Latin .- Aeneid, five books. Ovid, 2,000 lines. Cicero, six ora- tions. Latin prose composition.
Mathematics .- Review of plane geometry, with original demon- strations and solutions of problems. Elective solid geometry.
English .- English literature, including the remainder of the works prescribed in the requirements for admission to college. Rhetoric and English composition.
Two of the three following languages :-
1 Greek .- Seven books of Iliad and Odyssey. Selections from more difficult Greek prose. Greek prose composi- tion.
2 German .- Elementary German for beginners. Advanced Ger- man for those who have studied the language earlier in the course.
3 French .- Elementary for beginners. Translation of simple prose and poetry, with conversation and written composi- tion as a preparation for translation at sight of easy French into English and English into French. Grammar. Advanced French for those who have studied the language earlier in the course.
Elective Chemistry.
Elective Drawing.
There is practice in sight reading in all the languages each year.
Advanced French, advanced German, advanced mathe- matics, and chemistry may be substituted for a part of the Latin, a part or a whole of the Greek.
There are exercises in debate during the whole course in English.
In each language there are five recitations a week during the year.
Special courses are marked out to meet the wants of those pupils who desire special preparation for special courses in col- lege or professional schools.
The regular time for completing the course is four years.
213
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
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 prepa- ration 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
45€
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
1900-1
691
249
97
32,739
47 35
30
23.0
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.
214
ANNUAL REPORTS.
COURSE OF STUDY .- ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR.
SECOND YEAR.
THIRD YEAR.
FOURTH YEAR.
REQUIRED STUDIES.
REQUIRED STUDIES.
REQUIRED STUDIES.
REQUIRED STUDIES.
Prepared.
[ English 4.
English 4.
English 4.
Ancient History 2. Į Algebra 4.
Geometry 4.
Elocution 1.
Elocution 1.
Elocution 1.
Ethics 1.
Ethics 1.
Ethics 1.
Ethics 1.
Freehand Draw- ing 2.
Music 1.
Music 1.
Music 1.
Physical Training 1.
Physical Training 1.
Music 1. Physical Training 1.
Physical Train- ing 1.
Physiology 1.
Physiology 1.
ELECTIVE STUDIES.
ELECTIVE STUDIES.
ELECTIVE STUDIES.
ELECTIVE STUDIES.
Language.
French 5.
French 4.
French 4.
French 4.
German 5.
German 4.
German 4.
German 4.
Latin 5.
Latin 4.
Latin 4.
Latin 4.
Botany 5 .* Zoology 5 .*
Physics 5.
Chemistry 5.
Advanced Botany 5 .*
Advanced Chemistry 5.
Science.
Advanced Physics 5. Advanced Zoology 5 .* Astronomy 5 .* Geology 5 .* Physical Geography 2. Manual Training 6.
Manual Training and Drawing. ~
Manual Train- ing 6.
Mechanical Drawing 3.
Manual Training 6. Freehand Drawing 2. Mechanical Drawing 3. Domestic Science.
Manual Training 6. Freehand Drawing 2. Mechanical Drawing 3. Domestic Science. Advanced Algebra 5 .* Advanced Geometry 5 .*
Freehand Drawing 2. Mechanical Drawing 3. Domestic Science. Analytic Geometry 2. Solid Geometry 5 .* Trigonometry 5 .*
Mathematics.
Bookkeeping 5.
Bookkeeping 5.
Commercial Arithme- tic 2.
Commercial Law 2.
Penmanship 2.
Stenography 5.
Stenography 5. Typewriting 3.
Typewriting 3.
--
* Half year.
The figures at the right of subjects in the course of study indicate the number of recitation periods each week.
Unprepared.
English and Modern European History 3.
English 4. United States History and Civics 3.
Elocution 1.
Mediaeval History 3.
Commercial Studies.
215
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
1. A pupil in course for a diploma is required to take studies representing fifteen periods of prepared recitations and five periods of unprepared recitations each week. Pupils who do not take the required amount or kind of work are classed as partial students.
2. Of the fifteen periods of prepared work, the course pre- scribes 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 necessary fifteen periods.
3. All electives are prepared studies, with the exception of drawing, manual training, penmanship, and typewriting. As these studies require no home preparation, the number of reci- tation periods required is equivalent to the following periods of prepared work, and must be so considered in selecting courses :-
Freehand drawing (two periods) equivalent to one period of pre- pared work.
Manual training (six periods) equivalent to three periods of pre- pared work.
Mechanical drawing (three periods) equivalent to two periods of prepared work.
Penmanship (two periods) equivalent to one period of prepared work.
Typewriting (three periods) equivalent to two periods of prepared work.
4. Double periods are assigned to laboratory work on cer- tain days. This increase in periods is offset by exemption from study in preparation. To counter-balance the small amount of time devoted to studies which are strictly classed as unpre- pared,-as preparing notes for ethics or memorizing exercises in elocution,-an unprepared recitation will be assigned occasion- ally in prepared subjects.
5. Pupils electing manual training must also elect mechani- cal drawing, although mechanical drawing may be elected with- out manual training.
6. A pupil may select any elective of his own year or of the years which precede it. Only one foreign language may be begun the same year. It should be continued two years at least ; a longer time is strongly urged.
7. There must be a sufficient number of pupils desiring a certain elective to warrant a class being formed in that subject.
8. Regular courses are required in preparation for Normal Schools, the Institute of Technology, and other Scientific Schools.
9. No pupil will be permitted to take more than fifteen hours of prepared work, unless his scholarship and health war- rant the increase. The above regulation refers to the addition
216
ANNUAL REPORTS.
of an extra study, after the fifteen periods have been selected, but does not forbid a choice of studies unavoidably exceeding the required number of periods.
10. In June of each year pupils will be asked to choose electives for the following year. No change of courses will be allowed during the year, except for urgent reasons, and then only by permission of Superintendent and Head Master.
11. Pupils who are unable to take the full course, i. e., fif- teen periods a week for four years, may take twelve periods a week for five years by consulting the Superintendent and Head Master. In other words, sixty periods of prepared work, to- gether with the unprepared work, constitute a full course, which entitles a pupil to a diploma of graduation.
Concerning admissions, sessions, etc., see Latin School.
A simple, healthful, inexpensive lunch is served at the recess midway of each session to pupils of either high school 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 grammar schools.
The sub-master in charge of the manual training department is paid $1,700, and his assistant $1,450.
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 $600.
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 $1,700 for five days' service. The books used are "The Euterpean," "The Cecilian Series of Music and Song," Nos. 2, 3, and 4, and "The Laurel Song Book."
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.
Gymnastics. In elementary grades the Ling system 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
217
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
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 270 cases in 1900, and 284 in 1901.
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. A few Latin School pupils are taught drawing in the English 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. No copy books are used. The supervisor visits each class once in four weeks, and receives $1,200.
Student Teachers. At the present time two student teachers are employed in each High School. They serve without pay, under the direction of the Head Master. A secretary and libra- rian 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.
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
218
ANNUAL REPORTS.
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, Forster and Highland buildings from October 1 on four even- ings a week, from 7.30 to 9.30. The length of the term is de- pendent on the interest and attendance. The course of study followed is that prescribed by the statute. Principals receive $3 or $4, and assistants $2.50, $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 nine 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 execu- tive officer of the board, and upon him devolves the general management of the schools under its direction. He serves as the secretary 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.
Board Meetings. The meetings of the School Board are held on the last Monday evening of each month, except July, August, and December. at 8.15 o'clock.
GEORGE L. BAXTER SCHOOL,
219
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
CONTENTS OF APPENDIX.
Concerning Finance.
No. of Table.
1. Schedule of school property.
2. Cost of maintaining schools, 1901.
3. Cost per capita of maintaining schools, 1901.
4. Cost of maintaining schools for a series of years.
5. Cost per capita for maintaining schools for a series of years.
6. Amount spent annually for new school buildings, and for re- pairs for a series of years.
Concerning Pupils.
7. Population and School Census.
8. Attendance, etc., of the schools for 1901.
9. Statistics of the high schools, for school year 1900-1901.
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.