USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1878 > Part 3
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No. 2 .- HOLMES' NEIGHBORHOOD.
This small district has ample school accommodations, for its needs. The school has been under the care of the same teacher for two years, nearly, and we have not heard any complaint in regard to her administration, and hence it may be assumed that she has been faithful and successful in her work.
Teacher-Miss F. I. Capron.
Wages per month, $36.
Weeks of school, Spring, 14, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10 Number of pupils, 20, 17,
66 14
Average attendance, 13,
66 13, 66 11
Not absent or tardy one term: Rennie A. Jordan.
A local fund furnished the means to meet the expense of seven weeks of the last term.
No. 3 .- ELLIS NEIGHBORHOOD.
Teacher .- Miss Jennie E. Ellis.
Wages, per month, $32.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 13, Autumn, 13, Winter, 7
Number of pupils,
9,
14,
14
Average attendance,
8,
10, 12
Not absent or tardy, three terms : Ella F. Henshaw, Phebe L. Henshaw, Jennie M. Henshaw, Nettie M. Henshaw. One term, Fannie Henshaw.
This school has been in charge of the same teacher for several years, and a good degree of success has crowned her labors. But the spirit of emulation it is difficult to arouse, when the classes are so small as in Districts 2 and 3. A union of these districts, if practicable, should be effected,
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for it would be a great advantage to both. They might hope for more enthusiasm in the school room, and for longer terms at less cost.
No. 4 .- UNION NEIGHBORHOOD.
Here we have a fine school lot, near the business centre, and accessible, and yet away from the noise and dust of the great thoroughfare. The lot is sufficiently spacious for am- ple play-grounds, and the school-house, in size, plan, and furnishings, resembles that in No. 1, though it is inferior in its heating apparatus. It needs some, we judge, not expen- sive repairs. It has four fine, pleasant rooms, but as we have needed but three schools, one of them has not been fur- nished.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Teacher .- Miss F. I. Phelps.
Wages, per month,
- $40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 12,
Winter, 92
Number of pupils, 86,
66 73,
66 72
Average attendance,
67+ 66
63, 54
INTERMEDIATE.
Teacher .- Miss . L. A. Riley.
Wages, per month, $40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 12, Autumn, 12, Winter, 93
Number of pupils, 49,
48,
47
Average attendance, 43, 45, 42+
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GRAMMAR. Teachers .-- Spring, Miss Angie M. Quincey ; other terms, Miss Annie W. Stiles.
Wages, per month, Spring $52 ; other terms, $50.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 12, Winter, 9}
Number of pupils, 66 27,
66 29, 29
Average attendance, 25+ 6 26+ 25+
Not absent or tardy: Louisa Armstrong, perfect in at- tendance since the first day she entered school, nearly three years. For three terms : Frank Ryan, Joseph Schmadl, Asa Porter, Lizzie Schmadl, Lawrence Ryan. Two terms : John Murphy, Fred. A. Schmadl, Florence M. Lincoln, Minnie F. Hall, Jennie Rice, Charlie Bride, Walter Ames, Jennie Wood, Bell Ryan, Percy Holmes, Harry Tuffts. One term : Frank Whiting, Annie Hall, Mary Gilfoy, Lizzie Benz, Sarah Mckeon, Lulu White, Alice Bennett, Carrie F. Bennett, Maggie Maguire, George A. Whiting, Charles Martin, Anna Andrews, Anna Bride, Katie Ott, Dora Draper, Emma Deitz, Agnes Bride, Louisa Miller, Mary McQueeny, Arthur Bruce, Frankie Draper, Mary W. Peirce, Fannie Barrows, Charlie Stanley, Clara Struck, Horace Bowen.
All the schools through the year, have merited our appro- bation. The teachers have had more or less experience, all of them, and they toiled with an eye single to the best good of those entrusted to their charge.
Miss Abbie A. Somes, of Gloucester, came to us when quite young, nearly twenty years since, and took charge of the primary department in this district, and with some inter- ruptions in consequence of ill health, she served the district till the first of April last, when she was suddenly stricken down with a fatal disease, and in a few hours passed to rest. She was in every respect a model teacher. In her palmy days she was a marvel, alike as an instructress and as a dis-
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ciplinarian. Her memory is gratefully cherished in scores of hearts of those who were privileged to be her pupils, and whose respect, and confidence, and affection were won by the warm interest she manifested in their welfare.
No. 5 .- FALLS VILLAGE.
The school-house is admirably located, it has an ample yard, and all its surroundings are attractive and pleasant. The building was erected some twenty years since, and it needs some repairs, that everything about it may look neat, and be " as good as new." As in most of our graded schools, the primary department here is full to overflowing. But as there is a recitation room, and an assistant teacher in this de- partment, this school does not suffer so much from its size as some others.
PRIMARY.
Teachers .-- Principal, Miss L. D. Peck; Assistant, Miss E. F. Regan.
Wages, per month, Principal, $40; Assistant, $24.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 8
Number of pupils, 78,
73,
68
Average attendance, 61+ 57, 51 +
GRAMMAR.
Teachers .- Messrs. G. O. Smith and N. B. Worth.
Wages, per month, . $56 00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 14, Autumn, 13, Winter, 8
Number of pupils, 46
44
40
Average attendance, 36 + 66 35, " 33
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Not absent or tardy, three terms : Clara Reid. Two terms : Eva Reid. One term : Clarence Wood, Mabel Ful- ler, Charlie Mason, Jessie Stanley, Arthur Boyce, Tommy Boyce, Sydney Williams, Albert Congdon, Emma Mackinson, Bell Phelps.
During the winter term two or three fatal cases of diphtheria in the district, produced considerable excitement and alarm, and depleted the schools somewhat.
The fact that the same teachers have had charge of the primary school for several years, indicates that their services are acceptable to those whom they serve. The teacher who has presided over the grammar school, most of the year, has been deservedly popular both with his pupils and their pa- rents, and his school, when visited by us, has always ap- peared well.
Mr. George O. Smith, of Randolph, fresh from the Bridge- water Normal, became master of this grammar school in the autumn of 1875. He was of a consumptive tendency and of a delicate physical organization, but he enlisted in his chosen calling, with all the ardor of youth, and all the enthusiasm of one thoroughly consecrated to his mission. And his suc- cess was grateful and flattering. But early in the spring term, last year, it became obvious to others, if not to himself, that his health was declining. He resisted the disease with all the energy of his indomitable will, and remained at his post till authoritatively told to leave. He lingered through the summer, but with the falling leaves of autumn, he fell before the mighty destroyer, sustained and cheered by the consolations and hopes of our divine religion.
No. 6 .- OLD TOWN.
This school has long enjoyed the reputation of being quiet and subordinate, and easily controlled. Perhaps its prox- imity to the church opposite may account for the desirable condition. It would be delightful to believe that its restrain-
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ng and subduing influences linger around through the week. Its teachers, the last year, are both graduates of the North High School, and their labors were well received, faithful and successful.
Teachers .- Spring, Miss Mary A. Mathias ; other terms, Mr. Henry H. Wilson.
Wages, per month, Spring, $36; Autumn, $32; Winter, $36.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 12, Winter, 9
Number of pupils, 36,
27,
29
Average attendance, 28+ 66 24,
27+
Neither absent nor tardy, two terms: James Todd. One term: Fannie M. Eldredge, Annie E. Eldredge, Etta A. Wil- son, Cora E. Wilson, Clara E. Kent, Willie Todd, Emma Spaulding, Lizzie Todd, Walter Sylvester, Charlie Philips, Henry Slaigher. Oscar Slaigher, Eddie Philips.
No. 7 .- LANESVILLE.
This manufacturing village needs a larger and better school- house than its present structure. As it now rejoices in rail- road facilities, it is probable that the hamlet will grow more rapidly than it has done for some time past. It would ex- hibit the liberality and taste of its citizens to erect a fine school edifice with the modern improvements, on or near the site of the present contracted building, for it is " beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole " neighborhood.
Teachers .- Spring, Miss A. M. Griggs ; Fall and Winter, Miss Mary A. Mathias.
Wages, per month, $42.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 14, Autumn, 13, Winter, 8
Number of pupils, 43,
6€ 42,
66 34
Average attendance,
32
66 30
25+
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Not absent or tardy, for the year : Freddie G. Coons. Two terms: Gracie M. Newell, Abbie E. Newell, Arthur I. Newell. One term: Lillie P. Clark, Florence A. Guild, Charles H. Young, Ella Price.
The school was favored with experienced and competent teachers, and the results reached were commendable alike to teachers and pupils.
No. S .-- ATTLEBOROUGH CITY.
How much longer are our " city " people to be content with the old, low, dark and gloomy building which is recog- nized as their school-house ? We look up to city residents for an example of liberality in the public structures. We may be privileged to say to our friends in the district, that a handsome, tasty school edifice would add much to the at- tractiveness of their pleasant street, and tend to draw worthy families from abroad into their midst.
Teachers .- First two terms, Miss R. C. Parker, Winter, Miss J. Wetherell.
Wages, two terms, per mo. $40; Winter, $44.
Weeks of school, Spring, 14, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils,
56,
66 55,
48
Average attendance,
39+ 66 41, 66 29
Not absent or tardy, one term : Annie Coupe, Nancy Gate- wood. The comparatively low average may be attributed in part to the prevalence of scarlet fever during portions of the year. The first named teacher, having taught the school several terms before, was familiar, in the outset, with her po- sition and surroundings, and with the dispositions and capa- bilities of her pupils. The other, too, labored faithfully and patiently, and leaves a fair record behind.
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No. 9 .- TURNPIKE.
This district is growing more and more populous, and its little school-house " in the pines," scarcely answers its pres- ent needs. We have visited the school when it was difficult for us to find sitting room. There is not sufficient space for the arrangement of classes, or for blackboard exercises. The teacher who taught through the year, taught also two terms of the year before,-an evidence that her administration has been gratifying to her patrons.
Teacher .- Miss Lucy C. Sweet.
Wages, per month, - - $40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 19,
20,
24
Average attendance,
16+ 66 15+ 20
Not absent or tardy, one term: Lizzie E. Lewis, Lavinia B. Allen.
No. 10 .- READ AND IDE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Teacher .- Miss Lizzie W. Jackson.
Wages per month, $52.00.
Weeks of school,
Spring, 15, Autumn, 9
Number of pupils,
18,
66 17
Average attendance,
16+ 66 16
Not absent or tardy, two terms, Camilla A. Briggs, Annie S. Davis, Cora E. Eldredge. One term, Georgianna Tingley, Henry Doland, Arthur Eldredge, Henry C. Reed.
The teacher, who was " continued " from last year, was immensely popular with the children and the parents, as would be naturally inferred from the compensation which 8
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she received. It would seem to be thought that two terms under her sway might be more profitable than three under an untried teacher.
No. 11 .- DODGEVILLE.
Two graded schools have been taught in this district, in their comparatively new, handsomely finished, and well- furnished school-house. The upper school-room especially, strikes the eye as being about right in all respects, substantial, neat, and cheerful. The same teachers have had charge of the schools for five consecutive terms, and considering how fami- lies are constantly going and coming in a factory village, their measure of success has met the reasonable expectation.
PRIMARY.
Teacher .- Miss Lena H. Capron.
Wages, per month, -
$40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 12
Number of scholars,
77,
45 46
Average attendance, 66 39+
28, 30
GRAMMAR.
Teacher .- Miss L. C. Blanding.
Wages, per month,
$48.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 12
Number of pupils, 66 34,
66 25,
6: 30
Average attendance,
20
20, 26
Not absent or tardy, three terms : Eva B. Fuller. Two terms: Laura Teal, Marianna Chadwick, Clara H. Teal, Minnie P. Read, Susie E. Sharples. One term : Elvira Stew- art, Josie Fontenau, Carrie Desmaries, Willie Dunn, Maggie
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A. Read, Eddie J. Gates, Annie R. Pollett, Mary Boucher, Sarah Kating, Charles Boucher, Bridget Mulgrew, Freddie A. Babbitt, Tommie Driscoll, Jimmie O'Neil.
No. 12 .-- BRIGGSVILLE.
Teacher .- Miss Julia L. Briggs.
Wages, per month, $32.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 13, Autumn, 12, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 9,
11,
12
Average attendance
6+ 66 8+ 9+
Not absent or tardy, two terms: Mary A. Briggs.
One term : Mary E. Fern.
The school has been taught by the same teacher, three years, at least, and it is good, what there is of it. Its need is quantity, rather than quality. The school-house is nearly new, convenient and pleasant, and pleasantly situated.
No. 13 .- MUGGS'.
This rural district is located in the extreme southeastern section of the town, and it is made up of a farming commu- nity. The school, though small, is wide awake, having a large per cent. of bright, active pupils. Our visitations here we have richly enjoyed, though the school-room is not ex- actly such as we would like to see-not large enough, nor light enough. The same teacher has taught acceptably, two years.
Teacher-Miss Eliza W. French.
Wages per month, $28; Winter, $30.
Weeks of school, Spring, 13, Autumn, 13, Winter, 13 66 19
· Number of scholars, “ 19,
66 17,
Average attendance, 14,
13, 66 14
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Not absent or tardy, three terms : Nellie D. Perry, Emma Perry, Lizzie Perry, George Perry. One term: Vernie O. Stoddard, George L. Stoddard, Hattie Torrey, Damon Tor- rey.
No. 14-BLAIR SWAMP.
Another rustic district, as its technical name implies. Fair school accommodations and a fair school. A judicious and pains-taking teacher, who has had charge of it four terms, but not so much interest and enthusiasm among the scholars as we should like to see.
Teacher-Miss H. L. Harvey.
Wages per month, $34.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 9 11
Number of scholars, " 23,
17
Average attendance, “ 15+ 66 11,
66 7
Not absent or tardy one term : Isabella Hicks, Katie W. Goff, Emma Leonard, Walter H. Follett.
No. 15 .- FARMERS.
Teacher-Miss J. A. Capron.
Wages per month,
$50.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 66 55,
66 50,
66 42
Average attendance, 66 43+
39+ 66 33+
Neither absent nor tardy two terms: Abbie Carpenter, Abbie Manchester, Howard Carpenter. One term: Milford Bliss, Annie Gaskell, Katie Maloy, Willie Karty.
This is one of our largest mixed schools. It has been in ' the care of an accomplished and devoted teacher, and the
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character and amount of its work has been " worthy of all acceptation." Its school house, one of the finest in town when it was erected, has been well looked after, and kept in good repair.
No. 16 .- CARPENTER NEIGHBORHOOD.
The school house in this district is a nearly new and pleas- ant-looking structure, with ample yard-room on the Norton road. The teacher who presided over this school to great acceptation for two years, almost, near the close of the win- ter term, was obliged to leave on account of failing health, and her place was taken by Miss Anna E. Carnes, a recent graduate of the Bridgewater Normal.
Teacher-Miss Lizzie B. Pond.
Wages per month $40.
Weeks of school, Spring, 12, Autumn, 8, Winter, 12
Number of pupils, 66 20,
19,
22
Average attendance, 17,
16, 66 16 +
Not absent or tardy one term: Chloe A. Briggs, W. Ed- ward Alger, Lavinia T. Cooper.
No. 17-FISHER NEIGHBORHOOD.
This district borders on Mansfield. Its school-house is small, ill-arranged and of old style. Until recently its school has been backward, but through the untiring and earnest labor of teachers, the last year, the interest has revived, and the progress made has been surprising. The cranberry in- terest is paramount here, and it determines the time of its school terms. The third term is still in session.
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Teachers-Spring, Miss H. P. Horton; Autumn, Miss Amelia R. Amos.
Wages per month, Spring, $49 ; Autumn, $36.
Weeks of school, Spring, 12, Autumn, 12
Number of pupils, 16,
16
Average attendance,
14+ 66 14+
Not absent or tardy two terms : Emma L. Parmenter, Lillie C. Parmenter, Mary F. Parmenter, Annie F. Thurber. One term : Hattie A. Drake, Jennie R. Thurber, Louis H. Thur- ber, Freddie W. Parmenter, Herbert H. Thurber, Willie N. Thurber, Johnny C. Thurber.
No. 18 .- PRECINCT.
This is by far our most populous district, and it has run, most of the year, six schools : three primaries, two interme- diates, and one grammar. The South Primary, so called, has been by itself in its gem of a school house, which is suf- ficiently capacious for its needs. The others have been taught in the elegant and costly edifice which is too well known to require description. All the schools have been measurably successful, having been favored with industrious, skillful and conscientious teachers, having a " diversity of gifts, but the same spirit." The relations between the teach- ers, and between the teachers and pupils, have been, so far as we have learned, pleasant, confiding and helpful. Though the methods of instruction and the character of the discipline have been somewhat various, in the different schools, there has been little to censure, and much to commend in all of them.
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SOUTH PRIMARY.
Teacher .- Miss Lizzie A. Shepard.
Wages per month, $40 00
Weeks of school, Spring, 15,
Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 55,
66 58,
66 44
Average attendance, 50+ 66 56+ 66 36
At the expiration of eight weeks of the Spring term the North Primary was divided, and the two schools continued through the year, called the First and the Second North Primary.
FIRST NORTH PRIMARY.
Teachers-Miss L. J. Roper, Spring; H. Hamblin, other terms. Wages per month, Spring, $36; other terms, $40.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
No. pupils, till division, 88,
46,
44
6 afterwards, 58,
Av. attendance, till div. 81,
66 37,
30
afterw'ds "
46+
SECOND NORTH PRIMARY.
Teacher-Miss Mary E. Lamb.
Wages, per month, - - $36.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 7, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 45,
44,
66 43
Average attendance, 42+ 39, 66 24 +
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LOWER INTERMEDIATE.
Teachers .-- Spring, Miss L. C. Becket; other terms, Miss A. J. Macomber.
Wages, per month, $40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 42,
35, 33
Average attendance, 37+ 66 27, 66 29+
HIGHER INTERMEDIATE.
Teachers .- Spring, Miss L. P. Beers ; other terms, Miss A. R. Rice.
Wages, per month, $40.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Number of pupils, 47,
43,
44
Average attendance, 66 41+ 66 36, 66 38+
GRAMMAR.
Teachers .-- Spring, Misses H. W. and E. L. Metcalf, other terms, Miss L. P. Beers.
Wages, per month, $50.00.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 10
Numher of pupils, 47,
41, 39
Average attendance, 39, 66 37+ 34+
Pupils neither absent nor tardy, for three terms : Nellie Ryder, Ada Thayer, Mamie Sturdy. Two terms: Marion Briggs, Arthur Briggs, Horace Thompson, Cora Cummings, Byron Blackinton, Percy Crandall, Frankie Carpenter, James Coughlin, Jessie Carpenter. One term : Emily McMann,
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Carrie Beach, Mary Parker, Mamię Briggs, Willie Nye, Johnny Coughlin, Charlie Horton, Edgar Weeden, George Cash, Charlie Sturdy, Marianna Tobit, Clinton Bliss, Edgar Bliss, Emory Salisbury, Lavinia M. Chapman, Lettie B. Claf- lin, Maud C. Miller, Henry A. Carlisle, Herbert S. Nye, Clarence Power, Rena Sturdy, May Worcester, Melissa Bab- bitt, Louisa Carpenter, Carrie Martin, Celia Eldredge, Amos Blackinton, Eddie Kinsley, Albert Angell, Freddie Robbins.
No. 19 .-- New BOSTON.
Teachers-Miss D. Jacobs ; Winter, Mr. Otis White.
Wages per month, $36 00
Weeks of school, Spring, 14, Autumn, 12, Winter, 7
Number of pupils, 66 15,
13,
15
Average attendance, 66 11,
11, 11+
Not absent or tardy, two terms : Mattie D. Ballou.
One term: J. Henry Coggeshall.
This is a country school, though its title might seem to imply that is somewhat metropolitan in its appointments and usages. It is a capital school, though different in style from the schools of capitals. Its pupils as a whole, are quick to learn, studious, orderly and respectful. It is always a pleas- ure to us to listen to their recitations, and observe their de- portment. The school-house like that in No. 17, is getting to be the " worse for the wear." If the two districts would unite, and erect a substantial, though not expensive structure, somewhere near the boundary line between them, they have the material for one of the best schools in town.
No. 20 .- HEBRONVILLE.
The families of this manufacturing village are largely
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migratory in their habits, and change is the unchangeable order of things. Its school-house has been built but a few years, and it is in good repair, but it is not roomy enough to meet the wants of the district.
Teachers-Spring, Miss J. Wetherell; Winter, Miss L. W. Jackson. Wages per month, Spring, $48; Autumn, $52; Winter, $60.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 11
Number of pupils, 70
66 62,
81
Average attendance, 51,
42+ 66 66+
Not absent or tardy, for three terms : James H. Sherman. Two terms : John Sherman. One term, Patrick Driscol, Ar- thur H. Eldredge, Wm. Whitaker, Josie German, Mabel Gorton, Nellie Brek.
Through the liberality of the Hebronville Manufacturing Company, a room was gratuitously fitted and furnished for the instruction of such of the children operatives, as could not be profitably connected with the village school. For which act we express, on behalf of all concerned, grateful acknowledgements.
FACTORY SCHOOL.
Teacher .- Miss Hattie L. Carpenter.
Wages, per month, $20.00.
Weeks of school, 7
Number of scholars,
27
Average attendance, 18+
Not absent or tardy : Jerry McCarthy.
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After this term, an arrangement was made by which the children of this class were taken into the district school- room, and sessions were held outside of the usual daily sessions. The expense of running all the schools in No. 15 and 18, the last two weeks of the winter term was met by local funds. It is probable that the other districts, which have the " Richardson School Fund," were somewhat helped in like manner, but we are unable to give the " facts and figures." Nearly three hundred pupils in town have been perfect in attendance at school, one term or longer, and as we have looked over the records, we have noted a score of names, at least of those who have not been absent, but who were tardy once or more, and perhaps as many who were absent but a single day, and in some cases, but a half day. We think this is a good exhibit of attendance, especially when we take into account the fact that the whooping cough has been " the rounds " during the fall and winter, and many of the schools, especially the primaries, have been seriously affected thereby.
HIGH SCHOOL, ATTLEBOROUGH.
This institution has been well accommodated in the spa- cious school-house of No. 18, and the school has continued " in the even tenor of its way." The teachers have retained their places for several years, and since " experience makes perfect," everything connected with the school seems to be in fine running order. The accomplished assistant now re- tires from the position which she has so long filled, with honor to herself and with profit to her pupils.
Teachers .- Principal, Mr. J. O. Tiffany ; Assistant, Miss A. S. Hawes.
Salary, per year, principal, $1,200; Assistant, $500.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 12 Number of pupils, 49, 66 49, 46
Average attendance, 42+ 43+ 37 +
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Not absent or tardy, three terms: Adah Cummings, Willie Luther, Ervie Tucker. Two terms : Clara Norton. One term : Nellie Collie, Emily Lamb, Willie Everett.
HIGH SCHOOL. -- NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH.
Teachers .- Principal, Mr. B. Porter, Jr. ; Assistant, Miss E. K. Goss.
Salary per year, Principal, $1,200 ; Assistant, $500.
Weeks of school, Spring, 15, Autumn, 13, Winter, 12
Number of pupils, 51,
76,
73
Average attendance, 48, 72, 65
Not absent or tardy, three terms : Annie Codding, Henry Enborn, J. Lewis Ellis. Two terms: Cora Sweet, Susie A. Porter, Frank White, Freddie Amos, Benj. R. Esten, Louis Kurtz. One term : George Paine, George Brown, Edwin H. Whitehill, Edna Smith, Abby Robinson, Lizzie Sadler, Henry Hall, Lillie Bruce, Edward Kingman, Ellen Brady, Mary W. Peirce, Dennis McCarthy, Lilla Thompson, Fannie Barrows, Sarah E. Fisher.
This school has been in the care of the same principal since its establishment, nearly eleven years. That he is an indefatigable worker, no one will question, and when the dis- advantages under which he has taught are considered, the measure of success that has been attained, is a wonder to us. The present assistant has been connected with the school for eight terms, and her services are satisfactory to all.
The institution continues to have an abiding place in the old, dilapidated school house of No. 4, which is in every par- ticular that can be named, inadequate to its needs. The site is undesirable, very near the street with its noise and dust, and not a stone's throw from the railroad station. Its yards are not half large enough for so large a school, and it is ut-
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terly impossible to warm and ventilate it properly. The building was erected some thirty years ago, and its appoint- ments are not in keeping with our times. It is unwise and barbarous-shall we not say wicked ?- to require our grow- ing youth to pass the best hours of their days in a place, so perilous to health, and so promotive of discomfort. We do not marvel that pupils should grow listless and stupid, and so, perhaps, receive stern reproof in so vitiated an atmos- phere as they are obliged to breathe. True, the rooms can be ventilated by the windows, but we remember a saying of the late Dr. Hall of New York, that, of the two evils, breath- ing foul air, and sitting in a draft of fresh air, the former is the less, since it will not destroy the life speedily, while the latter might do it.
Now is there any substantial reason to believe that the time is to come ere long, when we shall not need-shall not have-two high schools in town ? If not, wisdom dictates -- and even economy, in the large sense of the word -- that we should inaugurate measures at once to erect a building for our High School North, worthy the name and worthy of the uses for which it is designed.
We give the names of the graduates of our high schools, the past two years, since, by a mortifying blunder, the list of '76 failed to find a place in our report of last year.
EAST .- 1876.
Amelia D. Beach.
Mary E. Lamb.
Frank H. Blackinton.
Mabel W. Carpenter.
Katie E. Lincoln.
Henry M. Snell.
1877.
Caroline M. Babcock.
Lydia R. Briggs.
Alena M. Briggs.
Philip E. Brady.
Alvin N. Cooper.
Newton J. Sweet.
Edward A. Wales.
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NORTH .- 1876.
Celia E. Atkinson.
Lydia N. Fisher.
M. Ida Kent.
Willard R. Cushman.
Myra A. Ballou.
Inez Freeman.
Helen W. Phelps.
Edwin A. White.
1877.
Francis A. Daggett.
Emily L. Loughlin.
Clara P. Shaw.
James H. Mason.
Emma F. Hurley.
Henry P. Clampitt.
Economy is the order of the day with everybody, unless legislators and public officials be excepted. We have led off in this direction by reducing the salaries of our high school teachers. Will prudentials follow our example, and engage the district teachers at lower rates ? If the cost of living has materially lessened, as we are told, it is obviously just that the compensation of our laborers should be dimin- ished. And the question is to be considered and decided whether or not we shall dispense with the drawing and the singing teacher. When drawing became, by an act of the leg- islature a few years since, a required branch of instruction in the public schools, we had some valuable teachers who had not been taught the art, and rather than to discard them, it seemed to be wise and well to employ a special teacher for this branch. But at this late day, all our teachers ought to be qualified to teach the theory, at least, of drawing. The pleasant and faithful teacher who has taught this accomplish- ment, for several years, in our high, and in our large district schools, has been deservedly popular with teachers and pu- pils, and her success has been all that could be reasonably asked.
Vocal music, as a science, is not expressly required by statute to be taught in our public schools. But we have had
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teacher of music the past year, and his success has ex- eeded our expectations. He is a live teacher and infuses his enthusiasm into his pupils. Whether a professional teacher of drawing or of singing will be employed in our high schools or not, is as yet an unsettled question. The only thing about it which causes hesitation is the economic aspect of the question. When it shall be decided what the school appropriation for the ensuing year is to be, the School Committee, alike of the town and of the districts, will be ready to act.
Per cent. of attendance in all the schools for the year, 7931.
Respectfully submitted,
S. P. LATHROP, ) J. D. PEIRCE,
G. A. ADAMS,
School. Committee.
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58 2016
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