USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1885 > Part 4
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FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
The free text book law went into operation the first of last August. All supplies were purchased at wholesale rates, and the books labelled as follows :
" Property of the town of Attleboro. This book is loaned to the pupil free of charge. It must not be marked upon with pencil or ink, and must be kept clean. If a pupil loses, or unnecessarily defaces or injures a book, he must pay for it. The book may be carried home for study, by permission of the teacher. Supplied to the. school. No. . .... 188 .. "
As far as possible the necessary distribution was made before the schools opened. Since then supplies have been delivered from the office of the Superintendent on the writ- ten requisition of the teachers. An account of books and
263
ANNUAL REPORT.
all other supplies thus furnished is kept with each teacher, and, in a record-book provided for that purpose, the teachers keep a like account with each pupil. At the close of each term the teachers send to the Superintendent an inventory of supplies on hand. Many old books were re- tained and used, but as pupils are promoted these books individually owned will be lost out of the schools, and new ones must be furnished by the town.
EFFECTS.
As far as my observation goes, the free text book law is working satisfactorily. In its favor these facts readily ap- pear : Books and other supplies are ready at the opening of the term, and furnished from time to time as needed with- out the usual delays ; all supplies are under the control of the teacher ; pupils are classified to better advantage ; pro- motions can be readily made when deemed desirable ; the attendance is increased and much more regular.
APPARATUS AND REFERENCE BOOKS.
The appropriation of last year has been utilized by plac- ing in the schools of the town-each school receiving its share-apparatus, such as globes, maps, geometrical blocks, reference books, as dictionaries, young folks' cyclopœdias, gazeteers, atlases ; and other means of illustration, such as colored beads, splints, toy money, object lesson cards, etc. These are all being put to a good use by teachers and pupils, and the investment will prove a profitable one.
COURSE OF STUDY.
An early examination of the schools, showed their press- ing need to be unity and system in work. The teachers were doing the best they could with no definite plan or aim. In some schools where there had been frequent changes of teachers, the work had become much involved,
264
ANNUAL REPORT.
and results were unsatisfactory. After a careful study of the subject and a comparison of the courses in some of the best schools of the State, a "Proposed Course of Study" was arranged and a copy placed in the hands of each teacher in town. The effect was at once manifest. Teach- ers and pupils worked with a definite object in view, worked with more energy, and though it is yet early to judge fully as to results, it is certain that the schools will accomplish much more than was possible under the old system. When the course of study shall have had a fair trial and been revised, it will be published in full for the inspection of all interested.
REGRADING.
Naturally a little friction accompanied the classifying of the schools under the new course of study. In some cases pupils and perhaps parents feared a possibility of in- justice in the inevitable sifting which followed. Generally, however, the work has been carried on smoothly. Teach- ers have worked impartially, according to their best judg- ment, parents and pupils have accepted gracefully the new order of things.
Three new schools will be opened on Bank street, one at South Attleboro, and the school at Hebronville divided at the opening of the Spring term, March 9th. One di- vision, grade VII, will be transferred from the North Grammar to Bank street school. These arrangements will greatly increase their efficiency. When an additional primary can be formed at the Falls, Dodgeville and South Main street, the schools will all be well accommodated and in good working order.
CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS.
It is not to be expected that the schools of this town are in all respects equal to those of many towns in the
265
ANNUAL REPORT.
.
State. Two years only out of the old district system is too short a time in which to bring this about. Rapid and encouraging progress is, however, being made. I have been pleased to note that during the last term the schools have received increasing attention from parents and pa- trons, and we hope for much more of the same encourage- ment. As a rule the best schools have the most company, the most interested pupils are the most interesting. Certainly visits from friends are stimulating, both to teachers and pupils.
If parents would frequently consult teachers and Superintendent, in reference to the progress of their chil- dren, many matters could be satisfactorily explained, and a general acquaintance formed which would be helpful to all concerned.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
For the present much attention must be given to the work of the primaries. "Well begun is half done." It is most essential that the foundation be well laid. To the young child the school should be one of the pleasant places in the world. Here, as in no other grade the teacher is the school, and talent of the highest order is required. Some changes in primary methods have already been, and more will be speedily, introduced.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The work here completes the preparation for the High school. For this reason I emphasize the necessity of re- taining pupils in this grade, till thoroughly prepared to enter the High school and do good work there. Those pupils in outlying districts who desire to enter the High school, should, if possible, spend a year in one of the Grammar schools. With fewer classes and more time for recitations, with more and better apparatus and reference
34
266
ANNUAL REPORT.
books, the work can be much more thoroughly done here than in ungraded or semi-graded schools.
I recommend also that those pupils (and only those), who have maintained a good rank in the grammar school work, and have passed satisfactory examinations in all the studies of that grade, be granted diplomas, these diplomas to be passports to the High school without farther examination.
HIGH SCHOOLS.
The High schools are doing good work, as good as could be expected under the circumstances. To these schools I have given a good deal of thought, and it is something of a problem how best to provide for their future needs.
One feature of our school is quite noticeable and un- fortunate, -the great decrease in attendance as pupils advance from the lower to the higher grades. It is true the chief mission of the lower grade is not to prepare for the Grammar school, or the Grammar school to prepare for the High school, but rather of each to fit for good citizenship. With this end in view the work of each grade and each year's work in the High school, should be, as far as practicable complete in itself. Those, then, who can- not attend the High school more than a year or two should be encouraged to enter and get something, if not all of the higher course.
The standard of admission should, however, be raised. Pupils who enter from the Grammar schools not well qualified, go through the High school in a weak and un- satisfactory manner. They are a hindrance to their class and a discouragement to their teachers. These same pupils if kept in the Grammar schools till they have thoroughly mastered the work of that grade, will carry the work of the High school easily, be a credit to all in- terested, and graduate as strong scholars, with a good record and not as weaklings.
267
ANNUAL REPORT.
Some two years ago both schools began work with two courses of study, a Classical and a General. In each of these courses Latin is required. Last year the number of pupils in both schools taking the full Classical course was ten, and this year there is a falling off of one or two. As yet the entire attendance has been small, -the whole number of pupils registered during the year in the North High school being fifty-eight, and in the East High school fifty-three, - and there has been no great trouble in ar- ranging for the classes. In a short time, however, when the courses of study shall have come into full operation, it will be absolutely necessary to have an additional teacher in each school. The results of this plan of work do not compare well with the expense and effort involved. There is waste force, time and money.
Again, while I do not underate the value of the classics, and would encourage all young people to obtain a know- ledge of ancient and modern languages, especially Latin, yet there are many who can not and will not study Latin, who ought not to be debarred from taking a High school course.
They prefer, and perhaps wisely, to devote what time they can give to school, to higher English and a business preparation. At present, even in the General course, over three years' work in Latin is required.
In view of some of these facts, I beg to present for your consideration a plan involving somewhat radical changes, but one which I fully believe will be indorsed by the citi- zens of Attleboro at no distant day. If in your judgment the time is not fully ripe for taking action, it may be well to give some thought to the subject.
If the two schools were united, I am satisfied that much better work would be done. This, however, I suppose is out of the question. I therefore suggest that Classical work be done in but one school. This should include a
268
ANNUAL REPORT.
regular Classical course and a College Preparatory. To save classes, these could be made, in a large part, identi- cal. In addition to the Languages, some attention would of course be given to higher Mathematics, Literature and Natural Science. This department of the school should, and I believe can, be much enlarged. More young people of this town should be found in the Classical course, more fitting for college. If teachers urge upon their attention the benefits of a college course, if parents and friends en- courage them in their efforts to obtain a liberal education, and the town open the way to the college doors, a much larger per cent. of our young men and women will be found availing. themselves of these privileges. Let the other High school carry on the work of the higher English and scientific course, not requiring Latin. Let this school be well supplied with philosophical, chemical and other scien- tific apparatus, and a first-class scientific department built up. Of what practical use is it to study chemistry and physics from the text-book alone? A class will learn and remember vastly more of science by performing an experiment than by merely studying about any number of them.
In this school let there be also a short, practical business course for the benefit of such boys as cannot com- pass a more extended education, giving special attention to book-keeping, commercial arithmetic, mechanical draw- ing and other studies that will fit them for doing business.
In favor of this plan, then, the following arguments ap- pear :
I. The present teaching force will be amply sufficient for all time to come, whereas under the present arrange- ment another teacher for each school must soon be em- ployed, probably within the coming year.
2. The classes will increase in size, much to the ad- vantage of all who attend. A class of four or five cannot
269
ANNUAL REPORT.
work with the same interest, enthusiasm and profit as one of double the number. Inspiration is lacking.
3. Those who do not wish to study Latin will not be compelled to do so.
4. · Those who now go out of town to take a college pre- paratory or business course can be accommodated at home at a great saving of expense in transportation, tuition and books.
5. If pupils can get this training at home and without expense, many more will be willing to make the effort.
Opposed to this plan is the trouble and expense of trans- portation, which seems slight in comparison with its ad- vantages. Trains run so that pupils in both villages can be nicely accommodated. If the change is made the town can well afford to bear the expense of extra transportation.
The following fact is worthy of notice: Attleboro is trying to do what few large towns and cities in the State are doing-support two high schools with identical courses of study. In most places high school pupils know no other way than to travel several miles each day by steam or horse cars.
VOCAL MUSIC.
Mr. H. J. Whittemore, assisted by his daughter, Miss Mary E. Whittemore, have continued their course of in- struction in music, giving the High and Grammar schools a lesson each week, and other schools in town, one in two weeks. Of his work Mr. Whittemore says :
" That vocal music is now taught very generally in the public schools throughout the State, need not be repeated here, and to those familiar with the school-room, there can be no question as to its value as an aid to discipline and as a means of refinement.
"The charge sometimes brought against it, that it effeminates boys, is scarcely borne out by facts, the most
270
ANNUAL REPORT.
martial of modern nations being those in which the study of music is carried to its highest development.
" In a well-disciplined school the boys take as readily to music as do the girls, and can do fully as well.
" For several years I have noticed that a large per cent. of my private pupils have been young men who have passed through the schools and are desirous of going still further in the study of music.
"The evidences of good results from the study of music in the public schools of Attleboro, are quite ap- parent. A good proportion of the choir and chorus singers of the town are young ladies and gentlemen, who have received their musical education principally, if not entirely, in the public schools. These are considered as among the best readers of music.
"Music has been taught in all the out-lying schools during the year, with gratifying results. In several schools the pupils have shown marked ability in reading music, and in this respect compare favorably with the village schools.
"The success of music, as one of the regular studies in the schools of this town, is largely due to the support of the School Committee, and the willing co-operation of Superintendent, teachers and pupils."
Without question they are superior instructors, and I consider the town fortunate in being able to secure their services.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
The subject of free evening schools is everywhere at- tracting much attention, and nearly all the cities and larger towns of the State are supporting them. Increasing at- tendance and interest is proof of their popularity. Doubt- less a large number of our young men and women who can- not well attend the day schools, would appreciate the ad-
27 1
ANNUAL REPORT.
vantages of an evening school if one should be opened in each village during the winter months.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
General meetings attended by all the teachers, and grade meetings where the special work of the grade in question has been considered, have been occasionally held. I have found in these meetings a most effectual way of giving directions and discussing methods and matters of common interest. Teachers have brought and compared specimens of the work done in their schools, have been free to ask and answer questions, and explain their meth- ods of teaching. In this way young teachers get the ben- efit of the experience of older ones, and all receive profit and fresh inspiration.
Much interest has been shown, and a willingness to act upon practical suggestions, from whatever source received.
VISITING DAYS.
In accordance with their usual custom the teachers have taken one day each term in which to visit schools. They have been very willing to make the effort necessary to see some of the best work in other schools of their own grade, and afterwards send me written reports of their observations. Knowing that they were expected to write an account of what they saw and heard, they were stimu- lated to criticise carefully and apply the best methods noticed. I count visiting day more valuable to the schools than if spent in regular work.
Many of the most progressive teachers have taken ad- vantage of their vacations to examine the working of other schools.
THE TEACHERS.
As a rule the teachers are energetic, enthusiastic, will- ing to learn as well as teach. Of many of them I can
272
ANNUAL REPORT.
speak in the highest praise. With all I am in hearty sympathy. A large number have recently subscribed for an educational journal and have purchased books on methods of teaching. This is most commendable. Teachers who are not enough interested in their work to purchase and read educational literature, unavoidably get behind the times.
With school officers and patrons working unitedly, there seems to be no reason why the schools of Attleboro may not soon be on a level with the best in the State.
Thanking you, gentlemen of the committee, for your good will and cordial support, I am
Respectfully yours,
A. W. EDSON, Superintendent.
274
ANNUAL REPORT.
TABLE SHOWING NAMES, GRADES, TEACHERS,
SCHOOLS.
GRADES.
TEACHERS.
North,
High,
Henry M. Maxson
66
Bertha Peirce
East, 66
J. O. Tiffany . Helen W. Metcalf
North Grammar, 66
VII, VIII, IX, Lizzie M. Thomson
East 66
VIII, IX,
Leonora P. Beers
66
66
Nancie E. Atwood
Park Street,
VII,
Ellie E. Whiting
66
66
V
Nellie F. Alexander . . .
School
66
II,
Lillian Underwood
66
I,
Ruth Brettun
Bank
66
VI, VII,
Abbie L. Jonest
V, VI,
Amelia R. Amos
66
66
IV, V. II, III, II,
Jennie F. Fullert
66
I,
Lillian C. Albee .
Falls,
VII, VIII,
Everett B. Durfee
V, VI,
Ida E. Sweetser.
III, IV,
Lillian K. Williams
66
I, II,
Laura E. Amos
66
I, II,
Hattie E. Pierce
66
IV,
Fannie L. Whittemore.
III,
Caroline O. Pierce.
I,
Nellie O. Mead .
.
Lena A. Thomas .
Clara A. Ingrahamt
66
66
I,
Grace E. Smith .
¡To begin work March 9.
Lizzie A. Riley
VI
Cora F. Barden .
275
ANNUAL REPORT.
TEACHERS' SALARIES AND ATTENDANCE.
SALARY
PER WEEK.
AMOUNT
PAID.
DIFFERENT
NAMES
REGISTERED.
MALES.
FEMALES.
AVERAGE
MEMBERSHIP.
AVERAGE
ATTENDANCE.
TARDINESSES.
$1,100 00
39
8
3I
43.2
41
I33
302 50
1,100 00
35
14
2I
38.2
35
174
$15 00
540 00
I20
59
61
77.4
72.2
155
II OO
418 00
13 00
494 00
54
27
27
46.4
41.9
234
II OO
418 00
66
38
28
58
54.7
93
10 00
380 00
36
I7
19
30.8
29
98
10 00
378 00
41
21
20
41
34
220
10 00
380 00
40
20
20
40
36
46
10 00
380 00
46
26
20
45
39
141
10 00
334 00
62
34
28
45.6
40. I
II3
10 00
IIO 00
83
41
42
52.I
43.4
175
10 00
160 00
¥9
5
4
30.3
24.4
64
II OO
418 00
64
34
30
50.5
47
I22
10 00
242 00
72
37
35
42.9
39.1
I16
10 00
380 00
70
42
28
53
47
160
10 00
110 00
II4
5I
63
91
79
87
16 00
368 00
48
20
28
34.7
28.4
152
10 00
80 00
40
I5
25
36
3I
100
10 00
380 00
47
29
18
37.4
31.I
94
10 00
380 00
7 00
56 00
IOI
46
55
65.6
58.9
119
*Remainder of names registered in other grades.
.
II OO
253 00
500 00
276
ANNUAL REPORT.
TABLE SHOWING NAMES, GRADES, TEACHERS,
SCHOOLS.
GRADES.
TEACHERS.
-
Sanford Street,
VII, VI,
Hannah M. Pratt
Mary E. Wattles
66
V,
Mary E. Lamb .
66 66
IV,
Mrs. O. Cora Chatterton Emma E. Woodard
66
III, IV,
III,
Alice D. Graham
Lucy C. Sweet .
66
I,
Cora L. Maynard
South Main Street, I, II,
Helen L. Johnson
Dodgeville,
Semi-graded,
Carrie E. Cobb
Carrie L. Perry .
Hebronville, 66
66
Clara F. Bourne.
City,
Mrs. Lola R. Miller
Angie F. Bakert
Turnpike,
Ungraded,
Jennie S. Horton
Adamsdale,
Theresa L. Pratt
Oldtown,
Mary G. Stroud
Holmes,
Clara E. Kent
Ellis,
Jennie E. Ellis .
New Boston,
Annie E. Eldridge
Farmers,
Abbie T. Taft
Pleasant Street,
Lucia Alger .
Briggsville,
Mrs. Julia L. Brigham .
Muggsville,
Fannie E. Nelson
Read and Ide,
66
George B. Brown
*To begin work March 9.
¿Discontinued at the close of the Fall term.
· I, II, III, I, II, III, Ungraded,
Alice E. Whitaker
66
II,
277
ANNUAL REPORT.
TEACHERS' SALARIES AND ATTENDANCE.
SALARY
PER WEEK.
AMOUNT
PAID.
DIFFERENT
NAMES
REGISTERED.
MALES.
FEMALES.
AVERAGE
MEMBERSHIP.
AVERAGE
ATTENDANCE.
TARDINESSES.
$13 00
$494 00
47
28
19
41.7
39.5
71
10 00
380 00
44
23
2I
46
42
5I
10 00
380 00
49
19
30
46.7
41.8
44
10 00
380 00
52
29
23
43.9
39.9
46
10 00
220 00
*3
I
2
44.5
38.9
44
10 00
380 00
65
38
27
52.6
47
59
10 00
380 00
65
3I
34
51.6
45.7
43
10 00
380 00
II7
66
5I
61.7
48.9
7I
10 00
IIO 00
IO3
52
5I
64
54
138
13 00
494 00
54
26
28
44
40
175
II OO
418. 00
IO2
53
49
60.7
56.7
146
13 00
494 00
I32
65
67
71
62
155
13 00
488 80
80
45
35
64
53
106
10 00
380 00
45
20
25
30.6
26.4
70
10 00
380 00
65
32
33
39.6
33.5
84
10 00
380 00
46
24
22
37
33
192
9 00
207 00
26
I2
14
18.4
16.4
I 36
10 00
349 00
40
I7
23
30.7
27.7
166
9 00
207 00
42
20
22
31.2
27.7
I33
10 00
80 00
83
42
41
43.5
39
192
10 00
380 00
44
31
13
26.6
20.2
94
10 00
392 00
44
18
26
35.2
32.4
70
9 00
414 00
18
8
IO
14.6
12.4
90
9 00
243 00
14
13
I
10.3
7.7
III
228 00
*Remainder of names registered in other grades.
NOTE. The teachers in the foregoing list are engaged for the coming term, except that Mrs. Carrie L. Bass takes the place of Miss Sweetser, at the Falls, Miss Florence E. Cope- land of Miss Taft, at Farmers, and Miss Nellie H. Coller of Miss Bourne, at Hebronville.
278
ANNUAL REPORT.
The following teachers not in the foregoing list were employed for a part of the year.
Blaisdell, Laura J.,
$28 00
Byram, Emma H.,
49 00
Coller, Nellie H.,
270 00
Capron, J. Adeline,
135 00
Carpenter, Louise A.,
28 00
Dann, Elsie M.,
314 60
Eldridge, Celia F.,
120 00
Manning, Caroline T.
270 00
Morse, Hattie,
4 00
McClatchey, Marianna M.,
90 00
Paine, Hattie B.,
16 00
Peck, Lydia D.,
14 0
Phelps, Mary W.,
216 00
Peirce, Agnes,
237 50
Safford, Myra A.,
150 00
Slocum, Mabel E.,
135 00
Stroud, Charles S.,
240 00
Sawyer, Horace E.,
255 00
Taber, E. C.,
40 00
Wightman, J. Lewis,
240 00
GRADUATES OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS.
The following are the graduates of the two schools, June, 1884 :
NORTH HIGH.
Hattie C. Dean, Jennie F. Stanley, Lorenzo A. Jordan, Hattie A. Morse, Henry B. Cornell, Clarence O. Wood.
EAST HIGH.
Emma A. Blackinton, Celia F. Eldridge,
Frederick P. Cooper, Edgar A. Remington, May A. Worcester.
279
ANNUAL REPORT.
AUDITORS' REPORT,
The undersigned, appointed as Auditors at the annual town meeting in March, 1884, respectfully report that they have examined the accounts of the Treasurer and find the same correctly kept, with proper vouchers for all pay- ments.
They have examined the accounts of the Selectmen, and find vouchers for all payments authorized by them, and the amount of money there stated as approved cor- responds with the amount as charged on the Treasurer's books.
Returns of Collectors have been examined and found correct. They hold proper vouchers for all moneys re- ported by them as paid Treasurer, and agree with his books.
They find by the Selectmen's books that none of the road surveyors have overdrawn their appropriations.
Respectfully submitted.
G. W. CHEEVER, WM. P. SHAW, Auditors. F. I. BABCOCK,
Attleborough, March 10th, 1885.
280
ANNUAL REPORT.
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
BRISTOL, ss.
To ELIJAH R. READ, OR EITHER OF THE CONSTABLES OF ATTLEBOROUGH, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the legal voters in the Town of Attleborough to meet in Agricultural Hall, in said Attleborough, on MONDAY, March 16th, 1885, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act upon the following articles, to wit :
I. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
2. To consider and act upon the reports of the Select- men, Treasurer, and other town officers.
3. To determine the number that shall constitute the Board of Selectmen, Assessors, and School Committee ; also the number of Collectors, Constables and Board of Health, for the ensuing year.
4. To bring in their votes for Town Clerk, Selectmen, Assessors, Board of Health, one Overseer of the Poor, Treasurer, Collectors and Constables, all on one ballot.
5. To bring in their votes for School Committee.
6. To vote " Yes" or "No" by separate ballot upon the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town ?" the ensuing year.
7. To choose all other town officers.
281
ANNUAL REPORT.
8. To see if the town will accept the Jury list as pre- pared by the Selectmen.
9. To determine the compensation of town officers.
IO. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer to make temporary loans in anticipation of receipts from taxes for the years 1885 and 1886.
II. To see what disposition the town will make of the dog fund reported in the hands of the Treasurer.
12. To see if the town will raise money to pay military aid as provided by statute.
13. To see if the town will authorize the Overseers of the Poor to contract with physicians to attend the poor for the ensuing year.
14. To choose any committee; to hear the report of any committee and act thereon.
15. To see what action the town will take relative to suits brought against the town by Eliezer Bowen and Thomas McGuire, for damages by reason of the change of grade of Church and Washington streets.
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