USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1889 > Part 4
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We are equally fortunate in securing the services of of Miss Minnie M. Barton, who has charge of the classes in Greek and German.
Miss Lidora E. Briggs, well known several years ago as a successful teacher here and in other places, and who for the last five years in connection with her duties as member of the School Board, has been a close student of educational matters and methods was engaged as Principal of the Grammar school. Miss Slate was promoted to suc- ceed Miss Lamb as first assistant, and Miss Nellie M. Toothaker, who came to us well fitted and highly recom-
I28
ANNUAL REPORT.
mended was employed as second assistant. Under the in. struction of these teachers the Grammar school, in its spacious, well lighted, and well ventilated quarters has en- joyed a prosperous term.
Miss Mary L. Felt, a graduate of the Rhode Island Normal school and an experienced teacher, took charge of the upper Primary on Pine street, at the beginning of the year, and Miss Dora A. Sweet of the same Normal school, who served as assistant teacher, in the Hebronville Primary during the spring term, took charge of the lower Primary on Pine street at the beginning of the fall term. Miss Cassie S. Thayer, assistant at the Dodgeville Primary was promoted to the charge of the Perry school, and Nellie D. Cushman and Hattie E. Shepard, both graduates of our High school served as assistants at Hebronville and Dodge- ville during the fall term. That the appointment of assistants at these last named Primaries was wise, is plainly shown by the greatly improved condition of these schools.
By the addition of the spacious recitation room to the Dodgeville house a long felt want is supplied.
The great event of the year was the building of the Grammar school house on Sanford street. The Building Committee succeeded in moving the Academy to its pres- ent site during the spring vacation so that no interruption of the schools was caused. The new building was so nearly completed at the beginning of the fall term that all the necessary changes could be made and the different grades occupy their respective places at the opening of the fall term. Very few can appreciate the great importance of this work. In the long vacation the furniture was re-arranged in all the buildings and the different grades properly located. The overcrowded Primary which occu- pied a room in the central building was divided and now
129
ANNUAL REPORT.
occupies the two rooms in the Academy. The Intermediate grades now occupy the large central building and the Gram- mar grades, the new building.
It is to be regretted that so many of our children leave school before completing the elementary course. That many who graduate from the Grammar school do not enter the High is not at all surprising. When that stage is reached the scholar is of the age when the question must be decided whether he shall further pursue a general course of education or enter a school where the instruction received fits him to enter upon some special vocation or, as is true in a large number of instances leave school entirely and to go to work to earn a livelihood. Our grades should be of such a number and so adjusted that our children, with a very few exceptions, can remain in school till the Gram- mar course is completed. This, however, is not the case. For several years the number of those who leave school before completing the Grammar course is large and on the increase. During the last year this shrinkage of number is deplorably large in the sub grammar grade. Observing this, I concluded that there must be a defect somewhere in our system. Once convinced of this, it became my duty to hunt down the error and devise some means of cor- rection. I requested each teacher to ascertain the average age of the scholars in her grade at the opening of the fall term. The result was a great surprise to me as well as to most of the teachers themselves. In every grade whose scholars have entered school since our graded system was first established the average age was fully two years above what it ought to be. That our schools may furnish the greatest good to the greatest number, they should be so graded that the average age of the scholars at the comple- tion of the Grammar course, should be fourteen years or
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ANNUAL REPORT.
at most, but little above that age. While this will accomplish what we seek for the Elementary course it will furnish a much larger number who will enter the High school since this course can be completed at eighteen which is a proper age for the boy who cannot extend his school days, to commence the active work of life, or for him who is to take a collegiate course to enter upon it.
If our children entered the Primary school at the age of five years, they could pass through the nine grades which were arranged for the elementary course and gradu- ate from the Grammar school at the proper age. The truth is that very many do not enter till six, many till seven, and some till eight or more years of age. This great disparity of ages is a great hinderance to the most successful work under the graded system, for the child at six is vastly more mature and capable of much better work and more rapid progress than the one at five. Since the average age of the children on entering is fully six years, I think our elementary course should consist of eight grades.
I would earnestly recommend, that, at the beginning of each term, and especially at the beginning of the fall term all children who have attained the age of five and a half years be sent to the public school. The adjustment of dif- ficulties at present going quietly on with the sanction and under the direction of the Committee will, after a little time, if carried out, accomplish the much desired reform.
I have always maintained since music has been taught in our schools by a professional teacher, that the money paid for this instruction was wisely expended. I think this has been emphatically true of the last year, and I most earnestly advocate its continuance under the direc- tion of the present instructors. I call your attention to the report of the Instructors in Music, and to the remarks
131
ANNUAL REPORT.
upon this subject by the Principal of the High school in his report which is inserted further on.
Mr. J. O. Tiffany, Supt. of Public Schools:
It is with pleasure that we are able to report con- stant improvement in the schools of the town.
The Normal Music Readers, placed in several schools last year, are meeting a long-felt want, and aid greatly in raising the standard of music throughout our schools.
Two additional classes have been supplied with books within a few months.
The teachers quite heartily co-operate with us, and to this fact is due much of the improvement that has been made during the last six months.
Lessons have been given in the out-lying districts, and although the attendance has been very small, yet in some schools considerable interest has been shown, and a fair degree of improvement made.
Respectively submitted,
H. J. WHITTEMORE, MARY E. WHITTEMORE, Instructors in Vocal Music in Public Schools.
I wish the tax payers who so generously support our educational system, would see the wisdom of having Drawing treated as Music is, under the direction of a com- petent teacher. The half-time services of a professional teacher in that department, a graduate of the Art Normal school, could be procured for $500 per annum and per- haps for less.
I wish to thank the members of the School Board for their cordial support, the teachers for their hearty co-op-
I32
ANNUAL REPORT.
eration, and all others who in any way have given aid or encouragement, and to make grateful acknowledgement to all for their uniform courtesy.
Respectfully submitted,
J. O. TIFFANY, Superintendent of Schools.
To the School Committee of Attleboro,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the first Annual Report of the High School for the year end- ing December 31, 1889. Having been connected with the school for only one term, I cannot give a complete report or one of any comparative value.
Whole number of scholars connected with the school during the year, 78, including 20 who entered in Septem- ber. Percentage of attendance, 97.7. Number registered the fall term, 65. The attendance both in promptness and regularity has been very satisfactory, and is certainly commendable to the pupils. This is important, for as a rule, those scholars that are most punctual make the most progress in their studies.
Report cards, giving the attendance, deportment and scholarship of the pupils are sent to the parents quarterly. Rank, according to the present system, is based upon both oral and written work, and is believed to be as just a sys- tem as has been devised. Of course it is not possible for figures to represent improvement in habits of industry and self-control, or to show increase in thought-power. There- fore it may often happen that the unwritten rank is of a higher degree of merit than the written.
The deportment of the school has been highly satis- factory. It is evident that the pupils very generally desire to be ladies and gentlemen.
133
ANNUAL REPORT.
An appropriation of one hundred and twenty-five dollars through you by the trustees of the Richardson School Fund, and a gift of twenty-five dollars by one of our benev- olent business men, has been expended in purchasing physical apparatus. We are now able to prove experiment- ally, all the more important principles of Physics. There should, however, be somewhat different accommodations for this work.
A little more than one hundred dollars, the profit from entertainments given by the school previous to my connection with it, is to be used mostly to increase our library. A few volumes have already been purchased. We have not at present any shelf-room for these new books.
You have already noticed the need of better ventila. tion for the chemical laboratory. An enlargement, if not a change in location of this laboratory is desirable, and may be necessary.
I am glad to know that the course of study is being carefully examined. A revision should be made and doubt- les this matter will receive your early attention.
Much credit is due my assistants, whose faithful, enthusiastic and competent service has been of the highest value to the school.
A very commendable degree of success has attended the instruction in music. Prof. Whittemore has been un- tiring in his efforts and efficient in his labors.
Allow me to thank you, members of the committee, for your assistance, sympathy and hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
C. E. STEVENS,
Principal of the High School.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATES, 1889.
. Florence F. Bushee, Effie M. Blackinton, Ellistine M. Beech, Marion L. Baxter, Mattie S. Briggs,
Florence J. Grady,
Florence G. Harwood, Jennie E. Jackson, Edna M. Makepeace, Mary McManus,
Annie A. McNerney,
Flora E. Newell,
Jennie R. McNerney,
Jennie E. Smith,
Cora A. Wetherell,
Winfred A. Crosby,
Arthur F. Dolan, John R. Marsh,
Wm. E. Richards,
Fred E. Rounds,
Willie P. Orr,
Carlos F. Hunt,
The last two completed the course at the City school.
135
ANNUAL REPORT.
ROLL OF HONOR.
SCHOLARS WHO HAVE BEEN NEITHER AB- SENT NOR TARDY FOR ONE YEAR.
C. E. STEVENS, Principal.
HIGH SCHOOL. May Bennett, Gertrude Briggs, Abbie E. Carpenter, Jennie E. Jackson, May Beach, Mabel Briggs, Charles E. Dexter,
Alice M. McNerney, Grace E. Stone.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL. MISS LIDORA E. BRIGGS, Principal.
Fred E. Briggs, Chester M. Bliss,
Mabel L. Crosby, Walter B. Marble, Florence A. Sweet, Amy White, Willie Bradford, Jennie Burgland, Harold Sweet,
I36
ANNUAL REPORT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL-Con.
Thomas E. Bennett,
Fanny L. Butterworth,
Ray M. Horton,
Bertie E. Rhodes,
Edith M. Slater,
Alice Trafton,
Louisa Briggs,
Earle Rhodes,
Howard White.
MISS H. M. PRATT, Principal.
Grade VII.
Fred Babcock,
Gertie Blaney,
Lawton Capron,
Willie Harwood,
Roland Lamb,
Mabel Bennett, Lizzie Carr,
Florence Gould,
Minnie Knight,
Arthur Rhodes,
Fred Simmonds.
GRADE VI. MRS. O. C. CHATTERTON, Principal.
Richard Crawford,
Lillie Eden, Leo Dolan, Edith Simpson.
GRADES V & VI. MISS H. R. JEWETT, Teacher.
Minnie Bouchard, Florence Everett, Arthur B. Lamb.
I 37
ANNUAL REPORT.
GRADE V. MISS E. F. WHITE, Teacher. Forrest Taylor.
GRADE IV. MISS CORA L. MAYNARD, Teacher. George McNamee.
GRADES III & IV. MISS E. S. POND, Principal.
George Brown, Hattie Cornell, Frank Guild.
GRADE II. MISS S. E. McRAE, Teacher.
Chester Everett.
DODGEVILLE INTERMEDIATE. MISS E. B. HOWES, Teacher. Louisa Bauer.
HEBRONVILLE INTERMEDIATE. MISS M. E. POND, Teacher. Louis Blais, Coro Peck, Charles Quinn.
TURNPIKE SCHOOL. MRS. J. S. LAWDER, Teacher.
Theresa McLaughlin, Maggie McMann, Maggie Powers.
.
PERRY SCHOOL. MISS C. S. THAYER, Teacher.
Arthur A. Pond, for three years.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
BRIGGS CORNER SCHOOL. MRS. J. L. BRIGHAM, Teacher.
Zelma D. Briggs, Eddie D. Briggs,
Edith W. Briggs, Jennie H. Johnson, Mary E. Johnson.
FARMERS SCHOOL. MISS M. B. HAWES, Teacher.
Harry Carpenter, Charlie Crehan.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Number of High schools, I
Grammar schools, grades, VII, VIII, IX, 2
66 Intermediate "
IV, V, VI, 4
Primary
I, II, III,
9
Semi-graded
6
Whole number of schools, 25
TEACHERS.
Number of teachers in High school,
3
Grammar schools,
5.
Intermediate schools,
5
Semi-graded schools,
8
Primary schools, IO
Ungraded schools,
3
Music teachers,
Whole number of teachers, males, 2; females,
34. Total, 36
*Increase over last year, 2
* Assistants at Dodgeville and Hebronville.
2
Ungraded 3
140
ANNUAL REPORT.
PUPILS.
Enrollment:
High, boys, 14; girls, 45. Total,
59
Grammar, boys, 62; girls, 84. Total, 146
Intermediate, boys, 99; girls, 9.7 Total, 196
Primary, boys, 308; girls, 250. Total, 558
Semi-graded, boys, 199; girls, 193. Total,
392
Ungraded, boys, 52; girls, 59. Total,
III
Whole number, boys, 734; girls, 728. Total,
1,462
Average Membership:
High,
56.60
Grammar,
I 39.04
Intermediate,
1 86.92
Primary,
371.13
Semi-graded,
249.82
Ungraded,
72.72
Total,
1,076.23
Average Attendance:
High,
53.30
Grammar,
I 30.61
Intermediate,
170.53
Primary,
325.86
Semi-graded,
223.55
Ungraded,
65.86
Total,
969.71
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Tardiness:
High,
37
Pro rata,
.65+
Grammar,
5I
.36+
Intermediate,
100
.53+
Primary,
404
1.09-
Semi-graded,
462
1.85-
Ungraded,
IO7
1.47+
Total,
1,16I
Per cent. of attendance based on average mem. bership, .90+
Pro rata of tardiness based on average member- ship,
I.OI
TABLE SHOWING NAMES, GRADES, TEACHERS, MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE.
NAME OF SCHOOL.
GRADE.
TEACHER.
DIFFERENT SCHOL-
ARS REGISTERED.
BOYS.
GIRLS.
AVERAGE MEMBER-
AVERAGE ATTEN-
DANCE.
TARDINESS.
PER CENT OF ATTEN- DANCE.
High,
C. E. Stevens,
59
14 45 56.6
55.3
37
97.7
Helen W. Metcalf,
Minnie M. Barton,
3 4 5
Grammar,
VIII, IX,
Lidora E. Briggs,
91
35 56 87.71 82.38
39
93.9
Rhoda C. Slate,
6
Sanford Street,
VII,
Hannah M. Pratt,
55
27 28 51.33 48.23
12
93.6
7 8
66
VI, VII,
May E. Brown,
56
25 31 54.45 51.74
24
95.
IO
V, VI,
43
26 17 41.2
37.9
27
92.
II
V,
Edith F. White,
48
29 19 47.5
42.3
32
89.
I2
IV,
Cora L. Maynard,
49
19 30 43.77 38.59
I7
88. I
1 3
III, IV,
Emily S. Pond,
62
31 31 59.55 50.92
26
87.
[ 4]
III, IV,
Mary F. Parmenter,
142
ANNUAL REPORT.
I
2
Nellie M. Toothaker,
9
VI,
O. Cora Chatterton, Hattie R. Jewett,
SHIP.
1 5 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
66
Pine Street,
So. Main Street,
Dodgeville,
Semi-graded, 66
Anna D. Newman,
123
69 54 59.
50.
219
84.7
Hattie E. Shepard,
Mary E. Pond,
44
27| 17 |32.7
29.55
18
90.4
Minnie A. Walker,
IIO
50 60 63.4
59.
100
93.
Nellie D. Cushman,
Fida H. Smith,
3I
14
17 25.72 24.
56
93.3
Lizzie E. Read,
38
16
22 31.
29.
44
93.5
Jennie S. Lawder,
46
22
24
25.57 23.67
25
92.5
3I
Briggs Corner,
Julia L. Brigham,
46
20
26
34.55 31.59
25
91.I
32
Perry,
Cassie S. Thayer,
19
IO
9
12.6
10.6
57
84.I
33
Farmers,
M. B. Hawes,
43
22 21
29.8
22.8
23
79.5
34
Pleasant Street,
Helen M. Austin,
21
II
IO 15.5
13.
19
83.9
35
Music Teacher,
H. J. Whittemore,
Mary E. Whittemore,
45 52 146 83 63 70.51 64.54
41.7 42.
43
12 68
192. 89.4 91.3
Alice B. Fisher,
Mary L. Felt,
46
24 22 37. 53 45 26.5
33. 22.6
82
90.
Dora A. Sweet,
98
Lucy C. Sweet,
45
21 24 39.9
35.3
83 48 25
85.3 88.5
Eliza B. Howes,
46
23
23 38.
32.
84.2
25 26 27 28
City,
.6
29
30
Turnpike,
Mixed,
I, II, III, IV, I, II, III, IV,
36
III, II, I, I, 1, I, II,
143
ANNUAL REPORT.
Carrie L. Perry,
Susan E. McRac, Annie M. Wheaton,
29 16| 45.4 34 18 47.
Hebronville,
٢٠
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