USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1893 > Part 12
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The construction of a short piece of roadway from the French Colony (so called), across the cranberry-bog (at a point where the contour of the land makes it entirely feasible) to an extension of the Mendon road, and the erection of a modest school building
236
ANNUAL REPORT.
in that locality seems now a practical way out of this difficulty. Unless some such plan as this is early adopted, the town may be required to support two schools in this section. However, we recommend the most careful investigation of this matter, and as early action as seems practicable.
The result of the introduction of manual training into the public schools is too well known, and its advantages too apparent to need any argument in its support. It is something that this town should consider, if it desires to equip its children for the best citizenship, and afford opportunities toward this end that other towns of its size and wealth are adopting. How this can best be accomplished requires wise and careful consideration. It may come about in the establishment of Manual Training Schools, to be supported jointly by several towns, any one of which could not well bear the expense alone ; or possibly by counties, as the Truant Schools are now maintained.
Whatever method is ultimately adopted, it is time that the town took the matter under advisement, and aided some intelli- gent movement in this direction, in conjunction with its sister towns. Possibly the granting by the town of one or more scholarships in some such institution as the Cambridge Manual Training School, offered for best scholarly attainments for the year in our High Grammar School, may be a good way to com- mence.
We are glad to report our schools as doing good work, and faithfully served by Superintendent and teachers. For a more complete statement of their condition, you are referred to the Superintendent's report to this Board.
By the generous aid of the Trustees of the Richardson Fund, we were enabled the past year to place the drawing in our schools in charge of a competent supervisor. The result of this change is a marked improvement in this department of our school work, to the extent that it would be deplorable, if for any reason this supervision should be discontinued.
Your committee recommend the following appropriations for the Public Schools the present year :
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Educational Department,
$19,000 00
Incidentals and repairs, Text Book, Transportation,
1,700 00
1,300 00
640 00
Superintendent,
1,200 00
Total,
$23,840 00
J. L. SWEET.
WALTER E. HAYWARD, A. R. CROSBY. J. O. TIFFANY. CHAS. H. WHEELER.
LAURA V. G. MACKIE.
LIDORA E. BRIGGS.
BYRON R. HILL.
LOUIS J. LAMB.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Attleborough :
This report, the seventh since the division of the town, is here- with respectfully submitted.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
Population of the town in 1890,
7,575
1892.
1893.
Children between 5 and 15, May I,
1,272
1,272
Children between 8 and 14, May 1,
757
770
Scholars enrolled on registers,
1,556
1,659
Average membership,
1,189
1,204
Average attendance,
1,065
1,072.5
Per cent. of attendance,
$9.58
89.00
Number of teachers,
35
37
Number of schools,
26
26
Number of school houses,
14
14
While the census taken May I returns the same number between 5 and 15 as that of the previous year, the enrollment exceeds that of 1892 by 103. This unusually large gain is due to the fact that since May, owing, doubtless, to the business depression, a larger number of families have moved to and from town than the average. In this exchange of families Attleboro has been the gainer, as is shown by the increase in average membership of 15. It is to be regretted that the per cent. of average attendance falls below that of last year. This is due to the exclusion from the schools of all children coming from families in which existed cases of measles. During the latter half of the spring term, when the measles were very prevalent throughout the town, some of our
239
ANNUAL REPORT.
schools were reduced to less than half their usual number. Some of these were so greatly reduced in size, as to make it a question if it would not have been better to close them entirely.
Since the opening of the fall term a much better state of affairs has existed, no epidemic of contagious diseases occurring to inter- fere largely with school attendance.
That the average attendance in this enterprising town is below that of the entire State is lamentable. But it is true. School Committee, Superintendent, and Truant Officers may do all in their power, but without a public sentiment in favor of regular attendance on the part of the school children, they can do but little. The law enjoins it upon all who are, or ought to be, interested in our schools to do all in their power to secure regu- lar attendance. Public sentiment should be so strong that a parent would not think of sending a child to do an errand during school hours ; that a child would be very unwilling to be seen on the streets at that time ; that the storekeeper who serves the child should accompany the service with a stinging rebuke to the child for being absent from his desk in the school room.
The antidote, if it should prove to be efficacious, would be an expensive one, but I would recommend a very free use of the Truant School at Walpole.
The fall term in many respects has been one of the most successful in the past. There have been few interruptions of any kind. There was not a single instance of a one session day on account of a storm. The teachers had no visiting day. No Institute called them away from their accustomed places. The schools, not only in the village, but in the outlying districts, were very full, some of them indeed, too full, but that is a hindrance which has existed for several years and will continue to exist in a greatly aggravated form till room for another school is sup- plied. Should business revive, both rooms of the new school house for which you ask would be needed next fall. The attendance has been better during the last term, and the first term of the new year opens with a larger attendance than usual at this time of the year.
The number of changes among the teachers is fully up to the average. Five : Carrie L. Perry, Anna D. Newman, Lucy C.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Sweet, Elizabeth A. Jewett and Grace W. Berry have left their places on account of impaired health. Three : Mary A. Lyon, Florence I. Shepard and Dora A. Sweet have left for higher pay or more congenial situations. All of these, except Mary A. Lyon, of the City Grammar School, were teachers of primary grades. No changes have occurred among the High or Grammar School teachers of this village.
While we sustained a loss in the retirement of these teachers, among whom were some of the best in town, we can congratu- late ourselves on our success in securing very acceptable teachers to fill the vacancies.
Alice A. Estes, a graduate of the Cambridge Latin and the Bridgewater Normal Schools, and later of the Cambridge Train- ing School, succeeded Miss Lyon in the City Grammar School. Florence I. Shepard succeeded Miss Perry, of the Sanford Street Primary, at the opening of the spring term. She in turn went to Pawtucket at the opening of the fall term ; cause, $3 more pay per week. Mrs. Burrows, who has always been one of our most successful teachers, took charge of the school after the retirement of Miss Shepard. Lucy C. Sweet temporarily resigned charge of the South Main Street School, and Miss Mary W. Phelps, of North Attleboro, has served as her substitute. Grace W. Berry succeeded Miss Jewett at the Pine Street School, and she in turn on account of sickness left her position near the middle of the fall term and was succeeded by Miss Lydia D. Peck, who served as her sub- stitute till the close of the term. Mrs. Laura E. Comey, of Sharon, a most excellent teacher, takes charge of the School at the beginning of 1894. Miss Annie A. Wheeler, who has served a year in our own schools as a "trainer" and assistant teacher, succeeded Miss Dora Sweet at the Pine Street Primary in September.
I am glad to be able to report all our schools without a single exception under good healthy discipline, and doing good work. There was a marked improvement in this respect during the year, particularly with some of our younger teachers, while with all or nearly all, older as well as younger, better methods of instruction have been adopted, as a result of discussions in teachers' meetings and conferences with each other to decide upon the best way of
241
ANNUAL REPORT.
presenting certain principles, and to adopt uniform plans. The plan adopted by you early in the fall term will contribute much to secure better results. Doing away with the old plan of fre- quent written examinations, whose greatest service was the over- taxing of teachers and worrying pupils, it gives greater latitude for the use of judgment in deciding whether the pupils should be promoted or not, and bases the pupil's fitness for promotion more upon his ability to do good work where he is to go, than upon what he has done in the past. For the benefit of all who should be interested I insert the
PLAN FOR MARKING AND PROMOTION IN THE ATTLEBORO SCHOOLS. 1
I. "In all grades below the high school, promotions from grade to grade and from the grammar grades to the high school shall be made upon the judgment of the teacher, subject to the approval of the superintendent.
2. As a basis, in part, for such promotions, the teachers of the grammar and two highest primary grades shall record fort- nightly estimates of the pupils' work for that time in all subjects except such general subjects as music, writing, and drawing. These estimates shall be based upon the faithfulness and success with which the pupils have done the work given them, includ- ing all oral and written tests employed in the process of instruc- tion during that time. These estimates shall not be based upon any system of daily marking or examinations held at stated times, but the teacher may keep such memoranda of daily work as are necessary.
3. These estimates and all estimates of the pupils' scholar- ship and deportment shall be marked on the following scale : Excellent (E), Good (G), Fair (F), Poor (P), and Very Poor (P).
4. At the middle and end of the fall and winter terms, and at the end of the spring term, report cards giving the attend- ance, and estimates of the pupils' work based upon the recorded estimates of the teacher, shall be sent the parents or guardians of all pupils in the grades mentioned in Section 2. An estimate
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ANNUAL REPORT.
of the subjects not included in Section 2 and the deportment shall also be given on the card.
5. The teachers of all grades below the high school shall send a special notice to the parents or guardians of pupils whose attendance, deportment, or progress in school-work is unsatisfac- tory, that the co-operation of parents and guardians may be secured, if possible.
6. In case a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the non- promotion of a pupil, such pupil may be given a written exam- ination by the superintendent, at the request of the parent or guardian, the result to be used as additional evidence in deter- mining the pupil's fitness for promotion. In case a parent or guardian is still dissatisfied after such an examination has been given, the case may be taken to the School Committee for final decision."
In School Committee, ATTLEBOROUGH, Sept. 20, 1893. Adopted to take effect at once, in place of the existing plan.
NOTES.
"In making these changes in the method of determining the fitness of pupils for promotion, it is not intended to encourage any laxity in this respect, but, rather, to have promotions made with greater care. In considering the promotion of pupils concerning which there is some doubt, the age, faithfulness, natural ability, probable time for attending school, in short, the best interests of the pupils should be considered, and it is believed that, with such consideration, less mistakes will be made than when a general average is struck with little regard for the relative importance of the different subjects or the individual interests of the pupils.
In abolishing the written examinations at stated times, it is not intended that the searching written test be abolished, but that the written tests, or examinations, as a part of the regular work, be many and frequent. Such tests, when given by the teacher, have an important place. They serve not only as a guide in determin- ing how well certain points have been fixed and when it is desir- able that new topics should be taken up, but they have a stimulat- ing effect of great value. As a rule, it is not desirable that more than one such test be given during a day or that the time spent by pupils in such an exercise exceed one hour, the time being determined somewhat by the grade of thepupils."
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The complaint is very prevalent that too few of our grammar school graduates enter the high school. This has had the effect to call the attention of our educators to the matter with a view to ascertain if there is anything radically wrong in our graded sys- tem. Many of our most prominent educators, after comparing our system with those of France and Germany, have declared in emphatic terms that children should accomplish more in our elementary grades, and be fitted at a younger age to enter the high school. We endorse this, and it has been our constant aim to accomplish all we possibly could in both respects. We are gratified to note the progress that has been made in this re- spect. As a result of our rearrangement of the grades nearly five years ago, whereby we reduced the number from nine to eight, classes now enter the high school at an average age of less than fifteen years. This, I think, has been the principal reason why so large a number of our grammar school graduates enter the high. As a result of improved methods and better teach- ing along the line, the classes which enter now are equally as well fitted to do good work in the high school course, as those of former years, and being younger, fewer scholars drop out after once entering. A class of forty-four was graduated from the Sanford Street Grammar School last summer, and two from the the City School. Of these forty-six, forty-two entered the high school. In addition to these, one entered from the Turnpike district and three from Miss Beers' private school. Of these forty-six, forty-three now remain.
The officials of the electric roads have shown a very generous spirit in allowing scholars who live near their lines of road to ride to and from school at half the usual fare. This generosity has enabled scholars from the remote south-western portion of the town to attend the high school at a very moderate expense. A few from that part of the town will probably drop out of the school on account of the stopping of the electric cars. It seems to me that it would be wise for the town to bear the whole or a part of the cost of bringing scholars from the remote districts to the high school.
The maximum number attending the high school at any time since September is 125. The two main rooms in the house will
244
ANNUAL REPORT.
accommodate 150 scholars. A larger number the school will not be likely to have for several years. In the matter of recita- tion rooms, the house is far from adequate to the needs of the number now present. Hence the wisdom of your recommenda- tion that a projection be added to the house this summer. Con- sidering the urgent needs, and the small expense for which so great an advantage can be secured, it seems to me that the year should not pass without its accomplishment. The greatest achievement of the year was the employment of a supervisor and instructor of drawing. The superintendents of the two towns, to whom the school boards assigned the duty of making the selection, made quite an extended quest, and finally agreed to leave the selection to Mr. Geo. H. Bartlett, principal of the Normal Art School. He named Miss Louise M. Goodrich, a member of the graduating class, as one well fitted and fully com- petent to fill the important position. She was employed and commenced her work at the beginning of the spring term, and has devoted one-half the time to each of the Attleboros. She was most cordially received by the teachers, who have co. op- erated with her in the introduction of this new department of in- struction in our schools. Coming as she did, at the beginning of the last term of the school year, she was able to become acquainted with the different schools and learn their respective needs so as to mature her plan and make her programme of lessons, so as to have the drawing department fully organized by the beginning of the school year. Your attention is directed to her report, which, with the report of the instructors of music, is appended, and to her course of study which may be found in the appendix.
I close with thanks to committee and teachers for their sup- port and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, J. O. TIFFANY,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Mr. J. O. Tiffany, Supt. of Schools.
DEAR SIR : We are pleased to state that the practical results of teaching music upon a true educational basis can now be seen in every school in town ; especially is this true where there has been from grade to grade a succession of teachers who have realized that music should be taught as are other studies.
Although we have been pleased to find naturally musical chil- dren in every school, yet in the primary we have found a large number of children in whom tone-perception lies dormant or is but partly awakened, and considerable time and effort have been expended upon these children that they may be prepared to join with the others in class work in music.
The results of a full and completed graded course of education in vocal music should be as follows :
First, the ability to read music as easily and correctly as the printed page.
Second, the increase of power and improvement in quality of the voice, through the correct use of the respiratory organs and the organs of speech.
Third, the appreciation of the soul of music or an understand- ing of the art of expression, with reference to both words and music.
Fourth, and perhaps most important, a certain mental and moral character resulting from the quality of the music sung.
We desire to express our appreciation of the strong support of an excellent school board, the cordial and uniform encouragement and assistance of the superintendent, and the hearty co-operation of the teachers in all that we have required.
Very respectfully submitted,
H. J. WHITTEMORE, M. E. WHITTEMORE,
Instructors in Music.
246
ANNUAL REPORT.
Mr. J. O. Tiffany, Superintendent of Schools.
DEAR SIR :- In presenting this my first report I wish to state the general aim of drawing as taught in the public schools, the ends sought in each department of the subject, and what has been accomplished during the past few months in the schools of this town. Since the aim of the public schools is education, the symmetrical training of all the powers, it follows that if drawing is to be a part of the school course it must contribute directly to this end.
The various branches of the subject fall naturally into three divisions-the study of the appearance of form, the facts of form and the arrangement of form.
Appearance drawing includes the study of objects as they ap- pear to us, resulting in the making of outline drawings followed by light and shade drawing, and further by oil and water color painting, in which the appearance is more fully represented. As pursued in the public schools it is confined almost entirely to out- line drawing, with some study of light and shade. Since this work is entirely freehand, and its excellence depends upon the ability to see correctly and to reproduce accurately what one sees, if properly presented it leads to the training of the powers of observation and judgment. It also gives freedom and accuracy in the use of the pencil as a means of expression, and the ability to sketch easily and accurately ordinary objects.
The study of facts includes measurements, geometric problems, projection on the representation of facts by means of plan and elevation, machine drawing, working drawings and construction of common objects. Mechanical instruments are used through- out this work to insure accuracy. Since a drawing of this kind represents the facts of form, absolute truth is one of the essentials of excellence. Clear thinking and accurate reasoning are neces sary as the drawings increase in difficulty. The ability to use readily the mechanical instruments employed is of practical value to every one, while a knowledge of the principles involved in the representation of objects by means of plan and elevation is necessary for those who follow the constructive arts.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The third division of the subject, the arrangement of form in- cludes the principles of design and their practical application. In order that work in design should be good it is necessary to know something of what has already been accomplished in this direction. Hence the study of the great historic schools of orna- ments, which not only trains and corrects the taste, but gives a knowledge of the principles underlying all good design. The study of structural botany also plays an important part in furnish- ing new units of design and knowledge of principles, and opening the eyes to the beauty of natural objects. The study of color both in historic ornament and in nature is of great importance in training the observation and taste and in enabling one to work „out new and pleasing combinations for use in practical design.
The aim, then, of drawing in the public schools is first of all educational ; that is, the training of those physical and mental powers which without it might be neglected. By leading pupils to observe and appreciate the beautiful in nature and art it culti- vates their taste and opens new sources of enjoyment. The abil- ity to sketch readily ordinary objects is of great practical use in whatever calling one is engaged, and for those who follow any of the industrial or constructive arts, the foundation of their training is laid in the public school course. The training neces- sary to a good designer includes most of the public school course in drawing. These ends, of course, are not reached at the end of one year, or even two or three years, but if the work is well be- gun and carried on as it should be they will appear in time.
For dividing the school year among the subjects mentioned above I have arranged as follows, in grades above the third year of school :
From September till the first of February the time is devoted to freehand drawing of the appearance of objects, beginning with outline drawings of various geometrics, solids, and planes in different positions. The outlines of the solids being simple and exact, are easier for the pupil to see and represent, and he is better able to see his errors and correct them. The shapes of common objects which are usually more interesting but more difficult are based upon the simple solids, and the same princi_ ples underly their representation, so that ability to sketch the
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ANNUAL REPORT.
simple solids lends directly to the more difficult work. The time from the first of February to the spring vacation will be devoted to the study of the facts of form and the use of mechanical instruments. The spring term to be used for subjects connected with arrangements or decoration, historic ornament, structural botany, color and design.
In grades below the fourth year I have adopted White's course in drawing with some modifications, which gives a good prepara- tion for the work of the higher grades. Thus far the actual work done has consisted of mechanical drawing during the spring term of last year, and freehand drawing since September. The aim has been more especially the training of the eye and hand than the production of finished drawings.
Great credit is due to the pupils of the different grades for their interest in the drawing and the patience and perseverance they have shown in these elementary stages of the work.
The work in the primary grades has been carried on in a great measure by the teachers, and there is every reason to be pleased . with the results they have attained The teachers in the upper grades also have shown the greatest good will and a desire that the work should be carried on in the best manner. I feel myself under deep obligations to them for the assistance which has made my work possible.
I have to thank the superintendent and school committee for their support, and for the abundant supply of necessary materials which they have been so ready to furnish.
Sincerely yours,
LOUISE M. GOODRICH.
Appendir.
" Non Ministrari sed Ministrare."
Class of'93.
Twenty-Fourth Graduating Exercises
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