USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1905 > Part 9
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Our Superintendent for nearly seven years, Mr. Will- iam P. Kelly, resigned as superintendent in August to
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ANNUAL REPORT.
accept a much larger salary at Meriden, Conn. Under his supervision and care our schools advanced very . much. He was a genial. pleasant man of excellent spirit and it was a pleasure to be associated with him in school work, and we parted with him with regret and hope that he may be as successful and helpful in his new work.
The committee were unanimous in the choice of Mr. Lewis A. Fales, as his successor. He had been principal of our Sanford street schools for nearly three years, but had been called from here to Dedham only a few months previous. As he was familiar with our school work by experience and generally esteemed by our teachers, it seemed to the Committee much wiser to elect him than a new man from the forty-four applicants for the po- sition. He has commenced well and we trust for good results.
Every school in town has been visited during the year by a portion of the Committee, therefore we are able to say from personal observation that we have a splendid corps of teachers who are doing grand work in our schools.
We. as a Committee, desire to say that the town has been extremely liberal and worthy of all praise in grant- ing the appropriations asked for heretofore by the School Committee. We know that you desire the best for the young people of the town, and that you have the right and should demand careful expenditure of the money appropriated. This we have endeavored to do and will in the future try to get the best possible for our young people for the money expended.
That we may accomplish the results desired, we ask for the following appropriations for 1906, in addition to the dog fund :
Educational $50.000.00
Incidentals and repairs 6,500.00
Text books and supplies 3.500.00
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Transportation
2,600.00
Evening schools
1,000.00
Benevolence
I 50.00
$63.750.00
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. BLISS, Chairman ;
WALTER J. NEWMAN, Secretary ;
LEONORA P. BEERS,
BENJAMIN P. KING,
GEORGE K. ROBERTS,
EMILY L. RICHARDSON,
FLORENCE B. THEOBALD,
GEORGE M. WORRALL,
THOMAS G. SADLER,
School Committee.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
To the School Committee of the Town of Attleborough :
I submit herewith my report on the condition of the schools, it being the 22nd in the series of superintend- ents' reports.
As I assumed my duties as superintendent during the summer vacation, I cannot report in regard to what was accomplished in the schools previous to that time; and the period since my election has been so short that it will be more fitting for me to state briefly what I desire to accomplish rather than to speak of results attained.
Thoroughness and Application.
Last year in my report as Principal of the Sanford Street School I said that our watchword for the year was "Thoroughness." I have taken that for my lead- ing principle this year, and shall try to see that what- ever is undertaken, is done thoroughly. It seems to me that no more fatal injury, educationally, can be done
200
ANNUAL REPORT.
a child than to allow him to skip over his school work in a slipshod manner; and certainly nothing can be so detrimental to the high standard of our schools. If we are requiring scholars to do more than they can ac- complish, then we ought to reduce our requirements. If the scholars are not putting forth their best efforts, then they should be stimulated to do so. We ought to require no more nor less than a scholar working at his best, can accomplish to the satisfaction of his teacher and himself. Be the requirement small or great, it ought to be done well.
To this end we have begun on some of the old-fash- ioned drills in arithmetic which of recent years have become nearly obsolete in our schools. Time spent in drill is far from wasted, for only by practice can per- fection be obtained.
Moreover, the work ought to be performed, in a very much larger degree than at present, by the scholar him- self. He should be taught how to do his work, and then be required to do it, himself. I still hold the opinion that I expressed publicly three years ago that we do too much for our scholars. We teach them too much ; they learn too little. Character, in the general acceptation of the word, means more than morality. It means the ability to attack courageously and to overcome success- fully, the difficulties that lie before one ; and strength of character in a boy or girl, may depend very largely on the manner in which he is allowed to perform his school work. We can hardly expect a scholar who has failed to overcome successfully the obstacles which he has met in his school life. to accomplish much in the way of overcoming obstacles after his school life has ended. If we can train our scholars to do well what they under- take, and not to be afraid of a thing because it is hard. but rather to find a greater joy in attacking it, we shall have given them a better preparation for the battle of life than can be obtained by acquiring any amount of hazy general information.
In following out this doctrine. I have begun first on
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ANNUAL REPORT.
the subject of arithmetic. Teachers have been in- structed in all grades above the primary, to see that , their scholars are thoroughly drilled in the fundamental processes, addition, substraction, multiplication, and di- vision, and to give a part of each recitation in arithmetic to this work. The teachers in grades II. to VI. are drill- ing especially on addition and subtraction, the multipli- cation and division tables, short and long division, frac- tions and decimals. To secure this drill much problem work has been omitted. I have already received encour- aging reports from the teachers as to the result of this drill.
I shall endeavor to deal with each subject of study, grade by grade, in a similar manner, trying to determine, with the aid of the teachers, just how much we can ac- complish well, and setting that as the amount to be re- quired of each scholar.
Teachers.
The changes in our teaching force since school opened in September have been few. Fifteen new teachers be- gan their duties in our schools at that time. Since then only three resignations have been received, one being due to business troubles in the teacher's family, the other two being caused by the offer of higher salaries. The new teachers have started in well and in all the schools the work is going smoothly.
Growth.
Owing to the opening at Hebronville of the new paro- chial school, our schools this year do not show the usual increase in membership. Our Hebronville school shows an enrollment of 73 less than the enrollment of last year. Even with this loss our total enrollment shows for some months a slight gain over the corresponding monthhs of last year. Had it not been for the loss sustained in our school at Hebronville, we should have had a much larg- er gain this year than usual.
202
ANNUAL REPORT.
Sewing.
Partly as the result of the sewing that was done in the vacation schools, and partly as a result of previous agitation on the subject, all teachers of grades V. to VIII. were given permission to use one hour a week for teaching sewing to the girls of their schools. The teachers took hold of the subject with enthusiasm, and sewing is now being taught in nearly every school of the grades above mentioned. A definite course in sew- ing was adopted, and scholars and teachers alike mani- fest so much interest in the subject that I predict excel- lent results.
Evening Schools.
The evening schools were conducted this year in the same manner as in previous years. The four schools were in session thirty-six nights from October 4, to De- cember 21. The course of study adopted last year was followed, with only such slight changes as circumstances seem to demand. While the total enrollment is less than for last year the per cent. of attendance is higher, showing that the attendance was more regular. Those scholars who were most irregular in attendance belonged to the advanced classes. The attendance in the drawing and primary classes was good.
Possibly the evening schools would be available for a larger number of people if they were in session later in the winter. From the first of October to Christmas time is usually the busiest season in the shops, and many who would like to improve their education by the opportunities offered in the evening schools are unable to do so. To be sure, January, February, and March are generally cold, stormy months, but on the other hand, October and early November are usually so pleas- ant that young people after working all day in the shops and mills, prefer to stay out of doors evenings, rather than to attend evening schools. During the winter months, however, the evening schools would appeal to such people and a larger number would be benefitted.
4
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Evening Schools.
Bank Street.
Hebron- ville.
Dodge- ville.
Turner Street.
Total.
Enrollment,.
140
98
67
4I
346
Average attendance per
night.
80
45
36
19
180
Per cent. of attendance to enrollment,
57
46
54
46
52
Number of illiterates en-
rolled.
4I
45
19
6
III
Gifts.
In behalf of the schools I desire to thank the follow- ing persons and organizations for their gifts to the schools during the year: Miss Elizabeth B. Day, pic- ture "Labor" by Charles Sprague Pearce; scholars of Richardson school, sculpture, "Winged Victory," and pedestal, Richardson School. Ezekiel Bates Lodge of Masons, an organ, Turner Street School. Pupils and teacher of upper grades, Briggs Corner School, picture, "The Gleaners" by Millet. Miss Lydia Peck, collection of minerals; Representative Thomas W. Williams, six- teen copies of the "Manual for the General Court" for 1905 ; Class of 1905, statue, "Apollo With the Lyre," and pedestal. High School; Class of 1905, two sections of the frieze "Alexander's Triumph," Sanford Street School.
Individual Instruction.
In the ideal educational system, a scholar advances as rapidly as his ability allows. He is not rushed over his work because someone is quicker than he; he is not kept back because someone is slower than he. He pro- gresses just so fast as his ability permits.
In a graded system of schools, however, such as we necessarily have on account of the large number of scholars, the instruction is entirely by classes, and the
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ANNUAL REPORT.
individual is somewhat lost sight of. Especially is it true when the class is large, that the slow scholars do not receive the attention they need to enable them to keep up with the class and do their work well. It often hap- pens that scholars who are not quick to grasp a subject in the explanation that is given to the class, find them- selves falling behind in their work; and unless their difficulties are removed as fast as they arise, they soon find themselves far behind their classmates.
As a result such scholars are not promoted at the end of the year and are obliged to repeat the work of the grade. In the upper grades they often become discour- aged at this and leave school. If many of these schol- ars could receive more individual attention than the teachers, on' account of the size of their schools, can now give them, there would not be so many scholars fail of promotion at the end of the year. A little individual at- tention at the right time would remove the difficulties of these scholars and enable them to continue with their class.
The number of scholars in the schools that need this individual help varies in the different rooms. It would average at least five scholars to a room. In some rooms the number is much larger than that. If some plan should be adopted so that backward scholars could re- ceive the individual attention that they need, I think the effect on our schools would be most beneficial. Scholars would stay in school longer, the spirit of the schools would be happier, and the general standard of the schools would be raised.
The reports of the High School Principal, and the Supervisors of Music and Drawing accompany this re- port. They deserve your earnest attention and thought- ful consideration.
I desire in closing to thank the principals and teachers for the hearty and enthusiastic manner in which they have co-operated with me in my work. I feel that with- out exception they are trying to carry out my ideas, and
205
ANNUAL REPORT.
that they are all striving earnestly to raise the standard of our schools. I wish also to express to the Committee my appreciation of their kindly assistance and cordial support.
Respectfully submitted, LEWIS A. FALES.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
In presenting my seventh annual report, I am glad to refer to the increasing membership of the High School. During the fall term just ended 238 pupils were enrolled, the average membership being 229. This mem- bership shows a gain of eight per cent. over the corre- sponding period of last year and ninety-two per cent. over 1899.
The graduating class in June last was the largest in the history of the school, numbering twenty-seven. Nine of these entered college and one went to a normal school. The success of those who completed the com- mercial course, in their work since graduation, encour- ages us to believe that our commercial department has passed the experimental stage and is now a permanent feature of the High School with every assurance of its success.
To make room for the growth in this department, both in number of pupils and extension of subjects, two commodious rooms in the old part of the building have been taken for this work. Here may be found in one room thirty-six splendid oak desks, and in the adjoining room thirteen typewriters, including Smith, Remington, Underwood and Wellington models. This equipment is up to date and generous, and in itself offers ample in- ducement for good work. The former commercial room, thus vacated, has been equipped with fifty-six stationary desks and is occupied by one-half of the freshman class.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The new typewriter room is the room formerly used for drawing, so the freshman drawing classes are now conducted in the bookkeeping room. For this and other imperative reasons, the two advanced classes in drawing return for this work an hour each, on Monday and Thursday afternoons respectively.
In the music class are one hundred and seventy pupils who meet once a week. One hundred and fifty of these assemble in the largest room in the building, a room designed to accommodate eighty, while the other twenty occupy chairs in the library adjoining. These conditions silently but positively point to the necessity of a larger building in the near future.
Among the changes made during the year in the course of study may be mentioned additional time and credit to be given to Algebra and American History; another year of French, making three in all; and a gen- eral enlargement of the commercial course, with the in- troduction of spelling, business correspondence, busi- ness law and commercial geography.
The Class of 1905 in June presented to the School a beautiful statue and pedestal. During the spring term through hard work on the part of the pupils an award was obtained in the Boston Herald School Contest. By this means the School secured six fine casts which add much to the attractiveness of the rooms.
The value of appropriate and beautiful decoration in the school room is too well known to be urged at length, but as it taxes the generous appropriations of the town to meet the constantly increasing demands for neces- saries, the schools have to depend on the generosity of their friends for decoration. The High School now has a number of excellent casts, but very few good pictures.
One condition which, more than anything else, hind- ers the best progress of the School is the frequent change of teachers. Between September, 1899, and June, 1905, no less than twenty-one different teachers were employed, not including special teachers or sub- stitutes. When it is noted that two of this number have
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ANNUAL REPORT.
been in the school during that entire time, and that two others served for nearly four years each, it can readily be seen that changes in some departments have been too frequent. Indeed, six teachers remained one year or less, and sixteen two years or less.
Any one familiar with school affairs knows that it takes a new teacher some time to adjust herself to new conditions, and to get good results a teacher must know her pupils, their abilities and peculiarities. If, therefore, efficient teachers can be induced to remain for longer terms of service, it will mean much for the suc- cess of the Attleboro High School.
Respectfully,
WILBUR D. GILPATRIC.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
The work of the music department is becoming more definite as we understand more clearly the educational and moral force of music study. We realize more and more that music, to be appreciated, must be studied, and must therefore receive more recognition as a general part of education. We are no longer content to teach the pupil to sing ; he must know what he sings, why, and how. We are getting nearer to the individual basis of instruction, and the general ability of the class to think clearly, to act quickly, and to co-operate intelligently, is one of the results of this constant striving to find a re- sponse in every individual present in the class room.
From the first to the eighth grade, our effort has been not only to contribute to the musical pleasure of the pupils, but so to instruct them, that, as they graduate from school life, every pupil may be possessed of a key with which he himself may unlock the treasures of music. It is this ability of the school graduate to read the music which he sings, that is the one and only criterion of success recognized by the world of music.
In the lower grades, singing of songs, taught by rote, is still the chief factor in teaching the elements of music.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
In the upper grades, more attention is given to develop- ing the ability of the pupil to think out the different problems in time and tune, and such knowledge of musical facts and notation is given, as will enable him to read simple music at sight and generally to under- stand music more intelligently. We also aim to culti- vate the power to sing tunefully, two, three, and four part music.
That the teachers of our schools are in sympathy with the music work is very apparent, and it is to be won- dered at that present splendid results are at all attain- able, considering the meagre allotment of time given to this subject. It is no longer true, that music is possible only to the few; whenever it is properly taught, it ap- plies to as many pupils as any other study, and should have a much larger portion of the school time than it now receives.
Since the introduction of singing into the public schools, music in the High School has consisted chiefly of chorus singing. The fact that more serious study of music should be attempted has been gradually forcing itself upon the attention of the educators of the country. In this connection I wish to call to your attention the report of the Secretary of the State Board of Eucation who says, "But for the sake of the pupils who would like to cultivate their musical talent, I think the subject, as a serious study, should receive more generous recog- nition, that more time should be allowed it in school pro- grams, that the training should be more individual, and that credit should be given for it in proportion to the time spent." Classes in harmony and composition are now being successfully conducted in the High Schools of Cambridge, Boston and Springfield; and in my own work in Lexington, a harmony class has been organized, which has proved a great boon to the musical student. This course provides for one period each week with re- quired examinable work, for which one point is given toward the diploma. Because our music course is in- complete without it, I urge that Harmony become an
209
ANNUAL REPORT.
elective study in our High School.
My report would not be complete without some ref- erence to the unusual gathering on the Common, in May, of all the children of our schools, in observance of Memorial Day, and the dedication of the town's new flag. It was an inspiring occasion, and one that will be remembered not only by the Grand Army men, in whose honor it was held, but by all who were present and heard the grand singing of patriotic young America, as represented by the two thousand pupils of our schools. It is by such gatherings as these, that we realize the in- fluence of the Public Schools on the lives of the growing generation, and we see more clearly the power of music in the development of good citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN LAING GIBB.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
After only four months in the Attleboro schools the Supervisor of Drawing can do little more in this report than give a summarized account of the work in drawing which is being carried out in much the same way as in previous years.
Underlying all the work in drawing the aim has been to teach care and exactness, to train the judgment, to develop the individual, and to make the pupil self-re- liant, things which need a great amount of practice on the pupil's part in order that satisfactory work may be accomplished.
The purpose of drawing is based upon the demands of life in relation to that subject. It should fit the pupil to "solve many practical problems that will arise in his future work, and prepare him to appreciate much that will make life more valuable to himself and others. We do not expect to make artists, neither do we try to train a talented few; but we do claim that every child can draw.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
The aim of the work this year has been to give the pupils a knowledge of form and color, to develop an ap- preciation of the beautiful, and, to some extent, to repro- duce and create it.
In the Fall much time was spent in all the grades in drawing from nature, with somewhat free interpretation of the character and spirit expressed by growth and color. Later, the composition of scenes, with and with- out incident, was studied.
In the primary grades the child represents the domi- nant characteristics of things of interest, things of child life, as toys and children in action. By arousing his in- terest we get the child's free individual expression of the subject.
In the grammar grades during the winter, the prin- cipal work will be with design, which includes the se- lection of elements of beauty, the arrangement of them in definite order, and the application of design to simple articles of construction. Later in the term working drawing will be taken up and the pupils taught to make and read working drawings to be used for actual con- struction.
In the High School, students in the freshman class draw from objects and casts. They also work out me- chanical problems. The advanced classes make me- chanical drawings and designs, the individual problems in design being worked out at their own expense, in ma- terial of their own selection, such as tooled leather in the form of purses, card cases, bookcovers, etc. Later
other material such as copper, brass, and silver, will be used in working out designs for buckles. brooches, watch fobs, etc. The material is not important, but such work demands a large amount of care, accuracy, and intelligent handling. The important thing is that the work done shall be the honest expression of each student and that the acticle made shall be of use and interest to the maker.
An effort was made this year to give greater oppor- tunity to the upper high school classes by a change of
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ANNUAL REPORT.
.
program, the drawing being taught in the afternoon from three to four o'clock, two days each week. This arrangement gives more time for drawing, permits the use of the laboratory for carrying out applied design, and is very satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
JENNIE F. STRATTON.
REPORT OF THE TRUANT OFFICER.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
The work of the truant officer has been conducted this year in the same manner as in previous years and has resulted in a thorough enforcement of the statutes per- taining to the employment and school attendance of minors. The same obstacles which have confronted us in years past have appeared this year, and only by per- sistent effort on the part of the teachers and truant offi- cer have good results followed. The present method of investigating the absence of children irregular in their attendance at school has been of value. Close watch is *kept not only on that class of boys who are inclined to truancy, but also on those children who absent them- selves from school for various reasons, and whose ab- sence upon investigation is very often found to be un- necessary. Truancy, of course, still exists, but in a marked decrease compared with previous years.
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