USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1894 > Part 3
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freight,
25
Making drills,
1 35
Hitching posts and chains at hall, 1 21
4h. with horse,
1 00
Housing 2 road mna-
chines in barn, 7 00
$57 15
A. J. Thayer, 50 lo. gravel, $2 50 C. W. Brown, rep. tools, 3 70 Potter M. Bates 280ft poles, 1 40 20 posts, 80
$8 40
Total expenditure,
$2,068 65
Less amount recd. for old plank and ditch dirt, 5 75
$2,062 90
Town appropriated for repairs of roads and bridges, $2,500 00
Snow Roads.
Account of cost to Mar. 1, 1894.
W. H. Wellman, 21}h. $4 30
2 horses 163h. 3 71
W. N. Jones, 123h. 1 81
Timothy Wixtead, 5h. 75
Walter Brown, 5h. 75
Willard Whipple, 13h. 26
John Otis, 4h. 60
E. G. Paine, 12h. 1 80
40
W. E. Carpenter, 5h.
8
75
A. G. Yates, 9h. . 35
E. E. Carpenter, 5h.
75
J. Griffith. 133h. 2 03
Thos. Kelly, 5h.
75
F. Limburg, 91h. 1 43
1 horse, 5h.
62
C. Lawrence. 14]h. 2 18
Eddie Kelly, 5h.
75
Merrick Parker, 6}h.
97
Larey Dermody, 5h.
75
Wm. Peak, 6h.
90
John Kelly, 5h.
75
A. Brown, 4h.
60
W. L. Church, 20h. 3 50
A. Keith, 3]h.
52
G. M. Church, 15h,
2 25
John Bates. 12h.
1 80
G. E. Parker, 15h. 2 25
8 05
Will Balcome, 14h.
2 10
Geo. Carrivou, 22h.
3 30
Ira Arnold, 1h.
15
Carrivou, 9h.
1 35
W. S. Jillson, 16h.
2 80
Frank Wellman, 37h.
5 55
2 horses 16h.
3 60
2 horses, 23h.
5 06
J. B. Thompson, 16h.
2 40
Wm. Nichols, 63h.
97
Guy Balcome. 8h.
1 20
H. I. Peters, 23h.
3 45
Chas Brown. 8h.
1 20
O. J. Peters, 18h.
2 70
J. Jarvis, 8Jh.
1 28
H. A. Peters. 13h.
1 95
Henry Jarvis, 83h.
1 28
James Peters. 13h.
1 95
John Jarvis, 8Įh.
1 28
2 horses, 4 88
W. Stone. 1h.
15
I. H. Smith, 11h.
1 65
Chas. Dudley, 10h.
1 50
John Riley, 4h. 60
A. W. Reynolds. 5h. 75
W. B. Reynolds, 5h. 75
J. L. Reynolds, 3h. 45
Peter Keenan. 6h. 90
90
Napolian Roberts, 7h.
1 05
Perry Bryant, 3h.
45
V. T. Esten, 22h. 3 30
Nahum Davis, 4h.
60
P. White, 16h. 2 40
Luther Goughı,
25
3 45 H. A. Walker, 23h. oxen, 9h. 1 80
Frenchman, 4h. 60
87
Everett Sweet, 4h.
60
Bosmer, 10h. 1 50
Peter Roberts. 9h.
1 35
Will Southwick, 15h. 2 25
M. H. Balcome, 9h.
1 35
Pliny Richardson, 18h. 2 70
J. T. Arnold, 8}h.
1 27
1 50
Chas. Griffith, 8gh.
1 28
R. Bouldric, 53h.
82
Henry Chase, 10h. 1 50
Guy Balcome, 3h.
45
E. Chase, 10h. 1 50
Geo. Mills, 3h.
45
O. F. Chase, 5h. 75
2 horses, 5h. 1 13
60
A. Mowry, 5h.
75
4 45
J. Lee, 4}h.
67
8 33
L. Bent, 183h.
3 24
Geo. Bent, 257h.
3 82
2 horses, 183h. 4 16
Frank Mills, 15h.
2 25
L. Keith, 18}h.
2 78
O. S. Rawson, 22h. 3 30
A. E. Chapman, 8h.
1 20
Geo. Mills, 10h. 1 50
2 horses, 2h.
45
Frank Rawson. 2h. 30
60
Loren Stockwell, 11h. 2 horses, 10h.
2 25
Wm. Stowell, 11h.
1 65
Andrew Roberts, 10h.
1 50
Oliver Roberts, 7h.
1 05
B. McCheney, 6h.
Frank Kenyon, 25h. 3 75
E. C. Parker, 15h. 2 horses, 15h.
2 62
3 38
Lewis Titus, 3h.
45
W. H. Thompson, 2 3h. & oxen
Alphonso Chase, 10h, oxen, 10h. 2 00
Lafayett Taft, 22h. oxen, 17h.
3 30
3 40
C. T. Inman, 4h.
G. H. Dudley, 25}h. 4 horses, 18 h.
N. G. Dudley, 16h. 2 80
Geo. Walling, 4h. Team, 4h. 90
1 65
S. P. Rawson. 46h. 2 horses 29h. 6 52
41
Geo. M. Wallis. 4h. 60
5 snow shovels. $2 50
13 picks, 5 00
Total,
$215 42
1 post spads, 50
Old spades, no value.
3 forks, new, 2 50
4 stone picks, new, 2 40
5 stone picks, old, 1 00
2 iron rakes. 50
25 drills, 12 00
4 new spades,
3 25
1 draft chain. 2 25
1 stone sledge. 2 00
2 steel bars.
3 00
$334 40
Prices paid for labor and teams are as follows : Superintendent, per hour
20 cts.
Assistant Superintendents, per hour,
171/2
A man, per hour,
15
Boys, per hour, from
712 to 121/2
1 horse and cart, per hour,
121/2
2 horses and cart per hour, 221/2
30
Driver on scraper, per hour,
17 1/2
Oxen, per hour,
20
Superintendent's horse, per hour,
05
Respectfully,
W. H. WELLMAN, Superintendent.
Account of the Cost of Snow Roads, for March 1893, which came under J. M. Rawson's supervision.
C. S. Caswell, 10}h. $1 57
O. F. Chase, 10h. $1 50
i horse, 1 2h.
19
2 horses 5h.
1 00
2 horses, 2h. 22
Gilbert Yates, 8h. 1 20
Geo. Reynolds, 10]h.
1 57
W. Butterworth, 7h.
1 05
E. T. Thompson, 8h.
1 20
22 60
L. Corkrin, 6h,
90
J. M. Rawson, 113h. oxen, 11h.
2 20
F. R. Caswell, 6}h.
97.
Gilbert Ritchie, 59h.
8 85
Sewell Chase, 8h.
1 20
O. Peterplace, 15h.
2 25
Henry Chase, 8Th,
1 27
H. D. Wallis, 3h,
45
Edrastus Chase, 21h.
3 15
E. T. Rawson, 81h.
12 15
Alphonso Chase, 8Th.
1 28
Timothy Wixtead, 5h.
75
Orson Chase, 6h.
90
James Wixtead, 9h.
1 35
Myron Chase, 6h.
90
J. McCormick, 5h.
50
Account of Machines . and Road Tools on hand Mar. 1. 1894.
2 road machines. points
and cutters, $275 00
3 bush scrapers, 20 00
2 side scrapers, 1 00
1 bush scythe and snath, 1 50
2 horses on scraper, per hour,
42
O. C. Rawson, 24Ţh. $3 67
W. H. Wellman, 16h. $2 40
3 horses, 10Įh.
3 76
Jas. Nichols, 9h. 1 35
A. Keith, 24Įh. 2 45
Harry Nichols, 5h. 75
L. Stockwell, 15h. 2 25
E. G. Paine, 12h. 1 80
2 horses, 15h.
3 371
Lorris Hannant,
40
Andrew Roberts, 23h.
3 45
L. A. Buffum, 5h. 75
Oliver Roberts, 5h.
75
John Otis, 4h.
60
Napolean Roberts, 7h.
1 03
Asahel Fitts, 38h.
5 70
R. Boulduc, 6h.
90
Geo. Blunt, 5h.
75
Milton Humes, 2h.
30
John Roylston, 10h.
1 50
Chas. Dudley, 41 }h.
6 221
Henry Howard, 9h.
1 35
Luther Gough, 6Th.
973
Chas. Lambert,
1 35
Nahum Davis, 112h.
1 721
Earnest Lambert, 9h.
68
Chas. Gazette, 8}h.
1 271
Henry Brown, 21h.
3 15
2 horses, 3Th.
781
W. W. Brown, 16h. horse, 16h.
2 00
Urban I. Peters, 18h.
2 70
Wheaton Brown,
2 85
Henry A. Peters, 23h
3 45
Jesse Thompson, 3h.
45
F. Carrivo, 4h.
60
Chas. White, 10h.
1 50
James Peters, 10h. 2 horses, 31h.
6 97
John Brown, 9h.
1 35
Jas. McGrath, 24h.
3 60
James Sulivan, 9h.
1 35
E. McGrath, 6h.
45
John Dougherty, 9h.
1 35
Oscar Peters, 15h.
2 25
S. P. Rawson, 29h. 2 horses, 21h.
4 72
W. S. Jillson, 14h.
2 10
C. F. Rawson, 9h.
1 35
2 horses 17h.
3 83
Henry Walker, 163h. 4 oxen, 6h.
2 40
W. Nichols, 14h.
2 10
C. F. Russell, 10h.
1 50
Chas. Nichols, 14h.
1 40
Ira Arnold, 5h.
75
Eddie Buxton, 9}h.
1 14
Luke Southwick, 10h.
1 50
Chas. Lawrence, 9₮h.
1 42
B. Burlingame, 2h. 30
W. L. Church, 5h.
75
G. H. Dudley, 12h. 1 80
80
Frank Wellman, 5h.
75
2 horses, 5h.
1 00
2 horses, 5h.
1 13
J. Riley, 12h.
1 80
G. E. Fairfield, 7h,
1 05
P. Dermody, 10h.
1 50
L. Bent, 10h.
1 50
A. E. Chapman, 13h.
1 95
2 horses, 10h.
2 24
A. G. Wakefield, 14h. 2 10
Harley Brown, 14h.
2 10
C. D. Lawrence, 11h.
1 65
N. G. Dudley, 4h,
60
Fred Parks, 8h.
1 20
C. Murphy, 8h.
1 20
Total,
$226 44
M. H. Balcome, 5h.
75
2 40
R. G. Rich, 24h.
3 60
1 50
A. Reynolds, 9h.
1 35
4 35
J. B. Thonpson, 8h.
1 20
2 47
Geo. Parker, 9h.
1 35
Harry Church, 5h.
75
4 horses, 2h.
Geo. M. Wallis, 4h. 60
Annual Reports
OF THE
Free Public Library.
Report of Treasurer.
1893.
DR.
Mar. 1. To cash in town treasury.
$263 75
June 24. Rec'd fines and catalogues sold, 2 25
Sept. 9. fines and catalogues sold,
1 65
Dec. 1.
fines and catalogues sold, dog fund,
1 44
66
282 42
1894.
Feb. 5.
library benefit, 50 15
Mar. 1. fines and catalogues sold,
1 49
$603 15
1893.
CR.
June 24. By paid Mrs. A. L. Buffington, librarian,
$12 50
Aug. 7.
for wood, getting in, 1 75
Sept. 9.
six month's rent,
50 00
66 9. for addendas,
6 00
66
9. 2 75
66
9.
2 expresses on public doc.
85
9. Mrs. A. L. Buffington, librar'n,
12 50
9. for cleaning stove pipe,
80
66
9. for washing floor, 35
Dec. 1. three month's rent, 25 00
for subscription book,
44
Dec. 1. By paid Mrs. A. L. Buffington, librar'n, $12 50
1. for oil, 36
1. for eight subscription books, 10 75
1. express on public doc. 35
1894.
Mar.
1. Mrs. A. L. Buffington, librar'n, 12 50
for num. and cat. books, 1 00
three month's rent, 25 00
Estes & Lauriat,
201 82
freight and cartage,
1 10
for "Three Holes in Chimney."
1 25
for "Prince of India,"
1 75
385 13
Cash in town treasury,
218 02
$603 15
C. J. BATCHELLER, Treasurer.
Report of Librarian,
Whole number of books in library,
2,567
Number issued during the year,
8,575
Average number issued per week,
175
Amount of fines for the year,
$7 98
Balance of fines March 1, 1893,
15 16
$23 14
Amount collected for fines,
5 88
Received from sale of catalogues,
95
Paid to Treasurer,
$6 83
Amount collected for fines,
5 88
Balance due March 1, 1894,
$17 26
MRS. A. L. BUFFINGTON, Librarian.
Town Clerk's Report.
Births.
Whole number,
54
males,
27
females,
27-
54
foreign parentage,
30
mixed parentage,
8
American parentage.
16-
54
Marriages,
Whole number,
28
Foreign birth,
24
American birth,
32-
56
Resident in Douglas,
40
Resident elsewhere,
16
56
First marriage,
46
Second marriage,
9
Third marriage,
1-
56
Deaths.
Whole number,
57
males,
32
females,
25
foreign birth,
13
American birth,
44
46
Number under 1 yr.
9
betmeen 1 and 5,
10
5
10,
1
10
20,
2
20
30,
2
30
40,
6
40
50,
3
50
60,
4
2
60.
70,
9
70
80,
6
80
90,
5
Dogs Registered.
Whole number,
161
Males,
153 @ $2.00
$306 00
Females, 8 @ 5.00
40 00- . $346 00
WM. H. MEEK, Town Clerk.
i
REPORT
OF
CHAIRMAN OF
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The practical administration of the schools of Douglas is un- known to most of the voters, I therefore make it a part of my report for public information.
The "School Committee" consists of nine members, three being elected each year for a tri-ennial term.
It has been customary for the town to adopt an Article in the Warrant each year "That the Superintending Committee shall consist of three members."
Immediately after election, the whole committee meets to organize, by electing a Chairman, Clerk, “Superintending Com- mittee," &c.
The whole committee then adjourns, subject to the call of the chairman.
The "Superintending Committee" then proceed with the whole management of the schools for the entire year, leaving the other six members not only without specific duties of any kind to perform but without even a voice in school affairs.
Politically, the "Superintending Committee" is usually com- posed of two members of the political majority, and one mem- ber of the minority. The minority member is, of course, help- less, and thus the whole administration of the schools is in the hands of two men, whose will is law and whose power absolute.
I submit :
1st .- That this is too much power and patronage to place in the hands of any two men.
2d .- That no two men, especially business men, can devote time enough to do justice to the schools.
3d .- That every one of the nine members of the committee should have a school, or schools, under his personal charge and that there should be monthly meetings of the whole Committee for conference and action upon all school interests.
This can be accomplished by leaving the School Committee unrestricted by any Article in the Warrant.
In other words, why elect nine men and allow only three to act ?
SUPERINTENDENT.
The election of a Superintendent this year was in this wise ; Total number of votes, 9
Requisite for election, 5
Candidates, W. W. Brown, and A. F. Brown.
Messrs. Batcheller, Bowen, Emerson, Russell and W. W. Brown, voted for W. W. Brown, total 5.
Mrs. Sweet, and Messrs. A. F. Brown, Parker and Sterling voted for A. F. Brown, total 4.
I make this statement to place the responsibility where it belongs.
Our neighboring towns having provided themselves with Superintendents, we must rely upon ourselves in that particular next year.
This year we paid the High School teacher $900., and for Superintending we paid $300. Now for $1,000. we can get a competent High School teacher who can also act as Super- intendent.
In the interest of efficiency and economy, I advise it.
TEACHERS.
The policy of the committee this year has been to remove no competent teacher, and the result of all the examinations has evinced a marked inprovement over last year.
In order to retain our best teachers, it will be necessary to pay them better. For instance : the Grammar School should pay $15. instead of $12., and the Sub-Grammar School should pay $12. instead of $10. If we could keep our present corps of teachers intact for ten years, our schools would be in the front rank. Nothing detracts more from scholastic excellence than constant changing of teachers.
SCHOOLS.
Only one important change has been made this year. It was found that the grade of the High School had so deteriorated during the previous three years that the Committee unanimously voted to regrade it; consequently there will probably be no graduates next year.
THE KINDERGARTEN
opened last May by Mrs. John U. Hubbard, is a feeder to the public schools. For a nominal charge, children under statutory school age are instructed in lines suited to their capacities, and prepared for the second or third year of the primary pub- lic schools.
The following is the report of this school for the past year :
Number of Pupils, 9
Number of Boys, 4
Number of Girls, 5
Number of Teachers, 2
Time of sessions of school during the year 303 weeks.
Studies pursued, Arithmetic, Geography, Drawing, Music, Painting, Elementary Geometry, Calisthenics, Weaving, Model- ing, Reading, and Writing, &c.
It is understood that this school will be continued next year.
E. STERLING, Chairman.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF DOUGLAS,
FOR YEAR ENDING
MARCH 1, 1894.
PRESS OF CHARLES J. BATCHELLER, EAST DOUGLAS, MASS. 1894.
School Committee.
STILLMAN RUSSEEL, Term expires March 1, 1894. 1894.
MRS. LORETTA SWEET,
EDWIN PARKER. 1894.
E. STERLING, 1895.
W. W. BROWN, 1895.
C. J. BATCHELLER, 1895.
FRANCISCO BOWEN, 1896.
W. H. EMERSON, 1896.
A. F. BROWN, 1896.
The above Committee met March, 1893, and organized as follows :
President,-DR. E. STERLING. Clerk, -FRANCISCO BOWEN,
W. W. BROWN,
Superintending Committee, - A. F. BROWN, FRANCISCO BOWEN.
Purchasing Agent,-S. RUSSELL. Truant Officer,-E. G. BABSON.
Teachers for 1893-4.
F. J. LIBBY,
ADA E. McMAHON,
EMMA J. PAINE, ETTA H. JOHNSON,
LILLIAN G. LINCOLN,
K. LENA WIXTEAD,
NELLIE G. STONE,
EDITH M. ABBOTT,
ELLA P. STILES,
EUNICE E. HADLEY,
LOUISE CHURCH,
GRACE SMITH,
BESSIE M. BATCHELER,
LAURA E. BROWN,
EUNA L. BUFFINGTON,
JULIA WIXTEAD.
Statistics.
Whole number of children in town May 1, 1893, between the ages of 5 and 15 years,
384
Whole number attending school during the year, of all ages. 428
Average daily attendance in all the schools,
280
Whole number attending school under 5 yrs. of age,
over l5 yrs. 5
19
between the ages of 8 and 14 years, 290
Aggregate of months all the schools have been kept during the year,
11034
Average number of months the schools have been kept during the year,
83/4
Number of female teachers,
14
male teachers, 1
Average wages paid female teachers per month, 33 66
male teachers per month, 86 50
Appropriations.
Appropriations for public schools by the town, March 1, 1893, $4,400 00
Repairs of school houses. 500 00
School books and supplies, 500 00
Superintendent,
300 00
State school fund,
233 55
Town school fund, (interest).
56 48
Received for school books,
4 10
New books on hand,
199 89
Balance unexpended last year.
988 04
Received from State for Union District,
420 00- $7,602 06
Expense of Public Schools,
Teacher's wages for the year,
$4,297 40
Rent of High School Room,
100 00
Permanent repairs, 417 29
Truant officer, 5 00
Care of rooms,
163 90
Purchasing agent.
25 00
School books and supplies.
474 17
Fuel,
275 56
Transporting pupils, 38 50
Paid Suderintendent, 324 97
Taking school census, 5 00
Rent of Central Hall for graduating exercises, 10 00 ٤٠
Sheet music for 1 00
Balance unexpended March 1. 1894, 1,464 27-$7,602 06
5
HIGH SCHOOL.
. Teacher,-F. J. LIBBY.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
14
13
13
Wages per week,
$20
$22.50
$22.50
Whole number of scholars,
25
18
18
Average attendance,
21
17
16
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Teacher,-LILLIAN G. LINCOLN.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$12
$12
$12
Whole number of scholars,
30
37
38
Average attendance,
25
32
33
SCHOOL NO. 1.
Teachers, ( NELLIE G. STONE. Spring. ( ADA E. MCMAHON, Fall and Winter.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$9
$9
$9
Whole number of scholars,
27
23
23
Average attendance,
19
20
17
SCHOOL NO. 2.
Teacher, -LOUISE CHURCH, Fall and Winter. Spring closed.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
13
7
Wages per week,
$7
$7
Whole number of scholars,
13
11
Average attendance,
8
6
6
SCHOOL NO. 3.
Teachers, ( EMMA J. PAINE, Spring, LAURA E. BROWN, Fall and Winter.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks.
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$8
$8
$8
Whole number of scholars,
38
32
31
Average attendance,
21
20
23
SCHOOL NO. 4.
Teachers, GRACE SMITH, Spring, JULIA WIXTEAD, Fall and Winter.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$7
$8
$8
Whole number of scholars,
14
16
13
Average attendance,
9
13
9
SCHOOL NO. 5.
Teachers, LAURA E. BROWN, Spring, BESSIE M. BALCHELER, Fall and Winter.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
10
11
3
Wages per week,
$7
$7
$7
Whole number of scholars,
8
8
Average attendance,
7
6
6
SCHOOL NO. 7.
Teacher,-ELLA P. STILES.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$7
$7
$7
Whole number of scholars,
14
17
14
Average attendance,
9
13
10
7 SCHOOL NO. 8 .- Closed. SCHOOL NO. 9.
PRIMARY.
Teacher, -EDITH M. ABBOTT.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in week,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$8
$8
$8
Whole number of scholars,
47
43
34
Average attendance,
29
34
28
INTERMEDIATE.
Teacher,-EUNICE HADLEY.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
W'ages per week,
$10
$10
$10
Whole number of scholars,
41
41
41
Average attendance,
31
36
34
SCHOOL NO. 10.
PRIMARY.
Teacher,-ETTA H. JOHNSON.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$8
$8
$8
Whole number of scholas,
41
40
39
Average attendance,
34
34
28
Teachers,
INTERMEDIATE. ( ADA E. McMAHON, Spring, EUNA L. BUFFINGTON, Fall and Winter.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week,
$9
$9
$9
Whole number of scholars,
35
29
29
Average attennance,
20
23
22
8
SCHOOL NO. 11, (Engine Hall.) Teacher,-K. LENA WIXTEAD.
SPRING.
FALL.
WINTER.
Length of school in weeks,
12
13
11
Wages per week.
$8
$8
$8
Whole number of scholars,
67
40
39
Average attendance,
58
31
25
REPORT
OF THE
Superintendent of Schools.
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1894.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF DOUGLAS.
In accordance with your requirements, I hereby respectfully submit the annual report of the condition of the schools. I shall proceed at once to speak of the most important matters pertaining to the past school year, and first of the
ATTENDANCE OF PUPILS.
Since the efficiency of schools depends in a large degree upon regular attendance, it has been a special aim of the Sup- erintendent to secure this.
The length of the school year has been thirty-six weeks; the High School has been in session forty weeks.
On comparing the statistics with those of previous years, 1 found that the returns showed an increase in the total daily average attendance. This record is highly satisfactory, partic- ularly. when we consider the fact that the attendance during the spring term was somewhat broken, owing to the prevalence of scarlet fever at that time. To secure regular attendance and more effective school work the schools should not be open- ed on severe stormy days. I would recommend that some reg-
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ulation of this kind be adopted and a signal be given by a certain number of strokes of the fire alarm bell indicating that there will be no school. If this system had been practiced the past year a very large number of children would have been neither absent nor tardy during the year.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
With the exception of the East Section, the school rooms of this town are equal to the demands made upon them. There, however, the necessity of more comfortable school apartments and particularly of better sanitation is painfully apparent. There is a growing tendency to bring schoolrooms into con- formity with the most scientific principles of heating. ventilation and lighting, and also, to render them as attractive as possible. Certainly our children ought not to be debarred from the bene- fits derived from these improvements.
I, therefore, recommend the erection of a school building, centrally located for East Douglas, in which all the schools of that section may be consolidated. The schools could then be well graded and better results produced. I believe the health of our pupils would be improved and the increase in mental activity would be far greater. But it is not necessary for me to dwell upon the arguments in favor of such a change.
SCHOOL EQUIPMENTS.
Modern methods of teaching depend so much upon illustra- tion that a supply of apparatus and appliance is a prime requisite. In view of this fact some necessary articles and reference books have been added to the teachers' stock during the past year. However, I feel that more money could be expended advantageously in this line and particularly in pro- curing apparatus for experimental work in physics and chemistry and I recommend that an additional appropriation be made for that purpose.
TEACHERS.
The schools have been fortunate this year in retaining many of their experienced teachers. Frequent changes in a teaching force is detrimental to the best interests of any schools.
A few changes have occurred during the year. Miss Emma
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J. Paine resigned her position at No. 3 and Miss Laura E. Brown succeeded her. In No. 4 Miss Julia E. Wixtead suc- ceeded Miss . Grace Smith. Mrs. Ada E. McMahon was appointed to fill the vacancy in No. 1 caused by the resignation of Miss Nellie G. Stone.
KINDERGARTEN.
At the beginning of the spring term the first Primary grade was furnished with kindergarten materials. The value of this school and of this kind of work cannot be over-estimated. The kindergarten is no longer an experiment, but is becoming a permanent part of the public school system. The schools of the past where the little children passed many hours with fold- ed arms. waiting with inexpressible longing for school to be dismissed. waiting until the weary little heads often dropped upon their desks. is no longer a reality but a remembrance of by-gone days.
In the character of the work now required of young children there is recognition of the fact that a frequent change of em- ployment is necessary in order to hold their attention and awaken their interests. In their motion songs, number games, marching and various other exercises, these little ones forget that they are in school and they regard their work not as a task imposed but as a pleasant duty to be preformed. It is truly astonishing what quickened powers of observation result from this early or kindergarten training. The primary school, of course. is adjusted to the kindergarten so that it does not repeat but continues the work.
NATURE STUDY.
In the year just ended the teachers have given considerable attention to this important branch of education and with very good results. To be sure no great amount of time has been devoted to this subject in school. The work consists almost entirely in directing the child's powers of observation in that period of youth when the mind is in its most preceptive con- dition, so that he will discern most acutely the natural objects around him.
The one-sided sort of education that deals altogether with books is no longer considered sufficient. And I believe that the enthusiasm that results from the teaching of elementary
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science, so far from lessening the attainments of the pupils in other departments of school work, tends to increase their in- terest in the regular studies.
READING.
This is considered by many educators as the most important of all our school subjects. Quite recently the phonic method of teaching reading has been introduced into our schools and the results which have been obtained clearly demonstrate the efficacy of that method. While the value of oral reading with clear enunciation and correct expression ought not to be depre- ciated, I feel that the benefits derived from intelligent silent reading are of still greater importance. This forms a basis for subsequent school work. Unless a pupil can read understand- ingly a page from a history, geography. or other school book, and get at its meaning. his progress in those studies will not be satisfactory. I believe that every child of grammar school age should be taught the use of the dictionary. and so directed in its use, that he can find for himself the pronunciation. signi- fication, and derivation of new words.
1 wish that our schools, particularly the grammar grades, could be provided with a greater supply of supplementary read- ing. As soon as a child is able to grasp the thought from the printed page. only the best reading should be given him. In this way a taste for good literature is aroused. and if that taste is properly developed. in later life no work which does not pos- sess literary merit will ever satisfy him. The reading habit combined with a taste for good reading is a potent factor in education.
HIGH SCHOOL.
While the interest of the community is given largely to the welfare of the elementary schools, the importance and influence of a good High School in any town ought not to be disregarded. I take pleasure in commending the work and spirit of our High School for the past year. Of course it is evident that the value of a High School depends to a great extent upon the efficiency of lower schools. Without good Primary and Grammar schools. a thoroughly good High School is impossible. Every improve- ment in method and every enrichment of the school course applied to the lower grades finds a culmination in the work
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accomplished in the High School.
For this reason it was deemed advisable to make no promo- tion to the High School until the pupils in the highest grammar grades had satisfactorily completed the work prescribed in the Course of Study for their grades. In this way the standard of our High School will be raised and the course can be re- arranged and improved.
The graduating exercises of the High School took place at C'entral Hall. East Douglas, on June 29, 1893. The exercises were very commendable. The essays were well written and the powers of delivery, enunciation and cogency of thought of both graduates and under-graduates reflect great credit on the school. Diplomas were awarded to the following named graduates : Louise W. Church and Julia E. Wixtead.
SCHOOL VISITING.
A glance at the table of statistics taken from the school registers will show that many parents and friends have visited the schools during the last school year. This is encouraging to teacher and pupil, as it indicates an interest in the work and standing of the school. I wish I could impress upon all parents the importance of these occasional visits. If each parent and guardian would visit school at least once during the school term a more just and intelligent conception of the prog- ress of school work would be formed.
Visits to the Schools.
1893
1894
Number of Visits by Superintendent.
143
240
Number of Days Visited by Superintendent,
27
83
Number of Visits by Committee.
30
83
Number of Visits by Parents and Others.
317
592
Total Number of Visits.
490
915
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
In a summary of the work of the year I may state that as a whole the work has been successful. Of course every expecta- tion has not been fulfilled and each year finds us striving towards a higher ideal than the year preceeding.
It is unreasonable to expect the mixed schools to accomplish the same amount of work in each grade as the graded schools.
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However, much improvement has been made in this line and much time has been saved in all the grades by the elimination of'non-essentials. The Course of Study has been persistently followed and I believe this will result in the more nearly uni- form standing of corresponding grades in different schools.
The teachers as a whole have worked conscientiously and 1 feel that they merit my grateful acknowledgement for their hearty co-operation in all departments of school work. While a better mental training is being secured to our pupils. our thoughtful teachers never lose sight of the physical and moral well being of each child intrusted to their care.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Board for your constant help and encouragement.
Respectfully submitted,
IT. W. BROWN.
Douglas, March 1, 1894.
The following named children have been neither absent nor tardy the past year. for the time specified.
Three Terms :
Jennie B. McGaw.
Harry Gaskell, Sadie· Gaskell.
Two Terms :
Abbie E. Aldrich, Le Roy Converse. James Howard,
Henry Therrien,
Chas. G. Wright.
One Term :
Joseph Taulkes.
Ralph Converse.
Chester L. Gow.
Efraim J. Berggery. Lulu S. Dudley.
Andrew McGaw. Edna Arnold.
Grace B. Young. Mabel Bridges.
Maude Belding.
Willie Potter.
Medose G. Laundry. Mary Walker.
Mary A. Lawrence, George Seagraves. Alma Quintal.
Fred Faulkes,
Moses Dehlois.
Mary Roberts. Maud A. Bowen.
Herbert Hughes,
Judson Hughes. Lydia Belding.
Georgiana Jessaume, Martin Palm. Mary Dehlois:
Erwin Carpenter.
Lulu Benson.
Carl Kemp. Cora ('asey. Rebecca Johnson. Albertine Balcome.
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TO THE CITIZENS ON THE TOWN OF DOUGLAS.
In presenting the annual school report, there are compara- tively few items of expense to which we need call special at- tention. Several important matters have received attention in the way of repairs the past year, exceeding the amount expend- ed the previous year. School buildings Nos. 4 and 10 had needed shingling for a long time, and it seemed imperative that the roofs of these buildings be put in good condition. The wretched condition of the out-buildings connected with the schools also received prompt attention at a considerable ex- pense. We feel that the general condition of our schools is satisfactory, and that the superintendent and teachers have worked conscientiously to develop the ethical as well as the intellectual nature of the children intrusted to their charge. Although we believe that more and better work could be done in the schools of East Douglas by a better system of gradation ; but in order to effect this change it would be necessary for the town to erect a new school building, in a central location. A suitable building could be erected at an expense of about $10,000, furnished with the best heating. ventilating and sana- tory arrangements. affording pleasant. healthful and commodi- ous apartments to all the children of the eastern section of the town. This would enable us to make a great saving in the annual expenditures for rent, repairs, fuel and supplies. The town cannot afford to put off much longer the erection of a new school building.
We would recommend a special appropriation of $75, for the purpose of fencing the pond near the engine house, for the safety of the small children attending school at that place.
FRANCISCO BOWEN, ) Superintending A. F. BROWN, School
W. W. BROWN, S Committee.
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