USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1876 > Part 3
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MILLS SCHOOLS.
HIGH. - WM. L MILLER, TEACHER.
This school is about closing a year of unexampled prosperity, and the care and ability with which it has been conducted is fully evidenced by the high state of discipline and scholarship exhibited by its members. The harmony and good feeling which have existed between teacher and pupils are sources of
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sincere pleasure to the Committee, and have contributed in no small degree to the excellent results that have been attained. Among the many creditable features noticeable in the condition of this school, we would call attention to the marked increase of attendance over that of any former year. In this connection we would notice that almost the only marks of absence are against the names of pupils who can the least afford to lose a single day's tuition, a fact that must be very discouraging to the teacher. We regret that the name of Joseph Mason, which has appeared on our Roll of Honor and Grand Roll from time immemorial, cannot occupy its usual place, he being absent one day on account of sickness ; with this exception he has a clean record for four years-an example worthy of imitation.
Many of the pupils, as well as teacher, being possessed of a good musical education, the singing of this school has been a feature of striking excellence, and one that has afforded much pleasure to the numerous visitors.
Written examinations and numerous compositions being one of the required tasks, the cheerful and hearty manner in which the wishes of the Committee have been seconded by the pupils is a source of gratification. An essay covering twelve or fif- teen closely written pages is a very commendable effort, and the teacher who is obliged to criticise and review such produc- tions week after week, must necessarily consume some midnight oil. With a range of recitations extending from practical business arithmetic to trigonometry, from the elements of Eng- lish grammar to Analysis, no visitor can go away feeling that his pet studies are neglected.
The senior class have voted to remain another year in school, in order to give plenty of time to the review and perfection of the full course of study, which is the best evidence of their appreciation of our efforts to give them a good practical edu. cation, and we venture to say that in no Academy in the State, can students derive greater advantages than in our own High Schools, if they will give this extra year.
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In closing our remarks we would say that although the num- ber of visitors has been greater than usual, still there are many parents and friends of education who are denying themselves a great pleasure by not visiting the Amesbury Mills High School.
GRAMMAR,-MR. GEROGE A. MOORE, TEACHER.
This school is arranged in two divisions, with a view to send- ing annually the first division to the High School after spend- ing two years here. The general complaint has been irregular attendance and want of interest, which is discouraging to the faithful teacher who has the good of his school at heart. With the exception of these drawbacks, the school has been highly prosperous and deserves the warmest approval of all. The usual Grammar School branches have been taught, and the lu- cid and forcible illustrations have seemed sufficient to enable the dullest to understand. Grammar, usually a dry and far from interesting study, has been made attractive, and the marked attention during recitation may be considered strong proof of progress. If there has been any specialties we should be inclined to include penmanship in the list. The books have evidently been written with the greatest care, and a corresponding improvement is plainly shown. Arithmetic has by no means been lost sight of, but the prompt and correct manner of solving problems is the best proof of good under- standing and well defined ideas concerning it.
The year to those who have been constant in their attendance has been a profitable one. The length of school was nine ' months, being one month more than last year. This will give a much needed opportunity for lengthened drill with the first class, preparatory to entering the High School. 1
INTERMEDIATE .- MISS ANNIE W. KELLEY, TEACHER.
At the spring term the school was arranged in two divisions
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so that annually after spending two years here, the first class might be promoted to the Grammar School. It was believed this arrangement would save time and enable the teacher to work to better advantage in fitting her classes for promotion. And in looking back at the close of the year we are happy to say that we have not been disappointed in the result. There have been drawbacks to the success of the school which no foresight could prevent, numerous dismissals and irregular at- tendance, but notwithstanding, a good work has been accom- plished. The ability of the teacher to illustrate the subject matter of the recitations by oral instructions, has imparted an interest to the exercises seldom found in the school-room. Sim- ple objects have been used to illustrate and explain important principles, which have served to fix in the mind facts which oth- erwise would have remained obscure. Perhaps we may truth- fully say that more persevering effort has been required than in almost any other school in town. Incessant action, contin- ual talking from morning to night must necessitate a wear upon the system which nothing but a constitution of iron could with- stand. Arithmetic has received special attention, and if the progress has not been rapid and thorough, it is no fault of the teacher. Hagar's Elementary Arithmetic has been used and with advantage to the school. It contains all that is required to enter the Grammar School, and by its simple and concise method is well fitted for intermediate drill. A geography les- son recited in the teacher's usual manner accompanied with such questions and illustrations as she has introduced, occupy- ing but thirty minutes, has generally brought before the class an amount of information not to be found in many lessons of the text.
A judicious treatment of studies in this manner is what we most need, and partakes sufficiently of oral teaching to give lasting impressions and well-grounded ideas in the minds of the pupils. Spelling and other branches have been treated in the same faithful manner. Although to the teacher it has been
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a hard year's work, yet good feeling seems to have prevailed, rendering the school pleasant to all. The closing examination was interesting and satisfactory.
FOURTH PRIMARY-MISS ADDIE SMITH, TEACHER.
If by judicious management pupils are led to overcome habits of idleness and disorder, and acquire a system of quiet application to study, there need be no hesitation in predict- ing good practical results for that school It is not every person who is possessed of sufficient knowledge to pass an examination, that is enabled to teach understandingly. Hence, when we secured the services of a Normal School graduate to take charge of this room, we felt that we had a guarantee that a regular system of education would be fol- lowed, and at the close of the year we think that the re- sults are all that we anticipated. Order has been evolved out of chaos, and a thorough analytical type of recitation es- tablished. The register indicates a decided increase in the number of visitors, and we hail it as an omen that parents are beginning to feel a little interest in our schools. 1
THIRD PRIMARY - MISS EMMA A DODGE, TEACHER.
It is a source of satisfaction to your committee to feel, that no more well disciplined, well organized and effective schools, have existed in this regard since their connection with the Board than those of the present year. The school under consideration is worthy of especial notice, as having made very marked improvement during its somewhat limited session A goodly number of visitors were present at the closing examination, and gave evidence of their satisfaction, not only by their strict attention through the quite lengthy exercises, but by many commendatory remarks. It was evi- dent that no lesson had been passed until it was completely
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mastered. The tests in reading, spelling, and arithmetic, were alike indicative of thoroughness, while the very excel- lent specimens of writing upon slates shown, pointed to what the results might have been had the room been furnished with desks and other appliances for teaching this branch of study.
SECOND PRIMARY - MISS SOPHIA M. GRANVILLE, TEACHER.
More than usual interest has been found in this school in consequence of the judicious efforts of the teacher. Although suffering to some extent in common with others from irregu- lar attendance, the work which was accomplished during the year is of no ordinary character. The discordant elements have been thoroughly subdued and brought into a complete state of subordination and cheerful obedience. More than this - earnest workers not a few, have appeared, which would be creditable to any school. The teacher has led and the flock have followed in the path that leads to knowledge. In repeating " twenty rules " for the school we have watched these happy faces, completely absorbed in the subject, while with almost perfect precision they went through with the exercise. Other exercises of a similar nature have been in- troduced, and by these simple yet winning methods the teacher has gained the confidence and even love of her pupils, which has enabled her to accomplish more than ordinary success. Having gained these strong points, for such they are as every successful teacher knows, the work became comparatively easy and the progress sure.
Reading, spelling, arithmetic and to some extent writing and drawing were taught, and in a very clear and intelligi- ble manner. Especially have we been pleased with the reading exercises, for this is really the most important branch in a primary, and should be conducted with the greatest care. Careless habits formed here will require long drill to eradi-
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cate in the higher schools, wasting precious time which will be needed for other purposes. The greatest care has been exercised in regard to proper expression and the pauses, thus ensuring a more easy task in the advanced schools.
.Instead of careless and indifferent recitations we find a lively competition in the classes ; some one always ready with an answer when a failure occurs.
A gentle emulation has been started, a small degree of pride aroused which has most decidedly increased the interest, for where there is no ambition there is no success.
More parents than usual have visited the school, showing an increasing interest, which betokens a brighter future.
FIRST PRIMARY .- MISS SUSIE W. MOULTON, TEACHER.
Many of the children came without books, their parents be- ing unable to furnish them, and we were under the necessity of supplying them at the town's cost, or allow them to sit idle. The books are, however, retained at the school-room and will be of service next year. The small chairs without book-racks in this room are wholly unfit for the purpose designed, and ought to be replaced by modern furniture. The scholars must either sit upon their books or throw them on the floor to be defaced and quickly spoiled by the dirt, which is to some extent una- voidable, especially in muddy weather, and there is but little choice between the two evils. Either course does not tend to habits of neatness and economy which our schools are pre- sumed to encourage. In other respects the children have been well cared for and have received faithful instruction. At the winter term sixty-three different scholars were in attendance, varying in age from five to twelve, and averaging about eight years. There are but five classes, and yet there is plenty of work to occupy the time. It is a careful work and slow, to im- part fitting instruction to those tender minds, leading them on step by step without detriment to either mental or physical ca-
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pacities, and requires of the teacher other and higher qualifica- tions than those purely of a literary nature. To form correct habits of thought, to teach morality and manners are duties which rest with the teacher to a large degree and make the office one of great responsibility. In this instance we believe the trust has been exercised with care and a due regard to the welfare of the school. The discipline has been appropriate, and while perfect stillness has not been insisted upon, active confusion has not been allowed to the injury of the - school. Seldom has the teacher resorted to corporal punishment, but has led the pupils into orderly habits by more gentle and ef- fectual means. The few studies have received careful atten- tion and the teacher has labored earnestly and successfully to fit her charge for a higher grade school.
INFANT PRIMARY .- MISS CAROLYN O. SPOFFORD, MISS ANNIE KENIS- TON, TEACHERS.
Good order, and varied, pleasing methods of instruction have made this school appear quite attractive to the casual visitor, but upon more careful investigation we find that ir- regular attendance has been quite a serious evil, and what is worse we find that much of the absence is occasioned by sickness directly attributable to the foul, vitiated air in this place. so wholly unfit for school purposes.
Two estimable teachers have paid the penalty of their so- journ here by serious illness, and how many children have suf- fered from the same cause we know not, but we feel that it is high time to make some move in the matter of furnishing better accommodations for our lower grade schools in this yard.
FRIEND STREET INTERMEDIATE-MISS S. J. SHACKFORD, MISS ELIZA- BETH R. GRAVES, MISS M. P. EASTMAN, TEACHERS.
Frequent change in teachers is a matter that so seriously
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interferes with the progress and general well being of a school, that it is to be greatly deprecated. Hence, your committee, when they were enabled to secure the services, for the year, of the teacher whose well earned reputation was a guarantee of thorough, conscientious work, felt that they were exceedingly fortunate, and when a neighboring city by the offer of compensation far exceeding any sum at their disposal, called her to another field of labor, they felt keenly the disadvantage of trying to compete with surround- ing towns' where more liberal appropriations are made.
Almost any one who is called to fill the place of a much loved and thoroughly successful teacher, will find that they are heritors of a thorny crown, and it requires a delicate hand to remove those thorns without leaving a sting behind. Generally speaking, parents, scholars and teachers, are all sinners when there is any difficulty in the manage- ment of a school, and it is to be presumed that there was no exception to this rule in the three months succeeding the summer vacation
The closing examination was very satisfactory. . The schol- arship and deportment of the pupils, gave evidence that the seven weeks prior to the end of the term were devoted to diligent study under the direction of a competent and hard working teacher. The class that will go from this room to the next in grade at the commencement of the coming school year, are well qualified and are possessed of marked ability.
FRIEND STREET PRIMARY .- MISS E. C. SHACKFORD, MISS ANNIE D. MOULTON, TEACHERS.
This school has been somewhat crowded during the year, but notwithstanding the number of pupils the order has been good and the progress gratifying to all interested in its wel- fare.
A Primary teacher is called upon to exercise no little pa-
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tience and perseverance, as day after day the same truths are to be repeated till childhood's sluggish memory retains the thought. What boys and girls learn from contact with things around them is retained with little effort, but abstract ideas are grasped only by minds cultivated to some degree. So the teacher who is called to cast seed in the fallow fields of mind, must be content to do hard work and exercise watchful care ere a harvest can be expected. Such labor has been done in this room, and gratifying results have re- warded the endeavor.
WEST AMESBURY SCHOOLS.
HIGH .-- MR. FRANK WIGGIN, TEACHER.
The attendance has been large, averaging 5€ for the Sum- mer term and 53 for the Winter. The sudden appearance of scarlet fever in one of the lower schools interrupted the exercises. for a short time in May. With a large school and numerous studies it may well be imagined that the duties of the teacher are no easy task. The work has, however, been so well arranged that of the eighteen classes twelve are daily heard, and their recitations, though occupying less time than should be devoted to them, are thorough, and de- signed to make clear the principles and leading ideas of the lessons. Among the studies of the year have been found Astronomy, Chemistry, Natural History, Rhetoric, Geometry, Physiology, Philosophy, Botany, Ancient History, Book- keeping and Latin. The ordinary and most practical branch- es have not failed to receive proper attention. Test ques- tions in Arithmetic have answered a good purpose in calling out the practical knowledge of the pupils. Some fine speci- mens of advanced Drawing were examined, which showed a natural bent for the art. The outlines and shading in archi- 4
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tecture, scenery and portraiture were neatly executed and were a very close imitation of the original.
There are two classes in Latin, one of which is read- ing Cæsar. A class in Natural History are very much interested in the study, and are making very good pro- gress. Other classes are doing equally well, but space will hardly permit us to name all of the particulars in rela- tion to the good work which might be interesting and desirable.
The whole is in charge of a competent teacher, one whose ability and willingness to work nobody will be disposed to question. The classification is the best that circumstances would permit, and the cheerful work of the pupils, accom- panied by the faithful and appropriate instructions of the teacher, can but produce the best of results. Apparatus has been obtained by the efforts of the teacher and school, con- sisting in part of a valuable instrument designed to illus- trate the motions of the Solar System. Also the entire work of Chamber's Encyclopedia, which places within the reach of the school a very valuable source of information not usually accessible to our schools. A small cabinet of minerals has been collected which will serve as a nucleus for future col- lections, enabling the teacher to more fully illustrate the studies of Mineralogy and Geology.
GRAMMAR .- MISS LINDA E. LADD, TEACHER.
For several reasons, satisfactory to the Committee, it was thought best to transfer the first class of this school, at the commencement of the year, to the High School, although by so doing both schools have been somewhat out of propor- tion in regard to numbers. The progress of the school, al- though affected during the Spring term by the prevalence of scarlet fever which interrupted the school two weeks, has in the main been excellent. Grammar has been most thorough-
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ly and efficiently taught, without the use of text books by teacher or scholars. Writing has received much attention, the whole class being sent to the blackboard and making and explaining every principle that is employed in this use- ful art. Arithmetic, Geography and Grammar have been made more practical by introducing much matter not found in the books, nor has the teacher confined herself to the text book in conducting the recitations in these branches. Read- ing Spelling and Writing have received due attention, and singing has been practised to a greater extent than usual. The teacher having had a Normal training in the Farming- ton, Me. Normal School, has introduced many valuable and improved methods of instruction and the year has been one of more than ordinary prosperity.
There has been a large number of visitors during the year, and at the closing examination more than ninety parents and friends were present. Both the written and public examina- tions were highly creditable to teacher and scholars, and clearly demonstrated the thoroughness of the teacher's work. Miss Ladd came to us an entire stranger in the Spring, but has well earned the title of a successful teacher.
INTERMEDIATE .- MISS CLARA E CLIFFORD, TEACHER.
The average age of scholars in this interesting school is ten years, the number is about forty, and the classification is very nearly perfect. Such a school requires a thoroughly trained teacher, a Normal graduate, or one whose experience, aptitude and love for her vocation, are fully equivalent to a Normal training. The teacher for the past year has labored very faithfully, and by her earnest endeavors has in a great part made up for that special training and preparation, which the perfectly successful teacher must have. She has had in a marked degree the love and esteem of her scholars, and the discipline of the school has been entirely satisfactory.
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The progress in studies has been fair, though at times we have thought that a little more animation in the various. classes would have tended to better results, yet we cheer- fully accord the teacher the credit of having taught a good school, and having given very general satisfaction. Drawing- and writing have received a large share of attention, and good results attained. Declamations have been required of all the scholars once a fortnight, and we would favorably commend this exercise to the attention of parents as impor- tant and desirable to be introduced into all the schools.
PRIMARY - MISS ANNA E. EDWARDS, TEACHER.
The spring term was interrupted by the prevalence of scar- let fever, the school remaining closed one month.
In the brief period of a week, three bright scholars, mem- bers of the same class, died, thus casting a gloom over the remainder of the term, which nothing could dissipate. The school has averaged about fifty scholars of suitable age, and for a part of the time three or four under five years have at- tended, the teacher having been informed that she could send them home at any time, if she chose to do so.
Kindness has been the controlling force, as it most cer- tainly should be in a primary school, and under its influence the little people have been happy and contented in their school life, and have rendered a prompt and cheerful obedi- ence at all times.
The winter term has been very successful and sufficiently rapid progress made. The classes In arithmetic, geography and spelling, deserve special mention for their proficiency.
It requires infinite patience, skill, perseverance and will, to teach successfully a primary school, and the teacher must not only love children, but love her vocation, and then if she could have special preparations at a training school for her great
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work, we should have results that would astonish us even in this initiatory period of school life.
The town might almost afford to foot the bills of such among her teachers as possess all the qualifications but the last named. at some first class training school, or if it cannot afford that, it can and should afford to hire the best skill and labor that can possibly be procured for the primary schools, for in no schools are all the qualities that make up the true teacher, more indis- pensible.
SOUTH AMESBURY SCHOOLS.
HIGH - MR. WILLET L. TITUS, TEACHER. 1
A fine class of four graduated from this school at the close of the spring term ; namely : Ida F. Sawyer, Nora M. Stevens, Ernest B. Eaton, Austin W. Sawyer.
The class had gone somewhat farther in Latin than pre- ceding graduates, and had completed the prescribed course in a very creditable manner. The graduating exercises held in the Baptist church, kindly opened for the occasion, were of a high order and reflected great credit on all who took part in them.
The year has been one of uniform advancement and pros- perity, all studies pursued having received due attention and thorough treatment, but the sciences of Botany, Geology and Chemistry have received especial attention, owing in part to the natural bent of the teacher in the direction of those branches.
Mr. Titus, during the summer vacation, joined the Har- vard school of Geology, spending several weeks in the vicin- ity of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and bringing home with him many valuable specimens, which, with many others, col- lected by the scholars, have been arranged systematically
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and properly labelled, forming a valuable cabinet of Geologi- cal specimens.
Miss Florence Carleton, one of the pupils, collected during- the summer about three hundred and fifty specimens of in- sects, and presented them to the school. We hope the good work of forming cabinets to illustrate these important branches of natural science, so well begun, will be carried forward vigorously. Chemistry has been pursued on right. principles, the pupils demonstrating every step by actual ex- periments.
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