USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1876 > Part 4
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The teacher's methods in Arithmetic and Algebra are cal- culated to make clear and plain to the apprehension of aver- age minds the principles of those sciences ; while we thus select some of the higher branches, as having received special attention, we do not wish it to be inferred that the lower branches have been neglected.
Spelling has received the attention its importance demands ; drawing, writing and reading have been attended to and fair progress made, and teachers, parents and scholars. can look back on the school year now closing, as a very suc- cessful and prosperous year.
The school will close with a public examination about the 1 seventh of March.
GRAMMAR - MISS NELLIE F. WORTHEN, TEACHER.
For several years the present faithful teacher has labored here giving very general satisfaction. This is a small, but pleasant school. The attendance was not so good at the Fall term as we could wish, owing mostly to sickness. A small class was sent to the High school at the beginning of the Fall term, and its place supplied from the Primary. A class was formed in Kerl's Shorter Course Grammar, and have made a good beginning. In arithmetic the classes have been steadily progressing and appear to understand their
55
work. Writing and Drawing have each received proper at- tention, and commendable improvement was noticed. Some fine sketches of crayon drawing were put upon the black- boards, which showed good taste. The discipline may not have been of the strictest kind, but it has nevertheless been sufficient to allow of a large amount of useful work and a good degree of improvement. The teacher has evidently spared no pains necessary for the onward progress of the work, and a good school has been the result. The best wishes of parents, if we may judge by the large number of visitors present at the closing examination, have been with the school. The old stove, never large enough to warm the room in severe weather, has been repaired and set up in another school, and a larger one supplied here.
1
PRIMARY -- MRS. MARY A. TUSON, TEACHER.
A large amount of patience is required to manage success- fully half a hundred of small children, full of life and always ready for fun and frolic. But the task is more difficult when older ones are mixed with them, requiring a much larger num- ber of studies. Mrs. Tuson has by her mild and motherly gov- ernment for many years · given very general satisfaction, and what is of more importance, advanced her classes sufficiently to bear a favorable comparison with other schools of like grade. It is possible that we have had more quiet schools, but the best test is the amount of knowledge acquired at equal ages, and there is no fear for this school in a comparison of that kind. The studies are numerous and varied, owing to the fact that those who attend range from five to thirteen years of age. A class have completed the Primary Geography, and the first class in Mental Arithmetic have advanced to the ninety-first page. The first class in spelling have been to the sixty- seventh page in the Speller. Writing is practised both by pen and pencil, on the writing book, slate and blackboard. The
56
pencil is first used in No. 1, and having completed the book the pen is taken in the same number.
At the Fall term a class was sent to the Grammar school to make room for those about to enter. Some fourteen new scholars were admitted during the term, more than filling the vacant places. Reading is one of the principal exercises and has attained a good degree of proficiency. The earnest efforts of the teacher have been well rewarded in the substantial im- provement of the school. The closing examination was well at- tended by parents, and we doubt not that teacher and school have their sympathy and confidence.
BEAR HILL.
MISS SUSIE L. BROWN, TEACHER.
For nearly three years this school has been under the direc- tion of the same excellent teacher, and the progress has been uniformly upward and onward. With a school numbering nearly fifty scholars, varying in age from five to sixteen, the teacher has evoked order out of chaos, and brought the standard of the school up to that of any of the Grammar schools in town. One thing is worthy of special notice and commendation : the invariable politeness and respect- ful bearing of every scholar connected with the school.
The past year has been one of prosperity in every respect, and it is sufficient to say that parents have felt perfectly confi- dent that their children under this thoroughly competent teach- er were having that care, attention and training, practically, for which, theoretically, they pay taxes for the support of schools. The closing examination was very fine, and must have been exceedingly gratifying to the large number of parents and friends present.
The reading in this school is remarkable, and is all the more
57
commendable because good reading, sad as the fact may be, is rarer in the schools now than formerly. The love and respect of the scholars towards their teacher was shown by some exqui- site presents placed on her desk on the morning of examina- tion day, valued more for the feeling which actuated the givers than for the cost of the gifts.
LION'S MOUTH.
MISS ALBERTIE K. WINSLOW, TEACHER.
In our last report this school was said to be " the smallest school in town," having but eight scholars. A change in the right direction has taken place, increasing the number to nine- teen, which has tended to make this an interesting school. The pupils range in age from five to seventeen, but the studies are confined to the elementary branches mostly. All seemed interested in their studies and were evidently anxious to accom- plish as much as possible in the short time allotted them for study. In regard to the number of visitors, few schools will compare with this. It seems to have been held in high estima- tion, if the fact that seventy-two persons were present as visitors in course of the year, may be considered good evidence. A good year's work was accomplished, and the school closed in good condition.
.
PLEASANT VALLEY.
CARRIE F. WORTHEN, TEACHER.
The attendance has been some larger than last year, while the studies have remained nearly the same. The first class in Arithmetic have only advanced to United States Money, and in Grammar but little has been done. Commendable, effort was
58
made to improve the reading, which is the most important branch, and should take front rank in the lower schools. The attendance was irregular at the Fall term, indicating to some extent a loss of interest very much to be regretted. Some of the oldest scholars would no doubt have made greater improve- ment had their minds been fixed more firmly on their studies, and less time lost in play. Most of the scholars are of the Pri- mary order, requiring only the elementary studies, and these have been well taught. The teacher labored to make the school pleasant and successful, introducing music, and to a good degree succeeded in the effort. The examination was interesting and satisfactory.
POND HILLS.
MISS ANNA M. GUNNISON, TEACHER,
This school has been under the same instructor as last year, and the general conduct and progress of the school have been very satisfactory. The teacher has a very pleasing and effective method of imparting knowledge, discarding to a great extent, the text book, and by judicious questioning excit- ing thought and interest on the part of the scholars.
The number of scholars has been larger than for several years, and interest in the studies has been increased correspond- ingly, for in very small schools or classes the interest is apt to flag.
A rigid discipline is not necessary, perhaps, in the · small schools, yet I think that parents and teachers will agree that quietness, courtesy, industry and prompt obedience are habits to be attained in school life, and should be cultivated and insist- ed on in small as well as large schools
Our small schools furnish a most excellent opportunity for our graduates, and if they would a little more fully appreciate the situation, they as well as the town would be gainers there- by.
59
BIRCH MEADOW.
MISS HATTIE E. SARGENT, TEACHER.
Under the same teacher, who taught so satisfactorily last year, this school has made most excellent progress. The dis- cipline and everything connected with the school has been per- fectly satisfactory, and the teacher, by introducing judicious matter aside from the text books, and adopting various expe- dients to interest her scholars and bring out thought, has shown that she possesses many qualities absolutely essential in the successful teacher
The number of scholars has been larger than for several years, and the average attendance very good. Parents and friends have aided and cheered the teacher, and encouraged the scholars by their frequent visits during the year, and the lively interest they have shown in everything connected with the school. The closing examination was very fine, showing to those present that thoroughness, promptness and politeness had been cultivated and insisted upon by this promising young teacher.
HIGHLANDS.
MISS MARIA G. SMILEY, TEACHER.
The teacher labored faithfully and earnestly to interest her scholars, and make school pleasant to them, and with a fair share of success ; but perhaps greater progress would have been made if scholars had been more punctual, and parents had man- ifested a little more sympathy with the teacher and her work. The school is not so far advanced as the other small schools in town, and the reasons for this backwardness are not entirely creditable to the school.
There has been a slight increase in numbers over former years, and the progress, general management, and discipline of the school in the main satisfactory.
A little more ambition on the part of some of the older scholars, would be very commendable, and we hope parents will promptly second any efforts for raising the standard of the school.
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LANDING.
MISS NELLIE M. FOWLER, TEACHER.
The year has been one of prosperity, and the progress in study, and the general management of the school, have been eminently satisfactory. The number of scholars have not varied materially for several years, averaging about fifteen. Good order has been maintained by kind measures, and interest in studies awakened by original methods ; and we have always found the school quietly performing its work, and teacher and scholars apparently cheerful and happy in their respective du- ties.
Three scholars from this school were admitted to the River High school at the close of the winter term, and we would say that in the number of scholars promoted to the High school, the Landing stands higher than some other out-lying districts having an equal number of scholars.
POND.
MISS SARAH A. MORRILL, TEACHER.
The attendance has been somewhat irregular showing to some extent a want of interest in the school. Kept at a con- siderable expense for the benefit of a few, the school ought to receive the warmest support of the parents, and punctual at- tendance thus secured. But few studies have been pursued as those attending require none but the elementary branches. The school was quiet and orderly and considerable improvement was made. The house will need some repairs the coming year.
Most respectfully submitted,
JOS. MERRILL, FRANK WIGGIN, H. G. LESLIE,
Committee
61
ROLL OF HONOR.
This roll contains the names of those who have not been late or absent during the year.
MILLS.
Mary Huntington,
George Clough,
George Horner,
Ralph E. Clarkson,
Willard P. Boyd,
John Rowell,
Harry C. Austin, John Kelley, Patrick Fagan,
Charles Schofield,
Clarence Little,
Richard E. Briggs,
George E Hodge.
WEST AMESBURY.
Henry Little,
Zenas Lovell.
FERRY.
Eugene L. Gale,
Frank Blaisdell, Fred E. Gale.
Herman Balch,
SOUTH AMESBURY.
Jennie Tuckwell, Alice V. Carleton.
Mattie Hughes,
Nellie Allison.
Ida F. Barnard,
Edwin R. Coombs.
HIGHLANDS. Nellie J. Colby.
Abbie F. Wood,
LANDING.
LION'S MOUTH.
POND HILLS.
Nellie Osborne.
62
GRAND ROLL.
This roll contains the names of scholars who have not been late or absent during the last two or three years.
FERRY.
Arthur Cunningham, George Blaisdell, Arthur I. Balch,
Mary Cunningham, Sarah J. Wadleigh, Thomas A. Cook
Maggie E. Foley. MILLS. Willie Sargent.
WEST AMESBURY. Etta Colby.
SOUTH AMESBURY. Herbert F. Chase.
LIST OF GRADUATES.
-
Sarah A. Morrill, Ida F. Balch,
Fannie Huntington, Fannie M. Binney, Nora M. Stevens,
Thomas M. Huntington, Charles Long, Ernest B. Eaton, Austin W. Sawyer, Ida F. Sawyer.
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TABLE NO. 1.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
Number of Scholars.
Av'ge No. of Scholars.
Average Attendance.
Per cent. of Attendance.
No. Days in Term.
No. Days Attendance.
No: Days Absence.
No. Times Late.
No. Scholars over 15. No. Scholars under 5
Number of Visitors.
Teachers wages per mo.
Ferry High,
26 24 23 .96 60 1446 58
7
77 $105 26
Ferry Grammar,
40 38 36 .94 60 2265 135
51
1
35
Ferry Intermediate,
44 42 38 .90 60 2324 226
157
70 30
Ferry Primary,
46 46 44 .91 0,2634
1
15
30
Mills High,
34 33 32 .97 60 1899 89
5 19
16
105 26
Mills Grammar,
33 30 27 .90 60 1645 118
9
3
27
60
Mills Intermediate,
46 42 37 .88 60 2263 316
62
17
30
Mills 4th . Primary,
52 47 42
.89 60 2485 635
60
2
30
Mills 3d Primary,
52 43 42 .97 60 2552 568
63
12
30
Mills 2d Primary,
60 51 50 .97,60 3025 575
47
10
30
Miils 1st Primary,
60 59 47 .80 58 2739 740
54
17
30
Infant Primary,
68.62 48
.77 58 2543 709
48
7
30
*Friend Street Intermediate.
33
60 52 47 .90 58 2759 257
37
22
30
West Amesbury High School,
62 59 56
.95 60 3345 375
35 27
13
105
West Amesbury Grammar,
24 22 19 .86 55 1020 174 29
14
40
West Amesbury Intermediate,
38 32 31 97 50 1583 225
10
10
30
West Amesbury Primary,
44 38 32 .84 40 1262 498
33
1
6
30
South Amesbury High School, 25,23 22 96 58 1214 211
8 14
26
105 26
South Amesbury Grammar,
22 22 19 .86 58
1129 99
18
16
35
South Amesbury Primary, Bear Hill,
46 42 38 .90 60
2280 480
40
19
40
Lion's Mouth,
12.12 11 .92 60 659 31
38
22
Pleasant Valley,
15 13 12.92 60
720
75
11
1 29
22
Pond Hills,
19 18 16 .90 60
980 160 109
1
1
8
22
Birch Meadow,
13 10 9.90 60
507
93
34
1
1 19
22
Highlands,
8 8 7.87 60
386
94 18
13
22
Landing, -
15 15 14 .93 60 813
87 46
19 22
Pond,
8. 7 6.86.60
352
96
18.
18. 22
*Register not Returned.
48 46 40 .87 58 2426 344
54
15
30
Friend Street Primary,
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TABLE No. 2.
STATISTICS OF WINTER SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
Number of Scholars.
Av'ge No. of Scholars. Average Attendance.
Per cent of Attendance,
No. Days in Term.
No. Days Attendance.
No. Days Absence.
No. Times Late.
No. Scholars over 15. No. Scholars under 5.
Number of Visitors.
Teachers wages per mo.
Ferry High,
23 22 21 '95 130 2776
132
2
8
103 $105 26
Ferry Grammar,
38 36 32 89 100
3553
247
59
2
28
35
Ferry Intermediate,
44 42 36 86
95 3409
571
103
20
30
Ferry Primary,
56 46 45 97
95 4637
250
75
30
Mills High,
33 32 31 97
130 3721
106
12.19
84
105 26
Mills Grammar,
32 28 24 85
120 2931
329
2
26
60
Mills Intermediate,
36 34 31 .91
95 2901
519
42
33
30
Mills 4th Primary,
41 39 34 86
95 3332
638
67
25
30
Mills 3d Primary,
44 37 36 97
95 3316
732
59
43
30
Mills 2d Primary,
58 47 46 97
95 4337
223
46
46
.30
Mills 1st Primary,
63 57 43
.75 92 3950
1294
33
32
30
Infant Primary,
70 58
43 .75
89 3567
1345 39
10
30
*Friend St. Intermediate,
33
57 49
44 .94
92 4036
472
60
80
30
57 55
53 .96
130 6874
536
89 22
31 105 26
W. Amesbury Grammar,
24 23 20
.87 98 1965
287
28
80
40
W. Amesbury Int.
36 34 33 .97
90 2980
80
4
93
30
West Amesbury Primary,
59 51 46 .90 115 5244
622
91
2
40
30
So. Amesbury Grammar,
26 25 21
.84
93 1960
288
44
87
35
So. Amesbury Primary, Bear Hill,
51 43 39
91 94 3659
462
37
53
30
Lion's Mouth,
19 17 15
.88
70 1110
86
2
1
1
34
22
Pleasant Valley,
19 17
15.88
70 1074
112
23
2
16
22
Pond Hills,
19 18
16 .90
70 1183
196 228
1
1
18
22
Birch Meadow,
12 10
9 .90
70
634
66
46
1
22
22
Highlands,
16 15
13 -87
70
932
188
22
22
22
Landing,
15 14 12
.86
70
877
103
43
2
23
22
Pond.
8 6 5.83
63
325
146
10
17
22
*Register not Returned.
47
32 .80 95 3072
384
40
1
41
40
South Amesbury High,
28 25 24 .96 128 1757
193
33|17
66
105 26
Friend Street Primary,
West Amesbury High,
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