USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1880 > Part 2
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That the people appreciate the advantages of a free public library is indicated by the fact that more than 16,000 vol- umes were drawn during the past year.
Respectfully submitted in behalf of the trustees,
WM. H. HUBBARD, SECRETARY.
EDMUND N. SARGENT, GEORGE O. GOODWIN, ISAAC B. LITTLE, GEORGE ADAMS, WILLIAM CHASE, DR. JAMES R. NICHOLS, WM. II. HUBBARD,
TRUSTEES
OF
! PUBLIC LIBRARY.
32
PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT. TREASURER'S REPORT
For the yearlending March 1, 1880. Merrimac Public Library in account with WM. H. HUBBARD, Treas. DR.
To cash paid for books,
$101 43
binding 160 books, 31 33
printing,
15 32
cards and labels,
4 06
expressage,
5 25
For salary of Librarian,
175 00
$332 39
To cash on hand,
4 25
$363 64
CR.
By cash on hand, March 1, 1879, $2 73
received from town appropriation, 300 00
" " " library fines, 33 91
$336 64
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF MERRIMAC.
The School Committee, in making their Annual Report to the town, hope it will be read with candid consideration. If the town expenses are of importance, certainly the ex- penditure of over $4,000, and the education of 400 of our boys and girls must be of paramount importance.
In the early portion of the school year, death called for one of the School Board. We all know, that, in the death of Dr. O. F. Seavey, our schools lost a very warm friend. Ile had served on the Committee since the division of the town. We can truthfully say that he labored faithfully and heartily for the best interest of our schools.
By the unanimous vote of the remainder of the Committee and Selectmen, Mr. Frank Wiggin was appointed to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the year. In the opinion of the other Committee, Mr. Wiggin's knowledge of what our schools are, and should be, make him an efficient person for the place.
Collectively considered, our schools have made commend- able progress during the past year. While all has not been accomplished that was desired, still very good work has
34
SCHOOL REPORT.
been done. The Board are aiming to raise the standard of the schools, and make them as satisfactory and efficient as possible.
School Statistics,-Money expended for schools, $4,347; of this sum $267 were received from the State and dog fund. This expenditure makes a rate of $3.94 per $1,000, placing Merrimac about the fifty-first in the State for school appro- priation.
Whole number of pupils in all the grades below the High School, 321. Average number, 291. Whole number in High School, 68. Average number, 66. Average cost per scholar in all the grades, $10.49. Average wages of female teach- ers, $30.30.
Repairs .- These have been more than usual the past year. The increase in the size of the High School has made it necessary to re-arrange the seats so as to make room for more sittings. There are now seats for 70 scholars. As it was necessary to rebuild a portion of the fence on account of the well digging, and as the whole had a neglected ap- pearance, from the changes in its surroundings, it was thought best to reconstruct the entire fence, changing at the same time the line to correspond more nearly to that of the street and hall. The grounds around the school building have also been graded. The Corner school-house and the one at the Highlands have been painted. The cost of all these improve- ments and the usual annual repairs can be seen under " School Incidentals." At the Corner, there has never been a school-well that could furnish water excepting early in the spring and late in the fall. After considering carefully the best remedy for the insufficient supply of water for over two hundred scholars, your Committee thought it advisable to deepen the old well. The estimated cost was $125. But as
35
SCHOOL REPORT.
the depth to be reached ere the water ran freely was greater, and the ledge harder than anticipated, the actual cost was $194.65. As an abundance of excellent water is a blessing to children, the outlay can but make good dividends in all the coming years.
Economy .- Knowing the times have demanded economy in all the school expenditures, the wages were reduced from 5 to 10 per cent. It is impossible to economize much more, if any, in this direction with the present amount of school- ing. It must be remembered that during the last fifteen years the pay of teachers has never been increased as in larger towns around us.
Our Teachers .- Less changes have occurred with our teachers the past year than for two or three years previous. Eight of the female teachers reside in town. Five are grad- uates of our High School. At the request of many of the citizens at the River, a male teacher was put into their Grammar School in September. When the fall term com- menced an assistant was given the High School the full time. As to their work we can testify to their general faithfulness and efficiency. If our teachers are efficient and can be re- tained, our schools will be better in the future than in the past. Poor teachers, or good teachers, with small pay, make many changes. The fifteen changes of the last three years have proved very detrimental to our schools. As it has been, if we were fortunate enough to secure a successful teacher, we soon found she could demand more pay else- where. The compensation we now pay is barely enough to board and clothe them for the year. " A good system of public instruction is one which secures and retains the ser- vices of the best teachers." A good teacher embodies more qualities in harmony of action than the master of any other
36
SCHOOL REPORT.
calling. A person may succeed in some callings with glar- ing defects, but not in the profession of teaching. There- fore if a moderate increase of wages should be required to retain our good teachers, the Committee feel sure that the many friends of our public schools will see the wisdom of so doing.
ยท Elementary Instruction .- We think that the elementary branches, such as Reading, Spelling, Mental Arithmetic, and Writing, cannot be regarded with too much attention. We have been aiming this year, more than ever before, to a thorough teaching of those elements. Upon a knowledge of these, learning and scholarship are based, and indirectly, and in a great measure, character itself. According to the pres- ent system, pupils have eight years -more if necessary - from the Primary to the High School. Upon entering the fligh School the common branches are not dropped, but pursued in connection with the higher studies, for at least two years. Reading, Spelling and Writing are continued through the course. The Committee think that the course of study as used in all the grades should be printed the com- ing year, so that parents and friends of the school can see for themselves what the children are taught.
Supervision .- For some time the Board have thought that a more thorough mode of supervising the instruction in the lower grades should be adopted than can be given by the occasional visits of the Committee. At the commencement of the fall term 20 to 30 minutes a day were given to the Principal of the High School for this purpose. Although this supervision is quite limited good results are already seen. It has also been arranged for him to visit the Merrimacport schools every term. Your Committee hope the parents will see the wisdom of the continuation of this supervision in the future.
37
SCHOOL REPORT.
Examinations .- According to custom in all graded schools, all classes for promotion from one grade to another are ex- amined. All scholars not qualified remain another year. In those cases where the parents wish their children to have a second examination at the beginning of the fall term the privilege is given. Written term examinations have been adopted at the close of the summer and fall terms in the Grammar and High Schools, oral examinations in all the other schools. The examination at the end of the year for all grades is the public oral one. Any promotion without an examination leads to excessive superficiality. Every interest of the pupil demands that this should be avoided as far as possible. For this reason these examinations have been adopted. The Committee want the parents to understand and remember that they endeavor to perform this important but unpleasant duty in faithfulness, honesty and impartiality.
Irregular Attendance, &c .- While our schools have been doing as well, or even better, the past year than formerly as to irregularity of attendance, they should still be much improved in this respect. Whole number of days of ab- sence, 6,524, which is 10 1-2 per cent. of the whole; or loss in money, $428.40. Whole number of times late, 1,762. Scholars not absent for the year, 40. Those, not late, 129. The mischief of irregularity can hardly be overstated. Be- side a great injury to the individual delinquents, it hinders the progress of the whole school, and is a source of dis- couragement to the teachers. Let parents remedy this evil as far as possible.
Music .- The Committee have felt for some time, that, as the children of the town were growing up without any mu- sical instruction, they should have it in our public schools. So the past year a plan was made for one hour's instruction,
38
SCHOOL REPORT.
to be given weekly to the Grammar and High Schools united in one room, also to the Grammar School at Merrimacport. Miss Downer was hired for this purpose with a compensation of two dollars per week. As the teacher at Bear Hill had a musical education, it was arranged for her to give similar instruction to her pupils. The books used have been pur- chased by the town, and are retained in the school-room for this purpose in the future
High School .- At the commencement of the year by a special vote of the town the High School at Merrimacport was abolished. The class fitted for the High School at the close of the summer term entered at the Corner. The edu- cational interests of the people at the River may make an advanced Grammar School, covering one or two years of the High School course worthy of consideration.
Appropriation .- Before making the appropriations, the Com- mittee ask a special consideration of an increase of the length of our Primary and Grammar schools. The past year the Primary has run eight months, the Grammar eight and one- half. We suggest at least two additional weeks. The indi- cations are that a moderate increase of pay of teachers will be expected. This increase of pay with the money needed for musical instruction and for the extra two weeks of school- ing will require about $400. The coming year the inciden- tals will be less by at least $200. So we think $200 above the amount appropriated last year will keep the schools the time stated above. Therefore the Committee recommend an appropriation of $4,200.
H. J. CUSHING, School FRANK WIGGIN,
HENRY HASKELL, Committee.
39
SCHOOL REPORT.
MERRIMAC HIGH SCHOOL.
MR. FRANK WIGGIN, Principal.
MISS ELLEN GUNNISON, Assistant.
This school has had another profitable year. The teach- ers have been working hard to make it a success and have not failed. The results of this work are manifest to any one who will visit the school-room. The ambition of the scholars for thoroughness and high rank has never been more marked than now. The school has never before been so large as now, numbering in all sixty-eight. The responsibilities of such a school as this are greater than very many realize. The im- portance of success seems greater if we consider the disas- trous results that would spring from poor discipline and in- efficient management generally.
The public examination last year was good, and occupied the whole day. Written term-examinations are deserving of much credit ; and worthy of inspection by parents and others whenever visiting the school.
The last graduating class numbered twelve. The present graduating class numbers ten. A class of twenty-five are expected to enter next September. The school will close about the 18th of March with a public examination lasting the entire day.
MERRIMAC GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS MINNIE B. NOYES and MISS ANNA E. EDWARDS, Teachers.
The spring term was taught by Miss Noyes, under whom, candor compels us to say, the discipline was not such as to
.
40
SCHOOL REPORT.
secure the best results in the school-room, although it is but just to remark, that she labored under some disadvantages, and that she faithfully endeavored to perform her whole duty.
The remainder of the school year, under the management of Miss Edwards, has been eminently satisfactory. Not only has the best of order been maintained, but perfectly satis- factory progress has been made in the branches pursued in this room. The teacher, coming directly from the Normal School, has put into practice the most excellent methods learned there, and with the best of results. We consider Miss Edwards the right teacher in the right place. The clos. ing examination was one of the best we have ever attended.
MERRIMAC INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
MISS HATTIE E SARGENT, Teacher.
The school has had an average number of about forty scholars during the year. The scholars are of the age, when children are, perhaps, most difficult to govern, averaging ten years.
While we cannot say, that, judged by the rules of strict discipline, the school has always been as orderly as is de- sirable, we can most cheerfully accord to the teacher the merit of performing her work in a thoroughly faithful and conscientious manner. The methods of instruction have re- ceived our entire approval, and the progress made by the scholars in their various studies is highly satisfactory. Ac- cording to present indications the first class will be well qualified for promotion at the end of the spring term. The closing examination was very fine, and demonstrated correct teaching in Geography, Arithmetic, and Reading. The sing- ing also was exceptionally good.
41
SCHOOL REPORT.
The register had the names of eighty-seven visitors to the school during the year.
MERRIMAC FIRST PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS LIZZIE II. NICHOLS, and MISS CARRIE M. EVANS, Teachers.
Miss Nichols taught till Thanksgiving, and then resigned, much to the regret of School Committee, parents and schol- ars. We have only words of commendation for the faithful and efficient manner in which her school-work was always performed. Possessing in a high degree very many of those peculiar qualifications, which make the successful teacher, Miss Nichols would necessarily have taken high rank in the profession had she remained in it.
Miss Evans, as we have intimated elsewhere, was pro- moted to the place left vacant by Miss Nichols' resignation, and many of the scholars having previously been under her charge, the school suffered no detriment by the change. The closing examination was very pleasing and proved that the school year has been a very prosperous and successful one.
MERRIMAC SECOND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MISS CARRIE M. EVANS and MISS MARY E. HOYT, Teachers.
Miss Evans had charge of the school till Thanksgiving when she was promoted to the vacancy in the First Primary caused by the resignation of Miss Nichols. She managed the school very successfully, and won the love and confi- dence of her young pupils by her kindness, and her constant endeavors to render the school-room a cheerful home for those just entering school life.
42
SCHOOL REPORT.
Miss Hoyt, her successor, who taught the school during the last two months, is evidently a natural teacher ; and the progress made, and the methods of instruction pursued, un- der her rule, were in every way satisfactory.
No schools are more important than our primaries, and cer- tainly it is essential that there, if anywhere, the instruction given, should be correct in method, and thorough in man- ner. Skilled teachers are needed in the primary schools.
MERRIMACPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MISS HATTIE W. CHENEY, and MR. EDWARD WHITNEY, Teachers.
The spring term was taught by Miss Cheney, under whose charge the school had been for several years. Her management of the school was in every way satisfactory, and it was only in accordance with the expressed wish of a ma- jority of the parents for a male teacher, that Mr. Whitney was employed in her stead at the commencement of the fall term.
Mr. Whitney did not find so advanced a school as he ex- pected, and his methods of teaching were somewhat different from those pursued by most of our teachers, but the school has made fair progress, and we can record good work done during the year.
Mr. Whitney has labored faithfully and earnestly, and, al- though a stranger, he has favorably impressed all with whom he has come in contact, by his quiet and gentlemanly de. meanor. The closing examination was very satisfactory.
43
SCHOOL REPORT.
MERRIMACPORT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MRS. MARY A. TUSON, Teacher.
Mrs Tuson has had charge of this school many years, and with the same unvarying success. While the school may not present that perfect order, regularity and enforced quiet which often distinguishes a city primary school, yet parents feel that the interests and comfort of their children are well cared for, and the introduction to school life made pleasant under the kind and loving administration of this faithful and conscientious teacher. The only drawback to the efficiency of this school is in the grading, and that cannot be reme- died under the present system. Remembering that the higher classes in the school belong to the intermediate grade, and taking into account the large number of scholars, we think they have made excellent progress during the year.
BIRCH MEADOW SCHOOL.
MISS GEORGIA FOSTER, Teacher.
Miss Foster is one of our High School graduates. This has been her first experience in teaching, and has proved a good beginning. The scholars have advanced commendably in their different studies. The school whenever visited by the Committee has appeared well. The percentage of at- tendance has been good. The closing examination was sat- isfactory.
44
SCHOOL RRPORT.
BEAR HILL SCHOOL.
MISS MARY HUNKINS, Teacher.
This school has been prospering quite well the past year. The teacher has been earnest and faithful, and in a very good degree has made the year a profitable one. The school has been visited quite a number of times during the year and it has always appeared well. The scholars have been orderly and shown a commendable interest in their studies. Since the beginning of the fall term the teacher has been giving weekly instruction in singing. Examinations have been very good.
HIGHLAND SCHOOL.
MISS MARY E. HOYT, Teacher.
This school has had a successful year. The scholars have manifested a marked interest in their studies. The Committee have not seen or heard any indications that the government was not perfect. The school has been larger the past year than usual,-numbering twenty-one. The per cent. of absence and tardiness has been very small The examin- ations have been excellent.
45
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES.
GRADUATES
OF
Merrimac High School for 1879.
" FINIS CORONAT OPUS."
FRANK H. BIRD.
WILLIAM G. NICHOLS.
WILLARD B. KELLEY. JOHN S. MORSE.
EDGAR P. SARGENT.
MORTON P. PETTIGREW.
FRANK E. PEASE.
KATIE E. MURPHY.
LIZZIE R. SORRENSON.
JOSEPHINE L. OAK.
LINA A. SHERMAN.
HATTIE L. THORN.
TABLE No. 1.
STATISTICS OF SUMMER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
of
Average number
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Per cent. of
Attendance.
Number of days
in Term.
Times late. Number of
Number of
Scholars over
Fifteen.
Number of
Scholars under
Number of
Teachers' wages
per month.
Merrimac High,
55
47
44
94
60
120
30
0
20
$91.73 Prin'al. 24 Asst. 3-4 time.
66
Grammar,
39
37
31
84
60
82
2
0
35
33
42
41
37
90
60
178
0
0
37
31
66
First Primary,
42
39
33
85
60
92
0
0
31
28
Second Primary,
42
37
30
81
60
70
0
3
25
28
Merrimacport Grammar, 66
42
39
35
90
60
87
O
0
27
33
Primary,
46
44
42
90
60
29
0
5
26
28
Bear Hill District,
45
40
32
0
60
23
0
1
10
33
Birch Meadow District,
15
14
13
93
60
28
0
13
22
Ilighlands District.
19
17
15
88
60
00
NO
0
00
22
SCHOOL REPORT.
46
Number
of
Scholars.
Five.
Visitors.
Intermediate,
TABLE NO. 2.
STATISTICSYOF WINTER TERM.
SCHOOLS.
of
Average number
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Per cent. of
Attendance.
Number of days
in Term.
Times late. Number of
Fifteen. Scholars over Number of
Number of
Scholars under
Number of
Visitors.
Teachers' wages
per month.
Merrimac High,
68
66
58
88
130
113
16
0
43
$94.73 Prin'al.
37 Asst. whole t.
00
32
30
94
110
79
0
0
48
33
Intermediate,
40
36
33
91
105
203
0
0
52
31
First Primary,
36
32
29
91
100
141
0
0
47
00
Second Primary,
48
39
34
87
100
127
0
0
48
28
Merrimacport Grammar, "
35
33
30
0
110
99
1
0
55
50
Primary,
48
or
41
91
100
49
0
4
23
28
Bear Hill District,
44
00
33
94
110
56
0
0
21
co
Birch Meadow District,
15
12
11
98
60
42
0
0
13
22
Highlands District.
21
20
16
80
60
11
2
0
14
22
SCHOOL REPORT.
47
Number
of
Scholars.
Five.
Grammar,
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