USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1896 > Part 4
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SCHOOL REPORT.
to their powers of observation ; but at the same time, are be- ing furnished with the best material for their work in geography, drawing and language.
Frequent meetings have been held and instructions given the teachers in methods of conducting this work, but at the same time, allowing the widest possible latitude for the indi- vidualty of pupils and teachers. An excellent beginning has been made, the importance of the work acknowledged and a desire for further study manifested.
THIE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE SCHOOLS.
During the fall term an attempt was made to bring into closer relationship the two great forces that contribute so largely toward the education of the youth - the public library and the public schools. Our object being, (1) to create in the minds of the children a love for good reading; (2) to make them familiar with some of the best works of our leading American and English authors; (3) to furnish ma- terial for work in literature in the High School. If a love for good reading, with its wholesome influences, is to be created in the minds of the coming generation, it must be be- gun during their school days; for in most families, the matter of selecting suitable books for their children to read is left wholly to the children themselves. After gaining the consent of your Board, a list was prepared, consisting of books, not heavy but elevating in character, and such as would be best suited to the pupils for a course in reading in the last two years of the Grammar School and for the four years in the High School. The matter was laid before the trustees of the Public Library for their consideration. It gives me pleaeure to state that this new project met with their approval ; for after a careful consideration they voted to grant us the privileges of the library that we asked, being as follows: That the teachers may take to the Grammar
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School, not exceeding 24 books, and to the High School, not exceeding 26 books, at any one time, for a period not exceed- ing three weeks, with the privilege of renewal one week. These books are read by the pupils in their leisure time. Each scholar is supposed to read at least two books a term of the list prescribed for his year, and is asked to keep a note- book as he reads, for inspection by the teacher after the book has been read. After several have read a certain book, a class or section is formed for the purpose of a brief study of the book read, the life of the author and such other interest- ing facts as seem most profitable to the pupils concerned. This new venture has already proved itself to be a valuable feature in our school work.
The High School has been granted, with slight limita- tions, the use of reference books in the Public Library, thus saving the School Board the expenditure of a considerable sum of money actually needed for reference books, and gives the school a greater variety than would otherwise be afforded them.
Too much cannot be said in praise of the trustees in their willingness to make the library such an active agency in our school work. Out of this movement great gain is certain, if properly managed
In due time I hope this privilege of using the library books may be extended to the Intermediate or Lower Grammar grades ; for, in my mind, the use of the library should not only be granted those who desire to patronize it, but to bring its valuable influences to bear upon those who do not at pres- ent care for them, but rather seek that literature that is low and degrading, or prefer to spend their time on the street corners or in loafing places.
PENMANSIIIP.
The penmanship in the schools of this town is far from
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satisfactory. True that there are some very good writers in the schools, but these cases are the exception and not the rule. The best penmanship, relatively, is found in the lower grades, while in some of the higher grades the writing is scarcely legible. I cannot attribute this to be the result of poor teach- ing, neither charge the fault wholly to the pupils. I believe it is, in part, the fault with the system. The cramped and unnatural positions, easily acquired in practicing the sloping system of writing in the lower grades prevent the pupils from afterwards acquiring a legible and rapid hand. This sloping style is not natural to the child, as is easily proven in the first few days of his school life. He naturally moves his hand vertically backward and forward rather than obliquely in imitation of the teacher's writing.
Last October, the School Committee of Bradford adopted the vertical system of writing for the Primary and Grammar schools of that town, and employed a man one day in two weeks to direct the work. Although the system has been in vogue but a little less than four months, there has been suf- ficient opportunity to notice marked improvement in penman- ship in the schools. The cramped and awkward positions have been supplanted by natural, easy ones, and the writing has greatly improved. Those whose writing was scarcely legible under the sloping kind and who manifested apparently no interest in their writing are showing the most marked im- provement. Thus, from actual observation, I am led to recommend the adoption of vertical writing for the schools of this town. This system is not a new invention, for it is said to have been in use among the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was certainly that writing practiced by our forefathers, and many of the early documents of this country are written in this style.
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS.
Among others, the town of Merrimac is supporting two
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schools, one of which (Birch Meadow), has enrolled during the year but eight pupils, with an average attendance of six, the other having a total enrollment of five, with an average attendance of 3.95.
If the town at its next annual meeting would vote to temporarily close these two schools and transport the children to the graded schools the pupils in these two districts would receive far greater educational advantages than they can pos- sibly obtain in their ungraded schools. With so few pupils in a school and but one or two in a class there can be but little enthusiasm and very little progress made.
In my opinion the scholars in these two districts would be benefited in the following ways if they could be transported to the graded schools : (1) They would be better classified, each pupil being placed where he can do his best work and where more time is devoted to each recitation. (2) It would give the children the benefit of work in special subjects, as drawing and music, where they now will receive but a very little of this instruction. (3) They would have the benefit of superior teaching and would be placed in better school build- ings and have the use of a more abundant supply of maps, globes and apparatus. (4) Their school year would be lengthened. They now receive but two terms a year or about twenty-five weeks, where they would receive three terms or thirty-eight weeks, if transported to the graded schools. (5) They would be more regular in attendance and fewer cases of tardiness would occur. (6) There would be an in- creasing desire to enter our High School by being brought in contact with other pupils. (7) More interest created from the inspiration of greater numbers and perhaps resulting in a spirit of rivalry.
I do not advocate the transportation of these children so much from an economic view of the matter as I do by reason
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of the educational advantages derived therefrom. To say nothing of the usual repairs, it will cost nearly as much to pay for the proper transportation of these pupils to the graded schools as it does to hire a teacher and have the pupils taught in their respective districts as in the past.
Now, shall the children of these two districts be denied of the advantages above enumerated ? It is not a mere mat- ter of theory or conjecture, but one that demands the attention of all thoughtful citizens. I would bespeak for the children, who ask through you, that our citizens place at your disposal the necessary means which will enable you to grant equal educational privileges to all children in town - an advantage which might and should be theirs.
CONCLUSION.
I add with pleasure the statement that I am under obli- - gations to the teachers for the courteous manner in which I have been received and treated, and for the willingness, on the whole to co-operate with me in my efforts to improve the schools. I gladly avail myself of the privilege to express to your Board my grateful appreciation of the assistance and valuable council I have received in the discharge of my duties.
Respectfully, R. D. McKEEN,
Superintendent of Schools. February 1, 1896.
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REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL.
Merrimac, Mass., Jan. 19, 1896. To Mr. R. D. McKeen, Superintendent of Schools, Merri- mac, Mass. :
Having been but a short time at the head of the Merri- mac High School, my report must at best be somewhat in- complete and unsatisfactory.
Our aim as teachers has been to make our school work interesting, and at the same time, disciplinary and practical. That there is no royal road to learning has been well said, and we, bearing in mind the fact that what is too readily acquired gives little real mental training, have not tried to make one, though our time has always been at our pupil's disposal.
We hope and feel sure there has been an increase of in- terest in school work. That there has been improvement in most of the recitation work, there can be no question. In general the pupils are well disposed and of excellent mental capacity, which needs only developing to make them first-rate scholars. The order would be better with single desks.
There is a tendency in this age to test everything by its immediate practical value, and if weighed and found wanting in this respect, a study is by too many regarded as non- essential and valueless. In this our school is not an excep- tion. Consequently Latin, Greek and the higher mathematics are somewhat tabooed, when really in a sense they are ulti- mately the most practical, since they and not the so-called practical studies train the mind best for its life work. Then our parents should see to it. that while their children study the practical they not less study and master the disciplinary.
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While our percentage of attendance has always been above .90, this seems too low.
Many scholars allow trifling reasons to keep them from school. No scholar can thoroughly master his subject with- out constant school attendance. Lost work can never be made up again. When all parents are fully aroused to the need of their children attending school regularly, we shall hope for an improvement in this direction.
So far as practicable we have used the " library method " in our teaching, and have been aided very much in this aim by the Trustees of the Public Library, who have very kindly allowed us the use of their valuable reference books.
A college preparatory course has been added to the school courses. This will meet the demands of those wishing to have their children fitted for college. The course includes all the work required for admission to college. The English course has been shortened to three years, thus favoring all those not able to complete a longer course.
Owing to the great number of studies to be taught, the consequent shortness of the recitation periods, and to the fact that the work is too much for two teachers to do most effi- ciently, a second assistant is almost indispensable. Such a change, also, would place our High School on an equal foot- ing with city schools of the same grade.
In the Fall term a literary and debating society was or- ganized, which has since met one evening every other weck, at the school-house. The purpose is to give the High School scholars a chance of learning how to think and speak before an audience, a most important part of an education. A large part of the rhetorical work has been done in connection with this society. Great interest has been aroused and the results have been most satisfactory, and, we think, of lasting value to the scholars themselves.
It is intended to make the work in Literture and History
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as extensive as possible. These studies are rapidly coming to the front in secondary schools, and most properly. Assoc- iated with them, a course of reading has been made for each school year, including the best works of standard authors. A part of these books are constantly kept in the school-room for ready use. The Trustees of the Public Library allow us to have 26 volumes at one time. The books are very generally read and it is hoped that, consequently, there will be an im- proved taste in reading. The results, therefore, amply justify the trial made.
There has been marked improvement both in the singing and the drawing. In the former, the number that do not take part is less than a dozen; in the latter the work has been en- tirely under the instruction and oversight of the drawing teacher, an advance.
Our efficiency would be still farther increased if the High School could have the whole upper part of the school building. This would insure ample room for laboratory work, and also would give the assistant a room large enough for the suitable accommodation of her classes. The present room used by her is entirely unsatisfactory, and also is worth nothing, as a room for laboratory work. There is also great chance for im- provement in the means of ventilation.
The working of the school cannot be correctly gauged from the outside, so we cordially invite and urge all those in- terested in our work and in the school, to visit it and see for themselves our needs and our progress.
I feel myself under deep obligations to the School Com- mittee, to my assistant, and to you, for many favors and much help which, perhaps, better than anyone else, the new teacher knows how to appreciate.
Respectfully submitted,
C. C. FERGUSON, Principal,
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF DRAWING.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
My work as Director of Drawing in your schools began in September. In submitting this, my first report, I would state, briefly, the purpose of the work, the ends sought, the general plan and what has already been accomplished.
We aim through this study to give the pupils a true knowledge of color and form, a knowledge of the laws gov- erning decoration, and to awaken a love and appreciation of the good, the true and the beautiful in the world about them. The ends sought are the ability to draw truthfully and confi- dently and a taste for good art.
Drawing is taught as the language by which the pupils are to express their ideas of the form of objects and to so in- struct them that they may use this language readily, truthfully and artistically. In order to draw truthfully one must have a knowledge of objects and the principles governing their rep- resentation. The first the pupil should acquire, largely in the primary grades, the latter in the grammar grades.
The primary work is considered under the general sub- jects : Color, Form and Arrangement. Drawing is begun in the primary grades and when continued in the higher grades we teach the representation of the facts of form and the structure of objects or Constructive Drawing; the laws governing the decoration of objects, or Decorative Drawing ; and the representation of the appearance of objects, or Pictorial Drawing. This latter subject being the most im- portant and the most difficult to acquire is given the greatest proportion of time,
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The pupils begin the pictorial work in September, draw- ing first leaves, flowers and plants, then fruits and vegetables, followed by a study of geometric type solids and objects em- bodying the necessary principles in simplest form. The ad- vanced classes apply the principles studied to furniture draw- ing, interiors, as corners of the room, open doors and to out- door sketching. Pictorial drawing is continued through January. During February and March Constructive Draw- ing, including geometrical drawing, working drawing and development is taken. April, May and June are given to Decorative Drawing, including historic ornament, color and original design.
In the Primary Grades the pupils have had regular in- struction in color, form and drawing. In the Grammar and High Schools the time has been chiefly given to pictorial work. The drawings have been made on blank paper and from ob- jects. Thus the pupil relies upon his own judgement and each must do his own seeing and thinking and express his thoughts in his own way.
In order that the pupils might make a broader applica- tion of principles studied, it was suggested that they provide themselves with sketch books, to be used chiefly out of school hours, as supplementary to work done in the class room. The sketch book, when faithfully used, greatly helps the student to gain facility in drawing. Many of the pupils are learning to use them. They have also provided themselves. with portfolios in which to keep their drawings.
As the work progresses it is hoped to take, in connection with the pictorial drawing, a study of the great masters and their noted works, for we deem it as important as a matter of general education that the pupils know the great artists as the great authors and to learn to appreciate a good picture as a good book. When historic design is studied something of the history of architecture may also be taken,
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Since my connection with the schools a half day of per- sonal work has been given each week. The work has been logically arranged and presented as a whole to the teachers. Lesson outlines, illustrated suggestions and methods of con- ducting the work have been given in meetings of the teachers regularly held after school hours. In these meetings a course in appearance drawing is also being given that the teachers may be able to do as well as understand and guide the work of the pupils. We aim, as the practical result of the study, to have our pupils awake to the beauties of form and color in the world about them, and later they may apply this know- ledge in their dress in the selection and arrangement of their homes and household articles. It should be of service also, in whatever business they follow, whether they become flor- ists, landscape gardners, decorators, illustrators, artists, de- signers, machinists, caapenters, dressmakers, architects, milli- ners, scientists or teachers. It may aid, too, in the choice of a profession, serving to reveal to them how they may best be useful to mankind.
The successful progress of the work depends largely upon the interest and faithfulness of the teachers. The spirit which they show in taking up and helping forward the study is most gratifying.
In conclusion I desire to thank you and the School Board for your helpful interest, and to extend my grateful acknowl- edgement to my associate teachers for their kind reception and earnest co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
M. A. PEARSON.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I submit my report as Supervisor of Music: While I cannot conscientiously report the schools as entirely graded in Music at the present time, yet the past five months have seen a rapid progress toward that end, and I think another year will find it accomplished.
I feel that a marked improvement has taken place in all the schools in note reading and time-the two fundamental rules of music. The teachers' meetings instituted at the be- ginning of the Fall term, have greatly aided the teachers in a clear understanding of the underlying principles to be devel- oped, and I have received conscientious help, in my work, from them. As it takes seven years to develop the system, I do not, as yet, see its' results in upper Grammar or High School, although I am able to report a marked interest and ability in the High. The Holt system, little by little, unfolds the principles of Music to its students, until from the primary novice, reading for the first time, a note, there is no reason why the High School pupil of to-day should not read Oratorio music. I would recommend the introduction of No. I Read- ers into the second year's work, as soon as possible ; also that of Codas in the High School as often as practicable, as the interest of the latter is thereby greatly enhanced.
In conclusion, I earnestly invite parents and all those in- terested in public school music, to visit the schools during music periods, thus showing their interest and inciting the pu- pils to further efforts.
Respectfully, LIZZIE B. SMITH.
Merrimac, Mass., January IS, 1896.
ARTICLES IN THE WARRANT
FOR THIE
ANNUAL MEETING, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1896.
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ARTICLE 2. To bring in their votes on one ballot for Town Clerk; three Selectmen, who will be Assessors and Overseers of the Poor; Treasurer; Collector of Taxes; one School Committee for three years; one Trustee of Cemetery for three years; two Trustees of Public Library for three years ; one Trustee of Public Library for two years ; one Trustee of Public Library for one year, to fill vacancy ; three Constables; three Surveyors of Lumber and Measurers of Wood and Bark ; three Fence Viewers ; three Field Drivers ;. Auditor of Accounts. Also to bring in their votes upon the same ballot, Yes or No, on the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town?" In voting under this article the polls will be opened at nine o'clock and thirty minutes in the forenoon and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
TOWN WARRANT. 35
ARTICLE 3. To determine what sum of money shall be raised to defray the necessary and usual charges and expenses of the town for the ensuing year and make appropriations for the same. To hear the report of the committee upon appro- priations.
ARTICLE 4. To fix the time for the payment of taxes and see what discount, if any, the town will allow for the prompt payment of taxes. Also to see what interest, if any, the town will charge on taxes remaining unpaid after the time fixed for the payment thereof. Also to determine the com- pensation for collecting.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will authorize its Treas- urer, under the direction of the Selectmen, to hire money in anticipation of taxes and to pay any indebtedness of the town.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the town will vote to accept the jury list as revised by the Selectmen.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the town will vote to rebuild a part of the bank wall on Broad street adjoining land of James Whittier and make appropriation for the same.
ARTICLE 8. To see what action the town will take on the claim of G. W. Fredson for damages for injuries received by snow not being properly removed on High street.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the town will vote to adopt Tru- ancy By-Laws as required by Statutes.
ARTICLE IO. To see if the town will vote to appropri- ate a sum of money for the employment of a Superintendent of Schools.
ARTICLE II. On petition of S. A. McConnell and others, to see if the town will choose a committee of five to
1
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TOWN WARRANT.
consider the feasibility of introducing a water supply. This committee to examine possible sources of supply, ascertain the possible cost of water works, etc., and obtain and report at a future meeting such information as will enable the town to act understandingly in the matter ; also to make an appro- priation sufficient to cover the necessary expenses incurred by this committee.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the town will permit its Town Officers to occupy the room between the rooms of the First National Bank and the Public Library and make necessary changes in the same and make the necessary appropriation therefor.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the town will vote to restrain neat cattle and horse kind from running at large. And to transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
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