USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1879 > Part 5
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TEACHERS.
The teachers in the Grammar schools have discharged their duties in a more efficient manner than last year. I can report that they, without exception, have labored faithfully and dilligently. The teachers who were promoted to the Grammar schools from other schools, or to a higher grade of school, have corroborated the wis- dom of the appointments by their successful work.
While I am able to report very favorably of the improvements made, and of the progressive work going on in the Distriet, Primary and Grammar schools, the past two terms, I have every reason to expeet still further improvements from each teacher, during the Spring term, from their increased familiarity with the new text books, from the supply of reference books, and from the impetus and encouragements of the past term.
TEXT BOOKS.
The following list of books are more used in the District, Pri- mary and Grammar schools :
READING. The Franklin Primer, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth readers. Teachers use Monroe's Vocal Gymnastics and three sets of Appleton's readers.
SPELLING. Teachers use Harvey's New Graded Speller.
26
WRITING. Payson, Dunton and Scribner's Penmanship, Pri- mary books No. 2 for tracing, No. 3 for pencil or pen, Grammar books Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Teachers use the Manual in Penmanship and Blackboard Charts.
ARITHMETICS. White's Intermediate and White's Complete Arithmetics, White's Primary Arithmetic for teachers' guide in. Primary classes. Teachers use Wentworth's Problems, Milnes Practical, Olney's Elements and Olney's Science of Arithmetic.
LANGUAGE.
Swinton's New Language Lessons and New English Grammar. Swinton's Language Primer for teachers, guide book in Primary schools. Teachers use Green's and Whitney's Grammars, North- end's Memory Gems, Loyd's Literature for Little Folks.
GEOGRAPHY.
Harper's Introductory, and Harper's School Geography. Our World for teachers in Primary grades.
HISTORY.
Barnes' Brief History of the United States, Goodrich Child's History for teachers in No. 4 Grammar classes.
GENERAL USE.
Wedgwood's Topical Analysis, Smart's Manual of Free Gym- nastics, Webster's Academic and Webster's Unabridged Diction- aries.
Examinations. Written Work. - Public oral examinations, to which parents and friends have been invited, have been held in all schools near the close of each term. Parents have usually availed themselves of the opportunities of these occasions, and wit- nessed with apparent satisfaction the recitations and exercises of the school. I think that the increased number of visits the past year to the schools at examinations and other times, speaks favora- bly for an increased interest on the part of parents and friends.
More attention has been given this year to written work or written exercises in the different branches. This kind of work is improving the methods of teaching by securing a greater degree of precision and thoroughness, and the methods of studying by se- curing better attention and a more thoughtful and intelligent exer- cise of the powers of the scholar's mind.
Written examinations have been held in all the Grammar grades near the middle and close of each term. These exercises have tended in a liberal degree to improve the quality of work done by teacher and scholar. All this written work has contributed to improve the scholar's power of clear and accurate expression.
The following questions used May 22, 1878, for a written
27
examination in arithmetic and grammar in the No, 1 Grammar classes, are introduced to show the character of this work :
ARITHMETIC.
Let all the work remain on paper.
1.
Define a common fraction. Explain the office of the numera- tor and denominator.
2.
If a man buys mutton at the rate of 32 pounds for 432 cents, and beef at the rate of 52 pounds for 822 cents, what is difference in the cost of meat per pound ? 3.
A trader sold 125 pounds of butter at 25 cents per pound, 24 pounds of cheese at 15 cents per pound, and a quantity of wheat at $1.70 per bushel. With the proceeds he bought 17 tons of coal at $7.50 per ton ; how many bushels of wheat did he sell?
4.
What will be the tax on a property invoiced at $8,750, in a town that raises a tax of $68,000 upon a valuation of $2,825,400? 5.
A man fails in business with liabilities amounting to $18,500. His assets are : goods, $6,500; buildings and lot, $4,285 ; furni- ture, $280 ; horse and carriage, $350; bills collectable, $3,800. The expenses of settling will be 1} per cent. of his assets. How many cents can he pay on a dollar? What will A receive, who has a claim for $5,000?
6.
What is the difference between True Discount and Bank Dis- count? Illustrate by composing and solving examples, using in both cases the same sum and rate. 7.
A man bought a carriage for $150, expended three-fourths of one per cent. in repairs upon it, and then sold it for $180. What was his gain per cent .? 8.
If 45 men can do a piece of work in 15 days, working 8 hours each day, in how many days can 30 men do the same, working 12 hours per day ? Solve by proportion and analysis.
9.
What is the distance from the center to the corners of a square field, which contains eight acres? Illustrate by a diagram.
28
10.
If 4 piles of wood, each 80 feet long, 4 feet wide and 6 feet high, were placed together in the form of a cube, what would be the height of the cube ?
Classes that have not taken Cube Root, may solye the following :
How many feet of lumber will it take to enclose a building 40 feet long, 20 feet wide, height of posts 12 feet, the perpendicular height of the roof being 15 feet ; no allowance made for windows, doors, projections or waste ?
GRAMMAR. 1.
In what cases will a collective noun as subject require a verb in the plural number?
2.
In what cases should a capital letter be used in writing, and a period in punctuation ?
3.
Explain how the conjunction differs from the preposition in use. Illustrate the difference by sentences, underlining the illustrative words.
4.
The wretch, (1) concentrated all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, (2) doubly dying, shall go down To vile dust, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonored, and unsung. [Scott.
Change the above extract to prose form of expression. 5.
Expand the participal phrases (1) and (2) to full sentences. 6,
Parse the words all, and, down, from, whence, unwept, in 4. 7.
Analyze the clause of which shall go is the simple predicate. What word does the clause from whence he sprung modify? What kind of a clause is this from its office ?
8.
What is meant by the phrase doubly dying? 9.
Write a composition about Decoration Day, not exceeding fifty words, which shall contain at least one simple, one complex and one compound sentence. Enclose these sentences in brackets, and mark each one.
,
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10.
Write a letter to some member of the School Committee, apply- ing for admission to the High School.
HIGH SCHOOL.
A very full account of the changes made in the course of study in the High school, has been given in the first part of this report. These changes have been heartily endorsed by the principal, teach- ers and scholars, and may now be considered as firmly incorporated into the organization of the school. Evidences of improvement are manifest in the working of the school Scholars have evinced an increased interest in the work and exercises of the school. Very few scholars have dropped out of either course and left the school.
Fourteen young ladies and gentlemen completed the prescribed course of study last June, and received diplomas of graduation. Their names are as follows : Joseph H. Ambrose, Willie P. Cooke, Lowell E. Fales, William F. Gleason, Patrick R. Howley, Henry D. Nelson, Eugene W. Stoddard, Charles S. Weeks, Mary E. Ber- gin, Annie P. Cushing, Annie B. Drake, Agnes E. Kimball, Mary A. Lyons, Evie M. Wires.
Number entering the Fourth class last September, 71 ; present number, 69 ; present number in Third class, 21; Second class, 23; Senior class, 18. Number of scholars who have left the school for any cause since September 1878, 4.
Scholars neither absent nor late during the Fall term, 88 ; dur- ing Winter term, 61.
In' answer to question 24 of the statistical report, viz : What are the leading causes or wants that delay progress in your school ? The principal states in his reports for the two past terms, that the number of pupils is too large for the capacity of the main room to allow of proper means of ventilation. There is really need of another good sized school-room for the comfortable accommodation of the scholars. The subject of better means of ventilation and of additional room claims the attention of the Committee.
TEACHERS.
Mr: Silas W. Hale has peen principal for nine years.
Miss Clara M. Howard has been first assistant teacher for eight years. Miss Anna W. Bancroft was chosen teacher in Sep- tember in place of Miss Lucy W. Wilber, who was obliged to leave teaching on account of ill-health. Miss Lilla B. Godfrey was cho- sen teacher for half of the time at the beginning of the Winter term.
I desire to express to the Committee and citizens mny unqual- ified approval of the able, faithful and untiring services rendered by the principal and teachers of the High school.
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TRAINING COURSE.
It may be well to invite attention to a new and valuable fea- ture in the High school course. This is seen in the provisions for the study of Mental Science two terms, Moral Science one term, and reviews of the common branches two terms, during last year. Whilst these studies are of special value in practical life, they have a direct bearing as proper studies in preparing persons for teaching, and may well be considered as a part of a Training Course. If ad- ditional provisions could be made for some special drills and in- struction during the course, upon matters pertaining to teaching, some lectures be given by the Committee or Superintendent upon the organization of schools, then, in my opinion, the graduates of the High school would be as well prepared for teaching in our schools as the graduates of the average Normal School.
ATTENDANCE.
The present attendance in the High school is about six per cent. of the number of different scholars enrolled in all of the pub- lic schools. Had it not been for the large number who entered last September to pursue the English course, it is probable that this per- centage would have been reduced to five and one-half. The small percentage of scholars attending the High schools is one of the leading causes that has awakened such earnest discussions concern- ing the maintenance of High schools at public expense. These dis- cussions have led the managers of High schools to carefully exam- ine their organization and working, and to introduce such changes as appear necessary to adapt the High school work to the condition and wants of its patrons. In the case of our own schools the gradual falling out of scholars, as the grades advance, is lamenta- ble. We have to-day 300 scholars in the No. 4, or lowest Gram- mar grade, and only about 60 in the highest, or No. 1 grade. Ac- cording to my ideas of wise school management, it is the impera- tive duty of school officers, teachers, superintendent and citizens, to exert all proper influences to induce scholars to remain in the Grammar schools, and in the High school, and that it is educa- tional suicide for school officers, teachers or superintendent, to dis- courage such continuance. This rapid decrease of scholars, as they advance in the Grammar grades, and the small number attend- ing the High school, shows some defect or weakness in our school system, which deserves the considerate attention of school officers, superintendent and teachers. It is to be hoped that the number attending the High school will steadily increase until it will equal ten per cent. of our scholars.
TEXT BOOKS.
English Language and Literature. Swinton's English Gram- mar, Franklin Sixth Reader, Alden's Citizen's Manual, Swinton's Outlines of History, Hill's Rhetoric, Blaisdell's Hand-book of En-
31
glish Literature, Martin's Civil Government, Wayland's Political Economy. Mathematics, Palmer's Book-keeping, White's Complete Arithmetic, Smith's Free-hand Drawing, Bradbury's Elementary Algebra, Bradbury's Geometry and Plain Trigonometry, Davis' Surveying.
SCIENCE.
Houston's Physical Geography, Brown's Physiology and Hy- giene, Avery's Natural Philosophy, Elliot & Storer's Chemistry, Dana's Geology, Rolfe and Gillett's Astronomy, Grey's Botany, Upham's Mental Science, Peabody's Moral Science.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Mrs. Mary J. Morgan has maintained, for the fifth year, a Kindergarten school on Jefferson street. She employs an assistant teacher, and has had 25 scholars, 10 boys and 15 girls, with an average attendance of 23 the past year.
Miss Ellen M. Ayres has a school in Grant Block of 50 schol- ars, 25 boys and 25 girls, employing an assistant. Her school has been in operation three years.
Miss A. O. Scammel has a school in the same building of 11 scholars, 6 boys and 5 girls. ,She has taught there three years.
A private school was opened last December in Hopedale, with Miss Olive Twitchell, teacher.
EVENING SCHOOL.
At the annual town meeting in March 1878, the town appro- priated $500 for the support of an Evening school and appointed the Selectmen, School Committee and Superintendent of schools as a committee to organize and manage that school. At the first meeting of this committee held soon after the Town Meeting, it was not deemed advisable to open the school at that season of the year, and the committee adjourned till September. At a meeting held on Sept. 2d, 1878, it was voted to open an evening school, and sub-committees were appointed to secure and prepare a room and to recommend a teacher. At a later meeting Mr. Charles J. Thomp- son was unanimously chosen instructor, and the sub-committee re- ported that a room in the town house had been furnished for the use of the school.
The following report from Mr. Thompson is here incorporated :
The Evening School began the first Monday evening in No- vember. It was organized into two divisions, meeting alternate even- ings. Those pupils wishing to study Book-keeping being in the first division, and all others in the second. At first the attendance was not large, but it gradually increased to about sixty in each division. After the cold weather and bad walking began, the attendance in the second division fell off. Some pupils came a distance of two or three miles, and found it difficult to attend. Others have joined
32
the day schools. From various causes the number has declined to thirty-five pupils, the average attendance being now about twenty- seven (27). In the first, or Book-keeping division, some who be- gan found it impossible to continue, and the number fell to about fifty pupils, who have continued very steadily, so that the average attendance is now about forty-four. The studies pursued in this division are Book-keeping, Arithmetic and Spelling. The pupils of the second division are taught Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Spell- ing and a little Geography.
Of course, in the limited time given to each division, not very great progress can be made. A very good degree of interest is shown, especially in the first division, which is composed of young men, most of whom have already begun the battle of life on their own account, and who feel the need of a better preparation for its stern duties. They are anxious, attentive and dilligent.
It has been asked if these two divisions could not be merged into one. It seems to be impracticable. The teacher takes nearly three hours with the first division, and over two hours with the second, at each session, and then leaves undone many things he wishes to do. Justice cannot be done to the studies in less time. Again, very few of the pupils can attend more than three evenings in the week.
The average age of the pupils in the first division is a little more than 19 years. In the second division its average is a little below 17 years.
One pupil, who had the reputation of being the originator of the plan of having an Evening School, and who for a few evenings was a very interested and interesting pupil, was, after a short illness, removed forever from all earthly discipline and tutorship. I allude to James Curley, whose honorable connection with this enterprise should be held in grateful remembrance by those receiving benefit from the school.
JANITORS.
The janitors for all the main buildings have been engaged by the Committee, and I am gratified to be able to report that, at the present time, they are discharging their duties in a satisfactory manner.
TRUANTS.
Mr. Thomas Donahoe and Mr. Benjamin F. Montague were appointed truant officers for the current school year. Mr. Donahoe reports that he has returned 40 different boys to school during the year. The action of the truant officers has had a favorable influence in decreasing the cases of truancy. Teachers have by their in- quiries and activity exerted a strong influence in diminishing the cases of truancy.
33
TARDINESS, DISMISSALS.
The numbers of cases of tardiness and dismissals in schools, have been less this year than the past. I attribute this favorable result to the work of teachers and co-operation of parents. Many of the cases of tardiness are owing to difference of time shown by different clocks. I am satisfied if the bell upon the Town House should be rung 15 minutes before the beginning of each session of school, thus establishing a uniform and known time, the cases of tardiness would be greatly lessened.
ATTENDANCE. The attendance for this year has been more regular than during the past. I attribute this in a great measure to the work of teachers and parents.
SUPERINTENDENCY.
" The secret of good work is thorough inspection." It is now generally conceded that a competent supervision is as essential to economy in school expenditures, and to progress and success in school work, as the services of a good agent or overseer to the successful management of any corporate or associate business. The Superintendent is the agent of the school board, with whom he should frequently advise. The board must determine the prudent- ial duties which the Superintendent should perform, observent of the principles of true economy and the best interests of all con- cerned. He should be a suitable person to prepare courses of study, and give advice concerning text-books to be used. He should frequently inspect and examine the schools, carefully ob- serving the working of the course of study and methods of instruc- tion, and report to the Committee any changes that can be made which would render school work more productive of good results. It requires a trained or experienced education to perceive and understand the internal life of a school. To an inexperienced eye, recitations may have the appearance of perfection, when they may have been prepared without proper methods or without the proper objects of study, or have been given without a right exercise of mental action. Schools may appear to the uninformed eye to be in the best of order, when the quiet of the school-room is due to stupidity or to a system of government that is crushing out the best life of young minds. Herein occur the greatest wastes in a school system, because invisible to the common eye. The skilful supervisor will readily comprehend the state of affairs, and know how to apply the remedy by instructing the teacher in the true methods of teaching and governing, and thus avoid losses and det- riment. He should endeavor to secure harmony and co-operation in the workings of the various departments of the school system, and adjust the differences arising between teachers in their work, and with the scholars and their parents. He should inquire into all matters pertaining to the condition of the school buildings, and
34
see that the health and comfort of scholars are cared for and pro- moted. He is expected to acquaint himself with the qualifications and efficiency of teachers, and counsel and aid them in the work of instructing and governing. It is safe to say that the measure of success attending the working of a system of schools, is dependent upon a thorough and efficient performance of the duties enumerated. It will be found that wherever intelligent and efficient supervision exists, schools take on a new life. A new interest is awakened. The teachers feel they are sustained by an influence which they alone are unable to exert. The people cheerfully become willing supporters of schools that make so good returns for what is expended for their support.
PARENTS.
Parents have special duties devolving upon them which per- tain to the success of the schools. Among these may be named the duty of seeing that their children attend school regularly and are present on time, to co-operate with teachers and superintendent in promoting all that belongs to the discipline of the school, to see that scholars are reasonably supplied with needed books, and to en- courage as far as practicable an acquaintance with the teacher per- sonally, and inform her and advise with her concerning any mental or physical peculiarities of children. A little interest in school work, frequently shown by the parent, by way of kind inquiries of progress made, cheerful words of encouragment and approval spo- ken when the scholar is troubled and wavering, reproof and chas- tisement when needed, has a wonderfully good effect upon the pro- gress and deportment of scholars.
SCHOLARS.
Whole number of different scholars 2349
Whole number 1878
2212
Increase
137
Number of boys.
1218
Number of girls.
1131
Number of boys over 15 years old.
132
Number of girls
106
Average daily attendance
1695
1567
Increase
128
Ratio of average attendance to the whole number ..
.87
66
66
1878 ...
.71
Gain.
.16
1878.
..
This increase in the number of scholars attending, in the aver- age daily attendance, and the still more remarkable increase in the percentage of the average attendance, present incontrovertible facts, figures, which show that steady progress has been made, the past year, in the essential features of a prosperous school system.
35
Number of visits made by the superintendent 629
By the Committee 195
By citizens . . . .. 1945
Number of children between 6 and 15 years of age enu- merated by the assessors in May. 2138
In 1878.
2193
Number of different schools
42
CONCLUSION.
A cursory examination of this report will show many of the various subjects, supervisory or prudential, which have occupied my time and thought the past school year. All of those subjects which have related to changes in courses of study and text books, have required careful thought in devising the plans and skilful man- agement in executing them. It is a matter of profound congratu- lation that all of these great changes have been successfully made in a quiet manner.
With renewed expressions of gratitude to the School Commit- tee, teachers, and citizens, for confidence reposed,
Respectfully, JOHN W. SIMONDS,
Superintendent of Public Schools.
1
36
TABULAR SUMMARY.
The statistics here reported are believed to be fully reliable. They have been made with great care, based upon returns made from the teachers' registars.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Whole Number of different Scholars.
Average
Daily
Percentage
Attendance.
Number 2.
Julia M. Barry.
62
50
60
.86
Annie E. Sheldon.
56
53
52
.79
Susan R. Broderick
18
18
6 .. ....
Maggie F. Madden.
42
44
60
.76
9 ...
Mary E. Cochrane.
65
49
63
.77
Mary JJ. Kelley.
19
26
29
.75
..
11 ..
Annie L Adams
32
25
40
.90
Augusta A. Cay.
36
35
49
.76
S. Eldora Sheldon.
31
39
4-4
.89
Jennie L. Goodrich.
39
30
41
.73
Sarah F. Burns
28
50
.90
Susan E. Inman.
29
46
54
.89
* Kate Chapin ..
122
104
67
.76
Total, 15 schools ..
654
598
725
.87
DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
Silver Hill .. .
..
A. Oreanna Cheney
12
10
19
.78
City ... .
Julia E. Connolly.
28
15
20
.81
South Milford ...
Eva E. Noreross.
21
13
26
.92
Bear Hill ..
Kate A. Wallace.
15
33
.87
Braggville
Emily T. Hart ..
20
13
25
.85
Deerbrook.
Flora N. Knowlton
10
-
--
-
Total, 6 schools
112
GS
131
.84
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
Park No. 1.
..
Mrs. Jane A. Whiting.
13
13
32
.94
2 ..
. .
Sara C. Belcher ..
18
25
42
.93
3 .. ...
Mary J. Kelley .
21
46
53
.93
"
4 .. ..
Ada A. Skinner.
31
36
56
.89
Northı No. 1. .. ...
Helen S. Eames.
34
42
.95
Alice B. Chapin.
3]
31
.SS
4 .... . .
Mary F. Divine ..
29
22
54
.93
South No. 1 ......
Minnie 1. Folger
24
27
39
.94
Carra V. Sadler.
32
19
51
.91
3 .. . . . .
Lilla A. Cook.
40
31
53
.82
4. . . . . .
Mary F. Aylward.
3S
28
54
.88
Claflin No. 4 ....
5. ...
Jennie M. Russell.
20
30
38
.86
Hopedale ........
Minnie L. Mann.
27
21
31
.86
No. Purchase ....
Carrie L. Harris.
29
32
. 84
Total, 17 schools.
458
457
725
.92
HIGH SCHOOL.
Silas W. Hale, Principal.
76
69
114
.97
Clara M. Howard, Teacher
Anna M. Bancroft,
Lydia B. Godfrey,
-
-
-
Total, 4 schools.
76
69
114
.97
* This school was organized in September. All of the scholars were registered in other schools, except 11 boys and 21 girls.
t This school was organized in September.
of
BOYS.
GIRLS.
..
4. .. ....
5 ..
..
7 ..
..
Maggie L. Murphy.
25
41
10 ..
12 ..
..
13.
14. ..
15 ..
Claflin No. 3 ....
=
. 2 ....
46
.64
1 ....
Delia E. Gleason
--
-
6 ... .
+Faustina M. Knight
18
35
.78
Kate E. Martin ...
26
31
50
.87
2 ..... .
.78
3 ... .. .
Ellen A. Moriarty
10
S
.81
2 ......
--
All of the scholars, except one girl, had been registered in other schools.
2
Attendance.
.78
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