USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1883 > Part 3
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NATH'L. F. BLAKE, Librarian.
REPORT OF TREASURER, J. E. WALKER, Treasurer, In account with Milford Town Library. DR. $ 56 53
Balance from last year's account.
Town appropriation .
900 00
Dog tax .
453 14
Donation from Hon. Geo. W. Johnson
100 00
Cash received from fines.
42 30
for catalogues sold .
29 50
for waste paper 30
CR. $1581 77
Paid N. F. Blake, Librarian.
$ 300 00
H. C. Scott, rent. . . .
180 00'
G. G. Parker, insurance.
46 38
L. A. Cook, coal.
34 76
Printing. .
12 25
Binding and covering
274 95
Books, new.
138 53
Books, replacing old ones
230 69
Covering paper
9 60
Express . .
11 05
Milford Gas Co., for gas.
153 80
Supplies.
24 88
Stationery and postage
4 47
Repairs and cleaning.
14 15
Papers and magazines
66 34
Balance on hand .
2 92
$1581 77
66 assistant librarian.
77 00
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF MILFORD,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1882-83.
MILFORD, MASS. : MILFORD JOURNAL STEAM JOB PRINT. 1883.
1
Board of School Committee.
GEO. G. PARKER. Term expires, 1885.
1885.
F. J. DUTCHER
JOS. H. WOOD 1883.
JOSEPH F. HICKEY 1883.
M. P. CALLANAN 1883.
GEO. L. COOKE 1883.
Report of the School Committee.
Under the present system, the report of the Superintendent is ex- pected to furnish the town with the more important facts and de- tailed statements as to the condition and needs of the schools. And yet, it is still the province of the School Committee to congrat- ulate the town upon the general prosperity and success of the public schools during the year, and allude, briefly, to some of the more im- portant events connected with their service.
Two of the most valuable members of the Board have voluntarily withdrawn from further service since the last election. Rev. J. T. Canavan, whose thorough acquaintance with our public school sys- tem, and with a large proportion of the parents and children di- rectly interested, rendered him one of our most useful associates, resigned at the close of the summer term.
Hon. Geo. W. Johnson, who has been the chairman of the Board since the resignation of Judge Dewey in 1880, resigned at the com- mencement of his services in the Senate, to which he had been re- elected. The loss of a member who brought to his work the same energy and zeal so characteristic of all his public and business life, must be apparent to all.
Mr. Mathew P. Callanan and Dr. Geo. L. Cooke were elected to fill vacancies occurring by these resignations, till the next election.
Mr. J. W. Allard also tendered his resignation during the sum- mer vacation. Mr. W. E. Hatch of Norwich, Conn., was elected as his successor, and has made a vigorous beginning in his new and difficult position.
Time has proved that the enlargement of the High School build- ing was none too soon. The class admitted at the opening of the Fall term swells the number of pupils to about two hundred. Nor is it to be inferred that the standard of admission has been lowered. Perhaps the impression has been made to prevail that the Committee have not used due discretion in this matter, or have recklessly admitted pupils who should have remained longer in the Grammar schools. But it appears that out of the class of pupils admitted in September last, only eight or nine failed to attain the standard required at the close of the half-year, although it demanded a higher rank than ever before. It is doubtless true that the management of the lower grades of schools, and their proper grading under experienced superintendents, have advanced pupils more rapidly, and increased the number fitted for the High School at a given time. This should be rather a source of gratification than regret.
And again, since the adoption of a Two Years' Course in the High School, many who would have ended their studies at the grammar schools, are induced to undertake the shorter term in the
44
High School. but would be, by their circumstances, debarred from the full Four Years' Course. The High School should be conducted for the best good of the people, as a whole, and not for any privi- leged class.
EVENING SCHOOL.
The two upper rooms of the Claflin schoolhouse have been opened for the evening school, and under the charge of a member of the Board is affording an excellent opportunity for those who cannot at- tend the day schools, but have manhood and ambition enough to appropriate a few evenings in each week to mental culture and dis- cipline, rather than waste them in idleness or worthless pleasure. Book-keeping has been introduced, and many of the pupils show a marked proficiency in that department.
TRUANCY.
The evil of truancy still prevails, but the law provides sufficient remedies if the town will employ them. Under the by-laws adopted by the town in 1864, the Selectmen were directed to employ three truant officers. But the public statutes now provide that the School Committee shall appoint two or more truant officers, and fix their compensation, who shall havepower to carry into effect the by-laws of the town in reference to truancy, and serve all legal processes to that end. It is the duty of the town to assign some place where habitual truants may be committed for reformation. The by-laws referred to assign the State ReformSchool at Westborough. But now the County Commissioners may establish a Truant School at any convenient place, upon application of three or more towns in the County. It is important that the town should take some ac- tion in this respect.
The appropriations which the Committee ask for the coming year are as stated below.
The report of the Treasurer of the Committee will show why larger amounts are required in some of the appropriations :
Salaries of teachers. ·$16,000 00
Salary of Superintendent 1,500 00
Care of school-houses 1,100 00
Fuel . 1,300 00
Repairs. 1,500 00
Evening school. 500 00
Incidentals. 1,000 00
$22,900 00
GEO. G. PARKER, FRANK J. DUTCHER, J. H. WOOD, JOSEPH F. HICKEY, M. P. CALLANAN, GEO. L. COOKE.
School Committee of Milford.
45
REPORT OF SECRETARY.
The expenses presented herewith cover the year from February 1, 1882, to February 1, 1883, and include all bills as far as obtain- able. The accounts show in what direction the money has been expended ; but a little explanation as to why some of the appropri- ations have been insufficient, may be in order.
For several years past, the school buildings have not been kept up as well as would have been done by a private individual looking to his best pecuniary interest. If buildings are to be painted at all, it is cheaper to keep them painted, than to wait until they are so badly worn that two coats are a necessity. Leaky roofs are also a direct damage to the property within. One school-room has been re-plastered over head the past year, because the old plaster had be- come loosened by repeated wetting. For at least the next year, there will be a considerable outlay required to bring the exterior of several large buildings into good repair.
The care of school-houses properly includes the daily work of janitors, and the extra house-cleaning which should annually be done to keep rooms occupied by so large a number of persons, in suitable condition. At the rates now paid, and the number of weeks taught, the appropriation of one thousand dollars will not cover the janitors' pay-roll, leaving nothing for summer cleaning.
In regard to fuel, we have used about the same quantity of coal the past year as the year before, but owing to a larger average price per ton, the expense has been greater. It would be unreasonable to expect to furnish the necessary coal at six dollars per ton for the same figure paid when it was but four dollars and thirty-five cents, as in the report of 1879-80.
The incidental account covers all bills of supplies, rent of Super- intendent's rooms, printing, stationery, use of wells, repair of stoves, books for teachers and indigent pupils, and whatever does not properly come within the other appropriations. One of the largest items annually is the keeping in satisfactory order the stoves and stove-pipe ; the natural wear and tear is considerable, at best, and crowded as the fires are to warm many of the rooms, the life of stove-lining and pipe is materially reduced. The small supplies are now in much better condition than one year ago, and by checking everything of the kind against the school where used, the committee hope to be able another year to give a division of expenditures that will show the relative cost per scholar in the different schools.
In making out the recommendations for appropriations the com- ing year, the committee have gone through all the items, and feel that the amounts asked for are needed for the efficient running of the schools.
46
SUPERINTENDENT.
John W. Allard, one-half year
750 00
W. E. Hatch, five-twelfths year 625 00
$1375 00
TEACHING.
HI. W. Lull.
$1,537 50
F. B. Sherburne
872 50
Anna M. Bancroft.
250 00
May A Parkhurst
512 50
Alice T. Hall.
262 50
Helen S. Eames .
526 69
Mary J. Kelly ..
366 87
Jennie M. Russell.
132 60
Hannah M. Broderick
302 60
Mallie F. Gleason
302 60
Mary A. Holbrook
38 00
Kate E. Martin
593 36
Ellen A. Moriarty .
338 20
Mary F. Devine.
302 60
Emilie T. Hart
302 60
Edward Day.
593 36
Carra V. Sadler
338 20
Eva. W. Cook.
39 10
Ada A. Adair.
268 60
Mary F. Aylward ..
302 60
Alzie R. Hayward.
34 00
Alice B. Chapin.
391 60
Faustina M. Knight.
302 60
Kate Chapin.
302 60
Carrie L. Harris
132 60
Clara M. Inman
175 00
Susan E. Imman. .
302 60
Maggie F. Madden.
302 60
Eva E. Aldrich. 206 80
Mary E. Johnson
180 00
Mary J. Kelly, 2d
332 60
Minnie L. Mann . 381 60
Susan R. Broderick 373 80
Kate A. Wallace
132 60
Annie F. Gleason ..
170 00
Delia E. Gleason .
338 20
A. Augusta Cay
302 60
47
Jennie E. Dale.
391 60
Amanda C. Scammell
302 60
S. E. Sheldon ..
302 60
Ellen A. Devine.
302 60
Jennie L. Goodrich
302 60
Anna L. Bell
302 60
Julia M. Barry
302 60
Sarah F. Burns.
302 60
Mary E. Cochran
302 60
Kate McNamara .
302 60
Lilian Smith.
70 00
$15,729 78
CARE OF SCHOOLHOUSES.
Frank A. Morrill
$206 80
John Gaffney
160 20
Wm. Kelley.
160 20
John E. Burke
149 52
Jas. D. Draper
71 20
Mary Milan .
53 40
Mrs. Brennan.
53 40
Amanda C. Scammell
17 80
Kate McNamar
17 80
Kate A. Wallace
7 80
Hannah Broderick
7 80
Susan R. Broderick.
17 80
Minnie L. Mann.
17 80
Jennie E. Dale .
17 80
A. Augusta Cay .
17 80
Delia E. Gleason.
17 80
Jennie L. Goodrich
17 80
Clara M. Inman.
10 00
Annie F. Gleason.
10 00
J. Gaffney, extra cleaning, etc.
22 50
J. Burke,
18 00
W. J. Kelly, “
9 35
Thos. Tracy, cleaning well .
4 00
Hopedale Stable, carting ashes, etc.
5 00
F. A. Morrill, cleaning, mowing, etc.
31 88
Mrs. Larkin and Mrs. Cooney, cleaning.
8 00
Mrs. Force, cleaning
8 00
$1,139 45
/
48
REPAIRS.
Chapman & Winn, carpenter work $1,051 84
James Bergin, 66 45 28
W. F. Reynolds, 66 9 26
T. E. Morse, painting and glazing
157 42
Eldredge & Beattey, 66
28 65
E. M. Noyes,
26 37
F. J. Hoyt, gas piping at High School house.
82 42
John Taft, mason work.
73 50
David Ahern, stone work .
5 00
C. Cheney, one-half fence at Park schoool.
'27 96
Am. Slate Roof Co., repairing High School roof . ..
3 00
H. McElwin, repairing blackboards 180 77
J. Miller, turfing and grading. 50 75
$1,742 22
FUEL.
Barney & Son, coal
$333 36
L. A. Cook,
492 00
Field Bros.,
454 00
Barney & Son, wood
47 26
L. A. Cook,
76 21
E. J. Frost, shavings 9 80
F. A. Morrill, «
1 00
$1,413 63
EVENING SCHOOL.
Joseph H. Wood, teaching
$306 25
Mary E. Johnson, teaching .
47 50
Annie F. Keating, 75 00
John E. Burke, care of rooms
25 00
M. P. Callanan, lamps, can and kerosene
32 97
L. A. Cook, coal ....
18 00
Cook & Sons, advertising
3 00
King & Billings, advertising .
2 00
Joseph H. Wood, ink . 1 30
$511 02
49
INCIDENTALS.
Cook & Sons, printing and advertising. $ 75 75
King & Billings, " . 29 75
Boston School Supply Co., paper and supplies. 60 64
N. E. School Furnishing Co., " 52 30
O. M. Adams, 66
... 40 75
G. W. Stacy, 66
· .... 10 78
G. F. King & Merrill, 66 66
9 60
Thompson, Brown & Co., cards. . 1 91
. Winkley, Thorpe & Dresser, order books for Supt ..... 9 00
Thos. Groom & Co., order and letter books for Sec'y .. 18 00 Knight, Adams & Co., Hektograph .. 3 75
Hopedale Post Office, stamped envelopes and postal cards. . 11 65
Desk books and charts
67 71
Books for indigent children. 74 12
H. C. Dimond & Co., rubber stamps and ink 5 00
C. F. Wight, tuning High school piano 6 00
G. A. Sherburne, freight and cartage 8 45
E. J. Frost, repairing chairs . . 2 25
Heliotype Co., diplomas and new plate . 35 00
Miss M. S. Higgins, ribbon for diplomas. 3 22
J. H. Batchelder, filling diplomas 8 00
Milford Music Hall Co., use of hall at High school graduation . 25 00
11 00
6 37
A. S. Tuttle, repairing stoves and supplies
25 11
J. W. Harris,
197 12
Bartlett & Ellis, " 51 59
D. B. Jenks, sod cutter, etc. .71
O. Lappen, brushes, coal hods, etc. 39 75
Milford Savings Bank, rent of Supt's room 75 00
R. C. Eldredge, repairing clocks. 9 65
G. H. Whittemore, “ 2 00
E. S. Ritchie & Sons, chemical apparatus for High school. 20 79
O. B. Pond, encyclopædia
12 00
A. G. Whitcomb, desks for High school. 51 00
B. & A. R. R. Co., freight
1 41
H. L. Patrick, water pail 25
J. Allen Rice, chemicals for High school 19 15
2 30
J. L. Buxton, fitting keys. . S. Thomas Donahoe, services and expenses as truant officer 50 00
D. Ahern, use of well , 5 00
O. B. Parkhurst, “ 66 66 5 00
...
Wmn. Willis Clarke, services at High school graduation Expressage, telegrams, etc., paid by Supt. and Sec'y. .. Boston Journal, advertising for teacher.
75
50
R. Stone,
3 00
66
5 00
2 years 10 00
J. Gleason, 66 66
.
3 00
Mrs. FitzMorris, “
66
3 years . . 6 00
T. Wallace. 66 66
5 '00
APPROPRIATIONS.
Teaching.
.$16,000 00
Evening school
500 00
Care of school houses
1,000 00
Superintendent
1,500 00
Incidentals.
800 00
Fuel.
1,000 00
Repairs
1,000 00
School fund .
186 49
Dog tax (one half)
238 33
$22,224 82
EXPENSES.
Teaching
$15,729 78
Evening School.
511 02
Care of school houses
1,139 45
Superintendent
1,375 00
Incidentals
1,177 58
Fuel.
1,413 63
Repairs
1,742 22
Exceeded
$23,088 68 $863 86
F. J. DUTCHER, Secretary.
G. O. Hatch, 66
J. Madden,
66 66
$1,177 58
Report of Superintendent of Schools.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MILFORD-GENTLEMEN: The first annual report of the present Superintendent of Schools of the interests entrusted to his charge, is respectfully submitted.
STATISTICS.
Population of Milford, census of 1880 .. 9310
Number of children between ages of five and fifteen, May 1, 1882 1761
Number of different scholars enrolled. 2154
Total average membership. 1544
Average daily attendance. 1436
Ratio of attendance to average membership, per cent. 93
Number of pupils over fifteen years of age 197
Number of pupils under five years of age. 27
Number cases of tardiness. 2610
Number visits made by Superintendent since September 1, 1882 327
Number visits made by citizens since September 1, 1882. 692
Number of school buildings.
20
Number of school rooms in use. 37
Number of teachers 41
For detailed statement of attendance, and other items of interest for the fall term, attention is called to the tabular summary on page 66 of this report.
ATTENDANCE.
The total enrollment.of pupils in the public schools for the past year, was 2154. Enrollment in the Parochial and other private institutions, 255. Making the total number enrolled in all the schools in town, 2409.
The enrollment in the public schools for 1881, was 2203. This shows a decrease for 1882 of 49. The average daily attendance for 1881 was 1475, a falling off of only 36. The number of children between the ages of five and fifteen reported in 1882, was 109 less than in 1881. This would show a slight gain in attendance, were it not that since the taking of the school census the increase in population has quite, if not. fully, repaired the apparent loss.
The average daily attendance compared with the total enrollment, is 67 per cent. ; compared with the average membership, 93 per cent. This is a very good showing, yet one that is still capable of improve- ment.
The number of cases of tardiness for 1882, amounts to 2610. The cases of dismissal would fully equal this. The absence of data of pre- vious years, prevents comparison ; but that the ratio is too large is evi- . dent, and it is to be hoped that the coming year will show a decided decrease.
Irregular attendance in the schools, is an evil that is productive of
52
mischief in many ways. Strenuous efforts have been made to improve it, and recent reports show some advancement in the right direction. But the results can never be satisfactory until parents heartily co-oper- ate with the teachers in their efforts to attain them. Many cases of necessary absence must occur on account of sickness, domestic troubles or equally valid reasons. Although these are to be regretted, the fact is recognized that they are unavoidable, and if confined within such limits there would be no just cause for complaint. Such cases, how- ever, form a small part of the absences. By far the greater number, are from trivial causes. Many parents are forgetful of the fact that. every half-day's absence is detrimental to the progress not only of the absentee but also of the whole class.
Some complaints have been made of the regulation requiring stated reasons for absence or tardiness. Some teachers may be indiscreet in the enforcement of the rule, living up to the letter rather than the spirit of the law. Teachers are blamed frequently if pupils are not advanced with their class, and often by those whose children attend school with the least regularity. With a knowledge of all causes of absence, teach- ers are enabled to distinguish those which are for insufficient reasons, advise the pupil of the injury that absence entails, and confer with par- euts to bring about a change, if possible, for the better. I feel that the justice of such a rule will be recognized, if parents will give the matter due consideration.
If absences are inexcusable in many instances, frequent cases of tar- diness are much less so. Every school should begin on the appointed minute, and every pupil then be in his seat prepared for the opening exercises of the school. Habits of punctuality should be constantly in- stilled into the minds of scholars. Each day pupils are acquiring habits that will affect their whole after-life. How necessary, then, that these should be of promptitude and a strict observance of duty.
Teachers should always bear in mind that example is stronger than precept, and should put that in practice daily which they would impress upon the minds of those under their charge. A few in the past year have given just canse for criticism, by neglect of that regulation which . requires punctual attendance at their respective rooms.
If the best results are to be attained in attendance, school should be made an attractive place for children.
When our children learn to regard the school room as a place of pleasant associations, and feel a joy and pride in their work, we shall have fewer absentees, fewer derelictions of duty.
TRUANCY.
The report of your faithful and efficient truant officers, gives 103 cases that came under their notice the past year. This does not show the different individuals, as many cases are of a few habitual truants. Many cases occur, however, that are unknown to the officers.
The number of cases of truancy has materially decreased during the last of the year. through the efforts of the teachers and officers and the removal from town of some of the worst offenders.
Truaney is truly an offence against the parent, whose desires and or- ders are primarily disobeyed; but it is the duty of all teachers and school officers to use every means, both of influence and law, to check it. It has proven sufficient, in many cases, simply to notify the parents and confer with them. There are some hardened cases, however, that need summary treatment, and whom no mild means reach. Your of-
53
ficers complains of the inefficiency of the law relating to juvenile offend- ers. What can be done for those children upon whom the influence of teachers and parents have no effect? And still further, what is to be done with that more deplorable class of neglected children whose par- ents neither know nor care whether they attend school or not, and who roam our streets day and night, growing up in ignorance and vice?
DISCIPLINE.
The primary element of success in any school, is good order. It is the outgrowth of discipline. Many teachers, seemingly possessed of every other requisite for success, have been complete failures through inability to govern their schools properly.
The air of every school room should be that of quiet industry. Un- wholesome restraint indicated by the motionless gaze or the sullen countenances of pupils, sometimes seen in a school room, is a certain kind of discipline, but, if anything, more pernicious in its effects than disorder.
That school is best governed whose time is so fully occupied by at- tention to school duties, that there is no thought of governing or being governed. In many of our schools the discipline is all that is required ; in others it is by far too lax. The impression seems to exist in the minds of many of the people, and allowed to remain, or at least. toler- ated, that the "busy hum of industry" is necessary to insure progress- that thought emanates from the lips rather than from the brain.
A number of cases of corporal punishment were reported in the first two months of the fall term. Several were taken by appeal to the Su- perintendent and Committee. Corporal punishment has been abolished in our High School. That it may disappear from all the schools, with all other punishments that tend to arouse the worst elements of the child's nature, is to be devoutly wished. It is now so restricted, that the cases are fewer. Milder means of restraint have been substituted, and in schools with judicious teachers the good results are already per- ceptible. New York city, and several large cities of Massachusetts, abandoned the use of the rod in their schools several years ago. Teach- ers and Superintendents alike in those cities, bear testimony to the wis- dom of such a course.
The efficacy of school government must depend in a great measure on the manner in which teachers exercise their authority. It should be the endeavor of every teacher to convince pupils that she is their friend, that his only aim is their improvement and their good. He should be firm and resolute, but kind and considerate. Prompt and implicit obe- dience should be insisted upon, and a strict observance of all rules and precepts. It has been aptly said that good order implies impression rather than repression. Let school government be so conducted as to recognize the peculiar natures, wants and dispositions of scholars, and the problem of order is solved.
MORALS AND MANNERS.
The subject of the morals and manners of our children, is one that demands the thoughtful and careful consideration of all teachers and parents. Many persons already hesitate about sending their children to the public schools, lest they may acquire habits and vices that no home influence can counteract. Recesses have been abandoned in several large cities for reasons urged, the most cogent of which is the spread of vice and the contamination incident to the play-ground. . The ene-
54
mies of the public school system are attacking it upon this ground : and it is an indisputable fact, and a deplorable one, that it is a very vulner- able point.
My attention has been frequently called to the rudeness and ill-bred manners of many children upon our streets, in places of public amuse- ment, upon the play-ground, and, I am sorry to say, in the very school- room. It is no unusual occurrence in passing a group of boys upon the street, to hear the obscene jest, the vulgar slang, or the vile oath freely bandied back and forth.
A great responsibility, therefore. rests upon those to whom the train- ing of our children is entrusted. But teachers cannot bear the burden alone. It must be shared by parents and those to whom their religious instruction is assigned.
Our schools vary greatly in respect to the bearing and deportment of the pupils in them. The question naturally arises, to what is this due? Location might be pleaded, were it true that in schools lying in the worst neighborhoods, wrongs against morality and decency were most prevalent. I have not always found this to be the case, although neigh - borhood has its effect.
It is within the power of teachers to a great extent to mould their children at their will; and if they do not accomplish good results, with them must lie the blame.
In the school-room, on the school-ground, the pupils are under the immediate supervision and control of the teacher, and there, at least. disrespect to elders, rude and overbearing treatment of each other. should not be observed. Obscenity, profanity and vicious habits in a pupil, is good cause for expulsion and will be so interpreted. By precept and example, teachers should daily strive to implant in the minds of their scholars principles of rectitude, a sense of duty and of moral obligation, teaching them to shun lying, deceit, a desire to steal. cruelty to animals, unkind ness to each other, laziness, procrastination. arrogance and self-conceit, and all things that tend to debase or lower.
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