USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1895-1915 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Williamsburg,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1897.
1
REPORT.
To the citizens of the Town of Williamsburg :
We herein present to you our annual report of the schools for the past year. We do not attempt to go into minute details as to the educational condition of the schools, as our Superintendent who devotes his time and attention to the work, is therefore in a position to give a more comprehensive statement.
SCHOOLS.
The fifteen schools of the town have been maintained as usual. As there were nearly sixty pupils in the Second Primary room in Haydenville, at the commencement of the Fall term, we considered it necessary to employ an assis- tant there. It was also thought best to hire one for a part - of the time in the Williamsburg High School.
Music and Drawing have been taught in the Haydenville schools, the expense incurred being met by the special fund in that village.
The resignation of several of our teachers during the summer vacation, made a number of vacancies. These were partially filled by the promotion of teachers from the small schools, and hiring new ones for the remainder. The large majority of those who apply for schools, wish for positions in the villages, therefore it makes it difficult to secure ex-
21
22
ยท perienced teachers for the out districts, on account of the small pay, and still smaller attendance. While it is impossible to find perfection in teaching more than in other vocations, we think our schools are making as good progress as usual, and in some there is a marked improve- ment from last year.
When we consider the important part which a knowledge of music bears in a broad education, we cannot but wish that all our pupils might share in the benefit to be derived from such instruction.
REPAIRS.
The appropriations which we asked for at the last March meeting were cheerfully granted, and have been expended as follows :
The High School buildingin Williamsburg village has been clapboarded and painted. There were some needed repairs made on the roof, and it was also treated to a coat of paint. These have greatly improved the outward appearrnce of the building. Under the new system of heating, there was some difficulty in warming the upper room sufficiently on the coldest days; this has been remedied by placing a larger pipe in the chimney. The use of the recitation room made the placing of a stove there a necessity.
Perhaps the most marked improvement has been made in the Haydenville High School room. Although the ex- pense was more than we anticipated, the comfort and con- venience more than repay the cost, 'This is now one of our best rooms.
The inside of the South Street School building was in such poor condition that we were obliged to have it plas- tered and to put in a new floor. We also made some changes in the seats, and repaired the fence that enclosed the school ground.
23
There have also been some small repairs.in nearly all the other school houses. including the addition of seats in the Second Primary and Purrington school rooms in Hay- denville, and primary rooms in Upper Village.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
While we are satisfied that better results are secured by the present system of free supplies, there may be morc carelessness and waste than under previous methods, not- withstanding the cautions of the Superintendent and others, as to care and econony. The large attendance in the prim ary schools, and the annual changing of grades, together with the call for modern text books, make a constant de- mand for supplies.
Considering the large number of scholars, the outlay is not large for each pupil. We think there should be a little larger appropriation for this department.
NEEDS.
Owing to the high rate of taxation the past year, we dislike to ask anything for special repairs, but there is still need of some change or improvement in the Haydenville High School building. The loudest call comes from the Second Primary room. This is now crowded to about its full seating capacity, poorly ventilated, and defficient in light. This school now has a membership of over fifty pu- pils, with a prospect of quite an addition in the fall term. We ask the town to say what shall be done for the better accommodation of its pupils ? It seems that either a new school house will have to be built, or the committee be compelled to rent of private parties.
It is evident to many that the time has come for some action to be taken, with regard to lengthening the course of study in the Williamsburg High school. The class of
24
1'97, composed of thirteen members is preparing to leave school, minus, at least, five studies which former pupils in the Latin English course have pursued. It hardly seems just to our boys and girls to graduate them from a High School, and then they be obliged to go two years to another one, in order to receive a regular High School di- ploma. It would also seem that since so many scholars in Williamsburg would avail themselves of a four years' course, that the change should be made at once.
We think this might be brought about with but little extra expense, and the majority of the committee are in favor of this plan.
We recommend the following appropriations for the ensuing year :
Schools,
$3,500 00
Superintendent,
356 00
Text Books and Supplies,
300 00
Repairs, 200 00
High Schools,
100 00
Respectfully submitted,
F. E. PORTER,
F. P. CROSBY, { School Committee. A. G. CONE,
Superintendent's Report.
To the School Committee of Williamsburg.
GENTLEMEN : - The annual report of the schools of the clistrict and town is herewith presented for your considera- tion. The school work in the entire district has been continued as far as possible in accordance with former arrangements, in most cases has been kept well up to the previous standards, and in some has improved upon them. A result of an established system is, that the desired end is gained with little friction or noise, and the absence of these lead some to think that no improvement is attempted, but this is by no means true, it is the quiet persistent effort that opens the way for improvement. Mere change, producing discussion and opposition, is no evidence of real progress, and a reasonably good system well and quietly followed will produce better results than constant upheaval and spasmodic reforms. The fact that there is an ever growing demand on the part of both parent and pupil for increased and more advanced school privileges is gratifying evidence that the in- struction received has been thorough, for a random, incom- plete and disconnected system seldom engenders a desire for a more extended course. Another evidence that our schools are appreciated is, that parents and guardians are making a stronger effort to have the children attend constantly and regularly. The truth so long maintained by school men that only by uninterrupted attendance can we hope to secure
4
25
26
satisfactory results is acknowledged by more and more. Under unsystematic and desultory methods the evils arising from absence, tardiness and dismissals are not so apparent, while under a good system every event of this kind produces its recognizable evil result. It is not intended to state that the evils above referred to have disappeared but that they are less and largely confined to that portion of the con- munity whose lack of educational acquirements makes it difficult for it to appreciate them. It is right that our schools should be criticised by those interested and capable of passing judgment upon them, and such criticism, if in a friendly spirit, is often very helpful. The teacher or school officer who attemps to convey the impression that his acts are not subject to criticism simply exposes his self-conceit and ignorance, but, in most communities, there are certain chronic fault-finders who seem to consider schools and teachers as providentially furnished for the exercise of their peculiar gift, and this often without having stepped inside a school-room during the year and whose knowledge of what takes place there must, at the best, be unreliable. Our schools suffer from time to time because of such unrighteous judgments as above referred to, especially when the work or teacher is unfavorably commented upon in the immediate presence of the pupil, to such criticism teachers and officers object and cordially invite any person hearing unfavorable reports to visit the schools and see the condition of affairs, before permitting himself to be influenced unfavorably. There are as in former years some things which make it difficult to secure just the conditions in the school that seem desirable, but most of these are beyond the power of school-officers to remedy. Change of teachers ; disregard of the law on the part of some; the extreme difficulty of enforcing the law ; and distance and condition of highways may be mentioned. There is however one thing that makes more to the injury or benefit of the schools than any pre-
27
viously mentioned which is within the control of the Com- mittee that is, the hiring of teachers. The interests at stake in this are too momentous to be endangered by hasty or in- judicious action, and the most thorough inquiry and investi- gation possible should be made when a teacher is to be engaged. Circumstances will arise where immediate action must be taken as in sudden illness, or the unexpected res- ignation of a teacher who has been offered a little more pay somewhere, under such, hasty action may be excusable, but, in most cases, ample time for deliberation and selection is given. Your superintendent again urges the necessity of engaging only experienced and successful teachers if possible, also that some arrangement be made so that the instructors hired shall be examined in the branches they are to teach, and their knowledge of teaching methods, before they enter upon their duties. Several changes for the pur- pose of making it possible to do more advanced work are contemplated, therefore the prospect for better results the coming year is good.
There should be constant effort, on the part of the teachers and school officers, to impress upon the pupils of our high schools that they are designed for the educating of ladies and gentlemen, and that a certain dignity is associated with a membership in them that is not compatible with such con- duct as, possibly, may be more excusable in lower grades .. That the spirit of the high school should lead to close and persistent study with or without the oversight of the teacher, and that the pupil is expected to so appreciate the real pur- pose of such a grade of work that he can be fully trusted to perform his duties faithfully without compulsion, and to so regulate his conduct toward teacher and school as to promote the best interests of all. Much can be accomplished in this direction by the officers if, by their acts, they show an appreciation of the dignity attached to this work. The per- mitting of a recess for the purpose of having a general romp,
28
the closing of schools for cattle shows or to let the pupils have extra time for coasting or skating, or the allowing them to be excused for the purpose of engaging in such sports during session time, is as incompatible with high school work as chemistry and Virgil would be with primary teach- ing.
WILLIAMSBURG SCHOOLS.
The customary number of schools have been in session during the year and the general condition will not vary materially from that of the previous year. Marked improve- ment has been made in some cases, and the work accom- plished and results obtained in most others are good. Be- cause of the constant change of teachers and the hiring of inexperienced ones we are ever exposed to a liability of failure somewhere, and that so little poor work has been done can be considered fortunate. The usual items of gen- eral interest will be found in the following table :
SOHOOLS.
No. of Weeks.
Boys Enrolled.
Girls Enrolled.
Scholars
Registered.
Total Attendance
in Days.
Average
Average
Membership.
Attendance. Per Cent of
No. of
Tardy Marks.
No. Days Lost by
Tardiness and
Dismissals.
No. of Visitors.
No. Not Absent
High,
36
11
17
30
4807.50 4240.50
27.24
27.81
97.95
74
5.26
123
2
Intermediate,
-32
13
14
40
27.53
29.88
92.15
82
3.60
39
0
Primary,
32
24
25
54
5020.50
31.58
34.15
92.41
257
6.71
59
0
Nash Street,
33
6
6
12
962.
6-03
6.62
91.09
7
1.44
36
0
North Street,
32
7
5
12
1498.
9.55
10.51
90.87
37
.88
30
0
South Street,
32
5
9
14
1902 50
11.74
12.48
94.15
64
11.08
21
0
Searsville,
32
6
7
13
1234.50
7.59
8.74
86.84
56
11.36
60
()
Skinnerville,
32
8
4
16
1765.
11.08
11.33
97.79
7
1.52
45
0
Mountain Street,
32
4
11
15
2231.50
14.27
15.76
90.54
35
2.32
44
1
Haydenville.
High,
36
19
12
32
4081.
22.55
24.13
93.45
148
15.03
48
1
Grammar,
32
15
14
43
4814.
29.97
31.98
93.71
205
58.36
43
2
Intermediate,
32
20
18
56
5399.50
33.64
36.60
91.91
148
25.71
49
0
Second Primary,
33
30
16
72
7285.
46.03
48.75
94.42
129
52.01
68
2
Purrington Primary,
33
34
33
69
7161.50
44.72
47.44
94.27
97
8.83
85
1
Maple St. Primary,
32
33
28
67
6205.50
39.14
41.43
94.47
131
13.14
28
0
Totals,
235
219
545
58608.5
93.56
1 477 217.25
778
9
1
29
Attendance.
30
The following scholars were not tardy or absent during the year :
Mabel Damon, Della Weeks, Anna Adams, Mamie Brown, Dora StLaurent, Margaret O'Brien, Edith Damon Henry Richards, Mamie Welch.
TEACHERS.
Our teachers, as a body, have been fully up to the average, have performed their duties faithfully, and shown a commendable interest in their work and desire to improve. We have been fortunate in retaining several of our ex- perienced instructors and in securing some others of more than ordinary ability. Nearly all have attended teachers' meetings regularly and some at great inconvenience to them- selves ; but two or three report that they are not taking some educational periodical. The committee has been placed in unpleasant circumstances by the unexpected res- ignation of teachers so that immediate action in engaging others was necessary, but in most cases the selection has proved good. It would be well to have it understood that teachers are engaged in good faith with the understanding that they will fulfil their contracts, and that at least a reasonable notice shall be given before resigning. Engaging to teach a school and then deliberately resigning a few days before the opening of the term because of a little better chance offered, is simple dishonesty, and no school officer should recommend such a person, but should inform others of the circumstances. 'Of course, the best tests of a teacher's ability are the results obtained in her school, and many that impress the casual observer as excellent are known to the superintendent as lacking in essential particulars. He often discovers that his suggestions are disregarded, that the teacher is self-conceited, that poor work is accepted by her, that it is superficial or imperfect and, occasionally, that she
1
31
is not sufficiently well acquainted with her subjects to teach them, hence the need of a constant supervision and some test of knowledge. A pretty good criterion by which to judge a teacher is found in the manner which she uses the text-book and the way in which she makes use of the topical and labratory methods under adverse circumstances. The one that constantly returns to the question and answer method of her text-book and complains that she can find nothing for her pupils under the topics given, merely adver- tises her unfitness for the position. Teachers who have been with us a long time are almost a unit in their appre- ciation of the advantages to be gained for teachers' meetings, conventions and periodicals, and in the support of the superintendent in his work ; it requires a girl in her 'teens fresh from the country academy without experience or theory to discover the utter uselessness of such things. The character of the subjects presented at the regular meet- ings and the able manner of their discussion by our teachers, give evidence of study and effective professional knowledge.
THE TEACHING.
This has been, for the most part, a long established lines and usually good. But few changes have been attempted. Your superintendent has always favored the doing of a given amount of work well, rather than the half-doing of a great amount, therefore he has encouraged thoroughness of instruction up to a certain grade, instead of doing a little something of more advanced work and deceiving scholars with the belief that they have completed a high school course. Algebra, Higher English Lessons and History have been added to the grammar course in Haydenville, as the number of teachers employed easily admit of the addition. It has been found necessary to modify somewhat the methods employed in teaching certain subjects especially spel- ing. While the former method was good it became
32
evident that owing to the inability of many teachers to understand fully its design, and to do the work thoroughly, and the limited amount taught, that it was inadequate for our needs. Oral spelling is now taught in all schools and a word book should be used in the upper grades at least. Special directions have been given the teachers relative to instruction in penmanship, reading and spelling, yet the results are not quite satisfactory and increased effort will be made to improve them. In arithmetic much good practical iustruction has been given, but better yet is needed and more must be done the coming year.
OUT SCHOOLS.
The most of these are so small as to hardly justify their continuance, but they have been regularly visited and examined. Generally they have had young and inexpe- rienced teachers, but more has been accomplished than was expected under such conditions. The instruction has been faithful at least. In a school of three or four regular scholars, it is almost impossible to judge of the real char- acter of the teaching, or the actual merits or demerits of the teacher.
CENTRAL SCHOOLS.
It appears that these schools have done well during the year, and, as a rule, have been profitable to all. There is tendency to fall below the grade and behind the course in them which is difficult of explanation, unless it be that the teachers are doing rather more in some subjects than is ex- pected. Owing to the crowded condition in several of the rooms it has been very difficult to do the work. We have had a good corps of instructors including six new ones, soine of which are proving exceptionally good.
33 WILLIAMSBURG HIGH SCHOOL.
This school is deserving of special mention. Never with- in the knowledge of your superintendent has it been in so good shape or doing so good work. Every pupil seems thoroughly interested in his work and accomplishes more than ever before. It is the first complete year of real unin- terrupted, hard work on the part of the scholars that we have had. The subjects are taken just as thoroughly, and well here as anywhere. The discipline of the school is superior, and is maintained with little difficulty as it is the desire of every pupil so to have it. The hearty good-will manifested toward the teacher and the equally hearty co- operation with him insures the best of results and makes it a positive pleasure to visit the room. It is especially grat- ifying, not only to follow the advancement made in studies, but also, to know that the pupils are trained to be ladies and gentlemen and have surrounded themselves with a moral atmosphere that insures good citizenship. An assistant has been employed in this school with much profit and the position should be made permanent.
HAYDENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL.
Here again there is much deserving of great credit. With the same hearty cooperation with the teacher and determination to employ every moment profitably on the part of the pupils, the school might soon equal the Williams- burg in all points. It is more difficult to inspire a spirit of perfect loyalty, a just appreciation of the effects of wrong- doing, and to impress the necessity of constant hard work here than there, but the improvement in these particulars under the present Principal is marked and commendable: There is an increasing realization of the fact that the teacher has interest in them personally as well as in the school as a whole. The prompt obedience usually displayed and the spirit
5
34
of study manifested are evidences that under a continued condition of like teaching success would be sure.
BUILDINGS AND ROOMS.
The great improvement made 'upon the Williamsburg Village house needs but to be seen to be appreciated. There has always been a prompt response on the part of the townspeople to any request for money for necessary school purposes, and because of this, there is often hesitation in asking for appropriations which might seem not fully war- ranted, but the greatly improved appearance of our central buildings is evidence that such expense was necessary and judiciously incurred.
There seems to be no good reason, now, why the school buildings and rooms should not be rapidly and completely remodelled in accordance with modern requirements. The interior arrangement of the Haydenville house is about as poor as possible in the matters of heating and ventilation, this is especially true of the second primary room. This room is totally unfit for school purposes and conforms to the almost indispensable requirements of a school-room in very few particulars. The light is a cross light and insufficient, ventilation it has none except by such means as endanger the health of teacher and pupil, and the heating arrange- ment is inadequate; yet the room has been overcrowded with children during the entire year. It is the height of injustice to place children at just the age when the physical powers are rapidly developing in such a room for five or six hours a day. It is evident that this room will be much too small to accommodate the pupils next year, and, as we have the children and must take proper care of them it appears that something should be done at once. Considerable in the way of general repairs, furnishing of seats, desks and stoves for the out school-buildings also seems necessary. New out-
35
buildings are needed at Mountain street and Nash street and new seats and desks in the primary and intermediate rooms at Williamsburg as soon as possible. Considerable could be done at a very little expense to improve the surroundings of the houses especially in Williamsburg Village. The neat and orderly appearance of the buildings and surroundings in Haydenville are always the occasion of complimentary notice and they must have a good influence upon the school, like conditions are just as desirable elsewhere.
MUSIC AND DRAWING.
Special teachers in music and drawing have been em- ployed in the Haydenville schools. It is probable that both have accomplished much and have been profitable to all concerned. It would be a very great improvement to have music taught in all schools. Reports of the special teachers will be found following this.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Regular meetings of the teachers in town have been held as usual. Subjects of special interest to modern instructors have been considered and discussed, illustrative work in teaching with classes has been given by some, and able papers by others. A good attendance is always assured and much assistance given and received. State agents Fletcher and Sargent have been present at several and greatly helped us. The district meeting held at Whately was unusally full of interest and the attendance large. The display of work done in the schools was fully equal to any before shown at these meetings and received many commendatory notices. Agents Fletcher and Hall and Prof. Simmons addressed the teachers. Mrs. White of Whately illustrated the teaching of English Grammar with a primary class from her school . and the real knowledge of the subject displayed by the
36
pupils was a source of great surprise and even wonder to nearly all.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS.
It is recommended that the first primary grade now divided between the Purrington and Maple street schools be united in one class and placed under one teacher. If this can be done without working actual hardship it will prove of great value to the pupils. The other primary grades should also be united as far as possible so that each may be a complete class under one teacher.
It is strongly recommended that a new building of two rooms be erected at Haydenville for the use of the primary grades and that the second primary be abandoned as a school room. It will be better and more economical in the end to build so as to have a little more space than is actually needed at the present, than to provide just barely sufficient for the actual needs of the present and soon have to build again.
There is an urgent demand on the part of many that the town support at least one high school which shall give the pupils an opportunity to complete a full course, and there seems to be no good reason why this should not be. There is at present a large class in Williamsburg that wishes to take a more advanced course, and it is offered as a sugges- tion that the course in the Williamsburg High school be advanced to meet the requirements of this class, that an efficient assistant be employed through the entire year, that the recitation room be suitably fitted for the work, and that the pupils in Haydenville desiring to take the last year's work be transported to Williamsburg. This appears to be the best solution of the case that can be offered at present, and not difficult as it is stated that but two of the Hayden- ville pupils desire to take a full course while there are about thirteen in Williamsburg.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.