USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1891-1898 > Part 29
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Through the kindness of the citizens of the town, in granting for a limited time the use of the lower Town Hall for the occupancy of the High School, its removal to an adjoin- ing town became unnecessary. In addition to this admirable result, in consequence of the possible changes in the Gram- mar department, the Board was able to retain the former teachers, Miss Chapin and Miss Sawin, for another year ; the extreme disabilities under which they had formerly labored and which had handicapped them so effectually, being in a measure removed. While the occupation of the hall has been in many cases an inconvenience to the citizens of the town, both the teacher and the pupils have been comfortably situated with good light and excellent ventila- tiou ; a most desirable condition of affairs for the propaga- tion of study. The Board would here take occasion to thank the pupils for the excellent care they have taken of the room. While it might be considered an innovation, many beneficial results can here be noted in connection with this new use of the hall, although it was only after all other
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means had been exhausted that the committee decided to make this request of the town. So many difficulties had .presented themselves as a result of the crowding of the lower school room, that to continue in the old manner seemed impossible ; not the least of these difficulties being the inability to retain present teachers or to obtain satisfac- tory new ones.
The grading of schools is carried to such an extent at present, that the really good teacher has no difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory position in the school of her choice.
The vacating of the upper room by the High School, however, seemed to solve the problem. Instead of the eight grades remaining in the lower room as formerly, the four upper grades were removed to the High-School room, thereby giving each teacher a separate room with four grades for her management. By this means the overcrowd- ing and the confusion of numerous recitations could be avoided and an approximation to a graded school could be made. It was found in addition to the above change that a concentration of the North School, together with two grades from the South School, could be effected with the Center without in the least interfering with the grading or special overcrowding of either room. Thus the committee were able to place the pupils under one roof and manage- ment and to close the doors of the smaller schools where no attempt at grading could be made. It seemed at first that there might be a slight saving in the expense of conducting the school on this plan, but the large number of pupils in the Primary department rendered it necessary to furnish an assistant for a few hours each day. Later, in order to make the work more effective, a teacher was employed for the full time. This item, together with the expense of transporta- tion from the North district will bring the cost to about the former figure.
A still further separation of the grades would be desirable which could be accomplished, of course, only by the con- struction of a new and commodious school building. Until
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such a step is taken by the town we see no course other than that at present pursued, viz. : The continuance of the use of the hall for the High School and the management of the Grammar and Primary grades as at present.
The committee are happy to state that the teachers and pupils are enabled to breathe pure air during their hours of study, on account of the improved system of heating and ventilation adopted at the beginning of the fall term; a most desirable condition of affairs and one that is interesting the whole civilized world, where education combined with health are appreciated. Too much cannot be said on this subject. In fact it is today a matter of such importance that the laws of the Commonwealth require a specified number of cubic feet per minute of fresh air to be supplied to each pupil. No school building can be constructed without being . subjected to the inspection of the proper State authorities, neither can an old building be remodeled without the sanc- tion of the State, which will require, first of all, perfect ventilation. This is neither a whim nor a false notion but one of the important observances of the laws of health, even more necessary for the child than for the adult. The object of the school room is to furnish a place for judicious and profitable study. The little brain is taxed enough with its constant mental effort without being continually called upon to shake off the narcotic and stupefying effects of impure air. Such is a waste of energy entirely uncalled for and for which we as parents are responsible.
The question of centralization is also interesting the whole army of educators. It admits of so much that -is beneficial in the way of competitive study and example, the more brilliant scholar stimulating to increased exertion those whom nature has less favored, but whose ambition to excel may be more than an offset to the genius of the highly endowed companion. The advantages of personal contact, the good example always outweighing in influence the pernicious, and the closer observance of little courtesies one to another, can be counted among the beneficial results.
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In addition to the advantages of personal contact and competition comes that of properly classifying and grading the school. That this is a benefit to the individual pupil, there can be no doubt. An increased personal attention on the part of the teacher, a desire on the part of the pupil to continue with his mates and not miss the regular promotion, all have a tendency to keep the dull pupil moving at his best and closely approximating to his more fortunate neighbor.
THE SOUTH SCHOOL.
It was found necessary not only for the preservation of the building, but also for the restoration of its former respectable appearance, to re-stain it, this time with a ser- viceable creosote stain. The inside finish was sadly in need of tilling and polishing as a matter of future economy ; the furnaces were also in bad order, the grates having been completely burned out and the pipes requiring numerous repairs. On the whole it was thought best to renovate the building thoroughly. It is now in as perfect condition as when first constructed and will need no further important repairs for a long time to come.
For further information in regard to general school work and recommendations of still needed improvements, we refer you to the report of the Superintendent.
In conclusion we would heartily urge the co-operation of the parents with the Superintendent and teachers, especially in the matter of regular attendance, promptness in regard to study hours, and a considerate attention to discipline. Much can be done in this way to make the school work profitable to the pupil as well as encouraging to the oftentimes over- worked and conscientious teacher. So much depends in after life upon the judicious use of time spent in school, that a word to the scholars seems not out of place. Although much depends on removing all obstacles to health and com-
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fort from the school surroundings, the pupil is still thrown upon his own endeavors; and success in his studies can only be obtained by constant and severe application. We trust that no pupil can treat with indifference the opportunity of his young life. It will never appear in the same form again.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE FLINT, EDWARD R. FARRAR, Committee. JULIUS E. EVELETH,
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Report of the Committee on School-house.
A special Town Meeting was called on August 5, 1896, at the instigation of the School Committee, as a result of the following conditions which were found to exist in con- nection with the Grammar School building at the Center. The most important was the overcrowded condition of the Grammar School room. As is well known, this room con- tained the Grammar and Primary departments comprising in all eight grades and fifty-seven pupils, rendering it im- possible to properly conduct the exercises of the school. Furthermore, the ventilation was found to be entirely defective and by no means conforming to the laws of the State in regard to the ventilating of School Buildings. There was also an urgent need of providing some place for the accommodation of the High School, in order to central- ize and grade the outlying small districts with the schools at the Center.
The following articles were inserted in the Warrant to be acted upon by the town :
To see if the town would grant the privilege of using the lower Town Hall for the purpose of a High School room, until other suitable provisions were made for same.
Also, to see what further action the town would take in the matter.
The articles were acted upon with the following results :
In answer to the first article above mentioned, the town voted almost unanimously to grant the use of the hall for the purpose.
In response to the call of the second article, a committee was appointed by the town, consisting of Charles F. Adams, James L. Chapin, Julius E. Eveleth, Samuel Hartwell, and John R. Hartwell, to furnish plans and estimates of cost of
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a new school building, also to select a suitable site for the erection of same. The Committee were further instructed to furnish estimates of the cost of removal of the present Center School-house to a suitable location and the enlarge- ment and remodeling of the same, and to report at a subse- quent meeting of the town.
At a meeting of the committee, Mr. Geo. F. Newton of Lincoln was chosen to furnish the above-mentioned plans and estimates for their consideration. After fully examin- ing the reports of Mr. Newton, inasmuch as the cost of removal and remodeling of the old school-house would closely approximate to the cost of a new building, and further, considering that a satisfactory result could not be obtained thereby, a majority of the committee respectfully submit the following for the consideration of the town :
Voted, To recommend the purchase, by the town, of the old, so called, Globe Tavern lot, or as much thereof as is necessary for the erection of a school building with suitable playground for same.
Voted, That the town proceed to the erection of a school building of a combined High, Grammar, and Primary school, substantially in accordance with the plans proposed by Mr. Geo. F. Newton, on site referred to in foregoing vote.
Voted, That a sum not to exceed eighteen thousand dollars be and is hereby appropriated to carry out the foregoing vote.
Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to carry out the foregoing votes, including both purchase of site and construction of building.
JULIUS E. EVELETH, Secretary.
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Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
To the School Committee of Lincoln:
GENTLEMEN :- The seventh annual report of the Super- intendent of Schools, it being my sixth, is herewith respect- fully submitted.
The work of the schools has been conducted mainly along the lines followed in previous years, with probably little variation in results. There have been, however, some improvements in certain subjects.
MUSIC.
Only the first term of the second year of musical instruc- tion, under a special teacher, has passed, but, as compared with the first term under such instruction, there has been a distinct improvement, not simply that pupils sing better, that, of course, is to be expected. The spirit existing between the instructor and pupils is better ; pupils now regard music as much a part of their regular work as any other subject of study; they are not afraid to let their voices be heard even at the risk of making a mistake, which, after all, is no worse in music than in arithmetic or geography. The singing is more willing and hearty, and consequently more progress has been made the past term than during the corresponding term of last year. Pupils are acquiring a knowledge of music in all the schools that gives a good return for the money expended.
The music teacher urges the need of a piano for the High School, and recommends that one be rented for a few months. It would be better economy, of course, to pur- chase one, and I recommend that this be done.
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Attention is directed to the appended report of the music director.
DRAWING.
Our teachers are now following Mr. Bailey's outline in drawing, instead of the Prang system formerly in use, and are doing rather better work, I believe, under the present plan, although the results are by no means satisfactory.
Were it always possible to secure teachers well qualified to teach drawing, which is not the case, the regular teacher, having in our schools three or four grades in one room, cannot give the requisite time to this subject without other work suffering in consequence. Very good results are not secured in this line of work anywhere without the aid of a special instructor, and if good work cannot be done in draw- ing in cities where larger salaries than we pay are likely to attract better-trained teachers, and where each teacher has but one class, it certainly cannot be done in Lincoln schools where, as already stated each teacher has three or four classes.
We have special instruction in music, which is proving profitable, why not have it in drawing? The subject is cer- tainly quite as important, and is so recognized, as evinced by the fact that instruction in drawing has been a legal requirement in the public schools of this State for over forty years, while music has never been legally required.
There may be those who consider neither music nor draw- ing essential or specially important in the child's training regarding, as doubtless some do, the ability to earn a liveli- hood as the chief object of education. But thoughtful people recognize that the highest object of education is not to teach how to get a living, but how to live. Whether either or both of these be the object, there is no subject better calculated to secure the desired end than drawing. It cultivates both eye and hand and the heart as well. It teaches to see correctly and to execute accurately. It leads to a higher appreciation of beauty everywhere, and in this
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way has a highly moral effect. Its value to the child, how- ever, depends largely on the nature of the instruction given as in all subjects of study. This instruction cannot be suc- cessfully given without a special teacher, as forty years of perfunctory work and unsatisfactory results abundantly testify.
I recommend, therefore, employing a special teacher in drawing, and trust this recommendation will receive the approval of the committee as I feel sure it will of the community.
VERTICAL PENMANSHIP.
Consonant with the suggestion in my last report, vertical penmanship was introduced into all the grades below the High School at the beginning of the fall term. The time this system has been in use is too short to speak very posi- tively of results, but it may be safely said that indications point to better positions of pupils in their seats, and at least, to more legible, if not more beautiful, writing. The system, thus far, seems to be popular with both teachers and pupils.
CHANGES IN THE SCHOOLS.
During the first two terms of the year the schools labored under the same disadvantageous conditions as in the past, but changes made at the beginning of the fall term have been beneficial. The removal of the High School to the town building, thus giving up the whole of the Center School building to the lower schools, made it possible to consolidate the North School with those at the Center, and this has certainly proved very advantageous to the children in the north part of the town. This change enabled, also, the transfer of the two upper grades from the South Grammar to the Center Grammar School, leaving three grades in each of the South Schools with an enrolment of thirty-nine pupils in the primary room and thirty-two in the grammar room. There are now, by these changes, four grades in each of the
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Center Schools with an enrolment of thirty-eight in the grammar room and fifty-three in the primary room. Owing to the large number in the latter room it has been found necessary to employ an assistant. It would be much better if there could be another room opened with a regular teacher for it. There ought to be now three distinct schools at the Center below the High School as indicated in my last report. We could then have the first two grades in one room and three grades in each of the others, with about thirty pupils in charge of each teacher. This plan will necessitate
BUILDING CHANGES.
I suppose the town intends making such changes during the coming summer as the location of High School in the town building was, of course, only a temporary arrange- ment. Better building accommodations are absolutely essential to the proper arrangement of the schools, and I trust the committee will, at the coming annual town meet- ing, urge impressively upon the town the necessity of such building operations as will permit the arrangement of the schools in accordance with some such plan as that outlined above. We shall then be able to advance Lincoln's schools to a condition commensurate with the financial ability of the town.
OFFICE HOURS FOR SUPERINTENDENT.
There ought to be a definite place and time for the Super- intendent to meet teachers and parents who wish to confer with him on matters connected with the schools.
The superintendent cannot talk much with a teacher in the school room without taking both her time and attention from her work; and there are many suggestions and direc- tions to be given to individual teachers that cannot well be made before the school. Teachers also need often to direct the superintendent's attention to matters concerning pupils, that should not be discussed in the pupil's presence. Parents
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frequently desire to confer with the superintendent concern- ing their children, but do not know when he is in town, or where to find him when here.
One day a week of the superintendent's time belongs to Lincoln, and it should be the same day each week, and one hour of that day, say from 3.30 to 4.30 o'clock, ought to be used as an office hour, so that anyone might know when and where to find him, as occasion should require. It would be hardly possible for the superintendent to be in Lincoln one day in every week of the school year, for, although visiting the schools under his charge is an important and essential part of the superintendent's work, it is by no means the whole of it. Aside from preparing school reports, making outlines of study, examining text-books, preparing for teacher's meet- ings etc.,-work that does not necessarily take him to cach town in the district, he must visit schools in towns and cities outside of those under his own supervision, and attend teachers' conventions and other educational gatherings, if he is to be progressive, which must occasionally take a day from Lincoln's time. But he would generally be in Lincoln on a given day each week, and accessible to those who might wish to see him.
Office hours have not been possible, as there is no room that can be used for an office. I would suggest that in the building changes soon to be made, a room be provided for this purpose, and to serve, also, for the meetings of the School Committee, where may be kept Town Reports, State Reports, and such other reference books and records as are useful and essential to the School Committee.
CHANGES OF TEACHERS.
The changes of teachers during the year have, of necessity, affected the school work to some extent, although in the main the effect has not been detrimental.
All interested in the high school, regretted the resignation of Mr. Richards, who had been its successful principal for
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nearly two years. But the committee were so fortunate in the selection of Mr. Small, a graduate of Bates College, to fill the vacancy, that, under his efficient management, the school continues to do good work, and the pupils under Mr. Small's influence, seem to be especially industrious and thoughtful.
In the resignation of Miss Brown, who, by her quiet firm- ness and patient industry, had proved a successful and effi- cient teacher in the South Grammar school for three years, the town sustained a serious loss. The present teacher, Miss Newton, is a most estimable lady of culture and re- finement, who commands the respect and good will of all. But, with little previous experience in public school work, she finds the school a difficult one to govern, although the two upper grades have been transferred to the Center, mak- ing the school less difficult now than in the past. Miss Newton has put her whole heart and strength into her efforts to conduct the school successfully, and she has received the hearty support of the parents, to their credit, be it said, as well as that of the School Board. But the school is not an easy one, and it should not be counted to Miss Newton's dis- credit if her strength proves unequal to the task she has undertaken. Probably few teachers, with like previous preparation for this kind of work, could have done better, certainly none could have made more earnest efforts.
Miss Ellison's place, in the South Primary, after a year's service, was filled by Miss Morgan, a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School, and a teacher of wide experi- ence. Miss Morgan has conducted the school thus far very successfully.
Other changes have been the employing of Miss Chapin to assist, for a part of the fall term, in the Center primary, followed by Miss Farrar. Both of these teachers have done good work, considering their short time of service,
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ATTENDANCE.
In considering the subject of attendance, attention is first directed to the following
STATISTICS.
Number of children enumerated in town between
five and fifteen years of age May 1, 1896, Number between eight and fourteen May 1, 1896, Number of different pupils enrolled in the public schools, · Number attending within the year under five years of age,
Number attending within the year over fifteen years of age, ·
43
Number attending within the year between eight and fourteen years of age, 113
Average membership of all the schools, ·
150
Average attendance, 133
Per cent. of attendance based on average mem- bership,
89.44
Number of school-houses occupied, .
.
3
Number of school-rooms occupied, 6 ·
Number of teachers employed, 6
The attendance this year is below that of last year as appears in the appended table. There seems to be no special reason for this, but the fact should cause all inter- ested in the schools to make an earnest effort to produce a change in the opposite direction.
Attending school is the business of children, and they have no right to allow anything to interfere with that busi- ness, before the age of fourteen. The importance of prompt and regular attendance, and the evils of frequent absence have been pointed out in previous reports and need not be repeated now.
The attendance of children at school is primarily in the hands of parents, and failure is principally parents' fault.
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1
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Teachers may also do much in this matter as shown by the fact that attendance in the same school is often much better under one teacher than under another. Finally school officers may improve the attendance by the enforcement of law, but this should be a last resort, for compulsory is never as good as voluntary service. There are, however, a few cases in town where a strict enforcement of the law in regard to school attendance would probably have a salutory effect.
The recommendations I have made will of course involve some expense, but they are not extravagances, they name important improvements, made in the interest of better schools, and essential to further progress, and are not beyond the means of the town to provide, as shown by the following figures taken from the Report of the State Board of Education for 1894-95.
In the percentage of valuation appropriated to public schools, Lincoln ranks 345th in the 353 towns and cities of Massachusstts, or ninth from the lowest, its percentage being 1} mills on a dollar. The highest for any town is 72 mills, the average for all towns in the State is 4,31
$100 mills.
Thus it is evident that Lincoln can afford to provide as well for its schools as any town in the Commonwealth.
At the close of another year I take pleasure in acknow- ledging the courtesy of the Committee, the loyalty of the teachers, and the kind appreciation of the community of whatever efforts have been made in the cause of public education.
LEWIS T. McKENNEY,
Supt. of Schools.
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Report of Music in Lincoln Schools.
MR. L. T. McKENNEY, Supt. of Schools :
Dear Sir :- Since September, 1896, when music was made a regular study in the Lincoln schools, I can see a steady progress up to the present time. This is true both in the ability to read music at sight, and in the quality of the children's voices.
The first few years of music in any school must of neces- sity be the laying of a good foundation upon which to build the work. I feel that this foundation is already well started in Lincoln schools, and the next few years will show much better results than last year.
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