USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1906-1910 > Part 26
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various cities where it stopped. As soon as news came of. the great earthquake, the regular work in geography was dropped, and all classes are now studying Italy, Sicily, and the Mediterranean Sea. Pictures illustrating these events and places, and papers and magazines describing the same are brought to school. This connects our school work with real life and present day interests, and the children learn more in a week than they would in a month study- ing dry facts, and what they learn is of such vital interest that they remember it.
The geography is correlated with history, and the in- fluence of the physical features of the earth on the life and movements of men and nations is carefully studied. History is not studied simply as a story of men and events of long ago, but the influences of great actors and actions of the past are shown up in their relations to the present time and our own history. Some events teach us what acts to avoid, while others show us what paths lead to an honorable success.
We follow a train of events from the beginning to the present time as :- Columbus sailed west from Spain to find a short route to India, but discovered America. Other men tried to find a passage through this land mass of America, and Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean at Panama. Through this isthmus the United States gov- ernment is now building a canal to make a direct water route for commerce from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Soon after Balboa reported his discovery of the South. Sea, Magellan sailed around South America to explore this ocean, landing at last in the Philippine Islands, which he named for his king and declared to be a part of the Spanish possessions. Although he and some of his men were killed by the savages, one of his ships continued its voyage around the world. Later Spain conquered the Philippines and ruled them until 1898, when the United States took possession of them and has since administered the government. For the past ten years the Philippine
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question has been prominent in our political history. In managing the islands, our government has tried to avoid the mistakes of the Spaniards; and we hope in the course of a few years to teach the Filippinos how to govern them- selves. The splendid record which William H. Taft made as governor of the Philippines had much to do with his nomination and election to the presidency of the United States.
We believe that this method, connecting men and events of the past with those of the present, and showing how they have to a greater or less extent influenced our actions today, will make history a living and intensely interesting subject to our boys and girls and will enable them easily to remember the facts. This method con- nects our work in history and geography with the work of our classes in current events.
During January and February, 1909, we made a care- ful study of the life, work, and character of Abraham Lincoln, and of his place in and influence on our history. There is no character in history that can furnish our chil- dren a better example or inspire a nobler ambition. A few short literary gems from his writings and speeches have been taught to give the children an acquaintance with the simplicity, clearness, strength and purity of his style, and to illustrate his wisdom, unselfish patriotism, and kindness of heart.
LEARNING TO STUDY.
It gives me great pleasure to say that many of our students are learning how to study by themselves; and to look up various material connected with their lessons from other sources than their regular text-books. This work is begun in the lower grades in a simple way. As I go through the schools I find the pupils busy and inter- ested in their work. This is a sure proof that the schools are accomplishing one great object of their existence, namely :- teaching the children to be industrious and to
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work independently and willingly. If at any time I do not find this desirable condition, the teacher is urged to work for it, and to put forth special effort to make school interesting for all; and various devices are suggested for gaining habits of attention, concentration of mind, and application to any task in hand. As soon as the children are old enough to appreciate it, they are taught the value of various lines of school work; and an effort is made in the upper grades to have them study with a future purpose in view. I have no sympathy with the idea that the teacher should carry the children along in their work; but believe the teacher should train each pupil to be self-reliant, so that when school-days are over he can continue his edu- cation by reading and observing, working and thinking.
I believe the chief object of an education is to give the child the power to think and act along right lines, thus by forming good habits'to build up a strong character, suit- able for American citizenship. This is more important than to cover a certain amount of ground in this or that study or to complete the course in a given time.
TEACHERS.
Our teaching force is improving in influence and ac- complishment. Many teachers have freely expended time and energy to make their schools a success. They have been eager to learn better methods, and glad to re- ceive suggestions as to how to carry on the work.
The influence the teachers are exerting over the children is wholesome and elevating. I know of some pupils who are getting more good from the personal contact of the teacher than from any other source. In some of these cases this uplifting influence is making all the difference between a good citizen and a public charge or a criminal. The work with such children is worth all that the schools cost. I hope our appropriations and salaries may be large enough to keep such teachers in our schools.
We try to have the teachers become so well acquainted
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with the work both above and below their own grades, that the pupils will pass from grade to grade without friction, and that the work in each study may be continu- ally progressive. It is our aim, too, that the work of each grade should be adapted to the development of the children in that grade. Just as fast as we succeed in arranging our course of study to conform more perfectly to the pupil's needs and ability, we shall as constantly improve their work, and diminish waste. We hope during the coming year to revise and improve the courses in arithmetic and in language, so that they may be more practical and yield better results.
SPECIAL REPORTS AND STATISTICS.
Dr. Wood has been careful and thorough in his examina- tion of the children, and I hope every parent will read his report, which contains valuable suggestions. The reports of the special teachers give a good account of the work already accomplished and of the plans and aims for the future. We would urge parents to visit the schools and see the work of their children in both the regular and special studies. In this way they can judge of the value of our methods of instruction. Visitors are welcome at any time.
The appended statistical table shows a low per cent. of attendance, owing to epidemics of whooping cough, measles, and chicken pox, which for three months greatly reduced our attendance. The present school year bids fair to show a much better record. The number of pupils now in our schools is larger than it has been for some years. The last table of statistics in this report gives the number of boys and girls in each grade at the present time.
Superintendent W. A. Hall of the Concord schools has from time to time reported that the pupils, attending their high school from Lincoln, are for the most part doing well, and some are reported as excellent in their work. When-
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ever any of these pupils fall below the standard, notice of the same is sent to me, and reported at once to the com- mittee.
In closing I wish to thank the teachers for their enthu- siastic and conscientious co-operation in the work of im- proving the schools, and the committee and people for their generosity in supplying needed educational appli- ances.
Respectfully submitted, C. S. LYMAN, Superintendent of Schools.
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Report of School Physician.
To the School Committee of Lincoln :-
The schools of Lincoln have been quite free from the usual infectious diseases of childhood during the past year. In the spring there were a few cases of measles and chicken pox. Since the summer vacation there have been none. The required examination of the schools showed in 124 children the presence of pediculosis in 27, decayed teeth in 67, enlarged tonsils and adenoide in 52. This corre- sponds very closely with the conditions as found last year and as they exist in other places. Of 23 reporting no vaccination all are now reported as vaccinated. Through circulars of information and reports on any abnormal con- ditions found, an effort was made to reach the parents and have these defects corrected. In the cases of pediculosis little success was made until the hearty co-operation of the parent was obtained. In most instances this was quick and earnest. In a few a nurse was made use of to go into the families, explain the nature of the difficulty and show as well as help the mother carry out proper treatment. These visits when combined with the actual work at the school effectually stamped out this disturbance for the time being. . No children were excluded from school for this cause but rather the attempt made to direct success- fully the home treatment.
The number of children having decayed teeth may seem very large. It is large, but no different from schools in other towns. It shows how little attention has been given to the proper cleanliness of the mouth by preventing or removing these foul spots. The worst conditions, as would be naturally inferred, were found in the primary grades, among children with the primary or temporary teeth. Many families, and it is to be regretted some dentists, will do nothing for these teeth, saying if let alone they will come out of themselves. They forget that during all this time these decayed teeth are most favorable places
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for the growth of germs and furnish the ever present and ready means of infection at the most susceptible time of a child's life. The serious handicap that such a condition puts upon the vitality and good health of the child is but just beginning to be understood.
What is true of the teeth is also true of the large tonsils and adenoids. Here only those cases were recorded in which (in the judgment of the school physician) the health of the child would be benefited by their removal. The parents responded well when their attention was called to these abnormalities and every effort has been made to help carry out the proper treatment.
It is noted with pleasure that through the kindness of the selectmen seven cases of enlarged tonsils and adenoids have been gratuitously treated at the Waltham Hospital. It is to be regretted that a like provision could not have · been made for the proper treatment of the teeth at a free dental clinic nearer than Boston. Up to this time this has not been possible.
In this field a nurse could render invaluable service. There seems to be no efficient way of reaching the parents through the schools. A nurse could go to the homes, explain the situation and the necessity for obtaining com- petent medical advice to correct the difficulties under which the child was trying to do its school work. Such help is generally very gratefully received. In a few instances a nurse can do more by offering to take the children to their family physician, specialist or hospital and see that the proper treatment is carried out. Where the mother is over taxed with the work and care of a large family and the expense is a serious matter the only way to get such relief is by help from outside, and the nurse is the one who can do this best.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. WOOD, M.D., School Physician.
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Report of the Teacher of Drawing and Sloyd.
LINCOLN, MASS., Jan. 20, 1909.
MR. C. S. LYMAN, Supt. of Schools :-
DEAR SIR :- The following report on drawing and sloyd is respectfully submitted :
At the beginning of the fall term I was employed to take charge of both drawing and sloyd.' It was expected that the new building would be ready at that time and that both subjects would begin together and could be co-re- lated. The long delay in finishing the building, however, has made the course in drawing up to Jan. 7th of a tenta- tive nature. More work in mechanical and constructive drawing has been done than usual.
As this is the first report on this subject in Lincoln, it may be well to give a brief description of the subject and work. Sloyd is an Americanized form of a Swedish word meaning craft or skilled work. We aim to develop the mind through handwork, and to make the hand the obedient servant of the mind. We use wood as the most permanent material, offering the least resistance to young pupils, and wood working tools as those in most general use. The course consists of a series of graded models of useful and interesting articles, each one complete in it- self, each succeeding model containing some new problem and the use of some new tool.
The boys are enthusiastic, requiring no encouragement. A number of models have already been completed which will bear inspection.
We have one of the best rooms for the purpose in the state, with a complete equipment. The conditions and
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environments would indicate that satisfactory results may be expected. The highest results, however, cannot be at- tained until the lower grades with their previous training enter the higher.
With the beginning of next year both courses will be together, and much better progress will be made than was possible under the conditions of the past five months.
Respectfully,
WALTER F. BRACKETT.
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Report of the Teacher of Sewing and Cooking.
To the Superintendent of Schools :-
During the last four months one hour and a half each week has been given to sewing in Grades V to VIII, and one hour per week to Grade IV.
The work in cooking was started at the beginning of the winter term. This will be made as practical as possible.
In the lower grades there will be no theory and the simpler dishes will be prepared. In the upper grades there will be only enough theory to explain to the pupils the reason for mixing or cooking materials in a certain way.
The dishes to be prepared will be of the plainer sort, those that can be made in every family. Since the fancy dishes are but variations of the plain, they can easily be prepared at home after the pupil has made the plainer ones at school.
The housekeeping will form an important part of the course. This includes sweeping, dusting, care of dish towels and cloths, care of tin, silver and zinc, care of the stove and sink, as well as good and quick habits of work.
I would emphasize the good and quick habits of work so that when the time comes, these girls may find that the old saying, "Man toils from sun to sun but woman's work is never done," is not always true.
The girls are very much interested in both sewing and cooking and show great enthusiasm in both subjects.
Respectfully submitted, MARTHA TOWER,.
Teacher of Sewing and Cooking.
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Report of the Teacher of Music.
To the School Committee of the Town of Lincoln :-
The work in music in the schools this year has been along the same lines as last year, but, owing to changes and unavoidable conditions during the first term of this school year, the work at the Center, in the grades below the Grammar, has been somewhat retarded.
The rearranging of the pupils at the Center is going to be a great help towards better conditions in music. The teachers will not only have more time for individual work, which is very essential, especially in the lower grades, but the pupils will have work which will be better adapted to their musical development.
The children have improved since last year in musical ability and also in tone production. Of the two, the latter is in my opinion the most important for good singing in the schools. A child may know several of the technicali- ties of music, but if he has not been taught to appreciate the difference between singing and noise, then public school music has failed in one of its highest aims.
Respectfully, GRACE E. ROBINSON,
Teacher of Music.
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ROLL OF HONOR.
The following pupils have been neither absent nor tardy for the time designated :-
FOR ONE YEAR. William P. Corrigan.
FOR TWO TERMS.
Charles L. Rocks.
Frederick Rocks.
Robert Clapp,
Katie Connors. Elizabeth Connors. Esther Cousins.
Albert Coffey.
FOR ONE TERM.
Viranus Cobb. Julia Riley.
Edward H. Ryan.
James Ryan.
J. Redman Hartwell. Marion Rocks. A. Harriet Peirce. Carleton Nelson.
Geo. W. Brooks.
Alice Robus.
Geo. H. Browning.
William Peirce. Stella Pedigree.
M. Emily Robus. Louis Cook. Edna Wetherbee.
Robert Farquhar. Waldo Foley.
Grace L. Bamforth. Edward S. Boyce.
William Bowles.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR.
Winter term begins January 4, 1909, ends March 26; twelve weeks.
Spring term begins April 5, ends June. 18, eleven weeks. Fall term begins Sept. 6, ends Dec. 17; fifteen weeks.
Winter term begins Jan. 3, 1910, ends March 25; twelve weeks.
Spring term begins April 4, ends June 17; eleven weeks. Recess from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday following.
Holidays: Washington's Birthday, Patriot's Day, Memo- rial Day.
Length of school year, 38 weeks.
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STATISTICS FOR SCHOOL YEAR, 1907-1908.
Number of children in Town September, 1908,
between 5 and 15 years: boys, 85; girls, 71; total 156
Number of children in Town September, 1907 137
Number of children in Town September, 1908,
between 7 and 14 years: boys, 54; girls, 50; total 104 Enrollment for the year, ending June, 1908 115
Number between 5 and 15 years of age .
109
Nomber over 15 years of age 6
Number between 7 and 14 years of age
84
Number attending Concord High School 23
Number of regular teachers employed
5
Number of special teachers employed 3
Number of teachers who have graduated from normal schools 3
From training school .
.
1
Illiterate minors in Town over 14 years of age
0
Inert table.
Number of boys and girls in each grade, February, 1909 :
Grades I II
III
IV
V
VI VII
VIII
LINCOLN CENTER.
Boys.
5
5
3
7
13
8
9
6
Girls 6
4
10
8
7
6
7
6
SOUTH LINCOLN.
Boys
2
2
7
Girls
5
4
2
Totals.
18
15
22 15 20
14 16 12
Number of pupils in schools in Town
132
" High School. 17
Total number receiving instruction 149
ATTENDANCE TABLE FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1908.
SCHOOLS
TEACHERS
Enrollment for
State Report
Enrollment
Boys
Enrollment
Girls
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Attendance Percent. of
Pupils between
5 and 15 y's of age
Pupils between 7 and 14 y's of age
Pupils over
15 years of age
Tardiness
ing Supt's visits Visitors, includ-
Center Grammar
Carrie B. Chapin
18
12
6
18.2
17.3
95.1
14
10
4
48
48
Center Sub-Grammar
E. O. Davis
24
11
13
22.7
20.8
91.7
23
23
1
63
46
Center Primary
Hattie B. Heath .
27
6
18
27.3
24.1
88.3
27
15
0
73
69
South Sub-Grammar
S. Ellen Brown
21
15
6
18.2
15.5
85.6
20
20
1
14
57
South Primary
I. Beatrice Farnsworth
25
14
=
20.9
18.0
86.1
25
16
0
24
76
Total
·
*115
61
54
107.3
95.7
89.2 109
84
6
222
296
.
·
·
·
·
.
.
.
*In addition to this number 11 pupils were enrolled, who came from other towns in the State, making a total of 126 pupils in the Lincoln schools.
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WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To James T. Laird, or any other Constable of the Town of Lincoln, in said County :
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabit- ants of the Town of Lincoln, duly qualified to vote in Town affairs, to assemble in Bemis Hall, on Monday, March first, at 1 o'clock P. M., to act on the following articles, viz .:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a moderator.
ART. 2. To hear and act upon the reports of Town Officers, Committees, Commissioners, and Trustees.
ART. 3. To choose all necessary Town Officers, Com- mittees, Commissioners and Trustees for the ensuing year.
ART. 4. To appropriate money for necessary and expedient purposes of the Town, and enact anything in re-® lation to the same.
ART. 5. To give in their votes by ballot in answer to the question: "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of in- toxicating liquors in this Town?" The check list shall be used as provided by Section 5, Chapter 100 of the Public Statutes.
ART. 6. To determine the manner of collecting taxes for the ensuing year.
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ART. 7. To determine the compensation of the Col- lector of Taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will authorize the Treas- urer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the municipal year, beginning February first, 1909, in anticipation of the collection of taxes of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current ex- penses of the Town, but not exceeding the total tax levy for the said year, giving the notes of the Town in payment thereof, payable in one year from the dates thereof. All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from taxes of the present municipal year.
ART. 9. To see if the Town will choose a Committee on Claims under the provisions of Section 3 of Article 9 of the By-Laws.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to prosecute persons for selling intoxicating liquors in the Town, and appropriate money for the same.
ART. 11. To see if the Town will take such action as may be necessary to introduce electric lights into the Town, and appropriate money for the same.
ART. 12. To see what action the Town will take with reference to repairs on the Town Hall.
ART. 13. To see what action the Town will take with reference to the old schoolhouse in the center of the Town.
ART. 14. To see what action the Town will take with reference to Chapter 209 of the Acts of 1908, entitled "An Act to provide for the protection of forest or sprout lands from fire."
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ART. 15. To see if the Town will extend the water pipe from its present terminus, opposite the estate of Mrs. Mary Flynn, to a point opposite the house owned by the City of Cambridge, and make any appropriation for the same.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will extend the water pipe from the State Highway to a point opposite the house of Martin Nevelle, and make any appropriation for the same.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will continue the Special Committee appointed at the Special Town Meeting of September last, to act in an advisory capacity to the Tree Warden, or take any other action in the matter.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will elect a Road Sur- veyor by ballot.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will insure its own buildings or take any other action in the matter.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in each of the Post Offices and one of the churches or some other public place, seven days at least before the day appointed for such meeting, and to make seasonable return thereof with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk.
HEREOF FAIL NOT.
Dated at Lincoln, this twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and nine.
CHARLES S. SMITH, C. L. TODD, R. D. DONALDSON,
Selectmen of Lincoln.
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By-Laws of the Town of Lincoln.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
At the Superior Court, within and for the County of Middlesex, Anno Domini, 1897,
The following By-Laws of the Town of Lincoln, in said County, are presented to this Court for approval, to wit :-
"ARTICLE I.
TOWN MEETINGS.
Section 1. The annual town meeting shall be held on the first Monday of March in each year.
Sect. 2. Notice of every town meeting shall be given by posting copies of the warrant calling the same, attested by the officer making service thereof, in each of the post-offices within the town, and in one of the churches, or one other public place, within the town, not less than seven days be- fore the day appointed for such meeting. But when, in the judgment of the selectmen, the interests of the town require a meeting to be held without giving so long a notice, a meeting may be called by posting attested copies of the warrant in the places above mentioned, and by leaving a printed copy thereof at each dwelling-house within the town, at least three days before the time appointed for the meeting; provided that in such cases the selectmen shall certify that, in their opinion, the interests of the town re- quire that a town meeting be called upon a notice of less than seven days, which certificate shall be made upon, or at- tached to, the original warrant, and shall be served as a part thereof.
168
ARTICLE II.
FINANCES.
Section 1. The financial year shall commence wich the first day of February and end with the thirty-first day of January annually.
Sect. 2. The town treasurer shall have the custody of all funds belonging to the town except sinking funds, trust funds and funds for which other provision is made by law; and he shall pay no money from the treasury except upon a draft signed by a majority of the selectmen, stating the ac- count to which the same is chargeable. Such draft shall be sufficient authority to the treasurer to pay the same, and the payment thereof shall discharge him from all liability on account of the money so paid.
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