USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1882-1883 > Part 5
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are not permitted to enter the High School. As every man who attempts to climb a ladder wishes to find every round firm and strong, in order that he may arrive at the top with ease and safety, so should every scholar who wishes to acquire a good education have every round in his studies so firmly impressed upon his mind that he can recall it at a moment's thought. If here and there a round in the ladder is gone it makes the ascent difficult ; so, if the pupil hath imperfectly learned the first principles, he will find it extremely difficult to attain the goal for which he is striving, - a good, practical education. It is discouraging to the faithful teacher, and it is still more discouraging to the persevering scholar, who is being continually kept behind with having such a heavy weight attached to him as an irregular attendant at school. The remedy lies with the parents, and with them alone. Besides those who attend irregularly there is another class, who are roving about our streets, loafing around our railroad stations, destitute of ambi- tion, and without a desire to improve the advantages which have been provided. This class of our youth is small in number, but has caused much trouble. At the commencement of the year we appointed Horace Faxon, Gilman D. Whittaker, and Alverdo Mason as truant officers, with instructions to look especially after those not attending school. They have faithfully attended to that duty so far as it was in their power. They pleaded with them, coaxed them, even threatened them ; but it was in vain. The law requires that the town shall provide a suitable place to which habitual truants may be committed. By the by-laws of the town the almshouse was designated as that place, and said by-laws were approved by the Superior Court. But when Officer Whittaker went to the District Court at Quincy to enter a complaint against two children who did not attend school, he was informed that he could not obtain a warrant for their arrest, inasmuch as the almshouse was not considered a suitable place for their confinement, nor did it carry out the provisions of the law in such cases made and pro- vided. Your committee were powerless to enforce the observance of the law, and would therefore ask the town to provide some suit- able place where this class of our youth may be confined if necessary.
The condition of the Union Primary School demands special attention. The whole number of scholars enrolled during the fall term was 76. Average membership, 61 7-20. This is too large
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a number to be placed in charge of any teacher if we intend they shall have proper instruction. This number will probably increase with the pleasant weather which we shall have in the course of a few weeks, while no pupils can be promoted to the intermediate school until the commencement of the school term in September next. We therefore recommend the appropriation of $325 for the purpose of furnishing a room for a second primary school in the Union School-house.
Our attention has been frequently called to the schools in the sparsely settled portions of the town. The ravages of time, assisted by the torch of the incendiary, the removal of the inhab- itants to the villages, and the decrease of the birth-rate, have re- duced the number of pupils in those schools. Whole number of pupils enrolled in the West School during the year, 13 ; average membership, 10 7-20; average attendance, 9. Whole number enrolled in the Southwest School, 28 ; average membership, 14 3-4 ; average attendance, 12. Whole number enrolled in the Southeast School, 23 ; average membership, 19; average attendance, 10 1-5.
The above figures are taken from the registers, and speak for themselves. These schools are supported at an expense of more than one thousand dollars, or about one eighth of our school appro- priation. It has been, and still is, a serious question with your committee whether some change should not be made.
The school buildings are in fair condition, with a few exceptions. We have in the town nine school-houses, containing seventeen schools (beside the High School, which is located in the Town House), for the repair of which you last year appropriated $200, averaging about $22 to each house. With this sum no general repairs could be made. We must, therefore, ask some special appropriations, and would recommend that the town appropriate the sum of $100 each for the repair of the South and Southwest School-houses. We would also recommend the appropriation of $350 for the purpose of refurnishing the East Primary school-room with desks, stove, etc., as the appearance of the room is anything but a credit to the town.
Economy demands that all. of the school buildings should be painted the ensuing year, and for this purpose we recommend that the town appropriate the sum of $500.
There are many scholars who do not feel willing to pursue a thorough course of studies by attending the High School the full
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term of three years, but are desirous of obtaining a business edu- cation in our grammar schools. The committee have, therefore, decided to. give an additional year in those schools for that pur- pose. With a proper grading of the schools we think it can be done without extra expense. All the scholars in town who are qualified will be permitted to attend these classes, and at the close of the year of study a diploma will be granted to those who attend constantly. The studies to be taught will be found appended to this report.
In their last annual catalogue the management of the Thayer Academy announced to the public that a change had been made in their terms of admission, and a knowledge of the elements of Latin and algebra would be required in order to obtain entrance to the privileges of the institution.
The town, having contributed $20,000 towards the establishment of this Academy, expects to obtain some benefit from this valuable institution, with its able corps of teachers. In order to enable the youth of the town to enjoy. these privileges your committee allowed the pupils, upon entering the High School, to commence the studies of Latin and algebra, provided the parents or guardians of those pupils requested it, that they might be the sooner pre- pared to enjoy the benefits of the Academy. We could not do less than this. It is our duty, instead of placing obstacles in the way of our youth obtaining a thorough education, to aid and encourage them in their search after knowledge.
The Braintree Musical Association, through a committee, requests us to lay before the town the subject of the introduction of instruction in voca music into our High and grammar schools, and ask a small appropriation to carry the suggestion into effect. We submit this request to the town for their consideration.
It having been some years since the course of study and rules for the government of our schools have been revised, they submit a revision which they have adopted, and which is appended to this report.
The estimates for this department for the ensuing year, as nearly as they can be made up, are as follows, viz : For schools, $9,225 ; for incidental expenses of schools, $300; for incidental expenses of school-houses, $300 ; besides the special appropriations previ- ously recommended.
SAMUEL A. BATES,
For the Committee.
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GRADUATES OF HIGH SCHOOL, 1882.
Ada F. Carmichael,
Susie H. Snow,
Jennie G. Carmichael,
John Griffin,
Jessie S. Dyer,
George W. Stevens,
Carrie L. Loring,
John P. Sullivan,
Bessie B. Potter,
Wesley L. Woodsum.
Annie G. Scollard,
RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SCHOOLS.
The school year shall consist of forty-three weeks, including three vacations, viz. : One week at Thanksgiving, one week at Christmas, and one week at Fast; and shall commence the first Monday in September.
The schools are to be kept on the first five secular days of each week, and at no other time.
Teachers must be at their school-rooms fifteen minutes before the time of opening the school in the morning, and commence and close the school at the prescribed hour; the record of attendance to be made at the time of opening.
The morning exercises in all the schools shall commence with the reading of the English Bible by the teacher, without comment.
School hours shall be from nine to twelve o'clock in the morning, and from one to four in the afternoon, between the first of Novem- ber and the first of April ; and from half past one to half past four the remaining time of the year, unless otherwise ordered by the committee.
Teachers shall not suspend their schools, nor change the school hours, except by permission of the committee; nor must any recess exceed fifteen minutes ; neither shall any scholar be deprived of a recess as a punishment.
Teachers shall require scholars, when dismissed, to leave the school-house and grounds immediately, and proceed to their homes ; unless otherwise directed by their parents or guardians.
No teacher is permitted to perform any work not belonging to the duties of the school in school hours.
Teachers shall see that their rooms, grounds, and all that per- tains to the school premises are kept neat and in good order during term time.
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Whenever any school taught by a male teacher is in the same building with other schools, said teacher shall be regarded as the principal of said schools for the purpose of having general over- sight of the buildings and grounds, and the other teachers shall be regarded as assistants.
For violent or gross opposition to authority, or when the con- duct of a pupil either in or about the building is such that his ex- ample is injurious to the other pupils, the teacher may suspend such pupil ; but the case must be reported forthwith to the commit- tee for advice and direction, and at the same time notice must be given to the parent or guardian.
No substitute shall be placed in a school by a teacher without the approval of the subcommittee.
Teachers must use such means as they have for ventilating the rooms.
Four times a year, in the month previous to a vacation, all the classes in all the schools above the grade of primary shall have written examinations by the teachers, and the examination papers shall be kept on file for the inspection of the committee, or parents of scholars above primary grade.
Daily records of recitations in arithmetic, grammar, and geogra- phy shall be kept by the teacher.
No child shall be admitted to our schools under five years of age.
All scholars must attend the schools to which they are assigned, unless otherwise directed by the committee.
Whenever any scholar shall unnecessarily be absent from the examination of his or her school, such scholar shall not be permit- ted to re-enter any school in town except by consent of the sub- committee.
Any damage done to a school-house, the furniture, or any part of the premises must be paid for by the parent or guardian of the child or children doing the damage.
No scholar shall be degraded or put into a lower class without consent of the committee.
Scholars may be promoted at the commencement of any term, provided the parents are willing, and the scholars are able to recite in the lower class, also, till the lessons which were passed over in the promotion be made up. But each case must be decided by the committee.
In extremely inclement weather the schools may have but one session, yet, if possible, the teacher must consult the committee.
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No books or papers are allowed in the schools but those pre- scribed or assented to by the committee.
Whenever any parent or guardian shall feel aggrieved by the conduct of any teacher, the cause of grievance must either be removed by a private interview with the teacher or be reported to the committee.
Any violation of these rules by a teacher shall be considered sufficient cause for dismissal.
The janitor's duties shall consist in keeping the school-room well heated, swept and dusted twice each week, the out-buildings in a clean condition, the cellars and yards free from rubbish, and the snow promptly removed from all walks and steps. He shall immediately report any damage to school-house or out-buildings to the subcommittee, and shall receive such compensation as may be agreed upon.
COURSE OF STUDIES.
SECOND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR.
September to February.
Words, letters, and numbers on the board and slates. Com- mence Primer, Drawing on slates, objects and colors.
February to July.
Primer, Spelling, Drawing, and Writing letters, words, and num- bers on slates and on the board ; colors and objects.
SECOND YEAR.
Second Reader, Spelling ; Write sentences and Drawing on slates and boards ; Learn numbers, punctuation marks, chapters, objects, and colors ; Supplementary Reading ; Singing a daily exercise ; Desk-book on miscellaneous subjects.
FIRST PRIMARY SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR.
Third Reader, Supplementary Reading, Spelling ; commence Primary Arithmetic, and Writing Books ; Drawing on board, partly in colors.
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SECOND YEAR.
Continue last year's work ; take Fourth Reader, Geography, Intellectual Arithmetic, Supplementary Reading ; Singing and Gymnastics general exercises through the year; Desk-book on miscellaneous subjects.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR.
Intermediate Reader, Spelling, Supplementary Reading, Writing, Intermediate Arithmetic, Geography, Language, and Drawing. Abbreviations, Composition, Mental Arithmetic, and Gymnastics as general exercises through this and the next year.
SECOND YEAR.
Continue and complete studies of last year ; take Fifth Reader, Supplementary Reading, Large Geography, Desk-book on miscel- laneous subjects ; Writing three times a week, Drawing twice. Written examinations once a term.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR, - FIRST TERM.
Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, Supple- mentary Reading, and Writing three times a week.
SECOND TERM.
Previous studies continued. Add United States History, Com- position monthly, Drawing twice a week through this and the fol- lowing year.
SECOND YEAR.
Studies of last term of last year continued ; Arithmetic to Cube Root, finish Grammar and Geography ; Mental Arithmetic and Gymnastics general exercises for both years ; Desk-book on mis- cellaneous subjects ; Language upon. the boards weekly or oftener.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
EXTRA YEAR.
September to December.
Complete studies of previous year, and take Book-keeping and General History.
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December to February.
Book-keeping continued ; Commercial Arithmetic and Corre- spondence, General History, Physiology, and Hygiene.
February to April.
Continue studies of last half-term, except Physiology and Hy- giene ; take Physics.
April to June.
Continue studies of last half-term, except General History and Physics. Take Astronomy, Geology, Select Readings, Drawing, Writing, Language, Spelling, and Mental Arithmetic weekly for the year ; Desk-book on some subject.
Grant Diplomas.
HIGH SCHOOL.
FRST YEAR, - FIRST TERM.
Civil Government, Language, and Algebra.
SECOND TERM.
Algebra, General History, and Language, Writing and Drawing, weekly class exercises through the year, Written and Mental Arithmetic, Reading, and Spelling, weekly general exercises through the year.
SECOND YEAR, - FIRST TERM.
General History, Natural Philosophy, and Geometry.
SECOND TERM.
Geometry, Astronomy, and Chemistry.
Weekly class and general exercises as last year.
THIRD YEAR, - FIRST TERM.
Trigonometry, Physiology, Hygiene, and Geology.
SECOND TERM.
Botany, Political Economy, Morals, and Manners.
Composition and Declamation monthly for the three years.
Physical Geography for the first year, elective.
Latin for three years, elective.
French for two years, elective.
The course of study in the mixed schools will be the same as in the graded, except the extra year studies in the grammar schools.
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TEXT-BOOKS OF THE BRAINTREE SCHOOLS, AUTHORIZED BY THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Walton's Arithmetic, Robinson's Algebra, Davies' Geometry, Davies' Trigonometry, Swinton's History, Boyd's Rhetoric, Warren's Physical Geography, Hitchcock's Book-keeping, Wood's Botany, Steele's Chemistry, Geology, Philosophy, and Astronomy ; Martin's Civil Government, Smith's Drawing, Payson's D. and S. Writing, Keetel's French Grammar; Robinson Crusoe, Contes Merveilleux, Allen's Latin Grammar, Latin Reader, Cæsar, Virgil, Worcester's Dictionary, Lippincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World, Thomas' Pronouncing Dictionary of Biography and Mythology.
GRAMMAR, INTERMEDIATE, AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Swinton's Spellers, Franklin Readers, Franklin Arithmetics, Reed & Kellogg's Grammar, Harper's Geographics, Anderson's United States History, Smith's Drawing, Payson D. & S. Writing- books, Desk-books and Supplementary Reading of various kinds and grades, Worcester's Dictionary.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF THE SCHOOLS.
Average num- ber belonging.
Average attend- ance.
Average per cent of attendance.
Number under
5 years.
Number over
15 years.
Number be- tween 8 and 14.
Length of school in months.
Wages per month.
High
73.4
71.07
97
0
35
36
10
45 00
Pond Grammar ..
38.175
33.131
87
0
1
36
10
60 00
38.3
33.42
87
0
0
50
10
32 00
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First Primary . .
45.775
37.637
82
0
0
21
10
32 00
Second Primary
43.5
36.
83
0
0
10
5
32 00
Union Grammar .
28.1
26.
93
0
3
27
10
60 00
66
Intermediate
35.85
32.3
90
0
0
43
10
32
00
Primary . . .
61.35
52.8
86
2
0
25
10
28 00
Iron Works Grammar
24.6
21.726
88
0
3
25
10
60 00
Intermediate
33.4
29.475
88
0
0
37
10
32 00
66
Primary .
51.125
42.672
83
0
0
18
10
32 00
East Grammer.
26.795
25.
93
0
3
28
98
45
00
" Primary .
34.5
28.77
83
2
0
25
10
32 00
Middle. .
22.5
18.3
81
0
0
22
10
31 20
av.
Southeast.
20.6
12.97
63
1
0
14
10
32 00
South.
33.2
27.4
86
2
0
20
10
32 00
Southwest
15.255
13.185
86
0
2
15
10
32
00
West. ..
10.835
9.43
87
0
1
7
10
28 (
av.
85.7
7
48
.
..
.
. .
.
·
.
.
. . . .. .
...
. ·
·
66
Intermediate. ..
.
.
.
-
$135 00
66
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