USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1890 > Part 8
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In the last annual report, a plea was made for special instruc- tion in music and drawing. That instruction has not been fur- nished, and the condition of those branches is not creditable to the town. Every town contiguous to Braintree has a special teacher of music. An appropriation of $300 would secure one for Braintree.
PHYSICAL AND MANUAL TRAINING.
There is a widespread movement amongst educators for the pur- pose of securing more scientific and practical attention to physical training. Erectness, symmetry, tone, ease of carriage, are not conducive to fine personal appearance alone ; they are highly im- portant to health and vigor of body and mind. Gymnastics occu- pied a large place in ancient Greek education. It well becomes us
125
to profit by the example of those whose excellence in art, in school- arship, and in philosophy has not been surpassed by any nation since.
Mannal training is also coming more and more into prominence, and is taking a more practical form, as the wisdom of it is more clearly seen and felt. It would be well to introduce some features of manual training at an early day, and meanwhile to determine what those features shall be.
The schoolhouse of the near future will probably contain a sepa- rate room for physical training, manual training, and practical exercises.
HIGH SCHOOL.
With the exception of a more rigid attention to the standard for entrance, no action has been taken toward improving the con- dition and prospects of the High School.
The suggestions of last year are simply to be repeated with em- phasis. When a fair consideration is given to the actual condition of the ventilation, the light, the desks, the apparatus, and the course of study, much credit is to be accorded to teachers and pupils for the attainments made.
One year ago, there were forty-two pupils in the highest grade of the grammar schools, possible candidates for the High School. If they had all entered a change in the accommodations would have been necessary ; but only thirty appeared in September, and these, with the usual decreased membership of the upper classes, made the whole number of pupils in the High School a little smaller than that of last year. Thus an immediate change was averted. But this year there are sixty-nine pupils in the highest grade of the grammar schools, and if a like proportion enter the High School next September, there will be fifty to be accommodated, instead of thirty, as this year.
PUBLIC SPIRIT.
In the public schools, as nowhere else, there is opportunity for encouraging public spirit, - not the clannishness that is contented to rival some other community, but a freeman's interest in the wel- fare of his own village, that impels him to generous and hearty support of measures that will advance his neighbors as well as him-
126
self in the pursuit of the blessings of life. By suggesting and encouraging the united action of the pupils in the protection and improvement of school property, in procuring desirable apparatus, in the planting and care of trees and flowers, in observing public days ; by teaching to observe what things in the community are attractive and excellent, and what would be desirable, but are lacking ; and by discouraging whatever hinders true loyalty to public interests, the foundation will be laid for manifold good works in the days to come.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
Arrangements have been made for holding meetings of the teachers about once a month, during the year.
At these meetings, practical questions affecting the methods of instruction are presented and discussed by the teachers, by the agents of the State Board of Education, or by other educators, and always with direct reference to the improvement of our schools.
The teachers also report, for the benefit of all, the excellences and defects of schools they have visited.
TEACHERS AND TEACHING.
The town is to be congratulated in having so many faithful, capable teachers. Their talents and services deserve more than a passing word. To apprehend the condition and needs of the youthful mind, to engage and hold its interest, to apply systematic training, to arrange and impart requisite information, and to incul- cate noble sentiments and aspirations, - that is, to teach, - is an art of a very high order ; and the practise of this art calls for talent in no way inferior to that needed in the practise of any pro- fession. If we owe any gratitude to the force of character and beneficent instruction of a former teacher, let us pay the debt in part by appreciating more adequately the abilities and labors of the excellent teachers now at work.
There is need, also, that better opportunities and greater encour- agement be afforded to those who have the desire and the natural 1
qualifications to fit themselves for teachers. We are losing many who might become good teachers, through the greater inducements of other callings ; and the talent we ought to command is not easy to secure.
127
OUTLOOK.
Many of the suggestions offered involve an increase in expen- ditures. That is unavoidable, and should be willingly provided. It is our desire and our duty to maintain the highest welfare of our schools. Without waste and without extravagance, it is still as true in school affairs as elsewhere, that whatever is valuable costs something.
The actual membership of the schools has increased ten per cent during the year, and in the graded schools the increase is fifteen per cent. This means a corresponding increase in the annual expenses of the schools. There is every prospect of an equally large increase during the year to come ; and this calls for an immediate and large increase in accommodations. A similar increase in business interests and in the valuation of the town seems to justify a much larger appropriation for schools.
The call is great, the resources are ample, the will of the people is good, - and every unnecessary delay involves loss and needless hindrance. With prompt liberality and wise administration, our schools will be sure to advance to the full realization of our highest hopes.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. FEARING.
128
TEXT-BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Total number of books and pamphlets in the schools,
Feb. 1, 1891 5,757
Total number of books and pamphlets on hand Feb. 1, 1891 490
Total number of slates in the schools, Feb. 1, 1891 ·
688
Total number of slates on hand, Feb. 1, 1891 .. 18
Maps, charts, and apparatus to the estimated value of . $275
Other supplies on hand to the estimated value of . $100
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Population of town, census of 1890
4,848
Number of children in town between five and fifteen years
of age, May 1, 1890 . 671
Number of children in town between eight and fourteen years of age, May 1, 1890 . 396
Number of children under five years of age attending school during the year ·
0
Number of children under eight years of age attending school during the year ·
269
Number of children between eight and fourteen years of age attending school during the year . 458
Number of children fourteen years of age attending school during the year .
62
Number of children over fifteen years of age attending school during the year
75
Total number enrolled during the year 864
Average number belonging during the year 768.56
Average number belonging during the year 1889-1890 700.89
Average daily attendance 705.21
Per cent of attendance for the year · · 91.76
Per cent of attendance for the year 1889-1890 ·
· 91.90
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.
SCHOOLS.
different
enrolled.
Average member-
ship for the year.
Average member-
ship in 1889-1890.
attend-
ance for the year.
Per cent of attend-
ance.
Per cent of attend- ance in 1889-1890.
High School ..
76
74.54
71.17
71.96
96.55
97.13
Union Grammar .
46
41.79
37.23
38.98
93.28
92.82
Intermediate
39
33.23
34.12
30.91
93.02
92.65
First Primary
45
41.68
34.13
38.33
91.98
90.65
Second Primary (to July)
67
59.05
57.20
51.69
87.54
88 84
5
25.25
23.35
92.48
-
. .
. .
. .
.
..
50
51.79
44.13
47.73
92.16
88.93
Second Primary
87
54.16
54.33
48.57
89.68
89.81
Iron Works Grammar
30
30.25
26.37
28.70
94.88
94.64
Intermediate
45
39.76
42.25
36.03
90.62
95.18
23
23.99
27.73
22.19
92.50
93.20
Second Primary
55
40.35
50.05
36.07
89.39
91.05
East Primary .
41
28.96
26.37
26.38
91.09
92.01
Middle Street
44
31.52
33.07
28.30
89.78
91.16
South
45
35.29
36.33
32.39
91.78
89.76
Southwest (closed in June) .
10
9.00
11.02
8.27
91.89
95 19
West .
27
20.80
20.57
19.16
92.12
82.86
In all Schools .
864
768.56
700.89
705.21
91.76
91.90
.
.
. .
. .
Grade II. (from September) .
38
44.56
39.32
88.24
Pond Grammar
40
35.97
40.01
33.70
93 69
93.05
Intermediate
51
46.62
38.56
43.18
92.62
91.56
First Primary
. .
....
...
.
...
....
..
..
·
Whole number of
pupils
Average
1.29
First Primary . .
I. (from September) .
MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCHOOLS. - SEPTEMBER, 1890.
SCHOOLS.
Grade I.
Grade 11.
Grade III.
Grade IV.
Grade V.
Grade VI.
Grade VII.
Grade VIII.
Total member.
bership of School.
Union
50
26
30
17
16
20
17
26
202
Pond .
30
28
31
26
26
26
17
18
202
29
17
12
13
23
20
19
16
149
13
5
8
5
. .
. .
. .
34
Middle Street.
4
6
4
6
S
1
3
8
40
South
3
6
9
6
3
. .
West.
Total in each grade ...
138
95
86
86
82
74
56
68
685
High School :
17
Senior Class. ..
·
28
Middle Class .
. .
·
33
Junior Class.
. .
-
78
Total.
. .
. .
. .
. .
.
.
:
. .
763
.
.
. ·
. .
.
· · : : :
· ·
: : :
: : :
. .
. .
.
:
Between Sept. 30, and Jan. 31, thirty-five new pupils were admitted to the schools.
130
. .
9
7
1
10
3
4
. .
.
Iron Works
.
..
31
East Primary .
27
:
.
Total in all Schools.
.
TEACHERS.
NAMES.
SCHOOL.
GRADES.
SALARY.
WHEN FIRST ELECTED.
Charles E. Stetson .
High
Principal. .
$1,200
November, 1872.
Carrie M. Bassett ..
High .
Assistant . .
600
April, 1885.
Herbert E. Walker.
Union
VII. and VIII . .
700
September, 1886.
Abbie A. Mills .
Union
V. and VI .. .
480
April, 1882.
Erminnie A. French.
Union .
III. and IV ....
320
September, 1890.
Sarah L. Hadley . .
Union .
II.
400
April, 1885.
Julia A. Williams .
Union
I.
320
September, 1890.
Fred. H. Saunders.
Pond . .
VII. and VIII ..
700
September, 1887.
Sarah M. Aldrich .
Pond
V. and VI. . . .
480
September, 1890.
Carrie L. Whiting.
Pond
III. and IV . ....
400
September, 1890.
Sarah L. Arnold
Pond .
I. and II ...
400
October, 1884.
Victoria P. Wilde.
Iron Works.
VII. and VIII . . V. and VI. . .
700
November, 1861.
Mary L. Crowe ..
Iron Works . . ..
480
November, 1882.
Nellie E. Bowles.
Iron Works . .. .
III. and IV ....
400
September, 1889.
Avis A. Thayer ..
Iron Works . . .
I. and II . ..
400
September, 1877.
Theresa M. Jenkins.
East.
I., II., III., IV .
400
September, 1889.
Mabel L. Bates. .
Middle Street ..
Mixed. . .
400
September, 1886.
Margaret E. C. Bannon
South .
Mixed.
480
September, 1874.
Hannah C. Whelan.
West
Mixed.
320
September, 1890.
..
.
Emma M. Kane and Annie M. Brooks are employed as assistants, at nominal salaries, in the primary grades of Pond School.
131
.. .
. .
.
.
.
. . . . . . . .
.
.
132
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Albert E. Avery, Chairman. Term expires in . . 1893
Henry L. Dearing. Term expires in 1891
L. H. H. Johnson, Secretary. Term expires in 1891
E. A. Wilde. Term expires in 1891
Mrs. A. M. Brooks. Term expires in
1892
Mrs. R. H. Morrison. Term expires in 1892
Regular meetings are held at the Town Hall, on the last Monday afternoon of each month.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. CLARENCE W. FEARING.
OFFICE HOURS :
Mondays : 8.30 to 9.30 A. M., at Town Hall.
Tuesdays : 4 to 5 P. M., at Union Schoolhouse.
Wednesdays : 3.30 to 4.30 p. M., at Iron Works Schoolhouse.
Thursdays : 4 to 5 p. M., at Town Hall.
P. O. address : " Box 60, Braintree."
133
BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation Exercises,
IN THE TOWN HALL, JUNE 26, 1890, AT 7.45 P. M.
Bootto : Fideli certa merces.
DECLAMATION Teachings of the American Revolution FRANK E. WOODWORTH.
RECITATION .
Engineer's Making Love.
S. LINA SIMMONS.
MUSIC .
ALBINA M. CAIN.
Gen. Taylor's Military Career.'
THOMAS P. HARRISON.
READING
The Swan Song of Parson Avery.
E. FANNY HAYWARD.
SINGING
Morn is Beginning. SCHOOL.
READING
The Three Sisters.
LIZZIE M. HOBART.
Columbia's Wit and Wisdom.
Columbia
ELSIE E. DRINKWATER.
Maine
.
ALBINA M. CAIN.
New York
MARY J. DOWNES.
Rhode Island
DAISY M. DYER.
Ohio
ALICE L. FOSTER.
Maryland
E. FANNY HAYWARD.
Piano.
DECLAMATION
134
Pennsylvania
LIZZIE M. HOBART.
South Carolina
MARGARETTA MCDOWELL.
New Jersey .
MARY A. MCGOERTY.
Massachusetts
LILLIAN E. MERRITT.
Vermont
BESSIE C. MORRISON.
Virginia
SADIE L. PORTER.
Louisiana
EDITH M. TRUFANT.
Indiana
S. LINA SIMMONS.
Connecticut
MARIE A. THAYER.
New Hampshire
MINNIE S. YOUNG.
Teacher
ALICE M. LONG.
DECLAMATION
Liberty.
CARROLL A. HOLBROOK.
SINGING
A Sail in Sight.
DAISY M. DYER, GRACE H. MORELAND.
ESSAY .
ALICE M. LONG.
SINGING
Wake Not Dreaming Maiden.
SCHOOL.
RECITATION The Women of Mumble's Head. BESSIE C. MORRISON.
ESSAY
Duty. MARY M. MISCHLER.
My Native Land.
·
RECITATION
Little Carl. MARIE A. THAYER.
ESSAY
.
. A Stone fit for the Wall will not be left in the Road.
EFFIE L. COFFIN.
Presentation of Diplomas.
.
Class Prophecy.
SINGING
SCHOOL.
135
GRADUATING CLASS.
ALBINA M. CAIN.
MINNIE S. YOUNG.
MARY J. DOWNES.
EFFIE L. COFFIN.
HADASSAH M. DYER.
ELSIE E. DRINKWATER.
EMMA F. HAYWARD.
ALICE L. FOSTER.
ALICE M. LONG.
LIZZIE M. HOBART.
MARY A. MCGOERTY.
MARGARETTA MCDOWELL.
MARY M. MISCHLER.
LILLIAN E. MERRITT.
SARAH L. PORTER.
LIZZIE C. MORRISON.
MARIE A. THAYER.
SARAH L. SIMMONS.
EDITH M. TRUFANT.
MAURICE L. BELCHER.
CARROLL A. HOLBROOK.
THOMAS P. HARRISON.
FRANK E. WOODWORTH.
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