USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1900 > Part 6
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
10
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
action, nor yet lagging behind, unready for work. The town is to be congratulated that her schools are not altogether old-fashioned nor al- together new-fashioned; for as has been said, "wc may be alike fantas- tic if too new or too old."
The most noteworthy advance of the new system is not only the enriching of the school curriculum, but the entire change which has been made in the conception of the curriculum itself; that as the child is a whole and not a mass of unconnected faculties, that which he stud- ies must be a whole and not a series of disjointed subjects. Unity and adaptation have been aimed at by the committee in preparing the course of study from Primary to High school; that the self activity of the child may be fostered and encouraged; and that he may be led on by natural steps to the highest development of his powers. One dan- ger lurks in this enriched curriculum. It is, that the pupil in the multiplicity of studies introduced, may get but a bowing acquaintance with a variety of subjects, which he and others may mistake for thor- ough education. This throws an added responsibility upon the teach-
er. The cold, dead hand of the text-book must be cast aside in great measure, and the teacher must know his subject thoroughly. No
amount of "system" can atone for a lack of knowledge.
In this res-
pect, few if any, of our present corps of teachers, have failed. They have been alert, open-eyed and open-eared; large minded and receptive toward promising theories and methods; and, as a rule, have entered their class-rooms with a clear understanding of the subject to be pre- sented. Hap-hazard teaching has reached a minimum; and while a maximum of excellence may not have been attained in all cases, a move in the right'direction has been universal.
The past year bears record to less friction in our school machinery than has been the case for several years. Parents and teachers with few exceptions have co-operated; principals and assistants have worked in harmony; teachers and pupils have maintained pleasant relations; and the general result has been gratifying.
The total registration has exceeded that of last year. and this fact has led to a congested condition in some of the lower primaries, where nearly the entire increase has been made. This is especially true of the Dennison School, where 63 children, instead of the lawful 50, are brought together under one teacher. At the Cogswell School also
11
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
there has been a cousiderable increase. When it is remembered that among these three-score children there are sure to be several who can- not, upon their entrance, speak one word of English, the burden laid upon the primary teacher better may be estimated. The total enrol- ment at the High School has been larger than in previous years, show- ing a continued interest in, and increasing appreciation of, the higher education so generously provided.
Teachers.
As already has been stated the work of the teachers during the year has been satisfactory, and there has been 'an agreeable degree of harmony in all departments. They have endeavored not only to ad- vance the children in their studies but also to train them in habits of right thinking and in principles of honor, courage, manliness and good citizenship.
Miss Ratsey entered upon her duties as drawing teacher at the beginning of the year and her work at its close proves that she is fully competent to carry on the training so well begun by Miss Condon. The committee finds cause for congratulation in the excellent results ob- tained under Miss Ratsey's guidance. With a genuine and enthusiastic love for her work, and an artistic taste, she combines a pleasing person- ality which has been a strong factor in winning the respect of pupils and teachers alike.
The resignation in June, of Miss Lucy Hamlin, after twelve years of faithful and acceptable work in the Manning Grammar School, both as assistant and principal, made necessary a general turn of the teach- ers' kaleidoscope. The beginning of the school year in September, how . ever found each one settled in her new niche and working amicably in her changed environment. Miss Lakeman was promoted to the position of principal of the Manning Grammar School, and Miss Arthur
12
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
transferred from the Winthrop to be first assistant at the Manning. Miss Adams was promoted to the position of principal of the Winthrop School, made vacant by Miss Arthur's removal. Miss Willis succeeded to Miss Adams' yacant desk and Miss M. Ella Archer was elected as . third assistant in place of Miss Willis.
Miss Lucy A. Kimball, a competent, painstaking and progressive teacher, having resigned at the close of the school year, Miss Isabel G. Brown was transferred from the Payne School, where she had acted as second assistant, to the Cogswell School, to the position of first assist- ant. Miss Abbie Carr was elected to fill Miss Brown's place, but after a brief period of earnest, consciencious and satisfactory work, was com- pelled by illness to give up for a time. Miss Susan L. Kimball succeed- ed Miss Carr and has proved a capable teacher.
A change also was made necessary at the Wainwright School, Miss Glover having resigned after two years of faithful work, and Miss Minnie E. Hodgkins was elected to the position. Under her tuition the school has made commendable progress and the Committee are gratified at the good results of the past year.
Discipline.
If the discipline of the earlier days of the century was too strict, as is claimed, it almost may be asserted that the present system is too lax in its methods. It may be wrong "to repress the enthusiasm" that prompts a child in reciting to push his neighbor out of the way-as we saw in & school in a neighboring city recently-and to raise his shaking hand almost in the teacher's face, but we prefer a little less "enthu- siasm" and a little more of "Heaven's first law." This "enthusiasm" is allowed to prevail to some extent in our own schools, but we are glad to see that it's held in check within bounds of disorder, which term is not synonymous with enthusiasm. In nearly all cases a good degree of
13
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
order has been maintained and that by firm and gentle means. rather than by harshness, scolding, or the use of the rod. Few instances of corporal punishment have occurred and those were fully justified by the misdemeanor. In these days of flowery paths for children's feet. it was surprising (and not altogether unrefreshing) to read in a receut daily that a pupil in a neighboring city had been treated to an old-fash- ioned dose of "spanking." Our own discipline has aimed to train the children to govern themselves; to control their own inclinations and to be self-respecting as well as teacher-respecting. As a result, the cases of insubordination have been few.
School Buildings.
With a single exception all the school buildings now in use have been built during the past 50 years, but some already show the unmis- takable imprint of the tooth of time. No new building has been erect- ed this year, but the near future will demand some increase in school accommodations, if the school population increases, and other schools in the outlying districts are closed, as seems likely to be the case. Several plans more or less feasible have been under consideration by the School Committee. The least expensive perhaps would be to move the schoolhouse from the Village to the Payne School grounds, and make of it an annex to the Payne. A still better plan would be the erec- tion of a building in the neighborhood of Estes Street, where a large school quota is found. Other plans may be mentioned when the time for action comes. The oldest building is the Payne schoolhouse, which has been so many times enlarged, and moved and raised up, that, like the boy's jackknife that had "six new blades and three new handles," there seems to be little of the original structure left. The schoolhouse at Willowdale has been sold and as there seems to be no probability
14
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
.
that the Candlewood School will be re-opened, the Committee would recommend the selling of this building also, as its condition is deteriorating from long disuse. It is possible also that the Village School may be closed and the children brought into town with the be- ginning of the school year. Should this be done. a second building will be relegated to "innocuous desuetude." The land upon which this building stands is not owned by the town, as there were minor heirs to the property at the time the house was built, and no legal sale could be made. The land therefore was condemned by the town for school purposes, and should the school be discontinued, the property would revert to its original owners and perhaps take the house with it. unless the building were removed within a certain time after the dis- continuance. The Committee would recommend therefore that some action be taken by the town as soon as the school is closed permanently which seems likely to be done at the end of the present school year. It might be removed to Estes Street and remodeled for use as spoken of in foregoing pages.
The Elective System.
We would call the attention of the parents of our pupils to the growing prevalence of the so-called elective system, which seems to be demanded more and more in our High School. The Committee fre- quently are asked, "Cannot my son be excused from certain prescribed studies, as he never will use them in the work or profession which he intends to follow? Can he not take some special training ?" etc. To furnish all the special training needed would require as many teachers as pupils. The bent of a boy's mind, it is claimed, should be considered and "special training" seems to be this latter day shibboleth. The best specialist, however, in any work or profession is the educated-all-round man; and he who persists in getting a general education first and a
15
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
special preparation later, is the man of power. The elective system is perfectly legitimate at some stage of education, but there are few boys whose minds are "bent" sufficiently in one direction, to determine just what is to be their future work. Sometimes it happens that the "bent" is caused by the pupil having acquired a distaste for some study in the regular course, at which he must "grind," if he makes in it any head- wav. A sound underpinning of general education is as necessary for
the successful mechanic as for the man of science. Statistics demon- strate clearly that intelligence produces more than ignorance, and the greater the amount of all-round education, the greater the producing
power. Every specialty is better mastered and better understood by the man who has worked hard at other and less agreeable subjects. Education is designed as much to correct and strengthen the weak side of one's nature and talents as to develop their strong side; to make the "five talents ten and the two talents five." To overcome obstacles rath- er than to choose only those studies which are attractive and agreeable will make the frue scholar. The latter may make a learned man ; the former will make one really educated. This doctrine of "election" and special selection extends sometimes to the Grammar grades and the Committee are asked to exense scholars from this or that study in the course. In a few rare instances existing 'conditions have warranted compliance with the request, but such cases come much less often than "angels' visits."
The Commercial Course.
The Commercial Course which the committee hoped to see in- troduced into the High School before the beginning of the new century is still a "castle in the air." Strenuous efforts are being made to per- fect some plan by which it may be made practicable. It is asserted
16
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
by some that too much of the commercial spirit is abroad already; that the High School is for "culture," broad and high and deep. While granting this, the committee believe that in our own, as in other High Schools, the introduction of such a; course would strengthen and not weaken, the classical and college courses. The work of the latter courses does not really appeal to many pupils; they do not give their best energies to it, and consequently imbibe not "deep culture," but a kind of culturine, so to speak, which bears to the former the ratio of velveteen to velvet. The favor, however, in which practical High School courses are held is a recognized tendency of the education of today in many quarters. To be sure, with our limited means we could not at first compete with the large commercial schools of our neigh- boring cities. Perhaps even the second year would not find us quite abreast of these mammoths, but the 75 per cent of boys and girls who expect to earn their own living as soon as they leave school, will feel that they are working for a definite purpose and this will give an add- ed zest to their interest. Writing, spelling, bookkeeping, shorthand, and as soon as practical, typewriting should be included in the course. Any pupil with natural aptness and appreciation can fit himself to fill . successfully the position of stenographer while gaining the training of a high school education. The Committee find "ways" plentiful, but
"means" not so abundant. To make any success of this course a spec- ial teacher would be needed for a part of each week, just as we now employ a music and a drawing teacher. This would entail an addition- al, although not necessarily heavy, expense. The furnishing of a room with the needful appliances might come about gradually, but would also mean an additional outlay. There is no public burden that is met more cheerfully by our citizens than is the school-tax,, and because of that very willingness the Committee have hesitated to increase the burden. At the same time they feel it a duty to the pupils, who must take up the work of life in their early years, to equip them as far as possible for their work. This course would by no means excuse the pupil from a thorough English course; but would be combined with it; modifying the present course to include the new. It is hoped that some definite plan may be formulated and presented by the Committee at the Annual Town Meeting.
17
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Primary Schools.
-
GRADES I, II, AND III.
WHOLE NUMBER, 379.
These grades occupy seven rooms and a closet under the stairs. The latter recitation room is at the Payne School, where the second as . sistant is obliged to teach the class in the entry, from which the new stairway ascends to the second floor. Although somewhat cramped as to space, the supply of fresh air is unlimited. This is really the most unsatisfactory condition existing in any of our school buildings, and it is hoped that another year may find some remedy,
These grades require of a teacher special adaptation for the work. If the early training be careless or indifferent, and the environment be unfavorable, the result will be failure. The first impressions are the most lasting, and have an effect upon children's lives that cannot be estimated. It is in the primary school that the child learns to imitate the teacher, not only when asked to do so in recitation or in motion song, but unconsciously and unasked. Here it is that the teacher "may see hersel as ithers see her," and in the sight, is sometimes startled into wondering if her own words and manners are exactly what they should be. In these schools, life is taught from life, and "example is stronger than precept." In spite of their many differences of character and disposition, every child is good for something and it is distinct- ively the mission of the primary teacher to find out his talents. "The
foundation must be stronger than the superstructure," is an old maxim which our primary teachers would do well to bear in mind, and so make of their work a foundation firm enough to bear the strain of future edu - cation. The majority of our teachers recognize their responsibility in this respect, and their devotion to their work augurs well for the chil- dren under their care. They have worked in harmony during the past year, each in her own individual way. because each can work better with
18
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
her own special tools, but the year's work has been along the same lines. Consequently, when promotions have been made, the various elements brought together have been assimilated more readily than of old. The changes in the teachers already have been enumerated. Old and new are doing commendable work, in this the most trying and patience-re- quiring stage of school work. Should the present crowded condition at the Dennison lower primary continue, an assistant must be employed. No teacher. however willing, can do justice to more than three-score children under eight or nine years of age.
Grammar Schools.
WINTHROP, GRADES IV, V, VI. NUMBER, 183.
MANNING, GRADES VII, VIII, IX. NUMBER, 128.
WHOLE NUMBER, 311.
With the more uniform teaching in the primary schools, there has come a possibility for more systematic work in the grammar grades, and the teachers have been quick to seize the opportunity. A common aim has actuated them, not to secure a high per cent in each individual case, but to adapt their teaching to the needs of the child. In these schools the child is taught not only what to study, but how to study : and here is instilled the principle of the old motto, "Not what men have.nor what they know, but what they are, is the essence of real man-
hood." From grades four to nine, the pupil ascends the educational ladder with steady step, each succeeding round giving him a firm foot- hold for the reaching of the next higher. More attention than formerly has been paid to the individuality of each child, and the result has been a class of live pupils instead of so many automaton "per cents."
Miss Hamlin's resignation made necessary the several changes al-
19
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
ready mentioned. The Committee feel that in the selection of the new principals, Miss Lakeman and Miss Adams, no mistake has been made. They fully have justified the confidence placed by the board in their mental and executive ability. Miss Arthur, in the new position of as- sistant. has found, seemingly, the exact niehe for which she is fitted and her work has been excellent. Less friction ard fewer complaints of "high pressure" have characterized the year, and the results have been beneficial, especially to children of sensitive and nervous temperaments. While less home work has been required, no perceptible loss in the pro- gress of the school has been noticeable. The aim of the course of study in these grades is to fit the child not only for entrance to the High School, but also to make some provision for the needs of those who leave sehool at the end of the grammar school course, To this end, writing, spelling, history and business methods in arithmetic receive attention.
The high standard of former years was fully maintained at the closing school day in June, when a large number of parents and friends was present; and also at the graduating exercises of the Manning Sehool, when a class of twenty-nine received diplomas. Of this class twenty-five entered the High School in September. The exhibition of writing and drawing was worthy of great commendation. The brush and eolor work was superior to that of any previous year.
The Committee would acknowledge and pay tribute to Miss Ham- lin's zealous, faithful serviee in our grammar school; a service resigned to take up a similar work in Boston, whither the good wishes of pa- rents, pupils and Committee will follow her.
The last elass graduated under Miss Hamlin's instruction in- cluded
Edessa Emma Abell William Knight Jeffs
Bessie Glasier Glover
Fannie Gertrude Jewett
Edward Lee Baxter
Mary Annie Jewett
Augustus Jackson Barton Clara Isabel Blaek
Inez Evelyn Lord Aliee Claribel Mitchell
John Hanlan Cameron
Gordon Daniel Player
David Bowerman Claxtou
Pauline Walton Ross
Daisy Estelle Copp
Joseph Weymouth Ross
20
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Harry Hill Cross
Gertrude Ellen Story
Chester Leonard Dodge
Albert Webster Smith
Everett Tyler Guilford
Theo Warren Smith
Forrest Grover Hills
Roscoe Howard Vining
Nellie Frances Herlihy
Gertrude Maria Whittier
Bertram Chesleigh Howe
Annie Elizabeth Whittier
Annie Colena Young
Graduatiou exercises were held on the afternoon of June 26.
21
IPSWICH SCHOOL REFORT.
PROGRAMME.
"March"
Invocation
School Rev. Reginald Pearce
'.School March"
School
"Springtime"
Pauline W. Ross
RECITATION,
"The Progress of Humanity"
COMPOSITION.
Roscoe H, Vining
"Nauhaught the Deacon"
Gertrude M. Whittier
"The Call to Arms"
School
"Dead Man's Light"
COMPOSITION.
William K. Jeffs
"A Spelling Class"
John H. Cameron
COMPOSITION.
"The King of the Golden River"
Nellie F. Herlihy
"Cradle Song"
School
RECITATION.
"The Charge of the Light Brigade"
Bertram C. Howe
"Patriotism"
Albert W. Smith
"The Singing Lesson" "Necks"
Inez E. Lord Augustus J. Barton
"The Old Guard" Class Prophecy
School Theo W. Smith
"A Family Drum Corps"
Fanny G. Jewett
"The Best Way"
Carrie I. Black
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS. Singing of Class Hymn.
Benediction
Rev. Reginald Pearce
"Duty"
RECITATION.
SINGING.
RECITATION.
Alice C. Mitchell
"Never Give Up"
RECITATION.
SINGING.
COMPOSITION.
RECITATIONS.
SINGING.
RECITATION.
COMPOSITION AND VALEDICTORY.
SINGING.
COMPOSITION AND SALUTATORY.
Forrest G. Hills
22
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
High School.
WHOLE NUMBER, 71.
There have been neither changes nor interruptions during the year now ended. The quiet, scholarly leadership of the principal has been ably seconded by the thorough and practical teaching of the as- sistauts. The general working of the school at present is of a very sat- isfactory nature, and the fact that the same teachers are retained year after year is the only eulogium their work needs.
Although the larger per cent of attendance during the past three years proves that there is an awakened interest in the High School ed ucation, the number still is far short of what it should be. For very flimsy reasons many parents allow their children to leave school before any course in the High School is completed. This is a mistake, and a day of reckoning between parents and children will be sure to come in later life, when the boy finds himself handicapped by his lack of knowledge that properly is his birthright. Now and then it is claimed that public school education should end with the Grammar School course, and that all beyond should be supplied by private enterprise. Plausible arguments in support of this claim are not wanting. Were this the case, would the culture now offered freely to "whosoever will," be possible to any but the richer class of our citizens ? Would not the gap between this class and the rest of us be widened almost immeas- urably ? Does not the very flag that floats above our High School building teach the lesson that the best education and the truest citizen- ship "are, and forever must be. one and inseparable ?" 'The ignorance that ruins the citizen will ruin the nation; the education that sets the mind free, whether of a Lazarus or a Dives, will keep the nation free. Ignorance is the cardinal sin of a citizen of this republic; and the sup- port of our public schools from the Primary root to the full fruited High School is certainly an act of true patriotism. Plato's statement made centuries ago is true today, that "the best education is that which gives to the body, to the mind and to the soul, all the beauty and all the per- fection of which they are capable."
23
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Our High School is a fixed institution which we can afford neither to give up nor to suffer to deteriorate. The present amicable arrangement between town and trustees, it is hoped may continue for many years. The best good of the school is the first thought of each, and it is that for which each is striving.
No change in the course of study has been made during the year. The commercial course which it was thought to introduce has not yet materialized, as already has been stated. Such a course would tend to increase the number of students, as with every year pupils drop out to take up a commercial course in other towns. The tuition and car fares paid this year by parents and guardians in this town would nearly, if not entirely, pay the salary of a special teacher in our High School. Without doubt the excitement and variety attending a daily trip out of town has something to do with a few of those who experience this loud "call" to a commercial course; but with the majority, it comes from an earnest purpose to acquire the means of self-support in the position of bookkeeper. typewriter or stenographer. This acquirement should be made possible at home.
Of the twenty-two pupils who graduated in June, one entered Harvard College in September; another entered Boston University ; four decided to take up a commercial course; two have followed the study of music with a view to making it a profession; one returned for another year of language work.
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.