USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1901 > Part 7
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
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Primary Schools.
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GRADES I, II AND III.
WHOLE NUMBER, 392.
The primary department, of first importance as underlying the whole, has been in the hands of the same faithful teachers who for sev- eral years have "proved their armor" in this arduous work. Here, with patient care and thought, are laid the first stones of the foundation, and with the opening pages of the book of knowledge, the child mind receives the first lesson in honor and fidelity to duty, which afterwards shall be strengthened and developed into real character. The work of the primary schools demands greater resources on the part of the teach- er than does any department of school work. Our teachers as a rule have recognized this fact, and have been on the alert for the "best in the market" in the way of new methods and new expedients. To call some of our primaries a "Congress of Nations" would be no misnomer. so many nationalities now are found collected under one teacher. To assimilate these various peoples and tongues is no easy task, and their entrance into our schools has materially increased the work of the pri- mary teacher, who often has to teach them their first words of English. The "Little Red Schoolhouse" of our fathers has been a powerful leav- ener of our nation. If this symbol of our school system is not to be supplanted by the red symbol of anarchy and imported ignorance, there must be continued the work of blending the diverse peoples that dwell together in this broad land, and of developing in their children and ours a spirit of tolerance and patriotism. So to these primary teachers falls a great work, and new lessons of love and loyalty to their adopted land should be taught with every additional letter of the alphabet.
During the summer term the Dennison lower primary was crowded, but the fluctuating population has reduced the number of pupils. At
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
the Payne lower primary. however, the crowded condition still is in- creasing. At the present time Grade I numbers 50 scholars. This con- dition promises to be permanent. It seems hardly necessary to say, that the present device of employing two teachers in the same room is poor economy, for an arrangement that is to be long continued, and that, as stated above, early attention should be directed to supplying additional room where this condition exists. Miss Kimball and Miss Ross labor faithfully in these adverse conditions and to their "eternal vigilance" is due the measure of success with which they meet. As a rule, the primaries have been conducted in a manner satisfactory to the committee in points of order, discipline and scholarship. Several pupils in the third grade were found capable of "skipping" Grade IV, and to the delight of these children, in September they were promoted to Grade V.
Grammar Schools.
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WINTHROP, GRADES IV. V, VI, VII. NUMBER 214.
MANNING, GRADES VIII, IX. NUMBER 100.
WHOLE NUMBER 314.
The only change of teachers in the Winthrop school has been in Grade IV, where Miss Eva A. Willcomb was placed in charge at the be- ginning of the school year. in September. The work in these grades has been carried on with zeal and the pupils are readily inspired by the enthusiasm of the teachers. There is a pleasing harmony in the rela- tions of teacher to teacher and teacher to pupil, and in the carefully followed sequence of study, which is especially noticeable in this
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
school. £ Each stage bears some essential relation to that which is to follow, so that incompetency or incompleteness at any point has a di- rect bearing upon the fitness of the pupil for going on to the next point. With few exceptions, the entire classes were promoted at the beginning of the school year, several members of each class receiving double promotion. The average per cent for single promotion is 65 ; for double, 90. Most of those failing of promotion have, in the way of warning, persuasion, and extra personal help, received an extra share of the teacher's time and attention. The teacher finds it an unpleasant as well as an unpopular thing to object to a pupil's advancement, after all the pains taken, yet no one else is so well qualified to judge of a schol- ar's fitness, as the teacher who has had him in charge. Various causes may militate against his advancement; frequent absence, lack of inter- est on the part of parents, and like reasons often are the drawbacks.
The fourth grade requires an especial aptitude in the teacher, as . here are brought together the pupils from three primaries. While the general outline of work is the same in all, each teacher has impressed her own personality upon her class, and has presented the subject taught. in her own individual wav. This is perfectly right and proper. When, however, they are brought together under one new teacher, it is for a time a little difficult to assimilate the several elements. Miss Willcomb has proved herself equal to the task and the school has ful- filled its mission.
As already has been stated, the principal change during the year has been made in the Manning Grammar School, where by lifting Grade VII of the Winthrop School in a slight degree, two grades have been made to take the place of three in the Manning School. Miss Arthur's firm rule, and enthusiastic manner, tempered with a quiet dignity, have won and kept the respect of pupil and parent alike. With her assist- ant, Miss Sullivan, affairs have been administered impartially and with . a fine sense of justice. One of the features of this school is the prac- tical turn which has been given to nearly all the topics studied. Pu -- pils have been trained in thoughtful reading, correct spelling, legible penmanship, in readiness, rapidity and accuracy in mathematics. Through good means and methods, they have been made familiar with the history and government of our people. Habits of promptitude,
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
punctuality and regularity have been inculcated, and these are fully as essential as the thought studies, especially for children who are soon to become bread-winners. Here, too. are continued those lessons in pa- triotism which must, in the future, be the safeguard of our nation. Too many scholars still are found who end their school life in the Grammar school. and especially is this true of the children of foreign parents. For these then, there should be special lessons in the duties of Amer- ican citizenship, and no more fertile soil can be found for the sowing of the right seed, than the mind of the average boy and girl of twelve to
fifteen years. Matthew Arnold says, "A great community, like that of the United States, must and will shape its education to suit its own needs" and what greater need at the present time than lessons in pure- hearted patriotism ? Recognizing this, the teachers of the Manning School have striven to make the boys and girls not good scholars alone, but apt pupils in honesty, energy and integrity, without which there can be no true success.
The good results of the change of grade already are being felt. Scholars are aware that a greater effort must be made and, although the full benefits may not be seen in this first year of change, they al- ready are hinted at.
At the close of the school year, both the Winthrop and Manning. schools made a very creditahle exhibition of their work in drawing and writing, although the closing exercises came to an untimely end in the former building, on account of an order from the Board of Health. This order was necessitated by a case of scarlet fever.
In October, patriotic exercises were held by all the schools in honor of the martyred president.
The June Visiting Day at the Manning School fully maintained the excellent reputation of former years, and reflected great credit upon Miss Arthur, whose sudden call to the principalship two months before, had been very unexpected. Of the 34 scholars who graduated June 27, 1901, 30 entered the High School.
Graduating exercises were held on June 27th, 1901, when the fol- lowing scholars were presented with diplomas by Mrs. Noyes.
Lorraine White Augur
Raymond Osgood Bartlett
Conrad Heuser Brooks Louise Kemble Brown
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Mary Ellen Chisholm Grace Edna Churchill
Mabel Stone Coddington Pauline Dawson
Lucy Blanche Doyle
Nathan Warren Fellows
Helen May Fletcher
Lyman Hale Haggerty
Frank Lincoln Howe
Louella Frances Hunt
Emma Sutton Jewett Herman Winslow Kyes Ethel May McIntire
Lois Choate Jewett
Raymond Douglas Lord
Bertha Cheever Perley
Herbert Wilfred Pickup
Chester Noyes Reed
Charles Chester Ricker
Lillian Maude Schofield
Ernest Joseph Smith
William Weldom Pride Spencer
Inez Brown Sullivan
Edward Roland Tilton
Etta Frances Wait
Clara McKee Spencer Annie May Story Luona Iva Sylvester Alice Margaret Turner Mary Philbrook Wait
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
GRADUATION EXERCISES
OF THE-
. .. Manning Grammar School ...
PROGRAMME.
PIANO DUET.
"Ben Hur March" Lois and Emma Jewett
INVOCATION.
"Six O'clock in the Bay". Chorus
SALUTATORY and RECITATION.
"Columbus" Herbert W. Pickup
COMPOSITION.
"Samuel Adams" Ernest J. Smith
RECITATION.
"A Complaint" William P. Spencer
SINGING. .
"Bells at Eve" Girls Chorus
RECITATION.
"A Motto from the Catechism" Chester C. Ricker COMPOSITION.
"How .I Would Teach School" Helen M. Fletcher RECITATION.
"Expansion".
E. Roland Tilton
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
SINGING.
"Our Flag" Solo and Chorus
COMPOSITION.
"The Cliff Dwellers"
Lyman H. Haggerty
RECITATION.
"A Lost Opportunity" Pauline Dawson
RECITATION.
"A Rejected Offer" Louise K. Brown
COMPOSITION.
"A Letter from China"
Maud L. Schofield
SINGING.
"The Home of Freedom"
School
"Class Prophecies" Louella F. Hunt
RECITATION.
"Wolsey's Farewell to Cromwell" Ethel M. McIntire COMPOSITION and VALEDICTORY.
"The End is the Beginning" Annie M. Story
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
SINGING OF CLASS HYMN. BENEDICTION.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
High School.
WHOLE NUMBER, 68.
In High School matters there is much to be said. The increasing interest shown by the larger attendance, the attractive courses now well defined by the words Classical and English, with the introduction of something in a business way for those not classically inclined, and the thoroughness of the preparatory work, demonstrate clearly the place which the High School holds in public opinion, and the success which has crowned the efforts of committee and teachers. The work has been in the same careful hands that have guided affairs for several years. While there may not be so much energy displayed in recitation as in some of the lower schools, there is an undercurrent of steady aim and high purpose in developing the mental powers, and in maintaining a high standard in deportment and scholarship; in acquiring a wider knowledge not only of literature and science but of life and its meań- ing. The only change in the teachers has been mentioned already, but a word of commendation for Miss Potter, who succeeded Miss Hatch, certainly is due. Herself a graduate of the school, she has brought to her work the especial zeal and interest which one always cherishes for his Almer Mater, and the record of her teaching, like that of her school days, has been satisfactory and honorable.
In September, an unusually large class entered the school, the whole number being 38, of whom 30 were graduates of the Grammar School and 8 coming from neighboring towns. Another year will see a still larger number enroled as High School pupils. As previously stated the outlook for the good influence of the school never was better. There seems to be an awakening among many parents to the import- ance of the High School work, and the advantages to be gained by a completion of its course. There is, to be sure, a certain percentage of
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
pupils who do not. by reason of natural aptitude and taste, find in a high school the proper sphere for their best development; but to the majority the school offers, in one or the other of its courses, that which will, if rightly improved, fit them for the future. In introducing a few practical studies the committee has been accused of "lowering the stan- dard of the school." We claim that to give boys and girls the tools, with which they must work in coming years, is not to lower the stand- ard, but to raise it to that plane which every individual has a right to demand. Far be it from the committee to adopt any plan towards making it easier than it has been to obtain a diploma of graduation. Certainly it would be a cordition for regret if ever among the pupils of our High School'it should become a boast, "We shall get through all light if we don't dig." This common slang word of the school boy stands for the experience through which the success of his life, if it ever comes, must be wrought out, and there is no better time for him to learn the rudiments of the lesson, than in his school days. There must be, therefore, hard and const int "digging" in any course, and practical studies do not mean "flowery beds of ease" for the student. If it is true, as has been sai i by a famous educator, that "It matters not so much what we study as how we study," then practical studies are safe and legitimate.
Of the ten scholars who graduated in June, one entered the Boston University ; one is attending the Salem Normal School, and one entered the Institute of Technology in Boston.
Graduation exercises were held on Wednesday, June 26, when an eloquent address was made by Rev. F. J. McConnell of Ipswich. His subject was "A Plea for the High School."
The class of 1901 included the following pupils :
Classical Course.
FOUR YEARS.
Fannie Bell Goodhue Clara Etta Story
Henry Seville Spaulding
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT."
English Course.
THREE YEARS.
Chester Asa Bolles
Lillie Alice May Bryant
Ethel Lena Clarke
Edward Caldwell Brooks
Ida May Butler
Grace Choate Lord
Lydia Hayes McIntire
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
GRADUATION EXERCISES
-OF THE-
Manning High School
June 26, 1901.
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PROGRAMME.
MARCH.
INVOCATION
Rev. A. H. Gordon
MUSIC.
SALUTATORY Clara E. Story
RECITATION Lillian A. M. Bryant
MUSIC.
Chester A. Bolles
CLASS HISTORY
( Edward C. Brooks
ADDRESS TO GRADUATES Rev. F. J. McConnell "A Plea for the High School."
VALEDICTORY
Ida M. Butler
AWARDING OF DIPLOMAS C. W. Bamford
BENEDICTION Rev. A. H. Gordon
MUSIC.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Ungraded Schools.
WHOLE NUMBER, 63.
These still number five, the Argilla, Appleton, Linebrook, Village and Grape Island districts Each has been under excellent manage- ment, and is doing all that reasonably can be expected under existing conditions. The largest school is at Linebrook, the smallest at Grape Island, While none of these schools can do the exact work of the graded schools, yet good progress is made, and the personality of teacher and pupil, and the relation existing between the two, are stronger than in the larger and more "machine-run" rooms. Although not quite in line with the central schools, there seems no good reason for, but many against their discontinuance. The teachers are to be commended for their good work in circumstances that admit of little enthusiasm.
Music and Drawing.
The reports of the special teachers in Music and Drawing are ap- pended, but the committee would like to add a word in regard to the satisfactory manner in which these teachers conduct their work. The town was fortunate in securing Miss Ratsey and in being able to keep
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
her so long: and equally fortunate in the selection of Mr. Macarthur to succeed Miss Hubbard in the music department. Faithful, however, as these instructors have been, it is not to them alone that the credit of the year's result belongs, but to the daily work and hearty co-operation of the regular teacher. No one is more ready to recognize this than are Miss Ratsey and Mr. Macarthur.
Report of Music Supervisor.
To the School Committee of the Town of Ipswich :
In accordance with the custom, I most respectfully submit a brief report of the music study in the public schools. I was elected super- visor of music to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Miss Hubbard, on October 28, 1901. I found excellent material in the schools and the interest of both teachers and pupils has been most helpful to me. In the High School, music had been an elective study. The committee decided to make it a part of the regular course and it gives me great pleasure to state that the work has been taken up with enthusiasm, and with results that promise well for the future.
Good results also are being obtained in the lower grades. where more attention has been given to tone production as well as to element- ary work. When taking the position, I found the painstaking efforts of Miss Hubbard plainly in evidence, and I cannot speak too highly of her work. In conclusion, allow me to thank the committee as well as the teachers in the several schools, for their interest and the generous sup- port which has been given me during the few weeks in which I have held the position of supervisor. I hope to make my work speak for itself at the close of the year.
Respectfully yours,
EDWARD L. MACARTHUR.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Report of Drawing Teacher.
To the School Committee of Ipswich :
I herewith submit my annual report.
The aim of Art Instruction is culture through the senses, the pur- pose of which is to train the eve to see, the hand to express. and the mind to perceive and appreciate. As the highest in ns is onr sense of beauty, so by giving the child this appreciation and power of expres- sion. we give him greater possession of himself.
We cannot say that any one branch of a subject is more practical than another and that therefore we must give it a greater amount of tinie. Tastes acquired in childhood are not easily outgrown and for that reason we should endeavor to teach all topics with equal thought and allowance of time, presenting each in so interesting a manner. as never to allow the question to arise in the mind of a High School grad- uate. "For what am I best fitted ?"
The subjects undertaken during the past year in Art have been Col- or Instruction ; Decorative Design: Perspective Elements; Pictorial Drawing in single objects and in groups: Picture Study: Structural Elements, including type solids and geometric figures; and Structural Design.
Unfortunately we were unable last spring to hold our annual exhi- bition, but trust that an added interest will be manifested in the coming June exhibit. Will all make it a duty as well as a pleasure to take a glimpse of our work and encourage us in our labors ? The thanks of the High School pupils are due the committee for allowing them the pyrographic outfit and we hope that we will have much to show both in the designing and the construction of useful objects.
Respectfully submitted.
ETHEL W. RATSEY,
January 24. 1902.
Supervisor of Drawing.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
Truancy.
The truant, like the poor, "ye have always with you." Much of the truancy is due to the indifference of parents who care not, or per- haos know not how, to keep their boys from becoming habitual truants. What can be done in the matter? Co-operative action by parents and teachers, the home and the school uniting in cordial effort, alone can remedy the evil. The report of the truant officer, who has been faith- ful "in season and out of season," follows.
Report of Truant Officer.
Ipswich, January 1, 1902.
To the School Committee of the Town of Ipswich :
As truant officer for the year 1901, I would submit the following re- port:
During the past year there have been reported 68 cases of truancy, of which 41 were boys and 27 girls. Three boys and three girls were found loitering about the streets and either were taken to school or sent to their homes. All complaints have been carefully investigated.
I am very sorry to report one case of habitual truancy. All means of persuasion and command were tried, to keep the boy in school, . and after a long and fair trial, and all methods had been exhausted, the boy was sent to the State Reform School.
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
The cause of truancy is variable. In some cases the parents of the truants work in the mill or elsewhere during school hours, and the child is left to follow his own pleasure about going to school. Much harm and temptation come also from those boys and girls of 14 to 16 years old, who are beyond the compulsory law, and who have no em-
ployment, lut spend their time in wandering about the streets. By their example they incite many a boy and girl to stay away from schocl, who otherwise would do right. These younger boys and girls are in- fluenced more by example than by precept, and so the juvenile army of truants is increased. Some schools have but little truancy, and part of
the credit therefor belongs to the teachers. In a few cases the parents have upheld the truant, but generally the officer has been supported.
I wish, in closing, to extend my hearty thanks to the school com- mittee and to all the teachers for their kind and generous support.
Respectfully submitted,
A. S. GARLAND,
Truant Officer.
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Truancy Laws.
The following extracts are from the statutes of 1898, chapter 496.
Sect. 12. Every child between seven and fourteen years of age shall attend some public day school in the town or city in which he resides during the entire time the public day schools are in session. subject to such exceptions as to children. places of attendance and schools as are provided for in sections three, seven, ten and eleven of this act: provided, that the superintendent of schools or, where there is no superintendent of schools, the school committee, or teachers act- ing under the authority of said superintendent of schools or school
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IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
committee, may excuse cases of necessary absence; and provided, fur- thier, that the attendance of a child upon a public day school shall not be required if such child has attended for a like period of time a pri- vate day school approved by the school committee of such town or city in accordance with section two of chapter four hundred and ninety- eight of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and ninety-four, or if sach child has been otherwise instructed for a like period of time in the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the public schools, or has already acquired the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the public schools, or if his physical or mental con- dition is such as to render such attendance inexpedient or impractica- ble. Every person having under his control a child as described in this section shall canse such child to attend school as required by this section.
Sect 24. Every habitual truant, that is, every child between seven and fourteen years of age who wilfully and habitually absents himself from school, contrary to the provisions of section twelve of this act, upon complaint by a truant officer. and conviction thereof, may be committed, if a boy, to a county truant school for a period not exceed- ing two years, and if a girl, to the state industrial school for girls, un- less such child is placed on probation as provided in section twenty- eight of this act.
Sect. 25. Every habitual absentee, that is, every child between seven and sixteen years of age who may be found wandering about in the streets or public places of any town or city of the Commonwealth, having no lawful occupation, habitually not attending school, and growing up in idleness and ignorance, upon complaint by a truant offi- cer or any other person, and conviction thereof, may be committed, if a boy, at the discretion of the court, to a county truant school for a period not exceeding two years, or to the Lyman school for boys, and, if a girl, to the state industrial school for girls, unless such child is placed on probation as provided in section twenty-eight of this act.
Sect. 31. Any person having under his control a child between seven and fourteen years of age who fails for five day sessions or ten
IPSWICH SCHOOL REPORT.
half day sessions within any period of six months while under such control, to cause such child to attend school as required by section twelve of this act, the physical or mental condition of such child not being such as to render his attendance at school harmful or impractic- able, upon complaint by a truant officer, and conviction thereof, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not more than twenty dollars. Any person who induces or attempts to induce any child to absent himself unlaw- fully from school, or employs or harbors while school is in session any child absent unlawfully from school, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not more than fifty dollars.
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Summary.
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Probably never before have the school children of Ipswich been more comfortably housed than has been the case in 1901.
As a rule, the teachers of 1901, from Primary to High School, have been satisfactory in points of order, discipline and sound teaching.
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