USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1903 > Part 7
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prophesied that the time is not far-distant when justice will be done to the teachers in the lower grades.
The committee set their mark of approval to the gener- al work of the Primary schools during the year. A new furnace at the Dennison has added much to the comfort of the building during the past winter. The congestion at the Payne has been greatly relieved by the removal of a number of pupils to the house which was brought from the Village to the Payne yard, and where Miss Appleton was installed as teacher.
UNGRADED SCHOOLS.
Changes of teachers in some of these schools is the rule rather than the exception. It is difficult to secure teachers who are willing to accept positions that are very far removed from the centre of population. It is more diffi- cult, after having secured such teachers, to induce them to remain for any great length of time. They are ever upon the lookout for what they consider better positions, and their resignations are not long delayed, Hence changes are frequent, and it must be admitted that they are not condu- ·cive to the best interests of the schools. A new teacher may be willing and competent, but in order to do her best work she must first become acquainted with the school and the ele- ments of which it is composed; and it is this circumstance, where change follows change in close succession, that causes much loss of valuable time, and the schools suffer not a little in consequence. It is unwise to elect a born-and-bred city girl to the position of teacher in the out-district schools.
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She may be quite sure that she will like, but the committee are absolutely certain that she will not, and their convic- tion is the result of years of experience. To pursue such a course is but a waste of time and means, for which there can be no reasonable excuse. It is always advisable to se- cure for these schools, when possible, teachers who have lived in the town, and better still in the particular section, where the school is located. They remain longer and the work is better because more continuous and freer from inter- ruptions through changes. The out-district, or ungraded, schools, however, have been doing a fairly good work, all things considered, and the teachers are entitled to commend- ation. It is felt that special mention should be made of Miss Jewett, who teaches at Grape Island in the summer, and anywhere and everywhere, at the pleasure of the com- mittee, in the winter. Her readiness to take charge of any school at short notice and for a longer or shorter period, and her adjustability to all conditions and circumstances, make her services most valuable to the committee and the schools.
INCIDENTAL MENTION.
SPECIAL TEACHERS.
In September Mr. MacArthur, the instructor in music, resigned his position. His resignation was accepted with regret. He was highly esteemed for his personal worth and the satisfactory quality of his work. Losing a good man in Mr. MacArthur, the committee found another in the person of Mr. Joseph Kershaw, choirmaster at Ascension Memorial Church. The board was fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Kershaw, whose ability as an instructor in music is
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of a high order, and whose work since September has been very successful. The work of Miss Ethel W. Ratsey, the instructor in drawing, is too well known to need comment. When it is stated that her work is always good, there is nothing further that needs to be said.
PARENTS URGED TO VISIT THE SCHOOLS.
Angels' visits may be unexpected and infrequent, but they are scarcely more so than those of many parents to the schools. There are some who make occasional visits, it is true; but the great majority are never seen within the walls of a school building, except perhaps on the closing day of the schools. In a number of instances the registers do not show a single visit from parents during the entire year, but it should be stated that the teachers have received many courteous notes and pleasant verbal messages, expressing satisfaction with their work as viewed from a distance. This is very nice and such messages are fully appreciated, but the teachers desire a closer and more intimate acquaintance- ship with the parents. It would be helpful to teacher, pa-
rent and pupil alike. A very pertinent question is, Ought parents to confidently or unthinkingly entrust the education of their children to teachers with whom they may not have ·so much as a speaking acquaintance? The committee think not, and would join with the teachers in urging parents to visit frequently at the schools.
TARDINESS.
As a general thing there is more tardiness on the part of some pupils than is good either for themselves or the 'schools. In all schools tardiness appears to be largely con- fined to a few children, with whom the practice seems to have become in some sense habitual. It interferes with the opening work, makes a poor showing for the school upon the records, and reduces the rank of the pupil. Tardiness at times is of course unavoidable and excuses therefor reason- able, but in many instances it is traceable to causes which
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by a little carefulness might be avoided. Promptitude in children or adults is a most valuable quality, and it is es- sential that such a habit be acquired in youthful days. _
DETENTIONS.
As there appears to be more or less misunderstanding concerning the matter of detentions, it will not be out of place to state just what is the ruling of the committee. In the High school, no detentions whatever are permitted. When a pupil's lessons are unsatisfactory, a teacher may re- quest him to return in the afternoon, but cannot compel him to do so, and is not allowed to attach any penalty to his failure to comply with such request. This is a recent decis- ion of the board. The committee, however, would empha- size the fact that, in requesting a pupil's return, the teach- er has his welfare only in view, and it is hoped that he will regard it in this light and comply with the request when- ever possible. It is not thought that such requests will be made frequently of any particular pupil. Whenever the re- quest is made, it will be at the personal inconvenience of the teacher, for when a pupil returns she also must return and must give up her freedom for the afternoon. Parents should appreciate this sacrifice for the good of their children, and should see to it that they comply, as far as may be wise and right, with a request so reasonable and just and of so good intent. In all schools other than the High, prompt closing at the hour specified is expected. No detentions will be per- mitted after the close of the morning session, and in no case can a pupil be detained longer than thirty minutes after the close of the afternoon session.
DISCIPLINE.
Corporal punishment has been abolished in the schools of many places; but while such is not the case in Ipswich, it is the instruction from the committee that this method of maintaining discipline shall be but sparingly employed, and shall be resorted to after (and only after) all other and less
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rigorous measures have failed. An appeal to the better na- ture, or the denial of some trifling pleasure, is often more effective in the correction of a child than a harsh tone or the manifestation of a hasty and intemperate spirit in the appli- cation of the rod. Where the dignity and self-control of the teacher are not preserved, her influence is most certainly des- troyed. Some wise and tactful instructors manage to keep their pupils so busily and interestingly employed that they have no time for mischief. There are instances, however, when all expedients and gentle means of correction prove in- effectual, and it is then that is discovered the wisdom of the ancient proverb, "Spare the rod and spoil the child." The punishment even then should not be abusive, but rational and humane. Discipline must be maintained in the schools, but the burden of correction should devolve largely upon the home. When the work of the home in this regard is thor- oughly and conscientiously performed, there is little need of the good offices of the school. The following quotation is so very much to the point that we give it place in this connec- tion: "The school says to the home: 'The child is yours, not mine. To feed and clothe him is not enough. You must do more than that. To send him forth into the world of school orderly and law-abiding; to watch his progress; to encourage his efforts; to check his wrong tendencies; to punish him for misconduct-that is your duty. To be truth- ful, courteous and diligent-that is the child's duty. To make his lessons interesting and to teach him thoroughly- that is my duty. Make your child teachable, and I will teach him; but I cannot do your work; you cannot do mine; neither you nor I can do the child's. We must all work to- gether to produce a citizen who will be a benefit to society."
PREFERENCE GIVEN TO HOME-APPLICANTS FOR TEACHERS' POSITIONS.
Among those who apply for teachers' positions, it is the policy of the committee to give the preference to the home-applicant, where it can be done without detriment to
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the schools. The interests of the schools demand the best talent that can be secured, but when the domestic article is as good as the imported, the board is sufficiently patriotic as to prefer the home production. Our own people are near- er, and it may be said dearer, than strangers, and therefore have the priority of claim. The tax-payers of Ipswich sup- port the public schools of the town, and where they have daughters who are capable of becoming efficient teachers, the fact should be recognized and their tax returned through the employment of the daughters as instructors in the schools It is the policy of extending to school matters the principle of never going out of town when one can get just as good at home. Experience has proven that the average home-teacher gives quite as good service as the stranger. He Who said that "A prophet is not without honor save in his own coun- try," but quoted a proverb, ancient even in His day, and which may be as true now, as ever, in its general applica- tion, but which certainly fails in specific instances. An- plied to teachers and teaching in Ipswich, the rule would prove the exceptions, rather than the reverse. Among our most respected, most influential and most successful teach- ers, who have held positions on our teaching force for many years, are ladies who are natives of the town and have ever resided here. Real merit will often receive recognition and reward at home as well as abroad. The committee see no reason for change of policy, and graduates of our High school, after taking an approved course of training, are en- couraged to apply for positions in our schools, with the as- surance that their qualifications will be fully considered.
THE CLOSING OF OUT-DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
The following is copied from the report of the State Board of education, and is published to show that the action of the committee in closing some of the out-district schools is endorsed by the highest educational authority in the state: "The policy of uniting small schools in large cen- tral ones has made great strides during the decade. The
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movement is a wholly voluntary one, the law authorizing but not requiring it. It means, on the whole, better build- ings, better appointments, better grading, better teaching, better results. It brings the children of different sections of the town together, reduces a certain provincialism that is due to the old-time dispersion and isolation of the schools, and makes the central school a natural and feasible centre for certain outside social and educational enterprises that may properly be encouraged in connection with it. The same expenditure of money goes further under this centrali- zation. If it costs more than the old way, it is because the interest of the people is more active to secure good results." In at least one instance the closing of an out-district school was done at the request of a large majority of parents living in the district where the school was located, and in no case has a school been closed without the consent of those most interested.
DISBURSEMENT OF SCHOOL FUNDS.
This is a question of vital importance to every tax payer. It is the right of all citizens to know how the ap- propriation is being expended and to inquire as to whether our schools are costing the town more than they should. True, the appropriation has been increased; but it is also true that strong effort has been made to keep down the ex- penses of the school department. But how can a superin- tendent be engaged; a commercial course introduced, neces- sitating the employment of an extra teacher, the purchase of an entire outfit of text-books and supplies, typewriters, etc .; a schoolhouse which has fallen into disuse in its pres- ent location be removed to a place where it can serve the purpose for which it was erected; a new furnace installed in a house where conditions have been somewhat dangerous to the health of the children through low temperature; how, we ask, can such things be done unless the appropriation is increased? And nothing has been said in this connection about the expense of a chemical and physical laboratory and
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various other requirements of the High and common schools. Where the law compels, or the people require, certain things, what choice have the committee? Sometimes, it is said that teachers are paid too much; at others, too little. Again, 'we are told that we do not pay as much as surrounding towns. But what are the facts? From the returns from towns as published in the report of the State Board for 1903, we learn that the average of salaries paid Ipswich teachers is larger than that of Essex, Wenham, Topsfield, Rowley, Newbury or Georgetown; but is not so large as that of Hamilton, Rockport, Manchester, Beverly, Danvers or Marblehead. The average salary paid to female teachers in Ipswich is $40 per month; the average of the entire state is $53.37. So it is seen that Ipswich is over $13. below the state average, from which it is argued that the committee cannot be charged with prodigality, unless the funds are woefully wasted throughout the state. In the education of each child the average cost in the state is $27.10. In Ipswich last year it was less than $20. Here again it is shown that the com- mittee have disbursed the funds with greater economy than most other places in the state. The appropriation asked for this year does not cover the actual needs of the schools, but the committee will do their best with whatever the people may be pleased to place in their hands, and will endeavor to make every dollar count in the interest of the schools.
OTHER REPORTS.
The reports which have been made to the committee by the superintendent, the principal of the High school, music instructor, drawing instructor, and truant officer, are published herein, together with the reports of the trustees of the various school funds, and for them the committee be- speak a careful perusal.
George W. Tozer, Ch. ) John H. Cogswell, Sec. 1 Harriet E. Noyes, Charles W. Bamford, 1
School Committee Ipswich
Charles G. Hull, J
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IN MEMORY.
-
Mr. Charles S. Cummings, member of the Board of Overseers and the School Committee, died of paralysis at his home on Central Street, Thursday, January 7th, 1904. Of Mr. Cummings the Ipswich Chronicle said:
"His death means a great loss to many people whom he has befriended in both his private and official capacity. He had been connected with the public affairs of the town for a long term of years, and always fulfilled his duties in a most conscientious manner. He was for nine years a member of the board of overseers and was very faithful in the work en- tailed by the office. As a member of the school board, he was actively interested in all that pertained to the best in- terests of the schools. He was genial and helpful to his col- leagues and ready always to "lend a hand" wherever he was needed. His associates in office deeply regret his death, feeling truly that
'The warmest of hearts is frozen, The freest of hands is still; And the gap in our picked and chosen The long years may not fill.' "
These sentiments are endorsed by the committee, to whom the death of Mr. Cummings brings a sense of person- al loss. The following resolutions were adopted and pub- lished in the above-mentioned paper:
"Whereas, The All Father, in infinite love and wis- dom, has removed our beloved brother and esteemed fellow member from the scenes of earthly activity to the higher and more honorable service of the world eternal; therefore, be it
Resolved, That in his death the committee suffers the
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loss of a faithful and efficient member, an earnest and con- stant worker in behalf of the educational interests of the community; that the town loses not only a trustworthy of- ficial, but a most exemplary citizen, upright, just and true; and that, as a sincere friend and willing fellow laborer, we shall ever cherish his memory and "esteem him very highly in love for his works' sake." Also, be it
Resolved, That the foregoing expressions be published in the local paper, a copy of the same be sent to each of the children of the deceased and that they be spread upon the records of the committee.
George W. Tozer, Ch. ) John H. Cogswell, Sec. -
Harriet E. Noyes, Charles W. Bamford, Charles G. Hull, L
School Committee Ipswich
REPORTS
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT, PRINCIPAL, MUSIC AND DRAWING INSTRUCTORS, TRUANT OFFICER, AND TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL FUNDS
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
Members of the School Committee:
It gives me pleasure to submit to you, and through you to the people of the town of Ipswich. my second annual report of the condition and work of the schools. In a report of this kind. one of the most important features should be outlining plans which will be for the im- provement of the schools. Hence I begin by describing our conditions and pointing out the immediate necessity of more school room, and a larger teaching force. It has been the custom for years past to retain the children in the Primary schools-the Payne, Cogswell and Dennison-for four years. With the present school accommodations, no other way is apparent. The number of pupils who are compelled to at- tend these schools is much in excess of the lawful accommo- dation of the school rooms. There is a state law which forbids more than fifty children to be in a room where there is only one teacher employed. With the exception of the lower room of the Payne, which has been relieved by moving in the Village school building, every one of these Primary schools has numbered more than fifty at sometime during the past year. There should be an extra school room pro- vided for the fourth year children after this year. There will still be enough children left in the first three grades to make two schools in each of the Primary buildings. If the provision of this extra room is not possible within the finan-
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cial resources of the town, then a competent assistant should be provided for each of the Primary schools. With these assistants the work of four grades, instead of three, could be accomplished in these schools and the children promoted from the Primary schools to the fifth grade.
It is impossible for one teacher unassisted to do satis- factory work with from fifty to sixty children. The results of such overcrowding in our schools is apparent in the large number of children who have become mentally stagnant. If these children had received proper attention during the first two years of their school life, it is my opinion that many of them would not have been so slow and backward. I firmly believe that neither teachers nor children are so much to blame as the conditions which have prevented the teachers from giving and the pupils from receiving proper attention. I would not stop by simply emphasizing the mental stagna- tion which is prevalent. but also by calling attention to the fact that in a room with so large a number of pupils the physical, as well as mental, development is retarded. The air becomes quickly exhausted and is frequently charged with disease germs, which, necessarily in an atmosphere re- breathed and over-breathed, prove enervating and danger- ous to the health of the children. The thing for the people of the town to do is to face the problem squarely and pro- vide means of relief for their schools.
The prospect is that the High school will be larger next year than it is at present as the incoming class will be larger than the outgoing class. Therefore the need for more room in Manning building for the High school is im- minent: and at the present rate of increase in numbers of the pupils in the High school another teacher will soon be needed The unsatisfactory arrangement for the eighth and ninth grades is apparent to any one who visits these rooms in the Manning building. The room used by the eighth grade is
too small to be used as a regular school room. The present conditions indicate that for the next year all the pupils of the eighth grade cannot be seated at one time in the small
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room so that a constant marching in and out of the ninth grade room is necessitated. This results in much lost time and waste of energy. The room is therefore not only need- ed for the use of the High'school itself, but is also insuffi- cient for the accommodation of the eighth and ninth grades occupying it.
People are rapidly beginning to see the importance of a strong and vigorous body, with even, regular health. Too often in the past the whole emphasis of school work has been upon mental attainments with a complete disregard of phy- sical development upon which depends business success, so- cial enjoyment, moral worth and civic usefulness. For young persons to grow up thin chested and with undeveloped muscles while making the effort for mental attainment is for them to destroy their possibility of the success for which they have striven so hard. This condition of affairs with its alleviation is one with which educators and thinkers are becoming much concerned, more especially as it is recog- nized that good health is the greatest agent in establishing good morals.
Some communities are attempting to utilize the play- time of the children for better physical development by hav- ing organized playing of games at recess. Instead of rough and tumble play, games are under the charge of the teach- ers. In no place can lessons in self-control and regard for the rights of others be so well taught and learned as in the properly conducted sports and games of the school yard. During the present winter term the recess period has been devoted to gymnastic exercises in the school rooms. This has the disadvantage of being indoors yet avoids the demor- alizing influence of the general recess and with proper care as to opened windows during the exercises gives a supply of fresh air to the children, without the evils of wet feet and clothing so often accompanying the out-of-door recess.
The time is near at hand when the board should take into careful consideration the advisability of having a direc- tor of physical training come to the town during the winter
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term, who shall systematize the work and instruct the teach- ers in the principles and methods of gymnastic training. The assembly hall in the Manning building would be an ex- cellent room for a gymnasium, in which basket ball and other games could be pleasurablenducted. Pupils of high and grammar school age are much benefitted by systematic drills and organized games.
The business course in the High school has proven popular. There are at present thirty-one pupils taking the course. There are two reasons which may prompt pupils to take this course. The only worthy reason is that those who take the course are fitting themselve, for some useful busi- ness position which the pursuit of these subjects will train them to fill. The other reason, sometimes stated, that pu- pils hope to find this course easier, is not just to the motives of the majority who elect this course. yet as some apparent- ly have such an object in mind. the course should be made so rigorous that all must understand that to elect it means as much work as any other course.
I beg leave to reiterate what I wrote last year of the necessity of a better fitting up and equipment of a labora- tory for teaching the sciences in the High school.
WRITING.
We are now using the, Medial Slant System of writing in all our grades. The stumbling-block to avoid now is a return to the old illegible forty-five degrees slant. We are endeavoring to make the change from vertical to medial slant without a radical break. The free arm movement ex- ercises are used from the beginning in both drawing and writing. I believe the trouble was not so much with vertical writing as with the method of teaching. The free-arm movement was entirely dropped in many schools with the inevitable result of slow mechanical writing. A great effort is made to keep the children from gripping the pen-holder
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