USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1901 > Part 5
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another school. The recommendation offered the Committee was to send all seventh grade pupils attending the Main street building living north of Centre street and west of Oak street to the West Side building, and regrade all the schools in said building. This recommendation was adopted to take effect at the opening of the winter term, January 6, 1902.
The rooms in the Union street building at the date of this report contain fourth grade, 91, the fifth grade, 69, respec- tively. This is an unwarranted condition and one that should be changed. Each room has a principal and an as- sistant, but the work could be better performed and the re- sults would be far more satisfactory with two rooms for each grade, each having an independent teacher. The same situ- ation and recommendation applies to the third grade in the School street building. With the fact before you of an in- creased enrollment over December 31, 1900, of sixty-five pupils in the town, there need be nothing more said regard- ing the immediate attention of the town to provide better accommodations for these schools.
SUPERINTENDENT AND TEACHERS.
In October, only about one month after the opening of the school year, the resignation of Mr. A. J. Jacoby as superin- tendent was received. For more than eight years he had conducted the affairs of our schools efficiently and success- fully, and given them a reputation worthy his efforts. He left the town with the best wishes of the entire community for his continued success in his new field of labor. Novem- ber first Mr. Charles H. Bates entered upon his work as superintendent. Mr. Bates came here a stranger to all,
5
with a strong desire to continue the good work of his pre- decessor ; not to pull down, but to enlarge the usefulness and extend the benefits of our schools. His term of service to date justifies the choice made in his selection from the large number of candidates who applied for the position.
It is doubtful if in the same length of time the schools of the town have ever experienced the changes among teachers as during the months of November and December. The opening of a new room at the West Side building made nec- essary the employment of another teacher consequent upon the transfer of seventh grade pupils from the Main street building and the regrading of the schools at West Side. Miss Gertrude Pratt, a Normal graduate and successful teacher in other places, was elected as teacher for the new roonı. The resignation of Miss Sophie S. Hammond fol- lowed that of Mr. Jacoby, leaving a vacancy in the eighth grade Main Street Grammar School. Miss C. Augusta Thomas, of the seventh grade, was transferred to the eighth grade, to take effect upon the election of a successor for that grade. Mrs. Julia Boucher was employed as a substitute for the eighth grade for the remainder of the fall term. Miss Susan P. Roundy was elected as teacher for the seventh grade, and subsequently began her work at the opening of the winter term. After one week's service she found her health unequal to perform the work, and left her position. Miss Gertrude Pratt has been transferred from West Side to fill the vacancy, and is succeeded by Miss Mabel E. Davis, a Normal graduate.
In November Mrs. Alma L. Hodgdon, principal of Union street building, resigned, and was succeeded by the transfer
1
6
of Miss Florence L. Dean, former assistant in the fifth grade. Miss Laura A. Holmes, with an experience of eight years' teaching, was elected to succeed Miss Dean. At the com- mencement of the school year Miss Mary L. Stone, a Nor- mal graduate, was elected to succeed Miss Bessie L. Gibbs as teacher of the fourth grade Union street school. Miss Ruby L. Howes, who had taught successfully at Fall Brook, was transferred to the sixth grade Main street building, and . was followed by Miss Lottie W. Tinkham, who, while fully competent to teach, was physically unable to perform the work required. Miss Lizzie W. Wade, of Waterville school, was transferred to Fall Brook, and was succeeded by Miss Delle Alden. Miss Wade subsequently resigned on account of ill health, and Miss Mary C. Breckinbridge has been employed, who is satisfactorily meeting the needs of the place. Sick- ness of teachers in our schools has been more frequent than for many years, if ever before, and the work in the schools consequently broken by unavoidable circumstances for which no one is responsible.
The suburban schools are entitled to as competent teachers as the schools in the village. Where such teachers are already doing good and efficient work, it is for the interest of the pupils they be retained at prices that correspond with other schools in town, so that equality in all respects be main- tained as far as possible.
MUSIC.
The instruction in music given by Messrs. H. J. and H. E. Whittemore since last April has been acceptable and com- mended by all who have expressed themselves in relation to
7
the matter. Your Committee refer to the report of the special teachers herewith presented under Exhibit C, and recommend the continuance of the work.
For several years the Superintendent has performed all the clerical work of the office in connection with the many and various duties belonging to his position. Very much of the necessary detail of the office might be done at a mod- erate expense, relieving the Superintendent of many things and affording more time to be given to the interest of the schools, many of which are at considerable distance from the office. In places where this is done it has proved of material benefit, especially to the suburban schools. Another benefit would be the advantage to the Superintendent of having some one with whom he might consult that had some knowl- edge of the schools, and could impart information that might be of no small value to him and greatly benefit the cause which the schools represent. The matter herein suggested has been brought to the attention of your Committee by the change in Superintendents during the time intervening between the outgoing of the one and the incoming of the other.
SCHOOL PROPERTY.
The number of school buildings in use at the date of this report is twenty. Some of these buildings were erected many years ago and are in need of immediate attention, to to be repaired extensively or replaced with new buildings. The Soule building is in the poorest condition ; that at Ply- mouth street is in little better condition, and the building at Pleasant street cannot be classed as much of an improve-
8
ment upon that at Plymouth street. For several years only $1,000.00 has been appropriated for repairs and permanent improvements of all the school buildings and grounds in the town. As a consequence the older buildings now show greater depreciation than the more modern ones. During the past year, large expenditure has been demanded at the West Side, Main street and School street buildings, for both plumbing and heating. Your Committee have endeavored to use the yearly appropriation for the best interest of all the school property, but, as in the above mentioned cases, un- foreseen things present themselves to be done which materi- ally reduces the amount at our disposal for general purposes.
At the annual town meeting in 1901 an appropriation of $200.00 was made to grade the grounds of the Forest street building and build a fence on two sides of the lot. This matter was placed in the hands of your committee and $151.71 of that amount has been expended for the purposes named, leaving a balance of $48.30 unexpended. The following is the detailed report :
Special Appropriation, Forest Street School.
RECEIPTS ®
Appropriation
$200 00
EXPENDITURES.
W. H. Southworth, cash paid for fence boards · $15 80
C. E. Weston, cash paid for labor and soil . 68 57
9
J. K. and B. Sears & Co., lumber $23 22
J. E. Phinney, labor .
28 85
J. & G. E. Doane, material .
8 26
P. Gallienne, maple trees
7 00
$151 70
Unexpended
$48 30
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
Sixteen years ago the present building on Main street was erected. At that time it doubtless accommodated the wants and work of the High School, which numbered seventy- two pupils. Like all other things, buildings once adapted to special purposes are outgrown and new demands are made upon the new times. At the commencement of the present school year there was an attendance of 145 with only 4 teachers in charge of the work. The results reached are good but could be improved and more easily reached with the modern appliances in use among schools, in many in- stances, of smaller numbers and better accommodations. To do the best work of a High School the building should be separate from all others, centrally located and fully equipped ; there should be a sufficient corps of teachers so that no one shall have imposed upon him or her an amount of work whereby they must in any instance feel obliged to pass in a hasty manner a single branch of study.
The recent munificent provision for a public library and other advantages that may accrue to the town, through the will of the late Thomas S. Peirce, are matters for thankful- ness and appeal to the good will and generosity of heart on
10
the part of every citizen. There are several ways in which this money can do the town lasting good. One is the erec- tion of a High School building that shall be an honor to the town and a monument to the name of Peirce. Of the many suggestions offered to spend the income of this large estate none can be of more general benefit than this of a new High School building which shall meet the demands upon us for an educational institution, where our children for genera- tions to come may begin their advanced intellectual life and prepare themselves to become useful and valuable citizens.
Your attention is called to the reports of Superintendent Bates and Principal Sampson regarding the subject of a new High School building.
The principal of the school, to keep it up to its present standard and to assist pupils in their work who may not fall behind in their studies, spends hours each day out of the school session, besides the necessary preparation for regular school work and the demands upon him in the position he holds. This extra work is already telling upon his physical being and should not longer continue. The assistants to some extent share in the extra work alluded to, which, with their regular daily work and preparation for the same, is more than should be expected of them.
COMMERCIAL COURSE.
The demands upon all classes of persons as they enter the active life of the world are constantly increasing. It is fast becoming a necessity for the day laborer to know and understand the principles of business affairs. With this understanding, obtained by education, the tendency would
11
be to lessen the breach between employer and employee, capital and labor. In many cities and towns of the Common- wealth a commercial course is given in the High School. What is classed a commercial course by your Committee is a complete and systematic training extending over the entire High School period and so arranged that, upon graduation, the pupil will be fitted to enter college or active business life with a knowledge of the requirements thereof, as they are found in common daily transaction among business circles.
It is desirable that such a course be entered upon at the opening of the school year in September next and that ac- commodation be provided in connection with the High School. A suggestion is herewith submitted that a room be provided outside the present High School building for the Sixth Grade; the room now occupied by this grade to be used for High School purposes and another teacher be added to the teaching force. This would relieve the burdens of the present number of teachers to some extent and give an opportunity for the incoming class to take advantage of the commercial course at once. Superintendent Bates and Principal Sampson have something of interest to say in their reports upon this subject.
Dr. A. E. Winship, after many years' observation and ex- perience as an educator, said in a recent paper before the National Association of Commercial Schools : "If the public high schools attempt to do commercial work, then let them do it in a complete, strenuous, manly way. Let it be as stiff a course as that which fits for Harvard." He also said : " Action and not pose, life and not statuesqueness, looking
12
forward and not backward must characterize the commercial school and department."
Mr. Frank O. Carpenter, a teacher for nineteen years in the English High School of Boston, where there are five teachers who devote all their time to the commercial course and six one-half their time, in speaking of the causes of in- creased interest in commercial studies gives it as his opinion " first, the belief of parents that their children will thus be better fitted for the work which they will be required to perform in after life ; second, that business men demand of employees the attainments which such a course of studies affords ; that pupils themselves take to the commercial course as something which they can use, something prac- tical."
Following in the line of certain things required by laws to be taught in this Commonwealth, it is not impossible this of commercial study may be added before many years. May we not anticipate such a time and give to our young people now one of the most profitable and helpful courses of study within our power?
In closing this report your Committee desire to commend the work, happily unbroken during the year, of Principal Sampson and his assistants and renew our wish that their work may be lightened, as already suggested, by the employ- ment of an additional teacher and the facilities for their work be augmented by the erection of a new High School build- ing. To the other teachers in the town, whose labors have been carnest and painstaking, we hereby express our gratifi- cation, trusting the incoming year will bring fewer changes in the schools under their charge.
13
If this report seems long to the readers thereof,, it is because your Committee feel compelled, in the performance of their duty, to present facts that should be brought to your notice. We sincerely trust the matters herein presented will receive the attention they demand to-day, as in the past year the town have generously responded to the needs of the schools.
The estimates herewith presented include a deficit of $250.00, caused by the advance in cost of supplies and the unforeseen extra repairs made on buildings and the increase of pupils. It also includes the expense of another teacher at the West Side building that must be provided for the com- ing year.
For support of schools, including current expenditures and Superintendent's salary, $24,412.00; music, special teacher, $500.00 ; ordinary repairs and permanent improve- ment of school property, $1,200.00.
-
1
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
CURRENT EXPENDITURES.
DR.
Balance from last year
$6 72
Appropriation ·
. 23,350 00
City of Boston, tuition ·
38 00
Town of Freetown, tuition .
72 00
Town of Plympton, tuition
40 00
Town of Lakeville, tuition
576 00
State Board of Lunacy and Charity,
tuition
258 00
Tuition
10 00
-
$24,350 72 -
CR.
Instruction, superintendence, care of
buildings and fuel . $19,623 19
Books, stationery, and school sup-
plies . 1,938 98
Sundries 504 69
Conveyance to High School 474 27
Conveyance to elementary schools 1,560 90
County of Plymouth, board
35 43
Town of Carver, tuition 41 75 .
Music .
25 00
.
24,204 21
Balance
$146 51
·
15
Transferred to appropriation for ordinary repairs, alterations, and permanent improvement of school property .
$140 74
Unexpended
$5 77
SCHOOL COMMITTEE SALARIES.
DR.
Appropriation
$150 00
CR.
Expended
$150 00
ORDINARY REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS, AND PER- MANENT IMPROVEMENT OF SCHOOL PROPERTY.
DR.
Appropriation
$1,000 00
CR.
Ordinary repairs
$839 51
Alterations and permanent improvements 301 23
$1,140 74
Deficit (paid out of current expenditures ap- propriation ) . $140 74
16
SUMMARY.
Whole amount available for school purposes
. $25,500 72
Total expenditures ·
25,494 95
Unexpended $5 77
DETAILED STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES.
INSTRUCTION.
Central schools :
High . $3,255 00
Main Street
·
.
. 2,117 80
Union Street .
1,503 60
School Street
1,634 00
Forest Street
873 00
West Side
1,290 80
Suburban schools :
Pleasant Street
·
.
· $303 80
Plymouth Street
303 60
Purchade
281 60
Nemasket
302 80
Thompsonville
304 00
Soule
290 80
Waterville
297 40
Green .
.
.
.
378 80
Fall Brook
298 60
Thomastown
.
.
304 00
South Middleboro
.
.
338 40
Highland
.
.
304 00
.
.
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
·
.
·
.
.
·
.
$10,674 20
-
.
.
17
Rock
.
·
$302 40
Wappanucket
289 00
$4,299 20
Music
350 00
JANITORS.
Central schools
. $1,107 25
Suburban schools
222 05
1,329 30
FUEL.
Central schools ;
James L. Jenney ·
·
$18 49
George F. Bryant .
548 85
Bryant & Soule
419 25
H. K. Ellis
43 06
1,029 65
Suburban schools :
Albert E. Drake
$2 50
B. J. Allan
60 37
A. J. Wood .
6 50
Henry L. Thomas .
39 00
O. E. Deane .
13 00
James L. Jenney
15 64
C. N. Atwood
7 00
Josiah H. Thomas
17 25
E. H. Shaw .
23 37
Anna M. Flansburg
9 50
George F. Bryant
15 00
J. H. Vaughan
.
19 31
A. H. Soule .
.
45 75
.
.
·
.
274 19
2
.
·
.
·
18
BOOKS, STATIONERY AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
American Book Co.
$424 22
Werner School Co. 6 00 .
Dennison Mfg. Co. 4 11 .
J. L. Hammett Co.
185 80
H. L. Thatcher & Co.
86 10
J. B. Lippincott 2 20 .
D. C. Heath & Co. .
24 10
Silver, Burdett & Co.
.
93 28
Wood & Tinkham .
.
.
89 00
Adams, Cushing & Foster
.
.
3.50
Ginn & Co.
106 84
Edward E. Babb & Co. . ·
253 44
Houghton, Mifflin & Co.
48 20
The Prang Educational Co.
99 80
Allyn & Bacon
19 55
F. J. Barnard & Co.
48 51
T. H. Castor & Co. .
81
Dodd, Mead & Co.
34 00
Central School Supply House
6 00
Hinds & Noble
5 80
Rand, NcNally & Co.
50 10
D. Appleton & Co.
4 40
University Publishing Co.
23 46
E. L. Kellogg & Co. .
2 13
Boston School Supply Co.
·
190 50
Little, Brown & Co.
.
.
Benjamin H. Sanborn & Co. . 20 01
M. M. Copeland
.
.
.3 75
.
.
.
·
.
.
.
3 00
19
Arnold-Roberts Co. .
$8 52
Mineral Tablet Ink Co.
.
10 00
Smith & Hathaway 24 23
H. W. Stone .
3.00
Masten & Wells Fireworks Co.
3 40
Gaylord Bros. .
83
Andrews School Furnishing Co. .
2 00
Maynard, Merrill & Co. .
6 37
Thorp, Martin & Co.
6 40
H. J. Whittemore . .
9 97
Sibley & Ducker .
.
2 29
David Farquhar .
19 40
C. C. Burchard & Co. ·
1 10
Longmans, Green & Co. .
2 41
R. L. Meyers & Co.
45
-
$1,938 98
SUNDRIES.
Asher J. Jacoby, traveling expenses in town ·
$66 90
Charles H. Bates, traveling expen- ses in town 12 00
William A. Andrews, cash paid for labor 8 75
William C. Litchfield, cash paid for repairs, cleaning and expenses 48 75
B. J. Allan, taking census, cash paid for repairs 68 00
Dora T. Leonard, taking census, cash paid for repairs . . 34 00 .
.
.
20
Middleboro Water Works, water ser- vice $18 00
Middleboro Gas and Electric Plant, gas service . 30 77
Continental Brush Co., brushes 12 99 -
F. M. Writington, cleaning stove and pipe . 1 00 .
E. H. Shaw, labor . 1 00 .
J. & G. E. Doane, sundries
11 17
·
George F. Eaton, use of well by Plymouth School, 2 years ·
5 00
Joseph E. Beals, settees . ·
6 00
Elisha Thomas, hauling ashes . 2 70
F. W. Hayden, repairing clock 75
S. S. Lovell, services as truant officer and labor . 15 11
C. Florence Hathaway, cash paid for cleaning schoolhouse 3 00 ·
William E. Bump, brooms 4 50
John McNally, freight and cartage 8 60
C. A. Howes, labor and merchandise 4 70
H. K. Ellis, cash paid for labor 11 50
George A. Deane, labor . 75
M. K. Messer, cleaning schoolhouse, 6 00
Thomas P. Messer, cleaning stovepipe, 1 00
I. Briggs, repairing lawn mower 85
Masury, Young & Co., Nodusto 7 50
Elvira Grant, cleaning schoolhouse .
3 00
Charles M. Thatcher, sundries 9 30
Thomas W. Pierce, sundries 31 25
21
E. H. Blake, lock and labor . $1 00
E. F. Tinkham, repairing clocks and new clocks ·
13 50
George Powers, labor 5 00 .
Jones Brothers' Co., sundries 3 30
A. H. Soule, labor
50
L. D. Churbuck, labor
3 90
New York and Boston Despatch Ex-
press Co., expressage .
32 65
$504 69
CONVEYANCE TO HIGH SCHOOL.
Theodore Davis
$9 30
Grace A. Tinkham
·
.
9 10
Marion F. Richmond .
· .
9 35
Annie M. Dorr
9 05
Ethel M. Bolles
14 88
Louise Prime
32 40
William Murray
9 00
James P. Thomas
·
.
17 90
Hattie L. Mansisc
·
.
18 60
Sarah M. Shaw
37 40
Arthur C. Shaw
13 39
Minerva M. Sisson
.
.
17 19
Julia F. Weatherby
18 47
Mary Libby . ·
.
.
18 47
James C. Murray
·
8 85
Lena A. Richmond
9 55
James F. Harvey
14 73
Frank Bradbury .
5.45
. ·
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
22
Mabel F. Reed
·
.
$13 39
Henry E. Libby
·
.
.
18 47
Lottie A. Thomas
14 88
Harold M. Pratt
9 25
Mattie K. Dunham
·
.
9 50
Hattie K. Dunham
9 50
Mary S. Morse
5 35
Pearl Dennett
.
9 75
Percy A. Jackson .
31 40
E. Howland Perkins
9 25
David Cunningham
7 45
Idella M. Bryant
.
.
.
.
7 30
Frank W. Davis
·
.
3 75
Phineas P. Dorr
·
.
.
3 80
Anna W. Frost
3 70
Mattie S. Murdock
3 50
C. Amory Newhall
3 50
Cordelia B. Richmond
3 80
Ethel M. Smith
7 60
Ichabod B. Thomas, Jr.
14 80
Harriet E. Westgate
7 60
Joseph F. Westgate
.
$474 27
CONVEYANCE TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Robert W. Thorson
$177 25
C. E. Libby .
.
.
360 00
C. T. Morse .
. .
252 00
J. H. Vaughan .
297 50
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 65
·
·
.
.
.
23
Anna M. Shaw
·
.
$279 85
Joseph Carver
194 30
$1,560 90
ORDINARY REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS AND PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS.
J. & G. E. Doane
$336 09
Frank Phinney
5 60
Jones Bros. Co.
20 10
John B. Knowland
18 44
The Fred Macey Co.
20 01
B. J. Allan
59 23
C. W. Maxim
.
18 21
L. D. Churbuck
.
3 90
M. W. Baxter
.
.
..
5 75
Hiram Whittemore .
5 64
J. F. McCormick .
11 90 .
J. T. Washburn
3 10
Derby Desk Co. .
14 30
J. K. & B. Sears & Co. 149 96
George H. Thompson
81 46
Lloyd Perkins, 2d .
5 05
Eben Jones . .
.
72 27
Leavitt W. Bryant
50 60
Thomas W. Pierce
115 29
Chandler Adjustable Chair & Desk Works 82 80
W. A. Andrews . .
14 62
Theodore Wrightington . 8 00 . .
.
.
.
.
·
.
24
H. R. Place . .
$14 35
Starbuck & Whittemore .
24 07
$1,140 74
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. LITCHFIELD, W. H. SOUTHWORTH, NATHAN WASHBURN. W. A. ANDREWS, B. J. ALLAN, JOANNA T. LEONARD.
25
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee and Citizens of Middleboro :
My first annual report of the schools of Middleboro, the seventeenth in the series of annual reports of the Superin- tendent of Schools, is herewith respectfully submitted.
This report includes the usual summary of school statistics for the year ending June 21, 1901, as well as a presentation of a few vital questions which have been a part of former reports.
ABSTRACT OF STATISTICS.
VALUATION.
Assessed valuation of the town, 1901 $3,944,260 00
Approximate value of schoolhouses and lots . 65,000 00
Approximate value of other school property . 3,200 00
COST OF SCHOOLS.
Amount available for school purposes ·
. $25,500 72
Total cost of the schools for the year 25,494 95
Note .- This is the amount expended by the School Committee for all purposes.
Ordinary expenses
24,354 21 ·
Note .- In ordinary expenses, permanent
repairs and construction are not included.
Percentage of assessed valuation expended for the schools .00646
26
Average cost per pupil based on average mem- bership
Note .- The average cost includes cost of instruction, supervision, books, stationery and school supplies, printing and advertis- ing, care of buildings, fuel and conveyance.
$21.706
POPULATION.
Population of the town, 1900 (United States Census) 6,885
SCHOOL CENSUS, SEPTEMBER 1, 1900.
Number of boys between the ages of 5 and 15 . 510
Number of girls between the ages of 5 and 15. 499
Total 1,009
Increase over census taken May 1, 1898
35
Number of boys between the ages of 7 and 14 . 354
Number of girls between the ages of 7 and 14 381
Total 735
Number of male illiterate minors over 14 years of age
0
Number of female illiterate minors over 14 years of age 0
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE.
Central. Suburban. Total
Whole number of pupils enrolled .
835
442
1,277
Average membership
746
376 1,122
27
Average daily attendance
698
340
1,038
Percentage of daily attendance to average membership
93.57
90.42 92.513
Number of half day's absence
18,322
15,834 34,156
Number of cases of tardiness
669
519
1,188
Number of cases of dismissal
590
526
1,116
Number of cases of truancy. .
22
4
26
Number attending within the year
over 15 years of age
128
12
140
Number attending within the year
between 7 and 14 years of age .
531
334
865
HIGH SCHOOL.
Number of pupils enrolled
133
Ratio of pupils in High School to school en- rollment
.104
Ratio of pupils in High School to school en- rollment in the State ·
.085
Number of pupils admitted to the High School in September, 1900, on certificates of gradua- tion from the elementary schools :
Central .
31
Suburban
.
5
Total . . ·
36
Number of pupils otherwise admitted .
13
Number of pupils graduated from the elementary schools in June, 1900 . 49
Of these the number who entered the High School was 36
28
Per cent. entering the High School . 74
Number of pupils graduated from High School in June, 1901 20
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