USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1884-1889 > Part 26
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ART. 12. To see what action the Town will take in aid of the Public Library.
ART 13. To see what action the Town will take, on the order of the County Commissioners, to widen and change the grade of the road at the north part of the Town.
ART. 14. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of En- gineers of the Fire Department to purchase a steam fire engine and 500 feet of hose, and appropriate the sum of $4,300 to pay for the same.
ART. 15. To see what action the Town will take in relation to furnishing horses for the use of the Fire and Water Depart- ments, and secure suitable accommodations therefor.
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ART. 16. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the recommendations of the Water Commissioners.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will instruct the School Com- mittee, together with the Selectmen, to procure and report to the Town, plans and estimates, and a suitable location, for a new High School Building, and make such appropriations as may be necessary to carry the vote of the Town into effect.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will accept the laying out of the extension of Vernon Street and Highland Place, as made by the Selectmen.
ANNUAL REPORT
-OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
-- AND-
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
-OF THE-
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
- -FOR-
1887.
PLYMOUTH : AVERY & DOTEN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 1888.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TERM EXPIRES.
CHARLES O. CHURCHILL,
1890
ELIZABETH THURBER,
1890
CHARLES I. LITCHFIELD,
1889
JAMES MILLAR, . ยท 1889
FREDERICK N. KNAPP, 1888
WILLIAM T. DAVIS,
1888
CHAIRMAN-FREDERICK N. KNAPP. SECRETARY-ELIZABETH THURBER.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-CHARLES BURTON.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee respectfully submit their annual report for the year ending December 31, 1887.
At the annual meeting of the Town in 1887, an appro- priation was made :
For the support of schools and for books and supplies of $23,800 00 In addition to the above the School De- partment has had placed to its credit the fol- lowing items :
Undrawn balance of 1886. 239 78
School fund from the State. 82 85
Proceeds of sale of lot on Summer Street ... 100 00
Proceeds of sale of two out-houses. 10 00
Proceeds of sale of old stoves . 9 68
Proceeds of sale of coal at Chiltonville .
5 00
Income of the Murdock fund.
18 25
Appropriation for evening school
300 00
Total credits $24,565 56
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The amount of bills paid during the year has been- For schools, books and supplies $23,638 84
For evening school 38 77
Total expenditures. $23,677 61
Leaving the following undrawn balances-
On account of schools, books and supplies. . . $626 72
On account of evening school 261 23
Total undrawn balance
$887 95
The undrawn balance belonging to the evening school will be expended in the maintenance of that school, and when the balance is exhausted the school will close. The undrawn balance belonging to the schools and books and supplies will be reduced by the payment of bills remain- ing unsettled when the accounts were made up, amount- ing to $216.37. After the payment of these bills, the actual undrawn balance after the settlement of all liabil- ities, will be $410.35, leaving the sum of $23,855.21 as the cost of maintenance of schools, including books and supplies.
The classified expenses, not including those of the evening school, have been as follows :
For-
Salaries of teachers $16,467 66
Repairs and room supplies 1,196 24
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Books and supplies $1,876 00
Fuel . 901 00
Janitors. 991 66
Superintendent 1,100 00
Music teacher 594 00
Horse hire 153 00
Truant officers 75 00
Scholars at Clark's Island and the Gurnet ... 38 57
Care of privies 41 00
Printing. 135 29
Hall for High School Exhibition 25 00
Travelling expenses 10 00
Tuning piano. 4 00
Sundries 30 42
$23,638 84
In explanation of the credits for the sale of a lot of land on Summer Street, and two out-houses, amounting to $110, it is proper to state that the Committee, by authority of a vote of the Town, sold the lot on which the Oak Grove School-house stood, and removed the building to the northerly part of the school-house lot on Oak Street, selling the two old out-houses not needed in the new location. In its new position the building was raised to the height of the other school-house on the lot, underpinned with brick, and put in good condition at an expense, including the cost of removal, not far exceeding the proceeds of sales.
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The Committee recommend for the support of schools and the purchase of books and supplies, the same appro- priation as that of last year-$23,800. They recommend in addition an appropriation of $1,000 for the enlarge- ment of the Oak Street sub-Primary school-house, and the Grammar school-house at Chiltonville, both of which houses have been out-grown by the number of scholars they are required to accommodate.
This has been a good year with our public schools, so far as the faithfulness and efficiency of teachers are concerned, and the progress made by a majority of the scholars, such as have been punctual in their school attendance. But there have been two serious hin- drances to best results ; both of these ought to be remedied, and we are sure that both would be remedied if the parents of the pupils, on the one hand, and the voters of the Town on the other, fully realized the condi- tion of things.
The first hindrance referred to is the frequent absence of pupils in some of the schools for half days, or whole days. Evidently, parents allow children to be detained, or to remain at home for very frivolous reasons. Such absences interrupt the classes, impose large additional work upon the teachers, and retard the progress of the pupil. As part of this same existing evil, and akin to it, we must also note the cases of truancy which we are now endeavoring more efficiently to meet. The other hindrance, to which we refer, has been the condition of
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two of our school buildings, where, during the very cold weather, it was impossible, as at present provided, for the rooms to be made warm enough to make it safe for the pupils to remain in school.
This condition in the Mt. Pleasant School building can probably be remedied by the introduction there of a steam heating apparatus, which your Committee leave to the action of the Town, if they see fit to order it to be in- troduced.
This condition in the High School house can be reme- died only, by as radical a change as building a new High School house, the need of which has been so long ac- knowledged by our community at large.
This need becomes every year more and more appar- ent, and the High School can never accomplish its best work, nor can the best interests and the rights of the pupils be secured until such reasonable facilities for air, light and comfort, as most other towns of the Common- wealth provide, are offered to the school children of Plymouth. This demand for a new building has been so frequently urged upon the attention of the Town, by the School Committee, that we do not propose again to give the broader reasons for action, but we mention it again, as the subject has been forced upon our attention by the condition of the rooms during the recent cold weather.
In order that the Town may have an opportunity of expressing their views and acting on the subject, a majority of the Committee have requested the Select-
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men to insert the following article in the warrant for the annual meeting : "To see if the Town will instruct the School Committee together with the Selectmen to pro- cure and report to the Town plans and estimates, and a suitable location for a new High School building, and make such appropriation as may be necessary to carry the vote of the Town into effect."
The provision for larger facilities for instruction in the branches of natural science in the High School, has given great satisfaction. New interest has been awakened in the pupils, and some have been led to the study of the application of scientific principles to practical results, thus showing the value of such studies for young men, who are to be concerned in business life. Instruction in Book-keeping, recently made part of the Grammar School course, is meeting a real want in the way of preparing our young men for business ; those who may not pursue the High School course.
Among the improvements, for which we think larger provision should be made, are facilities for extending in our Primary Schools, "Object Teaching," somewhat kin- dred to the methods of the kindergarten system. We would not substitute this for the present system, but only avail ourselves of its wise suggestions and methods, so far as they can be grafted on the existing organization. In two or three of our schools this has already been tried, with most marked and gratifying results, as the accompaning report of the Superintendent will show
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more in detail. This is one of the subjects in connection with common school education which is taking a promi- nent place with School Boards all through the commu- nity, where the best methods of education are discussed. It is a question of the day ; one on which not School Com- mittees only, but parents also, ought to be informed, in order that efficient and cordial co-operation may be secured. It is based on the reasonable question : Is our present method of dealing with children from five to eight years of age, the very best for awakening an inter- est in study and forming those habits of observation and application, which they should carry with them through all the higher grades of schools? It is, evidently, a very important question ; and the fact that children so far "have got along very well" under the old way, is no evidence that other ways, better adapted to their young minds, cannot be devised ; and, if they can be devised, we owe it to children to secure such.
At a recent meeting, December 27, of the Boston School Board, a Sub-Committee of the Board, which had been appointed to ascertain the value of this improved system of instruction for young children, in connection with public schools, made a very full report, showing its advantages in such a strong light, based on the facts of actual experiment, as induced the Committee unanimously to recommend that steps be taken to engraft this upon the system of public school instruction; and in other places similar action has been taken.
We recommend to all, the careful reading of the more extended and carefully prepared report of the Superin-
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tendent, which accompanies this brief report of the Com- mittee. It contains valuable suggestions, and presents subjects of thought, which have a claim upon every per- son who is interested in the welfare of the school children of Plymouth.
All which is respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK N. KNAPP, CHARLES I. LITCHFIELD, WILLIAM T. DAVIS, JAMES MILLAR, ELIZABETH THURBER, CHARLES O. CHURCHILL, J
School Committee.
PLYMOUTH, Feb. 6, 1888.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF PLYMOUTH :
Your attention is respectfully invited to the following report on the condition and welfare of our public schools :
In looking back upon the last few years, a very marked improvement is visible in the modes of instruction, and in the corresponding intelligence of the pupils. The routine method is in a great degree superceded by fresh and original teaching, and scholars feel the life infused by earnest and progressive teachers. The traditional con- servatism that prevailed in former times in regard to the relative importance of studies and methods of teaching them, has given place, in an encouraging degree, to freer and more spontaneous treatment on the part of both teachers and pupils. Mere memorizing is severely dis- couraged, and scholars are induced to think and reason upon the subjects to which their school life is devoted, and to apply the knowledge thus gained to the objects and pursuits of daily life. In this, much aid is obtained from the supplementary reading with which the schools are quite liberally supplied. In view of what has been accomplished in the path of progression, we may hope that the future will bring about still more radical and beneficial changes.
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ATTENDANCE.
A great hindrance to the good which children might obtain at school is irregular attendance. A few irregular members break up the interest of the whole class to which they belong, and the efforts of parents and teachers should be directed to the prevention of this great evil. It is hoped that by the new order of examinations, in which punctuality in attendance will increase the rank of the scholar, some reform in this respect may be secured.
Truancy is not frequent ; but there are still cases that require the intervention of the truant officer. This office, recently made vacant by the death of the late Capt. Henry Whiting, who served for several years with firmness and moderation, has been wisely filled by the Committee in the election of Capt. Joseph Hunting, from whose well-known faithfulness and efficiency, good results are expected.
PHYSIOLOGY.
The laws enacted by our legislature, requiring Physi- ology and Hygiene to be taught in our schools, have been for the last two years complied with. The clause that requires that in both divisions of the subject "special instruction shall be given as to the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics, upon the human system," has received attention. But mere book study of Physi- ology will give small knowledge of the science. The teacher should possess the power to give oral instruction, and illustrate the points that will excite and interest the attention of the pupils. Much can be done orally in the lower grades of the schools. Even the youngest pupils
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will be interested in such topics as the eye, the ear, the tongue, the teeth, and the adaptations of these various organs of the body to the needs which they supply. The circulation of the blood, respiration and digestion, may also be treated in such a manner as to be highly interest- ing and beneficial to the young; and formal lectures with the aid of the excellent Physiological charts which are at present obtainable, would be conducive, and, indeed, are really necessary, to bring these subjects to the clear and intelligent understanding of scholars. To combine with such instruction the knowledge of such facts in regard to the effects of alcohol upon the human system as will be appreciable by children and young people, will naturally have a vast influence in exciting such a dread of intem- perance in the rising generation, as will lead to the pro- motion of good morals, the progress of good government. and the security of happy homes.
MUSIC.
The same attention has been given to Music as in the past few years, somewhat interrupted in the last year by the enforced absence of the teacher, Mr. Leonard, from his duties for a few weeks. Still, the schools have made commendable progress.
It is altogether unnecessary, in such a community as ours, to go into any argument in favor of the study and practice of music in our schools. Its aid in discipline, and its influence on the emotional nature of children in the promotion of cheerfulness and good feeling. are good reasons why it should be accorded the importance that there belongs to it. But we should do well to consider
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the refinement and pleasure that it brings to the homes of these children who are receiving a good musical train- ing in the schools. The love which the young people of Plymouth evince, after they have left school, for the science of music, as shown by the proficiency attained by many of them in both vocal and instrumental music, has undoubtedly, in great part, its origin in the taste acquired at school ; and as it affords a pleasure which will not wear out, but will increase as the years go on, we may well rejoice that the wisdom of our School Committee has placed instruction in Music on a sure basis, by employing a well qualified teacher in this important department.
DRAWING.
Although we have never yet employed a special teacher of Drawing in our schools, the subject has received con- siderable attention from the regular teachers of the Pri- mary, Intermediate and Grammar grades, and good work has been done. It is universally allowed that Drawing is of great value as a means of culture, and that the power to draw well is the opening door to many lucrative employments.
The importance of this branch of school occupation being conceded, it would seem that every effort should be made to afford the best instruction in it within our means, to the children in our schools. To this end it is highly necessary that a professional teacher should be employed to instruct, at stated intervals, the regular teachers of our schools, in the principles and practice of scientific drawing.
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PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
The attention of the Committee is especially called to the important topic of Primary schools. It affords me great pleasure to say that they are at present in a very prosperous condition. They are fortunate in possessing a corps of teachers that are earnest and active in their work, and are ever ready to adopt such improved methods of instruction as the present day is rapidly developing. The teachers of the sub-Primaries have for some time successfully combined the principles and practice of the Kindergarten system with the customary school work, with much pleasure and benefit to the little ones. This success is particularly gratifying, as it is an object which we have been anxious to attain, and for which we are indebted, in a great measure, to the aptness and enthus- iasm of these teachers. The Kindergarten system, which is founded on scientific principles, is a good beginning for the progressive course of scientific study which should be followed through all the school grades. Then, when scholars reach the High School, and are expected to take advanced views of scientific subjects, and to use books often so difficult to them, they will be better pre- pared, by their previous discipline, to enter with readier appreciation upon the harder work required of them.
The Intermediate Schools, the links between the Pri- mary and the Grammar Schools, pursue the same studies, though of a more advanced character and on the same principles that form the basis of the Primary School instruction; and thus, under the care of the present judicious teachers, the children are, step by step, prepared for entrance into the Grammar Schools.
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GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The course of study in the Grammar Schools has, dur- ing the past year, reached a good degree of excellence. Experienced and efficient teachers have now the charge of these schools, and they are in a very satisfactory con- dition.
The study of Book-keeping has been received with much approval by both parents and scholars, and its benefits are apparent to all. It has taken the time form- erly devoted to Penmanship, and has effected much improvement in this branch. Scholars are taught Book- keeping by single entry, and are required to put down all their work with neatness and precision, and are thus prepared to enter with some intelligence upon a business life. And when to this is added the year in the High School, in which more advanced treatment of this branch is given by a thoroughly competent teacher, it would seem that ample facilities are afforded in our school course to those who would acquire a wider practical knowledge of mer- cantile transactions.
The study of Geography has been pursued in a some- what different manner from that usually practised, requir- ing more research and investigation on the part of the pupil, and more illustration and wider knowledge on the part of the teacher. Free conversation on the topics of the lessons is allowed, and scholars are encouraged to use the resources of the Public Library for books of reference giving information on the subjects studied. It is very desirable that the teachers' tables should be sup-
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plied with books that will aid the scholars in their inquiries.
Another important addition to the Grammar School course is the study of "Elementary Steps in Science," written by the French scientist, Paul Bert. It contains a concise natural history of minerals, plants and animals, and a simple treatise on Physiology, Physics and Chem- istry. The style of the book is conversational, and the subjects are presented in an easy and natural manner, adapted to the comprehension of children of ten or twelve years of age. The study of these subjects, for which they have been gradually prepared by their in- struction in the Primary and Intermediate schools, will, under the more advanced studies of the High School, be- come easier and more appreciable by them ; and should their school life end with their graduation from the Grammar School, they will be furnished with a knowl- edge of the first principles of natural science, which will be the best outfit that we can give them for practical use- fulness and success in the world.
HIGH SCHOOL.
It is pleasant to be able to report the general condition of the High School as very gratifying. The discipline is as perfect as could be desired, and a bright and cheerful spirit prevades the school. The teachers are active and enthusiastic in their work, and the interests of the school are prospering under their care.
The programme of studies is essentially the same as in years past and very little change can be suggested, ex-
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cept in regard to the time given to the study of History, which does not seem sufficient to cover the broad field, which that department requires. This study, more than any other in our prescribed course, is calculated to fit the scholar for the duties of the citizen, by making him ac- quainted with the causes that affect the prosperity of a people, and by bringing before him the lives of eminent statesmen and patriots.
The subject of Chemistry has received unusual attention during the last year. Miss Briggs, the teacher who had charge of that subject for the last three years, resigned her position last July, much to the regret of her pupils, and of all interested in that department of study. Miss Merrow, a graduate of Wellesley College, was elected to take her place, and the Committee is fortunate in secur- ing the services of so able a teacher. She had. in her educational course, devoted herself almost exclusively to Science, with special reference to the subjects of Chemis- try and Physics, and by her earnestness and industry, proves herself well fitted for the work.
Heretofore, this department has labored under great disadvantages for the want of suitable apparatus for the illustration of the subjects presented. In the study of Chemistry, in particular, the aid of a laboratory in indis- pensable. During the last year we have been furnished with one, ample for all our needs. Water and gas have been supplied, and a table furnished, capable of accom- modating twenty scholars at their work at one time. These subjects can now be taught in our High School in
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such a manner as to satisfy the demands of modern science.
But, notwithstanding the facts that this school is sup- plied with a corps of able teachers, and a course of study that outlines a liberal education for the youth of our Town, there is still the drawback of an old, unattractive, and inconvenient building, that must repel rather than attract pupils to its walls.
Enough has been said in previous reports of its various disadvantages to the health, comfort, and improvement of the scholars. The teachers are consequently much hindered in their work by the irregularities in attend- ance, caused by the fear of careful parents to expose their children to the risks to health, which cannot be avoided in so dilapidated a building, and originally con- structed without any design for the purpose for which it is used.
It is believed that the public voice would heartily approve a renewed action of the Committee in an effort to replace this old structure by one worthy of our Town, and suited to its imperative needs.
SCHOOLS IN THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS.
The schools in the outlying districts of South Pond, Long Pond and Cedarville are generally in a prosperous state. They are all supplied with competent teachers, and are doing good work in their particular branches of study.
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A school has lately been opened at Ellisville, and the selection of the new teacher, Miss Addie H. Blackmer, has proved very satisfactory.
Chiltonville and South Plymouth schools are as per- fectly graded as the scattered state of the population will admit into the two divisions, Primary and Grammar, and in both districts, the schools are well taught. Chilton- ville sends a good number of well prepared scholars to the High School.
NEW ORDER OF EXAMINATIONS.
The method of examination hitherto practiced in our schools has been unsatisfactory in various ways. It has required too much labor on the part of the teacher, pro- duced too much nervous exertion on the part of the scholar at fixed periods, and excited little rivalries in the school-room which ought to be discouraged as much as possible.
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