USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Town annual report of Quincy 1850-1864 > Part 2
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viz., to change the principle upon which the schools are graded. The time has come, we think, when this should be done. This, however, will not lessen the proportion of scholars to the teacher, although it will give each a larger share of his attention ; some- thing more, therefore, will be necessary to effect that object.
In the second place, it has been supposed that the establish- ment of a High School would remove the difficulty, by with- drawing so many pupils from the others as to afford them sufficient relief. But this appears to us to be a mistake. If we take fifty children as the proper number for each of the teachers that we now employ, we should have four hundred and twenty- nine, between the ages of five and fifteen, left for the high school ; a number altogether disproportionate to the qualifica- tions of our scholars for such an institution. Besides, it will be impossible that a high school can be established at once, which will absorb any reasonable portion of that number; and if that school must begin upon a limited scale, with a single teacher, the increase of scholars will be more than it will be able to provide for, without affecting the present pressure at all. At least, this will be the case, if the number of children increase in the same ratio, for a few years to come, that they have in the last. We will leave the high school, therefore, to stand upon its own merits, and to the consideration of those to whom the citizens have referred it, since it cannot be depended on to relieve us of the difficulty under discussion.
We proceed, in the third place, to notice another plan. It has been thought that the evil complained of might be entirely removed by the introduction of another department -a fourth grade, between the primary and grammar schools. Doubtless this remedy would be effectual. Besides relieving the schools of the present excess of children, this scheme would be attended with other advantages ; it would confine the teacher to a more limited range of studies ; it would admit of a better classification of scholars ; and, if the principle of gradation, before referred to, is adopted, it would make our system almost perfect. The object of this change would not be to make the grammar school supply
14
the place of a high school, but to provide our children, who are not qualified to enter a high school, with a suitable proportion of teachers for their present wants. There are a portion of our scholars who need a teacher with higher qualifications; these require a high school,-but with these we have nothing to do. The mass of our children need teachers with no higher qualifi- cations than they at present possess-but more of them. To raise the qualifications of the grammar school teachers will not affect their case at all ; but an additional department will. This plan will require another school house in each of the four dis- tricts that are overburdened with children; and, as the proposed arrangement would not be temporary, but permanent, it would be better to purchase, or erect the proper buildings at once. The only objection to this change, that we can anticipate, is the expense. But will it cost the people of Quincy any more to furnish an adequate number of teachers for their children, than it does the inhabitants of Dorchester, or the commonwealth at large ? And to what better use can we put our money than to provide for the moral and intellectual education of our offspring, and through them to promote, most effectually, the best inter- ests of society ?
There is one other alteration which appears to the Committee to be practicable, and which, in conclusion, we would respectfully suggest : Each of the masters in the grammar schools might be furnished with an assistant to take charge of the younger and less forward classes. With this system, our present school- houses, which are already provided with recitation-rooms, would be sufficient. The only additional expense required by this plan, would be for the services of the assistants ; and as it would be better to employ females for this purpose, the expense would be trifling, when compared with the advantages which we should derive from their labors. The grammar schools might embrace the same number of scholars that they do now-every seat might be occupied ; but two classes would be receiving the attention of an instructor, at the same time, one in the recitation and the other in the common room. Besides, if the proposed change is
16
made in the mode of gradation, many more might be taken into the grammar school, in the summer, when the others are likely to be most crowded ; and still there would be as many classes as there are now. There is another benefit which would result from this arrangement,-the scholars would at no time be left
without the presence of one or other of their teachers.
The
influence of this could not be otherwise than favorable upon the discipline of the school. These assistants need not be employed only when an occasion for their aid actually exists. Should either of the grammar schools be so reduced, in the summer, as to bring the number of scholars within the capacity of a single teacher to instruct them properly, the assistant may be dismissed, and afterwards be re-engaged, or another hired, as circumstances require. The Committee can anticipate no valid objections to this arrangement.
All which is respectfully submitted,
W. W. DEAN, Chairman.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF . QUINCY,
FOR THE YEAR 1851-52.
QUINCY : PRINTED AT THE PATRIOT OFFICE. 1852.
REPORT.
IN obedience to the statute, requiring School Committees to " make annually a detailed report of the condition of the several Public Schools in their respective towns," those, to whom the supervision of the Schools in the town of Quincy was entrusted for the past year, would submit the following Report :
WEST DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Miss A. G. B. BEAL.
Whole No. of Scholars,
Summer, 117.
Winter, 88
Average attendance,
60.
66
45
No. under 5 years of age,
66
26.
66
13
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Miss MARY E. VOSE.
Whole No. of Scholars,
Summer, 92.
Winter, 78
Average attendance,
56.
54
No. over 15 years of age,
0.
1
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Teacher, S. DEWING, Jr. Miss SARAH M. VOSE.
Assistant Teacher, Winter Term,
Whole No. of Scholars, Summer, 81. Winter, 84 54. 66 69
Average attendance,
No. over 15 years of age,
0.
7
66
The Schools in this District are in a very satisfactory con- dition. The teachers have been faithful, the scholars indus- trious, and all have merited the approbation of the Commit- tee.
4
REPORT.
SOUTH DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL, SCHOOL STREET.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
Mrs. SUSANNA BURRELL. Summer, 76. Winter, 70 66 57
Average attendance,
No. under 5 years of age,
66
6.
PRIMARY SCHOOL. FRANKLIN STREET.
Teacher from April to December,
Miss ELIZA L. PRATT.
66 Dec. to January 19th, Miss REBECCA VEAZIE.
Jan. 20th to April, Miss A. A. CHAMPNEY.
Whole No. of Scholars, Summer, 65. Winter, 42
Average attendance,
66 44. 33
No. under 5 years of age,
13. 66 7
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Teacher from April to November 5th, Miss EMILY A. ADAMS. 66 November to April, Mrs. WEALTHY MORSE.
Whole No. of Scholars, Summer, 77. Winter, 83 66 57. 60
Average attendance,
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
Summer, 74.
S. MORSE, Jr. Winter, 90
Average attendance,
No. over 15 years of age,
66 56. 0.
66 11
The Schools in this District, on School Street, have been in a state of uninterrupted prosperity, honorable alike to teach- ers and scholars. That on Franklin Street has labored under disadvantages which have retarded, in some degree, the im- provement of the scholars.
CENTRE DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Miss ANN J. EMERSON.
Whole No. of Scholars,
Summer, 117.
Winter, 100
Average attendance,
66 69. 39.
56
No. under 5 years of age,
No. over 15 years of age,
0. 1 66
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
Average attendance,
Miss SOPHIA G. PARSHLEY. Summer, 85. Winter, 85
66 64. 68
70
63.
5
REPORT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Teacher, Assistant Teacher, .
B. F. BROWN. Miss NANCY A. DURGEN. Summer, 130. Winter, 120
Whole No. of Scholars,
Average attendance,
66 85. 95
No. over 15 years of age,
22
The Primary and Intermediate Schools in this District, have been very successful through the year, and reflect credit upon their instructors.
The scholars in the Grammar department, also, have made good progress.
QUINCY POINT DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
Average attendance,
No. under 5 years of age,
66
7.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
Miss MARY R. GANNETTE. Summer, 50. Winter, 43
Average attendance, 66 40. 66 37
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Teacher,
GEORGE NEWCOMB.
Whole No. of Scholars,
Summer, 73. Winter, 60
Average attendance, 66 58.
66
0. 6
There were but two Schools in this part of the town, until the month of August, when the lower one was divided into two departments. Since that period, the scholars have been better classified, and have advanced more rapidly in their studies. The benefit of this division has extended, although in a less degree, to the Grammar School, which is in a prosperous con- dition.
EAST DISTRICT.
Teacher, Whole No. of Scholars,
HENRY M. WOODS.
Summer, 30. Winter, 33 27. 28 66
Average attendance,
No. under 5 years of age, " over 15 " 66
68
3.
4
66 50
No. over 15 years of age,
Miss HELLEN A. SAVILLE. Summer, 63. Winter, 43 66 50. 66 30
6
REPORT.
The order in this School, and the progress which the chil- dren have made in their respective studies, have been highly creditable to them and their teacher.
NORTH DISTRICT.
Teacher,
Whole No. of Scholars,
R. VOSE, Jr. Summer, 54. Winter, 53
Average attendance, 66 43. 66 37
No. over 15 years of age,
4
The improvement of a portion of this School, particularly the younger scholars, was not as great during the earlier part of the year, as was desirable ; but latterly a change has taken place, and an increase of punctuality, energy, and diligence, has had its proper effects. The School is now in a good con- dition.
RECAPITULATION.
Whole No. of Schools, .
15
66 Teachers,
Summer, 15. Winter, 17
66 66 Scholars, 66 1184. 1072
Average attendance,
66 826. 66 799
No. over 15 years of age,
56
No. under 5 "
. 94
Whole No. of children between the ages of 5 and 15, on the first day of May last, .
· 1104
Amount of funds raised by the Town, for the sup- port of Schools, $5000
Amount per scholar, $4.52 1-8
Amount received from the State, $231 99 ·
Income of the Codington fund, $75
150
REMARKS.
BY a vote of the town, passed at the April meeting, the distribution of the money raised for the support of Schools was referred to the general School Committee. But as the Districts had been authorized, at the preceding meeting held in March, to choose Prudential Committees, whose duty it should be to contract with the teachers, and these Committees
7
REPORT.
had been elected, who had engaged their teachers at stipulated salaries, nothing was left for this Committee to do but to divide the money in such a manner as to fulfil the contracts that had already been made. In effect, the money had been divided by the Prudential Committees. Such was the liber- ality of the town, however, in making the appropriation, and the prudence of the District Committees in contracting with their teachers, that the money was sufficient to defray the expences of all the Schools through the year. But the con- fusion necessarily attendant upon the practice of having so many agents to perform duties that can be better performed by a single Committee, furnishes an additional reason why, agreeably to the advice of the Secretary of the Board of Education, and the repeated suggestions of the general School Committee, the District system should be abolished, and the whole management of the Schools be referred to one Com- mittee.
As the number of scholars the past year was not materially larger than it was the year before, while the appropriation by the town was one thousand dollars, or eighty-two cents per scholar more, it may be proper for the Committee to advert to the manner in which the money has been expended. A small part of this increased appropriation was laid out in pay- ing higher salaries to long tried and faithful teachers, whose services it was thought wise to retain ; but the most of it was used for the support of additional Schools and teachers. The number of scholars to a teacher has, for many years, been too ·large for the latter to do justice to their Schools. The aver- age number to each teacher, in the winter of 1851, was seventy-eight ; but for the last winter, it has been reduced to sixty-three, -a number still too large for the interests of the children. In our judgment, the improvement of the Schools has fully justified the wisdom of the appropriation.
It was thought, last spring, that the Schools might be materially benefited by classing the scholars according to their qualifications, rather than their ages, as hitherto had been the practice. After mature deliberation, it was re- solved to make the change. The arrangement of the Schools upon the new principle was attended, however, with many difficulties. The plan could not be fully carried out at once. No standard could be adopted which would divide the children properly when it was first applied. In many instances the scholars were found to be qualified, in some branches, for the
8
REPORT.
Grammar School, when, in other respects, they had not ad- vanced beyond the studies appropriate to the Primary depart- ment. It was necessary, therefore, to fix upon some standard, and to introduce it gradually, as the circumstances and inter- ests of the Schools would allow. A selection of text-books for each grade of Schools was accordingly prescribed, from which the children were required to supply themselves, as their old books failed them, or when it was deemed prudent by the teachers for a whole class to make an exchange. It was anticipated that the new system would occasion, at first, additional trouble to the teachers by deranging their classes, and would be attended in some cases with a trifling expense to the parents ; but the Committee felt confident that these temporary evils would be cheerfully borne for the sake of the permanent advantages promised by the change. Judging from the experience which we have had, although the plan has been but partially carried out, there can be no doubt that it will ultimately be a great benefit to the Schools and fulfil the expectations entertained of it by its friends.
In conclusion, the Committee cannot refrain from con- gratulating the inhabitants of the town upon the present condition of our Schools. The large proportion of the children belonging to the town that habitually attend them, the effi- cient corps of teachers employed, the increased attention bestowed upon the subject of education, and the spirit that seems to pervade all classes, are so many indications of present prosperity. While these things remain, our system of Public Instruction, with the blessing of God, will continue to im- prove.
Respectfully submitted,
W. W. DEAN,
J. T. BURRELL, W. S. MORTON, GEORGE WHITE,
N. CUMMINGS, J. BRADFORD.
-
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE
TOWN OF QUINCY,
MARCH 7, 1853.
€
-
BOSTON: WHITE AND POTTER, PRINTERS TO THE STATE. 1853.
-6
5
1
-
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE
TOWN OF QUINCY,
MARCH 7, 1853.
BOSTON: WHITE AND POTTER, PRINTERS TO THE STATE. 1853.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE
TOWN OF QUINCY,
MARCH 7, 1853.
IT is now sixteen years since the establishment of a State Board of Edu- cation gave a powerful impulse to the public mind on that subject through- out the Commonwealth. The results have been made visible by the in- creasing attention everywhere paid to the improvement of schools long existing, and to the creation of new ones. The standard of instruction has greatly risen, and is rising yet. In no town has this advance been more marked than in Quincy. It may be measured by the increase of the de- mand for information which has been met by a progressive enlargement, for years past, of the Annual Report of the School Committee. This is right, for it indicates that parents and friends take an interest in the in- struction of their children. Nothing can be more surely laid down as an axiom in education than this proposition ; that no system of public teaching can prosper without the active and earnest co-operation of parents and friends.
Relying on this aid, the School Committee now venture to submit to their fellow citizens a plain statement of the results of their labors, and their observations upon the condition of the schools during the past year. .
The number of schools kept throughout the year has been sixteen. An additional Primary School was kept during the summer months. The Com- mittee propose to consider and report upon them in their order.
4
WEST DISTRICT. PRIMARY SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
MISS A. G. B. BEAL.
Summer.
Winter.
Whole number of scholars,
·
105
96
Average attendance, .
.
65
46
Number under 5 years of age,
8
0
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
MISS M. E. VOSE.
Whole number of scholars,
80
82
Average attendance, .
55
48
Number over 15 years,
0
0
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
S. DEWING, JR.
Whole number of scholars,
88
80
Average attendance, .
65
63
Over 15 years of age,
0
4
Every District should be examined, not only by an absolute rule of ex- cellence, but also by a regard to the peculiar circumstances attending it. In the West District, the scholars fluctuate ; those of one year go, and others take their places the next, with very different degrees of proficiency. Classification is thereby made difficult, and this difficulty is increased by irregular attendance. It requires, therefore, more labor to arrive at a good result here than it would do in many other places. In this view of the case, all the teachers for the past year are entitled to great credit. The discipline, in all the schools, is excellent. It would be difficult to decide which was the best. And the progress of the scholars during the year in- dicated a marked improvement, especially in the reading exercises. One reason of the favorable report of this District is, that there has been no change of teachers ; and a portion of the parents show some disposition to co-operate with them.
SOUTH DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL, No. 1.
TEACHER,
. MRS. SUSANNA BURRELL.
Summer.
Winter.
Whole number of scholars,
71
69
Average attendance, .
.
·
57
49
Number under 5 years,
.
.
6
2
.
·
.
·
5
PRIMARY SCHOOL, No. 2.
TEACHER,
MISS MARY D. W. BEAL.
Summer.
Winter.
Whole number of scholars,
·
81
74
Average attendance, .
.
.
52
52
Number under 5 years,
9
0
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
. MISS SARAH M. VOSE.
Whole number of scholars,
.
80
87
Average attendance, .
·
.
56
80
Number over 15 years, .
.
0
0
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
S. MORSE, JR.
Whole number of scholars,
88
74
Average atter. dance, .
59
56
Over 15 years of age, .
0
0
.
·
The Committee found the two higher schools in fine order at the begin- ning of the year, and they still sustain their character. The crowded state of the Primary required immediate attention. A division was made ; and one portion, under the care of Mrs. Burrell, was placed in the airy and agreeable room under the High School, which had been put at the disposal of the Committee by the town, whilst the other continued in the old place, under the direction of Miss Beal. The Committee regret to say that, owing to the smallness of their number, and the engrossing nature of the private business of several of them, they have not been able to give every school an equal share of attention. In selecting some in preference to others, they have paid regard to the circumstances of the respective schools. The long experience and approved fidelity of Mrs. Burrell, gave them con- fidence that her mode of instruction might be depended on, without the need of frequent supervision. Neither have they been deceived. The proficiency of her scholars, in arithmetic, surpasses that of any school of the same grade. In the School No. 2, the district has been singularly fortunate in the selection of a teacher in Miss Beal. The children under her care appear quite young, but during the whole of the year her school has presented to the Committee the uniform aspect of a MODEL of its kind.
The Grammar School has undergone a great change this year, by reason of the establishment of the High School. The oldest and best class of pupils has been transferred, being about a third of the school, whilst the places have been filled only by two successive draughts upon the inter- mediate, as the scholars there became fit to go up. The effect has been to renew about half the school, at a very material reduction of the average of age, and to change the apparent proficiency of the whole. At a first
6
glance this would seem to be going backward, as compared with the end of last year. In reality, however, it furnishes a still better field of exertion for a good teacher. Mr. Morse has begun with his new scholars in a way which, if persevered in, will carry them farther than any of their prede- cessors have gone.
This District has not changed its teachers during the year. With some unfortunate exceptions, the co-operation of parents and friends has been favorable to the discipline of the schools.
CENTRE DISTRICT. PRIMARY SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
. MISS MARY R. THOMAS.
Summer.
Winter.
Whole number of scholars,
123
90
Average attendance, .
70
54
Number under 5 years,
32
12
over 15 "
1
0
During the summer term, a portion of the scholars from this school, with others, numbering about fifty, were taught by Miss N. W. Gardner, in the room under the Town Hall, at private expense.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
TEACHERS,
MISS S. G. PARSHLEY. MIss A. J. EMERSON.
Whole number of scholars,
70 80
Average attendance, .
57 56
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
B. F. BROWN.
ASSISTANT,
. MISS NANCY A. DURGIN.
Whole number of scholars,
130
120
Average attendance, .
·
85
96
Number over 15 years,
12
25
The Primary School has made some progress this year, but it is not upon so good a footing as any other school of the same grade in the town. Neither can the fault be said to lie with the teacher, who pursues her task under difficulties that will be mentioned hereafter. Something should be done in this case, during the next year.
The Intermediate School has undergone the process of a change of teacher during the year, which has put it back for the time. It is now re- turning to its good condition at the beginning of the year.
The Grammar School has shown a regular and steady advance during
7
the year. The discipline is very good, and the attendance has been highly commendable. Some of the scholars have not failed one half day in a term. With such a spirit the progress could not but be commensurate. It is now much the largest of the grammar schools, and promises to do great credit to the town.
One change has taken place among the teachers in this District, with the usual effects. The co-operation of parents and friends has been tolera- bly general.
QUINCY POINT DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
MISS H. A. SAVILLE.
Summer.
Winter.
Whole number of scholars,
63
54
Average attendance, .
·
44.8
34
Number under 5 years,
0
4
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
TEACHERS,
MISS SARGEANT.
MISS M. A. LITTLEFIELD.
Whole number of scholars,
42
43
Average attendance, .
36.4
35.3
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
TEACHER,
GEORGE NEWCOMB.
Whole number of scholars,
·
.
50
60
Average attendance, .
.
40.5
51
Number over 15 years,
0
6
The Primary School has shown a marked improvement during the year. But it yet falls below the standard of the schools of the same grade in the South and the West Districts. It is, however, good.
The Intermediate has been unfortunate in the necessity of changing its teacher during the year. Miss Gannette had brought it into fine condition last year, but her health failed her so much that she was obliged to ask to be relieved, soon after the spring opened. This change was followed by the usual result, so that the school did not show signs of progress until a comparatively late period. The discipline is now good. The attendance has been good,-nearly as good as last year. And with a proper share of perseverance, under Miss Littlefield, this school promises well.
The Grammar School has long been under the care of Mr. Newcomb, whose fidelity as a teacher was clearly shown in the high proportion of cor-
MISS M. R. GANETTE.
8
rect answers given by most of the candidates presented by him, for the High School, last spring. Some circumstances, of a local character, ap- pear to have had a temporary effect in relaxing the discipline this year. The co-operation of parents and friends seems not to have been general and strong in any of the schools. Hence the Committee regret to report no material advance in this. The scholars many of them manifest indif- ference rather than want of knowledge. Wherever this symptom is per- ceptible, the cause must be looked for at home rather than in the school- room. It is earnestly to be desired, for the sake of the children, that a bet- ter spirit may be awakened in the District,-a more ardent sympathy with the efforts of the teachers, and that the results of the next year may fully make up for what may have been wanting in this.
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