USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1892 > Part 6
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Stocker, John E. Jr.
Lynn I 65
Sears, Elisha B.
Boston 8 15
Tucker, Hussey & Chandler 49 50
Tuttle, George, Lynn 4 12 Thurston, Sarah 38 78 Upham, Nath, heirs 16 50 Walton, Sarah 6 19
Walker, Charles F. 21 45 Wells & Ham, Lynn 7 84 Wentworth, Geo. L. 60 84 Whittaker, Francis E. 19 80 Wilson, George F. 31 35
Wilson, Abbie
4 12
Franklin Trotting Park, Engeman, Geo. H. & Wm. H. 509 77
Crough, Patrick 30 35
116
COLLECTOR'S REPORT.
SUPPLEMENTARY LIST.
Bradford, Frank 4 13
Breed, Amos F. $1 24
Perkins, Ward $2 00
Clark, Theo., heirs I 24
Pettee, Henry T. 35 83
Cochrane, Geo. H. 2 00
Philbrook, Alvah
2 00
Cox, Thomas 2 00
Pillings, James
2 00
De Young, Louis
2 00
Pillings, Chas. L. 2 00 Heffernan, Timothy J. 2 00 Pinkham, Daniel D. 2 00 Jones, Walter J. 2 00
Pierce, George J. 2 41
Kenney, Chas. E. 2 00
Porter, Fred F. 2 00
Kidder, Elbridge 5 78
Potter, Mary E. 25 57
Kidder, Nancy, heirs 8 25
Platt, Ezaias S. W. 2 IO
Mulroony, John 2 00
Pool, William
2 00
Mungan, John J. 2 00
Pool, Chas. H.
3 65
Perkins, Howard E 2 00
Pool, Larkin W.
2 00
Nichols, George S. 2 00
Pool, Thomas D. 2 00
Roberts, James W. 2 00
Powell, David IO 25
Ross, James A. ยท
2 00
Pranker, Edward
2 00
Shorks, Robert 2 00
Pierce, Shepherd 2 00 Starkey, John C. 33 00
Hurd, Henry J. 2 00 Raddin, Amos
I 24
Gay, Walter A. 2 00
Thompson, Herb. B. 2 00
Bannon, Daniel S.
2 00 Warren, Charles 2 00
Moriarty, Joseph
2 00 Willey, Henry 2 00
Barker, Patrick H.
22 00
Wilson, Edwin W. 2 00
The amount to be carried forward at the bottom of page 32 should be $323 49.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TO THE
TOWN OF SAUGUS.
For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1892.
SAUG
W
0.
1629
1815.
LYNN, MASS : PRESS OF JOHN F. MCCARTY, & CO. 27 CENTRAL SQUARE, 1893.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
E. G. SMITH, Committee on Supplies,
term expires 1894.
HENRY J. MILLS, Secretary, term expires 1893. JOHN H. PARKER, term expires 1893.
Truant Officers-E. G. SMITH, HENRY J. MILLS.
The Board meets in its room in the Town Hall, the first Monday of each month, at 7.30 P. M.
SCHOOL REPORT
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES.
The Committee charge themselves with
Town appropriation $9,500 00
From State .
106 36
Balance from last year
III 00
Error on bill of S. Edmands,
40
$9,717 76
The Committee credit themselves with the following expenditures :-
Salaries-High School . $1,617 82
Four Grammar Schools 1,440 00
Four Intermediate
1,331 00
Five Primary 1,763 00
Two Mixed
674 50
Music Teacher 288 00 .
$7,114 32
Books and supplies
$768 81
Janitors' Salaries
515 75
Fuel
706 64
Repairs on Buildings
79 88
Cleaning School Rooms
86 85
Repairs on Stoves
84 82
Taking School Census
25 00
Care of Supplies
45 00
Writing Reports
25 00
Printing
8 00
Express
II 90
Incidentals
.
27 07
Fitting up Bond's Hall
218 97
Balance unexpended
75
$2,603 44
$9,717 75
4
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
APPROPRIATION.
In looking over this Town and making a careful comparison we shall readily see that there has been quite a rapid increase in population.
Some of our citizens were astonished when they saw the five hundred children in line on Columbus day, yet we might have increased that number by about two hundred more.
We understand that there has been a demand for more schools, this has meant more money.
The Grammar School that was opened in September in Mr. Bond's hall, Cliftondale, called for about two hundred dollars in order to furnish the room for school work, and in addition to this the expenses must be paid from month to inonth of running another school.
Hence for this year we have judged that it would be necessary to ask for ten thousand and five hundred dol- lars in order to meet the present demand.
We appreciate the fact that the citizens of this Town have always been liberal in providing for their schools, and we hope that this year they will not fall below the level of their opportunity.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
Many of our educators say that forty scholars for one teacher is enough. The packed condition, the close contact, is not favorable to secure the best results in the school-room. In Ward 2 we have in the Grammar school about sixty pupils. We have had this year in the intermediate school, Ward 2, between sixty and seventy scholars. Now by patience and by cherishing a kindly spirit we shall be able to bear the burden for a season, but these facts indicate to us that in the near future something will have to be done in the way of pro- viding for more room.
5
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The two rooms on Essex St. were rapidly filled. Five years ago we had about twenty-two scholars that attend- ed school in Mr. Penney's house, now we have about ninety pupils in the Essex St. school-house.
But the most serious question that confronts us, at the present time, is in relation to the schools in Cliftondale. The new Grammar school is in need of a permanent home. The hall is pleasant, but a school-room would be delightful. Now while you are meditating, just step into the Primary school in Cliftondale, and look into the faces of between seventy and eighty eager, earnest children.
A dark curtain that extends through the room clouds the faces of the little ones ; and when the day is stormy the whole appearance of the place is gloomy.
Now with an arrangement like this we shall not flatter ourselves with the fact that the best work can be done here by these two teachers. This may be the best plan for the present, but the children and the teachers and all who are interested in the best results, plead for better accommodations. Hence if we provide for Cliftondale this year the demands of other parts of the town can be met next year, so that the burden of taxation will not come upon us all at once.
PRIMARY GRADE.
The great majority of those who have children recog- nize the fact that there are certain laws that must be obeyed Others seem to forget the rule for our con- duct-hence, let us refresh our minds with this language.
" The School Committee shall not allow a child, who has not been duly vaccinated, to be admitted to or con- nected with the public schools." We hope that mistakes may be guarded against in the future, as they relate to this matter.
6
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
It is a source of satisfaction that our teachers remain with us year after year. In the Primary department our teachers have given a long term of service, so that they have become accustomed to the ways of the little ones, and are able to meet the requirements. The statement is quite frequently made that almost any one could teach a Primary school-most any one can walk about the room; fill the chair occasionally; use the rattan and assist the children when they are preparing to go home - but when it comes to the vital work in the school-room thorough preparation is requisite.
The child in the home needs to have a clear view of what is right and what is wrong. Thus, in the school- room he needs to know the first principles clearly, the methods plainly presented ; then he lays a foundation ; he starts right, so that we can see the result of this good thorough work in the other schools, but if this is neglected, the child does not receive proper instruction as he commences his work, he will be the sufferer as he advances to the next grade. Hence, as the child enters the school-room we should have in view his welfare, and start him off in such a way as to secure the largest results in the few years that he may remain in school.
INTERMEDIATE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
These days for the teachers are not entirely perfect. We have Cains and Abels in our schools, hence, on cer- tain occasions the rebellious brother has risen up, being encouraged at home, and has recorded himself as being against the rules of the school.
But these cases of insubordination have only been slight ruffles upon the calm surface of the school life for this year. The most of our teachers have been with us a long time ; they understand the situation, and know readily how to decide difficult questions.
7
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Our new teachers are doing well so that throughout the town we have great reason to be very much encour- aged. More could be accomplished if the number in some of our school rooms could be reduced ; but as it is we are determined to secure the best results for the chil- dren with what we have, hoping for something better in the near future.
When the child reaches the intermediate school many are led to believe that only one step is required to enter the next grade; now, if we look at this matter for a moment we shall see at once that there is a great deal of hard work to be done, and it requires time and patience in order to fit the child for the next grade.
Some of the parents are very ambitious and we may say very urgent for their scholars to be promoted when they are not fit to take up the work of the Grammar school.
By thus pressing the child into a condition beyond his years or ability we are not helping him, but bringing upon him lasting injury. We have met this same experience in the Grammar School, some of the parents were very much disappointed because their children did not get the repuired per cent so that they could be admitted to the High school. It is better to be a year later in entering the High school and get a good thorough preparation for the work, than to go there poorly prepared and then drop out in a short time. We need to pay the price of promotion by good thorough work in the school room, then we shall enter the high school with a purpose to remain and give ourselves entirely to the task that is set before us.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Although it is not necessary to say very much about the High School, a word may not be out of place.
The teachers have been with us long enough to prove beyond a doubt that they are deeply interested in the
S
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
welfare of the pupils under their care. There is no attempt to rush the scholars through a given study to make it appear that they are doing great things, but the purpose is to take step by step understandingly, get the matter into the mind, then advance when the whole subject is mastered. This is the kind of work that means business in the future life of the pupil.
Some teachers adopt the sliding method for their own ease and gratification, but it is fortunate for us and a blessing to our scholars that they are required to study and reason out these great problems for themselves. We wish them much success in their school work for this year.
ENTHUSIASM FOR THE WORK.
The blessed privilege is before us of moulding and shaping the young mind for service in the future. The teacher's throne reminds us of a crown, yet in this com- manding position we do not see that enthusiasm for the work that its importance demands. As a rule with our teachers there is an earnest purpose to rouse the children to do their best work every day, but this is not quite true of our entire number. What may be seen here in a few of our schools is true in other places, yet we feel that a little more life in the service on the part of the teacher would result in waking up some of our scholars from their slumbering condition.
It is said that nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm ; it moves stones, it charms brutes and inspires the scholar for service in the school-room. We have seen teachers who seemed to be delighted because they could move their scholars with the rattan-but if we can move them with the touch of enthusiasm for this grand, far-reaching work in the school we may feel that we are laying up treasures in their lives. Now we are sure that a few grains of this enthusiasm well-directed in some of our schools would result in a glorious harvest.
9
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
WE NEED THE HEARTY CO-OPERATION OF THE PARENTS.
It is said that parents should always sustain the teacher in maintaining his authority in the school.
That authority is supreme and may never be trifled with by the pupil. Unconditional obedience in the school, as well as in the family, is the rule, and the teacher has a right to expect the cordial support of all his patrons in enforcing that rule. The best good of the child, as well as the success of the school, depends upon this co-operation.
Parents are too often ready to listen to the complaints of their children, and to sympathize with them in rebel- lion against the authority of the school. It would be better never to allow such fault-finding, never to criti- cise, but always to sustain the teacher in the presence of children. If they can have the encouragement of parents in their recklessness at school, they will become bold and defiant, and will paralyze, if they do not destroy the influence and efforts, even of the best teachers.
Obedience and fidelity are required of them in all their relations to the school, no matter under what cir- cumstances they are placed. If all parents should take this view of the subject, and so co-operate and sustain their teachers, our public shools would be vastly more efficient and useful than they have ever been ; yet we find, notwithstanding all that is said upon this subject, parents standing in their own light as it relates to this matter, and bring down upon themselves a sad experience.
(I) Attendance.
We may understand by a moment's reflection that in order to make the most out of the time that is given us for school work, we must be in our places every day
10
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
attending to our studies. Many here in our town see clearly the importance of this idea and act upon it, while others are indifferent or careless and for this thing and that the child is taken away from his work in the school room and finds at the close of the month that he has lost four or five days ; this indeed is not the best way, for it hinders the progress of the child.
The teachers are interested in having the scholars in the school every day, and many efforts have been put forth by them to secure this end, but they have had their seasons of discouragement.
A company of workmen were engaged in tunneling a mountain ; they worked day after day and week after week, at length they became very much discouraged and had half a mind to give up in despair, when one day they were greatly surprised to hear a pick on the other side and presently light was shining through. When the teachers can feel that the parents are working on the other side, and are indeed at work, the attendance of the scholars will be secured.
(2) Interest in the Studies.
The parents may help the teachers very much in their work by interesting themselves in the studies that the children have in school. Within three or four years we have made many changes in books, so to-day we have some of the best in the market.
Why not ask the children about these books and about their lessons day by day and inform ourselves in refer- ence to the work, so as to come into vital contact with the life of the school. If there is trouble in the school it is quickly reported and we look into the matter ; why not keep informed of the work done that touches the life of the children. And then "encourage them faith- fully to prepare every lesson assigned them and to cherish a deep interest in every school exercise, as a
11
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
means to the end in view ;" this indeed would be a source of encouragement to the teachers.
(3) Visiting the Schools.
We are very much gratified that so many make their annual visit to our schools ; but we have noticed that this Public day is made to answer for the whole year with many. Now if the parents could visit the schools two or three times a term and give about half an hour to the exercises in the school-room we believe that they would help us in our work.
It is said that " these occasional visits will do more than anything else can do to rouse and encourage the teacher and to inspire the pupils with zeal and earnest- ness in the discharge of their school duties. Such visits have a decided influence over the deportment of the school. They tend to cultivate pride of character, school pride and self-respect in the pupils, and to check all tendencies to disorder and rebellion." May the thoughts here presented meet with the hearty co-oper- ation of all the parents for the welfare and success of our public schools.
Our dear brother, the Rev. Mr Fowler, was very much interested in these vital themes, and thought along these lines ; he served this town faithfully as one of the Committee until his Father called him to a higher service and a richer reward.
Respectfully submitted,
E. G. SMITH, HENRY J. MILLS, School Committee.
12
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE : -
The Principal's Report of the school under his charge must necessarily refer largely to present needs and the opportunities for desirable changes.
At the same time, to speak of increased facilities for successful work, and the advance gained as the result of changes already made, is a pleasant duty.
With respect to facilities for work the High School has made no more decided advance, within recent years, than in the line of Books of Reference. During the year just closed, the proceeds of the Bond Prize Exhibi- tion have enabled us to add to our list the Century Dictionary.
Taking into account the increasingly attractive list of works in History, Literature and Science contained in the Public Library, to which, by courtesy of the Trustees, the schools have easy access, few schools in the smaller towns have better opportunities for consult- ing authorities outside of the regular text-books.
This fact is all the more gratifying, as books of refer- ence are of constant use in every department of school work. The use of physical and chemical apparatus is necessarily greatly limited by the short time which can be devoted to these subjects in a two, or three years' course, and by the fact that we have no laboratory, with- out which, a large amount of apparatus can neither be stored, or used to the best advantage. For these reasons we have been the more content to make but few additions to the modest though valuable equipment which we already have, while spending the most of our available resources in adorning the walls of the school-rooms and adding to our School Library.
The majority of the pupils, especially in the two upper classes, have seemed to appreciate the value of regular and punctual attendance. It will be noticed however, that the per cent of attendance is considerably
13
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
lower than that of previous years, this is due largely to sickness, which was unusually prevalent during the winter term. At the same time, a few have frequently been absent with no sufficient excuse. In more than one instance, pupils fell behind their classes and failed of promotion at the close of the school year, as the result of absence, apparently unnecessary. For the same reason, others who might have ranked high, gradually lost interest in their work, and either left school alto- gether, or were content with a standing much lower than the average.
Parents who would be among the first to recognize the necessity of punctuality and regularity in any ordi- nary business, write excuses for their children's absence without giving any valid reason, but are greatly disap- pointed at the close of the school year, if their children rank lower than others of equal ability.
As in former years, a few are accountable for nearly all the tardiness ; six pupils all of the junior class, and less than one-tenth of the whole number, being respon- sible for two-thirds of the entire amount. There was not a single instance of tardiness in the two upper classes during the spring term, but one in the fall term, and only four during the entire year.
The reduction of the time allowed for the study of French has been attended with two advantages :- a longer time has been available for the study of English Language and Literature-an extention greatly needed -while the pupils are more mature, and better prepared to take up a new language at the beginning of their second year of High school work, and are consequently able to advance mnuch farther in proportion to the time spent upon it.
We believe that the English Course of study, as ar- ranged at present, furnishes too little change to the pupils coming from the Grammar schools. Many of
14
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
them, looking forward to a life of busines, are anxious to begin at once the study of Book-keeping. In many of the towns about us, elementary Book-keeping is in the Grammar schools; it is only natural that our pupils should desire the privilege of taking up this study in the first year of the High school.
We recommend that Arithmetic be dropped entirely from the High school course, except as it is necessary in connection with book-keeping, and that such other changes be made as will permit the study of book- keeping during the whole of the first year. Were this done, we believe that more of the Grammar school graduates would enter the High school, that fewer would drop out before becoming fairly interested in their work, and consequently, a larger number would persevere to the end of the course.
No satisfactory course of High school work can be arranged, however, until the time given us for doing that work is lengthened At least four years are needed for our classical course, and three for the work in English. During four years out of the last five, graduates have returned to avail themselves of the very limited advan- tages, which we have been able to offer them for further study. Pupils are continually going from Saugus to the public schools of other towns, that they may have the opportunity to prepare for college, or to take up branches of study not provided for by our High school. Some of these branches we shall soon be obliged to teach, if the official returns of the Census of 1895 shall show, as they doubtless will, that our population exceeds four thousand. Saugus did not wait to be compelled by law to establish her High school; we believe it would be more wise, as well as more graceful, to provide at once for the study of Greek, and to so extend our course as to give our children equal privileges with those of neighboring towns.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Of course the extension of time and the increase in the number of branches taught, would soon necessitate the employment of a third teacher. Improved educa- tional privileges, like all other improvements of any value, will bring increased expense, but we do not be- lieve that our people, while expending money so freely and constantly for conveniences and improvements in other directions. will be willing that the mere matter of expense shall prevent their children from enjoying the best opportunities for educational training.
It is unnecessary to dwell at length upon other con- ditions which limit the work of the High school. As in the past, the lack of thorough preparation, on the part of a large proportion of the pupils, hinders the work of the whole. The lack of laboratory privileges, as pre- viously intimated prevents the best work in some of the natural sciences. Give us the same time for our work which other schools receive, let that time be devoted exclusively to High school studies ; let our pupils have the privilege of fitting for college and the scientific schools, and we shall not only see a larger proportion of the Grammar school graduates in the High school, but fewer will need, or care, to attend school elsewhere.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Cash Balance Jan. 1, 1892, $19 80
Net proceeds of Bond prize exhibition 51 28
From Com. for chemicals and apparatus 5 00
Rental of piano 4 50
$80 58
EXPENDITURES.
Chemicals and apparatus
$6 37
Graduation expense
.
13 60
Pictures, postage, etc.
2 75
Century Dictionary
54 00
Books of elocution
I 70
Balance Jan. 1, 1893,
2 16
$80 58
WILBUR F. GILLETTE, Principal of High School.
REPORT OF MUSIC TEACHER.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-
In making my second report I feel that the results from the year's work are quite satisfactory.
In the Primary and Intermediate grades the scholars are making excellent progress, and it is pleasant to see the interest the children take in the work.
We are doing better work in the Grammar grades than last year, as I have become better acquainted with the heads of the schools and can work in a more sys- tematic and thorough manner.
In Ward I I have thought best to divide the school into two classes, the Primary and Grammar.
We are doing much the same work as last year in the High School, and trust some improvement will be noticed at the close of the year. Since the beginning of my work I have ever had the co-operation of the teachers, and before closing my report, wish to express again my appreciation of their assistance ; also to thank you for interest and encouragement in my work.
Respectfully submitted, EMMA L. PEARSON,
TEACHER OF MUSIC.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
The census of children between the ages of five and fifteen taken by E. G. Smith, May 1, 1892, shows that there were then
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