USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1897 > Part 11
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The grades are gradually being raised, but this, of course, can only be done by degrees.
We submit herewith the report of our Superintendent, to- gether with those of the Principal of the High School, and teach- ers of music and drawing ; all of which we trust will have the careful perusal of the citizens of the Town.
THOMAS P. PARSONS, HENRY J. MILLS, GEORGE M. AMERIGE, School Committee.
Report of the Superintendent
To the School Committee :
GENTLEMEN, - I respectfully present the following as my report for the year 1897.
Attendance.
One of the most marked features of the history of the schools of Saugus during the past four years has been the rapid increase of the number of pupils. Attention was called to this fact in the report of last year with the statement that the annual increase was about eight per cent. The record of the past year reveals a more rapid growth than that of any preceding year. The mem- bership for 1897 is twelve per cent. greater than last year, while the increase for the fall term as compared with the same term of 1896 shows a gain of fifteen per cent.
During the year covered by this report 162 boys and girls have moved into town and entered school, while 93 have moved out of town ; which leaves us a net gain of 69 pupils.
If we deduct from the number of pupils already residents who have entered school this year, the number who have left school, we shall also have a net gain of about 60 pupils.
It will thus be seen that we now have about 130 pupils more than one year ago. The average attendance for the whole fall term is 125 more than one year ago.
Attention is called to the following statistics :
REPORTS OF
1894.
1895. 960
1896. 1037
1897.
Total enrollment
903
Average membership the year
for
704.8
743.1
811
912.7
Average membership for
the Winter term
685.7
720.I
774.4
855.7
. Average membership for the Spring term . ·
684.2
703.4
778.1
880.5
I196
8
9
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
REPORTS OF
1894.
1895.
1896.
1897.
Average membership for
the Fall term
744.6
806.
863.4
986.1
Average attendance for
the year
643.8 681.I
747. 850.3
Average attendance
for
the Winter term . ·
616.I
652.9
698.4
782.4
Average attendance for
the Spring term ·
619.9
644.7
720.6
814.2
Average attendance
for
the Fall term
695.4
745.6
804.5
929.
Per cent. of attendance ·
91.3+
91.6+
92.+
93.+
It may be of interest to know the rate of increase of pupils in different parts of the town. For this purpose the membership of the schools in different wards for the month of October during four successive years is here given.
Average Membership.
WARDS.
1894.
1895.
1896.
IS97.
Cliftondale and Essex St.
309
335
366
416
Center and High
288
302
335
368
East Saugus
IIO
I26
143
I 70
Totals
707
763
844
954
A little study of these figures reveals the fact that the pupils in the East Saugus school are increasing more rapidly than in any other section of the town, although the percentage of increase in Cliftondale is not much less. The total increase in the above wards from October, 1896, to October, 1897, was 110,-a gain of thirteen per cent.
At the present time there are about 350 pupils in the seven rooms at Cliftondale, - an average of fifty to each teacher. In several of these rooms there are not enough desks to accommodate all the pupils, although new desks purchased early in the fall have been placed in these rooms until all floor space is used.
By careful planning the large increase of pupils in this district have been cared for and no additional school has been opened.
IO
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
But satisfactory work cannot be done with the schools thus over- crowded. There should be two additional schools very soon, one of grammar, and one of primary grade. If two more teachers were now employed in Cliftondale, there are pupils enough to give to each of the nine teachers about forty pupils.
Ought not the town to take steps at once towards providing additional school accommodations for this part of the town?
Early in the fall, an additional school was opened at Saugus Centre in the new building. In this way the overcrowded condi- tion of several rooms has been relieved. Not including the High School the average number of pupils to each teacher in this ward is now about forty. .
At East Saugus there is an average of forty-two pupils in each room. If the present rate of increase continues for one year this building will have 200 pupils, a larger number than could be properly accommodated.
Attention should also be called to the rapid growth of the High School. The fall term opened with an attendance of one hun- dred, - twenty-two more than the year preceding. At least one hundred and twenty pupils are expected the coming fall; with this increase, another large recitation room and an additional teacher will be needed.
If we include all expenses for maintaining the public schools except school-houses and repairs, it costs annually a little less than nineteen dollars per pupil. This is the average cost, although obviously in the High School the cost greatly exceeds this amount while in the primary grades it is some less. But this amount is much below the cost per pupil in nearly all cities and towns of eastern Massachusetts.
It is difficult to see how schools that would meet with the approval of the citizens of Saugus could be maintained for less than the present cost.
The average membership of our schools for the year 1898 will be not less than 1,000 pupils. Thus it becomes easy to see what the probable school expenses of the year will be.
Teachers and Teachers' Meetings.
Twenty-seven teachers, including the special teachers of singing and drawing are now employed in the schools of Saugus. Only
II
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
three of this number have been appointed the past year. During the same time two have been released to accept elsewhere much larger salaries than we could offer.
The changes this year have been less than last year and less than usually may be expected as long as the salary schedule remains unchanged. At least two other teachers would have left town this year if they had not been offered an increase of salary.
Each year it becomes more and more difficult to secure or to retain teachers of successful experience. The prevailing salaries in most cities and towns is so much more than is paid in Saugus that teachers who have shown excellent ability and are willing to move cannot long be retained.
Teachers' meetings, as in previous years have been held fre- quently and have been one of the most influential means used to improve the schools. In addition to the numerous meetings held by appointment, teachers of the same grade have occasionally met informally to plan their work together.
In April, Mr. J. S. Cooley gave to the teachers a thoughtful address on "Vertical Writing," which was greatly enjoyed. Later in the year Mr. J. W. MacDonald, agent of the State Board of Education, addressed the teachers in a very helpful manner. His subject was "The Art of Questioning." Mr. H. T. Bailey, State Supervisor of Drawing, has also met the teachers again, speaking to them in his interesting and helpful way. Dr. W. P. Beckwith, Principal of the Salem Normal School, is to meet the teachers at the next monthly meeting, speaking from the subject, "The Spirit of the Teacher."
Teachers have formed two volunteer classes, one in " Philosophy of Teaching " and one in "Advanced Geography" and have occasionally met with the Superintendent.
In July several of the teachers availed themselves of the privi- lege of attending the summer school at Salem. They report a very profitable school.
Teachers who desire to improve and are ready to avail them- selves of every opportunity to do so are the teachers who grow. Such teachers will not cross the "dead line," although gray hairs may appear. But those who lack this ambition and effort will not only not grow, but will soon fail to do commendable work.
It is, therefore, a pleasure to observe the true spirit of progress
I 2
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
on the part of many of our teachers. They have taught better this year than last and will continue to improve.
Music.
The department of Music is in charge of Miss Page, who has so carefully planned and so successfully carried forward the work for more than two years.
The report of Miss Page follows.
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 4, 1897.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR, - I have the honor to submit to you my annual report as Supervisor of Music.
In the education of a child music may exert a very wide influ- ence - an influence reaching beyond the mere knowledge of the science itself and affecting more or less the child's whole nature.
Music should be so taught as to serve as a valuable aid in the physical, mental and moral culture of the pupil. That it can be so taught has been proven conclusively and its usefulness in the school-room has come to be so universally acknowledged that the school with no music is the exception rather than the rule.
When proper attention is given to the voice, to position, and to correct breathing, the beneficial effects of singing upon the physical health are considerable. Make deep breathing a habit and more has been done for the good health of the pupils than can possibly be done by any other means.
As an aid in mental discipline and the training of the eye, sight singing is valuable in the same way that mathematics and all study of form are useful.
The rapidity with which the mind must work to see at a glance the length and pitch of each note, to grasp the musical phrase, to read the words connected with it, not to mention the variations required in power and time, can hardly be appreciated.
The refining and elevating. influence of good music upon the moral nature of the child is acknowledged by all. There are very few human beings in whom no interest in music can be awakened ; and the interest displayed by most children proves their eagerness to be admitted into the world of music.
I3
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Plato said, " The purpose of education is to give to the body and to the soul all the beauty and all the perfection of which they are capable."
As I look over the work of the past two years and a half I can see that great progress has been made in this branch of work.
We are now quite well provided with books in the grades below the High School, though in three buildings the books are used by two schools. This necessitates extra handling of books which is detrimental to their good condition.
In the High School we are greatly in need of material. The books in use are old and barely enough in number for half the school. With a book in the hands of each pupil and with the present willing spirit and enthusiasm our High School could accomplish much good work.
I wish to thank you and the Committee, together with the teachers, for your encouraging and kindly support in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN M. PAGE, Supervisor of Music.
Drawing.
Excellent progress has been made during the past year in this subject under the direction of Miss Cook. The good results are noticed not only in the formal lessons in drawing but also in connection with all school work, especially nature study, geogra- phy and history.
Drawing or art education is being regarded more and more as a necessary factor in the development of the child. It assists greatly in the cultivation of his constructive ability, making him of greater value in mature life to the industrial or mechanical world. He is thus, unconsciously, it may be, lead to greater appreciation of honest toil.
Another pleasing result is the effect upon the taste and habits of the pupils. Beauty of form and color begin to be properly appreciated. The pupils are no longer satisfied with the bare walls of the school-house or with their adornment of ugly advertis- ing pictures. They enjoy beautiful school-room pictures and pleasing home surroundings. All this is of immense value to the
14
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
children, if you would see them in future years seek to promote more beautiful public and private life.
The report of Miss Cook follows.
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 4, 1897. Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR, - The work of the past year shows inprovement over that of last year in every way, especially in the primary and High Schools. The teachers have worked faithfully, understand the subject better, and more fully appreciate its value, while the children show more interest in the work, and we have had more material this year.
The conditions under which we work in the High School are much more favorable than last year, therefore the results of the work in model-drawing are far better. I hope this year to begin the subject of Light and Shade, also Mechanical Drawing, which will necessitate compasses. We also ought to have one or two vases and casts of Historic Ornament.
The aim and general plan of the work for the other schools is similar to last year, but it has been brought more nearly up to grade.
The children have begun to sketch from life, e. g., a child in a simple pose, or cats, rabbits, etc. They enjoy this work, and, in the lower grades, the results are in some cases surprisingly good.
The work in color was taken in the fall when there is such an abundance of natural material, and by watching the colors found in nature with the samples in the color books, they are learning to distinguish between the different hues and tones, and to appreciate harmony of color, a faculty in which so many people are sadly lacking.
In the second and third grades paints were furnished. This not only delighted the children, but created more enthusiasm for the whole subject of drawing. The results have been very satis- factory and the painting has been a means of improving the draw- ing from objects by helping to develop the power of observation for it has held the interest and so the attention.
The teachers of these grades deserve a word of appreciation for the willingness and interest with which they undertook this subject.
15
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Teachers' meetings for both primary and grammar grades have been held once a month.
There are now three drawing classes in the High School, and as I am giving all the lessons, three a month to each class, I can visit the other schools only once a month.
Last summer an exhibition of work from the nine grades was sent to a summer school in New Hampshire.
I wish to thank you for your interest and help, also the School Committee for their kindness in supplying the material for which I have asked.
Respectfully submitted, MARY L. COOK, Supervisor of Drawing.
High School. .
The relatively high wages paid to all classes of skilled labor
and the high order of intelligence which here prevails gives to Massachusetts an honored place among her sister states. It is affirmed by high authority that this desirable condition of things is attributable in a large degree to the number and efficiency of her High Schools.
If this last statement is true, and undoubtedly it is, the growth in numbers and usefulness of our own High School should pro- duce a feeling of genuine satisfaction. This school is now deservedly enjoying in a marked degree the support and confi- dence of the citizens.
Your attention is called to the annual report of Principal Adams, which is here inserted.
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 8, 1898.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools.
DEAR SIR, - I have the honor to submit my second annual report. Since my last report, the High School has been trans- ferred from Town Hall to the Roby School building, where it has excellent accommodations. It now occupies all the upper part of the building, except one room. Should the increase in the number of pupils during the coming year be as rapid as it
16
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
has been for two years past, it will be necessary for the High School to have the entire upper part of the building.
As one of the small recitation rooms has been fitted for a laboratory, we are now enabled to perform many of the experi- ments as they occur in physics and chemistry. This is of the greatest importance to the pupil. Without laboratory work, almost nothing can be accomplished in these two branches of natural science.
The two courses of study now offered in the school are as follows :
Four Years' Course. First year .- Botany, physics, English, algebra, and Latin. Second year .- History, geometry, Latin, and Greek. Third year .- English, geology, astronomy, Latin, and Greek. Fourth year .- English, civil government, chemistry, Latin, Greek, and reviews.
Three Years' Course. First year .- Botany, physics, English, algebra, and bookkeeping. Second year .- French, history, geometry, arithmetic, and English. Third year .- French, Eng- lish, geology, astronomy, civil government, and chemistry.
The school numbered one hundred pupils at the opening of the fall term. The membership for the school year 1897 is 25 per cent. more than for the year 1896, and 35 per cent. more than during 1895. There are ten pupils taking the four years' classical course with Greek ; thirty-four are taking Latin and the others are taking the English course.
We have the same teachers that we had last year. They all expect from their pupils more and better work than heretofore. This is absolutely necessary in order to raise the standard of our High School so that the citizens of Saugus may be satisfied with the work done by their children in the school. The teachers give two afternoons each week in order to assist those pupils who are not able to do the work alone. But this is not sufficient. It is of equal importance that the parents have their children study, at least, two hours at home each school day. Without this study, good work cannot be done and both parent and teacher are dissatisfied.
The graduating class last June was small. We have but very few who are intending to graduate this year. Nearly all, except those completing the four years' course, expect to remain another
-
17
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
year. This must continue to increase the number in the school for another year.
We feel very much encouraged by the interest shown by the parents in the school during the past year. Many have visited the school, and several more than once.
The Superintendent and School Committee have assisted us in every way possible ; and to them is due much of whatever suc- cess we may have attained.
Respectfully yours, NORRIS E. ADAMS.
Financial Report.
Report of money received and expended for the Saugus High School in 1897.
RECEIPTS.
Cash balance, Jan. 1, 1897 . $3 59
Receipts from Bond prize exhibition 42 30
$45 89
EXPENDITURES.
For printing
$II 75
For selling tickets .
3 00
For binding Century Dictionary
13 50
For repairing air pump
50
For express
50
Cash balance, Jan. 1, 1898 .
16 64
$45 89
In conclusion, for this report must be short in order to make room for the School Regulations, we may safely assert that the schools have done better work this year than last.
The people have visited schools more than ever before, - a very encouraging fact. For teachers, and pupils as well, are favorably influenced by the frequent presence of parents in the school-room. Teachers and parents "should know each other better and understand more fully the efforts and motives of each other. We hope that the fathers, mothers, and all friends of the schools, who are always welcome in the school-room, may visit
IS
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
at least one school once this coming year. We wish you would visit more than this, - the oftener the better.
A prominent educator has said : " There is no school unless the father, the mother, the teacher, the pupil keep school together."
Let us then unite our efforts in one common puspose.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES E. STEVENS, Superintendent. Jan. 17, 1898.
ENROLLMENT, JUNE 1897.
AGE
GRADES.
TOTALS.
19
18
17
16
15
11
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
13
I
3
L
....
. . . .
...
....
....
...
....
....
...
....
....
6
12
..
I
1
2
I
....
....
....
...
...
....
....
....
8
I I
...
2
I
8
2
2
....
....
....
...
....
.
....
....
15
10
....
....
3
12
1 7
1
....
....
..
....
.
....
....
13
9
....
....
....
1
15
20
3
....
...
....
....
...
....
....
53
8
....
...
....
1
9
16
23
....
....
...
....
....
....
02
7
....
.
....
... .
3
9
24
22
7
I
....
....
....
....
....
....
.
....
I
I
2
12
29
22
8
1
....
....
.
.
....
76
5
..
. ...
....
....
I
2
9
17
28
26
II
1
.. . .
....
... .
95
4
.
.
.
....
....
....
....
I
4
I 2
29
26
15
2
..
.
....
3
...
....
...
....
I
....
1
2
9
17
31
29
5
....
....
95
2
...
..
....
.. .
.. .
..
....
....
3
20)
39
38
5
....
107
I
. ..
....
....
. .
....
....
...
....
....
I
I
7
72
29
154
Ungraded
....
....
....
I
2
2
4
5
4
5
6
9
44 6
6
....
50
Totals
-
6
9
30
47
70
86
95
82
90
96
COI
95
83
29
919
.
.
....
..
.
High
School
.
66
2
TABLE I.
Giving Grades of Schools, Names of Present Teachers, Year of Election, and Annual Salary.
WED.
GRADE.
TEACHERS
YEAR OF ELECT.
SALARIES.
High School.
N. E. Adams
1896
$1,300
Helen L. Bacheller .
1895
550
Grace L. Dickerman
1896
550
I
North Saugus.
Mixed
Laura C. Austin
1896
380
2
Center.
viii, ix
Annie L. Ricker
1895
450
vi, vii
Esther A. Parker
1863
440
v, vi .
Gertrude W. Groce .
1894
380
iv .
Pauline R. Peckham
1897
380
iii
G. A. Walton .
1873
380
ii
Isabelle Hay
1897
380
i
M. L. Walton
1881
380
Cliftondale.
viii, ix
Alice E. Chase
1895
4.50
vii, viii
M. E. Smith
1892
420
vi .
D. A. Dunn
1892
380
iv, v .
Emma E. Chubbuck
1896
380
iii, iv
Edith M. Sandsbury
1894
400
ii, iii .
Lucy B. Tarbox
1896
380
i
Clara Trowbridge
1892
380
Essex street
iii. iv, v
Harriot C. Sanborn
1895
380
i, ii
Laura F. Armitage .
1895
380
East Saugus.
vii, viii, ix .
Mable A. Valentine
1896
475
v, vi .
Carrie M. Bassick
1896
400
iii, iv
Martha J. Parsons
1896
380
i, ii
E. A. Mansfield
1851
380
Oaklandvale.
Mixed
Henrietta Hawkes
1897
360
Music
Helen M. Page
1895
400
Drawing
.
Mary L. Cook
1896
225
3
4
5
TABLE II.
TEACHERS.
Enrollment.
Boys.
Girls.
Less than 5.
Over 15.
Between 8
and 14
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Per cent. of
Attendance
Tardiness
Dismissals.
Visitors.
Norris E. Adams . .
84
30
54
0
61
2
72.5
71.4
94 4
69.4
68.8
91.9
96.3
6S
80
163
Annie L. Ricker . .
15
20
25
0
9
23
41.2
40.6
40.7
37.8
37.7
39.7
94.6
48
51
40
Esther A. Parker . .
58
30
28
0
2
52
46.4
47.3
44.8
43.8
44.4
42.7
94.5
35
30
22
Gertrude W. Grace .
2
I
I
0
0
2
0
53
42.9
47.4
42.3
39.1
43.9
40.3
93
59
50
72
G. A. Walton
44
23
21
0
0
43
33.I
35.3
35.5
30.2
32.5
33.8
92.8
13
28
87
Isabelle Hay .
.
·
·
·
47
26
21
0
4
35
37.8
41.5
50.5
35.5
39.8
46.7
94
53
31
90
D. A. Dunn
45
19
26
0
0
42
33.I
35.8
49.7
30.2
32.3
47.2
92.4
27
25
98
Emma E. Chubbuck .
44
19
25
0
0
42
35.1
34.1
44.5
32.7
32.1
42.3
94
38
40
128
Edith M. Sandsbury .
57
33
24
0
0
51
45
46.1
50.5
41
43
47.9
93.3
61
53
76
Lucy B. Tarbox . . ·
03
34
29
O
0
38
44.4
44.7
45
41.7
42.4
43.6
94.6
72
20
IOI
Clara Trowbridge ..
87
46
41
0
0
3
47.1
50
50.3
40.1
44.8
45.3
88.4
122
14
7I
Hariot C. Sanborn . . .
49
24
25
O
0
44
41
43.2
38.1
36.3
40.7
35.4
90
IIO
14
45
Mabel A. Valentine .
38
20
IS
0
4
13
34.1
30.2
38.8
32.5
28.6
30.2
94.3
26
76
30
Carrie M. Bassick . .
44
20
24
O
I
42
32
31.3
33
29.3
23.8
31.4
94.7
36
30
22
Martha J. Parsons . .
44
20
24
O
I
38
33.9
36.8
46.7
30.9
29
42.7
91.I
70
36
04
E. A. Mansfield . . .
87
42
45
0
0
14
47.4
46.5
47
42.6
43.4
43-4
91.8
40
II
42
Henrietta Hawkes . ·
22
12
10
I
I
II
10.3
14.1
13.1
8.5
12
II
83.3
157
4
38
Laura C. Austin . .
41
20
21
0
2
26
28.5
30.5
30.6
27
28.6
28.2
94
247
29
68
. .
. ..
31.5
96.3
29
13
II
Pauline R. Peckham .
54
26
28
0
0
0
17
33.5
32.4
39.5
29.3
30.1
37.4
91.9
25
21
89
M. L. Walton
81
44
37
0
0
5
34.5
38.1
38.2
27.9
34
35
87.5
15
17
115
Alice E. Chase .
49
27
22
0
24
19
41.3
40
44.7
38.5
37
41.8
93.1
53
49
77
Laura F. Armitage .
60
28
32
O
0
6
40.6
43.2
35.5
38.I
40.3
33.6
93
140
27
40
41
IS
23
M. E. Smith .
.
.
AVERAGE MEMBERSHIP.
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE.
1
32.7
Summary
Number of children in town, May 1, 1897, from five to
fifteen years of age .
897
Number between five (5) and eight (8) 284
Number between eight (8) and fourteen (14) 549
Whole number enrolled in all schools
I196
Number of boys
582
Number under five (5) .
I
Number over fifteen (15)
109
Number between eight (8) and fourteen (14). 621
Average membership for the year 912.7
Average membership for the Winter Term 855.7
Average membership for the Spring Term 880.5
Average membership for the Fall Term 986.1
Average attendance for the year 850.3
Average attendance for the Winter Term
782.4
Average attendance for the Spring Term
SI4.2
Average attendance for the Fall Term .
929
Per cent. of attendance 93++
Number of pupils who have moved into town
162
Number of pupils who have moved out of town
93
Number teachers employed
27
Increase during the year
I
Number of different schools
23
Increase during the year
I
Number of tardinesses .
1574
Number of dismissals . 761
Number of visits, not including those of Committee and Superintendent . 1589
22
Number of girls
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