USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1899 > Part 10
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The reports of the Principal of the High School, the Teacher of Music and the Teacher of Drawing are included with the Superintendent's report.
We estimate the expenses of the coming fiscal year as follows :
Teachers
$14,000
Janitors
1,800
Supplies
1,700
Fuel
1,700
Incidentals
400
Rent
150
$19,750
THOMAS P. PARSONS,
HENRY J. MILLS,
GEORGE M. AMERIGE, School Committee.
Report of the Superintendent
To the School Committee :
GENTLEMEN,- Allow me to present my sixth annual report upon the condition of the schools of Saugus.
The year has not been one of radical changes or of unusual events, but rather of quiet, faithful and successful work. The teachers have been greatly encouraged by a substantial increase in salaries; the high school sent forth in June a larger gradu- ating class than ever before; five teachers have resigned, Miss Lang and Miss Emery of the high school, Miss Chubbuck at Saugus, Miss Davis at Cliftondale and Miss Leavitt at East Saugus, and five others, Miss Sawyer, Miss Kelley, Miss Bryant, Miss Bryer and Miss Parker have succeeded them; hoping for improvement, the Ward system of reading has been introduced for use in primary grades; the courses of study in reading, his- tory and nature study have received attention; a successful school exhibit was held in June; two new school-houses, one at Cliftondale and one at Lynnhurst are in process of erection. Thus is briefly stated a few events of the year 1899.
To comply with the request of the State authorities, the statis- tical table covers the year ending in June instead of December as previously. The figures for the fall term are inserted in the summary.
For the sake of comparison, the average membership of the schools for four years, including a warm and a cold month, and arranged by wards, is here inserted. The rapid growth in school population, which for several years was marked, has not been repeated this year. No additional school has been opened this year, but the large size of the Cliftondale schools will make it necessary probably to deny admission to another entering class until another school can be opened.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Average Membership.
High School
Saugus Centre
Clifton- dale
East Saugus
All Schools
1896
January .
53
240
315
I20
772
September
78
243
364
I49
868
1897
January
74
223
360
I54
847
September
100
276
386
167
977
1898
January
86
274
417
163
939
September
98
256
420
197
IO24
1899
January
95
268
385
181
979
September
86
267
425
164
992
Reading.
The method of teaching reading which has been used in our primary schools cannot be designated by any one name, as an effort has been made to use the better parts of several methods. Were you to judge of the results wholly by the reading in these lower grades you would form a favorable opinion. But the reading in the upper grammar grades has not been the most satisfactory. Complaint has been made these pupils do not have the power of independently mastering the pronunciation of new words, and that there is an evident lack of ease and fluency in their reading. Some consideration of the subject has led to the belief that improvement would follow the use of a more definite system of phonics.
Accordingly, we have begun the use in our lower grades of the Ward System of reading, which involves a larger and more systematic use of phonic drill than we had formerly attempted. Excellent results have been obtained in Malden, Everett, and other cities and towns by following this system, and we anticipate a similar experience.
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REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
In all grades we are slowly increasing the amount of reading matter. Soon all schools will have enough material for the full year and no exchange of books among the different schools will be attempted. This plan has been found to be neither practical nor economical. With this increase in amount of reading matter we are expecting increased skill in the power to read.
It cannot be said that we attempt as difficult reading as may be found in some places, but we believe it is better to read much of easier reading rather than less of more difficult matter.
Doubtless the quality of the reading matter offered has much to do with the progress of the pupils. The more interesting the material the greater the pupils' desire to read. And this very desire is of great assistance to the pupil in becoming a skilful reader. In every choice of reading books we seek for something valuable, interesting and adapted to the pupils for whom it is intended.
Thus, with increasing amount of reading material, of better quality, with improved methods of teaching, and by, we believe, increased skill on the part of the teachers, we hope for better results in this direction.
Report Cards.
For several years report cards have been regularly sent to parents. In the two lower grades the cards are sent once a month and report only attendance and punctuality-a white card for those having perfect attendance and a blue one for all others.
In the other grades the cards are larger, and report attendance, punctuality and record of work in each school study. The rec- ord of work is reported by use of the letters A, B, C and D, taking into consideration the attainments of the pupils in each study, as shown by his oral and written work.
Many conscientious teachers and interested parents have been greatly perplexed and annoyed by this marking system. The reason is not difficult to discover. Bright, quick boys and girls are able to secure the best mark easily, while the slower but more industrious pupils are never able to obtain the desired "A." If the slower pupil has done his best, what more can he do? Is
IO
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
there anything more worthy, more meritorious than this? What shall we say of the moral effect of distinctions which disregard assiduous effort?
The difficulty with the present plan seems to be that marks are almost wholly based upon attainments rather than application. This appears to be an arrangement that works to the disadvan- tage of all classes, the quick as well as the slow. The quick should receive no praise unless worthy, and the slow should receive credit for honest effort, even though his attainments are slight. The bright scholar should have no occasion to think he is in any sense superior to the slow one.
Some modification of our present plan seems best. The report cards are an important factor in determining promotion, yet they are not the only consideration. Age, application, attendance, health, ability and parents' wishes are also factors. Last June all the teachers reported for each of their pupils on these points above enumerated, and all doubtful cases were considered by the Superintendent and teachers in consultation. The aim is to place each scholar in that class where he will receive the greatest benefit.
And if parents would confer often with the teachers, so that pupils could be studied from the standpoint of the home as well as the school, it would be much easier in doubtful cases to determine the wise course to pursue. There would be no excuse for sending home report cards marked on the basis of attain- ment, for this feature of school work could be considered by parents and teachers in private, and all cards would indicate application or lack of it.
Drawing.
The earnest effort and genuine success of both supervisor and regular teachers in the work in drawing calls for commendation. Those who examined the school exhibit last June, and also of the year previous, often remarked about the improvement so readily observed. A part of the exhibit of this year was later a part of the State exhibit in Boston, and it is expected that a part of these papers will appear again in the Paris 'Exposition.
The report of Miss Melzard follows :
II
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
ATLANTIC, MASS., Jan. 6, 1900.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-Art instruction in our schools is no longer ques- tioned, but the thought which claims most of our attention is how to teach art, what methods and plans will bring about the broadest development of the child. The general plan, with some re-arrangements, is similar to that of last year, the study of nature, of objects, of works of art as to their structure, enrichment and appearance. All these subjects must be included in a complete course of study.
The plan under enrichment includes color drawing from nature, and decorative design, where the natural forms are treated in a decorative way. We have taken more time for design this year, have studied more thoroughly the principles of pure design, rhythm, symmetry and harmony. By illustrations and experi- ments, the children have acquired a good understanding of these principles and we look for a much better understanding of the subject and better results than formerly, when we take up the subject in the spring.
In the appearance work the objects are first drawn singly, then in groups where the principles of good composition are studied carefully. The study of pictures has helped to awaken an appre- ciation of the works of art, the children have become able to judge a picture, to see whether the artist has successfully told his thought or not. There are very few good pictures upon the walls of our school rooms ; any gifts would be much appreciated.
The value and importance of constructive design is appreciated, when we realize how many things are dependent upon it, in fact everything which we use. All these things have to be designed, and good designs depend upon principles.
The real value of art education is not in the results shown, but in the thought awakened. Some children have been surprised to find what they could do, they have simply discovered a new language in which to express themselves.
The work in the high school is carried on as formerly, I give three lessons a month to three classes.
I2
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Whatever has been attained is largely due to the teachers, who have shown great interest in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
SADIE R. MELZARD.
Music.
The good work in musical instruction is to be commended. Supervisor and teachers are active, interested and working in harmony.
The report of Miss Page follows :
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 13, 1900. Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR,-As another year closes and we come to a sum- ming up of work accomplished a degree of satisfaction is felt.
Music, in one form or another, meets us at every turn in life ; it is the property of all and has come to be a necessity. It is of service to a greater number of people than any other art, for in joy or grief it becomes a companion; it spurs to victory and comforts in sorrow. Physically it is a tonic ; it rests the body.
We are told that the perfection of physical life depends upon its rhythm ; that brain activity depends upon the reign of rhythm among its cells. So in music the daily period, week after week and year after year, of keeping time with its regularly recurring accent soothes the restless child, gives content of mind and health of body and disposition.
Let music be taught with intelligence and a realizing sense that it is an inherent part of the great harmony of nature and life, and the boys and girls of our public schools, as they grow to be men and women, will gratefully echo the words of Martin Luther : "Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of it."
Now that our first five grades are separate the work in these rooms is much more comprehensive.
I3
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
During the spring term the pupils of the Fourth Grade were advanced to the Second Reader. This year we will be able to accomplish the same work and hope for the necessary books.
During the year new books have been supplied to our highest grammar grades, also the high school, and the added interest is most gratifying. On Memorial Day a semi-chorus from the high school kindly furnished a part of the musical program.
Our program for graduation was more varied than usual, consisting of a solo, mixed quartette, ladies' trio and a chorus from the school. But the effectiveness of the latter was greatly marred by position of chorus, the stage being too small to accommodate so many singers.
I desire to express thanks to teachers, School Board and Superintendent, for help and encouragement during the year.
Respectfully yours,
HELEN M. PAGE.
High School.
By the law of the State, as revised, the high school must meet certain" requirements, viz. : (I) It must be adequately equipped. (2) It must be taught by a principal and such assistants as may be needed of competent ability and good morals. (3) It must give instruction in such statutory subjects as it may be deemed expedient to teach, and in such additional subjects as may be required for general culture or admission to normal schools, technical schools and colleges. (4) It must maintain one or more courses at least four years in length. (5) It must be kept forty weeks, exclusive of vacation. (Sixty-third report, State Board of Education.)
It is with considerable satisfaction that we can now report an excellent high school in Saugus, fully meeting the requirements of the public statute.
And it is gratifying to know our school is meeting with so large a degree of popular approval. There are many erroneous ideas in regard to the percentage of public school pupils entering the high school, some asserting that it is not over ten per cent.
14
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
It is a pleasure to say that thirty-five per cent. would be more nearly correct. There are to-day about one hundred pupils in the sixth grade in all the schools of the town. If, in the course of time, thirty-five of these should enter the high school it is evident that thirty-five per cent. of these enjoy high school privileges. There are about one hundred pupils in each grade of the first five or six, the falling off not being much evident until about the seventh year. Our entering classes to the high school number from thirty to forty-five. Twenty-five per cent. of the children of the State avail themselves of high school privileges, which is at least ten per cent. less than enjoy the same privilege in Saugus.
The report of Principal Adams is here inserted :
SAUGUS, MASS., Jan. 8, 1900.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR, -I hereby submit my fourth annual report of the high school. The average attendance has been about the same as last year, although the present membership is slightly below that of last year. This is due to three reasons : First, on account of many pupils being sick during the latter part of the fall term ; second, because the efforts being made to raise the standard of scholarship in the school have caused a few to leave school rather than repeat the work another year. We believe, however, that it is for the benefit of the greatest number of pupils that they be required to attain a fair standing in their class before promoting them. Another reason for a decrease in membership is due to the unusually large graduating class (thirty-one) of last year.
We have enrolled at the present time ninety pupils. The present membership is eighty-four. Of these, eleven are taking the four years' classical course with Greek; thirty-one are taking the four years' classical course with Latin and French, and the remaining forty-two are taking the three years' English course.
There has been a marked decrease in the number of pupils taking the three years' course, and a corresponding increase of
I5
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
those taking the four years' course. It is my opinion that no course of study, unless it be a business course, should be less than four years.
The college preparatory course has to be changed from year to year, in order to meet the constantly increasing demands of the normal school, college and university requirements for admis- sion. Their requirements are so much greater than ever before, that unless more work can be done in the grades below the high school, it will soon be impossible to properly prepare the ordi- nary student for college in the four years usually given to this work. Already, many private and public school officials are arranging to relieve the great strain under which the student is' now placed by having five years instead of four given to college preparatory work. It may be possible now to prepare for the ordinary college in four years, but is it wise to overtax our pupils in attempting to prepare them for university work in the same length of time?
If a good business course, with a competent teacher to take charge of it, should be introduced into our high school, there is no doubt but that a large number of students would avail them- selves of the opportunity of securing a good business education. Very many of our pupils after graduation take the course at a business college. They might just as well have received their instruction while taking the four years' English course in the high school. This would save the parents much expense, and enable the pupils to remain in our own schools a longer time.
We plan to make our course in English the best possible. This is as it should be since the majority of our students take this course directly and all others take parts of it. It is so arranged now that students can take either Rhetoric or English Literature for the entire four years. Last year a list of about two hundred books was arranged from which each pupil is required to select and read two each term. This plan has worked well. The pupils are thus taught to read good literature.
We are pleased to note the interest shown by parents and citi- zens in our high school, but we wish that more of them would visit us and see for themselves what kind of work we are doing.
16
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
This is the only way of absolutely knowing just what progress we are making. The Superintendent, School Committee and teachers have assisted in every way possible to make the high school a success.
Financial Report.
Report of money received and expended for the Saugus high school in 1899 :
RECEIPTS.
Cash balance, Jan. 1, 1899
$39 24
Received from Bond Prize Exhibition 42 90
$S2 14
EXPENDITURES.
.
For printing
$II 75
For selling tickets
2 50
For map rollers
I 25
For books and supplies
4 25
For sundry expenses .
3 40
Cash balance, Jan. 1, 1900
58 99
$82 14
Respectfully submitted,
N. E. ADAMS.
At my suggestion, Principal Adams has prepared the follow- ing historical sketch, which I am sure will be read with interest :
Saugus High School. 1
It may be of interest to the citizens of Saugus to know some- thing of the history of our high school.
The records show that the question of having a high school was agitated some years before the Town finally decided to start such a school. In the school report of 1873 is found this account of its formation : " The idea of a high school for the Town of
17
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Saugus is not a sudden thought, but one growing out of needs long felt to exist. Away back in the dark ages our predecessors, by the dim light of their surroundings, saw and foretold the advantages of such an institution ; in 1862 they say : 'We urge the importance of a high school from the fact that in other towns where they have been established they have had a tendency to increase their population, their wealth, and respectability.'
Let it become a well-known fact that there is a good high school permanently established in Saugus and families will not be so likely to pass us to find a location. We believe a school of that character might be established on a sound and just principle, which would bring some of the choicest blessings upon the sons and daughters of the Town, and through them upon the Town itself. In 1866 they say : 'Too many of our larger scholars are sent out of town, at great inconvenience and expense, for the purpose of pursuing those branches of study not taught in our schools. We need a higher grade of grammar schools; one at this village (Saugus Centre), open to each scholar in town found qualified, would secure most, if not all, the advantages of a high school.' Again in 1871 it was alluded to as a necessity which Saugus could not much longer afford to do without. At the present time, when it is no longer problematical or merely experimental, but has become a fixed fact by a year of brilliant success, its friends, we trust, have become sufficiently numerous to insure its continued existence."
From the foregoing statements it appears that the starting of a high school had been agitated for ten years previous to its final establishment, and after it had been organized for a year, it was still a question of doubt as to its continued existence.
The school was first organized in 1872 in the old Town Hall, located on the present site of the Roby school building.
The first principal of the high school was Mrs. Frances H. Newhall, who held that position for two years. Mrs. Newhall resigned this position to accept the Principalship of a school in Lynn, where she continued to have the same excellent success that she had in Saugus. The average attendance for the first year was 22. It appears that Miss Calley assisted Mrs., Newhall
18
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
during the spring and fall terms of 1874. James B. Atwood was elected principal in the winter term of '74-5, and because of the additional cost the assistant was dispensed with for one term, when Miss Calley was again appointed to the position.
In the fall of 1875 Mr. Atwood resigned, and Mr. F. W. Eveleth was appointed principal, with Miss Calley, assistant. A room in the old Town Hall continued to be used as an assembly room, while the assistant had one of the dressing rooms for her classes.
During this year the Committee bought a piano for the school "Taking upon themselves personally obligations in order to secure one." Also a course of study was arranged this year and the following year another course somewhat more extended than the first year was arranged.
From the report of 1875 we copy the following : "We ought already to have learned that there are such things as culture and refinement, which are the offspring of a more advanced educa- tion. We are persuaded that in many cases a full course of high school education will produce a breadth of view and largeness of mind which would otherwise be lacking, and would increase the capacities and means of enjoyment through life. . .. Too often it is the case that scholars who have been deprived too early, either by their own wilfulness or the indifference of their parents, of a more extended education, have regretted their unimproved opportunities and mourned through life the want of that which could not be supplied."
The accommodations of the Old Town Hall were soon out- grown by the high school, and in 1877 it was transferred to the new Town Hall building.
The report of 1878 states that much greater interest was shown by the parents and pupils after the change.
In the report of the following year the committee state that the first year of this school is purely grammar work, thus giving only two years for high school studies, and that in order to carry on the work properly and give an additional year's work a second assistant is necessary.
19
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
In the spring of 1879 Mr. Eveleth resigned and Mr. Charles E. Lord took his place for the remainder of the term.
In the fall of 1879 Mr. Charles H. Smart of Providence, R. I., was chosen principal in place of Mr. Lord.
For several years the committee reported an urgent need of better facilities for teaching the sciences and also a lack of refer- ence books. In 1882 the committee recommended an appropri- ation of one hundred dollars for scientific apparatus.
During this year an entire change was made in teachers, Mr. Gillette succeeding Principal Smart and Miss Butterfield taking the position left vacant by the resignation of Miss Calley. In this year a new course of study was arranged in this, a college preparatory course is suggested in which three years of Latin could be taken but no Greek.
Thus, after the school had been organized ten years, we find two teachers and an average attendance of about thirty-five pupils.
In 1887, the importance of establishing a four years' classical course in the high school was discussed by the School Committee and clearly proved by Mr. Gillette, principal of the high school at that time. He says : "As soon as possible a classical course should be introduced, so that it may not be necessary for those of our boys and girls who wish to obtain a college education to go to other towns for their preparation. But whether such a course is at present practicable or not, we ought, at once, to have four years for our English course."
During the year 1890 a two years' English course was started for pupils who could not afford to remain for a longer period in the high school.
In 1893, after the school had been established twenty years, there were two teachers and an average attendance of about thirty-seven pupils. This shows an increase of fifteen pupils over the average number during the first year of the school's existence, twenty years before, and an increase of two in the last ten years.
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