USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1900 > Part 11
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The sympathy and aid which parents could give the teacher is too often overlooked. Children are not alike in tempera- ment or ability, and each child has its peculiarities which the teacher must understand to obtain the best results. If parents would more frequently consult with the teachers and superin- tendent it would be a great help to all.
The High School is doing excellent work. Much incon- venience is being felt from the lack of a suitable laboratory and the necessary equipment and a proper teaching of the sciences under the present conditions is almost impossible. As the room now used is not large enough and cannot be properly fitted up, and as there is no room in the Roby Building which can be used we would recommend that the lower room in the old Town Hall building be arranged and suitably equipped for a laboratory and that an appropriation for this purpose be made at the Annual Town Meeting.
9
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
We call your attention to the reports of the Superintendent, Principal of the High School and teachers of Music and Draw- ing which follow, and ask your careful perusal of them.
The large and constant growth in our schools call for larger expenditures and compel us each year to ask for larger appro- priations. Each new school opened calls for a yearly expendi- ture of about $500, and the increasing number of pupils for more books and supplies. There have been four new schools opened during the past year.
We estimate the expenses for the ensuing year as follows:
Teachers $15,500 00
Janitors 2,000 00
Supplies 1,800 00
Fuel 1,800 00
Incidentals
400 00
Deficiency
500 00
$22,000 00
THOMAS P. PARSONS, HENRY J. MILLS, GEORGE M. AMERIGE.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
To the School Committee:
Gentlemen, -- The seventh annual report of the Superintend- ent of Schools is herewith presented.
When the history of the public schools of Saugus shall be written the year 1900 will not be especially marked. Nothing wonderful or revolutionary has transpired, yet much excellent work has been done. Undoubtedly failures may be discov- ered, and, in the light of the next century, perhaps serious mistakes or omissions may be laid to our charge, yet efficiency is in evidence and progress is being made. With but two exceptions the close of the year finds with us all the teachers who began the year here. Miss Mary C. Parker and Miss Mary L. Bryant presented their resignations which took effect before the beginning of the fall term. Two new school build- ings were occupied in September for the first time,-one at Lynnhurst of a single room, and one at Cliftondale of six rooms. With the occupancy of the new building it became necessary to reorganize the schools at Cliftondale. This was effected in such a way that all the grades up to and including the seventh are found in each of the two larger buildings. Grades eight and nine are found only in the new building on Central street, each grade forming a separate school. After these two buildings, ten rooms in all, were thus arranged, it was found necessary to have another school, and one room in the old primary schoolhouse was opened. Thus three addi- tional schools at Cliftondale and the one at Lynnhurst has made it necessary to add four teachers to the number required last year.
The following table will reveal the increase in our school membership year by year since 1895. It will be noticed that the increase in the year past has been about 10 per cent., and in four years the increase has been 30 per cent.
11
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
In considering our school membership another interesting fact should be mentioned. The Town of Saugus has 22 per. cent. of its entire population in the public schools. I know of no other city or town with a school membership so large pro -. portionately. If Stoneham had this percentage in school she would have 300 more pupils than now. If the city of Lynn were thus blessed she would be compelled to build several more large schoolhouses to accommodate all the children.
Average Membership.
High School
Saugus Centre
Clifton- dale
East Saugus
All Schools
1896
January
53
240
315
120
772
September
78
243
364
149
868
1897
January . .
74
223
360
154
847
September
100
276
386
167
977
1898
January .
86
274
417
163
939
September
98
256
420
197
1024
1899
January
95
268
385
181
979
September
86
267
425
164
992
1900
85
260
431
159
993
September
102
255
532
152
1120
.
January
Teachers' Meetings.
There have been frequent conferences by the teachers in regard to their work. These have been conducted much the same as in former years, and their beneficial results are often noticed. A series of meetings have been held by the teachers of High School and upper grammar grades (7, 8 and 9), in which they have considered together several phases of the'
12
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
education of pupils above twelve years of age. Here are a few of the questions considered:
I. What are the aims of the grammar school; the High School? Is the course of study the chief concern? Is the goal a diploma? If not, what?
2. Ought the work of any year to be planned with refer- ence to the next year, the previous year or both? Is the pri- mary object to fit pupils for the next higher grade?
3. How much home study may be wisely asked? Do our pupils overwork?
4. Compare grammar schools and high schools as to (a) number of pupils to a teacher, (b) equipment, (c) methods of study and recitation, (d) teachers' point of view, and (e) annual cost for each pupil.
Another group of teachers were given several questions on reading and these are being considered in another series of meetings. Among the topics under discussion are these:
I. The value of concert reading; of prepared reading; of sight reading?
2. Do the pupils do careful and definite work in preparing their reading lesson?
3. What is a good order of procedure in the reading reci- tation?
4. Are pupils sometimes asked to read a paragraph a sec- ond time? Do they always know why?
5. Is there need of greater effort on the part of the teachers to secure pleasing enunciation and distinct articulation?
6. What are the essential elements of good oral reading?
7. Are we giving too much attention to reading and too little attention to reading well?
8. In order to succeed in the reading class, what special and general preparation by the teacher is necessary?
9. What may be done by the teacher to assist the pupil in his outside reading?
13
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
IO. How may the opportunities afforded by the public library be more fully utilized?
School Reports.
The following report is sent to parents five times each year. It will be noticed that emphasis is placed upon promptness and regularity of attendance, proper behavior and faithful effort. It is believed that the essentials of success are thus clearly outlined and made prominent. Parents who wish for a report giving the teacher's estimate of attainments in each subject of study may have the same upon request at any time.
Parents are urged to visit the schools frequently and to keep informed in regard to the progress of their children.
SAUGUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
School . 190
By authority of the School Committee, the following report is sent to parents in October, December, February, March and May. Parents will please examine, sign and return. If additional or more specific information is desired, kindly con- fer with the teacher. No statement of the work accomplished in the different studies is given, but teachers are always ready to give this information to parents upon request.
As it is possible for every pupil to behave properly and to work faithfully, the only satisfactory mark in "Conduct" and "Effort" is A. Any failure in these directions is indicated by B, or when the failure is very marked by C.
Parents and friends are urged to visit school often.
Report of. Grade.
Absences:
Tardinesses:
Excused.
. Excused.
Unexcused. Unexcused.
14
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Dismissals. Conduct . Effort
Teacher.
Remarks.
Signature of Parent
School Attendance.
Allow me to call attention to the provisions of the public statutes in regard to school attendance.
Chap. 496, Sect. 12, Acts of 1898, provides :- "Every child between seven and fourteen years of age shall attend some public day school ... .during the entire time the public schools are in session. . provided, that the Superintendent of Schools or teachers acting under authority of said Superin- tendent may excuse cases of necessary absence."
Section 31 of the same act provides that :- "Any person having under his control a child between seven and fourteen years of age who fails for five day sessions or ten half-day ses- sions within any period of six months while under such control, to cause a child to attend school as required by section twelve of this act, the physical and mental condition of such child not being such as to render his attendance at school harmful or impracticable, upon complaint by a truant officer and convic- tion thereof, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not more than twenty dollars." .
In harmony with these provisions above quoted teachers are authorized to excuse cases of absence caused by,-
I. Illness or serious injury of the pupil.
2. Death in the family.
3. Contagious disease in the home.
4. Very stormy weather.
Cases of absence for other causes which teachers or parents may think necessary will be considered by the Superintendent. It will be observed that for absences not legally necessary the
15
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
law allows only five days in six months. In all cases of ab- sence parents would confer a favor if they would send a note to the teacher stating the cause. Absences for unknown causes are classed as unnecessary.
Parents are urged to co-operate with teachers in their efforts to secure promptness and regularity of attendance of every pupil.
Home and School.
In thinking of the conditions and needs of our pupils and of the problems concerning their welfare, I am prompted to consider briefly certain phases of child training from the point of view of a parent rather than a school official.
Training in school is an important part of education, but only a part. Other influences are at work constantly, and the teacher needs to study them that she may more wisely shape the work of the schoolroom. Before all others in time and in power to influence are the lessons of the home. The child loves father, mother, brothers and sisters. He wishes to do as they do, to admire what they admire, and to be their constant companion.
Thus naturally and unconsciously many of the most valu- able and enduring lessons of life have made their deep impress. But the place of the home in our system of education is less prominent than it has been. More than ever parents are ab- sorbed in business matters, leaving to others the training and care of their children.
In New England when the closing century was ushered in it found the family at home. The children spent much of their time with their parents. There was a constant demand made upon them to help bear some of the home responsibilities and burdens. Profitable employment under direct parental over- sight was a prominent and valuable part of early education. It gave to the country lad his strong, vigorous body; it gave him an opportunity to develop habits of industry and the power to observe and discriminate. Often it obliged him to face problems the solving of which put his ingenuity and skill
16
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
to the severest test. Almost daily it placed him under condi- tions which required alertness of body and mind.
But this kind of home education, the kind which has given us so many of the leading business and professional men of today, is fast passing. In the cities and larger towns parents are no longer engaged in occupations which the children may share, and so they are left to other associates and other influ- ences. This change in the home life causes the omission of an essential part of education.
The relinquishment of home training seems to suggest the cause of the incompleteness in our present system of educa- tion. We are pleased when pupils are industrious and persist- ent in their school work, but we cannot confidently expect dis- tinction in this respect if they lead idle and aimless lives out- side of school. The powers of self control and self direction are desirable qualities, but these are not prominent traits of young people who have spent much of their time without proper guidance, restraint or activity. Wonder is sometimes expressed because pupils so rarely perform all their school work promptly, accurately and carefully, but wonder ceases when we realize that there are no assigned tasks at home and no profitable activity outside of the schoolroom.
These thoughts are not new. In the cities and larger towns parents have noted with alarm the changed conditions of youthful activity. They find themselves, to a large extent, helpless because they can no longer assign to the boys and girls the share of home duties and obligations as in former times. The condition is admitted by all. How to meet it and save the children from idleness and undesirable associates is the problem.
Undoubtedly the introduction of manual training and indus- trial education offers a partial solution of the difficulty. Em- phatically, may we say with Froebel, "The domestic and schol- astic education of our time leads children to indolence and laziness; a vast amount of human power remains undeveloped and is lost. It would be a most wholesome arrangement in schools to establish actual working hours similar to existing study hours; and it will surely come to this."
17
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Hasten its coming. Hasten the day when all children may be profitably employed eight hours each day under wise direc- tion. And may not less than one-third of this time be devoted to manual, industrial and agricultural occupations.
Suggestions.
In closing this report allow me to call your attention to sev- eral matters which deserve consideration. I will make the statements only and take no space for discussion.
I. I recommend that the Superintendent be instructed to nominate for teachers only such persons as have spent at least two years in teaching or in preparation for teaching in addi- tion to a completed High School course of study.
2. I suggest that, in making up the estimate of expenses for the coming year, you bear in mind the fact that in schools recently opened there are no maps or globes, and that in the other schools the maps are old and badly worn.
3. The ventilation and the sanitaries at Essex street need improvement.
4. The supervisor of drawing is employed but one day each week. With the larger number of schools and more widely scattered buildings she should be engaged for two days a week the same as the music teacher.
5. We have on hand a copy of the Annual School Report for each year since 1864. If any of the citizens of the town have copies of the report for the year ending in March, 1862, 1859, 1857 or any year earlier which they are willing to donate, they will confer a great favor by sending them to any member of the School Committee. It is proposed to have them bound in a suitable manner and preserved permanently.
6. Attention is called to the great advantage to be gained by having the Superintendent's office connected with the dif- ferent schoolhouses by private telephone. Such connection would be of advantage in giving prompt notice to the truant officer, and would place all schools in close touch with the
-
18
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Superintendent. The cost would be small, if poles already set were used.
7. Our high school is in great need of better laboratory conveniences. The room now used is too small to accommo- date the classes which are growing larger each year. There are no arrangements for doing laboratory work in Physics or Botany. I would suggest that you consider this matter at once and ask for the necessary appropriation. Perhaps there is no better way than to fit up the unoccupied room in the old school building in the rear of the Roby School. This is the only available room large enough for a laboratory, unless a room needed for other purposes is taken.
Appended to this report are the usual tables, also the reports of the High School Principal and the Supervisors of Drawing and of Music.
I am indebted to the School Committee for doing all in their power to make the year a pleasant one for me and a successful one for the schools.
Respectfully submitted, C. E. STEVENS.
Music.
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 glancing back over the past year I see marked improve- ment in not a few of the schools.
It is natural to suppose that all teachers are not equally musical and that every teacher does not instruct in music equally well; but when the musical spirit has been aroused, leaders come to the front who supply the musical spirit the teacher lacks.
During the year we have kept closely in mind the improve- ment of tones-keeping the melodies high enough to avoid largely the chest notes of the child-singing scales from high note down to bring head notes as low as possible.
19
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
We strive to familiarize the pupils with the fundamental principles or elements of which music is composed-for it is a self-evident truth that to read music one must become familiar with these elements.
He should develop the spontaneous singing of songs as a means of expression and enjoyment; establish the relationship between song and technical forms; direct the attention and effort of the child to the mastery of technique, that he may be able to understand and sing musical thoughts.
The combining of grades seems to be a hindrance to the work of special teachers. It is difficult to plan work when the same book is to be used two succeeding years. To obviate this difficulty other books should be purchased, containing new material in exercises and songs.
Our work in the High School is most encouraging. Though we can boast of no musical wonders, yet never have all the various parts been better sustained nor the spirit of willingness and desire for success more prominent.
I wish to thank you and the School Committee for your assistance and cordial support; also the teachers for their very efficient work.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN M. PAGE.
Drawing.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir,-The aim and general plan of the work in draw- ing is similar to that of last year, which was explained quite fully in last year's report. There has been quite marked prog- ress in the work, which is due largely to the teachers' more thorough knowledge of the subject.
The most noticeable improvement has been in the decora- tive work, which is far superior to that of any previous year. As was stated in the last report, we commenced studying de- signs in a new way, giving more attention to the principles,- rhythm, symmetry and harmony. The pupils have a good
20
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
understanding of these principles which they have applied very successfully.
Another point gained is the self dependence of the pupil. Instead of depending entirely upon the teacher, in most cases the pupils have learned to depend upon themselves, and to express their own thoughts upon the paper.
In the color work, we have been working under some diffi- culties, that is in giving out materials,-paints, brushes, dishes, etc.,-to each one. If we could have paint boxes this spring, a great deal of time and trouble would be saved. The cost in the end would be no greater.
Drawing in the High School is being carried on as before. I spend three mornings a month there. Mechanical drawing has been taken up during the past year with good results. I have a class in Perspective which is progressing remarkably, in view of the little time given to the work. If my time could be increased, I could spend more time in the lower schools which now are necessarily slighted. The cause of this lack of time is the increase of schools this year.
I wish to thank you for your kind and helpful interest in the work.
Respectfully submitted, SADIE R. MELZARD, Supervisor of Drawing.
High School.
Mr. C. E. Stevens, Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir,-I have the honor to submit to you my fifth annual report of the High School. The average membership for the past four months has been the largest in the history of the school.
The present membership by classes and the number of pupils in the different courses of study is as follows:
21
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
CLASS
1
2
3
4
Latin Course, 4 years
5
11
18
26
English Course, 3 or 4 years
7
15
17
There are sixty taking the four years' Latin course and thirty-nine in the three and four years' English course com- bined.
Enrollment for the year 103.
Present membership 99.
Average membership for the year 88.4
There were seventeen graduates and one post graduate in the class last June. From this number, six took college exam- inations, four of them being for Harvard. All were successful in passing the examinations, but only three have entered college.
This is the first class that ever prepared for Harvard in the Saugus High School. The citizens of Saugus may justly feel proud of the record of the students who have thus far entered college from our High School. Of the others in the class, seven are attending Business College and two are training for teachers. Few public schools can show a larger per cent. from a graduating class that have continued their education in higher institutions of learning.
The large number of students of the class of 1900 who have entered Business College emphasize what was said last year in regard to a good Business Course in our High School.
The graduating class for next June will be small (II) and several who are to graduate will return for at least another year. This, with the large entering class expected, will make the High School much larger next year than ever before.
The College Preparatory course is as well arranged as we can have it with our present number of teachers. Students
22
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
can now be prepared for college or scientific schools without spending one or two years elsewhere. It will soon be neces- sary to have better laboratory facilities. Our work in the sciences is handicapped by a lack of apparatus, and the facili- ties for using it. This is especially true of Physics, Chemistry and Botany. Each student should be given a chance to do individual work and thus gain practical knowledge by careful study and investigation by himself.
The study of German was introduced at the beginning of last term and a large number of students are availing them- selves of the opportunity for studying this language.
There have been no radical changes during the past year. The gradual growth of the school and the better preparation of the pupils in the lower grades has made it possible to some- what improve our course of study.
There has been no change of teachers during the year, and to this fact is due much of the success attained.
The pupils and teachers of the High School fully appreciate their pleasant schoolroom and all take pride in keeping the building and its furnishings in good condition. We cordially invite parents and friends to visit us and see the kind of work we are doing. It would be of mutual benefit if the parents would consult with the teachers at frequent intervals. We are always glad to answer any questions concerning the standing or conduct of the pupils.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the superintendent, school committee, teachers and citizens for their assistance and en- couragement during the year.
Financial Report.
Report of money received and expended for the Saugus High School in 1900:
.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
23
Receipts.
Cash balance Jan. 1, 1900
$58 99
Received from Bond Prize Exhibition,
43 25
$102 24
Expenditures.
For printing
$12 25
For selling tickets
2 50
For books and supplies
4 85
For sundry expenses
3 95
Cash balance Jan. 1, 190I
78 69
$102 24
Respectfully submitted,
N. E. ADAMS.
ENROLMENT, SEPTEMBER, 1900.
AGE.
Totals.
Grades.
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
: {13
....
...
1
1
3
10
2
1
. . .
·
11
2
7
11
12
1
1
High
110
....
·
.
2
12
29
21
4
15
6
8
.
·
....
2
2
17
20
40
16
3
1
·
.
7
103
6
...
1
5
12
33
26
24
1
1
. .
·
.. .
1
5
9
28
42
39
1
. . . ·
2
. .
..
. .
..
·
3
1
1
6
15
27
59
4
113
2
4
10
42
91
147
1
Ungraded
.
1
1
. .
5
1
6
12
6
13
9
6
7
9
75
Totals.
1
3
13
37
50
88
98
108
96
109
123
110
85
114
104
1139
1.
3
1
...
...
.
...
·
. . .
5
18
. .
·
....
...
...
1
8
15
12
S
68
9
70
..
5
17
27
1
5
22
50
38
13
42
44
6
....
118
2
11
·
·
....
·· ··
. . . .
....
5
·
118
4
.
School.
12
34
44
101
125
TABLE I. Giving Grades of Schools, Name of Present Teachers, Year of Election, and Annual Salary.
Wrd.
Grade
Teachers.
Year of Elect.
Salaries.
High School
N. E. Adams, Principal.
1896
$1,350
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