USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1889 > Part 2
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SCHOOL REPORT.
successful, and particularly to those who gave assistance in guaranteeing the expenses of the last lecture, which were fortunately, however. fully met by the receipts. While these lectures were not a financial success, owing to the small audiences attendant upon the first two, they were most profitable in other ways, and we think it would be desirable to have a similar course another winter.
TEACHERS.
The Committee, as at various times constituted during the year, has been favored in their efforts to secure a good corps of teachers. Our teachers, who have been with us in former years, are well maintaining their excellent repu- tation, while those who have more recently come among us, are winning new laurels as time passes. All are laboring diligently, conscientiously and enthusiastically in the performance of their duties.
It is largely due to their efforts that our schools are in their present good condition. We have had evidence of this from outside sources, in that Superintendents from other towns have been watching the work our teachers are doing, and have made strenuous attempts, by the offer of substantial inducements, to allure them to accept other positions. But in each instance, we have felt it to be for the interests of our schools to retain them, and have done so, though special inducements had to be made to that end. We know no reason why our children should not have as efficient instruction and management as the children of other towns. We doubt if any town in Massa- chusetts of the size of Swampscott has eleven schools full of brighter or more capable children than our own. No pains should be spared, consistent with reasonable econ- omy, to lay for our children good foundations for success- ful lives which depend on intelligence and well disciplined minds.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Good teachers are of more importance than expensive or ornamental school houses. Rapid strides are being made all over the world, in the improvement of public school systems. New ideas and methods are daily being introduced, all tending to make school life pleasanter and more profitable, eliminating drudgery, and materially short- ening the time required for good equipment for a successful start in life. Now the foundation for success in this line is a good teacher. The day has gone by when the chief consideration in securing a teacher is the least money for which one can be obtained. It is well that this is so, for money wasted in the employment of poor teachers is money lost to our children in after life. It is equally true that the time is past when school teaching is to be made a stepping- stone to other professions or pursuits in life. The teacher occupies one of the noblest of callings, and one to be undertaken only with conscientious devotion to duty in training the young mind for good citizenship. It is no pastime, but a science, worthy of careful and zealous study.
There is at present going on in this country an exciting controversy as between public and parochial schools, and in this connection, we offer the suggestion that there can be no final settlement of the question that does not rest upon the development of the public schools to their highest possible efficiency.
Before dismissing this part of our report, we call atten- tion to the number of changes that have taken place in the corps of teachers during the year, a larger number, proba- bly, than has taken place in the same period for a long time. In the High School we have Mr. G. P. Balch in place of Mr. E. P. Barker, and Mrs. E. P. Barker, his assistant. In the Third Grammar Miss M. H. Fernald succeeds Miss Lucy G. Chase (now Mrs. Johnson). In the Redington Street Primary, Miss E. J. Shackley is suc-
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cessor to Miss Melvina M. Joslin. Miss Fannie A. Gould succeeds Miss Hattie M. Norton (now Mrs. Lewis), in the Pine Street Intermediate.
We sincerely regret that we are called upon to record the retirement of Miss Annie E. Boynton from the Beach Primary, and of Miss Hazel H. Seger of the Pine Street Primary, on account of failing health. We trust that this retirement from a calling in which both these ladies have met with excellent success will be but temporary, and we rejoice to note the improvement in health with which both are favored at this writing.
Miss M. A. Wells has taken the place of Miss Boynton, and Miss H. A. Thayer is filling the vacancy caused by Miss Seger's retirement.
We must still further notice the hinderances of the winter term which have been incident to unusual and necessarily prolonged absences on account of the general prevalence of measles, mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough and scarlet fever. All the schools have been more or less affected ; in some of the schools the attendance has been materially reduced for the time ; while in the case of Miss Stanley's school at the Farms, there was an entire suspen- sion for a few days. It is due our scholars that the fact just mentioned shall be taken into consideration, when we come at the end of the year, to pass judgment on their progress as a body.
MORALS.
While we can congratulate ourselves on not having any habitual truants among our school children, there are too often cases of occasional truancy requiring attention. If we could have the hearty co-opera- tion of parents in seeing that children attend school regularly, it would make the task in this direction lighter. No one can have so much or so good an influence over a
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child as the parent, and it is his or her aid that is most needed to repress this evil. We have been sorry to learn during the year of several instances of scholars counterfeit- ing signatures of parents to spurious notes, purporting to come from parent to teacher. We are willing to believe that boys practising this do not fully understand the serious nature of the deed, but no effort should be spared on the part of the parents and teachers to have them understand that this is but a simple form of one of the most reprehen- sible of crimes known to criminal law-forgery.
We are sure that a little wholesome instruction in this matter, both at home and in school, will effect a cure of the evil.
While speaking of these breaches of school morals, we call attention to the necessity of guarding scrupulously the moral and social purity of those under our care. As parents, teachers and committee, we cannot be too diligent and careful at this point.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
This, perhaps, more than any other single subject, is worthy of our serious consideration. In urging our need of a Superintendent, we cannot do better than to heartily endorse what was presented to your attention in the report of the School Committee of last year which was as follows :
"Until within a very few years the public demands upon a School Committee were seemingly satisfied if the members kept the school buildings in repair-were shrewd enough to hire reason- ably good teachers for small salaries, and occasionally made a brief call, say once a term on each school. Practically. the whole responsibility was turned over upon the teachers. A new era. however, is dawning. The law requiring towns to furnish free. all text books and school supplies, has done much to bring com- mittees and schools into closer relations. The committee man is no longer a mere figure head. There is in the care of school
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property-the purchasing and distributing of supplies and general ordering of material interests, a large work to do. But there re- mains a higher kind of service to be performed, such as the map- ping out of courses of study-the choosing of the best among va- rious systems of teaching, and the imparting of that stimulus to better work which a competent overseer gives.
This superintendency of schools has come to be a calling or profession not unlike the regency of a university. To be qualified for it requires first, certain of those natural abilities which char- acterize the successful general. The Superintendent must be able not only to direct the course of pupils but of teachers as well. He must have a broad education and an active mind keeping abreast of the rapidly advancing times. Such men, were they to be found in our Town. would not accept the office and salary of a committee. As a rule those who most earnestly seek this office are least qualified for it. Already most of the larger towns and cities about us are employing Superintendents, and the work of their schools is pronounced by our State Board of Education to be more satisfactory than the work of others unaided thus. So de- sirable is it considered that all our schools be under competent Superintendents, that prominent educators are suggesting that the State give aid to towns which would otherwise be unable to hire them. Our ten schools would not require the whole time of a Superintendent. Quite likely arrangements could be made with some neighboring town to share with us the benefit and cost of such an office."
So much do we feel the need of a Superintendent, that we have recently had an interview with the Secretary of the State Board of Education, in regard to the matter. There is a law now in force, reference to which has been made in the quotation above, under which the State gives considerable aid to two or more towns uniting in the employment of a Superintendent of Schools. Upon com- pliance with certain conditions specified in the Statutes, one of which is, that towns shall together appropriate annually not less than $750.00 for the salary of such Superintendent ; the State will pay the towns jointly the
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SCHOOL REPORT.
sum of $1,000.00 annually, one-half of which shall be applied to the salary of the Superintendent, and the other half to the salaries of teachers. Under this plan we could have the benefit of the services of an efficient Superintendent by the appropriation for the purpose, of not more than $375.00, and probably less. We have been informed by the Secretary of the State Board, that the plan is working admirably in other parts of the State, resulting in greatly increased efficiency in school work. If in our case, the adoption of this plan in the near future does not seem possible, we hope some substitute may be determined upon. since it must appear evident to every one that no one but a person giving his whole time and thought to the work as a business man, can properly supervise and organize a complex organization like our school system.
And it must be equally apparent that without good super- vision and organization, we must all the time be working under disadvantages, and without receiving from our effort and outlay all the benefit which might be obtained.
HIGH SCHOOL.
We are able to report this school in most excellent con- dition, promising, as we think, in the near future. progress beyond past expectation. Since the beginning of the present school year, the school has been under the care of Mr. Gardner P. Balch, a graduate of Dartmouth, and who has taught successfully at Newburyport and at Framing- ham, Mass., from which latter place he came to Swamp- scott.
Mr. Balch entered upon his work here with spirit, enterprise, and a determination to build up the High School. In this we feel that he has been thus far, suc- cessful. Perhaps the best indication of this is to be found in the interest manifested on the part of the scholars. 4
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SCHOOL REPORT.
One young man, whose has removed to Salem, still con- tinues to be a member of our High School.
Changes have been made in the grading of the school. The class which has been considered preparatory in the High School, and which formerly was a part of the Grammar School, is now made a regular class in the High School, thus giving the High School a four years' course. Much work was done with the aid of Mr. Balch, in rearranging the course which is now arranged about like that of other High Schools of the State. Further changes are contemplated by which it is hoped to raise this school
to the first rank of High Schools. Reports we have heard, and impressions we have gained in visiting the school, warrant the belief that the scholars are enjoying the work, and are doing it cheerfully, which is the beginning and secret of success. A glance at the course of studies now pursued in the school, discloses the fact that the work laid out is not only productive of that mental and moral training and development, which it is the province of the school to afford, but furnishes also agreeable and pleasing work in the more interesting departments of the field of knowledge.
As to the present size of the school, the average attend- ance for the full term was 33, about one-third of which number are young men, a fact which affords reason for congratulation. We hope they will remain until gradua- tion, an event to which we trust greater significance will attach in the future than has been the case in the past.
By reason of the greater ability to be acquired, even from a financial stand-point, as well as on account of the better mental development and larger information to be gained, every young man and woman should remain in school until the completion of their course. There is plenty of time for the drudgery and work of life, but may- be only once in life when ones undivided attention can be
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SCHOOL REPORT.
given to the pursuit of knowledge. Let that opportunity, therefore, be diligently improved. The prospect for a large school during the year to come is very encouraging.
The size of the class which will enter the High School at the beginning of the next fall term, is likely to render our present facilities inadequate for their accomodation. We would urge upon parents to do all in their power, and it is much, to encourage the upbuilding of this school, which promises to be a success.
There should be no necessity for sending our children to other towns to secure the advantage of a good High School education. This can be obtained right here at home, at less cost, and it is our plain duty to improve and maintain our own institutions.
Let us all take hold with a will and we shall soon have a school which may be the pride of the Town. We note with pleasure that several young men and two young ladies are fitting for college, and that one young man is preparing for the Institute of Technology.
CONDITION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY.
At Pine Street a new boiler has been placed, of the same pattern as that of the Grammar School House. This change in heating apparatus was greatly needed, and has resulted satisfactorily for the most part. But it has been found impossible, even with the new apparatus, to render the building comfortable in the severest weather. This is doubtless due, in part, to the exposed condition of the building, which can in, part be remedied by the addition of storm windows.
A complete change in the sanitary arrangements of this building was made last summer by the removal of old out- houses and the substitution of new ones, under which sub- stantial and properly constructed brick vaults have been built. In this respect the needs of this building are provided for,
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for sometime to come. The building has also received thorough painting inside, and is now in good condition in all respects. Early attention, however, should be given to the school yard which needs filling and grading, and to be newly fenced, the old fence being in a most dilapidated condition.
Essex Street. - Little has been done on this property during the year. The condition of the yard about the doors has been slightly improved and a gravel walk has been constructed from the girls' door to the street. This walk, like that formerly laid to the boys' door, should be of concrete. The sanitary conditions of this school house are not what they should be, and will need early attention. This building is in fairly good condition, but for a com- paratively new one, the roof leaks badly, particularly about the hall-ways and ante-rooms, and also about the belt- board on the outside of the buildings, dividing the two stories. We see the results of this leaking in badly stained walls and ceilings.
Redington Street. - The Grammar School Building is mostly in good repair. It will soon need one coat of paint on the outside, but probably nothing further for a time.
Temporary out-buildings have been provided, pending action by the Town upon the lot, where permanent provi- sions in this direction must be made.
Beach Schools. - This building is in fairly good con- dition, perhaps needing a coat of paint on the outside, ere long. The sanitary conditions here are bad, and should be improved at once.
Farm School. - Early steps should be taken to put the property into better condition and appearance. The fact of this being the smallest school in town has, we fear, led to some neglect in the care of the building and yard. But while it may be the smallest school, the work done in it is
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just as important as in any other. Moreover, the property is so situated as to be under the direct notice of the resident portion of the Town, particularly in the summer seasons. Small things often produce deep impressions, and we are sure that if one should judge of the general condition of our school system, by the appearance of this particular piece of property, the conclusion reached would be far from correct.
A little outlay should be made in bettering the internal appearance of the building. The expense need be but slight. The outside should be painted and put in good repair and the yard properly graded. With no great ex- pense, this school house and surroundings may be made to present an appearance more creditable to the Town, and more cheerful for those who occupy it.
Respectfully submitted.
GEO. L. CROSMAN, School W. H. ROGERS. $ Committee.
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SCHOOL REPORT.
Report of Committee on Enlargement OF
GRAMMAR SCHOOL-HOUSE LOT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :
YOUR Committee would respectfully state that they have attended to the duty for which they were appointed, as shown in the following Report :-
In accordance with its instructions, your Committee has purchased from the Swampscott Land Trust Company, a parcel of land in the rear of and adjoining the old school- house lot, containing 1,912 square feet, for which the sum of $382.40 was paid. This lot comprises a little more than one-half the land required to carry the school-house lot back to the desired line and to maintain the width of the old lot in so doing. The remaining land required for this purpose, containing 1,691 square feet, is now the property of Mr. E. F. Ames. A clear idea of the recent purchase and of the portion needed to complete the school lot is given in the accompanying diagram reproduced from Sur- veyor's Plan. The part already purchased which is now a part of the school lot is designated "Purchase of 1888". The portion needed, to be obtained from Mr. Ames, is marked "Proposed Extension". Your Committee, as in- structed at last Town Meeting, has written Mr. Ames, to learn from him the price at which he would sell this portion referred to. We have received from him a reply of which the following is a copy.
THUN, SWITZERLAND, July 20, 1888.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SWAMPSCOTT SCHOOL BOARD :
DEAR SIRS :- Through your secretary, Mr. J. F. Packard, you ask me to name a price for fifty feet of land in the rear of
Redington Street
Wiley
Swampscott
Land Trust
Tenie 155.6-1
Swampscott Lund Freest
21.57
1912 S.F. Purchase of
54.92
Original School House Lot
71.20
School House
11.118 S ..
50.37
Proposed
1726
enlargement 1691 5.1.
50
ยท 155.05
Ames
Plan Holden
showing present location
and also
.
Proposed enlargement of Grammar School, lot
in
Swampscott, . Has's.
March 1,1889. Chas.W. Gay, Surveyor
Scale of Feet- 40 60
100
90
80
70
50
20
30
71.94
39.80
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SCHOOL REPORT.
your school house, that you may remove the privies further from the school, saying, and justly, that they are a most unhealthy nuisance. It is a fact that has been pressed upon my notice for a long time and even more of a nuisance to me than to school children who are subject to it only a few hours each day, while my family are obliged to endure it day and night. Not only during the ordinary school months but in the long vacation, when the weather is warmest, all these unhealthy odors of which you speak are pour- ing into our windows. Many times we are obliged to close all our back windows when we most need air, and leave the side piazzas because the stench is unsufferable. Until now, I have borne this without complaint, as well as the annoyance to which we have been subjected from the school boys in throwing stones, appropriating fruit and breaking in the roofs of our out-buildings. I have rented my place for two summers and both tenants have complained of what they called the school nuisance. No odors can come from my privy, for it is only used half the year by my two servants, and I am very careful of all my sanitary arrange- ments. I have been trying for a long time to buy land from the Mudge estate, and, as you see, have been the first to secure it when it was offered for sale, that I might put more distance between my house and this same nuisance, which you complain of as dangerous to the school. I have bought sufficient land to put the house which I propose to build in the centre of the lot, away from the dust of the street, and yet sufficiently removed from all danger. The land which you want. I need for my stable and out-buildings, and it is more valuable to me for that purpose than land on the avenue. Had I had the remotest idea that you wished this land for the purpose you mention, rather than buy a foot more of land, I would have sold what I already possessed- for appropriating this land to that purpose will bring the nuisance as near my new house as it is to my old. Now, I have given you some of the reasons why I do not wish to sell. I cannot name a price because money will not compensate me for the loss to my home. I am very glad to know that the Sanitary Board of Swampscott are looking into this matter, and shall look to them for a consideration of my own case if this nuisance is moved upon me. Your Secretary says you have no personal feeling, neither have I except for self-protection. Surely I should be as faithful
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SCHOOL REPORT.
to the health of my own household as you to your school trust. Of one thing I am sure, that not one of the Board, nor a parent of one of the children under your care, but would protect, as I do, were their homes in like jeopardy. I well know that the School Board cannot always be responsible for the lawless acts of school boys, but in a town with as much unoccupied land as there is in Swampscott. there surely is room to place the school house sufficiently far removed from quiet home life, to have place for play grounds and privies, without danger or annoyance to either children or residents.
Very truly yours. (Signed) E. F. AMES.
You will doubtless note the spirit and full meaning of this reply. Mr. Ames states that he does not wish to sell and so declines to name any price. He urges as his chief objection the lack of proper sanitary conditions at the school house. Acknowledging the reasonableness of his complaint, and with a desire to express proper sympathy for him in his situation, yet his proposition to erect another house in such close proximity to the nuisance which he de- plores, seems a little remarkable. But the object of the Town in this proposed purchase is to do away with this same nuisance, thereby directly improving the condition of our school property and that of Mr. Ames' and of neigh- boring estates. You will note that the land we want, he desires for his stable and out-buildings, as it is more valua- ble to him for that purpose than his other land.
Now by reference to the diagram, you will note that between the boundary-line of this lot ( at present marked by our school fence) and the rear wall of the school house is a passage-way about 31% feet, the only means of access at present from the boys' side of the school yard to the rear of the school house, where the out-buildings are located. Close up to this line, within 3 1-2 feet of your school build- ing, it is Mr. Ames' privilege and perhaps intention to build his stable. The result of this would be to render a portion
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SCHOOL REPORT.
of our school house uninhabitable. Mr. Ames' only sug- gestion to remedy our present difficulty is to remove the school house and schools to some of the "unoccupied land" of the Town-" removed from quiet home life". By this it is presumed he means to advise us to remove our school house which has occupied its present site since about the year 1850, to some remote place, a suggestion which evidently does not come from due consideration for the welfare of our children, and one which may naturally and justly ex- cite protest from every citizen who appreciates the supreme value of our public schools. While admitting the duty of the Town and State alike to seek the highest welfare of each citizen, it will not be conceded that individual conve- nience or caprice may stand in the way of the public good.
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