USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1852 > Part 3
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The Winter Term, was continued under the charge of the same teacher, who by her indefatigable exertions and strict at- tention to the suggestions of the committee, succeeded in main- taining good order, regular and punctual attendance, (sickness excepted,) of most of her pupils, and the closing examination clearly manifested, that great care had been taken by the teacher, that the progress of all the pupils should be thorough so far as they advanced, and particularly in that most important part of primary instruction, reading and spelling.
Summer Term. The Grammar Department also, commenced on the 12th of April ; The whole number of scholars being 44, and the average attendance 28 ; in addition to this irregular at- tendance, 212 requests were made during this term by parents, that scholars might be excused, before the time of dismissing the school. It is hardly necessary to add, that in this state of things, good order and advancement in the school could not reasonably be expected, and the closing examination, bore abundant marks of its
39
effects, in almost every exercise. There were, however, schol- ars in this school, who improved the privileges there afforded, and were creditable exceptions to the general character of the school.
The Winter Term was continued under the same instructor, the whole number of scholars being 43, and the average attend- ance 36. It will be seen that in this respect, quite an improve- ment was made, yet it continued a great fault. The order of the school was good in other respects. There was a multiplicity of classes in school, and it is believed that a considerable amount of education was acquired, but there appeared to be a great lack of thoroughness in every exercise, except writing, which was very creditable to both teacher and scholars.
Should the scholars, however, have the opportunity of con- tinuing their studies, and make a careful review of the several branches pursued by them during this term, the benefits may yet be fully realized.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
There were two schools in the summer, of four and a half months each. Commendable progress was made by some of the scholars in the grammar division ; though the closing examina- tion was not all that was desirable. A more thorough discipline would have been of advantage to the school.
The Primary Department, was under the charge of an experi- enced and efficient teacher. The scholars were orderly and studious and made very good progress in their studies. Partic- ular attention was paid to spelling, and with very gratifying results. The examination at the close, was quite satisfactory.
There were two schools in the fall, of three months each. The Primary Department was under the same teacher who had charge of it in the summer. Both schools were under good in- struction and discipline, and received commendation at the closing examination. Much credit is due to the teacher of the Grammar Department, for raising by subscription in the district, about twenty-five dollars, with which to purchase for the use of the school, a globe, maps, &c.
After the fall schools were closed, a school was opened under the charge of another and an experienced teacher, to continue three months. This school has appeared well at the several
40
visitations, the order being good and the pupils studious. This report being made previous to the closing examination, the com- mittee cannot speak of the progress of the school.
SIXTH DISTRICT.
In the summer, there were two schools of six months each, both of which were efficiently managed and thoroughly instruct- ed, and received the commendation of the committee at the close. There were in the grammar division several scholars of superior excellence.
The grammar division, in the Winter Term, was under the charge of the same instructor that taught it the two preceding winters. For the first ten weeks it was under the superintend- ence of the selectmen-the wages of the teacher, for that time, being paid from the income of the district fund. Since that time, the committee have superintended it, and have been exceedingly gratified with the interest manifested by both teacher and pupils in the business of the school, and they anticipate great pleasure in the closing examination, which they regret comes too late to be noticed in this report. This school stands among the very first in the town. It is hoped that it may enjoy again the services of the excellent teacher who has given such satisfaction to the committee and the district, for the three seasons he has had charge of it.
The primary division was instructed by the same teacher who had charge of it the two preceding terms. It has appeared well at the monthly visitations. The teacher has labored faith- fully for the interests of the school, and with good success. This school does not close in season to notice the examination in this report.
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
Summer Term. At the commencement of the term there was but one school ; but the number of pupils was so large, that at the expiration of five weeks it was deemed advisable to divide the school.
The Grammar Department was under the direction of one of our best teachers. The school throughout was remarkable for
41
its order, and at its close, for the perfectness of its recitations. The improvements made in the higher branches of study taught during the term, spoke well for the ability and perseverance of the teacher.
The Primary Department was in charge of a young, yet com- petent and successful teacher. The school was well conducted, and at its termination, good progress was evinced by the pupils.
Winter Term. The grammar division was in charge of a competent teacher, and was well conducted.
The teacher labored under a serious disadvantage in the irreg- ular attendance of the scholars, an evil which ought to be reme- died. At the close of the school, it was evident to your commit- tee that good improvement had been made, especially by those who had been most punctual in their attendance.
The primary division was in charge of an experienced teach- er, who conducted it to the entire satisfaction, both of the com- mittee and parents.
EIGHTH DISTRICT.
This is in a sense two districts. It has two school-houses, sit- uated more than a mile apart, and is divided into what are termed the north and south divisions. This division operates unfavor- ably as to the length of the schools. It seems proper to call attention to this state of the district, and, without entering into detail, to suggest that one of two things be done. Either let one commodious house be erected in a central situation for all the pupils in the district; or, (which is preferable,) let the present houses be employed for annual primary schools, to be taught by females, and let a school be kept in the centre of the district, by a master three or four months in the winter for the older pupils. By such an arrangement, and for the same amount of money now expended, it is believed that much may be gained in the length of the schools.
We simply suggest the matter for the consideration of those whom it may concern.
The north division of this district is subdivided into a primary
6
42
and grammar department. The former was in charge of two different teachers during the summer.
One taught it 13} weeks, and then left on account of sickness. The other taught six weeks. It was well conducted in both instances, and appeared creditably at the closing examination.
The grammar department was in charge of an able and expe- rienced teacher, continued twenty weeks, was well conducted, and closed with honor to the teacher, and to the satisfaction of the committee.
The south division, with all the pupils in one department, con- tinued twenty weeks, was kept by a young, but, on the whole, a successful teacher.
For want of funds, no primary school has been kept in the district during the past winter. The deficiency, however, has been supplied by a private school under the care of a teacher amply qualified to instruct and manage any of our grammar schools.
The north division, Winter Term, was taught by the same instructor who had charge of it the previous winter, and who is now teaching, for the third season, in the south division. It hardly need be added that your committee are well satisfied with his mode of instruction, and the management of his schools.
NINTH DISTRICT.
Summer Term. The Primary Department commenced March 15th, under the same instructress as the previous year, the whole number of scholars being 94, and the average attendance 70. This number of scholars is far too large to be under the care of one teacher, and the school-room much too small to accommodate them. Considering the circumstances, the school appeared tolerably well. The Winter Term was continued by the same teacher, the whole number of scholars being 86, and the average attendance 65. The same evils continued as in the Sum- mer Term, and the result was, as might justly be expected, that the particular attention of the teacher to each scholar, necessary to a thorough drilling in the primary school, could not be had, and very much of the advantages sought for in our schools was lost
43
to the pupils. The labor of the teacher was very great, and her success as good as could reasonably be expected. The commit- tee would suggest the absolute necessity of some different ar- rangement in this district in order to reap the advantages of a good common school.
The Grammar Department of this district was conducted the past year by the same instructor who had charge of it the three previous years. Much is expected of a school enjoying the ad- vantages of the same teacher from year to year, and we think we do not go too far in saying that this should be a model school, considering the advantages it enjoys over other schools.
In most respects it has answered the expectations of the com- mittee. Much has been done on the part of the teacher, and his examinations gave evidence that his labors are fully appreciated.
TENTH DISTRICT.
There was an interruption of the Summer School in this dis- trict by a change of teachers. This change was owing to the sickness of the teacher who commenced the school, whose suc- cessful labors in previous terms has given great satisfaction, and caused the failure of her health to be the more regretted. In re- tiring from her school, she was succeeded by one whose efforts, and the results, in the peculiar circumstances of her position, were satisfactory to the committee.
The Winter School, with the exception of two or three schol- ars, at the examination, did not appear to be so far advanced in the common branches as are some other schools in town. The cases of exception were such as merited special commendation. The teacher appeared to be interested in his work, and gained the affections of his pupils. Most of the classes at the examina- tion were commended as having made improvement in their studies.
In the preface to this report, having spoken of the importance of an education, the committee feel it incumbent on them to speak of some of the more prominent evils connected with the schools in this town.
44
And in the first place, we would mention the evils of irregular attendance and tardiness. These are evils which exist to a very great extent, and ought to be remedied. Children should be at school constantly, and in season, if they would gain the greatest amount of education which our common schools are able to af- ford. Parents ought to be willing to make some sacrifice, if need be, of convenience, for the sake of correcting this evil ; but it is believed, were the importance of this matter duly appreciated by them, they would so arrange their affairs as to suffer no con- siderable inconvenience in allowing their children to attend school regularly and punctually. The teacher may also exert an influ- ence in this matter. Indecd, with proper efforts on the part of the teacher, a public sentiment may be created in the school, which will, almost of itself, correct the evil.
In this connection it may be well to speak of another evil, of a similar nature-that of parents requesting teachers to dismiss their children before the school closes. It is an evil, and should be discountenanced by all parents and guardians of children.
Another evil, and perhaps the greatest which now exists in our school system, is that connected with the manner of selecting and contracting with the teachers. Primarily, it is the duty of the school committee, to select and contract with all the teachers for the town or district schools; but if any town so chooses, it may vote, (an article being in the warrant for the purpose,) to transfer this duty from the school committee to the prudential committee, (this vote having validity only during the school-year for which it is passed) ; and in this case, the duty of selecting devolves upon the latter, but the prudential committee cannot make an absolute contract with any person to keep a school. For all teachers must be examined and approved by the school committee, before they can legally commence their respective schools ; without this approval, the contract is void.
The practice in this town has been for the prudential commit- tee to contract with the teachers, and then, after notice has been given of the time of the commencement of the school, the teacher has appeared before the school committee for examination and approval.
·
45
Now the evil of this system is, that very many of the prudential committee have not taken much interest in the schools, and know but little concerning them. They usually engage the teacher or teachers who have kept the school before, or the first one who is recommended, or applies for it, feeling that the responsibility of their fitness and qualification rests with the school committee, and not with them ; and usually desire to get along with the least possible trouble to themselves. Just as the schools are about to commence, they bring the teachers before the school committee, who examine them, and very often are not fully satisfied with their qualifications, and sometimes feel obliged to reject them. Usually this gives offence to the prudential committee, who re- sent it, as an improper interference, putting him to unnecessary inconvenience and trouble in procuring another, also causing delay in the commencement of the school. Frequently the re- jection of the teacher by the committee, at this time, would be a very serious injury to him, in his reputation and his plans. In these circumstances, the school committee approbate those whom they would not employ, if it were their duty to select and contract with them.
Oftentimes when a teacher has kept a school and given good satisfaction in the district, by means of keeping on good terms with the pupils, and the parents have rarely if ever visited the school themselves to ascertain how it is conducted, having no knowledge except what they obtain from their children; the school committee who have visited it as the law requires, are deeply impressed with the incompetency of the teacher, or at least that there are others much more competent whose services might be secured ; and yet the districts select and choose their prudential committee, with particular reference to his employing the same teacher or teachers, and it would hardly be submitted to by the district, should the school committee withhold their ap- probation. Thus, in some instances, schools are continued term after term, with a teacher so deficient in some essential particu lars, that the schools lose a great part of the privileges provide for them by the town. Teachers must not only have a suitable education, (in which they are often deficient,) but they must
46
have an aptness to teach, and peculiar talents are required for the successful prosecution of that calling, in all its departments.
To secure such teachers, the responsibility must rest some- where, and not be divided between two; and since it cannot, under the statutes of the Commonwealth, be placed upon the prudential, it should, in our opinion, be left with the school committee ; and, until a greater interest is taken by parents in the schools, the school committee are the only persons whose circumstances qualify them to judge in this matter. Leave then the selecting and contracting of teachers with them, and they cannot avoid feeling the responsibility ; and, although they may not always succeed in obtaining the very best teachers, yet it is believed that a higher order will be secured, or at least, those who have proved themselves incompetent, will not be employed a second term.
If this course should be adopted, the good effects would soon be apparent in our schools, and the town would be slow to return to its present practice in this respect.
There is much room for improvement in other particulars, connected with our schools, and it is incumbent on the commit- tee, and on parents, to procure the best teachers and con- veniences they can; to see that their children attend school daily and seasonably, and are furnished with proper books,- visit the schools often,-consult with the teachers,-understand the rules of the school, and require all the scholars strictly to observe them.
1
Statistics of the several Schools for 1853, and a comparison with those of the two preceding years .*
TEACHERS' NAMES.
No. of persons in the
District between
5 & 15 years of age.
No. of Scholars at-
Average attendance.
No. of times tardy.
No. of Scholars un-
No. of Scholars over
Length of School in
Months and Days.
Wages per month in
No. of Days attend-
ance.
- | District.
Miss A. L. Bates,
98
35
28
578
-
-
53
16 00
3,061
Summer.
Miss E. L. Pratt,
-
74
45
231
16
-
-
-
·
.
·
52
39
162
8
25
38 00
2,210
Winter.
Mr. J. Humphrey,
·
70
66
50
476
7
1
6
20 00
6,560
Summer.
2
Miss E. French,
.
57
50
43
3
1
4
40 00
4,396
Winter.
Mr. H. M. Woods,
·
209
61
41
335
20
7
14 00
3,617
Summer.
3
Miss M. M. Dyer,
2
64
20 00
5,658
Summer.
Miss E. G. Parrott, ·
.
7
16 00
7,503
Summer.
Miss S. E. French,
.
·
.
.
71
52
112
19
4
14 00
4,118
Winter.
Miss M. M. Dyer,
41 00
4,132
Winter.
Mr. Q. Bicknell,
18 00
7,524
S. & W.
4
Miss L. A. Paddock,
104
44
36
35
3
Mr.L. C. Keith,
93
40
30
111
3
43
18 00
2,725
Summer.
5
Miss M. J. Dickerman,
18 00
4,393
Summer.
Miss E. F. Torrey, .
-
54
45
112
9
3
18 00
2,559
Winter.
Miss E. F. Torrey, .
.
77
70
48
4
3
18 00
4,620
Winter.
Miss S. M. Torrey, .
40 00
2,574
Winter.
Mr. L. E. Noyes,
·
6
Mrs. S. V. Porter,
·
98
59
35
91
16
6
16 00
4,674
Summer.
Miss M. J. Burrill,
-
48
36
192
-
1
6
18 00
4,752
Summer.
-
6
1
62
36 00
1,301
Winter.
52
46
36
10
4
16 00
4,488
Winter.
Miss E. L. Pratt,
70
51
332
Mr. A. D. Sargeant,
-
* Unimportant Fractions omitted.
47
-
l
4
17 00
4,980
Winter.
76
63
55
-
9
4
64
51
387
1
.
43
32
287
-
92
35 00
6,688
S. & W.
55
39
85
8
-
-
-
.
8
3
49
39
116
der 5 years of age.
15 years of age.
cluding Board.
SEASON.
5 52
15 00
5,445
Summer.
66
41
278
71
51
277
Miss S. E. French,
tending School.
Statistics of Schools, & c .- Continued.
TEACHERS' NAMES.
No. of Persons in the
District between
5 & 15 years of age.
No. of Scholars at-
tending School.
Average attendance.
No. of times tardy.
No. of Scholars un-
No. of Scholars over
Length of School in
Months and Days.
Wages per month in-
No. of Days Attend-
ance.
6
Miss S. V. Porter,
71
48
137
4
43
17 00
4,644
Winter. Winter.
Mr. S. S. Marston,
.
-
39
36
20
-
11
14
42 00
988
Miss M. V. White, .
90
40
29
76
-
-
-
6
00
4,795
Summer.
Miss E. White,
46
33
70
-
-
4
16 00
2,904
Winter.
Mr. H. F. Woodman,
39
27
319
15
4
40 00
2,375
Winter.
8
Miss S. M. Torrey,
121
39
31
163
3
5
18 0
3,736
Summer.
Miss B. B. Shaw,
35
24
313
4
5
16 00
2,660
Summer.
Mrs. E. W. Tirrell, .
.
52
25
130
12
3
16 00
1,788
Summer.
Miss D. F. Torrey, .
·
44
23
26
13
13
16 0
759
Summer.
Mr. L. E. Noyes,
.
57
40
232
13
22
40 00
2,200
Winter.
Mr. L. E. Noyes,
59
49
144
12
2.3
40 00 40 00
2,695
Winter.
9
Mr. J. French,
158
57
52
273
11
104
18 00
15,266
10
Miss C. H. French, .
65
61
42
3
33
20 00
3,199
Summer.
Miss L. A. Nash,
50
43
107
8
3
18 00
2,841
Summer.
Mr. J. Marshall,
·
61
47
268
2
7
33
40 00
3,890
Winter.
Amount in 1853,
1,106
2,183
1,631
7,100
173
121
18483 177 7
965 00
156,634
1851,
987
2,163
1,596
11,674
163
111
165 113
891 90
150,467
-
.
59
44
74
Miss E. F. Torrey,
.
All which is respectfully submitted, by order and in behalf of the Committee,
JOHN W. LOUD, Clerk.
48
-
-
·
90
68
369
-
-
-
·
-
1,012
2,137
1,578
11,512
148
110
932 00
169,474
1852,
·
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13,726
S. & W. S. & W.
Miss E. L. Torrey,
104
.
-
-
14 00
3,030
Summer.
District.
SEASON.
der 5 years of age.
15 years of age.
cluding Board.
-
-
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