USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1856 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Happily, the school was well sustained by the parents, and the proficiency of the pupils, with some exceptions, was commendable. The examination of this school affored some fine specimens of reading, spelling and writing. The exercises in arithmetic, geography, and grammar, were very pleasing. The Scriptural exercises were also very gratifying. The occasion was enlivened by the presence of a large number of interested spectators.
38
FOURTH DISTRICT.
The Grammar Department, in this district, has been under the charge of Miss L. A. Harlow, during the past year. The Summer term was not, in the opinion of the Committee, as successful as they could have wished. It, opened under unfavorable circum- stances. The attendance of many scholars, from a lack of interest on the part of parents, was irregular; and, although the teacher devoted herself to her task with rare singleness of purpose, faithfulness and assiduity, there was not, at the examination, that evidence of good discipline, and thoroughness of instruction, which it is desirable to see.
At the commencement of the Winter term, the teacher, acting upon the suggestions of the Committee, determined to remove the blemishes of the preceding term, and she has in a good measure succeeded. Good order was soon secured, and the scholars have evidently made good progress in their studies. The school has, therefore, given satisfaction to the Committee at their several visitations. Owing to sickness, or other causes, the attendance has not been as good this term as the last. The term has not yet closed, and of course the examination has not taken place.
In the Primary Department of the school, change and revolu- tion seem to have been the order of the day, during the past year ; the ill effects of which are the more obvious, from the fact that hitherto there had been some stability and permanency.
A change was made in teachers at the commencement of the Summer term, the school passing from the charge of one who had taught it many years, and who had given very general satisfaction to the Committee and the district, into the hands of another,- Miss L. A. Tirrell. There were many obstacles in the way of Miss Tirrell's success, but evidently she labored hard, tried to do her duty, and perhaps accomplished all that could be expected, under the circumstances.
Miss F. E. Mansir was engaged for the Winter term. At the second visit of the Committee, the school was found to be in a very disorderly condition. The defects of the school were plainly pointed out, and earnest effort made to secure their removal. But, after a trial of five weeks, the teacher, having failed to govern the school, was dismissed. At the expiration of one week, the school
-
39
was re-commenced, under the charge of Miss A. M. Webster, and her labors have thus far been attended with signal success. Good order was at once restored, and an interest awakened in the scholars, such as is seldom seen in a school of this grade. It is earnestly desired by the Committee, and by all in the district, who have visited her school, that her valuable services should be retained for a long time to come. It should be said, in justice to this school, that the attendance and interest, in both departments, have suffered greatly, the past Winter, by the prevalence of the scarlet fever in the district.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
The Primary Division, Summer term, was given in charge to Miss M. R. Parrott. Miss P. seemed to be faithful, and devoted herself entirely to the interests of the school, and yet the closing examination was not entirely satisfactory to the Committee. The discipline was not so good as could have been wished, nor that progress made which could have been reasonably expected at the close of the term.
The same remarks can be justly made of the Grammar Division, under the charge of Miss Lucinda F. Rced. This is all that nced be said.
The Winter term, Primary Division, was given to the charge of Miss Margaret A. Vining. Her labors were crowned with good success, considering the severity of the weather during the term. The discipline was good, and the progress was commendable.
The Winter term, Grammar Division, was committed to the care of Mr. N. W. Bartlett. At the first visitation of the school, it gave unmistakable marks of disorderly conduct, and it was thought it might prove a failure. At subsequent visits, however, better order was sccured, and a hopeful termination was anticipated. But in this the Committee werc somewhat disappointed. It did not fully meet their expectations, as regarded order or improve- ment. The blame, however, was not wholly his. The Committee are of the opinion,-and they desire in this connection to express it,-that a good share rests with some of the parents ; those who are almost entirely indifferent to school education ; those who fail to manifest that devotion to the great and paramount interest of education which becomes thinking, rational beings. Did they do
40
so, they would see that their children were at school at proper hours, and there every day, unless sickness should detain them at home. The several classes, with two or three exceptions, failed, when called upon to give evidence of their progress, at the exam- ination.
SIXTH DISTRICT.
The Grammar Department was in charge, during the Summer term, of Miss Anna Nichols, a teacher well qualified to give instruction in any branch allowed to be taught in our common schools ; and, had all the pupils loved study, and been disposed cheerfully to observe the rules of the school, they would have enjoyed a rare opportunity of obtaining thorough instruction in the studies they might have pursued. But some of them, preferring play or idleness to study, took advantage of the circumstance of the teacher being near-sighted, to behave disorderly. This, for a time, interfered seriously with the success of the school. After several of the pupils had left the school, there was better order, and those who remained were enabled to study to better advantage. The teacher was unusually thorough in her instruction, and the Committee feel confident that in any school or academy, where she had only to teach, she, would give great satisfaction. Had there been entire co-operation with the teacher, on the part of all the pupils and their parents, this school would have been in the highest degree successful. It was manifest, at the closing examination, that most of the scholars present had made good improvement, and some of the performances were of great excellence.
In the Winter term, the school was in charge of Mr. D. P. Noyes, who came well recommended as an experienced and com- petent teacher. He evidently devoted himself to the interests of the school, and his labors were attended with a measure of success. Still, the school was not in all respects what was desirable. There was not satisfactory progress on the part of many of the scholars. Some acquitted themselves, at the closing examination, with great credit.
The Primary Department of the school was taught, in the Summer term, by Miss Elizabeth White, under whose instruction it had been the preceding year. The school appeared well at the several visitations of the Committee. The teacher made com-
41
mendable exertions for the moral as well as intellectual improve- ment of her pupils. Though some defects were noticed, at the closing examination, yet it was, on the whole, satisfactory.
In the Winter term, the school was in charge of Mrs. Sarah V. Porter. Her management of the school was kind, yet efficient. The school appeared well, at each visitation, and received the commendation of the Committee at the closing examination.
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
The Summer term of the Grammar Department commenced under the charge of Miss Elizabeth T. Torrey, who had previously taught, with great success, the Primary Department. She con- ducted the school satisfactorily, about seventeen weeks, when ill health required her to relinquish it. After a short interval, she was succeeded by Miss J. F. Vining, an energetic and able teacher, who faithfully and thoroughly instructed such members of the school as attended during the five weeks she had charge of it. There were some deficiencies at the closing examination, while a part of the performances were of uncommon excellence, and elicited the highest commendation. .
The school, in the Winter term, was in charge of Mr. J. H. Clark. He found it necessary, at the commencement of the term, to make special effort to secure good order. In this effort he was not unsuccessful. The school appeared to be doing well, when visited ; the instruction was thorough, and the management of the school efficient. The withdrawal of a number of the pupils, during the latter part of the term, was an injury to the school. It had the effect to discourage the teacher, and lessen his interest, and that of the remaining pupils, in the objects of the school. Nearly all the performances, at the closing examination, were excellent. It was manifest that the school had been thoroughly taught, though, in some instances, it did not appear that much progress had been made.
The Committee regret that so many scholars in this district are disposed and allowed to leave the school before the close of the term. They regard it as a great injury, both to those who leave and to those who remain. Unless this evil is corrected, all attempts to elevate the schools, in this district, will be unavailing. It is mainly the fault of parents that it exists. We hope, for the good of their
42
children, the prosperity of their schools, and the credit of the district, they will not suffer it longer to continue.
The Primary Department was taught, during the Summer term, by Miss J. Taft, who had given entire satisfaction in the same school before. The school appeared well, whenever visited, and the examination, at the close, was highly satisfactory. The Committee were gratified with the evidence furnished them, that the teacher had been faithful in imparting to her pupils moral and religious instruction.
This school was taught, in the Winter term, by Miss J. F. Vining, who conducted it satisfactorily to the Committee. The performances at the close were, with some exceptions, creditable to the pupils.
EIGHTH DISTRICT.
The Grammar Department in the northern section of this dis- trict, was under the charge of Miss S. M. Torrey, during the Summer term. Miss Torrey may be reckoned as one of our best teachers. She secures good government with great ease, and is successful in engaging the attention of her pupils, so as to get out of them a great amount of intellectual labor ; hence good improvement is looked for not in vain, under her instruction. This term was marked with entire success.
The Primary Department was under the charge of Miss L. W. Derby, for the Summer term. Miss Derby was young, and inex- perienced as a teacher, and hence did not succeed as well as the Committee could have wished. The fault was not entirely hers, however. The school numbered eighty-five scholars : this was far too many to be placed in charge of one person ; hence, great improvement could not be reasonably looked for, nor perfect government. Tolerable order was, however, secured, and some of her pupils made considerable advancement. These two schools are now in progress ; the Primary Division, under the care of Miss M. L. Derby, and the Grammar under the charge of Mr. L. E. Noyes. Both are doing well, and the closing examinations, no doubt, will give evidence of faithfulness and of efficient labor.
The school in the southerly section of the district was under the charge of M. L. Derby in the summer, and Mr. L. E. Noyes in the fall or closing term. Miss Derby possesses many good
43
qualities as a teacher ; and the school, at the closing examination, gave evidence of faithfulness on her part, and on the whole was quite satisfactory.
Mr. Noyes is a teacher of acknowledged excellence. He has few equals. He gains by his manly deportment the good will of his scholars, maintains good order, and succeeds well in advancing them in the several branches of study that claim their attention, The closing examination of this school was highly satisfactory.
NINTH DISTRICT.
Primary Department .- This school, during the year, has been under the charge of Miss E. S. Allison, a teacher of experience and of excellent acquirements. The school, during the entire year, has been under good discipline, and has been thoroughly instructed. The school was large during the Summer term of thirty weeks, and the closing examination indicated that much faithful and successful labor had been bestowed upon it.
The Winter Term, although much interrupted by sickness, which caused some to be inconstant and others to be absent entirely, was, in the opinion of the Committee, still more success- ful. The exercises at the closing examination were almost fault- less. In this school there are some shining gems, which will be polished still more under the care of the same teacher.
Intermediate Department .- This school has been under the charge of Miss L. C. Trufant, for the last two years, a teacher easy in her manners, firm in her laws, decided in her action, and thorough in her instruction. Through her persevering labor, the school has been raised to one of rare excellence. The examina- tion, at the close of the Summer Term, was perfectly satisfactory, both to the Committee, and, so far as known, to the district. There were but few mistakes committed by any scholar during the whole exercises, and not a word misspelled during the examination.
The Committee were prepared to anticipate that great success would attend the school during the Winter Term. Although many of the scholars were detained at home for days and even weeks, in consequence of sickness, the anticipations of the most sanguine have been fully realized. The closing examination evinced that the system of instruction had been increasingly criti-
44
cal, and that her efficient labors had been crowned with complete success. The Committee would recommend that such teachers should be liberally rewarded for their services, so as to retain them as teachers as long as possible.
Grammar Department .- This school, at the commencement of the year, was committed to the charge of Mr. T. C. Pratt, a teacher of experience and high qualifications. The school was commenced under favorable auspices, as the former teachers labored so successfully in perfecting the scholars in every branch, so far as it claimed their attention. The studious habits of the scholars enabled them profitably to advance upon new ground, to meet new difficulties, and to make valuable acquisitions in their studies under their present teacher. The examination, at the close of the Summer Term, gave proof of commendable proficiency in the studies receiving attention during the term. Good order has uniformly prevailed throughout the year. The Winter Term has been as successful as the Summer, although the school has been interrupted by the sickness of several scholars. The closing examination was very satisfactory, although the large number of classes prevented that extended examination which is desirable, in order fully to test the knowledge of each scholar in the science to which he has attended. This was no fault of the teacher, but arose from the necessity of having the school composed of scholars varying so widely in their qualifications. It is desirable the num- ber of classes should be lessened in the school, that more attention can be given to each branch.
The services of the able board of teachers in this district are secured for the coming year, and the result is almost certain.
TENTH DISTRICT.
In this district there was one school in the summer, two in the winter. The Summer Term was taught by Miss Susan J. Pratt, six and one-half months. This was Miss Pratt's first effort at teaching. From her known qualifications, the Committee were prepared to expect a good and successful school; and are happy to say they were not disappointed. Having secured a general compliance with the rules and regulations of the schools, they were in a good degree gratified with the order, method of instruc- tion, and general proficiency in this school.
45
The Primary Department, Winter term, was resumed by a former teacher, Miss Lucy A. Tirrell. Though the term has not yet closed, the Committee have every reason to judge, from fre- quent visits, that the success of the school this term will be fully equal to that of former years under her instruction.
The Grammar Department is in charge of Mr. Thomas Mar- shall, and has been conducted in a manner very satisfactory to the Committee, and promises to be entirely successful. These schools closed by a public examination, March 19; and the Committee were happy to notice the good order, thoroughness, accuracy and proficiency which were manifest during the entire exercises.
The schools in this district enjoy a desirable reputation for good order and propriety of conduct. May they continue to maintain it, and reap its priceless benefits.
HIGH SCHOOL.
According to the vote of the town at its last annual meeting, the High School has been kept, during the year, in the room pro- vided for that purpose in the town hall. The Committee were very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. W. K. Fletcher, whose known popularity and success in a school of the same grade, in a neighboring town, satisfied them that if a school could ever succeed in the place designated, it would under his manage- ment; and that should there be a failure this year, it must be ascribed to some other cause than the want of a competent instructor. The Committee are happy in being able to state, that their high expectations in regard to the ability of the teacher and the success of the school are more than realized. The first term of the school opened with fifty scholars. The average number during the term of twenty-two weeks was 47}. Such an instance of good attendance, we think, cannot be furnished by any of the district schools.
The whole number of scholars the second term is 45; the average number 40}, which, considering the severity of the win- ter and the distance which the scholars had to travel, is remarka- ble, and is unmistakable evidence of a prosperous school. The school appeared well at the several visitations. The scholars were generally studious, and seemed to appreciate their privileges. The government of the school was kind, yet firm and efficient.
46
Perfect order was secured. The instruction was thorough. The several classes were required to understand what they went over. The examination at the close of the first term was highly satis- factory. The present term will close on Friday next. Mr. Fletcher has proved himself to be a faithful, skilful, and in every respect a competent teacher. He has given entire satisfaction to the Committee ; and they would express the hope that his ser- vices may be secured for years to come, believing that under his management the High School will succeed, in whatever part of the town it may be kept. The closing examination was highly satisfactory.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding the report, the Committee would call the attention of parents to the fact, that their united and harmonious co-opera- tion with the teachers and the Committee, in maintaining good order, and in securing the constant attendance of the scholars, is essential, in order to make our schools what they ought to be. Did many parents consider the great injury sustained by every child kept from school one day in a week, or one hour in a day, it would seem that a greater effort would be made by them to secure the constant and prompt attendance of every child. Many seem to think that it is a right which should not be taken from them, to allow their children to remain at home when they please. The Committee will allow that it is lawful, but in most cases they think it is not expedient so to do; and that a little more consid- eration on the subject would prevent, in many districts, great irregularity and confusion occasioned by inconstancy.
Again : The practice of some parents in allowing their children to leave school a few days before examination, is very injurious to the scholars who leave, and also to the schools ; but not so inju- rious to the schools as to the scholars who leave, from the fact that they generally include those who have been inconstant and inattentive to study. It is generally the case that good scholars wish to attend the examination, and to show to the Committee and to their friends what they have learned, and also to cheer the teacher who has labored incessantly for their improvement. The Committee regard the practice of leaving the school before exam-
47
ination a mark of bad scholarship, and also as indicating a lack of those nice sensibilities which in a high degree adorn the mind, and render the individual a valuable citizen and a worthy com- panion. Those who wish their children to possess cultivated and adorned minds will co-opcrate with the educators of their children ; and those who do not must complain of none but themselves, if their children grow up in ignorance, and move in the lowest rank of socicty.
Allow a single word upon the point of selecting those teachers, and engaging them in your employ, who make teaching their business. In this way you will secure better teachers, and for a longer period of time in the samc school. Those who teach but occasionally cannot teach as successfully as they who are con- stantly in the service. Allow not a slight pecuniary consideration to prevent the securing of such teachers as have shown themselves competent and successful in their work.
A statistical table is annexed.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. P. TERRY,
W. M. HARDING, E. S. POTTER, School E. HEWITT, C. TERRY, Committee.
C. MELLEN,
A. DUNN,
.
48
Districts.
NAME OF TEACHER.
No. of Persons in
the Dis. bet. 5 & 15.
No. of Scholars Attending School.
Average Attend'ce.
No. under 5 years
No. over 15 years
of age.
of Term.
Wages of Teachers
Term.
No.
1,
Miss Mary B. Thomas,
134
72
57
16
6
$20
Sum.
Miss Eunice Newhall,
79
54
1
3
20
Win.
Miss Margaret A. Vining, Mr. James Eastwood, .
62
44
7
3
44
Win.
No.
2.
Miss Eliza French, Mr. Joshua G. Hawkes,
57
55
42
2
6
22
Sum.
52
33
1
1
3
15
46
Win.
No.
3,
Miss Sarah E. Loud, Miss Abby L. Bates,
242
84
51
16
4
15
18 Sum.
Mrs. S. S. Marston, .
52
36
3
4
2
22
Sım.
Miss Sarah E. Loud,
70
49
8
5
9
30
Win.| Win.
Mr. Ira W. Bragg,
71
56
5
15
50
Win. 82 2 2.
No.
4,
Miss Lucy A. Tirrell, Miss L. A. Ilarlow, .
104 57
43
16
6
2
20
Sum.
47
33
2
6
20%
Sum.
Miss F. A. Mansir,
43
25
1
5
20
Win.
Miss A. M. Webster,
32
22
1
2
15
22
Win.
Miss L. A. Harlow, .
31
24
1
4
24
Win.
No.
5,
Miss Mary R. Parrott.
117 58
45
11
6
18
Sum.
Miss Margaret A. Vining,
49
30
6
3
15
20
Win.
Miss Lucina F. Reed,
55
49
6
20
Sum.
Mr. W. W. Bartlett,
53
47
3
15
45
Win.
No.
6,
118
78
51
10
6
20
Sum.
33
21
1
6
22
Sum.
46
34
1
4
5
18
Win.
49
37
5
3
5
45
Win.
No.
Miss Jemime Taft, Miss Lizzie T. Torrey,
103
66
56
3
5
3
20
Sum.
Miss J. Frances Vining,
37
28
2
5 3
15
20
Sum.
Miss J. Frances Vining, Mr. J. II. Clark, .
44
34
10
3
40
Win.
No.
8,
Miss Maria L. Derby, Mr. Lewis E. Noses,
182
55
45
8
5
18
Sum.
62
55
1
2
2
16
44
Win.
Miss L. W. Derby,
85
52
1
5
18
Sum.
Mi's Maria L. Derby,
75
58
2
3
20
Win.
Miss Susan M. Torrey,
41
34
1
5
18
Sum.
Mr. Lewis E. Noyes,
52
45
12
2
16
44
Win.
No.
9,
Miss E. S. Allison, Miss L. C. Trufant,
208 73
54
10
10
18
Sum.
Mr T. V. Pratt, .
53
48
9
10
44
Sum.
Miss E. S. Allison,
65
34
3
5
20
Win.
Miss L. C. Trufant, .
62
39
3
5
20
Win.
Mr. T. C. Pratt, .
57
40
11
3
5
52
Win.
No.
10,
Miss Susan J. F. Pratt, Miss Lucy A. Tirrell,
71
48
46
3 6
4
16
Win.
Mr. Thomas Marshall,
. 34
32
6
4
471
Win.
High School.
Mr. W. R. Fletcher,
50
471
5
10
68!
Sum.
Mr. W. R. Fletcher,
46
404
5
10
Win.
1
Miss N. A. Tirrell,
66
54
5
15
20
20
Win.
72
49
3
65
47
10
20
Sum.
20
Sum.
34
28
.
Miss Goodrich,
64
46
4
24
Sum.
70
51
4
5
20
Sum.
per month.
Mo. Dy.
Length
of age.
3 6
Miss Elizabeth White, . Miss Anna Nichols, . Mrs. Sarah V. Porter, Mr. D. P. Noyes,
9
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.