USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1862 > Part 4
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Third District .- Energy, efficiency, thoroughness, are char- acteristics of this school, which through the year has been very successful. In the closing examinations it surpassed even its former attainments.
Eighth District (Randolph Street.)-A Mixed School. The summer term the same teacher as last year ; eminently
46
successful. Winter term by one who had taught in town before, and gained the reputation of a prompt and efficient teacher. This school has enjoyed a very high degree of pros- perity through the year, and has accomplished all that could be reasonably expected. The examination at the close of the summer term was of a very high order; the one at the close of the winter term was also excellent.
Tenth District .- Summer term by the same teacher as last year, whose fidelity and success in the discipline and instruction of the school were complete. The gratitude and best wishes of all, go with her to her new sphere of usefulness. The winter term, by the one who had charge of the Primary the three terms preceding. Her excellent traits, developed in the Primary, were equally manifest here, and the school during the year has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity. There were some scholars in this school who should have been in the Grammar School, by a fair rule of gradation.
The Intermediate schools in the 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 11th, have been in charge of new teachers, though, with one excep- tion, they had had experience in other schools. Of the Fourth District, the teacher was inexperienced ; and as usual, many trials and difficulties were met which tend to embarrass the teacher and greatly to mar the beautiful ideal formed in the minds of the ardent and enthusiastic ; a consequent reaction, tending to discouragement, ensues. But in this case, the elasticity, zeal and sprightly energy of the teacher, who is fully qualified for the station, enabled her to rise above temporary embarrassments, and adapting herself to the capacity and characteristics of the scholars, to make the school a pleasant and prosperous one. Good order, in the main, and excellent drill, finally prevailed in this school, steady progress has been manifest, and the closing examination presented it in better condition than usual.
Seventh District, in charge of the teacher of the Primary last year, has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity. Classes were formed in written arithmetic during the year-there being none at the commencement-in which, as well as in all the other studies, the instruction has been clear, accurate, and thorough ; and those scholars whose attendance has been regular and punctual, have made satisfactory progress. The
47
closing examination was well sustained by all, except a few whose attendance had been irregular, and who consequently fell behind the general average of their classes.
Eighth District .- In charge of an experienced teacher from abroad, who was uniformly faithful, efficient, skilful, and always ready to listen to suggestions for the benefit of the school, it has lacked nothing requisite to constitute success. This school has been worthy of all praise ; a place where parents could safely trust their children, assured that their best interests would be well cared for, and that when called to exhibit in public, they would do honorably for themselves and friends. The closing examination was exceedingly interesting, exhibiting a thoroughness and perfection of training seldom equalled in a school of its grade; the Reading was remarkably excellent the recitations in Colburn's Arithmetic were commended in the highest terms ; and in every department there was a com- pleteness which left little to be desired.
Ninth District, summer term, was in charge of one who has taught before in town, and whose success as a strict disciplinarian, and thorough teacher, was complete in this school. Winter term-One had charge of it who was well known as a successful teacher of a Sub-Primary School in this district. The school maintained a fair standing for order and general prosperity. It would be desirable if more earnestness and industry could be manifest on the part of the scholars, and if more ground could be gone over thoroughly in this school. There are some excellent materials in this school ; yet irregu- larity of attendance, and truancy to some extent, have retarded the progress of this school. The closing examination was, in .. some parts, very creditable ; and as a whole, was said to be up to the average for several years.
Eleventh District, in charge of a teacher from abroad, of valuable experience in a school of higher grade. Nothing was lacking on her part, to make this an excellent school. Her clear perception, easy and accurate style of teaching, firm yet gentle rule, have been all that could be desired. Nor have the scholars been wanting entirely, on their part. Some of them have been punctual and industrious, and ready to observe the rules of good order ; the school, however, has lacked the stim- ulus of numbers, and of a high standard of attainment. Con-
4
48
sidering the nature and quantity of the material, and the general circumstances of the school, it has been as prosperous as could be reasonably expected. The examinations were well sustained by the classes generally, and were creditable to the majority of the scholars.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
have been attended with varied success, owing, in part, to the unfortunate changes of teachers, which have occurred during the year ; in part to the difficulty of securing, at once, a satis- factory organization of so many scholars coming from different schools, and of widely different grades ; and in part to the lack of interest and to great irregularity in attendance of a large fraction of the scholars. Many have been admitted to these schools whose previous attainments were only Intermediate ; these have consumed the time and patience of the teachers, and dragged down the standard to a lower grade than properly belongs to a Grammar School. Even many who were nomi- nally advanced, were found to be so superficial in their knowl- edge of the fundamentals of the sciences to which they had attended, as to greatly embarrass the schools in proceeding. There has also been a deficiency in some of the schools, in suitable apparatus, and in a manifest friendly interest and cooperation on the part of parents and citizens.
Three of the teachers have resigned during the year, for more lucrative positions, and one to enter the army, occasioning a loss of time in their schools, of from one to four weeks.
The school in the First District, having enjoyed the compe- tent and efficient services of the same teacher through the year, has been very satisfactory, especially in respect to the order and the substantial elements of common education. This school embraces more than an average amount of excellent material ; some of which properly belongs, and has been, in the High School, and would be an honor to any school. They had been thoroughly trained under former teachers, and were prepared to advance successfully ; their progress here was very com- mendable. The school as a whole, has not, however, reached so high a standard in mental discipline, and in drill and gen- eral action, as is desirable. Too much awkwardness in posture and movement, is yet apparent ; proper attention to these things
49
would give a more finished and pleasing aspect to the school. The closing examination was thorough and excellent in all the studies except Reading and Spelling, in which there were cases of negligence, resulting in surprising mistakes in Spelling, and a lack of correct utterance in Reading, and of ability to recite the lessons properly connected with the reading exercise. Writing received successful attention.
In the Third District, under three different teachers, with serious interruption, and some disturbance during the early part of the winter term, all has not been accomplished that is desirable ; yet it began well and ended well, and so far as the scholars have been in earnest to make the best of circumstances, and of their privileges, they have made commendable progress. The school is a pleasant one as regards most of the material ; nearly all of the scholars have manifested a commendable degree of self-respect, and of regard for the proprieties and decencies of school-life ; the parents and friends have generally cooperated with the teachers in promoting the interests of the school ; there have been but a very few cases of turbulence and self-will among the scholars; these might be restrained by wholesome authority on all sides, much to their own advantage and to that of the school and public ; then by guarding against advancing scholars from the Intermediate Schools till they were sufficiently drilled in the elementary studies, and by continuing this school permanently under one competent teacher, it would soon take a high rank among the Grammar Schools.
The closing examination was very creditable in the main ; most of the scholars recited promptly, and performed examples readily, so far as required. For the reasons above stated,. . probably, the school had not gone over so much ground as would, in other circumstances, have been expected, and the final review had not been so complete.
Fifth District .- Under the care of a faithful teacher, of much experience and of high repute, the school improved steadily during the summer term. Much of the time, how- ever, was necessarily employed in reviewing and gaining a more perfect knowledge of what the scholars had previously gone over. At the closing examination there appeared great excel- lencies and some defects, resulting in part, doubtless, from the attempt to organize into a Grammar School, materials of too
7
50
low a grade, and deficient in previous mental discipline and thorough scholarship, and in part from the brevity of the term, it being too soon to develop the legitimate fruits of the new system 'in their maturity. The winter term was a legitimate continuation of the work so well begun in the summer, and it exhibited steady and pleasing progress. The teacher was prompt, faithful and thorough in elementary instruction. The standard of accurate scholarship is advancing in this school. The closing examination was generally commendable. The classes in Colburn's Arithmetic and Primary Geography, more properly belonging to an Intermediate School, were not partic- ularly creditable to this, but the advanced classes in Arithmetic, Reading, Geography and Grammar, performed remarkably well. Writing had received special care. Well prepared Declama- tions and Compositions added to the interest. Should this school continue in its course, under the same or any equally competent teacher, it would soon earn the title of Grammar School.
Sixth District was very prosperous till the original teacher left, early in the fall, to enter the service of our country. An interruption of four weeks checked its progress, occurring as it did near the beginning of a term. But the teacher who suc- ceeded, brought rare and excellent qualities to the service of the school, and it has prospered greatly under his instruction. The attendance has increased ; a deep interest seemed to pervade the scholars ; the instruction was faithful, and adapted to pro- mote mental discipline and habits of self-reliance, and all the relations of the school appeared pleasant and cheerful. The progress, for the length of time, has been satisfactory. The closing examination was generally commendable, though not what it might have been had all of the scholars been regular in their attendance through the term, and kept up with their classes.
Seventh District .- The only thing to regret, in relation to this school, has been the serious interruption by reason of the teacher's absence on account of domestic afflictions. Absolute perfection in every thing, seems to be the standard in this school, and no pains are spared by the teacher in striving to reach it. The school is now, in its attainments, a noble achieve- ment of skill and energy, and in its daily exercises it presents
51
much of the actual of a true and pure conception of a school as it should be. The general grade of the school is higher than the average of the Grammar Schools ; the organization is more practicable and perfect ; the present system has been longer in operation in this than in any other ; the scholars have become familiar with the teacher's mode, and with what he teaches, and not only is the whole school in a condition to work successfully and progress rapidly, but each individual scholar will be sin- gularly culpable if he does not know, certainly, what he knows, and be able to retain it for practical use. The examination was thorough and well sustained ; the scholars were not only able to recite promptly, but also to give the reasons, to state principles and illustrate them. The explanations of the pro- cesses in Arithmetic were especially clear and satisfactory. The postures and language of the scholars in recitation were uncommonly accurate ; the Reading was excellent ; the writing- books were very neat, and the improvement in Writing very commendable.
Ninth District .- The same teacher has labored faithfully, patiently and kindly, during the year, to the extent of his capacity and ability ; he has been truly earnest, and solicitous to make the school one of the highest order. Had all of the scholars been equally diligent and earnest to improve their advantages, and uniform and punctual in their attendance, the school would have been, in the main, prosperous and satisfactory. But many of the scholars have been too indifferent and negli- gent ; frequently absent-a number equal to nearly one-fourth of the whole, habitually absent; add to this, new scholars have come in from time to time, from the other schools, for other reasons than superior attainments in scholarship. All these things have tended to embarrass the teacher, check the general progress and prosperity of the school, and to mar the pleasing appearance. Their evil effects were apparent at the closing examination ; for, while many of the scholars performed their parts excellently, in almost every class there were some whose training had been very superficial, who were poorly pre- pared, and were far below the average standard of their class. This being the case, the school should be judged by the contrast between those who made mistakes, resulting from inattention and frequent absence, and those who, having been regular and
52
punctual in attendance, performed well. In this view of the case, there was much in the appearance of the school worthy of commendation, and highly creditable to the teacher. The order was uniformly good, the amount of study by the classes as much as the average, the general appearance of the school and the mutual relations pleasant. To make this school what it should be, there should be a friendly and habitual cooperation of the parents and people with the teacher ; the scholars should desire to learn, and to be drilled thoroughly in the principles of things ; their friends should desire to have them learn, and should exercise due authority to send them to school, and should also sustain the teacher in maintaining a proper discipline to the extent of his jurisdiction.
The Superintendent would add, in reference to the Grammar Schools, that should the town continue the present system sub- stantially, it is believed that a less number of Grammar Schools, say four, instead of six, would be sufficient to accommodate all the youth qualified to enter them.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Located, by vote of the town, at the Town Hall, though in the territorial centre, it has been far away from the greater portion of the youth desiring its advantages. Notwithstanding this natural obstacle, the reputation of the teacher, and the thirst for knowledge, drew together a large number-69 in all-who, for the most part, held on during the summer season.
At the close of the summer term, three were admitted to enter college, one of whom subsequently enlisted in the army, and soon fell, fighting bravely for the Union, having done, with alacrity, what he could in defence of our institutions. Three others also enlisted at the same time, and are now in the ser- vice. Many who were connected with the school, fainted by the way, unable to continue, by reason of the distance and difficulty of access.
The number in the winter term was 33, and their attend- ance has been remarkably punctual and regular, and their attainments generally of a high order.
Some difficulty was met in organizing this school satisfactorily at first, by reason of bringing together in one, the scholars from
53
two High Schools, which had been under somewhat diverse modes of instruction and discipline. This evil gradually wore away, and had disappeared at the close of the summer term, and since then there has been nothing, internally, to check the steady and triumphant progress of the school.
During the year this school has been noticeable for great industry, and the astonishing amount of labor performed, by both teachers and pupils ; also for the cheerful and happy tone manifest in all.
In the summer term, the principal and assistant, (who ren- dered very great and valuable service, particularly in teaching French,) were fully occupied in instructing the classes. In the winter term the lack of an assistant has been supplied in part, by detailing some of the more advanced scholars to hear recita- tions ; and all the exercises have been timed, and the minutes faithfully improved. Order, harmony, kindness, and a noble spirit of emulation, have prevailed ; thorough and comprehen- sive scholarship has been the aim, and the goal which many have reached.
A regular three years' course has been adopted, so that, henceforth, the school may be organized into three general classes ; also a mixed course, which may be pursued by such as prefer, interchiangably among the several classes.
The Cabinet of Natural History has received valuable addi- tions ; also the Library has increased by purchase and donations. A superior piano has been added to the school apparatus, and elementary music has been practiced once a week, (Wednesday P. M.,) as one of the studies ; devotional singing daily.
The list of studies is : English Language and Literature, .. (including Reading, and Spelling by writing,) Algebra, Geom- etry, Trigonometry and Surveying, Astronomy, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Book-keeping, Geology, Zoology, Rhetoric, English Composition, Ancient Geography, History, Mental Philosophy, Classical Literature, Latin, French, Greek, Oratory and Debating. A weekly paper, or reading department, has been sustained by the school with great ability.
Instead of an examination at the close of the summer term, a public exhibition of Speaking, Composition and Singing was made, at which time, also, a society of past and present mem- bers was organized, with a view to an annual re-union for social
54
and intellectual festivity. The occasion was eminently happy, and, it is believed, useful for the interests of the school and education.
The closing examination, at the end of the year, was very thorough, covering, substantially, the studies of the year ; and was adapted to test the proficiency of the scholars in all branches. In all parts it was sustained with remarkable ability ; giving ample proof of a very high degree of mental discipline, and of accurate and comprehensive scholarship. The style of Reading, Speaking, Reciting, Translating, &c., is very much improved ; the recitations, by topics in History, Philosophy, Zoology, were very superior, discriminating, and exhaustive of the subject ; in French Grammar, given in the French language, (a new feature in this school,) were very excellent ; in Latin and Greek, very critical, presenting the composition of words, the syntax, nice points of Grammar, and all the elements of the study.
The exercises were embellished with noble specimens of original composition and oration, finely read or spoken, and with tasteful singing.
It is believed that the standard of character and scholarship was never before so high in this school as now.
At the close of the examination, Diplomas were presented to four young ladies who had honorably completed the prescribed mixed course of study, and an agreeable surprise was made to the Principal.
There are decided advantages in having but one High School in town, if it were practicable ; as in that, the youth from all parts would be brought together, and the interest, energy and talent of the town be concentrated, and, consequently, the standard could be made high ; but, on account of the peculiar geographical position of the town, and the distance and diffi- culty of access to this territorial centre, many are inevitably cut off from its advantages, and are thus forced, by circum- stances, to leave their education incomplete. The Superin- tendent sees no method of obviating this result except by either having two schools, or providing means of conveyance for the remote.
CALVIN TERRY, Superintendent.
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School Statistics.
No. of District.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
No. of Scholars.
Average attendance.
No. under 5 years
No. over 15 years of
age.
Months.
Days.
Wages of Teachers
per month.
Term.
.
High Sch.
L. Z. Ferris, A. B., .
67 33
55.3 29
49 23
10 10
$80 00 80 00
Summer. Winter. Sunimer.
I.
Mr. J. G. Waite,
42
Winter.
Miss L. Maria Pratt,
.
1
45
18 00
Winter.
Miss Lizzie W. Clark,
·
1
60
50
1 00 1
4 5
10
16 00
Summer. Winter.
II.
Miss Ellen G. Parrott,
S
49
39 1-2 39 1-2
1 1
1
6
20 00
Summer. Winter.
III.
Mr. J. P. Brown,
50
45 7-8
8
4
35 00
Summer.
Mr. Pratt,
1
42
35
8
5
16
35 00
Winter.
Mrs. Ellen S. Nash, .
7
49
33
1
6
4 5
10
16 00
1
56
42
4
14 00
Summer.
Miss Maria L. Bates,
.
1
70
47
15
4
14 00
Summer.
Miss Margaret Raymond,
70
37 1-2
13
5
14 00
Winter.
IV,
Miss Louisa J. Blanchard,
1
36
30
Winter.
Miss Emma C. Leach,
.
46
37
1
5
5
16 00
Winter.
V.
Mr. John H. Merrill,
58
39 1-7
1
4
32 50
Summer.
Mr. L. Z. Thomas, .
46
38
4
6
32 50
Winter.
Mrs. Lydia T. Cushing, ·
3
53
40
1
5
10
16 00
Winter.
Miss Lizzie L. Cushing, .
·
40
30
8
5
10
14 00
Winter.
VI.
Mrs. Mary A. Raymond, .
63
5
5
15
16 00
Winter. Summer.
Mr. Thomas Gurney, 2d, . Mr. C. M. Rogers, .
·
49
38
-
2
4
15
35 00
Winter.
VII.
Miss S. Louisa Vining, .
1
40
30
Winter.
Miss Maria Blanchard, .
1
70
59
7
5
15
16 00
Winter.
VIII. | Miss Lucy M. Norton, .
1
40
34
6
5
18 00
Winter.
Miss Priscilla B. Shaw, ·
.
53
46
Summer.
Miss Hattie E. Bates,
47
37
-
41
5
3
15
16 00
Miss Eunice Sprague, .
1
53
39
6
5
15
16 00
Winter.
Mr. Henry F. Woodman,
1
55
45
14
50 00
Winter.
1
50
41
1
4
18 00
Summer. Winter.
Miss Mary C. Cowing, ·
54
38
47
30
5
14 00
Winter.
1
1
45
37
1
1
4 5
15
18 00
S
56
48
5
4
5
16 00
Summer.
S
73
57
6
1
4
3
15
16 00
Summer.
.
54
37 1-2
9
4
12
31 50
44
38
3
15
18 00
Summer.
5
78
63
15
3
15
16 00
Summer.
-
40
34
-
3
15
18 00
Summer.
-
2
4
6
18 00
Winter. Summer.
5
66
50 6-15
1
14
6
-
50 00
Summer.
1
44
38 1-7
1
186
4
35 00 35 00
Summer.
45
39 1-9 37 2-7
1
1
6
4
18 00
Summer.
6
59
37 1-2 49
16 00
4
20 00
52
1
-
-
62
48 37
10
-
-
6
5
18 00
5
18 00
Summer.
Mr. Stillman Haynes,
18 00
61
49
16 00
Summer. Winter.
1
16 00
Summer.
18 00
52
Length of Term.
of age.
Miss E. P. Hammatt, Assist.,
56
School Statistics-Continued.
No. of Districts.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
No. of Scholars.
Average attendance.
No. under 5 years
No. over 15 years of
age.
Months.
Days.
Wages of Teachers
per month.
Term.
IX.
John Russ, A. B., .
50
40
40 00
Winter.
Miss L. B. Vining, .
.
53
40 1-2
5
15
18 00
Winter.
Miss Carrie M. Clapp,
54
43
5
5
16 00
Winter.
Miss Sarah A. White,
80
65
7
3
5
16 00
Summer.
Miss Eunice M. Philips, .
73
52
11
5
10
16 00
Winter.
Miss Carrie F. Trott,
55
39
6
4
15
14 00
Winter.
X.
Miss Lydia A. Tirrell,
39
34
2
4
18 00
Summer.
Miss Martha J. Stephens,
62
45
5
4
16 00
Summer.
Miss Lizzie Cooper, .
·
·
60
42
1
5
10
16 00
Winter.
XI.
Miss Carrie L. Lovett,
36
26
4
6
5
18 00
S
52
41 1-2
2
3
15
16 00
Summer.
Miss Sovia S. Thomas, .
1
39
24
5
5
16 00
Winter.
62
51 1-4
-
6 1 1-10
15
$40 00
Summer.
47
37
4
5
18 00
Summer.
Miss Sarah A. White,
S
46
39
4
5
16 00
Summer.
44
30 1-2
11
4
5
14 00
Summer.
37
27
6
-
18 00
Winter.
5
26
22
4
3
15
18 00
Summer. Winter.
Length of Term.
of age.
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