USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1863 > 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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Number of children in the town between the ages of five and fifteen.
District No. 1.
140
66
2. 63
66 ..
8. 321
66
$6
4. 123
66
66
5. 135
66
66
6. 116
66
66
7 141
66
66
8 145
66
66
9 . 303
66
ยท10 94
66
11. 90
Total number.
1,671-
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee of Weymouth submit the following Report :
Under instruction of the Town, we again established at the commencement of the school year, one High School and six Grammar Schools, with male Teachers. Mr. L. Z. Ferris, our long tried and faithful instructor at that post was again engaged for the High School, at a salary of nine hundred dollars, being the least for which his services could be retained. Your
appropriation for Grammar Schools - located as last year's - was divided as follows: $450 for the School for the First and Second Districts ; $450 for the School for the Third and Tenth ; $400 for the School for the Fifth; $400 for that in the Sixth ; $500 for the School for the Seventh, Eighth and Eleventh Districts, and $500 for that for the Fourth and Ninth.
Making no advance upon the respective rates of wages paid last year for instructors in the other Schools, we have shortened the term of the Primaries and Sub-Primaries. So that the length of the Intermediate and Mixed Schools has been, as before, forty weeks, and the pay of teachers $4 50 per week ; - length of the Primaries, thirty-six weeks, being less by two weeks than last year, and the pay of teachers $4 00 per week, and the length of Sub-Primaries thirty-two weeks, being four weeks less, with pay for teachers of $3 50 per week.
We have thus expended a trifle less than $7485, which,
6
42
deducted from the $8500 appropriated for schools, leaves about $1015 for incidental expenses.
. As last year, so this, we voted to appoint a superintendent of schools-Rev. D. F. Goddard was chosen. He entered upon his duties at once, and has performed with ability, enthu- siasm and diligence, the labors imposed by his office, developing qualities of mind peculiarly fitting him for that position, which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of the committee.
In conclusion, we deem it proper to call the attention of the Town to the prices paid for teaching the past year. These have been too small, and the consequence is that too many of our teachers are not so fully competent for their work as they should be. The impression seems extensively to exist in some parts of the town at least, that any scholar from the Grammar School must be sufficiently educated and qualified to teach a Primary School, whether he has had a proper training or not, or whether he has ever been subjected to proper discipline either of body or mind. Something more is required than a knowledge of the alphabet and a disposition to frighten children into silence. A good primary teacher must have a love for children and be apt to teach; neither experience nor the want of it will alone qualify or disqualify. Some have by nature gifts and aptitude for teaching, while others are both naturally defective and have not acquired them. It is through the feelings and imagination greatly that children should be taught. It is but of little use to a child to read a few minutes each half day to any person. Such exercises make but feeble impressions. Teachers should bring from well-stored memories and cultivated minds, apt suggestions and attractive illustrations to stimulate the curiosity of the pupils. Under such teachings, habits of attention and thinking are formed all unconsciously awhile to the children, and unaccompanied by those painful feelings which attend efforts made under compulsion.
Our State law requires for the lowest grade of schools, that
43
the teacher be competent to give instruction in orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geography and arithmetic, and be of good moral character, with capacity to govern, and competent to teach good behavior.
This is a wholesome requirement of law, and should be kept both to the letter and the spirit. But, now, it is evident that the person with the above named requirements, would also be capable of instructing a higher grade than the primary, hence also it is plain that with the low prices we have been obliged by extent of town appropriations to pay, it has been quite difficult to obtain the truly superior primary instructor, as these have not sought to obtain the positions. Of course, under such circumstances, other considerations than that of thorough quali- fication have been urged, and sometimes, perhaps, listened to - such as " none other had applied," the needs of the family to which applicants belong, &c., &c., all of which should have but the very least weight in determining a judgment, if any; certainly should not make up its body and totality. Another evil arises from the employment of such applicants, viz. : that they are not qualified for promotion to a higher grade of school, and so there is not that stimulus to do well as with the teacher fitted for promotion and so honorably ambitious to obtain it.
Your committee regard the amount so saved as a penny dearly bought, and would recommend that in future such prices be paid and such care be taken as will secure well-trained, well-educated, and well-qualified teachers in every respect for our primary as well as for our other grades of schools.
The committee also recommend that the town authorize the appointment of a superintendent for another year, and make a suitable appropriation for his services.
In behalf of the School Committee,
JOHN W. LOUD, Chairman.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
Gentlemen of the Committee : In reporting the condition of our schools in Weymouth for the last year, many different methods present themselves and many suggestions press for utterance ; but as your custom has hitherto been, to listen to a short report only from your representative, or to furnish but a brief one yourselves, I shall not differ greatly in method or quantity from my predecessors.
PRINCIPLES THAT SHOULD GOVERN IN MAKING A REPORT.
There has latterly been much discussion of this subject through- out the state among Educators, and a word introductory here may not be amiss. After some consideration, I have thought that the principles most Committees have instinctively acted upon, intelligently stated to one's self and wisely applied, form the true method. These are, essentially and generally, to encourage and honor all conscientious and capable workers, point out successes and praise merits, rebuke decided unfaithful- ness in teachers, scholars, or districts; and while dismissing incapacity or that indifferent mediocrity which " for the belly's sake has crept into the fold," treat it only to that " most severe judgment of silence" of which Cicero speaks and which all can understand. No one rule indeed, or ten, can dispense with dis- crimination, in mixed cases, should there be any. But a school report is too brief for all the " last words," and so we must be content with those few classifying words in each plain case and those few true ones in all, which shall be sufficient for the wise, and for every practical purpose.
45
We have had the same number of schools this year as last; being thirty-two and of the same respective grades. These, with ten exceptions, have been taught either partly or for both terms, by their former instructors.
Your Superintendent has visited the schools as often as once each calendar month and a large number of them oftener, accord- ing to their peculiar need. The whole number of regular visits made is three hundred and seven. These have been, for the most part, the whole length of the session; and this especially in the High, Grammar, Mixed, and Intermediate departments, where also the calls have been made, as far as practicable, and at least twice in a term, on alternate halves of the day, that all the classes might be passed in review. The Primaries have been as pleasant to visit as their elders, and they too have not been neglected, but enjoyed. There have been besides a moderate number of short calls for consultation with teachers, and removal of little troubles.
One feature -a characteristic temptation of all schools, perhaps, - we have been seeking gradually, and as wisely as we knew, to change, viz., a too exclusive reliance upon mere memo- rization and routine.
Now memory is most plastic in the child and youth, and should then be faithfully plied, - 'tis the time to store up. But memory should not be the scape-goat of every other faculty. Mere parrotry cannot make a good school in the eye of any intelligent visitor, and a recitation of rules, that cannot abide the trial of extemporized examples at the board, or stumbles at a change in the usual form of a question, or subsides in quick amazement at an interrogation perfectly germane and natural, and requiring but a little self-possession, good sense, or the habit of thought to answer, is not a recitation of the best kind certainly, or one which will promote the object our schools are opened to obtain - the education of our children, and their preparation for the active duties of life. We trust, considering
46
the number of classes and length of time allowed, a good beginning has been made by many of the schools in this direction.
Thus, suggesting criticisms, rather than severely urging them ; listening to recitations and taking notes for future comparison ; now drilling a class at the board, or questioning in geography and analysis; asking for distinctness and appreciativeness in reading ; encouraging thought, and the power of expression on the subject-matter of the lesson; pressing strongly for good order and a high standard of attainments; generally making some talk to the boys and girls ; and what is best, I hope, trying to inspire sweet and genial and beautiful relations between all parties, the hours have been passed in your schools.
SUB-PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
We have had five schools of this grade. The two in the third district under the same teachers as last year, have per- formed the usual amount of labor in drilling little folks into the mysteries of reading and spelling. I think both teachers very faithful, though both the instructors and scholars would do far better with improved surroundings. As it is, " hard work done here " might appropriately be written over those unpapered and unpainted walls. Unpleasantly located, and close and disagreeable in summer, one of these rooms is without con- veniences for fire in winter, so that more than once, for warmth's sake, both schools the last season have huddled into a single apartment. In the lower branch there has been an increase upon last year's whole number and average, yet a large alphabet class have been brought up, and the whole school have quite frequently read and spelled four times a day. There is one temptation I name here, which I trust this and all teachers, especially those with primary scholars, will resist; it is that of sarcasm. I have found it used only very slightly, but there is something better - geniality, wit, humor are better. The two
47
sub-primaries in the ninth have experienced a change of teachers during the year, and have necessarily suffered some on this account -- the upper one the least - which passed in the fall into the hands of Miss Bailey, who had before been doing well in the lower, and has made an excellent beginning in her present position. At the examination in November " the upper " appeared finely, and received much praise. Since November Miss Emma Trott has had the lower school. She needs year's and experience, and with these I trust will make an efficient teacher. Indeed, these sub-primaries all should have the most motherly government. Love, patience, and firmness combined should keep school in the teacher's soul. Scolding is only a weakness. Children yield best to weight of character.
The other school of this class in the fifth, is a perfect gem of a school, and it is always a joy to visit it. Nice cheerful room with many windows, nice seats, happy faces, good material. The teacher has done well. One thing pleased me much among others. At the tap of the bell, the boys in the yard at recess, formed in military order and marched like young soldiers into school. This helps to accustom the mind to the harness of discipline, and might well be imitated by some of the elders.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
There have been ten schools of this grade. In the First District we have had, as last year, one of the best. Besides the ordinary elements of a good school, I notice here excellent reading, in which pauses, inflections and the sense of the matter are well attended to, even by the youngest. Some of their reading was not only satisfactory but surprising. At the closing examination, many parents and friends, the superintendent of last year, and resident clergymen were present, and all highly pleased. This teacher has resigned her position.
In the Third District, Miss Cowing has sustained her old,
48
good reputation of three previous years. Among my notes I find " noise with the lips in studying almost conquered," " this school has the best of government, the teacher an eye for the least of mischief; attention in the class is insisted upon, and a defect here is treated as any other misdemeanor." May this instructor long be useful, and better paid.
PRIMARY OF THE FOURTH.
Miss Leach, first and Miss Hunt succeeding, have worked this year in this little garden of human flowers. Seldom has the departure of a favorite teacher been so soon followed by the advent of another. At " the examination," the children looked and did their best, and the committee gave due praise for the good results.
THE PRIMARY OF THE FIFTH.
Here we would like to say much in little, and both pro and con, how difficult ! This school has been again under the same pains-taking, faithful teacher, also motherly. To say that she has done well is not enough, she has worked hard to do well, but still there are difficulties here we would like to see obviated. A school, containing both intermediate and primary scholars, it has twenty classes, and seems almost always in a hurry. Much ground has been passed over, many primary classes in reading faithfully drilled, and the Colburn, the geography and spelling, with rare exceptions in each, very good. But if quality might be emphasized the coming term, rather than quantity, and this especially in reading, and the habit of the school, so to speak, the going to and from recitations and little matters of style and finish be brought up, the solid merits of this department would receive their crown.
PRIMARY OF THE SIXTH.
Miss Williams of Groton has taught through the year with eminent satisfaction to parents and pleasure to children. There
49
has been great improvement in order since the beginning of the year, and still the love of the children has been won and retained. One marked and praiseworthy feature of this school, and related practically to the preceding, is the fertility of resource and the illustrative method by which learning is vitalized, and the lesson connected with the great out-of-door world which children love so well. " What is an umbrella ? What is a merchant ?" asks the teacher -" What is the bird's nest made of ?" " What color is green, blue, &c. ? " " Name some- thing." Then follows a short talk, in which the habit of thought and expression is cultivated, and learning made itself a pleasure.
The first examination of this school was very satisfactory and highly commended; in the last, justice requires us to say the pupils disappointed us all. It must have been the mood of the hour, for we found ourselves bating not one bit of faith in the worker and her work. At the close, a beautiful photo- graphic album, the gift of the children, was presented to their teacher by Mr. Wm. Dyer, of the committee, in a few kind and well chosen words.
PRIMARY OF . THE SEVENTH - MRS. MORRELL.
We shall be permitted to call this a model school. Much might be said, but I copy only a few notes -" Most marked progress here, and large amount of work done by such small folks." " This class, an ambitious little set, all pay strict attention, and spell big words like " brunette " and " breakfast," &c., &c., without a failure through the lesson, and these youngsters learned their alphabet only a year ago." "Here is some of the best reading likely to be found within the range of five and eight years." Here also, by the efforts of the teacher, a children's library of seventy-five volumes has been gathered, which, following good marks and merits, are distributed on Fridays, and few here fail of the book. The true educator
7
50
infuses her life into the school - a strong, loving, energizing life. The final examination was " a thing of beauty and a joy " and crowned with a Christmas tree (in February) upon which all had gifts.
PRIMARY OF THE EIGHTH - MISS SPRAGUE.
I will say the unpleasant things first of this school. A better general order should be obtained by a more minute, definite and equable government. Some schools may err upon the side of primness ; their order is of the cast iron sort; these young folks have superabundance of vitality, and seem to behave good or bad by spasms. Meanwhile the relation between pupils and teacher is very affectionate, and the parents repose in her kind and conscientious purpose. All the better can she afford to practise a little more of wise severity. Certain persistent methods, nearly inflexible rules and sure penalties, will be a good harness for the young Bucephalus. The children are quite ambitious and some very capable; the recitations loud and distinct, sometimes too loud, and the ability of the instructor to interest her pupils in their lessons, talking to and questioning them upon it, is very satisfactory. In looking over my notes, I find excellent reports for recitations in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, and this generally. At the closing examination with some slight criticism upon excessive loudness of voice, the Committee pronounced their verdict, " Well done."
PRIMARY OF THE NINTH - MISS CARRIE TROTT.
Taking the school with the commencement of the year, this teacher, combining equableness of disposition with firm steady government, has performed her work faithfully and well. Some one or two complaints have been heard, of unnecessary severity, but on investigation the teacher has been fully sustained. This school, like many others, has been greatly annoyed by absences and billets asking early dismission. A higher standard of
51
parental co-operation and judicious self restraint when teacher or school is discussed, would help to authority instead of anarchy, and bring up children in obedience rather than rebellion. This school, through a long examination, maintained itself in a highly creditable manner. One or two cases of embarrassment, and some hurry in reading by a few, were apparent, but the order was unimpeachable, as it has been through the year, and the whole appearance of the classes under the free questioning of the Committee, showed that steady, solid work had been done and good accomplished.
PRIMARY OF THE TENTH - MISS GRAVES.
This school has suffered greatly from absences and somewhat from disorderly habits, said to be transmitted from the last year. The present teacher took hold of her work with kind manners, which soon won the affection of the children, and a conscientious purpose to do her whole duty. At first, some fears were entertained for her health under the somewhat difficult work entailed upon her, but she has been sustained, and a decided improvement made in the whole appearance of the school by the close of the first term. The final examination was also good, and an occasion of congratulation to all con- cerned, that so much had been achieved. Some features intro- duced by Miss Graves into her school, are highly commendable ; the oral drill in Geography by the whole, is a very useful exercise. I think there should be a most hearty co-operation with the teacher here, especially, and a higher standard of order and attainment both permitted and encouraged.
PRIMARY OF THE ELEVENTH - MRS. THOMAS.
Here is a little, close, crowded, disagreeable school room, where large intermediate scholars are united with the primary, and where there has been much faithful labor by the teacher, who has devoted herself unsparingly to her work with an
52
assiduity worthy of all commendation. And yet this school has suffered from noise and disorder, which every effort, much re- proof and some punishment mingled with persuation and kindness, has failed to entirely subdue. At the closing examination, though the " Colburn " moved a little slowly, the sums were done, the reading was average, the spelling was nearly perfect and the geography classes answered the questions of the superintendent finely. Miss Thomas closes her connection with the school, and we ask that her successor may have that full assistance which a good home government and example can alone best furnish.
INTERMEDIATE AND MIXED SCHOOLS.
That in the First District, under Miss Pratt, has fully sustained its former high reputation. A large amount of ground in all the studies has been passed over during the year, and the prompt, excellent examination at the close, told how . thoroughly the work had been done. The order here is the very best, and big boys and small, obey equally and pleasantly, the motherly and just teacher.
SECOND DISTRICT.
This, a mixed school, with twenty-two or three classes, has suffered from the absenteeism incident to much sickness and the disadvantage of a change of teachers. Miss Parrott, who has been very conscientiously devoted to the school for two years, having faithfully labored for the greater part of this, was obliged to resign for home duties, when Miss White, the former and successful assistant, unwillingly, but at the solicitation of the committee, and to save delay, took the position of Principal, supported by Miss Amy Adlington. There has been some very bad behavior in this school during the last half term. Of course there is no excuse for the boys, but if a school is too difficult for a teacher to manage well, then all the more, till the time of change, should such a one receive the advice and hearty
53
support of the good and true that the least injury may accrue. After giving all due credit for the large amount of work done, we feel that the results are not adequate to the expenditure, and venture to suggest that perhaps an older and more expe- rienced teacher, such as might be obtained for the same as, or a trifle more, than that now paid, would do the work we all desire.
THIRD DISTRICT - MRS. NASH.
A firm, faithful and efficient teacher who has done well with her school this year, as before. At the first examination all was highly satisfactory ; at the closing one, the Colburn classes did not do so well as I have known them; all else finely. May she long remain, as she is, an able and acceptable instructor of youth.
FOURTH DISTRICT - MISS CLAPP.
This is an excellent school in order and readiness of recita- tions, and appeared well in every branch at both examinations. Could we now but add something more, and this criticism is applicable to very many schools - could something of the flesh and blood of vital interest be added to the lean framework of mere textual recitations, by new and practical examples at the board, by questioning and talk upon the subject-matter of the lesson, insuring thus a better comprehension, educating to quick wit and the ready adaptation of knowledge, how far better would it be than the mere working of memories, which should be used and not abused.
At the commencement. of this school the present year, there were some complaints and threatened troubles, for the slack reins were pulled tight, but the teacher was sustained by the committee, and the good results of the year have rewarded.
SEVENTH DISTRICT - MISS VINING.
This school has had the services of a teacher as devoted in performance of duties, as thorough in instruction, and as
5
accurate in her perceptions as any in this grade of our teachers. Excellent order also and remarkable freedom from whispering here; yet the school has not had success sufficient to satisfy, we believe, either teacher or committee. I think with a little better material, or more of that which is good, or perhaps with only less absenteeism and the full sympathy of all parties, this school would have been more nearly satisfactory to all. As it was, Geography and Grammar at the closing examination were good. Spelling nearly perfect. Reading, with two or three careless exceptions, distinct and fair, while the second and third Colburn, rather poor, were nobly balanced by the first, which was almost faultless. The " Greenleaf" failed in too many cases at the board, though here the majority were honorable exceptions. Miss Vining closes her connection with the school by resignation. May the children find another as faithful.
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.