USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1864 > Part 5
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These schools are still in session, and will close March 17, when there is good reason to expect very interesting and satisfactory examinations.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
INTERMEDIATE. - The discipline of this school has been strict and firm; the average deportment, good.
Perfect lessons have been required, and generally, so far as regards the letter of the text-books, the recitations have been prompt and with dispatch. If the rate of progress had been greater, and a more varied style of teaching had been practiced, tending to break up the monotony, and what savored too much of the stereotyped form, the interest of the scholars would have been better sustained, and their knowledge would be less dependent on the forms of statement in the books.
The average attendance has been low ; only eleven, fourteen, and twenty-one, have been found present at some of my visits, in good weather ; an unusual amount of "billets " accumulated in . the teacher's desk. Some complaint was made of the severity of the discipline, - that it was rather repulsive than con- ciliatory.
At the public examination, some good recitations were given
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in reading, spelling, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and history; the lower classes in reading were uncommonly deficient.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. - This has been a full school, the average attendance being more than double that of the inter- mediate; and the two having been graded at the beginning of the year, it was thought not desirable, for special reasons, to change.
In all respects, this has been a pleasant and successful school. The willing and patient labors of the teacher have been duly seconded by the scholars and their friends. Much care has been taken to teach the elements of reading correctly. The full tones of voice, the clear and correct utterance, and diversity of information exhibited by the leading classes, were noticeable. The public examination was very satisfactory, and justly commended.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
In this district, there have been three good schools. The school-rooms are convenient, and, in the main, comfortable ; though the school-house and its surroundings showed some neglect and marks of violence.
GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT. - This has been a full school, and of a grade above the average of the grammar schools in town. No one has more severely taxed the energy and skill of the teacher. A class of boys who had been out of school for a season, came in during the Winter term; and it was not easy to maintain perfect order in school, and propriety of deport- ment around the premises. The general order, however, has been good, the tone cheerful and pleasant, and the instruction clear, critical, and thorough, and of the most approved style. The school has always been found doing well. The closing
1
21
examination was excellent; the explanations in arithmetic and algebra were clear, logical, and full; the performances in grammar and analysis, and in geography, including some fine map-drawings, were very good; less attention had been given to reading and Colburn's arithmetic than would have been, but for the press of studies and classes. The writing-books were excellent.
The two PRIMARY schools seem to have been cast in the same mould. The lower, numbering thirty-seven scholars, and the upper, with forty-nine, have been faithfully instructed and disciplined. A little inaccuracy, and too much prompting, which were noticed in the early part of the year, disappeared ; and then clearness, animation, and dispatch, with a fair variety in the style, were features in these schools.
. The closing examinations were legitimate results of the previous labors, and very satisfactory ; and, interspersed with appropriate singing and speaking, were listened to with marked interest. In the upper primary, especially, the mark aimed at was perfection; and the general character of the school approximated the mark. Duly appreciating the labors of the teacher, the school, at the close, made her a beautiful present of a silver knife.
SIXTH DISTRICT.
The Sixth. District has been fortunate in the teachers; the school-rooms are neat, well-kept, and comfortable.
The GRAMMAR department, in charge of a competent female teacher, a graduate of the Normal School at Framingham, has been easily governed, and skillfully instructed. Uninterrupted harmony, cheerfulness, and good-will seem to have prevailed ; and the most happy relations have existed between teacher and pupils. The success of this school has been complete ; unless we except the fact that the average attendance was low,
22
and excuses were superabundant. The examination, attended by a crowd of friends, has not been surpassed by any school of its grade. The classes in algebra, national and common arithmetic, Colburn, geography, grammar and analysis, and reading, and spelling, all sustained themselves throughout, under the severest tests; some superior declamations filled the intervals. Every scholar performed well, and nothing seemed to have been neglected essential to a perfect school.
The PRIMARY department secured the services of the same faithful and successful teacher as last year, who continued through the year, except about three months in the Fall, when, she being disabled by a fit of sickness, her place was occupied by Miss Jennie Fairbanks, a recent graduate of our High School, in whose charge the good organization and deportment of the school were preserved. Cheerfulness, vivacity, and a varied style of teaching have been prominent features in this school. The average attendance has been low during the Winter term, and owing to this the public examination was not so perfect as was expected; yet there were many excellent recitations in reading, and in the elements of mental arith- metic and geography.
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
INTERMEDIATE. - Special efforts were made to increase the number and general average of attendants, and with some success. Some faults in the discipline, and the mode of con- ducting recitations, were noticed in the Summer term : as too much prompting, and talking to the classes in a manner to stifle thought and confuse the mind, and possibly to provoke resentment. In respect to these, there has been improvement during the last term. The Summer examination was, in some respects, good, and generally fair in its character. In the Winter term the school was much improved; the order and
23
recitations were in the main satisfactory. The examination was very creditable, particularly in Colburn's Arithmetic, in a part of the reading exercises, in geography, and writing; and in written arithmetic there were some very good recitations, with clear and logical explanations, though in this, as in some others, there were unexpected failures. There was but one, and that a small grammar class, of beginners. A number absented themselves from examination, thirty-five only being present out of fifty-eight, who, till then, had been connected with the school. This ranks with the average of the intermediate schools in town.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT,- MRS. MORRELL, TEACHER. - This has been really more than a primary school. Numbering seventy- eight scholars, with two classes advanced to the average of intermediate classes, it has required and received a large amount of labor, cheerfully performed. With skill and good executive qualities at the head, every part has been well sus- tained. The order and drill have been excellent; the instruc- tion accurate, varied, and efficient ; the progress great.
The public examination presented an interesting variety, including well-delivered declamations, a neat address of wel- come to the Superintendent, singing, &c., all of which were duly appreciated. It is announced with regret that this teacher resigns.
EIGHTH DISTRICT.
INTERMEDIATE. - The discipline of this school has been sustained with kindness and gentleness combined with firm- ness; the order in school, and the general deportment of the scholars, has been uniformly good; the tone and aspect cheer- ful and happy, the instruction clear, thorough, and scholarly. Much has been done to stimulate the pupils, by worthy motives, to industry and application. The examination presented evidence that very much had been accomplished. The explana-
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tions in written arithmetic were given by the scholars with unusual clearness and precision; the writing-books and map-drawings were neat and in good taste; declamations and singing filled the intervals. All were happily surprised at the close by one of the young misses coming forward, and, in a neat speech, presenting a beautiful photograph album to the teacher, as a gift of affection from the school.
PRIMARY. - Miss Sprague has had charge of this school for three consecutive years, and her faithful and conscientious labors have been duly appreciated. The previous character of the school has been sustained during the past year. The public examination in reading, spelling, and the first steps in mental arithmetic. and geography, interspersed, as usual, with singing and other appropriate exercises, furnished a pleasing entertainment to those who love children, and enjoy their happiness and prosperity. There was less to show in this school at the close, in consequence of advancing the upper class to the intermediate department at the beginning of the Winter term.
RANDOLPH-STREET MIXED SCHOOL. - This school has had two public examinations - one at the close of each term - both of which were indicative of prosperity and success; and such has been its condition at each visit of the Superintendent. The necessarily large number of classes requires promptness and dispatch, and these qualities have been manifest. The explanations in written arithmetic were clear and accurate. The average attendance and the number of scholars were the same, both summer and winter. In all respects, the course of this school seems to have run smoothly.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRAMMAR,-MR. WOODMAN, TEACHER .- "This school has been unusually full this year, sixty in all, and the average the highest in town ; not well situated as to school-
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room, sometimes annoyed by smoke, once interrupted by sick- ness of teacher, - otherwise it has fully sustained its former high character. It is equally unnecessary to speak in its praise, or to criticise. Suffice it to say, a large number attend ; and those who attend, work, and cannot pass their time there smoothly without attending promptly to the school duties, and conforming to its discipline. They are not allowed to skim over the studies; but are expected to understand so far as they advance, and to be able to answer any appropriate ques- tions, and to give suitable explanations concerning the lessons to which they have attended, and with verbal and logical accuracy.
No complaint has come to the Superintendent of any severity in the discipline or requirements of the school. It is presumed that prompt and faithful scholars have no occasion to make any. If any feel that they have, they can, with a little philosophy, offset their present trials by the profit in the future resulting . from them.
None can truly call in question the ability, fidelity, and con- scientiousness of the teacher, or the superior excellence and value of the school to all who enjoy and faithfully improve its privileges. It has ever been a model to other schools of its grade, and tended to improve the style and raise the standard in them. Reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and history, have been taught in the most efficient and exhaustive manner ; and in these branches the scholars gave, at the closing examina- tion, some of the most perfect recitations ever listened to. Where all were good, it is not easy to distinguish ; but some of the exercises in reading and in grammar, also in arithmetic (e. g. the explanation of alligation, the square and cube roots, progression, &c., &c.), were so very fine that they could not pass unnoticed. This school illustrates the advantage of diminishing the number of studies and classes, so that every recitation can be made a thorough and patient one.
..
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NINTH DISTRICT.
The arrangement of the school-rooms in this district is not favorable. Five schools, including nearly three hundred scholars, all in one building, using only one entrance and one school-yard, are so connected as to be almost vitally affected by each other, and more or less disturbed even when all are in respectable discipline and order - much more if these are lacking in any or all of the departments. It might be better, if the general government of all these schools could be to some extent with one competent master; and, also, if there could be two separate entrances to the building, and separate yards for the larger and smaller scholars.
GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT. During the first twenty-eight weeks, this school, in charge of one who had been instructed in the High School, and who subsequently had taught in town, was in excellent condition. The discipline was quiet and firm; the order, satisfactory ; the instruction, lucid, logical, thorough, - in few words, and adapted to awaken thought, and make the scholars understand principles and reasons and to state them. The number in attendance was small in the Summer term, -not more than twenty-five ordinarily being seen when the school was visited. It considerably increased during the first half of the Winter term, by introducing some from other schools, and by the return of some who had been out of school for a season.
Mr. Torrey resigned, to go into business ; and was succeeded by a young man from Randolph, who had never taught before. There was a marked change in the character of the school; the discipline and good order were not maintained, especially during the first three or four weeks, and the school was some- what confused and mixed up. By special efforts, a better state of discipline, though still imperfect, was secured. The instruc- tion, in some respects efficient, and given kindly, and with
.
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zeal and enthusiasm, was rather wordy - not always accurate or comprehensive.
The examination, somewhat disturbed by talking, exhibited some good recitations, and more poor ones. The explanations of examples and subjects were deficient; and the recitations which did not drag were too much from word memory. A more thorough review would have improved the examination.
The position was really a difficult one for an inexperienced teacher, whose qualifications would be improved by a term or two in a normal school.
UPPER INTERMEDIATE. - MISS LEACH labored indefatigably during the Summer term, and with very decided success. " Having got the school just where she wanted it," her health . gave out, early in the Winter term; and, after teaching about seven weeks, with the aid of a substitute from one of the suspended schools in the Third District, and with continued success, she was obliged to resign, deeply regretted. A change of teachers, in December, resulted in a change in the condition of the school, which was not favorable; the discipline was not steady and effective; the order varied, and, though sometimes respectable, was not always such as to make the act of teaching easy and pleasant. Too much annoyed by those who were more ready to play than study, the teacher's patience did not always prove to be inexhaustible; and much time was lost in efforts to secure better deportment. Hence, though her literary qualifications are superior, and her percep- tion of a subject, and her ability to state it clearly, of a high order, yet this teacher's success in this school was not so great as was anticipated.
LOWER INTERMEDIATE. - This school has been well governed and faithfully taught. Diligence, constancy, and indefatigable industry, have been daily characteristics. The cheerful and active scholars have been led on with alacrity, while, to the
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dull, or indolent, line upon line and precept upon precept have been administered to make them understand. Those parents who have co-operated with the teacher have good reason to be satisfied with the progress of their children. The examination, in all respects a good one, was in some things highly commend- able.
This school has suffered, in cold weather, in common with others in this district, by the rooms not being sufficiently warmed early in the day.
PRIMARY, - MISS BAILEY, TEACHER. - A large, and, in some respects, difficult school for this teacher. Some time lost by cold room and ill-health; and progress retarded by irregular . attendance. As soon as practicable, the number was reduced from seventy-nine to about sixty scholars, and the classes arranged in the best working order -regard being had both to the ability and regularity of the pupils. Abating a little for incidental evils, the school has been a good one. The order has been good, in the main, and sustained with kindness ; the teaching and drill, substantially accurate and faithful. In some schools there is more dispatch, yet few of this grade have made more progress than some of the classes in this.
The examination was well arranged, and creditable to all.
PRIMARY, - MISS ADLINGTON, TEACHER. - This school, since equalizing the number of scholars between it and the other primary, has been crowded, in the small room it occupied ; and . consequently could not be handled so easily and perfectly, as. one needs, to make the best appearance; but it has been well conducted. Cheerfulness, kindness, vivacity, earnest devotion to the school, have presided here, and given tone to the very atmosphere of the room. The interest felt in the children has sustained a corresponding interest on their part, and made the mutual relations pleasant ; - the discipline and deportment being uniformly excellent; the instruction, frequently varied
29
with appropriate and enlivening singing, and other exercises, faithful and thorough; the drill, accurate; the progress, in some cases, remarkable. This has been one of the most satis- factory primary schools; and the closing examination was perfect, for one of its grade, in all the exercises.
TENTH DISTRICT.
INTERMEDIATE. - The order has been excellent during the year, - the school " atmosphere" quiet, calm, peaceful. A little lack of thoroughness and efficiency in the teaching, especially of arithmetic, writing, and reading, which was noticed in the early part of the year, disappeared; and since then the school has steadily improved. The closing examina- tion, opened by the very impressive rehearsal, by the school in concert, of choice selections of psalms and the decalogue, and enlivened from time to time with appropriate songs, was credit- able, - in some respects superior. In Colburn, geography, grammar, and spelling, the recitations were thorough and satisfactory. In written arithmetic, some of the scholars failed to comprehend and explain the subject; others seemed to be well drilled. In addition to the regular exercises, a very excellent recitation from oral instruction in physiology was given by the whole school, exhibiting considerable elemen- tary knowledge of this most practical science.
PRIMARY. - This school, in charge of the same teacher as in several former years, has, so far as known, enjoyed the confidence of parents and friends. Nothing out of the usual course has occurred. Good order, gentle and firm discipline, · prompt and varied instruction, with a fair average of progress, are the principle features. Had there been more accuracy and vivacity it would have been more satisfactory.
The closing examination was made very interesting by the . very appropriate opening exercises of Bible recitations and
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singing ; some of the class exercises were good, others were defective, and the general average not quite equal to some of the former examinations in this school.
ELEVENTH DISTRICT.
INTERMEDIATE. - This school was not found at my first visit in perfect order, nor well graded and organized; and, the teacher being young and inexperienced, though possessed of ample literary qualifications, needed advice. It was difficult, after so long time, to effectually remedy the disorder, and remove unfavorable impressions; some of the scholars had too little respect for themselves, or the teacher, or both, to conduct with propriety; and the school struggled on at a disadvantage. The industry, earnestness, and energy of the teacher, with her ability and skill to teach, deserve success ; and, if combined with a sedate and equable carriage, would succeed. Those scholars who have carried into the school a spirit of docility and diligence, sustained by parental co-opera- tion, have made very good progress, and at the examination appeared well in their recitations and deportment; if any have failed, the blame should be distributed with wise dis- crimination among those who are responsible for it. Those with whom the scholars mingle out of school do much towards giving character to the school, either by helping or hindering the work of the teacher, both in disciplining and instructing the school.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. - This school, like the intermediate, was in inexperienced hands, imperfectly organized and graded, and in disorder. The advice and suggestions given to the . teacher were promptly acted upon, and at each succeeding visit the school was found in an improved condition. The order became quite good, and the general condition prosper- ous. The closing examination was a pleasant one. The
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school was very neatly handled, the evolutions of the classes being perfect, and the prompt and accurate recitations evinced careful drill and varied instruction.
The school-rooms in this district, particularly the lower room, have been in a very uncomfortable condition during the latter part of the term. If the friends would step in often to see the school, and manifest. a frank and active sympathy with the teachers, they and their children would be mutually benefited.
The HIGH SCHOOL, as in former years, under its present very laborious and accomplished teacher, has held on its way, through heat and cold, wet and dry; and, though some of the scholars travel more than three miles daily to reach the school, and nearly all two miles or more, yet a respectable number have continued regularly in attendance through the year. Some who were ornaments in the school have left, on account of the practical impossibility of going so far. For the same reason, many others, who desire and need the privi- leges of the High School, have remained out of school, leaving their education unfinished; others have remained in the grammar schools; and others still have paid tuition and travelling expenses out of town, or in private schools, - to the number, so far as ascertained, of thirty out of town, and at an expense of a thousand dollars or more. The number in town who are suitable to enter this school, including those now in it, is not less than eighty or ninety.
The actual attendance, in the Summer term, was thirty-nine ; of these, ten came from South Weymouth, twenty-eight from the north part of the town, and one from due east. In the Winter term, the number was thirty-three; of whom six came from South Weymouth, and twenty-seven from the north and east parts of the town. The distance travelled by all from the north part of the town has, with one exception, been two miles and upwards, and those from the south have travelled from
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nearly two to three miles; all who have attended the school have travelled an average of two miles, or more. Leaving out of account these facts, and suppressing the feeling of regret they occasion, it can be truly said of the school, it is a good school,-perfectly organized on the same basis, and with the same course of study, as in former years; thoroughly drilled, and faithfully taught. If some other useful studies could be included in the course, without increasing the labor, it would be an improvement. If any have felt that the disci- pline and studies were severe, many willing and cheerful scholars have not sympathized in that feeling. A tight rein troubles only the wayward. Whether, in all cases, wisdom has been exhausted in dealing with the reluctant, it would be difficult for one not behind the scenes to judge.
Such have been the industry and order of the school, that it has always been an entertainment to visit it, - similar to that felt in a room full of active machinery. At the stroke of the bell, the classes move to and from their places - sometimes three or four at once - some in charge of advanced pupils; others, of the principal. When recess-time arrives, the piano gives the signal for singing and marching, to which exercises the school is carefully drilled.
Valuable additions have been made to the library and cabinet ; portions of a philosophical apparatus which greatly facilitates teaching have been procured, and valuable charts displayed before the school.
A happy and successful Reunion festival, in August, was pre- · pared by the school, and followed or sustained by neat and appropriate addresses from several of the Alumni, prefaced by a few remarks by the Superintendent, in response to regular toasts, and enlivened with music by the school. The great crowd of former members, and friends and citizens generally, who contributed to and participated in the festivities, evidently experienced great satisfaction on the occasion.
The closing examination and exhibition was, in its principal
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parts, fully equal, and in some respects superior, to any former one. The vast amount accomplished is truly wonderful. The recitations were well sustained; the reading, declamations, compositions, and singing, were generally of an improved character; the press of time, occasioning a hurried feeling, marred the recitations somewhat, as appeared in the lack of composure in the scholars and a flurried style of reciting, as· if they must needs "rush it through" at a. breath. This has resulted from the obvious fact that there is really more labor required here than any living man can perform, deliberately, within the time allotted.
At the close, diplomas were presented by the Chairman of the School Committee, Hon. J. W. Loud, to six - three young men and three ladies - who completed the full course of three years. One young man also received a diploma at the end of the Summer term.
CALVIN TERRY.
3
"
34
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
No. of District.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
No. of Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
No. under 5 years
of age.
No.
years of age.
Months.
Days.
Wages pr month.
Term.
H. Sch.
L. Z. Ferris, A.B.
34
28
-
24 23
§ Summer. Winter.
. I.
J. W. Armington
44
35
I
6
5
J. W. Armington
35
29
1
ʹ
5
22
( Summer. Winter. Summer.
Miss Maria F. Burrell
56
37
Winter.
II.
Miss Susan B. Porter
50 50
38 9-142 38 5-6
3 6
24
( Summer. Winter.
III.
Daniel N. Lane, Jr.
54
37
13
6
5
( Summer. Winter.
Mrs. S. Ellen Nash
65
54
2
5
10
[ Winter.
Miss Hattie E. Bates
55
47
Miss Maria L. Bates
68
48
77
49
3
5
20
/ Summer. Winter.
IV.
Miss Carrie M. Clapp .
30
27 27
( Summer. Winter. ¿ Summer.
Miss Mary Ella Hunt .
66
54
Winter.
V.
Miss Priscilla B. Shaw
53
4
4 5
15
24
§ Summer. ¿ Winter.
Miss Lizzie L. Cushing
49
Winter.
Mrs. L. T. Cushing .
33
27 1-2
-
4 5
5
20
( Summer. { Winter.
VI.
Miss Alline F. Williams .
41
29
-
3 5
15 15
24
Miss Ellen M. Williams Miss Jennie Fairbanks
73
51
69
48
-
5
18
24
Winter.
VII.
Miss Emma Cummings
58
41 47
( Summer. Winter. ( Summer.
Mrs. Maria A. Morrell
72
58 3-7
Winter.
VIII.
Miss Carrie L. Lovett
48
36 31
1
1
3
10 15
Miss Loisa L. Vining .
37
31.8
1
6
5
48
38 33-40
1
4
1
20
59
42 4-55
60
53 73-120
13
6
-
-
16
3
15
50
/ Summer. [ Winter.
1
7
3
15
50
53
38
4
5
/ Summer.
49
36
4 6
-
46
33
3 3
15
5 ( Summer. 20 Winter.
Miss Margaret Raymond
52
40
3
4 5 4
5
22
34 69
56
37 42 37 41 千 28
30
6
‘ Summer. Winter. Summer.
Miss Ellen M. Williams
55
3
15
6
5
24
78
58 6-7
3
10
20
`35
29 1-2
1
4 5
22
§ Summer. Winter.
Miss Eunice Sprague
5
10
Mr. Henry F. Woodman
57
53 24-75
1
4 4 CRIACTIA CT LA OTHA 5
15
45 45 Summer. Winter.
Jno. F. Casey .
38
33 1-3
Miss L. Maria Pratt
42
33
56
49 +
1
5 5 15 5
15 5
43
-
5
45
4
5
20
( Summer.
5
5
4
3
15
24
5
20
5
22
5
22
( Summer. . Winter.
39
36
15
Length of Term.
over
-
$90
5
20
30
21
40
37
37
24
( Summer. Winter. { Summer. Winter
6
35
SCHOOL STATISTICS. - Continued. .
No. of District.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
No. of Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
No. under 5 years
of age.
No.
years of age.
Months.
Days.
Wages pr month.
Term.
IX.
Mr. Bradford Torrey
32
28
1
-
5
$50
Summer.
Mr. Bradford Torrey
44
36
9
15
50
Winter.
Mr. Beals
Miss Emma Leach .
37
27 1-4
Summer.
Miss Maria L. Bates
45
39 1-2
22
Winter.
Miss Carrie F. Trott
57
Winter.
Miss Annie L. E. Bailey
70
41 1-2
5
Winter.
Miss Amy M. Adlington
62
371-
5
20
Winter.
X.
Miss Louisa M. Graves
34
25 7-105
Winter.
Miss Martha J. Stevens
62
41
[ Winter.
XI.
Miss Kate E. French .
32
22
Winter.
48
35 3-4
( Summer.
Miss A. Clementine Orcutt
46
31 1-3
10
Winter.
1
4 5 4 5 4 CRIACTIACTIA CI LA CI HA
5
22
Miss Louisa J. Blanchard
51
40 25-83 46
5
22
79
63 1-2
5
20
55
34 +
5
( Summer.
37
27 7-85
( Summer.
22
56
39
1
5 Generer
20
( Summer.
35
24
Summer.
20
1181
10
20
15
Length of Term.
over
5
Summer.
( Summer.
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