USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1865 > Part 3
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1
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Weymouth." Abington. Weymouth.
South Scituate. Weymouth. 66
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Not given,
Hannah Coughlan,
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66 Brookline. Ireland. Ilingham. Weymouth, 16
Maine. Bridgewater. Chelsea.
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Canada.
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Weymouth. Randolph.
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37
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29 Typhoid Fever,
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36 55 3 24
1306 6
2 27
James Fleming,
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Heart Disease,
Lily A. Pratt,
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New York. Weymouth. Middleboro'. Weymouth. Maine.
19 25
18, 30,
Anastacia D. Dumphey,
16 9 3
26,
Typhoid Dysentery, Whooping Cough,
66 Abington. Weymouth. 66
April 25,
Susie M. Mann,
Braintree. Weymouth. Quincy. Weymouth. 66
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Dec.
1, 1, Albert Otis Clapp, Mary Jane Thayer,
5. Hannah M. Cooney,
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Teething,
Cholera Infantum, . Dysentery, .
13
1
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Disease or cause of Death.
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20 3
Consumption,
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REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee of the Town of Weymouth would submit the following Report :
At the last Annual Meeting, the town authorized two High Schools and as many others as the Committee should deem necessary, and appropriated for their support, $10,500, to be placed at the disposal of the Committee.
Accordingly, two High Schools have been sustained, one in the north, and the other in the south part of the town, forty weeks each ; and in addition, six Grammar, two Mixed, ten Intermediate, and fourteen Primary Schools, thirty-eight weeks each.
In regard to the High Schools, an important change has been made, in the addition of one year to the course of study, making it extend over four, instead of three years, thereby admitting some who may desire to avail themselves of certain advantages, who otherwise would be excluded ; while by allow- ing more time for the whole course, the grade of the school is not changed.
After having thoroughly considered the wants of the different parts of the town, and decided what schools to establish, the Committee found that they had only money sufficient to sustain the common schools thirty-eight weeks each, at the low prices of $5.50, $6.00, $7.00, and $12.50 per week.
The already heavy taxation, and the high prices of living, cause the Committee to feel deeply the perplexities of the case ; but the best and most experienced female teachers will not for
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a moment listen to the remuneration we are able to offer them, unless they can board at their own homes ; and consequently, an increase of appropriation is vital to the interests of tlie schools, and to the town itself. For it is the noble design to secure equally to every child the best possible advantages the common schools can afford ; and while the increased tax would be little more than nominal to the individual, in the aggregate it would secure very great advantages.
The Committee would further suggest, as demanding very thoughtful consideration, that the mass of the children receive all the advantages they can ever derive from the common schools, between the ages of five and fifteen, since after that period few avail themselves of their' benefits ; and hence the importance of making our Primary and Intermediate Schools of the very highest order. For reason and experience suggest, and the most distinguished educators testify, that the grand secret of success or failure in our educational system, lies mainly in the character of these schools, in the direction given to the minds and habits of the pupils in the outset. Too much stress cannot be laid on this point. Hence, we need the best teachers that can be secured, for the rudimentary departments, and should be able to offer a reasonable compensation.
The construction which the Committee put upon the vote of the town, did not warrant the employment of a Superintendent of Schools, and. they have endeavored to perform the duties which consequently devolved upon them. But it is their mature conviction, that with só large a number of schools, and where such vast interests are involved, a competent Superin- tendent, liberally supported, would be the best possible economy. Devoting his whole time to the duties of his office, under the direction of the Committee, the advantages might be very great ; while it is impracticable, and often impossible for the Committee, bound, as many of them are, by other engage- ments, and oppressed with other cares, to give anything like due attention to the schools. And further, they cannot be supposed to be practical teachers, and hence to have all the qualifications necessary for these important duties. We need a guiding hand, skilful generalship, an organizing mind, and one capable of quickening the ardor of both pupil and teacher, and inspiring a due amount of enthusiasm. With one man having
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the responsibility, giving all his energies to the work, acting independently of district or neighborhood, and making his peri- odical reports to the Committee, as an advisory and authorita- tive Board, our schools might reach the highest degree of efficiency.
But should the present arrangement continue, it is worthy of consideration whether the Committee, whose pay is now limited to one dollar and fifty cents per day, with no allowance for travelling expenses, should not receive the same compensation as other town officers.
At the opening of the year, and at the suggestion of the Committee, where it was practicable, the teachers formed them- selves into an association, meeting weekly with the Committee, where were discussed, in a free and informal manner, topics previously assigned, such as the following : "The government of a school;" "The best method of teaching reading," "grammar," etc. ; the teachers, if called upon, giving reports of their schools, and proposing such practical questions as were suggested in the discharge of their, daily duties .. The Commit- tee would recommend this practice, as most salutary in its results.
In the early part of the year, the Committee, with considera- ble labor, prepared and published a convenient Manual of " Rules for the government of the School Committee, and Regulations for the Public Schools," based upon the statutes of the Commonwealth, to which they would call the particular attention of parents and all interested in the subject. If parents especially, will study these Rules and Regulations, and will cordially co-operate with the teachers and the Committee, it will add greatly to the regular attendance and order of our schools.
In conclusion, with few exceptions, we think our schools have been in a large degree successful. The teachers, for the most part, have proved themselves well qualified, and have wrought faithfully in their work. The examinations have shown a degree of proficiency, in many cases, which the Committee were not prepared to witness.
During the year our faithful and accomplished High School teacher, L. Z. Ferris, has left the profession, and become a set- tled pastor ; and other teachers, whom we would gladly retain,
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it is intimated, are entering into other and more permanent relations for life. While we regret to lose their services, our fondest wishes attend them.
S. H. HAYES, In behalf of the Board.
The following are the Reports of the Special Committees having charge of the schools reported :
HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH.
The High School in the south part of the town commenced the year with fifty-four pupils, and closed with thirty. Eight members only of this school had attended the High School at the town house. A smaller number had attended the High School in this part of the town three years since. The great bulk of the school was made up of scholars taken from the Grammar Schools, most of whom entered upon the extra year's course of studies, preparatory to the regular three years course, which has been so successful for several years past.
The total number of studies pursued in this school was twenty-two, four more than the number previously prescribed in our High Schools,-a number too large for any one teacher to conduct properly-but which could not be reduced without impairing the integrity of the full course of studies.
The importance of securing an efficient teacher for this school was duly appreciated by the Special Committee, who had the management of the school. The choice fell on Mr. George A. Miller, a teacher of large and successful experience, and a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Fears that were entertained at the early part of the first term, that the school would be a failure, were gradually dispelled as the term progressed.
Mr. Miller controlled the school with ease, was calm and deliberate, but decided in action. He was correct in his prin- ciples of teaching, and faithful in the discharge of his duties.
Had there been more energy infused into the school, it would have enhanced the value of the instruction, and the interest of the scholars in their studies.
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At the public examination, at the close of the school, the exercises, otherwise creditable to both teacher and pupils, were marred by lowness of utterance and indistinctness of artic- ulation. Diplomas were presented to four graduates at the close of the exercises.
HIGH SCHOOL NORTH.
When by the vote of the town it was decided that a division of the High School should be made, the Committee having in charge the North Weymouth High School secured the use of the room in the house of the second district, formerly occupied for a similar purpose, put it in a proper condition, and placed the school in the care of the former teacher, Mr. L. Z. Ferris. He commenced his labors under circumstances in other respects different. The time originally fixed for the completion of the course in the High School was three years, but that the school might not fail in its object from the want of numbers, it became necessary, as to meet such exigency was at first provided, to introduce an additional class, thus lowering the standard of admission, and requiring four years for the completion of the course. The introduction of this additional class affected in some degree the general appearance and character of the school. With this change, the school proceeded much as it had done in previous years under the same instructor. The excel- lence and defects, if any, of his mode of teaching have been sufficiently spoken of in former reports. There was the same interest manifested among the scholars in the pursuit of their studies, and in general the same excellences as had previously characterized the school, while certain defects much affecting its appearance were partially if not wholly remedied. The whole number of scholars connected with the school during the term was forty-three, and the average attendance thirty-nine.
With the closing exhibition closed also the labors of Mr. Ferris among us. Such a determination on his part had pre- viously been intimated to the Committee and was received by them with many regrets. It is fitting, after so many years of labor performed by him, that we should place upon record our appreciation of his valuable services. The faithfulness with which he discharged his duties as a teacher, the generous enthusiasm which he excited among his scholars, not only in
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the ordinary studies, but also in the works of general literature, the high standard to which the school was brought, and the elevated moral tone which pervaded it are especially worthy of remark. For these reasons, and especially from the fact that much of what he did was only the beginning of a system to be hereafter more fully developed, his influence for good will long continue in this and among all the schools of the town.
The school being thus without a teacher it became necessary to choose a successor. The person selected was Mr. Nathan E. Willis, a graduate of the Bridgewater State Normal School and of Amherst College, and who was engaged at the time as principal of the High School at Southborough. He entered at the commencement of the fall term upon the discharge of his duties, under circumstances of peculiar difficulty. To succeed so popular a teacher, with a mode of teaching necessarily dif- ferent, and, with a manner in marked contrast to that of his predecessor, to secure the affections of his scholars, was no easy task. Accordingly, criticism and unfavorable comparison were not wanting. But, in their visits to the school, it was manifest to the Committee that such criticism was essentially without foundation, and the excellence of the closing examination plainly showed to all present the faithfulness. of the teacher, and the thorough manner with which most of the branches had been taught. The principal defect noticed in our visits during the term, and at the exhibition, was the lack of sufficient life and energy in the recitations and in the general movements of the school. Considering, however, the peculiar difficulties under which the teacher was placed, and that he has had charge of the school but a single term, the Committee were eminently satisfied with the manner in which it had been conducted.
The whole number of scholars during the term was thirty- one, and the average attendance twenty-six and one-half. Six scholars were graduated during the year,-one at the close of the summer and five at the close of the spring term.
FIRST DISTRICT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL .- This school has been conducted and car- ried on in a very able, and, to the Visiting Committee, very satis- factory manner. The teacher has always been found to attend
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promptly and faithfully to the duties devolving upon her. The school has made very good progress, and at the closing exami- nation gave the most satisfactory evidence of the faithfulness and ability of the teacher in having accomplished a good work.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL .- This school has been in the charge of a teacher who has served patiently and attentively the interests of this school. At such times as the Committee in charge has visited it, it has ever given satisfaction to notice that the teacher has endeavored to perform her part of duty.
There is one . particularly bad practice connected with this school, and which, perhaps, may apply to others, and which, I think, operates very injuriously to the advancement of a school, however well able and disposed a teacher may be. I refer to the very extended practice of requesting, by notes, that chil- dren may be dismissed before the close of the session. I cer- tainly feel, that were we to do justice towards the children and teacher, this practice should be stopped.
.The closing examination of this school was good. The different exercises were gone through with in a manner cred- itable to the teacher. And upon the part of the scholars it was pleasing to notice their appreciation and regard, in presenting the teacher with a testimonial and address.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL .- This school has been in charge of an able and well-qualified teacher, and consequently, whenever the committee in charge have visited it, there has been that general good appearance in conduct and recitations that has ever called forth a favorable report. The attendance of scholars was not as steady and regular as is desirable for the best interests of the school.
The same practice, only to a greater extent, has prevailed in this as in the intermediate school-that of the request of scholars to be dismissed, by notes, before the close of the session. I am pleased, however, to state that in this school it is confined mostly to a very few scholars. At the closing examination of the school, the exercises and appearance were very satisfactory to the Committee and creditable to the teacher.
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SECOND DISTRICT.
A GRAMMAR SCHOOL of about forty scholars was taught during the year by a graduate of the Boston Training School. A thorough and critical scholar, with an admirable system of · instruction and unusual tact in illustrating it, with government fair, the teacher has devoted her time and strength, faithfully and conscientiously, to the interests of the school. Practical in her method of teaching, careful in the elucidation of princi- ples, full and clear in her explanations, she has succeeded in bringing her school up to a point of more than ordinary excellence.
The public examination at the close of the year was thor- ough and satisfactory, exhibiting, as it did, the value of the system and the skill of the instructor, particular care having evidently been taken that the scholars should be faithfully instructed in the first principles of education.
The school has made rapid and substantial progress in its various studies, and needs but a continuation of the same effort and skill on the part of the teacher, and a kind co-operation on that of the parents, to render it one of our most efficient schools.
THIRD DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT .- Mr. Franklin Jacobs has had the charge of this school the past year. The high reputation as a teacher which he came here with has been sustained. The annual examination showed that what ground had been gone over, had been thoroughly learned. The progress of the sev- · eral classes was gratifying, and evidently of the most thorough kind. The order was excellent, and the best of relations seemed to exist between teacher and pupil.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT .- This school has been unfortu- nate the past year, having had no less than three different teachers. Mrs. Nash, who has had charge of the school for several years past, was taken ill during the first part of the year. It then came under the care of Miss Minnie Bicknell, who taught it until the winter term, when she resigned. Miss Sarah Cushing was then engaged, and continued with it until
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the close. The examination was very fair, and better than the Committee expected to see under the circumstances.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT, Pleasant Street .- Miss Hattie E. Bates has taught this school the past year, and has labored . assiduously for the good of her pupils ; and it was very gratify- ing to the Committee, who were present at the closing examina- tion, and to the parents who take an interest in this school, to witness the good order of the same, as well as the promptness and distinctness with which the questions were answered. This department stands high and reflects great credit on its teacher.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT, Pleasant Street .- Miss Maggie Ray- mond has taught this school for several years past, and is admirably adapted to impart instruction to scholars of this grade. The school appeared well at the closing examination.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT .- This school has had a change of teachers during the year. Miss Maria Bates taught the first part of the year, and Miss Martha J. Stevens the last half. The school made a creditable appearance at the closing exam- ination.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT .- Taught by Miss Kate E. French. This school was organized at the commencement of the year. The overcrowded condition of the other Primary Schools ren- dered it necessary to establish another school. The teacher has been faithful and efficient, and has performed a good deal of hard work, which was apparent at the closing examination.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
PRIMARY .- This department has remained in charge of one teacher for three successive years. It has not exhibited the past year that drill, discipline and order that many of our Pri- mary Schools do. The scholars have seemed to feel perfectly at home ; the style of teaching has been that of love and tender- ness, without much regard to the rudiments of order, and in this connection we would say that the size of the school and want of seats to accommodate some twenty of the pupils, has rendered it very difficult for the teacher to maintain good order. We believe the scholars have made good progress in
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the text-books, and as a whole the school has done well. The closing examination was necessarily hurried and not so satisfac- tory as it would have been had more time been allowed.
INTERMEDIATE .- This school is not properly graded ; there are several large boys that should be in the grammar department. When we have visited it during the year it has appeared well. The order has been generally good. The progress made in the studies very commendable. A few weeks before the close of the last term, upon visiting it, we noticed that one of the largest boys · was inclined to be rebellious. He was engaged in making a low, gutteral noise, and under such circumstances that we should have felt justified in making an example of him before the school, but hoping that respect for himself would work a cure, we did not. This disease proved to be contagious, and was the defect in the closing examination. As regards the progress made in the studies, the school has done nobly, and ranks in scholarship with the average of the schools we have visited of the same grade in town. There is noble and aspiring talent in this school. The reading by one young lady we have not heard excelled in any school that we have visited. Had the order been good the examination would have been very satisfactory.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL .- This school, under the instruction of Miss P. B. Shaw, who has now completed her second year in the school, has moved steadily on in its course during the year. The classes in written arithmetic showed great thoroughness in drill and a full acquaintance with the principles underlying the rules. We think that Colburn's mental arithmetic might be used with profit by the younger classes in this school. Good order was at all times maintained, and the closing examination was highly satisfactory to all present.
PRIMARY SCHOOL .- This is one of our model Primary · Schools. Under the charge of Miss Lizzie Cushing, the same teacher as last year, the Committee expected much of this school, and were not disappointed. Quick to decide, prompt to execute, her whole soul devoted to her work, with an abund-
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ance of life and energy, which she has a remarkable faculty of imparting to her school, this teacher is fitted in an eminent degree for her work. The order was at all times good, the instruction thorough, and the progress in their studies rapid. The teacher evidently strove by every means in her power to make the school-room an attractive place to the little ones com- mitted to her charge, and with untiring effort has labored to see that each one was in his place every day. The closing exercises, which were listened to by a large circle of friends, were of the highest order. We would particularly speak of the reading of some members of this school, which we never heard surpassed in any school of its grade, and of the spelling, which was perfect.
The PRIMARY SCHOOL in this district, taught by Mrs. L. T. Cushing, has sustained the high reputation previously gained by her. The scholars are all small, the ages ranging from five to eight years. The attendance has been very good and the scholars have made excellent progress in their studies.
SIXTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL .- This has been one of our model schools. Miss A. S. Williams has had charge of this school for the past two years. Miss W. is a ripe scholar, accurate and critical in her instruction, and possessing a wonderful amount of energy, which she has imparted to her scholars. Her government has been of the mildest character; first winning the love of her pupils, she controlled them by the power of that love, without the least exertion, securing perfect order, and at the same time exciting them to the strongest efforts to make the greatest progress in their studies. Promptness in recitation, thorough- ness in their acquaintance with the principles were the charac- teristics of this school. The closing exercises were of the very highest degree of excellence, demonstrating to the entire satis- faction of the people of the district and to the Committee who visited the school during the terms or at the closing examina- tion, the perfect ability of well educated and experienced female teachers to bring the grammar schools of the town to the high- est degree of perfection.
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PRIMARY SCHOOL .- This school has been for the past year under the charge of Miss Jennie Fairbanks, a graduate of our High School. Miss F. had had a few months experience in this school, during the illness of a former teacher. During the spring term the school appeared well. Good order was pre- served, the scholars were studious, and everything appeared in good working order. But during the fall and winter term the school was very much broken up by the presence of real or supposed cases of a cutaneous disease among the scholars, the average attendance being reduced to about one-half of the whole number belonging to the school. The teacher was not able to awaken that enthusiasm in her scholars which was desirable, and the exercises of the closing examination were not so prompt or correct as we could desire. Much of this appearance can, however, be accounted for by the record of attendance as given above. We believe regular attendance to be indispensable to the prosperity of a school.
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
The GRAMMAR SCHOOL at the Centre was taught, during the summer term, by Miss Lizzie M. Hale, an accomplished teacher, but failing in the government of the school, at the end of the term she resigned.
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