USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1867 > Part 4
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Mrs. French, a former teacher in this district, proved a fortu- nate choice, sustaining the rank of the school and continuing to awaken new interest and zeal. Under her tuition the school was orderly, studious, progressive. Diligent, earnest, faithful herself in the performance of her appropriate duties, the influ- ence of her example was highly salutary on her pupils. The examination at the close demonstrated what those having the school in charge had felt through the term, that the teacher had labored diligently and earnestly for the improvement of her scholars, and the pupils, in their recitations, showed that they had not misimproved or been indifferent to the instruction imparted.
Not absent during the summer term :- Henry L. Bowen, Arthur Powers, Herbert Burrell, Laura Goodspeed. Winter term :- Albert Lovell, Henry L. Bowen, Quincy Goodspeed, Laura Goodspeed, Hattie Raymond.
PRIMARY .- This school was continued another year under the care of Mis's Augusta Raymond, with the encouraging tokens which might be expected from the positive character of the government and instruction with which the pupils were favored. The best of feeling evidently existed between teacher and pupils, while a proper degree of dignity and respect was preserved. The classes in reading gave evidence of careful- ness in drill, and were well acquainted with punctuation.
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Good progress was made in mental arithmetic. The spelling was excellent. Promptness in recitation, and good order, were prominent features at the examination. Not absent during the summer term :- Frank G. Fay, Frank Drew, Mary A. Pratt. Winter term :- Frank G. Fay, Ella F. Rice, Lydia B. Goodspeed.
PRIMARY .- The services of Miss Mary A. Healey were con- tinued in this school, its relative condition being about the same as in the last Report. The order gradually improved, only occasional restlessness and inattention marring the general appearance. At the examination, the exercises in spelling, punctuation and mental arithmetic were prompt and quite sat- isfactory. The reading, in regard to inflection and articula- tion, may be improved by persistent effort.
INTERMEDIATE .- Pleasant Street .- The former teacher, Miss Hattie E. Bates, continued this school till failing health, in the fall term, compelled her to retire. Few teachers ever were more successful in awakening an interest in study, and impart- ing instruction, than Miss Bates. The vacancy was filled by Miss Ellen G. Parrott, who had formerly taught successfully in town, and whose reputation was established by other successful precedents. She quietly but determinedly governed and taught this school with marked ability. As a natural result, some of the pupils still adhered to the former teacher, becoming restive, almost denying the rights of the new teacher. Her ability and experience, however, soon brought order out of confusion , inducing her scholars to respect her authority. Both of these teachers did a good work, maintained good discipline, physical and mental. At the closing examination, while all of the classes appeared well, those in geography and written. arith- metic were particularly good. Not absent during the year :- Mary Noonan. Summer term :- John McIntosh, Cornelius Duffy, Martin Duffy, Eddie W. Mills, Kate Moran.
PRIMARY. - Pleasant Street. - Miss Hannah Q. Bicknell taught this school till the close of the autumn, when she was obliged by ill health to resign. She is an energetic and faith- ful teacher, an excellent disciplinarian. She succeeded in interesting the pupils under her charge in the business of the
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school. At the commencement there was a great defect in the tone of voice, it being almost impossible to hear, even at a short distance. At the close of the fall term, however, the exercises were audible in any part of the room. The school, while under her care, appeared well. Her place was supplied by Miss Lavinia Totman, this being her first experience. The order was generally good, though it was evident that some of the pupils took advantage of her kind disposition, and failed to apply themselves as they should to their studies. The exam- ination elicited a deficiency in reading. The spelling was good, and though most of the pupils gave evidence of improve- ment, there was a want of life necessary to success. Not absent during the year :- Annie Noonan.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- At the commencement of the year, the grade of this school was changed from an Intermediate to a Grammar School, and was taught by Miss Susan B. Porter, who fully sustained her reputation as a teacher. She gave her undivided attention to her school, regarding the welfare of those under her care as a matter of vital importance. At the commence- ment, the school was in a very unsatisfactory state, an unin- viting position to assume. Thoroughness in instruction, the adoption of method in every respect, prompt measures securing ready obedience, combined with industry and earnestness, soon produced their legitimate fruits. General progress was man- ifest. In arithmetic, the analytical method was adopted, while in grammar a familiarity with the rules was observable, with an encouraging ability in their application to parsing and analysis. The state of the school, as made manifest by the public examination, was highly satisfactory. It was clear that the pupils had been well instructed in all the branches pursued. In reading, especially in the distinct enunciation and correct pronunciation of words, in the prompt solution of questions in arithmetic, and in grammar, there was evidence of faithful effort on the part of the teacher, and of much improvement on the part of the scholars. At the close of the examination, the pupils presented their teacher with a valuable present as a token of respect, and a manifestation of their appreciation of
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her labors in their behalf. Not absent during the summer term :- Nettie W. Knights, Mary Riley.
PRIMARY .- This school continued till the close of the fall term, under the charge of its former teacher, Miss Emma A. Trott, whose fidelity and energy had given her the reputation of a successful teacher. Soon after the opening of the school, twenty-five of the pupils were transferred to the new room, which had been furnished for the Sub-Primary, these pupils constituting the nucleus of the Sub-Primary department.
Mrs. Hattie F. Lyon succeeded Miss Trott at the commence- ment of the winter term-the former teacher resigning-and entered upon her labors with commendable assiduity. Her success was especially good in teaching reading, which was decidedly improved, while the progress in arithmetic was not as satisfactory. Geography received some attention. The .. discipline was good. Both teachers are entitled to commenda- tion. Not absent during the summer term :- Alice Knights, Willie Donnovan, Henry Coolidge. Winter term :-- Mary Coleraine.
SUB-PRIMARY .- This is a new school, established to relieve the Primary, which was too large. The school was given in charge of Mrs. Hattie F. Lyon, the number soon increasing from twenty-five to forty pupils, indicating the necessity for its establishment. They were quite young, but soon became much interested in their teacher, who was evidently as much interested in them and in her profession. More than usual attention was given to reading, spelling, and also to general exercises, with gratifying results.
At the close of the fall term, Mrs. Lyon was transferred to the Primary department, the vacancy being filled by Miss Arvella A. Smith, being her first experience. Her success, however, was all that we could reasonably ask. It was appar- ent that a good feeling existed between her and her charge, and that she governed well, firmness and mildness being characteristic features. The school was a success under both teachers. Not absent during the summer term :- S. Lizzie Hunt.
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FIFTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- When Miss Alice R. Rogers, the teacher, took charge of this school it was in an excellent condition, and it seemed her design that it should fully sustain its former position. She labored incessantly for this purpose. Under her charge the school was well disciplined and instructed, the teacher being entitled to much credit for industry and zeal, the basis of success. Her success would have been even greater, aside from irregularity of attendance, especially of the boys, which appeared unnecessary, since in the lowest grades in this district, the attendance was excellent.
The classes in arithmetic made good progress both in refer- ence to thoroughness and the topics studied. At first there was a want of interest in grammar, but later in the year a manifest improvement was noticeable. The closing examina- tion evinced the fidelity and success with which the teacher had labored. In arithmetic, the rules and principles were clearly stated, and questions solved upon the blackboards with facility and correctness. While the classes in geography appeared well, the exercises in parsing, as well as the. analysis of sentences by the two classes in grammar, were performed in a manner highly satisfactory and worthy of special commendation. Fair proficiency was apparent in reading and spelling. The exercises were interspersed with singing, speaking and the . reading of compositions. We should do injustice not to pronounce this school a success.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- George W. Sargent, Maria Torry, Sarah Stowell, Minnie Locke, Mary Lowell, Alice Nash, Maria Holbrook, Emelie Blanchard, Emily White. Summer term :- Frank E. Sargent, George Lloyd.
INTERMEDIATE .- The grade of this school has been changed from Primary to Intermediate, while its former teacher, Miss Lizzie L. Cushing, was retained, as she deserved to have been. During the past year the school has fully maintained the high character it had previously sustained. The general deport- ment of the school, its good order without strenuous efforts, the willing obedience and constant attendance of the scholars, and the pleasant relations between pupils and teacher, all render it one of our most promising schools. The several
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classes were examined in all of the studies to which they had given attention, and gave unmistakable evidence of thorough- ness. The reading and spelling of the different classes were uncommonly distinct and accurate. One noticeable feature in the reading of this whole school, was its deliberation. The recitations in arithmetic and geography were excellent.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- Herbert Merritt, Henry Lowell, Charles Loud, Howard Locke, Charles Nash, Clement Gardner, Arthur Gardner, Leavitt Tirrell, Jennie Tirrell, Lizzietta Dunbar, Lizzie Cady, Mary L. Sargent, Flora Barnard, Cora Lowell, Martha Barnard. Summer term :- Geo. Barnard, Oscar Clapp, Freddie Bayley, Allie Merritt, Willie Connor, James Connor, Addie Tirrell, Estelle Thomas, Clara Thomas, Nellie Moore, Lydia Cushing, Janie Loud, Annie Cady. Winter term :- Everett Gardner, Irving Sherman, Wil- liam Bowker, Eddie Tirrell, Louis Estes, Ida Sherman, Louise Merritt, Abbie Dunbar, Irving White, Howard Locke.
PRIMARY .- This school has been under the charge of Mrs. Lydia T. Cushing for several years and has been well taught, the instruction being well adapted to so young a class of pupils, the success of the last year being in advance of the preceding. The attendance was excellent. The reading and spelling were higlily satisfactory, especially the first class, the pupils being perfectly familiar with the elocutionary rules of the text-book. The second class in Colburn's Arithmetic studied the second, third and fourth sections, and the first class was examined in the sixth to the twelfth inclusive. Good progress was made in geography. The results of the examination were perfectly satisfactory. The room in which this school was kept, is entirely unsuitable for school purposes, being quite too small and poorly ventilated, in consequence of which the health of the pupils is jeopardized. There is a pressing demand for a suitable school-room.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- Nellie Nolan, L. Logue, Frank Cushing, Quincy I. Loud, Arthur Harris, Elmer Sargent, Cora Sargent. Summer term :- Geo. Stetson, Peter McCarty, Geo. Chambers, Geo. Murray, Jennie Stetson, Susan Thomas. Winter term :- Charles Stowell, Henry Lawler.
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SIXTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school was taught by Miss Martha W. Sey- mour, a lady well adapted to the business of teaching, a good scholar and a thoroughi disciplinarian. The government was of the kind to secure obedience without much apparent effort, commanding the confidence and respect of her pupils. The method of instruction was thorough and practical. The classes in arithmetic were thoroughly drilled, the principles being practically applied, while good progress was made in grammar, the pupils understanding the application of the principles to parsing and analysis. Similar remarks apply with equal force to geographiy. In reading there was more than usual reference to the elementary sounds, with a consequent distinctness of enunciation. The examination of this school afforded ample evidence that the teacher had labored industriously and success- fully, and that the pupils had appreciated and improved their privileges, making commendable proficiency in all of their studies. The concerted exercises in reading and singing were very praiseworthy, and the discipline and system of the school admirable.
Not absent or tardy during the summer term :- Sumner Holbrook, Willie Andrews, Charlie S. Pratt, Maria Tisdale.
PRIMARY .- This school has suffered to some extent, from the changes of the last two years. Miss Hattie H. Tirrell, who was appointed during the fall term of the preceding, was compelled by failing health, to retire near the close of the summer term, very much to the regret of her pupils and their parents. Miss Jennie Fairbanks was appointed her successor. Her acquaint- ance in this district and her experience well qualified her for her position, rendering success almost certain. Special atten- tion was bestowed upon the reading and spelling, the examina- tion indicating that the labor was well directed. Promptness and life were prominent features.
Recitations in arithmetic were good, and those in geography were 'excellent. The examination gave evidence that both teachers were faithful and highly successful, the school having made real progress.
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SEVENTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school, during the whole year, was under the charge of Miss Carrie L. Lovett, whose experience and previous connection with it, resulted in good improvement and steady progress. The school was well taught and governed, and its good regulations were accompanied with that skilful and thorough mental training which is essential to all true edu- cation. The proficiency made during the year demonstrates the fact that the teacher labored with commendable assiduity and fidelity. Comparing the examination with that of the last year, the progress was very decided and satisfactory. There was much to be approved in the reading, thoughi, in some instances, more attention was needed in respect to distinct enunciation and correct pronunciation. In spelling and defining the pupils were prompt and accurate. The classes in. arith- metic gave unmistakable evidence of a practical understanding of this important branch of common school study. Similar proficiency was manifested by the classes in geography. The recitations in grammar were not as good as the other exercises.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- Charlie A. Terry, Alice Howe. Summer term :- George Rockwood, Leslie Shores, Andrew Thomas, Susie Blanchard, Deborah Torrey, Ida Dunn, Ida Daggett, Mary Casey, Isabel Holbrook, Ella Farrar.
UPPER INTERMEDIATE .- This school continued through the year under the direction of Miss S. L. Vining, who fully real- ized the expectations which, were warranted by the experience of the preceding year. Her industry, tact in managing, apt- ness of illustration, earnest labor, naturally secured the inter- est and regard of her pupils, resulting in satisfactory progress. The school assumed a mental plane higher than that of the past, the present intellectual power being a legitimate conse- quence of the labor performed. The several classes of this school were examined, so far as time would permit, in all the principal subjects to which they had given attention, and gave good satisfaction to those having the school in charge. The study of grammar, which is generally too much neglected in school's of this grade, received special attention, and excellent results were realized.
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Not absent or tardy during the year :- Susan M. Loud, Lizzie White, Arthur Littlefield, Fannie Sprague ; Summer term :- Alice Blanchard, Ella Beaulieu, Louisa Poole, Jennie Reed, Freddie Lantz, Loring Tower.
LOWER INTERMEDIATE .- The grade of this school was changed from Primary to Intermediate, and continued under the care of Mrs. M. A. Morrill, the former successful teacher. The attendance was excellent ; the average of the summer term being sixty-two and two-thirds, the whole number being sixty- six scholars. This was secured through the praiseworthy effort of both the teacher and parents. The distinguishing features of this school were order, attention to study, prompt- ness and vivacity. Her management was energetic, and yet affectionate ; so that, with good discipline and the most satis- factory progress in learning, there was an uninterrupted " era of good feeling " extending through the whole year, rendering the school-room a pleasant as well as a profitable place. At the examination, the school appeared exceedingly well. The reading and spelling, and the recitations in geography and arithmetic, together with the singing, were highly satisfactory.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- N. A. Bean, L. A. Lantz, Henry A. Loud, Frank E. Farrar, W. A. Howe, W. H. Rockwood, V. C. Daggett, Everett Loud, H. T. Burrell. Sum- mer term :- C. E. Loud, J. A. Casey, A. L. Blanchard, C. C. Cloutman, A. Armstrong, C. S. Curtiss, Emily P. Shaw, Isa Dora White,' Cynthia S. Reed, Annie L. Shaw, S. A. Graves, Celia Mellen, M. B. Linfield. Winter term :- E. Sher- man, H. B. Derby.
PRIMARY .- This school was taught through the year by Miss Mary E. Allen, who fully sustained her former reputation as a faithful teacher, thorough, energetic and earnest. The school, which was large, was in all respects well conducted. As chil- dren become old enough to understand the purposes and ends of study, it is of less importance that their daily duties should be directed by the same person from one year to another ; but young children, from the fact that they have no internal motives to exertion, depend more upon the personal influence of their teacher to stimulate their efforts. A Primary teacher,
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therefore, must win the entire respect and love of her young charge, before she can accomplish her full work, and this was evidently the case with Miss Allen. At the examination, the recitations were prompt, and generally correct. While the reading and spelling were very satisfactory, the exercises in mental arithmetic were especially deserving of commendation.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- F. W. Howe, F. Cur- tis, F. E. Burrell, M. H. Marlow, H. N. Fogg, F. Lantz. Sum- mer term :- J. M. Healey, M. L. Bates, M. A. Tirrell, A. Hickey, A. H. Derby, J. Weeks, S. L. Skinner, A. Deane, H. E. Daggett, E. F. Healey, E. McGuire, E. Madden, M. E. Loud, L. M. Paine, E. Vining, F. Loud, F. H. Thomas, H. W. Blanchard.
MIXED INTERMEDIATE .- Union Street .- This school not only changed its name, but its location, being formerly the Inter- mediate, transferred to the new house. Miss Ann Lois White was placed in charge of the school, and brought to her work . some experience. It was evident that she labored earnestly, and intended to discharge her duties faithfully. In the matter of discipline, there seemed, at first, some little occasion for additional regard, but this temporary defect was soon removed. In consequence of the mixed character of the school, there was a large number of classes, so that a limited time to each class was unavoidable. In visiting the school, it was pleasing to witness the apparent pleasant feeling that existed between the teacher and her pupils, and the interest of the latter in their studies. The examination gave general satisfaction. In reading, very good improvement was noticeable. The spelling was excellent. The classes in arithmetic and geography were familiar with those parts which they had studied, while in grammar the progress was not quite as apparent.
Not absent during the summer term :- Eddie Hayden, Willie Vining, J. F. Dunn, J. L. Torrey, Florence Holbrook.
MIXED INTERMEDIATE .- Pond Street .- It will be seen that this school received a prefix to its name since the last year. It was in charge of Miss Emma J. White, who found that it differed essentially from the Primary School in the same building which she formerly taught. The appearance of the room has
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been improved by painting and papering. The order during the summer and fall terms was good. A depreciation in this respect was observed during the winter, attended with a corres- ponding inattention to study, at least among some of the pupils. The attention of the teacher and the scholars was especially called to this point, and while subsequent visits gave proof of some improvement, yet the discipline was not, during the winter term, quite satisfactory.
At the closing examination most of the classes appeared well, especially those in geography. In arithmetic the exami- nation was thorough, and, on the whole, satisfactory. The spelling was good, while the reading was too monotonous and indistinct. The writing books were very neat and exhibited commendable improvement.
Not absent or tardy during summer term :- L. E. Derby, S. E. Turner, H. M. Loud. Fall term :- L. E. Derby, A. H. Shaw, E. D. Turner, G. L. Paine, C. W. Turner, F. G. Derby, S. E. Turner, H. M. Loud, W. Gay, G. B. Turner. Winter term :- E. Doble, G. L. Paine.
MIXED INTERMEDIATE .- Randolph Street .- This school, under the care of Miss A. C. Orcutt, made commendable progress, the experience of the previous year being made available. Encour- aging progress was made in the order of the school, which laid the foundation for improved mental discipline, both of which were maintained through the year. This improved discipline was specially manifest in the increased interest on the part of the pupils. The attendance during the summer and fall terms was very much better than for the corresponding time of the previous year, but in consequence of the fact that several pupils left the district, it was very much reduced during the last part of the winter term. At the closing examination, while a decided progress in reading was noticed, there is still occasion for greater improvement in pronunciation and inflection. Good proficiency was apparent in the study of geography and arith- metic, and still better in spelling and defining. The condition of the school, as shown by the examination, was very satisfactory.
Not absent during the summer term :- Fannie Hollis, Ida A. Hollis, Alice M. Hollis.
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NINTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- Miss Lizzie C. Wood, who had the charge of this school during two terms of the preceding year, retained her place, very much to the satisfaction of the patrons and those having the care of the school. To say that it maintained its former high position is, perhaps, sufficient commendation. Excellent management, combined with large experience, good sense, energy, tact and a love of the work, will scarcely fail of securing success. More punctuality of attendance on the part of some of the pupils, would have secured still greater results. In visiting the school it was gratifying to observe that very great care was taken with the reading, in which a very decided improvement was made. In arithmetic the pupils were able to · demonstrate the correctness of the solution of their aritlimetical problems with analytical exactness, furnishing unmistakable evidence that they were trained to habits of thought and self- reliance. In grammar the two classes made excellent profi- ciency, their interest in this study increasing through the year. The classes in geography have, in connection with their regular recitations, attended to map-drawing, the practice of which is trebly advantageous, in promoting mechanical neatness, mathe- matical correctness and a greater familiarity with the country delineated than could be acquired from any mere description in a text-book. Some attention was given to declamation and composition with gratifying results. The examination was perfectly satisfactory.
Not absent or tardy during the year :- E. F. Sherman, Annie D. Smith, Willie Hancock, Charles F. Bailey. Summer term :- Nannie P. Crocker, Lizzie J. Baker, Sarah M. Dalton, E. S. Williams, Eliza E. Walker. Winter term :- Nannie P. Crocker, Henry A. Richards. Fall term :- Lizzie J. Baker, Sarah M. Dalton, Hannalı Ward.
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