USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1868 > Part 4
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tions adapting it to the primary mind, was put in the place of the one first introduced. The first book now commences on the "Inductive System," the object-lessons and new features greatly improving what was good before. In short, the system, by appealing to the intelligence of the learner, awakens thought, ignores senseless routine, disciplines and strengthens the fac- ulties, leaving clear and lasting impressions, giving the series the pre-eminence over all others.
By these changes, uniformity has been secured throughout the town, especially in their application to the Readers. Previ- ously, a removal from one school to another of the same grade, often rendered the purchase of new books necessary, so great was the variety. A manifest evil is thus removed. By the introduction of the Union Readers and Spellers, a deeper inter- est has been manifest in this important department of school labor. In pronunciation and orthography, they conform to Webster, the recognized authority of our schools, and are strictly progressive in their arrangements, exhibiting clearly the various sounds of the letters, and presenting rules for spell- ing easily understood. The instruction and exercises in artic- ulation, emphasis, inflection and modulation are prominent features of the series. They precisely meet our wants. The selection of Walton's Arithmetic was wise, and it is only to be regretted that the whole series was not adopted, Colburn's Mental having been retained instead of Walton's Intellectual.
It is not to be supposed that all of the advantages of these changes will be apparent during one year, but it is believed that coming years will demonstrate the fact that they were well made, and that the adoption of improved methods of instruc -. tion has secured, and will secure more independent thought, a wider range of investigation, and a consequent increased men- tal culture.
A DEFINITE PLAN OF LABOR.
Success in the mechanic arts is largely dependent upon " di- vision of labor " and a proper adjustment of means to an end, combined with perseverance and industry. Success is achieved, created, and not the result of caprice or accident. The prin- ciples that underlie the triumphs of skill over matter apply with equal force in the domain of mind-in the devolopment of
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mental power. If an edifice cannot be erected without an ade- quate foundation and definite plans and adjustments, neither can the mind become harmoniously developed without similar system and forethought. It is not enough to furnish houses, procure teachers, and prescribe text-books, and then allow cach teacher to follow the course suggested by early training. The evils of such a course would ordinarily be greatest where the change of teachers is most frequent. It is necessary, in addi- tion to these preliminary arrangements, that the Board-like a general of an army-should survey the whole field, devise mcas- ures, suggest improvements, establish the general programme, and in some manner secure a well-defined system, securing uni- formity in all of the schools-an adaptation of each grade to its relative position, each of these being as thoroughly adjusted to each other and mutually dependent as the different parts of a machine are-each contributing to the aggregate perfection. The dependence of the different grades of our schools each upon the other, is as direct and necessary as the completeness of the chain upon its individual links. The higher grades, for example, are constituted from the lower, the pupils coming from different sections-often too heterogeneous to become assimi- lated, to constitute one and the same class. If different methods are employed in these different localities, it is apparent and in- evitable that dissimilarity of attainment will exist, that much time and effort will be demanded to secure homogencousness. As much as we may respect the ability of teachers, it is folly to expect the highest success without uniformity of effort, an all-pervading system, united labor in the same direction. It seems desirable, therefore, to adopt the most thorough system, marking out the course in each grade, defining the duties, de- termining the amount of labor to be performed in a given period, that teachers and scholars may definitely know what is expected and required. The Board should determine not only the work to be done in a given time, but should see that it is done in that time. With such a method, pupils may be trans- ferred from grade to grade or from the schools of one locality to those of another without confusion or loss of time. That such uniformity of labor is practicable will not admit of a reasonable doubt.
In the past, there has been a diversity in the methods of in-
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struction and a variety of text-books. To remove these evils has been the object sought. It has never been the design of the present Superintendent to make or suggest abrupt or mate- rial changes, believing that the general system under which our schools have been conducted was a good one. It is true, how- ever, that while the march of mind and of improvement is on- ward, the time arrives in which it seem necessary to "recon- struct" our school system, adapting existing methods to the existing features of a progressive age, refining and casting off such dross, as experience and observation, or a new or modified order of things may suggest, as the inventor modifies his ma- chine, when he sees that circumstances demand such a change or improvement, avoiding the two extremes of adopting the new because it is new, or adhering to the old because of its an- tiquity. Creation is one thing, and development quite another- both necessary. What has been too general needs to be made more definite and imperative, more practical, to meet present necessities. To meet the wants of a living present, onward steps are demanded ; the maturity, not the childhood, of a pre- vailing method-growth.
The following table shows the number of children between five and fifteen years of age, the sums appropriated by the town for the support of schools, the amount for the education of each child between five and fifteen years of age, and the compara- . tive rank of the town with other towns in the State and county, since 1860 :-
YEAR.
No. of children be-
tween 5 and 15
years of age.
Amount raised by
taxes for the sup-
port of schools.
Income of surplus
revenue appropri-
ated to schools.
Sum appropriated
by the town for
each child be-
tween 5 and 15
Comparative rank
in the State.
Comparative rank in the county.
1860-1, .
1,498
$8,500 00
-
$5.67.4
80th
9th
1861-2,
1,515
8,500 00
$252 00
5.77.7
75
9
1862-3, .
1,604
8,000 00
307 55
5.17.9
76
10
1863-4,
1,671
8,500 00
252 00
5.23.8
78
10
1864-5, .
1,707
9,700 00
5.68.2
87
13
1865-6, .
1,779
10,500 00
5.90.2
111
13
1866-7, .
1,890
12,000 00
-
6.34.9
129
14
1867-8, .
1,880
13,500 00
-
7.18.1
117
12
1868-9, .
1,868
14,000 00
-
7.49.5
-
years of age.
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From the above table it will be seen that, in the sum appro- priated for the education of each child between five and fifteen years of age, Weymouth, in 1860-61, ranked the eightieth town in the State, and ninth in the county, while in 1866-7, it only ranked the one hundred and twenty-ninth in the State, and fourteenth in the county,-a gradual loss in its relative position. In 1867-8, it ranked the one hundred and seventeenth town in the State, and twelfth in the county,-a gain in the right direction.
The examination of candidates for admission to the High Schools was held at the South High School-room, March 26th, and at the North High School-room, March 27th. The whole number of applicants for admission to the South High School was twenty-six. The whole number admitted was thirteen. From the Fifth District, three were admitted ; Sixth District, two; Seventh District, seven. The whole number of appli- cants for the North High School was forty-three. The whole number admitted was twenty-three. From the First District, three ; Second District, three; Third District, one; Fourth District, nine ; Ninth District, five ; Tenth District, two.
The examination was conducted as follows : Slips of paper were prepared and numbered, corresponding to the number of applicants, from which each applicant drew ; and the number upon the slip thus drawn was to be written upon the papers containing the answers, instead of the name of the applicant. Written questions were prepared in the principal branches of common school instruction. The questions were selected, not on account of any difficulties they contained, but simply as tests of qualification of the applicants. Written answers were re- quired-the papers in no case to be taken from the school-room, and no one was to receive any assistance from books or associ- ates. This method was approved by the committee, and only upon the basis of qualification thus ascertained, viz. : fifty per cent. of correct answers to the questions given,-were any ad- mitted to the schools and no one meeting this requirement was rejected.
The following statement exhibits the number of pupils in each grade, the cost of tuition for each pupil, in the different grades, between five and fifteen years of age, and their average age :-
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GRADE OF SCHOOL.
Whole No. of scholars.
Number of scholars between 5 and 15 yrs.
Cost of tuition per scholar.
Average age of males.
Average age of females.
High Schools, .
110
-
$20.90.9
15.5 years.
14.9 years.
Grammar Schools, ยท
383
355
8.11.2
12.9
6
11.8 66
Mixed Intermediates,
132
132
7.27.2
8.7
9.5
66
First
66
401
401
6.38.4
10.2
66
10.2
Second
66
160
160
6.00.0
9.4
9.5
66
Primary, .
614
614
5.01.6
6.9
6.7
66
Before passing to consider each of the several schools, under its appropriate head, it is but an act of justice to the teachers and scholars to say, that the prevalence of an unusual amount of sickness during the last year seriously affected the attend- ance. Since this affected all of the schools, and, in some in- stances, required their suspension for a few weeks, the progress made is highly creditable.
FIRST DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- In consequence of a disappointment in securing the teacher engaged for this school, there was a delay in its commencement. After various efforts, the position was given to Miss Martha E. Price, who commenced her labors April 20. She had had some experience in the profession, and is a lady of very fine scholarship. Quiet in her movements and unas- suming in her manner, yet firm and unyielding in her requisi- tions, her discipline was decidedly good. Under her management the school materially improved, not only in its outward appear- ance, but in its mental condition, attaining improved habits of studiousness. This was accomplished by patience, firmness, tact and perseverance. There was a symmetry, so to speak, in her work. Her efforts were directed to the several branches judiciously, and with uniformity, the school gradually improving from its commencement to its close. In reading and spelling, there was much improvement, if not as much as their relative importance demanded. In some classes, these exercises were highly satisfactory, and in others, it seemed that they fell too
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much below a reasonable expectation. This, however, may have been as unavoidable as it was undesirable. In geography, the advantage gained by the introduction of Guyot's "Inter- mediate," was plainly seen in the increased interest manifested in this branch of study, the recitations of which were usually prompt and indicative of a familiar acquaintance with the sub- ject. The recitations in the text and rules of grammar, and their application to parsing and analysis, were especially good. The classes in arithmetic made good progress, and were com- mended for the thoroughness displayed in the examination, which they sustained with much credit to themselves and their teacher.
Not absent during the summer term :- Oliver Burrell, John Den Broeder, Walter D. Pratt, Mary Burrell, Cora I. Cleverly, Mary E. Pratt, Eliza Stowell.
INTERMEDIATE .- At the commencement of the year, this school was assigned to Miss Carrie W. Clay, a lady of much practical experience, a good scholar and a thorough discipli- narian. At first there appeared to be a disposition on the part of some of the pupils to disregard the teacher's authority, but her available talent, her decision of character and her prompt- ness, soon gave her control and made her mistress of the position, bringing harmony out of temporary confusion. But few teachers have been more successful in securing obedience, gaining respect and esteem than Miss Clay. Her method of instruction was eminently practical, and had a wider range than the mere text- books, these being used only as guides and aids. By her " apt- ness to teach," she secured individual attention at the recita- tions. In reading, special attention was given to securing clear and distinct articulation, correct emphasis, definite ideas of the meaning of words, and due regard to the pauses. It is not surprising that marked improvement was made under such circumstances and labors. In arithmetic, every step in the mental operation, in analysis, was clearly stated, affording good evidence that the pupils understood definitely the principles stated and the work performed. The same exactness and thoroughness were apparent in all departments of study. Such was the every-day work of the school, in consequence of which much was expected ; and the results witnessed at the closing
57
examination, more than realized the highest anticipations of those having the school in charge. The government throughout the year was excellent, and the school a decided success.
Not absent during the summer term :- Arthur D. Den Broe- der, Carrie G. Bartlett, Emily F. Huntress, Lizzie M. Thomas, Anna S. Cushing. Winter term :- Anna S. Cushing.
PRIMARY .- This school was taught during the summer term by Miss Alice M. Cushing, under whose charge it had been for the two preceding years. Her experience and acknowledged ability were sufficient guarantees for her future success. The school, as it was expected, made commendable progress under her tuition, and it was with much regret that her resignation was accepted at the close of the term.
The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Miss Maria F. Burrell, formerly of the same school, but more recently in the Intermediate department. Her familiarity with the school and its wants, prepared her to enter upon her duties with but little interruption in the usual routine of the school. The attendance of the pupils was good until the prevalence of sickness inter- rupted the ordinary regularity, the school being temporarily discontinued when only ten pupils of the fifty-one were able to attend. After the lapse of two weeks it was recommenced, a part of those sick having so far recovered as to be able to resume study. When visited, the school gave evidence of prog- ress. The discipline was good, and the reading and spelling were especially deserving of commendation. A good beginning was made in the study of mental arithmetic, and the primary geography.
Not absent during the year :- Jacob Den Broeder. Summer term :- Michael Ash, Daniel White, Frank H. Cushing, Martha J. Cleverley.
SECOND DISTRICT.
MIXED GRAMMAR .- Miss Eliza French continued her labors in this school, sustaining her former reputation. Quite a num- ber of the older and more advanced scholars of the preceding year left the school at the close of the winter term, while nearly all of the accessions consisted of a much younger class of pupils ; so that the average age of the school was somewhat reduced as
8
58
compared with that of former years. As a consequence, her labors were more elementary-though none the less important -somewhat depressing the standard of mental acquirements, though not impairing the interest or usefulness of the teacher. She readily adapted her labors to the existing circumstances, evidently resolving to develop in the best possible manner, the young minds committed to her care. The order of the school was usually good, marred only by the occasional restlessness of some of the younger pupils. The study of grammar was pursued with marked success, the pupils seeming unusually interested in this branch, so often regarded as " dry and unin- teresting." The classes in written and mental arithmetic were thorough, giving evidence of having done well what they attempt- ed. In reading, there was a good degree of care manifested in regard to correct emphasis and distinct articulation. Much attention was given to writing, and in this important branch the pupils made excellent improvement. At the examination of the school the several classes appeared to good advantage, their accuracy and promptness evincing the faithfulness and dili- gence of the teacher and her pupils during the year.
Not absent during the year :- George E. White. Summer term :- Sarah E. Vinal, Louisa M. Morrison, Mary F. Goodman, Mary S. Nichols, James T. D. Hunt, Frank A. Richards, Joshua F. Vinal, George S. Stoddard, Wilfred A. Blanchard. Fall term :- Charles C. Nash, Wilfred A. Blanchard, George E. Tir- rell, Joshua F. Vinal, Mary E. Jones. Winter term :- Jessie R. Humphrey, Sarah E. Vinal.
THIRD DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school at the commencement of the year was taught by Mr. Franklin Jacobs, its former teacher, who continued until the close of the summer term, when he re- signed. The vacancy was filled by Mr. Edward B. Fox, who is a gentleman of experience as a teacher, and who possesses the ability to impart instruction in a clear and concise manner, adapting his language and illustrations to the capacity of his pupils. In visiting the school it was evident that he was "mas- ter of the position," and that everything was done systemati- cally and promptly. His pupils carly learned that his word was law,-a law which must be obeyed. The method of in-
59
struction was definite and practical; hesitation and guessing were inadmissible.
It was soon evident that the selection was a fortunate one ; the school improved steadily while under his charge. As soon as the scholars fully understood the wishes and expectations of their teacher they promptly acquiesced, manifesting a laudable interest in the school exercises.
In reading, correct inflection, clear and distinct articulation, were noticeable features. In arithmetic, the principles were clearly presented, the processes concisely stated and the reasons definitely given. The recitations in geography, and the parsing and analysis, evinced the same commendable correctness and accuracy. The writing-books were specimens of neatness.
The school remained under the charge of Mr. Fox until Jan- uary 15th, at which time he resigned, and the school, for the remainder of the term, was left in charge of Mr. Daniel H. Davis, a gentleman of superior literary qualifications, who did all in his power to complete the work so well begun. Several of the scholars left the school before the examination. It is to be hoped that this practice will not be continued, for it is as discreditable to the absentees as it is injurious to the school. The examination, under the circumstances, was very satisfac- tory, and the scholars did themselves much credit.
INTERMEDIATE .- Miss Augusta Raymond was promoted to this school from the Primary department, where she taught suc- cessfully for two years. It was believed that her former suc- cess was sufficient guarantee for a continuance of that success in a higher grade of schools, and the results realized verified the correctness of that belief. During the spring vacation, this room, and also that of the Primary department, were thoroughly repaired, new and modern furniture was added, conducing much to the comfort of the pupils and making the rooms much more attractive. Few things mark, with more unerring cer- tainty, the degree of enlightenment and culture which pervade the households of the parents, than the condition of their school-houses. It was apparent that these improvements were appreciated by the pupils to some extent, at least, as seen in the increased interest in school employments. The order was invariably good. As a legitimate consequence, the pupils
60
scemed interested in their studies and made commendable prog- ress. Speaking and select reading were occasionally intro- duced as a variation of the usual routine of the exercises. The average attendance during the summer term was over eighty- three per cent., and but little less than that for the year, which was a decided gain over previous years. The school has made a steady progress for the last three years, and from a somewhat depressed state, the advance made has been such as to place it in a favorable rank with other schools of like grade.
Not absent during the year :- Mary Thompson, Laura Good- speed, Ella Orcutt. Summer term :- Ella F. Rice, Delia Sin- clair, Walter Barton, Howard Pratt, Arthur Hobart. Winter term :- Alice Smith.
PRIMARY .- This school was taught by Miss Mary A. Healey, in whose charge it had been for the two previous years. It oc- cupied the same room as formerly until the close of the sum- mer term. At the commencement of the fall term, it was re- moved to the Primary School-room previously occupied by Miss Totman's school. During the first part of the summer term there were complaints in regard to the manner of discipline, to which the attention of the teacher was called and suggestions made, which, being acted upon, resulted in producing an im- provement and a more harmonious feeling. The school being much better accommodated in its new apartment appeared to better advantage. At first the pupils were restless, inattentive, and, to some extent, disorderly. This was attributable, in part at least, to the fact that the school was composed of scholars previously belonging to two schools, which could not readily harmonize. The persistent efforts of the teacher, however, were at length successful, bringing all into a working condition. Good improvement was made in mental arithmetic and in com- mitting the multiplication table. In reading, while the pauses were well learned and recited, there was a want of care in pro- nunciation and inflection. The recitations in geography and spelling were commendable. Taking the attending circum- stances into account, there was a fair degree of success.
PRIMARY .- Grant Street .- This department was under the charge of Miss Lavinia Totman, and, during the first term, the
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school occupied the room under the Intermediate department. At the beginning of the second term it was transferred to the new house, recently erected on Grant Street. The house is de- signed for one school, and will accommodate sixty-four pupils. It has the modern improvements, good furniture, and ample blackboard accommodations. At the commencement, the seats were all occupied, demonstrating the fact that this house was not only demanded, but that the actual wants of this district had not been fully provided for, though great improvements in this direction had been made. The whole number belonging to the school during the summer was sixty-two, the average at- tendance for the term was eighty-three and eight-tenths per cent., a gain over the corresponding term of the preceding year of five per cent. During a part of the first term, the discipline was not all that was desired, restlessness and inattention to study were too general. The attention of the teacher was di- rected to these defects and special efforts were made to remove them, which resulted in producing a decided improvement. The order through the fall and winter terms was excellent, and the attention to study highly commendable. The invariable neatness of the school-room and the correct position of the pupils while reciting, were deserving of special commendation. The examination at the close was highly satisfactory. The reci- tations in arithmetic, spelling, and geography were prompt and correct, and it was pronounced a good school.
Not absent during the summer term :- Willie Rogers, Henry Boyle, Albert P. Burrell, Mary A. R. Pratt. Winter term :-- Lydia B. Goodspeed.
INTERMEDIATE .- Pleasant Street .- The fact that Miss Hattie E. Bates has had charge of this school for several successive years, with the exception of a brief respite on account of im- paired health, is highly commendatory .. The general character of the school is somewhat peculiar, and requires a teacher ver- satile in expedients in order to awaken and maintain an inter- est, that will lead the pupils to put forth mental effort. The success of Miss Bates in this direction unmistakably indicated that she was adapted to the place and the circumstances. Un- der her judicious management the school made satisfactory progress ; performed a good amount of mental labor. It is
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scarcely necessary to state that the discipline was good, so in- timate is the connection between good order and mental im- provement. Irregularity of attendance was a serious injury to the school, notwithstanding the teacher's earnest efforts to re- move the evil. Some of the parents allowed their children to absent themselves from school for trifling causes, and this re- sulted in the loss of one per cent. in the average attendance, as compared with the previous year for the same time, a loss this school can ill afford.
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