USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1868 > Part 5
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The teacher gave special attention to the department of read- ing, the school having been most deficient in this respect. Good progress was made in arithmetic, written and mental. In the study of geography the pupils manifested increased interest, the progress fully illustrating that interest. The same was true of the scholars in grammar.
Not absent during the summer term : - John McIntosh, An- nie Noonan, Mary Noonan, Abbie A. Nichols. Fall term : - Mary Connel. Winter term : - H. W. Wait, Eddie W. Mills, Charles Knapp.
PRIMARY .- Pleasant Street .- The selection of Miss Ellen G. Parrott, recently of the Intermediate department, was judi- cious. Her success in teaching, what is regarded as a higher grade, was good evidence of her fitness to discharge her duties faithfully in this department. The school was large, and, at the commencement, demanded a mind capable of organizing and controlling, that order and system might be secured. The first visit furnished evidence that no time had been wasted in useless experiments, since the school was carly classified and disciplined. Succeeding visits showed the fact, that the first labors were the foundation on which later improvements were based. In reading, the teacher labored indefatigably to correct and remove existing lifelessness and monotony, and her efforts were very successful ; spelling by sounds as well as by letters, practised daily, produced a decided improvement in pronuncia- tion. In mental arithmetic, a very marked progress was observed. Oral instruction was a prominent feature in this school, and tended, as it ordinarily does, to awaken thought and make the instruction more practical. Variety in the exercises was secured by the introduction of object lessons, which added
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materially to the general interest: Much ability was displayed by the teacher in inciting her pupils to mental activity and in leading them correctly and systematically to the attainment of a good degree of progress. The character of the school was decidedly improved, mentally and morally, during the year.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- Miss Susan B. Porter continued her services in this school, services rendered valuable, not only by a previous acquaintance, but by her industry and "aptness to teach." Raised, as it was in grade about two years since, it has contin- ued to make steady advances, so that it now sustains an hon- orable rank with other schools of like grade in mental acquisi- tion - mind-development. There were, during the first part of the fall term, occasional differences of opinion between the teacher and some of the parents, in regard to certain means employed to secure improvement in lessons and discipline, which were removed as soon as their object and real character were better understood. A "charity that suffereth long and is kind " is always safe when exercised toward faithful, though not perfect teachers, as in this case a little investigation and mu- tual forbearance dissipated evils, real or supposed.
At the close of the summer term the school gave an interest- ing exhibition, consisting of declamations, reading, and sing- ing, to obtain funds to purchase geographical maps and a globe, which aided much in awakening an increased interest in the study of geography. In visiting the school it was apparent that the mental discipline had reference to something more than memorizing, the reflective, reasoning and observing fac- ulties having been developed and strengthened. Mind was aroused to activity and vigorous thought matured, which is the great object of education, rather than the mere acquisition of knowledge.
In grammar, the rules were thoroughly learned and intelli- gently applied in parsing and analysis. In arithmetic, the drill was thorough and the reasoning clear. The reading, in which the school was most deficient, received special attention, and while much has been accomplished, much improvement made, a part of the " land of promise " still remains to be occupied.
Not absent during the summer: - Edward Young, Abbie
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Thayer, Emma Darcy, Nettie Knights, Mary Donavan. Winter term : - Florance Cushing, Charles Whitten, Walter Hunt.
INTERMEDIATE .- At the commencement of the year, the grade of this school was raised from Primary to Intermediate, and Mrs. Hattie F. Lyon was continued as teacher. Her acquaint- ance with the school well qualified her to assume her duties in the changed condition. The order of the school was generally good through the year, which was secured, in some instances, by resort to coercive measures. The regular visits to the school gave evidence that the teacher's efforts to govern her pupils and to arouse and keep alive a desirable interest were successful. The study of arithmetic received special attention-an impor- tant basis of mental discipline. The progress made in Walton's Primary and Colburn's Mental Arithmetics was very satisfac- tory. In the department of reading, the teacher was indefati- gable in her efforts to secure correct pronunciation, distinctness of articulation, and a proper regard to the pauses. During the first part of the year there was a want of interest in the study of geography, but in the latter part, after the change of the text-book, it was particularly good. The school was discontin- ued for four weeks in consequence of sickness in the family of the teacher and among her pupils. Comparing the examination with that of the previous year, the progress was very satisfac- tory, especially in mental arithmetic.
Not absent during the summer term :- Alice Knights, Nellie Cushing, Mary Coleraine.
PRIMARY .- This school was continued under the care of Miss Arvella A. Smith, the grade having been raised from Sub-prim- ary to Primary. Miss Smith was earnest, energetic, and faith- ful. Her pupils, young as they were, demanded the exercise of patience and mildness combined with firmness, as a means of securing confidence, interest and good order. In visiting the school it was evident that a pleasant relation existed between teacher and pupils. The discipline was generally good, marred only by occasional restlessness-often the result of impure air- and inattention. It will be seen by the table annexed to this Report that the number of scholars was large, especially during the fall term, when there were more than could be suitably
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accommodated, demonstrating the fact that the establishment of this school, two years since, was necessary. (Cannot the parents of this district do themselves a credit, and confer a great favor on their children, by providing more ample and comfortable accommodations in a new school-house ?) A very good degree of progress was made in all of the required studies, and the teacher is deserving of special commendation for her efforts to add interest by giving instruction, outside of that which is found in the prescribed text-book, drawing upon her fund of general knowledge.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school was taught by Miss Alice R. Rogers, who entered upon her labors for the second year with an carnest- ness, zeal, and an apparent fixed purpose that no effort should be wanting on her part, to invigorate and develop the mental powers of those intrusted to her care. It soon became evident that the teacher had infused some of her spirit into her pupils -daguerreotyped her impress upon their impressible minds-as displayed in a general desire for acquisition and progress. At times, to maintain and cherish the interest thus awakened, the teacher's powers of inventiveness were put to severe tests; it was necessary to have a versatility of talent to meet the wants of the school, particularly while there was an unfortunate irreg- ularity of attendance, especially among the boys. The instruc- tion was well adapted to " draw out mind," and give it vigor and power. This was apparent during the class-drills of the recitations. In arithmetic, the rules and definitions were thor- oughly learned and practically applied ; the various steps in the reasoning processes were clearly and accurately stated, evincing a definite and available knowledge of the subject. The study of grammar was successfully prosecuted ; the classes manifested more than ordinary interest, both in becoming acquainted with the syntax and in applying the principles in parsing and analy- sis, always seeming familiar with the reasons, &c .; the recita- tions were not mere form, devoid of meaning or application. The classes in geography, in connection with their regular reci- tations, attended to map-drawing with gratifying results. The teacher labored diligently and earnestly to improve the reading, encountering some impediments to success in this branch, a
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great inequality existing among the members of the same class, some reading very well and others having made but little prog- ress. The examination was attended by many of the parents and friends of the district, and the results were satisfactory.
Not absent during the year :- Gco. F. Barnard, Irving T. White, Emily V. White. Summer term :- Lewis Estes, Maria C. Holbrook, Minnie F. Locke, Sarah A. Stowell, L. Addie Tirrell, Maria Torrey. Fall term :- Lewis Estes, Maria Torrey. Winter term :- Maria Torrey.
INTERMEDIATE .- The patrons of this school may well be con- gratulated that they had their children under the charge of so successful a teacher as Miss Lizzie L. Cushing, who for several years has occupied this position. Though the past year com- pletes the fifth of her connection, there has been a steady prog- ress,-no abatement of the interest or the enthusiasm of the teacher. The general appearance of the school when visited, was more like that of an industrious and affectionate family, than of ordinary schools. The earnest and generous co-opera- tion of both parents and pupils with the teacher in the effort to make the school excellent, produced the most cheering results. The order was good, and at the same time the teacher shared the respect and love of the scholars. Much work was done, and well directed toil was rewarded with encouraging success. Men- tal arithmetic was taught with a degree of success which com- pared well with its relative importance. It will be seen that the average attendance stands high on the list. In the summer it was over ninety-one per cent., and in the fall and winter, until the school was interrupted by sickness, it was above ninety-three per cent.,-facts which speak for themselves. The exercises at the closing examination were in harmony with the ordinary routine of daily duties. In regard to all of the branches taught, a good report could be given. But where all appeared so well, it is not necessary to particularize. The school merits high commendation.
Not absent during the year :- Henry Lowell, Jennie Tirrell, Flora Barnard. Summer term :- James Connor, Jennie Stet- son, Susie Hersey, Mabel Pierce. Fall term :- Lydia Cushing, Arthur Harris, Batie Torrey, Freddie Bayley, Arthur Loud, Abbie Dunbar. Neither summer nor fall term :- Louise Merritt,
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Jannie Loud, Cora Lowell, Martha Barnard, Lizzietta Dunbar, Nellie Moore, Howard Lock, Clement Gardner, Louis Maginnis, Eddie Tirrell, Charles Stowell, Alice Merritt, Leavitt Tirrell, Timothy Desmond, Herbert Merritt, Eddie Nolan, Charles Nash, Arthur Gardner, George Chambers.
PRIMARY .- This school was continued under the care of the faithful teacher, Mrs. Lydia T. Cushing. The transfer of the first class to the Intermediate department at the commencement of the year, and another at the beginning of the fall term, to accommodate new accessions, deprived the teacher of pupils whose mental acquirements were evidences of her faithfulness and ability. Reluctantly parting with those, she did not allow such a draft upon her number to depreciate her interest in those remaining, but exerted herself with renewed energy to advance them to the position of those promoted. In these efforts she was eminently successful. It was pleasant to visit the school and observe the regularity of attendance, the attention to study, the industry and general regard to the requirements of the teacher, the cheerfulness and happy expression of these youthful pupils, and watch the first buddings and development of these embryon citizens.
The whole number belonging to the school was thirty-six, and the average attendance was thirty-two and eight-tenths. The exercises of the closing examination were highly commendable. They were, reviews in reading, spelling, defining, mental arith- metic and geography. All were generally prompt, spirited and accurate ; especially those in reading and arithmetic.
Not absent during the year :- Elmer Sargent. Summer term :- Henry Lawler, Frank Cushing, Q. Irving Loud, John McCarty, Nellie Nolan. Fall term :- Nettie Cushing, Frank Cushing, Q. Irving Loud, Peter McCarty, Henry Lawler, Eddie Harris, Eddie Holbrook. Winter term :- Emily Nolan.
SIXTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school was fortunate in retaining the ser- vices of Miss Martha W. Seymour. Her success in the past, and her experience in teaching, very naturally inspired high ex- pectations of the school, and the results realized fully met those expectations ; the progress of the past was continued, resulting
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in placing her pupils on a still higher plane of intellectual de- velopment. At the first of the year the advantages of contin- uing the services of a successful and acceptable teacher were apparent, not only in the mutual acquaintance of the teacher and pupils, but in the teacher's knowledge of the real wants of the school, based on accurate ideas of its mental condition. The school was well taught and governed. A full set of Guyot's outline maps was furnished, which materially aided in enhanc- ing the interest in the study of geography. While the attend- ance, as compared with the past, was improved, the occasional appearance of some made it evident that still greater improve- ment may yet be made. The mental drill, to which all were subjected at the recitations, was well calculated to awaken inde- pendent thought and inspire commendable aspirations after in- creased mental culture, and more, to develop and mature mind. The examination at the close was highly satisfactory. The pro- ficiency of the scholars in all of the studies to which they had attended, as well as the quality of the instruction received by them, were thoroughly tested. The exercises in parsing, and the analysis of sentences by the first class, were deserving of special commendation. In geography and arithmetic the reci- tations were prompt and generally correct. In history the more usual method of questions and answers was disregarded, and the consideration of subjects by their different topics adopted. The exercises were interspersed by singing, which gave variety and added to the interest of the occasion.
Not absent during the summer term :- Anna J. Poole, Hattie R. Poole, Frank F. Shaw.
PRIMARY .- Miss Ann Lois White, who taught the previous year in another part of the town, assumed the charge of this school and continued during the year. The school was large, numbering upon its register seventy-six pupils ; yet, in visiting it soon after its commencement, it was apparent that a good be- ginning had been made ; that the pupils were much interested in their studies, and that, with scarcely an exception, they were disposed cheerfully to regard the requirements of their teacher, who was well adapted to a school of this class, controlling more by firmness, decision, promptness and kindness, than by resort to physical force. Regard to a correct position and earnest
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attention to the recitations, were noticeable features, finely illus- trating the idea that " what is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." The school-room was usually neat, clean and well ven- tilated. Special attention was bestowed upon the reading classes to secure distinct enunciation and correct emphasis, which resulted in producing marked improvement. The condi- tion of the school, as exhibited in the recitations of the several classes at the closing examination, was such as to meet the un- qualified approbation of those having it in charge.
Not absent during the summer term :- Walter Stoddard, Nellie Prouty.
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
GRAMMAR .- This school was assigned to Miss S. L. Vining. In entering on this new field of labor, it was evident that the teacher was anxious that the school should fully sustain its for- mer position, and to accomplish this, she gave her undivided attention, regarding, manifestly, the correct and thorough train- ing of those committed to her care, as a matter of vital impor- tance. Industry, energy and efficiency were noticeable features here, as in the Intermediate department, from which she was promoted. The deportment of the scholars was good, with a few exceptions, who marred the otherwise good appearance of the school by whispering, or in some manner communicating, and by a general inattention and carelessness. During the winter term, by the persevering efforts of the teacher, these evils were very much lessened, though not wholly removed. The irregu- larity of attendance on the part of same, very materially retarded their mental progress. This evil is quite too general, especially in the Grammar schools, and must be remedied by the parents or those having the schools in charge, or remain as a serious impediment to success.
The instruction in all the branchies was thorough, and well adapted to develop and mature the reasoning faculties. In teaching arithmetic, the analytical method was generally adopted, which proved quite disciplinary. At the closing examination, the school gave general satisfaction. The classes in geography and arithmetic appeared well. The progress made in grammar was . especially good, this branch being one in which the school was
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formerly most deficient. The classes in reading were not as satisfactory as in other recitations.
Not absent during the year :- Mary Casey, Alice Howe.
The teacher received five hundred and eighteen " written excuses " for dismission, absence and tardiness !
UPPER INTERMEDIATE .- Miss Lucia C. Hewitt, a recent gradu- of the South High School, who was well qualified in reference to her literary attainments, was appointed teacher of this school, and continued through the year. This was her first experience in teaching, and her position was a difficult one. Her efforts to sustain the preceding rank of the school were persistent and untiring. The method of instruction was systematic, compre- hensive and practical ; her explanations clear, her illustrations definite and distinct ; and had all of her pupils manifested as much interest in their duties as she did in hers, a greater prog- ress would have been made. At first, the indications of success were favorable, and other visits in the summer term showed reasonable progress and commendable order ; but during the fall term, there were some unfavorable appearances-a change. Some of the pupils were restless and inattentive, evidently not interested in their studies. The teacher, at the commencement, gave more attention to the instruction of her pupils, than to the general management of the school. Seeing her mistake in this, she made a commendable effort to govern as well as teach her school, which resulted in an improvement in the order, necessa- rily followed by a corresponding improvement in the habits of study.
More than the usual attention in a school of this grade was given to the study of grammar, which was attended with highly satisfactory results. The attendance on the part of some of the scholars was very irregular, but the examination of the classes at the close of the winter term showed that the teacher had labored faithfully with those who did attend, and that she had accomplished all that could be expected under the circumstances. In reading, excellent improvement was noticed, especially on the part of the girls. In arithmetic and geography the answers were promptly given, and generally correct.
LOWER INTERMEDIATE .- Mrs. Maria A. Morrill, the former teacher in this school, continued her connection with it during
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the year, and with the most satisfactory results. Her former experience, her reputation as a teacher-based on her acknowl- edged ability and earnest devotedness to her school duties- naturally excited high hopes and expectations, which were fully realized. The school was invariably found in good condition, and the pupils deserve commendation for their respect to the teacher, for quietness of movements, promptness and accuracy in recitations. More than the usual attention was bestowed upon the reading exercises, resulting in marked improvement- adding to the character of this school in this respect, as given in former reports. The arithmetic classes were thoroughly drilled in the multiplication table, while the recitations in mental arith- metic were very satisfactory, including the analysis. In the study of geography, much interest was awakened and maintained during the year. A class of twenty-two commenced the study after the introduction of the new Primary, and advanced as far as Part Second, doing themselves much credit. The decided success of this school is attributable in part, at least, to the interest manifested by the parents, who co-operated with the teacher in securing regular and punctual attendance; and it is hoped that the patrons of the higher grades will emulate them in this respect. The average attendance to the time the school was interrupted by sickness, was over ninety-two per cent. Few schools can show so good a record of attendance.
Not absent during the year :- Lily A. Lantz, Mary J. Nelligan, Mary J. Donahue. First twenty-five weeks of the year :- J. Fred. Curtis, Henry A. Loud, Frank Tower, Horace B. Derby, Henry T. Burrell, John F. Moneghan, Edward Moneghan, Annie I. Bates, Cynthia S. Reed, Helen N. Fogg, S. Annie Graves. Fall and winter terms :- Margaret Murrell.
PRIMARY .- Miss Lizzie L. Whitman was engaged for this school. This was her first experience in teaching, yet she soon demonstrated her ability to classify and manage successfully a school of this grade. She carly gained the confidence and love of her pupils by her devotion to their interests and her exertion to serve them as a sympathizing friend as well as teacher. Though the school was large and the pupils very juvenile, the order was good. Respect, attention, and obedience were mani- fest through the year. The teacher applied herself to the task
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with commendable spirit and earnestness, and was highly suc- cessful, teaching and governing well. The reading and spelling, which constitute in this school the principal part of the mental exercises, received a large share of attention, followed by good results. The study of mental arithmetic was commenced and successfully prosecuted. The closing examination afforded ample evidence of the teacher's industry, patience, firmness and tact in the instruction of her school.
Not absent during the summer term :- Christopher Nelligan, Frank Burrell, Thomas Hickey, Henry Healey, Hattie Gilbert, Annie E. Reed, P. Elmer Thayer, Susie Skinner. Winter term :- Christopher Nelligan, Susie Skinner.
MIXED INTERMEDIATE .- Pond Street .- Miss Emma J. White continued her connection with this school, thus avoiding the necessity of forming new acquaintances, the advantages of which must be apparent. Profiting by the experience of the past, she commenced the year with a fixed determination to govern as well as instruct. It is due to her to say that in this respect she was eminently successful ; the improved appearance of the school was continued through the year. Securing prompt obedience, the foundation for good mental advancement was laid. The general progress of the school was quite satis- factory. Special care was given to the reading exercises, which was attended by excellent results, as seen in more distinctness of utterance, more regard to proper inflection, more delibera- tion and care in respect to the pauses than formerly. Encour- aging improvement in the study of arithmetic and grammar was noted ; the recitation of the first class were particularly commendable, for accuracy and promptness. The examination at the close of the winter term, as compared with that of the previous year, showed marked improvement, in the general ap- pearance of the school, its order, and in the mental advance- ment. The teacher is deserving of commendation for her well- directed efforts, and the pupils for their co-operation and indus- try.
Not absent during the year : - Alice Shaw, Prescott Derby, Irving Derby. Summer term : - Everett Cushing. Fall term : -Isabel Clapp.
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MIXED INTERMEDIATE. - Union Street. - At the commence- ment of the year Miss Mary E. Allen assumed the charge of this school, and labored patiently, earnestly, and with good success. In visiting the school it was gratifying to notice the gradual im- provement of those under hier care, and watch the unfolding and growth of mind. Under such circumstances, it is almost superfluous to say that the order and attention to study were invariably good. At the close of the summer term she resigned her position, and the vacancy was filled by Miss Emma L. White. Though it was her first experience in teaching, she was quite successful. The school was in a good condition when she com- menced her labors, a good foundation laid, and on that founda- tion she continued to rear and improve the superstructure. Vivacious and enthusiastic herself, she infused some of the same spirit into her pupils, leaving hier impress-as every teacher must, either for good or ill-on the impressible minds of her pupils. As a legitimate consequence, the school, when visited, was found in good working condition, the order and mental progress were creditable to teacher and pupils. The examina- tion at the close of the term was very satisfactory. The schol- ars exhibited a decided advance in the prescribed studies. The recitations of the first class were particularly noticed for their promptness and accuracy.
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