USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1894 > Part 15
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The two reforms in methods of teaching now being urged by prominent educators, as a necessity to meet the demands of an enriched curriculum, are departmental instruction and correlation of studies. As these two features of instruction stand for decid- edly antagonistic ideas, the results of their introduction will be watched with considerable interest. In our own schools, depart- mental teaching below the high school has not been encouraged. We have a few schools where it might be tried, but the objections to this method of instruction, without a complete reorganization of our present plan, seem to me to outweigh its advantages. Some of the objections are : The difficulty of maintaining the right kind of discipline; the loss of the teacher's interest in the pupils ; the danger of teaching subjects instead of children ; the ten- dency to load the children's minds with disconnected rather than related facts ; and the danger of overcrowding pupils, as each teacher is quite sure to magnify his own branch of study and press the pupil to the fullest extent of his powers.
Correlation of studies is new only in name. It is as old as teaching itself. The first instructor who, after the spelling-book came into use, gave a spelling lesson from the reading lesson instead of from the spelling-book, correlated these naturally related subjects. And from that time to the present naturally related subjects have been correlated much or little, according to the qualifications and tact of the instructor. The introduction of many new subjects within the past few years has made correlation an actual necessity. The aim at the present time should .be to separate the related subjects into groups. The illustration given above of the relation of algebra and geometry to arithmetic, and of zoology, geology, etc., to geography, shows the possibilities in this direction. Three or four groups with their central studies would comprise all the subjects taught in the elementary schools.
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HIGH SCHOOLS.
In the school report of 1893 your committee brought to the at- tention of the citizens of Weymouth the desirability of uniting the two high schools. At the following annual town meeting a special committee was appointed to consider this question in all its bearings and to report at the next annual meeting. The special committee was at once organized and began a thorough in- vestigation of the whole question. According to a report made public during the summer vacation said committee recognized the decided advantages to be gained by consolidation, but did not think best to recommend that the change should be effected at the present time.
As this report will doubtless preclude any action in the line of consolidating the high schools for some time at least, I wish to bring to the attention of your committee another change which I believe would greatly increase the efficiency of both high schools. I refer to making one of the high schools a classical or Latin high school in which college preparatory studies could be taught much better than is possible under the present conditions, and to mak- ing the other high school an English high school in which the young men and women of our town who desire would be better. able to fit themselves for such positions in life as they will in all probability be called upon to fill. This change would not only give better facilities for teaching the subjects already in our cur- . riculum but would give ample opportunity to introduce other sub- jects such as German (now required to enter the Institute of Technology), shorthand and typewriting.
The facilities for conveying pupils that will doubtless be provi- ded by electric cars before the beginning of another school year will make this change possible with very little increase in expense for transportation. Indeed the saving in school appliances would more than pay for the increase in the expense.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Public Library is coming more and more to be recognized as a potent factor in school education. The skilful teacher uses it as an assistance is disciplining her school, and a help in stir-
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ring up the minds of the dull boy and girl. She always has on hand interesting and helpful books for the bright pupil who does his work in certain studies in half the allotted time, and sug- gests the best book for the slow one to read at home.
Our teachers are fortunate in having not only a publie library at their service, but also a librarian who is intensely interested in the reading for the young. Miss Blanchard sees clearly the relation between a school of readers and a reading community. She is, therefore, always ready to give assistance to teachers ; always has excellent books to recommend, and prime suggestions to offer.
If it were possible for the directors of the library to open read- ing rooms in the several villages in town, the pupils and eitizens of those villages would be greatly benefitted thereby. At the present time the children of the other wards are at a great disad- vantage compared with Ward III. The cost of maintaining such rooms would not be large, and would undoubtedly be borne, to a great extent, by the citizens of each village.
In my last report I printed a list of books that seemed to me to be especially adapted to use in our schools. At that time I intended to increase the list this year, but have decided to wait another year in order to give the teachers and pupils more time to become familiar with the books already suggested.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
During the year a good degree of interest has been manifested in the teachers' meetings. I believe that they have been a source of real help to a large part of the teachers.
On March 1, 8, 22, and 29, 1894, Mr. Murdoek of the Bridge- water normal school addressed the teachers on the work that should be taken in geography. These talks were greatly enjoyed by all, and inspired the teachers to do better work in this subjeet.
The first meeting of the present school year was held October 4. The time of this meeting was taken by the superintendent in discussing general topics. Other meetings have been as follows :
October 30, at Bieknell sehool; Subject, Attention.
Involuntary and Voluntary Attention, Mr. Kingsbury.
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Necessity of Active Attention, Miss Canterbury.
General discussion.
November 21, at South high school ; Subject, Attention.
Favorable condition of Attention, Miss Belcher.
Unfavorable conditions of Attention, Mr. Greene.
Discussion.
December 20, at North high school; Subjects, Recitations, and Examinations.
Objects of the Recitations, Mr. Wilbar.
Art of Questioning, Miss Hamilton.
Length of Recitation, Miss Lizzie Tirrell. Objects of Examinations, Miss Jordan.
Kind and Length of Examinations, Mr. Winslow.
Cultivation of the Will, Mr. Abbott.
January 22, '95, at Bicknell school ..
Subjects, Habits and The Recitation; meeting addressed by Supt. E. L. Curtis, of Hingham.
In addition to these general meetings a large number of grade meetings have been held during the year.
A teachers' club has recently been formed in wards 1 and 2, and is in a flourishing condition. The objects of the club are the elevation of the teachers educationally and the general improve- ment of the schools. Nearly all the teachers of these two wards are members.
CONCLUSION.
On Nov. 7, 1894, a Grammar School Teacher's Institute was held at the North high school under the direction of the State Board of Education. Over one hundred teachers were present from this and adjoining towns. It was a profitable meeting. There seems to be an increased disposition on the part of most of the teachers to profit by such opportunities for improvement.
I believe that the past year has been one of general progress throughout our school work. There has been very little friction between parent, pupils and teachers during the year, indeed none at all except in one locality. If all parents who have or think they have a grievance against a teacher, would take that griev- ance to the superintendent or committee instead of distributing
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the same through sympathizing and talkative friends, the cause of education would be advanced thereby. The superintendent and committee are always ready to correct any fault on the part of the teachers and to make any change that they believe the best inter- est of the schools demand. Let all parents and citizens labor with the committee for the good of the schools.
During the past few years very many improvements have been made in school buildings, school appliances and school methods, but notwithstanding these improvements the schools are far from what I desire them to be, far from what they should be, and far from what I intend them to be, by the aid of public confidence. In my administration of the public schools of Weymouth I have felt that as a public servant I have duties to perform in two di- rections, first a duty to the schools to provide for them the best possible facilities for carrying on their work successfully; and second, to the citizens not to increase excessively their burden of taxes by demanding too many expensive changes in a single year. I realize as clearly as any one that many more improve- ments are needed before the best results in school work can be attained.
Better heating and ventilating systems in several more of the buildings ; better facilities for preserving school work ; janitors who can be in the buildings during the entire session ; more assistants at the high schools; and many other changes would be advantageous to the schools. But under existing circumstances several of these desirable changes cannot be made, others are being made as rapidly as possible without greatly in- creasing the school expenses. I have found the people of our town loyal to the interests of the public schools, and willing to be taxed liberally for their support. I.believe therefore that the teachers on their part should be willing to do extra work, and to suffer some inconvenience at times if necessary rather than to increase unduly the burdens of the people. I have no desire to build a reputation at the expense either of the schools or of the town. My only desire in this respect is to give the people of Weymouth just as good schools as possible for the amount of money they feel able to expend upon them.
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In closing I desire to express my sense of obligation to parents, teachers and members of the school committee for their continued support and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
I. M. NORCROSS, Superintendent.
WEYMOUTH, MASS., February 12, 1895.
APPENDICES.
I. REPORT OF INSTRUCTOR IN MUSIC.
To I. M. NORCROSS, Superintendent of Schools:
DEAR SIR: - Previous to assuming the duties of Musical Instructor in the public schools of Weymouth, I made myself acquainted, as far as was possible, with the standard of musical culture to which my predecessor had led the pupils. With this knowledge as a basis I was enabled to commence my work with a more intelligent concep- tion of what was needed to continue the musical training of each pupil.
I have met with a most cordial reception among the teachers, whose co-operation has been of material assistance in taking note of special rules and afterward giving them repeated emphasis to the class, thereby making the pupils familiar during the week with the lesson given at each visit, By the regular teacher assisting the musical instructor in this respect there will result a more perfect mastery of the subject, and the problem of an efficient education in the rudiments of music in our public schools will be considerably lessened if not actually solved.
Teachers who adopt this plan are convinced of its efficiency by the results reached. The consensus of opinion among musical authorities concerning an ability to read music at sight, decides on three condi- tions. First, an accurate knowledge of sounds and their pitch; second, an accurate knowledge of sounds and their duration; and third, a practical idea of some form of notation.
These three fundamental principles I have endeavored to empha- size, and as a result have aimed at thoroughness in all departments as the best means to secure this attainment.
Thoroughness in teaching the elementary principles in the primary department and frequent attention to individual training in all departments will, I feel sure, not only lead the pupil up to a correct understanding and proper appreciation of music, but to that which is equally important in all music, - the ability to think.
Owing to the brief period in which I have been teaching in the Weymouth schools, it would be almost impossible to give in detail the results reached in the various branches of study. These will be more obvious at the end of the year.
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I will, however, be pleased at any time to have the parents of the pupils and others interested in the study of music in our schools, to visit, us during the musical sessions, in order to get a more accurate conception of the work accomplished.
Respectfully yours,
A. J. SIDELINGER.
PROGRAMME.
DAY.
A. M. P. M.
Alternate Mondays
Athens, 9-10:30.
Alternate Tuesdays
S Shaw, 9-10:30.
¿ Bates, grade II, 10:45-11:05.
Alternate Wednesdays
Washington, 9-11:30 Bicknell, 2-2:45.
Alternate Thursdays
Tufts, 9-10:30. Lincoln, 10:45-11:25.
Alternate Fridays .
S Bates, 9-10:30.
Alternate Mondays
Hunt, 9-10:30.
Alternate Tuesdays
Thomas, 9:05-9:25. Pond, 9:50-10:10. Hollis, 10:30-10:50.
Alternate Wednesdays
Jefferson, 9-10:30. Franklin, 10:45-11.
River, 9-9:25.
Alternate Thursdays
Adams, 10-10:25.
Alternate Fridays
Holbrook, 9-9:25. Pratt, 9:40-10:30.
Every Monday and Thursday, 12, North High. Every Tuesday and Friday, 11:15, South High.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday P. M., special lessons where most needed.
Howe, 10:45-11.10.
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II. REPORT OF NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.
UNION CHURCH, WEYMOUTH, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 29, 1894, AT 7:30 P. M.
CLASS MOTTO. "Loyal en Tout."
OVERTURE .
Orchestra
INVOCATION
CHORUS. "Bridal Song"
School
FRENCH SALUTATORY
Alida M. Denton
RECITAL, "The March of Mind"
Mary A. Hopkins
ORATION, "James G. Blaine" .
Joseph A. Nolan
CLASS HISTORY,
Part I
E. Alida Allen
Part II .
. Emma W. Raymond
QUARTETTE, "May Queen" Rose Thayer, Florence E. Bates,
Alberta W.Raymond,
Ada E. Tirrell.
RECITAL, "The White Lily"
Florence B. Hunt
ESSAY, "The Old State House"
Harry W. Walker
ORATION, "The Progress in Steam Navigation"
RECITAL, "The Last Hymn" Mabel W. Damon .
SOLO, "Ave Maria"
.
Ada B. TIRRELL
· DEBATE, "Should there be an Income Tax ?" Affirmative Negative
Parker L. Tirrell . Will Stevens Torrey
RECITAL, Selections from "Last Days of Pom-
Catharine V. Hart
peii"
Effie M. Ryerson
PROPIIECY
CHORUS, " "Good Evening, Good Night" { "Hail, Thou Lovely Month"
Young Ladies
Florence E. Bates
VALEDICTORY
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
Class
CLASS ODE, words by Effie M. Ryerson
CLOSING HYMN, Air "Auld Lang Syne."
Shall school acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind ? Shall school acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne?
.
Grace A. Randall
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CHORUS: For days of auld lang syne at school, For days of auld lang syne; We'll have a thought of kindness yet For days of auld lang syne.
We oft have cheered each other's task,
From morn to day's decline;
But memory's night shall never rest
On days of auld lang syne. Chorus.
Then take the hand that now is warm,
Within the hand of thine;
No distant day shall loose thy grasp
Of days of auld lang syne.
Chorus.
GRADUATES.
Latin English Course.
Emma Alida Allen, Florence Evelyne Bates,
Catharine Veronica Hart,
Florence Belle Hunt,
Joseph Ambrose Nolan,
Grace Abigail Randall,
Emma Waterman Raymond, Parker Lane Tirrell,
Harry Webster Walker.
English Course.
Mabel Webster Damon,
Alida Mary Denton,
Mary Alice Hopkins,
Effie Mabelle Ryerson,
Ada Blanche Tirrell, Will Stevens Torrey.
III. REPORT OF SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL.
TO MR. I. M. NORCROSS, Superintendent of Schools:
SIR :- I respectfully submit to you the Annual Report of the South High School.
The per cent. of attendance so far this year has been above ninety- eight, and the number of tardinesses has been correspondingly low.
The spirit with which most of the pupils work, the energy which they put into their study, and the small number of absences tend to show that the pupils are taking a real interest in their school.
Indifference is a great stumbling block in the early life of many young people. Earnest, conscientious work in school is necessary for reaping the full benefit of their studies.
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It has been my aim, as far as possible, to awaken a spirit of investi- gation in the individual pupil, and to direct their work into some chosen channel by which he may obtain "that high intellectual pleas- ure that comes from extended study of a congenial topic."
The pupil should not be encouraged to slight a study that is dis- tasteful, but pains should be taken by the parent, as well as the instructors, to stimulate a love for those studies that are apt to be difficult and uninteresting. This controlled or directed attention to a subject is of great importance as a mental discipline on account of its being the direct result of a conscious effort of the will.
The study of mathematics is, perhaps, one of the best for enlarg- ing and strengthening the mind.
I would be in favor of adding to the course of study solid Geometry and Trigonometry.
A good many of the pupils, and even their parents, are unable to see any benefit coming from quite a number of the studies pursued at the High school. The subjects of Mathematics, Latin, Greek, etc. bear the same relation to the mind that intelligent training in the physical gymnasium bear to the development of the physical body.
A strongly developed body and mind will enable the young man, or the young woman, if he will avail himself of all the privileges which are provided for him by the town and state, to take first rank in any walk of life ; but he must work hard to do it, as competition grows fiercer and fiercer year by year. Success today means more ability and greater effort than it did twenty-five or fifty years ago.
The chemical laboratory, which was renovated last year, is in good working condition, and we are getting excellent results from the in- dividual experimental work required of each member of the class.
The physical apparatus has been largely increased, so that now experimental work in this branch is conducted daily in connection with the recitation. The work in all the sciences should be made as practical in character as possible. The pupils are trained to habits of attention, observation and close application.
I find that an interest, or a lack of interest on the part of the parents, concerning the school duties of their children, plainly reveals itself in their school work. It is the duty of the parent to take an active interest in all that pertains to the school life of their children, and they should carefully cultivate in them a love of home study and research.
Declamation and composition work is receiving more attention this year, and the results we are obtaining are very encouraging. To stimulate interest in these branches public prize contests are to be held yearly, hoping that in this way better results will be accom- plished.
We have inaugurated a new feature in the school by having a lec- ture delivered once a month on Friday afternoons. These lectures are to be on various topics of public interest and delivered by men
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prominent in public life. The pupils are required to take notes and hand in an essay on the subject of the lecture. We extend a hearty invitation to the parents and friends of the school, and to any one who is interested in the cause of education.
"Effort rather than advancement should rank highest. What a child tries to do and perseveres in trying to do against physical or intellectual disadvantages is worthy of all honor."
ALBERT E. KINGSBURY.
Principal.
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL.
FOGG'S OPERA HOUSE, SOUTH WEYMOUTH, THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 28, 1894, AT 7.30 P. M.
CLASS MOTTO.
"To the Faithful Reward is Certain."
OVERTURE Orchestra
INVOCATION ,
SALUTATORY AND ESSAY, "Immigration"
Alice I. Garcelon .
RECITATION, "The Unkown Speaker"
J. Alfred Moore
ESSAY, "The American Scholar"
George D. Holbrook
SINGING BY THE SCHOOL, "The Red Scarf," ESSAY, "Genius Under the Microscope "
Fannie M. Vining
ESSAY, "Lessons Necessary for Success"
Jennie E. Healey
ORATION, "Socialism "
Albert J. Fearing
READING, "The Rival Singer'
Emily J. Hallahan
SINGING BY THE SCHOOL, "Gloria"
CLASS PROPHECY, "If you can look into the Seeds of Time "
Mary E. Hogan
ESSAY AND VALEDICTORY, "Commerce as Re- lated to Civilization "
Robert M. Vining Henry A. Thomas
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
.
Alice L. Powers
ORATION, "Our National Greatness"
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CLASS ODE. FANNIE M. VINING.
Arranged from Beethoven by Edmund Sawyer.
We at length our course have finished, Working with this end in view, Patiently we've labored onward With a purpose firm and true. Four long years we've left behind us ; Faithful to each task we've been,
Now we're looking to the future, Ready life's work to begin.
Of the many paths before us, Each a different one may choose. In our hearts fond thoughts of school-days, Mem'ries which we'll never lose. We are ever pressing forward, Heavy though our tasks, or light,
Working always for our Master, Ever striving for the right.
BENEDICTION.
NAMES OF GRADUATES OF THE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL.
Latin-English Course.
Albert Justin Fearing, Alice Lovell Garcelon,
James Alfred Moore, Alice Louise Powers, George David Holbrook.
English Course.
Emily Jane Hallahan, Jennie Elizabeth Healey,
Mary Ellen Hogan, Fannie Maria Vining.
Robert MacAllaster Vining.
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IV. GRADUATION EXERCISES OF GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
ATHENS.
PILGRIM CHURCH VESTRY, JUNE 26, 1894, AT 7.45 P. M.
CLASS MOTTO :
"To Heights Beyond."
CHORALE
PRAYER
SONG OF WELCOME
ESSAY, "Value of Time "
Bertha L. Sutton
ESSAY, "Current Events in Our History "
Harry M. Newell
TWO PART SONG, "Summer Time"
Soprano. Alto.
Grace A. Blanchard. Euphemia M. McIsaac.
Hattie M. Whipps. Lotta Brayshaw.
ESSAY, "Concentration of Purpose"
Carl R. Blanchard
ESSAY, "Doing Little Things "
Susie M. Wolfe
CHORUS, " Anchored"
ESSAY, "Education "
Irving L. Shaw
ESSAY, "Press On" .
C. Fred Crockett
CLASS ODE .
W. A. Drake
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
AMERICA
BENEDICTION .
CLASS ODE.
[Words by IRVING L. SHAW. Music by BERTHA L. SUTTON.] We are pausing on life's threshold, Waiting for the summons dear, Which will call us to our duty And will show the way so clear.
When we start in life's long battle, Let us to the head respond;
Always looking, thinking higher, Let us look "To Heights Beyond."
When we see our duty clearly, Let us do it with a will ; Let us do it calmly, bravely, Tho' the place be hard to fill.
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As we struggle for position, Tho' we all of wealth are fond; May we live up to our motto May we look "To Heights Beyond."
GRADUATES OF ATHENS SCHOOL.
Carl R. Blanchard.
Harry M. Newell.
Bertha L. Sutton.
C. Fred Crockett. Irving L. Shaw. Susie M. Wolfe.
BATES.
UNION CHURCH VESTRY, SOUTH WEYMOUTH, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1894, AT 2.30 P. M.
CLASS MOTTO: " Labor Gives Success."
CHORALE
PRAYER
SONG OF WELCOME
ESSAY, "Education "
Charles Henry Martin
RECITATION, "Not a Line in the Paper " Mary Francanna Blanchard
SONG, "Asthore"
Edith Parker
ESSAY, "Commerce"
Fannie May Raymond
SEA SONG
ESSAY, "Territorial Growth of the United States,"
Leonard Howell Torrey
RECITATION, "Genius of Success"
Jeremiah James Flynn
PART SONG
ESSAY, "Causes of the Revolutionary War"
Nellie Lovetta Reidy
RECITATION, "The Wife-Hunting Deacon" Edith Parker
PIANO SOLO, Selected . Fannie May Raymond
RECITATION, "Our Flag " Constantine Joseph Church ESSAY, "Political Parties of the United States" .
Edward Patrick McGrory
SONG, "Away with Needless Sorrow " PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS H. A. Thomas
NATIONAL HYMN, "America" . BENEDICTION .
.
.
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GRADUATES OF THE BATES SCHOOL.
Nellie Lovetta Reidy.
Mabel Florence Burbank.
Mary Francanna Blanchard.
Carrie Etta Blackinton.
Edith Parker.
Edward Patrick McGrory.
Leonard Howell Torrey.
Jeremiah James Flynn.
Mary Elizabeth Reilly. Fannie May Raymond. Lizzie Louisa Allen. Bessie Virginia Shaw. Richard John O'Connell. Charles Henry Martin. Michael Henry Meara. Constantine Joseph Church.
FRANKLIN.
ODD FELLOWS HALL, JUNE 27, 1894, AT 7.45 P. M.
CLASS MOTTO: " Aim for the Highest."
PRAYER
SONG, "Song of Welcome" .
.
School
ESSAY, "Overland"
John A. McFawn Mabel E. Keene
READING, "Brier Rose"
DECLAMATION, "Extract from Webster's Speech
at Dedication of Bunker Hill Monument .
PIANO SOLO, "Edelweiss-Vanderbeck" READING, "The Last Charge"
Barney Smith Alice M. Fennell Florence E. Hobart School
SONG, " Sea Song"
Ralph W. Randall Viola Bicknell
READING, " A Nature Prayer"
SONG, "Choral"
Warren B. Miles HISTORY EXERCISE, "Slavery, Secession and Rebellion "
TOPICS: Introduction of Slavery, .
Arthur F. Davis
Invention of Cotton-gin Laura L. Belk
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