USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1897 > Part 16
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The order of the School Committee that all supplies which may have been used by pupils sick with contagious diseases must be burned, and the regulation of the Board of Health that prevents all children belonging to households where contagion exists from attending school, are wise and necessary precautions. The daily inspection of schools by a physician during the existence of an epidemic would, I believe, be an added preventive measure.
HIGH SCHOOL.
In my last report, under the above heading, I wrote as follows : "The buildings now in use are not in keeping either with the spirit and earnestness of the pupils, the educational spirit of the times, or the progressive ideas of our citizens." I did not expect when I wrote those words that the money would be raised and appro- priated, and that the structure would be nearly completed inside of a year. The citizens of the town, true to its educational in- terests, responded more readily when given an opportunity than the most sanguine dared hope. Thankful for their liberality we
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may soon boast a high school building ample in its apartments and modern in its equipments,-a lasting monument to the progressive ideas of our people,-a fitting capstone to our educational system.
The high school of a town always sets the educational pace of that town. Improve the work of the high school, broaden its scope and make it more extensive, and you improve the entire school system. Let the high school slacken its requirements or become distrusted by the people and the whole school system suffers thereby. The high school, therefore, should receive the hearty support of every citizen who is interested in public education.
In the past our high schools have necessarily been largely clas- sical in their work. Comparatively few pupils have received the training best suited to their physical and mental development., Pupils desirous of gaining some practical knowledge and skill in certain lines of work have been obliged to leave school to pursue their studies in other places. Many pupils have left school before graduating because none of the subjects in the upper grades seemed to them and their parents of sufficient value to warrant spending the extra time in school. These difficulties could not be overcome because of the limited number of teachers and the lack of room and equipment in the old buildings.
Several people have asked me whether the union of the high schools would not reduce the expense of tuition. My reply has always been "Yes," by one thousand dollars ($1,000) if the same course of study is pursued." But our citizens will not be satisfied with such a limited course. They demand that something better be provided for the large class of pupils whose educational advan- tages must close with the high school course; something more in accord with the educational needs of the working people ; a prac- tical and business course that will be useful to the boys and girls who must so soon earn their own livelihood. This enlargement and enrichment of the course cannot be made without increasing the number of teachers. If the number of teachers employed is increased the cost of tuition must be increased accordingly.
Especial attention is invited to the different courses of study adopted by the committee, as printed on another page of the re- port. These courses of instruction, which will be in operation
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next year, will give ample opportunity for every high school pupil in town to pursue studies of special educational value to himself, provided a sufficient number of teachers be employed to follow out the courses intelligently.
As an opportunity will be given next year to take up studies that have been denied former graduates, I suggest that recent graduates be allowed to take a post-graduate course in the high school under the direction of the principal and superintendent.
For several years past the decoration of school house walls with works of art has received a great deal of attention. In a few instances this movement has been stimulated by the appropriation of money by the city or town, but in most cases it has been pro- moted largely by the school teachers and pupils. In many places gift days have been appointed upon which the citizens have been invited to contribute pictures for the schools. Although within the past few years we have added to nearly every school building in town from three to ten pictures, we have not felt the need heretofore of soliciting from the citizens directly. The new high school building, however, presents an opportunity for our people . to show their liberality. Scores of pictures, both small and large, will be required to suitably decorate its walls. I am very sure that this slight suggestion of our needs will bring a hearty re- sponse from the people of all parts of the town.
The broadening of the course of study by the introduction of several new branches will create a demand for a large increase in the school library. In this direction, also, we hope to receive substantial aid from the town's people. The school committee and superintendent will be pleased to consult with all who desire to contribute works of art, books, and other material designed to beautify the building and increase the efficiency of the school.
Mr. D. M. Easton has already signified his intention of pre- senting to the school his large and valuable collection of minerals. Mr. Easton has more than a local reputation as a lover of the in- animate world. His gift will be highly appreciated by the pupils and will form the foundation of an extensive school museum.
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The large herbarium presented to the South High two years ago by Dr. Granger will be given suitable quarters in the new cabinet.
In my last report I stated that the department of drawing should be placed in the hands of a special teacher. Heretofore, in the interest of economy, we have required the regular teachers, under .the direction of the superintendent of schools, to perform this work, but many of our teachers are entirely incapable of prop- erly teaching drawing without more detailed and specific direction. Drawing is taught well in many of our schools, but throughout the town it is the weakest department in our school system. The in- creased requirements in this line of work demanded by the new course of study will make the services of a special teacher of drawing imperative.
About one-fourth of the schools in town below the high schools have an enrolled membership at the present time of fifty or more pupils. Nearly all of these schools are composed of two grades. Arguments are not necessary to show that the best results cannot be attained under such conditions. The efficiency of our schools would be greatly increased if the number of pupils placed under the charge of any teacher were limited to forty.
Our schools are sometimes criticised for the teachers' lack of control over the pupils on the playgrounds. By the rules of the committee the teachers are expected to exercise full control of pupils while they are on any part of the school premises. The most of the teachers gladly perform this duty, and exercise a very healthful influence over the pupils in their sports. It would, in- deed, be remarkable if there were no instances of failure. Pupils still have their little differences of opinion which sometimes lead to quarrels, and boys are still permitted to live who delight to tor- ment smaller boys and tease timid playmates. But the careful observer cannot fail to see the great improvement in the disposition and conduct of the public school pupils upon the school premises. We regret that any occasion for criticism ever happens, but are equally glad to note that school-yard quarrels and the school-boy bully are gradually becoming things of the past.
In conclusion I desire to express my deep sense of obligation to the committee and the citizens of Weymouth for their helpful
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kindness during the years I have tried to serve them. My labors have often been lightened by kind words of appreciation from many of the citizens and by the readiness of members of the committee to give much of their time for the good of the schools.
I desire also to testify to the loyalty and earnestness of the teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
I. M. NORCROSS,
Superintendent of Schools.
FEBRUARY 5, 1898
APPENDICES.
1. COURSE OF STUDY IN THE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF WEYMOUTH, MASS., ADOPTED 1898.
The courses are designed to be equivalent in educational value, though varying widely in their adaptation to the wants of different pupils.
The classical course is designed for pupils fitting for college. Studies essential to good citizenship and general information are necessarily omitted. This course is not suitable for pupils who do not intend to continue their studies in higher institutions.
Pupils interested in the sciences and those preparing for the Insti- tute of Technology or other scientific schools should take the scientific course.
. The general course, which includes a study of the modern languages, is quite complete in itself and affords an opportunity for pupils to acquire a good academic education.
The business or English course is designed for those pupils who are unable to complete a full four years' course in the high school. While it is in no sense an equivalent for the more extended four years' courses, it presents an opportunity for pupils to acquire a very good commercial education.
Upon entering the school, pupils, under the direction of their parents and the principal, may select any one of the courses. They will not be permitted to change courses except upon the written re- quest of parents or guardians, and consent of principal and superin- tendent. Special courses are looked upon with disfavor by the School Board, and no pupil will be allowed to take such courses with- out the consent of the principal acting upon the advice of the Super- intendent and High School Committee.
Book-keeping, Business Practice, Stenography and Type-writing are restricted to the Business Course. Drawing, when not specially des ignated in the course, will be elective.
Diplomas will be given to pupils who have satisfactorily co npleted any one of the full courses. Suitable certificates, stating the amount of work accomplished, will be given to pupils who have satisfactorily completed a full course of one, two, or three years.
All these courses are subject to modifications as new conditions may require.
Parents are urged to see that their children attend the school regu- larly and make a business of their school work. Good results cannot be reached unless this request is heeded. Parents are requested to visit the school frequently. The hearty co-operation of the parents and teachers means the highest success of the school and the greatest benefit to the pupils.
COURSES OF STUDY, WEYMOUTH!HIGH SCHOOL. FIRST HALF YEAR, 20 WEEKS.
SECOND HALF YEAR, 20 WEEKS.
YEARS.
Classical.
Scientific.
Englislı and Modern Languages.
Business.
Classical.
Scientific.
English and Modern Languages.
Business.
Algebra ...... 5
Algebra .. .
5 Algebra .. ..
5 Algebra .....
Com. Aritlı .. 3
Algebra ....
5 Algebra .. .. . .
5
French .. . .
3
Physics .. .. 3
Latin. .
Latin .. .. ....
5 French. . . ... 3
Physics . . ..
3 Latin. . .
5|Latin ... ....
Physics . . . ...
3 Physics .. . . . ..
3 |English .. . . . . 3
English .. .. .
3 Physics . .... .
English. ... . .
3 | English ... . . . .
3 History .....
History. . .. . 2
English .... ..
History .... .
2 | History ...
.
2 Physics ... ·
2
History ... ... ·
Drawing . . . ..
1 Drawing ... ..
1 Physiology ... 2
Drawing ..... 1
Drawing ...
1 Drawing . . .
Drawing .. ...
1
Penmanship .. 1
Physiology .. .
1 Physiology . .. 1 | Drawing . . ..
1
Penmanship .. 1
4
Astronomy or Botany
3 Astronomy 3
Astronomy or Botany ..
3
Geometry . . ...
4 Chemistry . .. .
3 French ... . . ..
3 Book-keeping 4
or Botany ..
4
Chemistry .. . .
3 Chemistry .... 3
Latin .. . . .
4 English .. . ..
3 Chemistry .. . .
3 |Chemistry .. . .
3
Latin ..
.
II.
Greek ... . . . ..
5 History . . . . ..
2 English . . . . .
3 |English: ... . . .
3
Greek ... .
History .. . ...
2
History ..... .
Englishı . .. . .
3 French ... .
History . . ..
English . . . . .. 3
French or .. {
3
German ...
3 |Com'l Law ... 2
History.
2 . . . or ... .. .
3|Drawing . . ...
1 Com'l Law .. . 2
History ..
German .. ..
Drawing . .. . .
1 Drawing ..... 1
German ..
3 Drawing .... 1
Drawing . . . . . 1
4
Latin . . . .
4
Biology . .
4
German. ...
.
Greek ..
French or .. {
3
Geology. .....
4
5
French ... .
3
English ... ...
2
Civil Gov . ... 3
German ...
History ..... . 2|Geometry .. )
3
History ..... . .
2
History .... .
Algebra .... 3
1 Banking and {
Drawing ..
1
Office Prac. S
3
Algebra ...
Drawing ... 1
Offic- Prac. . 53
Drawing . .. . . 1
Drawing .. ... 1
Latin
. 4 Adv. French. 3
Latin .. .. ..
4 Latin. ..
4
Germall. . . ..
3
Greek .
4
French ....
German .... ..
3
Greek . . 4 |French or ..
3 Coll. Physics. 3
French ... .
German .... 5
English . .. . .
3
.. or ....
.
1V.
German ....
English. . . . ·
3 Adv. Chem. )
Coll. Physics. 3 History .... .
2
Coll. Physics 3
History. ... ..
2 ..... or .....
4
English .. . .. .
English ...... 3
Adv. Chem . . 4 Civil Gov ... S
History ....
1
History .. .. ..
2
Drawing .....
1|Drawing ..... 1
Rhetoricals and Music one period a week each, and Gymnastics or Military Drill, 4 half periods per week, are prescribed for all. Length of periods, 45 minutes. The figures denote periods per week.
26
14
Latin ..
4
Latin .
·
Latin. . . .
4 German .. ..
Greek
4
French ....
Biology ...
German ...
English ... . . . .
3 History .. .....
2 Polit. Econ. .. 3
III.
German ....
English . ....
English . . . . .
3
Englishi. . . ..
Geometry .... 3
.... or ....
History . ....
Civil Gov.
2
History ... ..
Drawing ...
. 1 |Polit. Econ. )
Banking & {
Geometry ....
CONCO OU FF
French ..... ..
Geometry, Geology or U. S. History Stenography and
Typewriting
... or ....
3
German .... 1
History ......
English. . . . . ..
3
English .... .
325
.. . or ...
3 Coll. Physics. 3
German ....
Englislı .. .
3
. . . or ....
3
Coll. Physics 3 History ......
2
German. ...
3 Coll. Physics. English .. . . .
3
History ...
2
· ...
3
Adv. Chem. )
... or ....
. .
. .
2|Drawing .. . . .. Drawing .. ... .
4
Phy. Geo'phy. 3
I.
Physiology .... 2
2 History .. .....
2
Physiology . . . 2
Drawing ... .. 1
Geometry ... . Latin ..
4 Geometry .. . .
4|Geometry . ... 4
Astronomy (
3
or Botany ..
4 Chemistry . . .. Latin ..
French ... .. .
3 Stenography .. 4
English. ..... 3
English ... .
3 English . .. . . . . 3
2 History. . . . ... 2
German .... Drawing ..... 1
Algebra or Biology, or 3 U. S. History
French .
3 Stenography 4 and
French .. . .. / ... or ....
3 Typewriting
English .. . . . .
1
Adv. French. 3
Latin .
French ..... /
3| Adv. Chem ... 4 Polit. Econ. )
1
English ... .. .
History ... .... 2
3| English .. ....
3
History .......
Physiology ...
1
Physics . ...
English . ... . . 3
3 Physics .. .. ..
Algebra .... 5
Algebra ......
.... or .....
Drawing . .. . .
Algebra or { 3 History . ...
2 History . .. ... 2
27
II. INSTRUCTIONS TO TEACHERS IN REGARD TO CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.
CHICKEN-POX.
This disease is the mildest of eruptive fevers. It is very contagious and few children escape who are exposed to it. The disease begins about fifteen days after exposure, and usually lasts but one week. As it does not seriously incommode the patient, and never of itself en- dangers life, it is not necessary to exclude from school any except those who actually have the disease.
MUMPS.
This disease occurs chiefly in childhood and early manhood. It be- gins about fourteen days after exposure and continues from eight to ten days. In most cases the swelling occurs on both sides. If only one side has been affected the other side may be at some future time. The disease begins by a slight tenderness immediately under the lobule of the ear. This will be followed by a swelling in the same place.
As it requires twelve days from the time of exposure before the disease is manifest, all the children from the family should remain from school at least two weeks after the disease has disappeared, un- less the sick one has been entirely separated from the others.
WHOOPING COUGH.
This is a highly contagious disease and is usually contracted by in- haling the breath of the patient. Most cases occur between the ages of one and eight years, but cases occasionally occur in old people who have not been attacked previously. It cannot be carried by a third person, hence only those who actually have the disease need be kept out of school. It comes on about ten days after exposure.
As the breath is the principal source of contagion, children should not be allowed to return to school until they are entirely free from the spasmodic cough.
MEASLES.
A highly contagious disease usually taken through the air, though it may be communicated through the breath. It has sometimes been carried long distances upon articles of clothing and thus given to others. From ten to fourteen days elapse from the time of exposure to the commencement of the eruption, and the whole course of the disease is about two weeks. Pupils who have measles, and those in a family where measles have appeared, should not be allowed to return to school until two weeks after recovery.
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DIPHTHERIA.
This disease may be imparted to others by a person actually, or lately affected by it. It may also be carried by a person's clothing.
The germs of the disease may also enter the system through the air, through the food, or through the drinking water. It usually begins from two to eight days after exposure.
As soon as a case of diphtheria occurs in a family, all the children of that family should at once be excluded from school and none should be allowed to return until two weeks after the membrane has disap- peared from the throat, and then not until a thorough disinfection of the house and clothing.
SCARLET FEVER.
This disease occurs most frequently in young children, and is the most fatal of the contagious diseases. It usually shows itself from three to eight days after exposure. It is disseminated by exposure to patients and may be carried by clothing. Particular care should be taken about disinfecting the rooms in which the patients have been sick with this disease, and all articles of clothing that may have been exposed to contagion, before children should be allowed to return to school. In both diphtheria and scarlet fever school books that are in the rooms where these diseases exist should not be returned to school or used by the pupils, and if the pupil is taken sick in school his books should be destroyed. Health certificates must be required be- fore the pupil re-enters school.
III. GRADUATION EXERCISES OF HIGH SCHOOLS. NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, ODD FEL- LOWS OPERA HOUSE, EAST WEY MOUTH, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 30, 1897, AT 7.45 O'CLOCK. Class Motto: " Always Higher."
PROGRAMME.
OVERTURE, Orchestra INVOCATION.
SONG, "Soldiers' Chorus " from Gounod's "Faust"
School
Jennie F. Emerson SALUTATORY AND ESSAY, "Twice Told Tales"
CLASS HISTORY, . Ellen L. Reid ESSAY. "Opposition to Invention " Margaret Cleary ORATION, "Mohammedanism versus Modern Greece" Meritt Jenkins* ESSAY, "Two Passages of the Alps" Dora E. Smith *Excused.
29
DEBATE, " Resolved, That the United States Should Acquire More
Territory " Aff., Elizabeth H. Curley, Neg., Margaret E. Murphy RECITATION, "Connor" .
M. Alice Prentiss CLASS PROPHECIES, Margaret H. Dillworth, Annie R. Smith
ESSAY, "Eulogy on General Grant " H. Louise Tilden
ESSAY, "Poems of War" Emily A. Smith
VALEDICTORY Helen M. Curtis
SONG, " To Thee, O Country." Julius Eichberg
School
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS .- JOSEPH CHASE, JR.
CLASS ODE. WORDS BY FLORENCE E, PIERCE.
Comrades, battle glooms before us, Vague, uncertain clouds are o'er us ; And, afar, we hear uproarious, Even now its din. Ah! the fray grows thicker, And our hearts beat quicker To think that we So soon shall be Where lurid camp fires flicker.
Courage now ! unfurl our banner !
Dauntless hold it ! " Always Higher."
Firm of heart and strong of purpose,
Forward, Ninety-seven ! !
Comrades, march we on our foeman As, of old, advanced each yeoman, Yielding principle to no man, Thus a chaplet win. If swift death be near us, May our Father hear us, As we humbly pray That die we may, As those whose past deeds cheer us ! Courage now ! unfurl our banner ! Dauntless hold it ! " Always Higher." Firm of heart and strong of purpose, Forward, Ninety-seven ! !
Music
Orchestra
GRADUATES.
Classical.
Helen Margaret Curtis, Alberta Waldron Raymond, Annie Rebecca Smith,
Jennie Foster Emerson, Ellen Loretta Reid, Emily Aymar Smith.
Latin-English.
Margaret Cleary, Elizabeth Hayes Curley, Margaret Helen Dillworth,
Alice Condrick,
Herbert Edwin Curtis,
Meritt Jenkins,
30
George Leo Killory, Bernard Alexander O'Connor,
Mary Alice Prentiss,
Margaret Etta Murphy, Florence Elizabeth Pierce, Dora Elizabeth Smith,
Harriet Louise Tilden.
English.
Thomas Francis Ash,
Henry Charles Croker,
Frances Ellen Fahey,
Nellie Louise Hennessey,
John Joseph Keohan,
Belle Rena Newton,
John Hazard Noonan,
Mary Elizabeth Shea,
Margaret Jane Sullivan.
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL.
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE WEY- MOUTH SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL, AT FOGG'S OPERA HOUSE, SOUTH WEYMOUTH, TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 29, 1897, AT 7.45 O'CLOCK.
"Self-Conquest is the True Victory."
PROGRAMME.
OVERTURE Orchestra
SONG, High School Bells
School
Salutatory Louise C. Rockwood
Salutatory Essay, Life's Pleasures Anna M. Stetson. QUEER ACTS OF '97, "What Fools these Mortals be," Lena M. Beals READING, Mary Elizabeth,
SONG, Anchored
Mary E. White Chorus
RESOLVED That a lawyer should Defend a man who is guilty. Affirmative-I. D. Waterman, F. H. Sherman. Negative-G. L. Barnes, J. W. Clavin.
CLASS PROPHECY
, "Shew the things that are to come hereafter."
R. Cady Loud.
ESSAY AND VALEDICTORY, "Self-Conquest is the True Victory."
Hattie F. Gardner.
CLASS HYMN
Chorus
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS . Col. H. A. Thomas
Benediction.
Charles Henry Chubbuck, Harold Thaxter Drown,
Joseph Peter Hagerty,
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CLASS HYMN.
Music by Robert F. Raymond. Words by Anna M. Stetsou.
1
Life's portals open wide tonight, We on the threshold stand and gaze Far down the path that seems so bright. Then backward glance o'er happy days. We see the years that have passed away, So filled with recollections fond ; Dear memories that with us stay. To cheer us on the path beyond.
This untried path we all must tread, Nor should we falter by the way ; But by our Father's wisdom led. Go bravely on from day to day. Glad thoughts of friends and classmates dear, Will make the dullest hours seem bright': With courage to meet every fear. We'll labor onward for the right
GRADUATES OF '97. Latin-English Course.
Lena Marion Beals,
Reuben Cady Loud,
Anna Miriam Stetson,
John William Clavin, Louise Clifford Rockwood, Mary Ethel White.
English Course.
George Louis Barnes, Hattie Ford Gardner, Irville Dennett Waterman.
Francis Hewitt Sherman.
IV. GRADUATION EXERCISES OF GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
ATHENS.
JUNE 29, 1897, AT 2.30 P. M. Class Motto:
"Character is the Diamond That Cuts Every Other Stone."
SONG, "Spring's Bright Glances" School
CLASS EXERCISE, CIVICS 9th Grade
SONG, "The Pilgrim Fathers" School
RECITATION, "False Notions of Liberty" , James Scully
ESSAY, "Up in an Air-Ship" George Jenkins
RECITATION, "Claudius and Cynthia" . Agnes Miller
ESSAY, ""Getting a Right Start in Life" Mary Pitts
RECITATION, "Valley Forge"
Arthur Williams
32
ESSAY, "Some of the Natural Wonders of the U. S." RECITATION, "Independence Day, 1836" ESSAY, "Queen Victoria and the Jubilee"
SOLO, "Keep the Light in Heaven's Window" ESSAY, "Narrative of an Excursion" .
RECITATION, "The White Rose" ESSAY, "The Persecution of the Indian" RECITATION, "Resisting a Mother's Love"
ESSAY, "Self Reliance"
RECITATION, "The Leper"
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS, W. A. Drake SONG, Vesper Hymn School
Louis Seabury
Annie Pratt Mary Chubbuck Jessie Morrison Wesley Sampson Bridget Dwyer Herbert Libbey Anora McIsaac Bessie Poulin Crete Crockett
BATES.
WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1897, 3 P. M.
Motto-Nothing Ventured; Nothing Gained.
SONG, "Our Hearts are Light" . School
STORY OF EVANGELINE, Part I
Grace Frawley
66 Part II Bessie Raymond
SONG, "Spring's Bright Glances"
School
SELECTIONS FROM EVANGELINE Pupils RECITATION, "The Soldier Boy" Frieda Tirrell PIANO TRIO, Mabel Whitman, Jeanette Sherman, Florence Sargent RECITATION, "War Has Actually Begun" P. McCormick
EXERCISE, "Mock Trial"
Graduating Class
Judge-R. Burrell. Prosecuting Lawyer-J. Santry. Prisoner-L. Bates. Defending Lawyer-M. Flynn. Witnesses-M. Hol- brook, Frieda Tirrell, Florence Sargent, Bessie Raymond. SONG, "Music in the Air" School
RECITATION, "Kate Shelley"
Zoe Thomas
ESSAY, "Nothing Ventured ; Nothing Gained" Sadie McGrory SONG, "Isle of Beauty Farewell" School PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS . Col. Henry A. Thomas SONG, "America" School
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