USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1902 > Part 16
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The State assumes a certain share in the control of the schools, formulates laws for their guidance, and contributes money towards their support, on the ground that under a democratic form of government general education is necessary for the life and well-being of the State. It therefore demands the regular and punctual attendance of all children enrolled upon the school register, and recognizes no excuse for absence as valid, unless the cause be illness or emergency. Parents who allow their children to stay from school on any other excuse violate not only the state law, but the spirit of democracy as well.
The schools of Weymouth have been under my direction since September last, therefore this report of school work will refer only to the fall term.
The schools opened September 2, 1902, with nearly tweny-one hundred pupils and some sixty teachers, housed in nineteen build- ings. The schoolhouses generally presented a neat and clean ap- pearance, and were in good repair.
A general teachers' meeting was held during the first week, at which plans of work were submitted. Meetings of the teachers by grades followed, in which the details of the work were arranged. The teachers have taken up the work with an earnestness and loyalty that argues well for a successful year.
General meetings of the teachers are held monthly in the High School building at 4 P. M. To these meetings the public are cor- dially invited. Following is a list of the dates and speakers :
Nov. 11, 1902 -Superintendent Elmer E. Sherman.
Dec. 16, 1902 .- Dr. W. A. Drake.
Jan. 27, 1903 .- Superintendent A. J. Jacoby of Milton.
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Feb. 24, 1903 .- Teachers of Weymouth. Mar. 13, 1903 .- Henry T. Bailey, State Board.
Apr. 7, 1903 .- Dr. John T. Prince, West Newton.
DRAWING.
Until last September no systematic teaching of drawing had been attempted in our schools. At that time the services of Miss Annie A. Robinson were secured for one day each week to direct the work in drawing below the High School. Her thorough train- ing and experience render her a most efficient supervisor, and under her direction the pupils have made rapid progress in this most important subject.
Drawing, as now taught, aims to train the eye to observe and the hand to execute. The power thus gained will be useful in any trade or occupation which may engage the pupil in the future. In addition, the sense of beauty in form and in color is developed, giving the individual thus trained a means of enjoyment which will bring him much happiness through life. The school should aim to give its graduates ability to earn their bread and butter, and also to help them to be happy. A really happy person is never a bad citizen. It is sometimes forgotten that the soul as well as the mind and body should be fed, if true happiness is to be found.
Some children possess natural talent in artistic expression, and such pupils discover themselves and become encouraged to pre- pare for earning a livelihood in one of the many lines now open to the draughtsman, designer, or illustrator.
Technical schools, including normal schools, require drawing, and high school students preparing for those schools should have drawing. To offer the proper course in drawing at the High School will require the services of the special teacher for another day each week.
LANGUAGE.
Especial emphasis is being laid upon the study and practice of English. The ability to write a good business or friendly letter, with all that it involves, is one aim of our instruction. Another is the endeavor to train the pupil to speak his mother-tongue cor- rectly, distinctly and agreeably. Still another object is to culti- vate the pupil's taste for good reading and to direct him where to look for real literature. The ability to write and speak English easily and correctly will aid in earning a livelihood, while the use
11
and appreciation of the best literature will broaden the informa- tion and open to the individual the joys of a higher life.
MATHEMATICS.
The aim sought in the teaching of this subject is two-fold, in- cluding accuracy and facility in figures and the power to recog- nize and adjust relations in problems. Much drill with small numbers aids the first, and mental work developes the second. To this end prominence is given to mental arithmetic and to oral explanation, followed by individual, unaided work upon problems involving similar principles. The high school mathematics are being thoroughly taught, and the scholar here finds the clearer comprehension of the science in its principles and relations which his more mature mind and the form of the subject enable him to grasp.
IN GENERAL.
Throughout the school course the work in language, mathe- matics and drawing is being emphasized. Neatness in all lines of work, industry and courtesy of conduct are encouraged.
These are some of our aims. The degree of success which we achieve will depend upon the hearty co-operation of all -the public, the school authorities, the teachers, and the pupils.
Those parents who keep their children regularly and punctually at school and who manifest sympathy and interest in the work do much to encourage teachers and pupils, and aid more than they realize in making the schools a success.
To the great body of voters and taxpayers the cost of our schools seems sometimes a burden heavy to bear. But if we can remember that we are just as truly defending our country and perpetuating her institutions when we pay our school tax as when we contribute toward the support of army and navy in destructive warfare, we can do it with patriotic devotion. We can work earnestly, cheerfully and to the best of our ability when, through our children, we are building for the future.
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY.
Your careful attention is requested to the following plan of high school work. It is believed to be sufficiently elastic to meet the requirements not only of those who are fitting for higher in- stitutions of learning, but for the far greater number who con- clude their school life with the high school.
WEYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL-PLAN OF WORK.
GRADE X, FIRST YEAR.
GRADE XI, SECOND YEAR.
GRADE XII, THIRD YEAR.
GRADE XIII, FOURTH YEAR.
English required. Elect three additional courses.
English required. Elect three additional courses.
English required. Elect three additional courses.
English required. Elect
three additional courses.
1. Mathemat-
ics, IV.
Adv. Algebra.
1. Mathemat-
Algebra, ele. ics I. Physics, ele. 2. Science IT. / Astronomy. Chemistry, ele.
2. Science I. Geology,
Botany. 3.
History II. Medæval.
3. History III. English. 3. Science IVb. § Physiology. Zoology. 12
3. History I. Ancient. 4. Business I. Bookkeeping Commercial Geography.
4. Business IIa. Stenography. 4. Business § Stenography.
IIIa. Com. Law.
4. History IV. -
United States.
Civil
Government.
5. English I.
5. Business IIb. S Typewriting. 5. Com. Arith.
Typewriting
6. Latin I.
6. English II. 6. English III.
6. English IVb. College.
7. Latin II. 8. French I.
7. Latin III.
7. Latin IV.
8. French II.
9. German I.
9. German II.
8. French III. 9. German III.
1. Mathematics II. Geometry. 1. Mathemat - j Solid Geometry ics III. Trigonometry. 2. Science Adv. Chemistry.
2.
Science III. Physics.
IVa.
~
Business IIIb. Banking.
5. English IVa. Literature.
GENERAL NOTES.
a. A diploma is given upon the completion of sixteen full one-year courses.
b. Special permission must be obtained to take less than four courses each year.
c. A pupil may elect a suject from a grade lower than his own.
d. All elections must be subject to the conditions of the daily program.
e. Those fitting for higher institutions must elect to satisfy their demands.
f. A class will not be formed in a given subject unless a sufficient number elect that subject. Greek may be offered if a sufficient number desire it.
g. All elections must be approved by the Principal.
h. A pupil may receive a certificate for courses successfully completed at any time he may be obliged to leave school.
¿. Throughout the four years music and rhetoricals are required, unless the pupil is excused by the special teacher and superintendent. Gymnastics are required, unless the student is excused by a physician's certificate.
j. The Principal and the Superintendent will be pleased to confer with parents and pupil concerning choice of studies. On or before June 1 all pupils in the High School, and those in the Ninth Grade are requested to hand in their lists of studies . for the following year.
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To the Parent .- Kindly indicate by a cross (X), placed before the number of the course in the above plan of work, the courses elected. A good general course for those who do not expect to go beyond the High School would be as follows : First year, Courses 1-2-3-5; Second year, 1 or 2,-3-6-8 or 9; Third year, 2-3-6-8 or 9; Fourth year, 3-4-5-8 or 9.
I wish
to take the studies marked with a cross (X).
Signature of Pupil.
Signed :
Signature of Parent or Guardian
Date of Birth.
Approved :
Signature of Principal.
Date of Entrance.
Weymouth, Mass.,
190
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RECOMMENDATIONS.
Two changes which seem practicable as tending towards in- creased efficiency and a reduction in the running expenses are : First, the closing and the transferring of the River and Adams schools in Ward One and the Thomas school in Ward Five to the central schools.
The River school numbers about fifteen pupils, for whom there is ample room in the present classes of the Athens building. The Adams school numbers a few more, but all could be accommo- dated in the Athens without increasing the number of teachers now there. This would remove the expense of two teachers and the cost of running the two small buildings, while the cost of transportation, where distance might render necessary, would be comparatively small.
About the same explanation would do for the Thomas school. The primary school at South Weymouth is too large, and when the April class comes in will have to be divided. If the Thomas school were closed that teacher could take charge of one division of the central school, otherwise an additional teacher will have to be employed.
Second, the combining of the upper grammar classes in Wards Four and Five in one building.
At present there are small eighth and ninth grade classes of from six to a dozen pupils each in the Shaw School at Nash and the Pratt School near Porter, reciting in rooms containing several other classes, where the teacher can give them but a fraction of her time. These pupils, if brought together with those of the Bates School, South Weymouth, would admit of one class to a teacher, and all would enjoy equal advantages in preparation for high school. This arrangement would enable some to save a year in preparation, and all would be better able to take up high school work, instead of, through no fault of theirs, spending a year at the high school getting ready to do full work, or, worse yet, dropping out discouraged. Education per capita is much more expensive in the high than in the lower grades, ar it is poor economy to have pupils spending time in the high school gaining power which they should have acquired in the lower grades.
This plan would require the use of all the rooms in the Howe
15
School at South Weymouth and necessitate some other arrange- ment for heating that building.
Your attention is called to the following appendices.
Respectfully submitted, ELMER E. SHERMAN, Superintendent of Schools.
1
APPENDICES.
I. Report of Principal of High School.
Mr. E. E. Sherman, Superintendent of Schools :
DEAR SIR : -- I herewith submit my seventh annual report of the Weymouth High School :
The school opened in September with an enrollment of two hundred fifty pupils and has since been increased to two hundred fifty-two, divided as follows : Seniors, seven boys, twenty-six girls; juniors, fifteen boys, twenty-eight girls ; sophomores, thirty-one boys, forty-two girls ; freshmen, forty-one boys, sixty- two girls. A large number enter the school in September who have absolutely no intention of remaining more than a few weeks, and now-February first-the entering class numbers ninety.
The accompanying table will show the number of pupils enter- ing the High School from the different grammar schools :
Graduated from Grammar School June, 1902.
Entered High School September, 1902
SCHOOL.
Boys.
Girls.
Boys.
Girls.
Total Graduated.
Total Entered.
Athens
11
5
9
5
16
14
Bates
8
11
5
10
19
15
Franklin
22
26
17
23
48
40
Hunt
8
19
7
16
27
23
Pratt
1
4
3
5
3
Shaw
1
2
1
1
3
2
Not inc'd in above
2
4
6
118
103
Average age of entering class, 14 years, 11 months.
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The class which graduated from the High School in June num- bered thirty-eight-fourteen boys, twenty-four girls. Of this class, so far as I have learned, nineteen entered higher institu- tions, four, business schools, and a majority of the remainder have obtained some kind of office employment.
The per cent. of our graduates who enter college is one of which we may justly feel proud.
Although the fact has been repeated at every possible oppor- tunity there are people in town who do not know that we fit for college. We now have graduates of our school in Harvard, Rad- cliffe, Brown, Dartmouth, Mt. Holyoke, Tufts, Boston Uni- versity, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Simmons, and one Western college. The semester reports sent out by some of these colleges report our boys and girls as doing good work and showing a creditable fit.
Of those enrolled in the three lower classes in June, seven failed of promotion and twenty-three were promoted with condi- tions in one or more subjects.
Both teachers and pupils were very sorry to learn toward the close of the last school year that the school would be unable to retain Miss Magay for another year. Miss Magay came to Wey- mouth in the spring of 1898. Her specialty was French, but her success as an instructor in any subject is attested to by all who have been in her class room. It is very unfortunate that the town is unable to keep such teachers on its force.
At the opening of school this year a few changes were made in the course of study. French was offered as an elective in the second year and Solid Geometry in the third year. Both were taken advantage of by a number of pupils. I have little to say in regard to our course of study in addition to what I have said in previous reports. The requirements for entrance to college have become so much more liberal in recent years that a course which will now meet those requirements will at the same time offer a very acceptable general course.
The New England College Entrance Certificate Board, of which nine colleges are now members, was organized during the past year, and now only such schools as are approved by this board are allowed to send their graduates to these colleges by certificate. This will finally render void most of our present certificate privileges, and I have made application to have
18
our school placed upon the list of schools approved by this board.
The question of lunches mentioned in my last report has been partially met by the establishment of a lunch counter where hot drinks and wholesome food may be obtained, and thus far it ap- pears to be quite popular.
Athletics have become such a part of every high school that it has been found necessary for various reasons to place them under the control of the school authorities. We have for the past five years attempted to control in a general way what our high school teams have done in this line by requiring them to elect a manager and treasurer from among the teachers. A high school team should represent the school and should be made up solely of high school pupils, and those pupils only who are in the school first of all for an education and who are doing creditable work in every subject. Our attempt to control athletics has been met by the best neighboring schools in a similar spirit. The end and aim of athletics in the high school is lost if it does not promote an honest and manly spirit among boys. But the good to be ob- tained can be increased still further by greater interest and encouragement on the part of the public. Our greatest drawback is the need of a suitable athletic field somewhere near the school building.
In closing I wish to attest to the faithful and earnest work of all my assistants and to thank you for your interest, and through you the School Committee for their support.
Yours truly,
E. J. BUGBEE.
II. Graduating Exercises.
HIGH SCHOOL.
High School building, Weymouth Center, Thursday afternoon, June 19, 1902, at 2.30 o'clock.
CLASS MOTTO :
" The Secret of Success is True Constancy to Purpose."
PROGRAM.
Music.
Invocation
Rev. Henry C. Alvord School
Chorus, "Bridal Chorus"
.
Salutatory Address
.
.
Carlton M. Soule
-
19
Address by Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer.
Valedictory Address M. Evangeline Martel Chorus, "The Lost Chord" School
Presentation of Diplomas.
Class Ode
Class
Benediction
Rev. Ralph J. Haughton
CLASS ODE.
Words by Mary Blanchard.
Music arranged from Johnson.
We come at last to parting days, And ties so dear we now must sever, But sweet it is to sing their praise Whose memory grows bright forever. Where'er our future paths may lead, However dark our way or bright, We all shall try in word and deed To act in life our part aright.
CHORUS. A song we'll sing-a parting song- Of bright days past and those to be ; And while our thoughts so sweetly throng We all shall sing, dear school, of thee.
Dear friends and teachers, kind and true, To other scenes and work we go, But loving hearts will turn to you, What e'er bright gifts our lives bestow. May mem'ries sweet of our school days, Bide long with us, bide long with you ; And e'en throughout life's doubtful ways Remain a joy to us, to you.
CHORUS.
GRADUATES Classical.
Mary Blanchard, Teresa Beatrice Conroy. Marion Louise Ford. Catherine Agnes Fraher. Lucy Alice French. Elizabeth Mary Lane.
Myron Leslie Bailey. Lewis Beals Bates. John Rufus Bruce. Ellen Loretta Coffey. Thomas Michael Connell. Alice Mildred Nash.
Jessie Maria Loud Marie Evangeline Martel. Dorothy Florence Nash. Mabel Snsan Nash. Elizabeth Glenn Snyder. Marjorie Wentworth. Latin. Joseph Thomas Smith. Carlton Manson Soule. Fransanna Stowell. Lottie Richmond Tirrell. Georgianna Louise White. Joseph John White.
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Caroline Eleanor Briggs. Frank Wallis Crawford. Cornelius Francis Duffy. Ethel Porter Gay. Mary Ellen Hannafin. Lillian Florence Keene. Joseph Edward Lane.
Marie Evangeline Martel. Marjorie Wentworth.
English. Margaret Madaline Leary. Thomas Francis Leary. Charles Bernard Mitchell Ruthie Frances Nadell. Franklin Nathan Pratt. William David Taylor. Stanley Thurston Torrey.
HONOR LIST. Carlton Manson Soule. Lottie Richmond Tirrell.
RECEPTION OF GRADUATES, CLASS OF 1902.
PROGRAM.
Quartet, " "Tis Morn" Ruthie F. Nadell, Jessie M. Loud, Fransanna Stowell, M. Evangeline Martel.
Class History Quartet, " Serenade." Class Prophesies Myron L. Bailey, Lewis P. Bates
Marjorie Wentworth .
Class Ode . .
Class
List of Grammar School Graduates, June, 1902.
HUNT SCHOOL.
Annie Mae Garrity. Nellie Gertrude Lane.
Dora Lane Cate. Mary Louise Smith. Florence Hawkins Walsh.
Mary Ellen McCarthy. Lillian Gertrude Dunton. Alice Mae Nash. Florence Mae Downton. Mary Josephine Liberty.
James Bradley Hyland.
Katherine Anastasia Brennock.
Mary Casey. Margaret Helen Curley. Nellie Francis McCarthy.
Roger Perkins Loud. Leo James Ford. Edwin Chester Wright ..
Lonise Marie Burns. Louise Alice Martell.
Avis Louise Frary.
Thomas Francis Hennessey. Franklin Pray Whitten. George Thomas Dowd.
Florence Catherine Redday. Lottie L. Williams.
Michael Joseph Griffin.
Mae L. Adamson, Nettie F. Carrell, Effie M. Holbrook, Florence B. Lawler, Sarah J. Vining Ruth M. Wright,
BATES SCHOOL. Elsie I. Blanchard, M. Alice Hackett, Margaret P. Howe, M. Arabel Vining, Lillian M. Woodbury, Charles F. Brown,
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Ralph A. Denbroeder, P. Bernard Healy, Charles H. Leary,
Clara L. Poole, Bessie F. Poole,
Inez Prentiss, Lena Pitts,
Theresa Embree,
Ralph Tirrell,
Sydney Beane, Arthur Patrick, Jack Barnard,
H
Edna Sladen, Mary Lane,
Ernest Torrey,
Carlton Tyler,
Carl Bradford,
Willis Keene, Henry Thibodeau,
Bernard Ruggles.
SHAW SCHOOL. Gertrude M. Holbrook, Mary A. Mahoney.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Daniel Reidy, Jr.
Mabelle Reed Fairbanks.
Katherine Theresa Smith.
Mary Josephine McCarthy.
Preston Wallace Joy.
Myra Rogers Blanchard.
Guenever Florence Burrell. Karl Tirrell.
Mary Alice Healy.
Katherine Meuse. Newman Page.
Benjamin Henry Hunt.
Florence Alberta Bartlett.
Cora Frances Loring. Walter Theodore Cronin.
Ralph Elbert Mitchell.
Mabelle Frances Cushing.
Mabel Richards Spear. Arthur Francis Rolf. Walter Seymour Jordan. George Merton Adams, Jr. Mary McIntosh Powers. Irene Agatha Fraser.
Edward E. Conathan. Mary Alice Kelley. Charles Parnell Reidy.
John Conathan. Loys White. Helen Gertrude Tonry.
Thomas Henry Ryan. Henry Walton Bailey. Winton Pollock Darling. Abbie Lyons. William Daly Corcoran. Charline Smith Stowell. Ellen Frances Noonan.
LeRoy Thomas Whiting.
Lillian Agnes Delory. Percival Francis Hutchinson. Helen Louise Griffin, Ellen Catherine Looney. Bertha Foster Cunningham. Frederick Purchase, Jr. Dennis Augustine Moran. Gertrude Maria Jordan.
James D. Dondero, Arthur B. Howe, Laurence W. Sears, Carl C. Sherman.
PRATT SCHOOL. Ruth M. French, Clara M. Blanchard, Alphonso S. Hall.
ATHENS SCHOOL.
Kenneth L. Nash,
Mary Agnes Nugent. Mildreth Lovell Bates.
Mildred Frances Gardner.
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III. Report of Music Teacher.
Mr. E. E. Sherman, Superintendent of Schools,
DEAR SIR :- In compliance with your request relative to the condition of musical study in our schools, I respectfully submit the following report :
The general theory upon which the pupils are being trained is fundamental in the study of music. It includes the diligent care of the voice, oral and written dictation, melody writing, individual singing, and what is quite important to make the training more efficient, furnishing to each teacher an outline of work for in- struction.
The year has been marked in all the schools by progressive study. The discipline has been excellent, both teachers and pu- pils co-operating earnestly in bringing about a higher degree of proficiency. The result has been that the scholars show a marked improvement in quality of tone and ability to sing to the proper pitch. The voices of the boys between the ages of twelve and fifteen require careful training. While they are unable to con- tribute much to the quality of tone, they are required to give careful attention to the instruction imparted, and have a definite comprehension of its meaning.
I desire to make special mention of the work accomplished in the High School. The discipline, interest and good feeling re- vealed by the class while assembled for musical study, de- serves special commendation. While the boys are making steady and in many instances, rapid progress in their studies, and displaying an unprecedented interest in their work, the incom- pact arrangement of the seats, though comfortable while receiving instruction, cover too much space and keep the pupils too far apart to get the best results in singing.
If we could have a spacious platform on which the entire school could be compactly seated, it would be possible, and with consid- erable profit to the school, to give at least two concerts each year. By this means a sufficient sum could soon be raised to purchase a grand piano (much needed at present) besides paying for all the music which might be used.
Lack of space will prevent my speaking in a comparative way of the work done in the different rooms. Suffice it to say that the
23
results achieved in a thoroughly graded school are much more satisfactory than those in which the gradation is but partial.
I sincerely hope that it may be found possible this year for various schools to unite in their graduating exercises. If such a plan commends itself to your judgment, I would suggest that the Pratt, Bates and Shaw Schools unite for this purpose, while the Athens, Franklin and Hunt Schools do the same. Such a union would add materially to the interest of these occasions to both pupils and parents, and permit the Supervisor to take charge of the music at all the graduating exercises.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Superintendent and School Committee for their loyal support, and to the teachers of the various schools for their cordial co-operation in working out the plans of study which I have outlined.
Respectfully submitted,
A. J. SIDELINGER, Supervisor of Music.
IV. Report of Drawing Teacher.
To Mr. E. E. Sherman :
DEAR SIR: - The course of study which has been used this year was designed to meet the highest needs of the subject and offer assistance in the teaching of other school studies. The aim of such a course is best expressed by these words of William Morris : "What I want to do is to put definitely before you a cause for which to strive. That cause is the democracy of art, the ennobling of daily and common work, which will one day put hope and pleasure in the place of fear and pain as the forces which move men to labor and keep the world a-going."
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