USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1848-1874 > Part 10
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repairs unless the Committee had control of the whole building. The hall over this school room has been used during the past winter for a private school, and we found that the necessary noise of classes overhead, passing to and from recitations, and the unnecessary noise of scuffling, throwing stones against the door, and making uncouth sounds in the entry and under the windows, was a source of disturbance which should be avoided. If it is important to have a graded school in that part of the town, let the present room be sold, and a suitable building erected in a more favorable locality.
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SCHOOLS.
The disordered condition of the town for some time past, on the school question, has had, and will for a longer or shorter time, continue to exert a prejudicial influence on the schools. Some, we could perceive, were very much affected by it, while others were nearly free from the infection. We give a brief account of the several schools, as follows :-
The UNION SCHOOL, composed principally of the larger schol- ars from the Harbor, Common, and Willow street schools, was continued three months, in winter, under the tuition of Mr. Charles E. Brown, of Watertown. This school suffered much from the influences previously alluded to, viz. the occupation of the hall overhead, and the unsettled school question. Although formerly so large, it numbered only thirty-nine this winter. Mr. Brown was a young man of good character, energetic, fond of his employment, and had some practical experience. This ren- dered him an efficient teacher, even under the adverse circum- stances he had to contend with. The school commenced with but few scholars, and additions were made each week for six consecutive weeks, or the entire first half of the term. This breaks in very much upon the progress of the scholars, as whole classes are often retarded to accommodate a single delinquent. There was evidently much improvement on the part of some scholars, but the standard of scholarship is low to what it should be. The first class in Reading was very good, as were also the classes in Arithmetic and Grammar. Recitations in Geography were less correct and prompt than we ought to expect. The discipline was good, and on the whole we had reason to be pleased with the school.
The HARBOR SCHOOL was taught, in the summer term, eleven weeks by Miss Mary F. Reed, and nine weeks by Miss Ellen L. Reed; and in the winter, twelve weeks by Miss Margarette J. Stewart. This school was somewhat interrupted during the summer. The teacher's health was impaired, and doubtless, in consequence of this, the condition of affairs was not what we could have wished. At the close of the vacation, finding her- self unable to go on, she resigned her position, which was filled
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by removing her sister from the Greenbush School to this. This teacher gave better satisfaction here than in Greenbush, but her inexperience and lack of energy will not allow us to rank her among the best. Our hopes for this school were not fully realized. The winter term would hardly be recognized as belonging to the same school. Miss S. takes a high rank as teacher, and did much for its improvement, but much more re- mains to be done. We hope she may be retained till it takes the rank it ought. The recitations were fair, but not quite equal to some others. Those who have commenced to cipher, should still study mental Arithmetic, for no scholar can excel in written, who has not thoroughly mastered oral Arithmetic.
The School on the Common was continued through the year, under the care of Miss Harriet A. Curtis. Although primary in its character, this is, on the whole, we think, our best school. Single classes in other schools may, perhaps, equal or exceed this school in reading; but the average will be below. The recita- tions are characterized by promptness and correctness ; the voices are up to the proper pitch and power, and the general order is good. This school has not suffered so much from a frequent change of teachers as some others, and the excellence attained, we hope, will be carried towards perfection in succeeding terms by the same successful teacher.
The WILLOW STREET SCHOOL has been instructed, through- out the year, by Miss Georgie M. Clapp. The teacher las evi- dently tried hard to succeed, but the standard of the school is not up to that of the other primary schools. The lessons were well recited when we were present, and we have reason to be- lieve this was generally the case; but the closing examinations showed a deficient memory on the part of the pupils. Two or three disorderly ones evidently cause the teacher some trouble, and materially affect the general order of the school. We hope constant care and labor will bring this school up to the rank it should hold.
The EGYPT SCHOOL. In summer, Miss Eliza A. Jenkins had the care of this school, and in winter, Miss Augusta C. Litchfield, both approved teachers. There was nothing marked about the summer term, save a gradual progress in most branches. If we except any branch, we should say that instruction in reading was a little neglected; but this was made up by extra care in
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winter. One class deserves notice, from the fact that, unlike others, they were willing to go on with the study of Maps, after having been once or twice through the Geography, thus glean- ing much information, and fixing in their minds former lessons. This will be, in future, a source of pleasure and profit which will amply repay them for the time spent. If all parents would imitate the conduct of some in this section, there would be less trouble in schools. The teacher, at the close of the winter term, remarked to the Committee, "I thought of applying to you to remove two or three of the large boys to other schools, fearing trouble from them, but am glad I did not, as their attendance has been rather a source of pleasure than otherwise." Such was the effect of parental influence.
The NECK SCHOOL was taught, in summer, by Miss Maria Ja- cobs, of South Scituate, the teacher of the former summer, and in winter, by Miss Lucretia T. Hatch. Miss J., with her previous experience in this school, was prepared to go into her work effectually, and the school advanced with rapid strides. The Committee were prepared, from frequent calls, for the success of the closing examination ; but other visitors were (to use their own words,) " surprised and astonished at the progress of one term." The winter term was but a continuation of the pros- perity of the summer season, and the satisfaction given may be known from the fact that the Committee have been applied to, to send the same teacher there for the next term. The first class is composed of some fine scholars, though there has been perhaps a more marked improvement in the second class, as they were at the beginning farther from a high standard. Some scholars might be mentioned who have exceeded the most san- guine expectations of their friends. But it is enough to say that some of our schools must look to their laurels, or the Neck School will take the lead.
The NORTH MAIN STREET SCHOOL was under the tuition of Miss Harriet R. Ellms, of South Scituate, in summer, and George C. Lee, Esq., in winter. Miss E. had never taught, except a small private school, but her scholarship and general appearance gave us reason to believe she would succeed in this school; nor were we disappointed. The appearance was gen- erally satisfactory, the greatest fault being a low, rapid utter- ance in reading, and indistinctness in answering questions,
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notwithstanding the good example of the teacher. Some otherwise fine scholars appeared to disadvantage on account of this fault. There were a few exceptions. The usual prosperity of the winter term was interrupted the last few weeks by the appearance of the varioloid in the neighborhood, which induced many to take their children from school. After a successful career of some twenty terms, the teacher continues to meet the approbation of all who are interested.
The GREENBUSH SCHOOL was under the care of Miss Ellen L. Reed eleven weeks, and Miss Mary L. Manson nine weeks, in summer, and Mr. Charles B. Phillips, of Marshfield, in win- ter. The summer term could hardly be called successful. Miss Reed was inexperienced, and there existed a prejudice against her, and upon the occurrence of a vacancy at the Harbor, it was deemed expedient to remove her to that locality. Miss Man- son was a fine scholar, and fresh from school, but being young and inexperienced, the discipline was not equal to our hopes. With this knowledge of her deficiency, she would probably do better another time. Mr. Phillips was energetic, and the school, under his supervision, showed decided marks of progress. Here are two or three of the best scholars in town, though the gen- eral tone of the whole is not above the average. One marked feature is the number of boys that study Grammar; more than in all the other schools. We regret to say there have been some unpleasant and disorderly scenes enacted, but we hope for better things in the future.
The CENTRE SCHOOL was under the instruction of Miss De- borah N. Hatch, in summer, and Mr. Thomas T. Bailey, in winter. This is a difficult school. The Report of 1852 says : " Good mental and moral qualifications, and even previous suc- cess, to an unusual degree, cannot always secure against a fail- ure ;" and this remark will apply with equal force at the present time. The former success of Miss H. led us to hope she would be able to bring the pupils into good condition, and she succeeded, perhaps, as well as any teacher would have done, but there can be no permanent reform till the parents take a proper stand. While parents continue to speak disrespectfully of the teacher ; allow their children to study or not, as they please ; giving them leave of absence when lessons are a little difficult ; encourage them in insubordination; applaud them
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when they resist the authority of the teacher; and remove them from school if they are punished for breaking known rules, they can never expect the school to rank with those where the parents "speak not of the teacher but to praise." Both summer and winter terms suffered from such causes. Well would it be if the injury inflicted could be confined to the children of such parents, but it extends to the children of those who cooperate with the teacher, and exerts a baneful influence which their united efforts cannot entirely overcome.
The GROVE STREET SCHOOL was under the tuition of Miss Lucretia T. Hatch, in summer, and Mr. Frederick W. Clapp, of South Scituate, in winter. This school was behind most others when it commenced, but made commendable pro- gress. The teacher seemed to take the right course to insure improvement, and but for an undue prejudice against her, the advancement would, doubtless, have been greater. The teacher, in winter, was young and inexperienced, but brought to the work a large amount of energy, and a determination to do his best. This school is the largest in town, but not so difficult to govern as some. The closing examination showed visible im- provement. The amount passed over was not large, but was thoroughly done.
The WEST SCHOOL was taught, in summer, by Miss Nancie W. Damon, and in winter, by Miss Nancy B. Tingley. The teacher in summer was young, and although a fine scholar, we had some misgivings about appointing her; but the result was better than our fears, and the term successful. The standard of this school is low, and needs much exertion to elevate it. An unusual uneasiness on the part of the scholars led us to suppose there must be a local cause, and an examination convinced us that the trouble was in the construction of the seats, the front edge being elevated to such a degree that none could touch their feet to the floor. We had them brought to a proper level by reducing the height of the front two inches. The winter term commenced well, and bid fair to do credit to teacher and scholar. We think the school prospered, though we regret to add that an accident, disabling the teacher two days before the close, prevented an examination.
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REMARKS.
While we can report a small increase of the number of chil- dren between five and fifteen years of age, there being last May four hundred and thirty-six, yet the aggregate and average attendance continues to decrease. Since the Report, two years ago, there has been a falling off in the aggregate attendance, of eighty-four in summer, and forty in winter, and in the average attendance, of thirty-seven in summer, and forty-four in winter. This is an evil which is beyond the power of the teachers to remedy. It would not be saying too much, perhaps, to say, that one-half the money we raise for schools, is expended uselessly, owing to the absence and tardiness of scholars ; and parents should see to it that their children attend constantly and punctually. During the past year about five-sixteenths of the time has been lost by absence, and the aggregate tardiness would increase this. Add to this the loss of time occasioned by delaying classes for absentees, and you will see that the above statement is none too strong.
The amount of money ($1500) raised for the support of schools is much less than it should be, and we were enabled to keep the schools thirty-two weeks, only by hiring teachers at low wages; the average wages of the female teachers being less than in any town in the county, the previous year, and nearly five dollars less than the average for the county. We are glad that a more liberal amount has been raised for the coming year.
With sincere wishes that past difficulties may be settled, and all unite in the endeavor to forward the cause of education, morality, and religion, this Report is
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS T. BAILEY, GEORGE M. ALLEN, THOMAS CLAPP,
School Committee of Scituate.
SCITUATE, March, 1860.
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SUMMER SCHOOLS.
NAME OF SCHOOL.
NAME OF TEACHER.
Length of
School, in
months.
Wages of
Teacher per
Amount of
Number of
Scholars.
A verage
Attendance.
Per cent. of
Attendance.
Number
under five
Number
over fifteen
years.
Harbor,
Mary F. Reed,
22
$12 00
$33 00 2
46
35
76
4
Harbor,
Ellen L. Reed,
24
12 00
27 00 S
70 00
36
26
71
1
Common,
Georgie M. Clapp,
5
12 00
60 00
40
29
72
3
Willow Street,
Eliza A. Jenkins,
5
14 00
70 00
20
17
85
1
1
Egypt, .
Maria Jacobs,
5
14 00
70 00
27
22
82
2
Neck, .
Harriet R. Ellms,
5
12 00
60 00
37
27
73
North Main Street,
Ellen L. Reed,
23
12 00
33 00
28
21
75
1
2
Greenbush,
Mary L. Manson,
24
12 00
27 00 S
70 00
41
31
76
2
2
Centre,
Lucretia T. Hatch,
44
14 00
66 50
42
31
72
1
Grove Street,
Nancie W. Damon,
5
12 00
60 00
36
27
75
1
1
West, . .
Total,
494
$646 50
353
266
75
16
6
WINTER
SCHOOLS.
Union,
Charles E. Brown,
3
$40 00
$120 00
39
28
73
24
Margarette J. Stewart,
3
16 00
48 00
45
35
79
Harbor, .
Harriet A. Curtis,
3
16 00
48 00
31
24
77
1
Common,
·
Georgie M. Clapp,
3
16 00
48 00
31
24
77
Willow Street,
Augusta C. Litchfield,
3
16 00
48 00
24
21
87
2
2
Egypt, .
Lucretia T. Hatch,
3
20 00
60 00
21
19
90
1
Neck, :
George C. Lee, .
3
30 00
90 00
43
32
75
2
North Main Street,
Charles B. Phillips,
3
28 00
84 00
31
26
83
3
Greenbush, .
Thomas T. Bailey, .
3
30 00
90 00
38
26
68
2
Centre, .
Frederick W. Clapp, .
3
30 00
90 00
52
44
84
7
Grove Street,
Nancy B. Tingley, .
3
16 00
48 00
47
38
81
3
5
West, . .
Total,
33
$ 774 00
402
317
79
6
46
·
·
·
Greenbush, .
Deborah N. Hatch,
5
14 00
.
S
.
·
·
5
14 00
month.
Wages.
years.
-
Harriet A. Curtis,
.
REPORT.
IN conformity to a statute of the Commonwealth, the School Committee of Scituate hereby submit to the town the follow- ing brief Report : -
By the resignation of Mr. Thomas T. Bailey, immediately after the annual March meeting, a vacancy was made in the Board of School Committee. The Selectmen and School Committee accordingly met and elected in his stead Mr. ED- WIN YOUNG.
The neglect of the town to choose Prudential Committees, left us unembarrassed in the appointment of teachers ; and we entered the year with increased labors. These labors were performed cheerfully, however, in the belief that it would conduce to the best interests of the schools. The town must be very generally convinced that local committees are of but little if any use. The success of the past year seems to offer the clearest evidence in favor of this theory. We believe . the district system should not be revived ; and would there- fore recommend the town to leave the entire control of the schools in the hands of a Superintending Committee, - not that we would arrogate to ourselves greater power or larger emoluments, - but because it is plainly the best and simplest system. If, under this arrangement, the majority become dissatisfied with the administration, each annual election will afford an opportunity to express their wishes by the ballot- box.
" There are," says the Report of East Bridgewater, " ten Prudential Committees, which are changed every spring. Each of these ten Committee men will have his peculiar ideas or notions respecting education. A part of the number will possess a good common education, and another part will not be particularly enlightened. But whatever their views may be, whether narrow or liberal, their action is controlled by them. But the next year ten very different men are chosen,
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with ideas of education perhaps exactly the reverse of those cherished by their predecessors. By carrying out their ideas respecting the schools, they either neutralize or destroy the good done by those in whose place they were chosen. The practical operation of this course is, that the school, in a par- ticular district' possesses no uniform character. During one term, or one year, there may be as good a school as the sys- tem will admit of ; while the next term, or the next year, the agent, teacher, and school, may be alike inefficient and use- less. Abolish the district system then, place the schools all in charge of a competent committee, who will be able to pursue a permanent, well-digested plan of regulating and supplying the wants of the schools, and who will possess much better facilities for the selection of teachers, and their quiet change, when needful, and the results of instruction, unless all expe- rience fails, will be both valuable and hopeful."
But our space will not allow of further remarks, and we hasten to say, what is believed to be generally true, that our schools are in a better condition than they were a year since. This is indeed a pleasant reflection ; but your Committee still discover a vast field for improvement; and with the experi- ence of the past, together with an increasing interest in the cause of Education, we believe greater success will crown the labors of another year.
The following particular report of the condition of the several schools is respectfully offered :
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.
This school has been continued under the charge of its for- mer justly popular teacher, HENRY S. BATES, Esq., of Marshfield. It will be remembered that Mr. Bates suddenly terminated his connection with this school a little over a year ago. It was of the greatest importance to the scholars that this loss was but temporary. After a careful examination into the condi- tion of the different schools it was thought inexpedient to lessen the number of pupils here by removing them to the primary departments. The school was far too large to be successful, and the funds insufficient to employ a proper Assistant. We therefore, by the advice of Mr. Bates, employed two Misses who attended the school, to render such assistance in recitations as they were able. This cannot be called the best plan ; but it was our only expedient and it
3
was accordingly adopted. The Principal of this school would experience great relief by the employment of an able Assist- ant ; we recommend such a step. It will be impossible to offer such a minute statement of the condition of the school as we could wish. PROGRESSION has marked its course throughout the year; prosperity is everywhere apparent. Rhetoric has been introduced and the study of French con- tinued. English Grammar has received that attention which it so justly deserves, while the classes in Mathematics have been drilled with much thoroughness. The deportment is of a most extraordinary character, fully satisfying our expecta- tions.
One of the best arguments in favor of sustaining a High School is the great effort made by scholars residing in remote parts of the town to attend its sessions.
Rev. Charles Carroll Vinal, of North Andover, (a son of Scituate,) says of the location of a High School as follows :-- " To those who live in the outskirts of the town, and on that account would object to our plan, we would say, that the teacher of the private school has informed us that some of his most punctual pupils are from the remotest districts. It is absurd for any man to suppose that a building for a High School could be put within a few rods of his door. Where- ever it might be located, some would necessarily have to walk or ride a distance, but they should remember that every blessing has its disadvantages, and to make some sacrifice of personal comfort for so great a public good as a High School would be small compared with the benefit they would reap. To this conclusion the Committee come with great unanimity of feeling, after a careful examination of all the circum- stances, and of all the arguments pro and con -- that a High School is economical, practical, and absolutely indispensable to any elevation of the present standard of the schools."
HARBOR SCHOOL-No. 1.
The patrons of this school were fortunate in securing the ser- vices of Miss AURELIA G. WHITING for the entire year. Miss Whiting is one of our most accomplished teachers, perhaps excelling in the instruction of reading, but competent in every particular. The classes in reading, arithmetic and geography severally elicited approbation, while general prosperity was apparent to all. A very marked contrast appeared between
4
the deportment of the boys and girls, which has often excited our attention. We hope to see an improvement in this par- ticular. In every other respect, however, the school has sustained its previous high character.
GREENBUSH-No. 2.
Miss ELIZA A. JENKINS, the teacher of the summer terms, entered the school with much reluctance, but with an eminent degree of conscientiousness. She labored assiduously, and good progress was made in most of the studies. The standard of deportment, however, was not sufficiently high.
Great improvement was made in this particular by Miss MARTHA R. LITCHFIELD in the winter term, and the final examination gave the most satisfactory evidences of unusual success.
This school is quite small, and its advancement should therefore be the more rapid. The discipline of Miss Litch- field's school deserves appropriate commendation, and is the more worthy of note as she followed a teacher who partially failed in that respect.
NORTH MAIN STREET-No. 3.
Miss EMMA S. TINGLEY, who had the care of this school in the summer, exhibited a degree of industry, energy and skill, in communicating instruction, worthy of special com- mendation. She scarcely accomplished, however, what she might in government. Miss Tingley allowed her amiability and affection for her pupils to destroy, in a great measure, her discipline.
Rev. DANFORTH B. NICHOLS, late of the Chicago Reform School, took charge in winter. He is a teacher of much valuable experience, and his writings and deep interest in the cause of education, are widely known in the West. Entering this school with unabated zeal, success crowned his efforts. Much attention has been paid to geography, drawing, com- position and agricultural science. The reading of the smaller classes was too hurried and indistinct ; nor was the pronunci- ation throughout the school what it ought to have been. There is, however, much to commend here, and we pronounce the school a success.
1
5.
GROVE STREET-No 4.
Miss MARY F. PERRY, who instructed this school through the year, is a teacher of tried experience, and has generally, it is believed, taught with a good degree of success. Miss Perry's labors in this school have been arduous, for the school' is large, and many of the boys appear to be of the most rest- less disposition. Nevertheless, great progress has been made, especially by the primer classes ; indeed, it is in this depart- ment that Miss P. excels. There is still much room for im- provement in utterance, which is now far too low and indis- tinct. The presence during the winter term of two or three young ladies added much to the good appearance.
WEST-No. 5.
The teacher of this school during the summer terms, Miss MARTHA R. LITCHFIELD, brought to her task a truly commend- able zeal and perseverance in her endeavors to benefit her scholars; but it being her first effort at teaching, much doubt was felt concerning her probable success. These doubts, how- ever, were quickly dispelled upon visiting her school. It is but just to say that she wrought a complete change in the order, and secured the highest approbation of the Committee. Miss Litchfield is a thorough scholar, and has proved herself an excellent teacher. But her voice is faulty, and needs cultiva- tion. There are many sweet singers here, and the singing was the best we have heard.
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